Is the E-2 or EB-5 cheaper?

The E-2 usually requires far less capital, because it has no fixed minimum and is judged by proportionality. EB-5 carries a defined minimum of 800,000 or 1,050,000 dollars depending on the location of the investment.

Does the E-2 lead to a green card?

Not directly. The E-2 is a nonimmigrant visa that can be renewed indefinitely. Investors who want permanent residence often pursue EB-5 or another immigrant route separately.

Can an E-2 investor switch to EB-5?

Many do. An E-2 business and investment can sometimes form part of a later EB-5 case, though the two programs have different requirements that must be met independently.

E-2 vs EB-5: Comparing the Two Investor Visas

By Doğukan Ergüven, Founder Last reviewed: June 4, 2026 Checked against primary sources

The E-2 and the EB-5 are the two main U.S. investor visa routes, and applicants often weigh one against the other. The E-2 is a renewable nonimmigrant visa for treaty country nationals with no fixed minimum investment. The EB-5 is an immigrant visa that leads directly to a green card and carries a defined minimum. This guide compares the two across the factors that usually decide between them.

Immigrant vs nonimmigrant

The core difference is status. EB-5 is an immigrant visa: a successful applicant becomes a conditional permanent resident on a direct path to a green card and eventually citizenship. The E-2 is a nonimmigrant visa: it allows the investor to live and work in the United States while the business operates, and it can be renewed indefinitely, but it does not by itself grant permanent residence.

Minimum investment

EB-5 has a defined minimum. Under the 2022 EB-5 Reform and Integrity Act, the minimum is 800,000 dollars in a targeted employment area or 1,050,000 dollars elsewhere. The E-2 has no statutory minimum; the investment must simply be substantial in proportion to the business, which often means a much smaller figure.

Nationality

EB-5 is open to nationals of any country. The E-2 is limited to nationals of countries that hold a qualifying treaty with the United States. Türkiye is an E-2 treaty country, so both routes are available to Turkish nationals.

Job creation

EB-5 requires the creation of at least 10 full-time jobs for qualifying U.S. workers. The E-2 has no fixed job-creation number, but the business must be more than marginal, which in practice usually means creating jobs over time.

Timing and renewal

An E-2 can often be obtained relatively quickly through a consular application and renewed as long as the business qualifies. EB-5 involves a longer immigration process, including conditional residence for two years before the conditions are removed.

When each route fits

The E-2 suits treaty-country entrepreneurs who want to operate a business in the United States soon, with a smaller, proportional investment, and who do not need a green card immediately. EB-5 suits applicants whose priority is permanent residence and who can commit the larger minimum. Some investors start on an E-2 and later pursue EB-5.

Frequently asked questions

Is the E-2 or EB-5 cheaper?: The E-2 usually requires far less capital, because it has no fixed minimum and is judged by proportionality. EB-5 carries a defined minimum of 800,000 or 1,050,000 dollars depending on the location of the investment.
Does the E-2 lead to a green card?: Not directly. The E-2 is a nonimmigrant visa that can be renewed indefinitely. Investors who want permanent residence often pursue EB-5 or another immigrant route separately.
Can an E-2 investor switch to EB-5?: Many do. An E-2 business and investment can sometimes form part of a later EB-5 case, though the two programs have different requirements that must be met independently.

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