E-2 Visa Treaty Countries (2026): The Full List
Your nationality is the first thing that decides E-2 eligibility. Only citizens of a country with a qualifying treaty of commerce with the United States can use this visa. Below is the list, the major countries left off it, and the options we discuss with clients whose country has no treaty.
Key takeaways
- About 80 countries hold an E-2 treaty, and only their citizens can apply.
- India, China, Brazil, Russia, and Vietnam have no E-2 treaty, so their citizens cannot use it directly.
- A few countries qualify only for the related E-1 trader visa, not the E-2.
- Without a treaty, citizenship-by-investment in a treaty country is one possible path.
- The U.S. Department of State publishes the official list, and it can change.
For the full visa overview, see our E-2 visa practice page.
What is an E-2 treaty country?
It is a nation with a treaty of commerce and navigation, or a qualifying equivalent agreement, with the United States. About 80 countries qualify. Your business must also share your treaty nationality, meaning owners from your treaty country must hold at least 50 percent of it.
The full list of E-2 treaty countries
Citizens of the countries below can generally apply for the E-2. A few qualify only for the E-1 (trader) category, and the list can change, so always confirm on the official U.S. Department of State Treaty Countries list.
- Albania
- Argentina
- Armenia
- Australia
- Austria
- Azerbaijan
- Bahrain
- Bangladesh
- Belgium
- Bolivia
- Bosnia & Herzegovina
- Bulgaria
- Cameroon
- Canada
- Chile
- Colombia
- Costa Rica
- Croatia
- Czech Republic
- Denmark
- Ecuador
- Egypt
- Estonia
- Ethiopia
- Finland
- France
- Georgia
- Germany
- Grenada
- Honduras
- Ireland
- Israel
- Italy
- Jamaica
- Japan
- Jordan
- Kazakhstan
- Kosovo
- Kyrgyzstan
- Latvia
- Liberia
- Lithuania
- Luxembourg
- Mexico
- Moldova
- Mongolia
- Montenegro
- Morocco
- Netherlands
- New Zealand
- North Macedonia
- Norway
- Oman
- Pakistan
- Panama
- Paraguay
- Philippines
- Poland
- Romania
- Senegal
- Serbia
- Singapore
- Slovak Republic
- Slovenia
- South Korea
- Spain
- Sri Lanka
- Sweden
- Switzerland
- Taiwan
- Thailand
- Togo
- Trinidad & Tobago
- Tunisia
- Turkey
- Ukraine
- United Kingdom
Countries that do not qualify
Many applicants are surprised that some of the world’s largest economies are not on the list. The most notable are:
- India
- China (mainland)
- Brazil
- Russia
- Vietnam
Citizens of these countries cannot use the E-2 directly, but that is not always the end of the road. Our guide to the E-2 for non-treaty countries goes deeper.
From a non-treaty country? Let’s talk through your options.
Request a ConsultationFlat fee, quoted in full before we begin. Admitted in New York, representing clients nationwide and abroad.
What if your country has no treaty?
The most common workaround is a second citizenship. Applicants obtain citizenship in a treaty country, often through a citizenship-by-investment program such as Grenada or Turkey, and then apply for the E-2 on that passport. You generally must have held the second citizenship for at least three years and be domiciled there. This is a real strategy, but it adds cost and time, so we recommend talking it through with us before you commit.
How to confirm your eligibility
Start by checking your nationality against the official State Department list. Then confirm you meet the rest of the E-2 requirements, from the substantial investment to the active business. If both line up, you are in a strong position, and our E-2 practice page explains what comes next.
Not sure if your country qualifies?
Request a ConsultationFlat fee, quoted in full before we begin. Admitted in New York, representing clients nationwide and abroad.
Frequently asked questions
Is my country an E-2 treaty country?
Around 80 countries qualify, including Japan, Canada, South Korea, the United Kingdom, Germany, France, Mexico, and Spain. Some countries qualify only for the related E-1 visa, so confirm on the official U.S. Department of State list.
Why are India and China not E-2 treaty countries?
The E-2 depends on a qualifying treaty of commerce between the U.S. and your country, and no such treaty exists with India, China, Brazil, Russia, or Vietnam. Their citizens cannot use the E-2 directly.
Can I get an E-2 visa if my country has no treaty?
Sometimes. Some applicants first obtain citizenship in a treaty country, including through citizenship-by-investment programs such as Grenada or Turkey, and then apply. You generally must have held that citizenship for at least three years.
Does my business need the same treaty nationality as me?
Yes. You and the business must share the same treaty nationality. A business takes the nationality of the owners who hold at least 50 percent of it.
Where is the official list of E-2 treaty countries?
The U.S. Department of State publishes the current, authoritative list on its Treaty Countries page. Because it can change, check it there before relying on it.
This article is general information from Harari Law, not legal advice, and does not create an attorney-client relationship. Immigration law and agency policy change; outcomes depend on individual facts. Prior results do not guarantee a similar outcome.