Can I open an Italian restaurant in the U.S. on an E-2 visa?

Yes. Restaurants and food service businesses are among the most common E-2 investments by Italian nationals. The business must meet E-2 substantiality and non-marginality requirements — the restaurant must generate significantly more than the investor's living income and have hiring capacity.

How long does the E-2 visa last for Italian nationals?

Italian nationals receive a 5-year visa stamp with 2-year U.S. entry admissions, renewable indefinitely.

Can my spouse work in the U.S. under my E-2 visa?

Yes. E-2 dependent spouses receive automatic U.S. work authorization — no separate EAD application is required.

E-2 Visa · Italy

E-2 Visa for Italian Investors

Q: Do Italian nationals qualify for the E-2 visa?

Yes. Italy has had an E-2 treaty with the United States since 1949. Italian nationals receive a 5-year visa stamp and are among the top 10 E-2 source countries globally.

Italy is a significant source of E-2 Treaty Investor Visa holders, with over 1,500 visas issued annually (FY2024). Italian investors are particularly active in hospitality, food and beverage, fashion and luxury goods, design, and professional services — sectors where Italy's world-class reputation creates immediate credibility in the U.S. market. Watson Immigration Law represents Italian entrepreneurs and investors seeking to establish or expand U.S. operations.

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1949

Treaty year

5 years

Visa validity

1,531

FY2025 visas issued

📍

Primary processing consulate

U.S. Embassy Rome

Treaty Status & History

Italy and the United States have maintained a Treaty of Friendship, Commerce and Navigation since 1949. Italian nationals receive a 5-year visa stamp — one of the longest available in the E-2 program — with 2-year U.S. admission periods per entry.

Common Business Types for Italian E-2 Investors

Italian investors in the United States most commonly invest in Italian restaurants and food concepts, wine and spirits importing/distribution, luxury retail and fashion boutiques, design studios, and professional services firms. The strong U.S. appetite for Italian brands and cuisine makes these sectors natural fits for E-2 investment. Italian investors are particularly active in New York, Miami, Chicago, and Los Angeles.

Rome Consulate Processing

Italian nationals apply for E-2 at the U.S. Embassy in Rome or the U.S. Consulate General in Naples, Milan, or Florence. The Rome Embassy handles the majority of Italian E-2 applications. Processing times are typically 6–10 weeks after interview scheduling. All supporting documents must be submitted in English or with certified translation.

Frequently Asked Questions

Clear answers to common immigration questions.

Still have questions? Speak directly with an immigration attorney.

Related resources

E-2 for French Nationals

E-2 visa information for French investors

E-2 for Spanish Nationals

E-2 visa information for Spanish investors

E-2 for German Nationals

E-2 visa information for German investors

E-2 in New York City

E-2 attorney in New York City

E-2 in Miami

E-2 attorney in Miami

E-2 in Chicago

E-2 attorney in Chicago

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