Starting an E-2 Business in Houston

Houston suits E-2 investors who want a large, diverse and international market. Energy, the Texas Medical Center, the Port of Houston, construction and a varied food scene all create demand for service businesses. Texas has no personal state income tax and a $300 LLC filing fee, and TealBridge supports Houston clients from our Dallas base.

Why do foreign investors choose Houston?

• Economic breadth. Houston is not a one-industry city. Energy, health care, logistics, petrochemicals and construction support a wide range of B2B and consumer businesses.
• An international customer base. Houston is one of the most diverse U.S. metros, which helps businesses that serve specific communities or trade with the investor’s home country.
• Trade and logistics. The Port of Houston and the I-10, I-45 and I-69 corridors support freight, warehousing and distribution.
• Many acquisition targets. Harris, Fort Bend and Montgomery counties have a steady supply of established service businesses for sale. See buying a business for the E-2.

Officers see many Houston plans. The ones that hold up use realistic submarket rents and wages, tie hiring to revenue and explain why the owner needs to be on site.

Texas business costs and taxes

Item	Texas rule
LLC formation	$300 state filing fee
Annual state filing	Franchise tax report and Public Information Report
Franchise tax	No tax due at or below $2.65 million in annualized revenue (2026 and 2027 reports)
Personal state income tax	None
Corporate income tax	None; the franchise tax applies instead
Sales tax	6.25% state plus local, up to 8.25% combined

The same Texas rules apply in Dallas and Austin; see our Dallas and Austin pages for comparison.

Which industries work for an E-2 business in Houston?

• Restoration and construction: storm, flood and water damage restoration, remodeling and roofing, with crews and equipment.
• Trucking, freight and warehousing: fleets and logistics companies serving the port and the region’s industrial base.
• Home and commercial services: cleaning, landscaping, pool and pest services with recurring customers.
• Food service: restaurants, bakeries and international food concepts with strong community demand.
• Health-related services: non-medical home care and staffing, subject to state licensing.
• Import and wholesale distribution: companies with warehousing and staff.

Our best businesses for an E-2 visa guide explains how each category meets the investment and marginality tests.

What does it cost to launch in Houston?

In our experience, Houston service businesses and franchises typically launch at $100,000 to $250,000; trucking fleets and restoration companies with equipment at $150,000 to $400,000; and acquisitions of operating businesses from about $250,000. These are not legal thresholds: the E-2 has no minimum investment, only a proportionality test. See E-2 minimum investment.

Cost points to plan for:

• Rent: wide range between the Inner Loop and suburbs such as Katy, Sugar Land, Pearland and The Woodlands. Name the submarket in your plan.
• Insurance: property, flood and commercial auto premiums can be material.
• Labor: use Houston metro wage data and plan recruiting channels for crews and drivers.
• Equipment: trucks, restoration equipment and kitchen gear are strong at-risk investment evidence when bought with documented funds.

Does Houston affect where you apply for the visa?

No. The location of your business does not determine which U.S. consulate handles your case. E-2 visas are issued at U.S. embassies and consulates abroad, and since September 6, 2025 applicants generally apply in their country of nationality or legal residence. If you are already in the U.S. in another status, a change of status through USCIS may be an option; ask your attorney. See E-2 change of status.

Local licensing pointers

• City of Houston: the Houston Permitting Center handles building permits, certificates of occupancy and many business permits. Houston has no citywide zoning code, but permits, deed restrictions and land-use rules still apply.
• Outside city limits: unincorporated Harris County and suburban cities have their own requirements.
• Food businesses: need a local health permit and a certified food manager.
• Trades: many regulated occupations are licensed by the Texas Department of Licensing and Regulation.
• Trucking: needs federal operating authority, USDOT registration and insurance before operating.

How TealBridge supports Houston investors

TealBridge is based in Dallas. For Houston clients we work remotely and on site during launch, alongside local partners such as business brokers, CPAs and contractors. We handle business selection or acquisition, the Texas entity and banking, lease and licensing, hiring, the investment records and the five-year business plan, and we coordinate with your immigration attorney, who prepares and files the visa application. See our partner network.

Next steps

Start with the E-2 eligibility checker. If you are considering a business in Houston, request an initial consultation and we will discuss your goals, budget and business options.