E-2 Visa for Israeli Citizens: Eligibility Since 2019 and How to Apply

Israeli citizens can get the E-2 treaty investor visa. E-2 status for Israel began on May 1, 2019, after Public Law 112-130 authorized it on condition of reciprocity and the State Department confirmed that Israel gives U.S. investors similar treatment. Israeli nationals received 657 E-2 visas in FY2024, and Israel has held E-1 treaty trader status since 1954.

When did Israel become an E-2 country?

Israel’s commerce treaty with the United States, in force since April 3, 1954, covered treaty traders (E-1) but not treaty investors. Footnote 15 to the treaty table at 9 FAM 402.9-10 explains the change: Public Law 112-130, signed June 8, 2012, allowed Israeli nationals E-2 status if Israel provides similar status to U.S. nationals. After confirming reciprocity, the State Department began issuing E-2 visas to Israeli nationals on May 1, 2019.

Milestone	Date
E-1 treaty trader status in force	April 3, 1954
Public Law 112-130 signed	June 8, 2012
First E-2 visas available to Israeli nationals	May 1, 2019

Portugal and New Zealand later gained E status through the same legislative model; see E-2 for Portuguese citizens.

How many E-2 visas do Israeli nationals receive?

In FY2024, the State Department issued 657 E-2 visas to Israeli nationals, placing Israel close to Turkey (697) and Argentina (675). The figure includes investors, E-2 employees of Israeli-owned companies and family members.

Nationality	E-2 visas issued, FY2024
Turkey	697
Argentina	675
Israel	657
Colombia	623

Who qualifies through Israel?

Israeli citizenship is the key. An Israeli citizen qualifies wherever they live; an Israeli permanent resident who is not a citizen does not qualify through Israel.

Many Israelis hold a second citizenship, often from a European treaty country. A dual national chooses one nationality for the E-2 case. The U.S. business must then be at least 50% owned by nationals of that country, and any E-2 employees must share the same nationality. This choice matters for startups with co-founders of different nationalities; see E-2 ownership rules. U.S. citizens cannot hold E-2 status, so Israeli-American dual citizens do not need or use the visa.

What are the E-2 requirements for Israeli investors?

The standard rules come from INA 101(a)(15)(E)(ii), 8 CFR 214.2(e) and 9 FAM 402.9:

1. Ownership and control. At least 50% Israeli ownership, with you owning at least 50% or holding operational control. Two equal co-founders each have negative control, which qualifies; three or more equal founders usually do not.
2. Substantial investment. No minimum amount; the investment is compared with the total cost of buying or establishing the business. See E-2 minimum investment.
3. At risk and committed. Funds spent or irrevocably committed to the business.
4. Real and operating. An active business producing goods or services, not passive investment.
5. Not marginal. Capacity to do more than support your family, generally within five years, or a significant economic contribution.
6. Intent to depart when your status ends.

Read the full E-2 requirements for detail. Officers apply these rules the same way to Israeli applicants as to any other nationality, so the strength of the business and the evidence decides the case.

E-2 options for Israeli tech founders

Israeli founders often open a U.S. company to be close to customers and investors. The E-2 can work well for this, with two cautions:

• Ownership dilution. Venture rounds can push Israeli ownership below 50%. Plan the cap table with your attorney, because falling below the threshold can end E-2 eligibility for the company.
• Real operations. A U.S. entity that only holds IP while all work happens in Israel may look like a paper company. Officers look for U.S. operations, revenue plans and U.S. hires.

Visa	Fits when
E-2	Israeli founders own at least 50% and invest substantial funds in the U.S. company
E-1	The company already trades substantially between Israel and the U.S.
L-1A	You have worked for the Israeli company for a year and transfer as an executive or manager
O-1A	You have a record of achievement such as funding, press or awards

For a comparison of the two most common company routes, see E-2 vs L-1. Founders building service companies can also read our guide to E-2 consulting businesses.

Business types Israeli investors often choose

Not every Israeli E-2 investor is a tech founder. In our practice, Israeli investors also build or buy:

• restaurants, cafes and Mediterranean food concepts,
• construction, remodeling, flooring and moving companies,
• retail, wholesale and e-commerce operations with U.S. warehousing,
• security, cleaning and property services,
• franchises in home services, fitness and education,
• established businesses acquired with existing revenue and staff.

Florida, New York, New Jersey, California and Texas are common destinations. Whatever the model, the business must be one you direct and that can grow beyond supporting your household.

Common problems in Israeli E-2 cases

In our experience, the issues that weaken Israeli cases are predictable: funds that are wired to a U.S. account but not yet committed to the business, cap tables where no Israeli founder has 50% or operational control, a U.S. entity with no real U.S. activity, and business plans that do not show hiring. Each can usually be fixed before filing, which is far easier than responding to a refusal.

Where do Israeli citizens apply?

Israeli applicants apply through the U.S. Mission to Israel, which includes the U.S. Embassy in Jerusalem and its Branch Office in Tel Aviv. Check the mission website for the current location that handles E visa cases, the package format and interview scheduling.

Since September 6, 2025, applicants generally must apply in their country of nationality or legal residence. Expect an in-person interview. The steps:

1. Form DS-160 for each applicant (principal investors answer the E-specific questions inside it; employees also file Form DS-156E).
2. The $315 MRV fee per applicant, plus any reciprocity fee listed for Israel.
3. A tabbed, indexed evidence package with proof of nationality, ownership, investment, source of funds and the business plan.
4. The interview and, if approved, visa issuance.

Visa validity for Israeli nationals is set by the reciprocity table on travel.state.gov; check it when you apply. Each admission gives up to two years, renewable. Israelis already in the U.S. in valid status can change status through USCIS on Form I-129.

Source of funds and family

Israeli funds are documented like any other: bank statements, sale agreements for property or company shares, salary and tax records, option exercise and share sale records, and records reconciling shekels to dollars. See E-2 source of funds.

A spouse and unmarried children under 21 receive E-2 derivative status regardless of nationality. The spouse may work (class E-2S on the I-94); children can study but not work and need their own status at 21.

Next steps

If you are an Israeli founder or investor planning a U.S. business, try the E-2 eligibility checker or book a consultation. We help structure and build the business, write the business plan and organize the investment evidence, and we coordinate with your independent immigration attorney, who files the case.