Read the general investor planning overview
A joint purchase requires an explanation of whose money is committed, whose rights the documents create and who will develop and direct the U.S. enterprise. A family relationship does not supply those terms. Prepare the funding record and the governance agreement together.
Identify what each contribution buys
Hypothetical example: one buyer supplies property-sale proceeds while a nephew supplies cash and expects repayment before profits are divided. Determine whether the second contribution is debt, equity or a gift. Record the recipient, conditions, repayment obligations and each contributor’s rights. Do not assume that a payment labelled family help leaves ownership or control unchanged.
Test nationality and direction using the resulting structure
E-2 requires qualifying treaty nationality for the applicant and enterprise, a substantial committed investment at risk, a real operating non-marginal enterprise and the ability to develop and direct it. Review voting, management, veto and distribution provisions together. Neither the largest contribution nor an informal promise to run the business settles every control issue.
Connect the funds to enforceable commitments
Keep sale closing records, evidence of the applicant’s rights to net proceeds and the actual transfer path. Joint property ownership does not automatically establish a right to all sale proceeds. Review purchase and escrow conditions before treating money as committed. There is no universal minimum investment figure that removes the need to examine the specific enterprise and its costs.
What else is on your mind?
Is there one minimum investment that guarantees E-2 eligibility?Is holding money or owning an asset enough for E-2?Editorial source review: 2026-09-07. General preparation guidance, not an individual assessment.