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The E-2 visa was once one of the pathways to the U.S. that attracted significant interest from Vietnamese families due to its fast processing time and substantially lower costs compared to EB-5. However, since late 2022, major changes in E-2 visa policies have made this route longer and required more thorough preparation. The article below provides a detailed analysis of the pathway to applying for a U.S. E-2 visa via Turkish citizenship under the latest regulations.
The E-2 visa is a Treaty Investor visa designated for citizens of countries that have signed a commerce treaty with the United States, provided they invest a "substantial" amount of capital into an active, real-operating business in the U.S. Key attractions of the E-2 visa include fast processing times (usually just a few months), no specific job creation requirements like the EB-5, and the ability to renew the visa indefinitely, 5 years at a time.
The issue is that Vietnam is not on the list of countries with an E-2 treaty with the U.S., meaning Vietnamese citizens cannot apply for an E-2 visa directly. The solution chosen by many is to acquire a second citizenship from an E-2 treaty country—and Turkey is one of the most popular choices, thanks to its Citizenship by Investment (CBI) program with relatively fast and straightforward procedures.
Before going into details, it is essential to understand a landmark change in E-2 policy. On December 23, 2022, U.S. President Joe Biden signed new legislation into law stipulating that E-2 applicants who obtained citizenship in a treaty country through investment (such as Turkey's CBI program) must prove they have resided in that country for a minimum of 3 years.
This regulation aims to prevent taking "citizenship shortcuts" to move to the U.S. The direct consequence is that the timeline from Vietnam to acquiring Turkish citizenship and then applying for E-2 has lengthened significantly: while the entire process previously took only about 12 months, the total duration is now around 4 to 4.5 years. This is a key factor that anyone interested in this pathway must calculate carefully.
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The applicant invests approximately $400,000 in real estate in Turkey (usually in Istanbul) under the country's residency-by-investment program. Applications are processed within about 6 to 12 months with a high success rate. A major advantage is that applicants are granted citizenship directly without the need to prove complex net worth.
After obtaining citizenship, the applicant needs to live in Turkey for a full 3 years to comply with the new U.S. regulation. This is the most time-consuming stage and also the biggest difference compared to the past. Families need to realistically plan for living and children's education during this period.
Once the residency requirement is met, the applicant proceeds to invest in a U.S. business and submits the E-2 visa application. The processing time for the E-2 visa typically takes only a few months up to 6 months.
In total, the entire pathway takes approximately 4 to 4.5 years with a total investment cost starting from around $550,000 or more ($400,000 for Turkish citizenship plus the E-2 investment in the U.S.). This figure remains significantly lower than current EB-5 investment requirements.
U.S. law does not specify a fixed amount for an E-2 investment, requiring only that it be "substantial" relative to the total cost of the business. In practice, successful applications generally involve an investment of $150,000 or more. Beyond the capital, the target business must be an active, operating enterprise capable of generating returns beyond just supporting the investor's family—it cannot be a "marginal" enterprise or a passive investment.
A major advantage of the E-2 visa is that it can be renewed indefinitely, 5 years at a time, and the U.S. government currently sets no maximum limit on the number of renewals. The spouse of an E-2 applicant is permitted to apply for a work authorization in the U.S., and children can attend public schools—reasons why many families choose E-2 with the goal of sending their children to study abroad early at reasonable costs.
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EB-5: Current investment starts from $800,000 (TEA areas) or higher, with processing times significantly reduced in recent years. EB-5 is an immigrant visa, granting direct Green Cards for the entire family with full permanent resident benefits—the most secure route for those aiming for long-term residency in the U.S. and possessing sufficient financial capacity.
E-2 via Turkey: Total time is about 4-4.5 years, with total investment costs starting from around $550,000 or more—lower than EB-5. However, E-2 is essentially a non-immigrant visa: it does not grant direct Green Cards. In return, processing times for each stage are fast and flexible, suitable for families wishing to move to the U.S. early for children's education and legal spouse employment while operating a business.
In summary, EB-5 is suitable for permanent immigration goals with strong financial capacity; E-2 is suitable for families seeking flexibility, lower costs, and prioritizing children's education.
A crucial point to emphasize is that the E-2 visa does not directly lead to a Green Card or U.S. citizenship. Although it can be renewed indefinitely, E-2 remains a temporary residence visa. If the ultimate goal is permanent residency, applicants need to adjust status to another category while in the U.S. (such as EB-5). Understanding this true nature helps families form accurate long-term plans and avoid misaligned expectations.
Applying for a U.S. E-2 visa via Turkish citizenship remains a viable pathway, but it is no longer as swift as before following the 3-year residency requirement. With a total timeframe of about 4-4.5 years and a cost of around $550,000, this remains a option worth considering for families prioritizing children's education and flexibility over the more costly yet permanent EB-5 immigration route.
Are you interested in the Turkish Citizenship Program to pave the way to the U.S. via an E-2 visa? Contact quoctichthuhai.com today for detailed advice on eligibility, costs, and the most suitable roadmap for your family. The expert team at quoctichthuhai.com will accompany you from the initial Turkish citizenship investment until the completion of your E-2 visa application!
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