How Much Do You Need to Invest in an E-2 Visa Franchise?
There's no fixed legal minimum for the E-2 visa, but the investment must be "substantial." Here's what that means and why New Dawn starts at $225,000.
Published June 5, 2026
There is no fixed minimum investment for the E-2 visa, but the law requires the investment to be "substantial" relative to the total cost of the business. In practice, most E-2 investors put in somewhere between $100,000 and $300,000. New Dawn Franchising's franchise investment starts at $225,000.
Is there an official E-2 minimum?
No. U.S. immigration rules do not set a dollar amount. Instead, the investment must be substantial enough to show your financial commitment to the business and to support its successful operation. Lower-cost businesses generally require a higher percentage of the total to be invested.
Why $225,000?
New Dawn's packages start at $225,000 because it is a proven, defensible threshold for E-2 petitions — large enough to clearly meet the substantiality test while keeping the opportunity accessible. The figure is structured around what a credible E-2 business plan needs.
What does the investment cover?
- Your franchise license and vertical or territory setup
- Training and onboarding
- Access to New Dawn's proprietary technology platform
- Operational support from approved local teams
How your investment is protected
New Dawn is built with investor protection in mind. Your funds are held in escrow during setup, and the business begins operating while your E-2 application is in progress. If your visa is not approved, your investment is returned from escrow. Full details are in the Franchise Disclosure Document.
Next steps
Request the FDD to review the complete investment breakdown, including the estimated initial investment and any financial performance representations. Contact New Dawn Franchising to get started.
This article is general information, not legal or immigration advice. Consult a qualified immigration attorney about your specific situation.