E2 Visa Guide for Japanese Citizens

Mark I. Davies, Esq.

Dual qualified as a lawyer in the United States and the United Kingdom, Mark I. Davies is the Global Managing Partner and founder of our firm. Mark also Chairs our Global Business and Investor visa team and focuses his practice on EB5, L1, E2 and other business and investor visa solutions. A former General Counsel, Mark is relied on as primary counsel to major corporations, investors, non-profits and businesses of all sizes.

Visa Guides

Leading E2 Visa Lawyers in Japan

Davies & Associates has unparalleled knowledge of the Japan market. Based in Tokyo, our UK team work with the US consulates in Japan and Belfast to secure E2 visas for our clients across Japan. Davies & Associates’ lawyers are constantly recognized as being amongst the leading E2 visa lawyer in the world. While we are proud of our unparalleled history of success, we are most know for our creativity and solving “impossible cases”.

Operating a Business Using an E-2 Visa.

An E-2 visa is a non-immigrant visa that allows the holder to come to the United States for the purpose of setting up or acquiring and operating a U.S. business. Also, known as a US Business Visa or start-up business visa. The E-2 Treaty Investor Visa is only open to people from countries holding a relevant treaty with the United States.The E2 visa is a non-immigrant visa.

 
It is important to note that the holder of a U.S. E-2 visa is only able to work in the E-2 business for which the E-2 visa was filed. An E-2 visa holder is not able to engage in formal studies that are unrelated to the E-2 work or work for unrelated entities. Why not contact us and get a free Consultation with an E2 Visa Immigration Lawyer? We are an Award-winning top 25-rated Immigration Law firm. Our Immigration Attorneys have a 100% success rate.

Can I bring my Family to the U.S. on an E-2 Visa?

Yes, as an E-2 visa holder, you can bring your spouse and children under the age of 21 to the United States as E-2 derivative visa holders.

Unlike the principal E-2 visa holder, an E-2 derivative visa holder can obtain general work authorization, allowing them to work for any employer or pursue educational opportunities. This flexibility often requires careful planning to determine which spouse should apply as the primary E-2 visa holder.

How Long Can I Hold an E-2 Visa?

A Japanese national can receive an E-2 visa for an initial two-year period, and it can be renewed every two years without any limit on the number of renewals.

Are there any special conditions for Japan E-2 visa applicants?

The eligibility criteria for E-2 visas are governed by treaties between the U.S. and the applicant’s home country.

Can I apply for an E-2 Visa from Within the United States?

A valid visa is required in order for a Japanese National to enter the United States for the purpose of either working in or operating a business.

 
 It is possible to “change status” from another visa status to E-2 “status” from within the United States. For example, an applicant who enters the United States on a B-1 visa to investigate setting up a business might later be able to “change status” to E-2 status and lawfully operate a business that has been formed. 

As the “visa waiver” program is NOT a visa it is NOT possible to change status from an ESTA to E-2 status from within the United States. This is the reason that many Japanese nationals obtain a B1/B2 visa before entering the United States and do not rely on the ESTA/visa waiver program. While “changing status” to E-2 status means that you will enjoy the same benefits as persons admitted to the United States using an E-2 visa it is not the same as being granted an E-2 visa. Upon departure from the United States, you will lose your E-2 “status” and will need an E-2 visa to re-enter the United States. 

While occasionally Japanese Nationals remain in the United States in E-2 status and never leave the country most persons in E-2 “status” do eventually travel outside the United States and apply for an E-2 visa in a US consulate in order to be able to re-enter the country.

E2 Visa Costs

There are several costs associated with obtaining a US E2 visa:

The cost of an E2 Visa business plan

The cost of an E2 visa immigration lawyer
The cost of legal setting up and forming your business
The cost of the visa application in Japan

For a small start-up business, these costs might total USD 12,000 or more including an E2 business plan.

Where to Apply

In the U.S. Embassy in Tokyo or the U.S. Consulate in Osaka, both accept E2 visa applications.

For eligible applicants can be advantages to applying for your E2 visa in either of these locations and your eligibility to apply for a US business visa in each of these applications should be discussed with an E2 immigration lawyer.

Applying from outside Japan. Under the State Department’s 2025/2026 guidance, nonimmigrant visa applicants are expected to interview in their country of nationality or of demonstrated residence, so a Japanese national living in London or Singapore should confirm the correct post before booking. Our London office works through the same residency question for treaty applicants in its H-1B1 visa guide for Singaporeans in London.

Further Information

Based in New York and Japan our E-2 visa team are experienced in representing Japanese Nationals with their E-2 visa petitions. Through our international office network, we are able to coordinate the filing of E-2 visa petitions in multiple consulates around the world.

Local Experience, International Expertise

Our firm has direct “on the ground” expertise both in Japan and the United States. We are familiar with the unique procedures in place at the US Embassy in Japan.

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