USA Golden Visa & EB-5 Residency by Investment

USD $200K - $800K+ — Invest in eligible projects for residency access & citizenship in 5 years.
Green Card for Family
World’s Largest Economy
Citizenship Eligibility

The USA Golden Visa: A Pillar of Global Stability

The United States remains the definitive harbor for global capital, institutional strength, and generational opportunity. Often referred to by international investors as the "USA Golden Visa," the EB-5 Immigrant Investor Program is more than a residency pathway; it is a strategic asset for those seeking to insulate their legacy from global volatility.

As the world’s largest economy, the U.S. provides a sophisticated legal framework that prioritizes capital preservation and the rule of law. For the high-net-worth investor, this isn't just about a change of address—it is about gaining a seat at the table of the world’s most liquid markets and influential cultural hubs. Whether your goals are rooted in finance, tech, or energy, the U.S. offers a scalable ecosystem designed to reward risk-taking and long-term planning.

Why Choose USA? The Strategic Advisor Advantage

In the current 2026 immigration landscape, selecting a residency program is a move in global positioning. While the EB-5 Program provides the legal route to a Green Card, Harper Greene provides the strategic insight to navigate it successfully.

Why Investors Prioritize the USA in 2026:

Unrivaled Global Mobility: Gain the right to live, work, and study anywhere in the U.S., with a clear path to a passport that offers visa-free travel to over 180 countries.
The "Rural Priority" Fast-Track: As of late 2025/early 2026, Rural Targeted Employment Area (TEA) projects are bypassing standard backlogs, with some investors seeing residency approvals in under 12 months.
Educational Excellence: Secure significantly reduced tuition rates for children at world-leading public universities and gain priority access to the U.S. labor market.
Sophisticated Capital Protections: Benefit from a robust legal framework for trusts, estate planning, and IP rights that ensures your wealth is protected for the next generation.
Discover how USA can fit into your global strategy.
EB-5 Immigrant Investor Program
The EB-5 program offers a direct pathway to permanent U.S. residency for investors and their families who fund job-creating projects in the American economy.
Qualifying Investments:
  • $800,000 in a project within a Targeted Employment Area (TEA)
  • $1,050,000 in a standard commercial venture
  • Investments must create or preserve at least 10 full-time U.S. jobs
Highlights
  • Green Card for investor, spouse, and unmarried children under 21
  • Path to U.S. citizenship after 5 years of permanent residency
  • Flexibility to live, work, or study anywhere in the United States
  • Investment can be direct or through a USCIS-approved Regional Center
  • Access to prestigious real estate, infrastructure, and hospitality projects
E-2 Treaty Investor Visa
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 The E-2 visa allows foreign nationals from treaty countries to reside in the U.S. while owning and operating a business. Though non-immigrant, the visa is renewable indefinitely.
Eligibility Requirements:
  • Nationality of a U.S. treaty country (e.g., Canada, France, Italy, Japan, Turkey, etc.)
  • “Substantial investment” in a bona fide U.S. business (typically $100,000 or more)
  • Investor must actively manage or direct the business
Advantages
  • Fast approval, often within 2–4 months
  • Renewable in 2- to 5-year increments, depending on treaty
  • Includes spouse (eligible to work) and children under 21
  • Flexible business type and sector—franchises, startups, and consultancies all eligible
  • Offers an entry point into the U.S. economy with relatively low capital thresholds

Strategic Investment: The USA Golden Visa Framework

he USA Golden Visa (EB-5 Program) is the premier statutory pathway for securing U.S. permanent residency through a strategic capital placement of $800,000 in Targeted Employment Areas (TEA) or $1,050,000 in standard projects. Under the 2022 Reform and Integrity Act, investors now benefit from enhanced transparency and a "Grandfathering Clause" that protects petitions filed before September 30, 2026, against future legislative changes. As of January 2026, the market is defined by a shift toward Rural Priority Projects, which offer set-aside visa quotas and expedited processing, often resulting in green card approvals in under 12 months for those who act while these categories remain "Current."

At Harper Greene, we differentiate your investment by moving beyond mere visa procurement to focus on institutional-grade due diligence. Because the capital must legally remain "at risk," our role is to evaluate the capital stack and job-creation buffers of each project to mitigate your financial and immigration exposure. By selecting projects with high job-surplus ratios and transparent exit strategies, we ensure your investment serves its primary purpose: securing a permanent U.S. legacy for your family with a clear path to citizenship after five years.
Key Benefits
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 Green Card for investor, spouse, and children under 21
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No language, education, or business management requirements
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Access to U.S. schools, universities, and healthcare from Day 1
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Freedom to live, work, and study anywhere in the U.S.
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Path to U.S. citizenship after 5 years of permanent residency
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Flexible investment through Regional Centers or direct projects
Requirements
To qualify for the EB-5 visa, applicants must:
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Invest a minimum of USD 800,000 in a Targeted Employment Area (TEA) project or USD 1,050,000 in a non-TEA project
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Investment must create or preserve at least 10 full-time jobs
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Prove lawful source of funds
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Pass U.S. immigration background and medical checks

Application Process

1
Consultation

Work with Harper Greene advisors and licensed EB-5 attorneys to select a compliant project and investment route

2
Due Diligence

Complete fund tracing, source-of-funds analysis, and project review

3
Form I-526E Filing

Submit the immigrant petition with USCIS (for investors in Regional Centers)

4
Investment Transfer

Place the required capital in escrow or directly into the project account

5
Conditional Green Card

If approved, receive a 2-year conditional permanent residency

6
I-829 Petition

After 2 years, file to remove conditions and receive a 10-year permanent Green Card

7
Citizenship

Apply for U.S. citizenship after 5 years of permanent residency (if desired)

Minimum Stay Requirements
To maintain permanent residency and qualify for citizenship:
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You must reside in the U.S. for at least 6 months per year
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Extended absences may disrupt residency status unless a re-entry permit is obtained
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Naturalization requires physical presence in the U.S. for at least 30 months out of 5 years
U.S. Permanent Residency Through Investment
Build Your Future in the United States
Direct residency. Global mobility. Generational opportunity.
The EB-5 Program allows you to invest in the American economy and receive a Green Card in return—for you and your family. No sponsorship. No employer. Just strategic investment and long-term security.
Citizenship in 5 years
Green Card for family
No business background
Access to U.S. schools
Potential Return on Investment
Minimal stay
Invest from USD 800K in projects
Pathways to Portugal
Investment
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Enterpreneurship
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The Entrepreneur’s Path: E-2 to EB-5 Strategic Bridge

For high-performing entrepreneurs, the goal is often immediate market entry rather than waiting years for a green card. The E-2 Treaty Investor Visa serves as a high-speed "bridge" that allows you to live, work, and direct a business you own with a significantly lower initial capital commitment than the EB-5 program.

Direct Control & Operational Agility

Unlike the passive nature of some residency programs, the E-2 is designed for hands-on leaders who want to build a legacy through active management:

Investment Threshold: While there is no fixed legal minimum, successful "substantial" investments for 2026 typically range between $150,000 and $250,000, depending on the industry.
Speed to Market: With available premium processing, entrepreneurs can obtain E-2 approval and relocate to the U.S. in as little as 15 to 60 days.
Indefinite Renewals: As long as the business remains a viable, non-marginal enterprise that supports more than just the investor’s family, the E-2 can be renewed indefinitely.
Spousal Work Rights: Your spouse receives an open work permit (E-2S status), allowing them to pursue independent careers or start their own ventures.Scaling to the "USA Golden Visa"The E-2 is not just a temporary solution; it is the foundation for your permanent U.S. residency.

Harper Greene specializes in helping entrepreneurs scale their E-2 operations into a Direct EB-5 filing.By growing your business to meet the $800,000 investment threshold and proving the creation of 10 full-time U.S. jobs, you can convert your active business into a permanent green card for your entire family. This "staged approach" allows you to manage financial risk by deploying capital progressively as your business proves its local viability.
Key Benefits
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Fast-track U.S. entry for entrepreneurs and their families
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Spouse is eligible for a U.S. work permit, and children can attend U.S. schools
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No fixed investment threshold—starting from USD 100,000+
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Lower capital requirement than EB-5, with faster processing
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Visa can be renewed indefinitely as long as the business remains active
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Live anywhere in the U.S. while operating the business
Requirements for Applicants
To qualify for an E-2 Visa, applicants must:
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Be a citizen of a country with an E-2 treaty with the United States (e.g., Canada, France, Italy, Turkey, Japan, Grenada, etc.)
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Make a “substantial investment” in a bona fide U.S. business (commonly USD 100,000–300,000)
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Actively own and direct the business (passive investments do not qualify)
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Business must be real, operating, and economically viable
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Funds must be committed and at-risk, not speculative
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Show intention to depart the U.S. when the visa expires (although renewal is indefinite)

Application Process

1
Consultation

Work with Harper Greene and E-2 visa attorneys to determine eligibility and identify the optimal business model (startup, franchise, or acquisition)

2
Business Setup

Incorporate a U.S. business, open a U.S. bank account, and prepare a detailed business plan

3
Capital Transfer

Invest funds into the business (purchase, lease, staffing, marketing, etc.)

4
Application Submission

File the E-2 petition with the U.S. consulate in your home country (or file via change of status within the U.S.)

5
Interview & Approval

Attend a consular interview (if abroad); if approved, receive 2–5 year multiple-entry visa, depending on your nationality

6
Move to U.S.

Relocate and launch operations; apply for spouse work permit and school enrollment for children

Minimum Stay Requirements
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The E-2 visa does not require a fixed number of days in the U.S., but you must actively run the business
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Visa validity typically ranges from 2 to 5 years, depending on nationality, and can be renewed indefinitely
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To remain compliant, the business must stay operational and meet growth or employment expectations
Build and Thrive in St. Lucia
Caribbean enterprise gateway with global reach and citizenship potential
St. Lucia’s enterprise route provides a business-focused pathway to second citizenship—ideal for entrepreneurs seeking Caribbean access and tax efficiency, with no physical stay requirement.
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Visa-free access to 145+ countries, including the UK, EU Schengen, and Singapore
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Citizenship eligibility through enterprise investment (USD 3.5M solo / USD 6M joint)
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Full family inclusion (spouse, dependents, parents)
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No tax on global income and no wealth, inheritance, or capital gains taxes
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No relocation required — 100% remote-friendly application and maintenance
U.S. Business Entry With Low Capital & High Flexibility
Start and Grow a Business in the U.S.
Entrepreneur visa with unlimited renewals and full family benefits.
The E-2 visa provides a fast, low-capital pathway for international entrepreneurs to live and work in the U.S. by building or acquiring a U.S. business. Enjoy flexibility, family inclusion, and strategic mobility without the need for a Green Card.
Investment from USD 100,000 (case-by-case)
Unlimited renewals
Spouse work permit + kids’ schooling
Run or acquire a U.S. business
Potential Return on Investment
Minimal stay
Fast processing through U.S. consulate (as little as 2–4 months)
Pathways to Portugal

FAQs

Everything you need to know about the visa and billing.

Can I invest in a business I own or operate directly?
Is the investment refundable?
How long does it take to get a Green Card?
 What happens if job creation requirements aren’t met?
Can my children attend U.S. schools and universities?
What types of businesses qualify for the E-2 visa?
Is there a fixed minimum investment?
Can I include my family?
How long can I stay in the U.S. on an E-2?
 Can I get a Green Card through E-2?

Who is eligible to apply for the Portugal Golden Visa?

 Non-EU/EEA/Swiss nationals who make a qualifying investment in Portugal and meet the legal requirements may apply.
2. What are the current qualifying investment options?
€500,000 in a regulated investment fund
€500,000 into a company creating 5+ jobs
€250,000 in support of arts, culture, or heritage (reduced to €200,000 in low-density areas)

What are the current qualifying investment options?

€500,000 in a regulated investment fund
€500,000 into a company creating 5+ jobs
€250,000 in support of arts, culture, or heritage (reduced to €200,000 in low-density areas)

What are the minimum stay requirements?

Golden Visa holders must spend:
14 days in Portugal during the first 2-year period
21 days over the following 3-year period

Can I include family members in my application?

Yes. The program allows inclusion of a spouse, dependent children, and dependent parents under the same application.

Does the Golden Visa lead to citizenship?

 Yes. After 5 years of legal residency, you may apply for Portuguese citizenship, provided you meet basic requirements, such as language proficiency and ties to Portugal.

Still have questions?

Can’t find the answer you’re looking for? Please chat to our friendly team.

Trusted expertise

Our Track Record

With over 25 years of collective experience, Harper Greene is a trusted advisory firm specializing in global citizenship and residency solutions. We offer bespoke investment strategies to businesses, families, and high net-worth individuals - seamlessly integrating immigration solutions with corporate structuring, legal, tax, and other regulatory considerations.

Our multidisciplinary approach ensures clients receive comprehensive, compliant, and future-ready advice.

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Offices worldwide
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Years of experience
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Clients advised
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Migration options
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Frequently Asked Questions

Can I invest in a business I own or operate directly?
Is the investment refundable?
How long does it take to get a Green Card?
What happens if job creation requirements aren’t met?  
Can my children attend U.S. schools and universities?
What types of businesses qualify for the E-2 visa?
Is there a fixed minimum investment?
Can I include my family?
How long can I stay in the U.S. on an E-2?
Can I get a Green Card through E-2?

Who is eligible to apply for the Portugal Golden Visa?

 Non-EU/EEA/Swiss nationals who make a qualifying investment in Portugal and meet the legal requirements may apply.
2. What are the current qualifying investment options?
€500,000 in a regulated investment fund
€500,000 into a company creating 5+ jobs
€250,000 in support of arts, culture, or heritage (reduced to €200,000 in low-density areas)

What are the current qualifying investment options?

€500,000 in a regulated investment fund
€500,000 into a company creating 5+ jobs
€250,000 in support of arts, culture, or heritage (reduced to €200,000 in low-density areas)

What are the minimum stay requirements?

Golden Visa holders must spend:
14 days in Portugal during the first 2-year period
21 days over the following 3-year period

Can I include family members in my application?

Yes. The program allows inclusion of a spouse, dependent children, and dependent parents under the same application.

Does the Golden Visa lead to citizenship?

 Yes. After 5 years of legal residency, you may apply for Portuguese citizenship, provided you meet basic requirements, such as language proficiency and ties to Portugal.

Still have questions?

Can’t find the answer you’re looking for? Please chat to our friendly team.

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