Legal Disclaimer: The information in this article is intended for general informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. Every immigration case is unique. Readers and visitors to our website should consult a licensed immigration attorney for advice tailored to their individual circumstances. This information should not be applied to your case without legal guidance. Reading this content does not establish an attorney-client relationship.
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Opportunities for Entrepreneurs from Santander and Colombia

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What Is the E-2 Visa?

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The E-2 visa is a nonimmigrant visa that allows nationals of treaty countries—including Colombia—to enter the United States to develop and direct a business in which they have invested or are actively investing a substantial amount of capital. The visa offers a valuable path for entrepreneurs, investors, and business-minded individuals seeking to expand or establish their operations in the U.S.

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Why Is the E-2 Visa Attractive for Colombians?

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Colombia is one of the countries with a valid treaty of commerce and navigation with the United States, making its nationals eligible for the E-2 classification. This visa provides significant benefits:

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• No minimum dollar investment is officially required, though the investment must be substantial in proportion to the business.

• The E-2 can be renewed indefinitely as long as the business remains viable and meets legal requirements.

• Spouses of E-2 visa holders may apply for work authorization.

• Children under 21 can study in the U.S.

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​Santander: A Region of Growing Opportunity

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Entrepreneurs from Santander, including cities like Bucaramanga, Floridablanca, and Piedecuesta, have shown growing interest in the E-2 visa route. This region is known for its dynamic small business sector, family enterprises, and innovation in areas such as tech, education, and hospitality.

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Whether you are a business owner in Santander looking to open a franchise in Florida or launch a consulting firm in New York, the E-2 visa could be a strategic option.

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Deep Local and International Insight

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The founder of Paez Law, attorney Luis Enrique Díaz Páez, is originally from Bucaramanga, Santander. He is licensed to practice law in Colombia and is also a licensed immigration attorney in the United States. His binational legal experience and cultural understanding allow him to guide Colombian clients with both professionalism and empathy as they navigate the U.S. immigration system.

 

 

General Eligibility Overview

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To qualify for an E-2 visa, Colombian nationals must generally:

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• Be a citizen of Colombia

• Invest (or be actively in the process of investing) a substantial amount of capital in a U.S. business

• Enter the U.S. to develop and direct the business

• Have at least 50% ownership of the enterprise or operational control through a managerial position

 

 

Common Investment Examples

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Colombian entrepreneurs have used the E-2 visa to start or acquire businesses such as:

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• Coffee shops and Colombian cuisine restaurants

• Import/export companies

• Language and cultural training centers

• Travel and tourism services

• Real estate investment consultancies

 

 

Important Considerations

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• The business must be real and operating (not speculative)

• Passive or marginal investments that only provide a minimal living are generally not eligible

• Funds must be “at risk,” meaning irrevocably committed to the enterprise

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How Our Office Can Help

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At Paez Law, we assist Colombian nationals, including those from Santander, with understanding the E-2 visa process, gathering documentation, preparing business plans, and navigating consular procedures. Our experience with Colombian clients allows us to provide culturally sensitive and practical support throughout the immigration process.

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Schedule a Consultation

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If you are a Colombian entrepreneur interested in exploring the E-2 visa, we invite you to schedule a confidential consultation with our team. We’ll help you understand whether the E-2 visa may be a good fit for your goals and what steps may be required for a successful application.

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📞 Contact Us
📍 Office in New York and Available Nationwide via Zoom

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Disclaimer: The information provided in this article is for general informational purposes only and is not legal advice. Every immigration case is unique, and readers and visitors of our website should consult a qualified licensed immigration attorney for advice specific to their individual situation and they should NOT apply this information to their cases without a lawyer. No attorney-client relationship is formed by reading this content.