France is an E-2 treaty country, so French nationals can invest in and run a U.S. business on an E-2 — from hospitality to importing French products. Here’s what French investors should know.
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The fundamentals are the same wherever you’re from — but the angle that wins differs by background. Here’s what tends to matter for France investors.
France is a long-standing E-2 treaty country, so French nationals are eligible to invest and run a U.S. business.
French applicants frequently open restaurants, bakeries, and hospitality ventures, or import and distribute French food, wine, design, and luxury goods.
For smaller hospitality businesses, the case has to clear the “marginality” bar — proving the business will do more than provide a minimal living. We build the plan to show genuine capacity.
French entrepreneurs are especially active in U.S. hospitality and in importing French products — sectors where the business plan and projected job creation do a lot of the persuasive work in an E-2 filing.
Because many of these ventures start small, we pay particular attention to the “not marginal” requirement: the business must be capable of generating more than just enough to support you and your family.
Led by founding attorney Neil Jalota, our team has worked with firms like Fragomen, Vialto, EY and PwC — and brings that rigor to your case.
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We build the legal theory first, then a filing designed to answer every officer’s question.
We assess your goals and identify the strongest strategy for your situation.
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Yes. France maintains a qualifying E-2 treaty with the United States.
Yes — hospitality businesses are common E-2 ventures. The key is a credible plan showing the business is substantial and not merely marginal.
Often yes. Import and distribution businesses can qualify when the investment is substantial and the operation is real and active.
Many apply through the U.S. Embassy in Paris; those in the U.S. in another status may be able to change status.
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