Quick Summary:
If you’re running successful companies in England and dream of expanding into Los Angeles, the U.S. immigration system offers several visa pathways. Whether through an E-2 Treaty Investor Visa, L-1 Intracompany Transfer Visa, or alternative routes like the proposed U.S. “Gold Card,” the right choice depends on your business model, investment capacity, and long-term goals. This guide breaks down your options, requirements, costs, and practical steps, so you can move forward with clarity and confidence.
Understanding Your Options To Expand A UK Business Into The USA
Yes, it is feasible for UK business owners to set up and run a U.S. branch, subsidiary, affiliate, or franchise, provided you meet the qualifying criteria under U.S. immigration law. The two most common visa options are the E-2 Treaty Investor Visa and the L-1 Intracompany Transfer Visa, with additional possibilities depending on your goals.
Expanding to the U.S. requires careful planning: incorporation of your U.S. entity, opening bank accounts, meeting investment or ownership thresholds, and developing a compliant immigration strategy. Below, we’ll explore your main visa and investment options in depth.
The E-2 Treaty Investor Visa: Best For Entrepreneurs Investing in a New U.S. Venture
The United States E-2 Visa allows UK citizens to invest in and manage a U.S. business. There is no fixed minimum investment, but it must be “substantial,” usually starting from $100,000+, and proportional to the business type.
Details:
Because the UK has a treaty of commerce with the U.S., UK nationals are eligible for the E-2 Treaty Investor Visa. To qualify, you must:
- Own at least 50% of the U.S. company
- Make a substantial investment that proves financial commitment
- Show that the business will generate jobs and not just support you personally
Examples:
- A UK software founder invests $150,000 into setting up a Los Angeles tech consultancy, hiring two U.S. employees.
- A restaurateur from London puts $200,000 into opening a California franchise restaurant.
Checklist for E-2 Visa Applicants:
- Incorporate a U.S. entity (LLC or corporation)
- Transfer investment funds to a U.S. business account
- Secure a U.S. office lease or purchase agreement
- Prepare a five-year business plan with job creation targets
The E-2 Visa is renewable indefinitely as long as the business operates successfully, making it one of the most flexible America investment visa options.
The L-1 Intracompany Transfer Visa: Best For Branches, Subsidiaries, or Affiliates
The L-1 Visa lets UK business owners transfer to the U.S. as executives, managers, or specialized knowledge staff. The U.S. office must be a qualifying branch, parent, subsidiary, or affiliate of the UK business.
Details:
If you currently run two companies in England, you may use the L-1 Visa to transfer yourself to oversee the new U.S. entity. To qualify, you must have worked for at least one year in the UK business within the last three years.
Examples:
- A London marketing agency sets up a Los Angeles affiliate and transfers its founder under an L-1A Executive Visa.
- A UK manufacturing firm creates a U.S. branch office and sends a key operations director to manage U.S. expansion.
Checklist for L-1 Applicants:
- Establish a qualifying relationship (branch, affiliate, parent, subsidiary)
- Incorporate the U.S. entity and secure an office space
- Show financial ability to support the U.S. operation
- Demonstrate one year of qualifying UK employment
An L-1A Visa for executives and managers can also lead to a Green Card under the EB-1C category.
The EB-5 Immigrant Investor Program: Permanent Residency Through Investment
The EB-5 Investor Visa grants U.S. Green Cards to investors who invest $800,000 to $1,050,000 in a U.S. business creating at least 10 full-time jobs for U.S. workers.
Details:
This is the classic US Golden Visa option. It provides direct permanent residency for you, your spouse, and children under 21.
Examples:
- A UK investor places $800,000 into a government-approved regional center project.
- A business owner invests $1.5 million into their own U.S. enterprise employing more than 10 American workers.
This is the most capital-intensive route but offers the most secure pathway to U.S. immigration.
What About the U.S. “Gold Card”?
The U.S. has not yet passed a formal “Gold Card” program, but proposals exist to create a startup or entrepreneur visa granting residence to innovators and investors.
Details:
The proposed Gold Card USA would resemble similar programs in Canada or Singapore, offering foreign entrepreneurs a direct way to obtain work authorization and residency through startup investment. Currently, this remains a legislative proposal, not a functioning visa, so business owners must rely on the E-2, L-1, or EB-5 options until new laws are passed.
Practical Steps: Incorporation, Banking, and Tax Considerations
Yes, you can set up a U.S. company from the UK, but opening U.S. bank accounts, managing taxation, and securing visas typically require physical presence and U.S.-based compliance.
Details:
- Company Formation: Most foreign entrepreneurs choose Delaware, Nevada, or Wyoming incorporation, depending on tax and business needs.
- Banking: U.S. banks generally require in-person visits to open business accounts but there may be work-arounds.
- Taxation: Your U.S. entity must comply with IRS requirements, and profits may be taxed in both the U.S. and UK under double-taxation treaties.
Checklist for Setting Up a U.S. Company:
- Select the right entity type (LLC vs. Corporation)
- Register with state and federal tax authorities
- Open U.S. bank accounts
- Develop compliant payroll and accounting systems
- Work with cross-border tax advisors
While certain administrative tasks can be handled from the UK, establishing credibility in the U.S. market almost always requires local presence.
Comparing Your Main Visa Options
| Visa Type | Investment Required | Leads to Green Card? | Best For | Renewal Possibility |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| E-2 Treaty Investor | Substantial Investment (approximately $100,000+) | Possibly through EB-1C or EB-5 | Entrepreneurs, small-to-medium ventures | Renewable indefinitely |
| L-1 Intracompany | No fixed minimum (must show business viability) | Yes, via EB-1C or EB-5 | UK companies expanding branches/subsidiaries | 1–7 years depending on role |
| EB-5 Investor Visa | $800,000–$1,050,000 | Yes, immediate | High-net-worth investors | Conditional residency after approval |
Conclusion: Taking the First Step with Confidence
Expanding your UK company to Los Angeles is not only feasible, but with the right visa strategy, it can unlock extraordinary growth opportunities. Whether through the flexible E-2 Visa, the transferable L-1 Visa, or the residency-focused EB-5 Visa, your choice depends on how much you’re ready to invest, how quickly you want permanent residency, and whether you’re setting up a branch or launching a new venture.
At VisaPro, we’ve helped UK entrepreneurs, executives, and investors navigate these complex paths with confidence. The journey may feel overwhelming, but with the right guidance, your American dream can become a successful reality.
👉 Ready to explore the best visa for your U.S. expansion?
Contact VisaPro today for a free consultation and personalized immigration strategy.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
1.What are the main U.S. visa options for UK citizens setting up a business?
The most common US visa options for UK citizens include the E-2 Treaty Investor Visa, the L-1 Intracompany Transfer Visa, and the EB-5 Immigrant Investor Visa. Each option has different investment levels and immigration benefits.
2.Is there a minimum investment for the E-2 Visa?
There is no fixed statutory minimum. However, U.S. consulates generally expect investments of at least $100,000 or more, depending on the business type and whether the amount is substantial enough to ensure success.
3.Can UK investors run a U.S. business without moving to America?
Yes, UK investors can own a U.S. company from abroad, but to actively manage it in the U.S., they generally need work authorization such as the US E-2 Visa or L-1 Visa.
4.What is the difference between the E-2 Visa and the EB-5 Investor Visa?
The E-2 Visa requires a lower investment but does not provide a direct Green Card pathway. The EB-5 Visa requires $800,000–$1.05 million but leads directly to U.S. conditional permanent residency for the investor and family.
5.Is the U.S. Gold Card available now?
No, the US Golden Visa or “Gold Card” program is still a proposal. As of now, investors must use the E-2, L-1, or EB-5 categories to expand their business into America.
VisaPro has successfully guided UK entrepreneurs, executives, and investors in establishing U.S. branches, subsidiaries, and startups, securing E-2, L-1, and EB-5 approvals while avoiding costly mistakes in company formation, banking, taxation, and immigration compliance.
Let us help you choose the right path for your U.S. expansion and future residency.
Schedule your strategy call with VisaPro today.
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