The United States has long been an attractive destination for entrepreneurs worldwide. For Mexican business owners, one of the most appealing immigration pathways is the E-2 Treaty Investor Visa.
This visa category enables individuals to establish or invest in a U.S.-based enterprise without needing an employer sponsor, but it also allows them to renew their status as long as their business remains active and viable.
In addition, spouses and children can join the primary visa holder, making the E-2 visa a compelling option for Mexican families aiming to build a life and business in the U.S.
1. E-2 Visa Overview
No Employer Sponsorship Required: Unlike many work visas, E-2 beneficiaries do not need a U.S. company to employ them. They create or invest in their own business.
Renewable Status: As long as the business stays operational and meets E-2 requirements, the visa can be renewed indefinitely, giving entrepreneurs long-term certainty.
Family Benefits: E-2 visa holders can bring their spouses and dependent children under 21. Spouses are eligible to apply for work authorization, and children can attend school in the U.S.
Investment Threshold: While there is no legally mandated minimum investment, it must be “substantial” relative to the type of business. Many successful applicants invest at least USD 150,000 or more.
For Mexican nationals, the process typically involves applying at a U.S. consulate in Mexico.
Once approved, the visa validity period and permitted length of stay can vary, but many find the flexibility and relative simplicity of the E-2 visa process appealing compared to other investor categories.
2. Growing Mexican Business Community in the U.S.
Mexican entrepreneurs are drawn to the United States for multiple reasons, including market size, diverse consumer base, and robust support networks. With millions of people of Mexican descent already in the country, new arrivals benefit from existing cultural and professional connections:
Established Communities: Major metropolitan areas like Los Angeles, Houston, Chicago, and Dallas already have sizable Mexican populations, offering strong cultural familiarity and customer bases.
Networking Opportunities: Local chambers of commerce, Latino business associations, and co-working spaces dedicated to Hispanic entrepreneurs make it easier to find talent, collaborate, and solve common business challenges.
Cultural Familiarity: The presence of bilingual services, Mexican cultural events, and Spanish-language media can help investors adapt more smoothly to life in the U.S.
3. Notable Mexican-born entrepreneurs in the U.S.
Although not all of these individuals necessarily used the E-2 visa, they exemplify the remarkable success Mexican-born entrepreneurs can achieve in the United States.
Their stories highlight how they identified opportunities, overcame challenges, and significantly influenced their industries.
Daniel Lubetzky (Founder of KIND Snacks)
Background: Born and raised in Mexico City, Lubetzky moved to the U.S. for college and earned his law degree before embarking on a career that combined business and social impact.
Business Journey: His early ventures included PeaceWorks, a company promoting economic collaboration among neighbors in conflict regions. He later founded KIND Snacks in 2004, driven by the goal of creating healthy snack bars made from wholesome ingredients.
Impact & Recognition: KIND Snacks quickly became a leader in the healthier snack market. Lubetzky’s dedication to transparency, quality, and philanthropy has garnered multiple accolades, including recognition from Fast Company and the World Economic Forum. He is also known for the KIND Foundation, which supports charitable initiatives focused on social entrepreneurship.
Guillermo Perales (Founder of Sun Holdings)
Background: Originally from Guanajuato, Mexico, Perales moved to the United States to pursue an MBA and later recognized the potential for developing franchise businesses across multiple states.
Business Journey: In 1997, he established Sun Holdings, which would become one of the largest minority-owned franchise operations in the nation. The company manages well-known fast-food brands like Burger King, Popeyes, Arby’s, and Golden Corral, among others.
Impact & Recognition: Under Perales’ leadership, Sun Holdings has created thousands of jobs and contributed significantly to local economies. He has been honored with numerous awards for entrepreneurship, including the International Franchise Association’s Entrepreneur of the Year.
Jordi Muñoz (Co-founder of 3D Robotics)
Background: Born in Tijuana, Mexico, Muñoz moved to the U.S. in his early 20s. He quickly gained attention in the maker community for his interest in robotics and his ability to innovate with accessible, off-the-shelf components.
Business Journey: Muñoz caught the eye of tech writer Chris Anderson (then editor-in-chief of Wired magazine) when he posted videos demonstrating drones he built using a Wii remote’s motion sensor. Together, they founded 3D Robotics, which became one of the first consumer drone companies in the U.S.
Impact & Recognition: 3D Robotics helped pioneer affordable drone technology and fostered an open-source community for aerial robotics enthusiasts. Muñoz’s entrepreneurial journey and technical expertise have positioned him as a role model for aspiring Hispanic engineers and entrepreneurs.
These entrepreneurs represent just a fraction of the many Mexicans who have realized the potential of the U.S. market. Their journeys showcase diverse industries from food and franchising to technology and media and their impact extends beyond commercial success.
By fostering job creation, supporting community development, and amplifying Mexican culture, they have become pivotal figures in the growing tapestry of Mexican-American entrepreneurship.
4. Influence of Mexican Culture on the United States
Beyond business endeavors, Mexican culture has profoundly impacted everyday life in the U.S.:
Cuisine: Tacos, burritos, and other Mexican dishes have become staples across the country, while regional specialties like Oaxacan mole or Yucatecan cochinita pibil continue to gain popularity.
Entertainment & Media: Mexican filmmakers, actors, and musicians—such as Alejandro González Iñárritu, Salma Hayek, and Maná have influenced Hollywood, Broadway, and the global music scene.
Festivals & Traditions: Holidays such as Cinco de Mayo and Day of the Dead are celebrated well beyond Mexican-American communities, reflecting the nation’s growing cultural interconnection.
This existing cultural footprint benefits new Mexican entrepreneurs, who can tap into a market already familiar with Mexican tastes, traditions, and values.
Conclusion
For many business-minded individuals from Mexico, the E-2 visa opens a door to the immense opportunities the United States offers, without the need for an employer sponsor or a rigid path to permanent residency.
It provides a flexible, renewable way to expand operations, bring family members, and integrate into a thriving Mexican-American community that spans the entire country.
By combining strong professional networks, existing cultural ties, and a supportive consumer base, Mexican entrepreneurs can find fertile ground for innovation and growth.
Whether through technology, food service, media, or any other industry, the E-2 visa can be a powerful launching pad for those ready to invest in their dreams and in the future of business in the United States.