Every week I get the same question, phrased five different ways: "If I buy a place in Miami, do I get residency?"
Short answer: no. Long answer is more interesting — and there are two real paths that pair well with a property purchase.
EB-5: The green card path
EB-5 grants the investor, spouse, and children under 21 conditional permanent residency, converting to a full green card after two years.
$800K
Minimum EB-5 (TEA project)
Source · USCIS, EB-5 Reform Act 2022
The investment must create or preserve 10 full-time US jobs. Direct investments are possible but most clients route through a USCIS-approved regional center — typically a real estate development project (hotels, mixed-use, senior living). You're investing in the project, not buying a unit.
When EB-5 makes sense
- You want a green card, not just a long-stay visa.
- You can park capital for 5–7 years with limited liquidity.
- You're comfortable with the project sponsor's track record.
E-2: The treaty path
E-2 is faster, cheaper, and renewable indefinitely — but only available to nationals of E-2 treaty countries. Spain, Italy, Germany, France, the UK, Argentina, Colombia and Mexico qualify. Brazil and Venezuela do not.
You invest in a real, active US business that you direct. Minimum is technically undefined but practical floor is around $150,000. A franchise, a small hospitality business, or an active short-term rental operation (more than 4 units, professionally managed) can all qualify.
warning
A single passive Airbnb does not qualify as an E-2 business. USCIS looks for genuine operational substance: employees, marketing, an active management role.
Where real estate fits
Neither visa is granted for buying a condo. But both pair naturally with one:
- EB-5 client: invests $800K in a regional-center project + buys a $1–2M condo for family use.
- E-2 client: invests $250K in a small US business + buys a $700K condo to live in.
The visa is the legal status. The property is where you live, hedge, and build long-term wealth.
A quick comparison
| EB-5 | E-2 | |
|---|---|---|
| Minimum capital | $800K (TEA) | ~$150K |
| Green card | Yes | No |
| Time to process | 4–6 years | 3–6 months |
| Family included | Spouse + kids under 21 | Spouse + kids under 21 |
| Country restrictions | None | Treaty only |
| Active management | Optional | Required |
What to do next
Before any real estate decision, talk to an immigration attorney. I can refer three I work with regularly. The sequence that works: visa strategy first, business or fund investment second, real estate purchase third — usually within the same 12–18 month window.
This article is general information, not legal advice. Confirm specifics with a licensed US immigration attorney.