South Florida—home to Fort Lauderdale and Miami—has long been a magnet for global entrepreneurs, investors, and innovators. With its dynamic real estate market, thriving tourism industry, and growing tech and logistics sectors, the region offers a wealth of opportunities for foreign nationals seeking to establish or expand their businesses in the United States. For many, investor visas such as the E-2 Treaty Investor Visa and the EB-5 Immigrant Investor Visa serve as the pathway to achieving these goals.
At Guerra Sáenz, PL, a leading immigration law firm based in Fort Lauderdale, our attorneys guide investors through the complex legal and procedural requirements of these visa programs. Luis A. Guerra, the firm’s founder, is a Florida Board Certified Specialist in Immigration & Nationality Law—a distinction earned by less than 1% of attorneys in Florida. His expertise ensures that each client receives strategic, personalized guidance throughout every stage of the investor visa process.
Understanding the E-2 Treaty Investor Visa
The E-2 Visa is one of the most attractive options for foreign investors seeking to live and work in the United States while managing their business. Available to nationals of countries that maintain a treaty of commerce and navigation with the U.S., the E-2 visa allows investors to enter and work in the U.S. based on a substantial investment in a bona fide enterprise.
To qualify for an E-2 visa, investors must:
- Be a national of a treaty country.
- Invest a substantial amount of capital in a U.S. business.
- Show that the business is real and operating, not marginal or speculative.
- Have a controlling interest in the business or a key management role.
One of the major advantages of the E-2 visa is its flexibility. It can be renewed indefinitely as long as the business continues to operate successfully and meets visa requirements. It also allows investors’ spouses and children under 21 to accompany them—spouses may even apply for work authorization in the U.S.
For international entrepreneurs seeking opportunities in Fort Lauderdale’s booming hospitality and marine industries or Miami’s thriving tech and real estate sectors, the E-2 visa provides a direct route to building a future in South Florida’s dynamic economy.
At Guerra Sáenz, PL, our attorneys assist clients in identifying suitable investments, structuring their businesses to meet E-2 qualifications, and preparing strong visa petitions that clearly demonstrate the enterprise’s legitimacy and potential for success.
The EB-5 Immigrant Investor Visa: Pathway to Permanent Residency
While the E-2 visa is a non-immigrant visa, the EB-5 Visa offers a direct route to U.S. permanent residency (Green Card). Established by Congress to stimulate economic growth, the EB-5 program enables qualified investors to obtain permanent residency by investing in a new commercial enterprise that creates at least ten full-time jobs for U.S. workers.
To qualify for the EB-5 visa, investors must:
- Invest at least $1,050,000, or $800,000 if the investment is made in a Targeted Employment Area (TEA) (rural or high-unemployment area).
- Demonstrate that the investment funds come from a lawful source.
- Prove that the investment will create or preserve at least ten full-time jobs for qualified U.S. workers.
South Florida offers a wealth of EB-5 opportunities, from real estate and hotel developments to logistics, hospitality, and healthcare ventures. Fort Lauderdale’s expanding waterfront development projects and Miami’s global real estate market make the region especially attractive for foreign investors seeking both economic potential and immigration benefits.
The attorneys at Guerra Sáenz, PL have extensive experience preparing EB-5 petitions and guiding clients through the complex USCIS approval process. Because of the detailed documentation required—especially in proving the lawful source of funds and job creation—having a Board Certified Specialist like Luis A. Guerra ensures that your investment strategy aligns with immigration law standards from the very start.
Why Board Certification Matters in Immigration Law
Immigration law is one of the most complex areas of U.S. federal practice, constantly evolving through legislative changes, agency interpretations, and court decisions. Choosing the right attorney can make the difference between success and costly delays—or even denials.
Luis A. Guerra’s status as a Florida Board Certified Specialist in Immigration & Nationality Law reflects his exceptional level of expertise, professionalism, and dedication. Board certification is the highest level of recognition by The Florida Bar, and it signifies that an attorney has:
- Demonstrated substantial involvement and experience in their area of law.
- Passed rigorous testing and peer review.
- Maintained ongoing legal education and professional ethics standards.
When working with Guerra Sáenz, PL, clients benefit from this advanced specialization. Whether preparing a multi-million-dollar EB-5 project, structuring an E-2 business plan, or addressing complex issues such as visa renewals, compliance, or source-of-funds verification, the firm provides the confidence of knowing your case is handled with unmatched knowledge and precision.
Investing in South Florida: Why Fort Lauderdale and Miami Stand Out
The Fort Lauderdale–Miami corridor has become one of the nation’s most attractive destinations for foreign investors. The region’s strategic location, proximity to Latin America and Europe, strong infrastructure, and pro-business environment make it ideal for both small entrepreneurs and large-scale investors.
Fort Lauderdale, known for its luxury marinas, tourism economy, and growing financial services sector, offers significant potential for E-2 investors in industries like hospitality, retail, and international trade. Meanwhile, Miami continues to attract global capital with its booming real estate market, expanding tech ecosystem, and international connectivity.
Both cities also benefit from South Florida’s diverse and multilingual workforce, world-class educational institutions, and international transportation hubs, which together create a fertile environment for investment and innovation.
At Guerra Sáenz, PL, the legal team understands the local market as deeply as they understand federal immigration law. Their insight helps foreign investors choose viable opportunities that align with immigration objectives while minimizing risk and maximizing long-term success.
Contact Guerra Sáenz, PL
Navigating the U.S. immigration system as an investor requires careful planning, detailed documentation, and skilled legal representation. Whether you are pursuing an E-2 Treaty Investor Visa or seeking permanent residency through the EB-5 program, the attorneys at Guerra Sáenz, PL are ready to guide you every step of the way.
With Luis A. Guerra’s Board Certification in Immigration & Nationality Law and the firm’s extensive experience serving clients from around the world, Guerra Sáenz, PL provides the trusted counsel and strategic representation investors need to succeed in South Florida’s competitive marketplace.
If you are exploring Fort Lauderdale investor visas or considering a business investment in the Miami area, contact a Fort Lauderdale immigration lawyer at Guerra Sáenz, PL today. Call 954-434-5800 or visit www.guerralegal.com to schedule a consultation and take the first step toward your American investment future.