Why Americans Are Richer Than People in the UK - And How UK Entrepreneurs Can Move to the U.S. with an E-2 Visa

A recent Sunday Times article titled “The four reasons Americans are so much richer than us” highlights a growing economic reality: the wealth gap between the United States and the United Kingdom has widened significantly over the past decade.

For UK professionals, investors, and entrepreneurs, this is more than an economic comparison. It raises an important strategic question:

Could relocating to the United States create greater financial opportunity?

For many UK nationals, the answer may lie in the E-2 visa, a business investment visa that allows UK nationals to live and operate a company in the United States.

Before discussing immigration options, it helps to understand the economic differences driving this wealth gap.

The Wealth Gap Between the U.S. and the UK

According to the Sunday Times article, the median disposable household income in the United States reached approximately $83,730, compared with about $50,196 in the United Kingdom.

Even after accounting for healthcare costs and government benefits such as the NHS, Americans still enjoy roughly 50 percent more net disposable income than UK nationals.

The article summarizes the disparity clearly, noting Americans have:

“bigger houses, larger stock portfolios, higher salaries.”

This difference reflects structural economic factors rather than short-term fluctuations.

The Four Reasons Americans Are Wealthier

The article identifies four primary drivers behind higher wealth levels in the United States.

1. A Stronger Investment Culture

About 58 percent of American households own stocks, compared with only 21 percent of UK adults.

Long-term participation in equity markets creates substantial wealth accumulation over time, particularly given the historical performance of U.S. markets.

2. Diversified Wealth Beyond Property

In the UK, roughly 40 percent of household wealth is concentrated in real estate.

Americans tend to hold more diversified portfolios that include equities, retirement accounts, and business ownership, which often generates higher long-term returns.

3. Larger Retirement Accounts

U.S. retirement systems such as 401(k) plans and Individual Retirement Accounts frequently accumulate larger balances than UK pension structures.

Tax advantages and employer contributions contribute to stronger long-term growth.

4. Tax Structures That Encourage Wealth Creation

The U.S. tax environment often offers:

Lower effective taxes for many earners
Favorable capital gains treatment
More flexible inheritance planning
Incentives for entrepreneurship and investment

These factors support both income growth and wealth accumulation.

Why This Matters for British Entrepreneurs

Economic systems influence opportunity.

The United States offers:

A larger consumer market
Stronger venture and investment ecosystems
Greater entrepreneurial scalability
Higher income potential in many industries

For UK entrepreneurs and investors, this environment can create significantly different financial outcomes compared to operating solely in the United Kingdom.

This is where the E-2 visa for British citizens becomes relevant.

The E-2 Visa for UK Citizens: A Path to Living and Doing Business in the U.S.

The United Kingdom has a treaty with the United States that allows British nationals to apply for the E-2 Treaty Investor Visa.

This visa allows entrepreneurs from the UK to move to the U.S. by investing in and operating a business.

What Is the E-2 Visa?

The E-2 visa is a nonimmigrant investor visa that permits British citizens to:

Invest in a U.S. business
Direct and develop that company
Live in the United States
Bring their spouse and children

There is no fixed minimum investment amount defined by law. The investment must be substantial relative to the business being created or purchased.

Benefits of the E-2 Visa for British Entrepreneurs

For many UK nationals, the E-2 visa offers both lifestyle and financial advantages.

Business and Financial Benefits

Access to the U.S. economy and market
Ability to operate your own company
Potential for higher income growth
Exposure to U.S. investment opportunities

Family Benefits

Spouses can obtain work authorization in the United States
Children can attend U.S. schools

Long-Term Flexibility

Renewable indefinitely as long as the business remains operational
No annual quota or lottery
Faster processing compared to many immigrant visas

For entrepreneurs, the E-2 visa can be both a relocation strategy and a business growth strategy.

The Importance of a Strong E-2 Business Plan

One of the most critical components of an E-2 visa petition is the business plan.

Immigration officers must evaluate whether:

The business is credible and viable
The investment is legitimate and committed
The company will generate income beyond supporting the investor
Hiring projections are realistic
The business is not marginal

A well-prepared business plan demonstrates financial logic, operational feasibility, and long-term sustainability.

It connects the investment to economic impact.

Without a strong business plan, even a good business idea may struggle during adjudication.

Final Thoughts: Opportunity and Geography Matter

The wealth gap between the United States and the United Kingdom illustrates an important reality:

Where you build your business can influence how much wealth you create.

For British entrepreneurs seeking greater opportunity, the U.S. remains one of the most attractive markets in the world.

The E-2 visa provides a practical pathway to participate in that economy.

If you are considering moving to the United States through an E-2 investor visa, a credible and immigration-compliant business plan is essential.

Our team specializes in developing customized E-2 business plans designed to demonstrate financial realism, operational viability, and long-term growth potential.

The information provided in this blog is intended solely for informational purposes. While we strive to offer accurate and up-to-date content, it should not be considered legal advice. Immigration laws and regulations are subject to change, and individual circumstances can vary widely. For personalized guidance and legal advice regarding your specific immigration situation, we strongly recommend consulting with a qualified immigration attorney who can provide you with tailored assistance and ensure compliance with current laws and regulations.

Visa Business Plans is led by Marco Scanu, a certified coach from the University of Miami with a globally-based practice coaching Fortune 1000 company executives, entrepreneurs, as well as professionals in four different continents. Mr. Scanu advises clients on turnaround strategies and crisis management.

Mr. Scanu received a bachelor’s degree in Business Administration (Cum Laude) from the University of Florida and an MBA in Management from Bocconi University in Milan, Italy. Mr. Scanu was also a Visiting Scholar at Michigan State University under the prestigious H. Humphrey Fellowship (Fulbright program) with a focus on Entrepreneurship, Venture Capital, and high-growth enterprises.

At present, Mr. Scanu is the managing partner and CEO at Visa Business Plans, a Miami-based boutique consulting firm providing attorneys and investors with business planning services in the areas of U.S. and Canadian immigration, SBA loans, and others.

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