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For successful entrepreneurs and investors in Mexico, wealth creation is often not just about earning more. It is also about preserving capital, reducing risk, and building long-term value through business ownership. That is one reason some Mexican investors consider expanding or relocating business operations to the United States.
This decision is often driven by economics. When comparing Mexico and the U.S., reputable data shows meaningful differences in income potential, inflation stability, and institutional predictability. Those factors can influence how businesses scale and how wealth accumulates over time.
For Mexican nationals, the E-2 visa can provide a legal pathway to live in the United States while investing in and directing a U.S. business.
Economic Differences Between Mexico and the United States
One useful indicator of opportunity is GDP per capita, which measures how much value an economy produces per person. According to World Bank data, U.S. GDP per capita in 2024 was approximately $84,534, while Mexico’s was approximately $14,186. That gap matters because higher productivity often correlates with stronger consumer purchasing power, higher revenue potential for businesses, and more capacity to reinvest and grow.
Inflation also plays a role in wealth preservation because it affects purchasing power and planning. World Bank inflation data for 2024 shows the U.S. at about 2.9 percent and Mexico at about 4.7 percent. Lower and more predictable inflation environments can make long-term forecasting, pricing decisions, and reinvestment strategies easier.
Institutional stability affects business predictability as well. The World Justice Project Rule of Law Index 2024 ranked Mexico 118 globally with an overall score of 0.41. For investors, rule of law is not abstract. It can affect contract enforcement, regulatory consistency, and uncertainty when disputes arise. In more predictable environments, the risk profile of a business can improve, which supports long-term value.
Why the United States Can Be Attractive for Mexican Entrepreneurs
For investors who already have capital and business experience, the U.S. can offer advantages that compound over time. The consumer market is larger and in many regions has higher purchasing power. Financing and investment ecosystems are deeper for businesses that show strong fundamentals. Regulatory predictability is often higher. In many industries, well-run businesses may also achieve stronger valuation multiples, which matters if the long-term plan includes growth and eventual sale.
This does not mean success is guaranteed. Business outcomes depend on many variables, including execution, industry choice, and management. But the economic framework can create conditions where business ownership produces different financial possibilities compared to operating in smaller or less predictable markets.
For Mexican nationals, there is also a clear immigration pathway connected to investment.
The E-2 Visa for Mexican Citizens
Mexico is a treaty country with the United States, which means Mexican citizens may qualify for the E-2 Treaty Investor visa if they meet the requirements established by U.S. immigration law.
The E-2 visa allows a foreign national to enter and work in the United States based on a substantial investment in a U.S. business that they will develop and direct. Key eligibility elements include nationality of a treaty country such as Mexico, investment in a real and operating enterprise, ownership or operational control, intent to direct the company, and business activity that is not marginal.
Benefits of the E-2 Visa for Mexican Investors
For many entrepreneurs from Mexico, the E-2 visa offers practical advantages.
Business advantages include the ability to operate and grow a business in the U.S. market, potential access to broader revenue opportunities, geographic diversification of assets, and renewable visa status as long as the business remains viable.
Family considerations may include the possibility for spouses to obtain work authorization and for children to attend school in the United States.
Flexibility advantages include no fixed minimum investment defined by law, no annual quota or lottery system, and typically faster processing than immigrant investor programs.
These features make the E-2 visa one of the more accessible investment-based immigration options available to Mexican nationals.
The Importance of a Strong E-2 Business Plan
One of the central components of an E-2 visa application is the business plan.
Immigration officers must evaluate whether the investment amount is credible, revenue projections are realistic, hiring plans make sense, the business can support more than just the investor, and the enterprise has long-term viability.
A well-prepared business plan connects financial projections, market analysis, and operational strategy into a clear narrative supported by data. It helps demonstrate that the investment is genuine and that the business has the potential to operate successfully.
Final Thoughts
Where a business operates can influence long-term financial outcomes. For Mexican investors with the means to expand internationally, the United States can represent an alternative environment for building and preserving wealth through entrepreneurship.
The E-2 visa provides one pathway to participate in that economy, particularly for those interested in direct business ownership.
If you are exploring whether an E-2 investment could align with your goals, we are available to share insights based on our experience supporting these types of projects. A thoughtful conversation early in the process can often clarify what is realistic and what steps may be needed next.
Contact us today to get started
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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