Conditional: Only for treaty-country nationals who are permanent residents living in Portugal.
E-2 Visa at U.S. Embassy Lisbon
Everything you need to know about applying for an E-2 Treaty Investor visa at U.S. Embassy Lisbon, including submission method, binder format, page limits, and document requirements.
At a Glance
Submission Method
Email Submission
Document Format
Lisbon Tabbed Format (Cover + Tabs A–H)
TCN Friendliness
Very TCN-Friendly (3/3)
Only for treaty-country nationals who are permanent residents living in Portugal.
Page Limit
50
Max File Size
No limit
Binder Format
MRV Portal
Visit PortalHow to Submit Your Application
Complete DS-160
Fill out the DS-160 nonimmigrant visa application online at ceac.state.gov.
Pay MRV Fee
Pay the Machine Readable Visa (MRV) fee through https://ais.usvisa-info.com/en-pt/niv.
Schedule Interview
Book your visa interview appointment at U.S. Embassy Lisbon.
Email Application Package
Submit your PDF application package via email to evisaslisbon@state.gov before your interview date.
Attend Interview
Present your case at U.S. Embassy Lisbon. Bring original documents and be prepared to discuss your business plan and investment.
Email Submission
Primary submission method
- Complete the DS-156E ONLINE — handwritten forms are refused.
- Apply and pay the MRV fee on the AIS portal BEFORE emailing your package.
- Email two separate PDFs: the DS-156E (max 300 DPI) and the complete package.
- The embassy reviews your package first, then sends appointment-scheduling instructions.
- Embassy Lisbon does NOT process E-3 visas.
- Documents not in English or Portuguese require a sworn translation into English.
Binder Requirements
50
Page Limit
No limit
Max File Size
Binder Format
Important Notes
- Maximum 50 pages (25 double-sided). Oversized or incomplete packages are rejected and must be resubmitted.
- Requires a clickable table of contents and tabs dividing each section.
- No brochures or other material that does not contribute to the case.
- Email TWO separate PDFs to evisaslisbon@state.gov: (1) the DS-156E at max 300 DPI, (2) the complete package.
- The category code (E2-N or E2-ROI) must appear in the email subject line AND on the package cover page.
- Colour copies of the passport bio pages of the ultimate parent company owners are mandatory.
- Tab E requires a detailed spreadsheet of all funds spent — funds merely transferred into a bank account do not qualify as at-risk (9 FAM 402.9-6(B)c).
- Tab G requires three years of signed federal business tax returns. State returns are not accepted.
Lisbon Tabbed Format (Cover + Tabs A–H)
Every E-2 application needs a business plan
A FAM 402.9-aligned business plan and financial projections are the centerpiece of your U.S. Embassy Lisbon submission — the evidence that your investment is substantial, at-risk, and will create U.S. jobs. Portunus generates the complete plan and 5-year financials for you, structured for consular review and editable anytime.
Need more than the plan? We also assemble your full evidence binder, formatted to the Lisbon Tabbed Format (Cover + Tabs A–H) requirements at U.S. Embassy Lisbon — organized, page-numbered, and ready to file.
Submission Notes
Post-Specific Instructions
- Complete the DS-156E ONLINE — handwritten forms are refused.
- Apply and pay the MRV fee on the AIS portal BEFORE emailing your package.
- Email two separate PDFs: the DS-156E (max 300 DPI) and the complete package.
- The embassy reviews your package first, then sends appointment-scheduling instructions.
- Embassy Lisbon does NOT process E-3 visas.
- Documents not in English or Portuguese require a sworn translation into English.
Binder Notes
- You must initiate contact — the embassy will not email you first.
- Since 23 September 2024, Lisbon accepts E-1/E-2 applicants who are treaty-country nationals holding Portuguese permanent residence.
Third-Country National (TCN) Processing
A TCN is someone who applies for an E-2 visa at a U.S. consulate in a country other than their home country. The TCN friendliness score indicates how willing this post is to process such applications on a scale of 0-3:
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I submit my E-2 visa application to U.S. Embassy Lisbon?
Check the submission details section above for the exact method. Some posts accept online uploads, others require physical binders or email submissions. Follow your post's specific instructions carefully.
What is the page limit for E-2 visa applications at U.S. Embassy Lisbon?
Page limits vary by post and are detailed in the Binder Requirements section above. If no specific limit is listed, the post follows standard formatting guidelines. Always check for exempt document categories that don't count toward the limit.
Can third-country nationals apply for an E-2 visa at U.S. Embassy Lisbon?
TCN processing availability is indicated by the TCN friendliness score above. A higher score (2-3) means the post regularly processes TCN applications. A lower score (0-1) means TCN processing is limited or rarely available. Contact the embassy directly to confirm current TCN policies.
How long does E-2 processing take at U.S. Embassy Lisbon?
Processing times vary depending on caseload, time of year, and individual case complexity. After submitting your application, most posts schedule interviews within 2-8 weeks. The visa is typically issued within a few business days after a successful interview.
What should I bring to my E-2 visa interview?
Bring your passport, DS-160 confirmation, MRV fee receipt, evidence binder (formatted per post requirements), original documents (financial statements, business registration, lease agreements), and any post-specific forms like DS-156E and G-28.
Build Your U.S. Embassy Lisbon Application
Portunus automatically formats your evidence binder for U.S. Embassy Lisbon's specific requirements, including the Lisbon Tabbed Format (Cover + Tabs A–H).
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Last verified: 2026-08-07 · Official consulate page