E1 Treaty Trader Visa for German Companies

For many businesses in Germany, trading in the United States can represent a substantial step toward growth. Whether you are exporting specialist products, providing high-value services, or looking to establish a foothold inside America to reach new clients, you will need the correct visa to make it possible. The E1 Treaty Trader visa is designed to provide German citizens with a legal route to live and work in the US while establishing new trade links.

What the E1 Treaty Trader visa requires

To qualify for the E1 visa, your business, such as German car part traders, breweries, retailers, etc, must show a genuine intention to trade between Germany and the United States, with 50% of your foreign turnover taking place between the U.S.A. and Germany.

This is often where German companies beginning their US journey need guidance: how to prove that their proposed trade is real, viable, and in line with the treaty requirements. Having business plans, contracts, letters of intent, and thorough market research can all help to demonstrate this at the application stage. 

Who can apply

Business owners and key stakeholders/employees, with at least 50% of the business’s ownership being held by individuals or businesses of German nationality, can apply for the E1 visa. If you are the owner or director, you must show that you have the ability to develop the US trade operations. If you are an essential employee, your role must be central to the planned expansion. In both cases, the applicant must hold German nationality, reflecting the treaty between the two countries.

Benefits for German companies

While the obvious benefit for your business is the increased growth and scalability, you’ll be able to achieve this when creating a trading link between the U.S. The other main benefit is that you can relocate your family with confidence that your presence in the US is not just temporary, meaning that your partner and children (under 21 years old) can accompany you and apply for work authorization.  

The E1 visa for German businesses is also initially granted for three months and five years, and can be renewed repeatedly as long as trade continues between the US and your business in Germany. This allows you and your family to settle in the United States without continuous disruption to your home life. 

Preparing a strong application

Although the concept of the E1 treaty trader visa is straightforward, the application process is complex. This is because the US consulates expect clear evidence that is presented in a way that directly addresses the trader visa criteria. 

For many German applicants, this is where the challenges begin, as you will need a strong business plan, detailed supporting documents, and careful preparation of your case to avoid delays or refusals.

How Blue Lake Law can help 

If you are a German company planning to begin trading in the United States, the E1 Treaty Trader visa is a key component for you to achieve your goals. At Blue Lake Law, our expert team has extensive experience guiding German business owners through the E1 Treaty Trader visa process, quickly and efficiently. 

We believe in helping you prepare so that you can establish a foothold in the US market and grow your business in one of the most profitable economies in the world. 
Speak to our team today to discuss your E1 treaty trader application.