Can a German citizen get an E-2 visa?

Yes - Germany is an E-2 treaty country, so German nationals who make a substantial, at-risk investment in a US business they will direct can apply. The specifics should be reviewed with an immigration attorney.

Does an E-2 lead to a green card?

Not directly. The E-2 is a nonimmigrant visa that can be renewed as long as the business qualifies, but it is not itself a path to permanent residence; a separate route would be needed for that.

E-2 visa

The E-2 visa is a US nonimmigrant "treaty investor" visa that lets a national of a treaty country - Germany is one - live in the US to develop and direct a business in which they have invested a substantial amount.

Germany has a qualifying treaty with the US, so German nationals can apply for an E-2 to run a US business in which they have made a "substantial" investment (no fixed legal minimum, but it must be real and at-risk relative to the business).

The E-2 is renewable in increments and tied to the business; it is a nonimmigrant visa, not in itself a path to a green card. Exact requirements - investment level, ownership share, business viability - are detailed and case-specific.

Frequently asked questions

Can a German citizen get an E-2 visa?: Yes - Germany is an E-2 treaty country, so German nationals who make a substantial, at-risk investment in a US business they will direct can apply. The specifics should be reviewed with an immigration attorney.
Does an E-2 lead to a green card?: Not directly. The E-2 is a nonimmigrant visa that can be renewed as long as the business qualifies, but it is not itself a path to permanent residence; a separate route would be needed for that.