An E-2 visa is an immigration classification, not a ready-made tax plan. Turkish founders moving to the United States should review when tax residence may change, what happens to Turkish company income, and how their investment money is documented before making large transactions.
Reviewed 28 October 2026. Prepared by Evren Özmen, Licensed Turkish CPA (SMMM), TÜRMOB no. 35675. We provide Turkey-side accounting and tax support, not U.S. immigration legal advice.
Tell us the origin of funds, approximate investment size, timing and whether U.S. immigration counsel is appointed. Do not attach confidential records in the first message.
Five tax questions to answer before relocating
- Where will you be tax resident? Assess Turkish domestic rules, the actual moving facts and relevant double-taxation agreement provisions.
- Will you retain Turkish company shares? Review dividend timing, management roles, payroll and continuing ownership.
- Are you selling a Turkish asset? Assess the timing, potential tax on gains and evidence of sale proceeds.
- What funds will support the U.S. investment? Align lawful source, tax declarations and traceable transfers.
- Do your Turkish business activities continue? Consider continuing obligations and the tax position of the company and the investor separately.
An E-2 visa does not, by itself, determine U.S. tax residency
The IRS generally determines U.S. tax-resident status through the green-card test or substantial presence test and applicable exceptions or treaty rules. An E-2 holder may become a U.S. tax resident based on physical-presence and other facts. U.S. federal and state considerations must be reviewed with qualified U.S. tax advisers; do not assume that visa issuance alone answers the question.
Turkish tax residency can change at a different point
Turkish residency analysis generally depends on domestic-law residence criteria and the underlying facts. For dual-residency situations, the applicable treaty may require additional analysis. A departure date, registration record or airline ticket alone should not be treated as a complete tax-residency opinion.
Example: a Turkish founder keeps shares after moving
A Turkish founder moves to the United States to manage a qualifying business but retains shares in a Turkish technology company. Future dividends, director remuneration, company management activity and the timing of any share disposal deserve separate consideration. The taxation of a Turkish company is not identical to the taxation of its shareholder. U.S. reporting may also apply even when funds remain in Turkey.
What documents should be prepared?
- Ownership chart of Turkish and planned U.S. entities.
- Historic Turkish income-tax filings and tax-residency facts where relevant.
- Company financial statements, pending dividends and shareholder current-account details.
- Schedule of intended asset or share disposals.
- Bank and FX history supporting proposed E-2 investment funds.
- Travel/residence chronology for review by appropriately qualified tax counsel.
A coordinated review—not competing advice
SYSTEMS CPA handles Turkish tax and accounting questions. A U.S.-qualified tax adviser addresses U.S. tax returns, federal and state reporting and entity selection; immigration counsel addresses E-2 eligibility and application strategy. Cross-border conclusions should reconcile both sides.
Frequently asked questions
Will I stop paying Turkish tax after I leave?
Not necessarily. Continuing Turkish-source income, residence facts, business interests and applicable treaties must be considered.
Does the U.S.-Turkey tax treaty remove all double taxation?
No blanket exemption applies. Specific treaty articles, domestic tax rules, residence and applicable relief mechanisms must be reviewed for each type of income.
Should I distribute profits before or after moving?
The answer depends on share ownership, residency at relevant dates, domestic rules, treaty outcomes and the planned U.S. tax profile. Obtain a transaction-specific review before deciding.
If the investment uses Turkish capital, see our Turkey-side E-2 documentation service and our dividend-funded E-2 guide.
Tell us the origin of funds, approximate investment size, timing and whether U.S. immigration counsel is appointed. Do not attach confidential records in the first message.
Official references and editorial notes
- U.S. Department of State, 9 FAM 402.9 (E-2 Treaty Investors)
- IRS, Substantial Presence Test
- Systems CPA Editorial Standards
Turn Turkey compliance into certainty
SYSTEMS CPA supports foreign-owned companies with company formation, accounting, tax compliance and payroll in Turkey — one accountable local partner. Reviewed by Evren Özmen, SMMM (Certified Public Accountant), TÜRMOB Reg. No. 35675.
