A Global Look At Investment Visas

Investment visa programs have been adopted worldwide. National governments have found them beneficial to their economies, and those who wish to immigrate and have the means to participate have flocked to these types of programs. This win-win situation has made this once unknown program undergo an unforeseen spike in popularity. 

When considering investment immigration, take a look at the different programs offered by different countries. You will find that they vary greatly with regards to timelines, regulations and benefits.

Below, we have compiled a chart with information regarding the top countries offering immigration through investment. Please consult it to learn more about which country is right for you. Click on the chart to make it larger. 

*Update* - The minimum investment amount for the U.S. investment visa program (EB-5) has increased from $500,000 to $800,000

Countries that Offer Citizenship/Residence through Investment Portugal Investment Type: Real estate Minimum investment amount: € 500,000 (Approx. $ 545,000) Residency type: Residency permit initially granted for 1 year and can be renewed in 2-year increments. Permanent Residence granted after 5 years.  Citizenship: Eligible to apply for passport after 6 years  Investment Timeframe: 5 years     Spain Investment Type: Real estate  Minimum investment amount: € 500,000 (Approx. $ 545,000) Residency type: Residency permit initially granted for 2 years and can be renewed in 2-year increments. Permanent Residence granted after 5 years.  Citizenship: Eligible to apply for passport after 10 years (5 years after grant of Permanent Residence)  Investment Timeframe: 5 years Australia  Investment Type: Businesses compliant with government regulations (excluding real estate) Minimum investment amount: AU$ 5,000,000 (Approx. $ 3,900,000) Residency type: Residency permit initially granted for 2 years and can be renewed in 2-year increments. Permanent Residence granted after 4 years.  Citizenship: Eligible to apply for passport after 5 years  Investment Timeframe: 4 years New Zealand Investment Type: Government Compliant Businesses  Minimum investment amount: NZ$ 1,500,000 (Approx. $ 1,140,000) Residency type: Temporary residence granted for 4 years. Permanent Residence granted after 4 years.  Citizenship: Eligible to apply for passport after 5 years  Investment Timeframe: 4 years Other Requirements/Restrictions: Minimum of 3 years business experience, English language requirement, 65 or younger, Real Estate investment allowed only if for commercial purposes.     UK Investment Type: Businesses compliant with government regulations (excluding real estate)  Minimum investment amount: £ 2,000,000 (Approx. $ 2,980,000) Residency type: Residency permit initially granted for 3 years and can be renewed for another 2 years. Permanent Residence granted after 5 years. Citizenship: Eligible to apply for passport after 6 years  Investment Timeframe: 5 years Other Requirements/Restrictions: Property Management businesses don’t qualify, some restrictions on working as a doctor or dentist USA Investment Type: Most Businesses except Real Estate (unless applying through a Regional Center)  Minimum investment amount: $ 500,000 Residency type: Conditional Residence granted for 2 years. Permanent Residence granted after 2 years. Citizenship: Eligible to apply for passport after 5 years  Investment Timeframe: Approximately 3 years for direct investments, 5+ years for regional center investments  Other Requirements/Restrictions: N/A

Comments are closed.