Investor immigration programs are opportunities to become a resident or even a citizen of another country by investing there. It works by paying a fee (usually hundreds of thousands of dollars) or investing in real estate, and in exchange, you are granted residency in that country, and often put on the path to full citizenship. There are various countries offering these programs with each having its own unique set of qualifying factors and benefits. This means that you will need to think carefully about which country will suit you best.
With these programs becoming more and more popular as people look to leave their own countries for financial, political, and social reasons, here are ten potential investor immigration programs you may want to check out.
1. Portugal
First launched back in 2012, the Golden Visa program in Portugal is one of Europe’s most popular investment programs. The program is open to everyone except for citizens of the EU, EEA, and Switzerland. You can find more information here about the application process for Portugal, but the whole thing usually takes no more than six months.
The Terms of the Different Qualifying investments
- An investment of at least €500,000 in any area for any type of Property.
- An investment of at least €400,000 for any type of property in an area of low population density.
- An investment of at least €350,000 for a property above 30 years old on the provision that you will rehabilitate the property.
- An investment of at least €280,000 for a property above 30 years old to be rehabilitated in an area of low population density.
- A transfer of €1 million of capital to Portugal.
- Providing at least ten full-time jobs in a company legally registered in Portugal.
- An investment of at least €350,000 in certain venture capital funds in Portugal.
- An investment of at least €350,000 for Portugese technological or scientific research.
- A donation of at least €250,000 to Portugese national heritage, culture or arts.
The Benefits of a Portugese Golden Visa
- Clear requirements and simple application process.
- The legal right to reside and work in the country.
- Visa-free travel throughout Schengen.
- An easy path to European citizenship.
- Opportunity to add your dependents and other family members.
2. Spain
Spain’s Golden Visa program was launched one year after Portugal’s in 2013. Spain’s culture, history, food, beaches, architecture, and quality of life make it a very desirable location for investor migration. The same restrictions as Portugal apply in terms of EU, EEA, and Swiss citizens not being permitted.
The Terms of the Different Qualifying investments
- An investment of at least €500,000 in Spanish property.
- A transfer of €1 million of capital to Spain.
- An investment of €2 million investment in government issued bonds.
The Benefits of a Spanish Golden Visa
- Fast application and acceptance process.
- Visa-free travel throughout Schengen.
- The legal right to reside, work, and study in the country.
- Opportunity to add your dependents and other family members.
3. Greece
Also launched in 2013, Greece’s program grants successful applicants a five-year legal residency. The program is open to any non-EU citizen with no criminal record. You must invest at least €250,000 in real estate in order to qualify, with the process taking around three months to complete.
The Benefits of a Greek Golden Visa
- Fast application and acceptance process.
- Visa-free travel throughout Schengen.
- The legal right to reside in the country.
- Full access to public education and health services.
- Relatively low investment in comparison to other Golden Visa programs.
- Opportunity to add your dependents and other family members.
- Path to Greek citizenship after seven years of residency.
4. Malta
Malta’s program is mainly aimed at wealthy investors. Called the Citizenship by Investment Program or the Individual Investor Program, you will need to make a financial contribution of €750,000 into the government-established national development fund. You will also need to invest a further €150,000 in other financial areas as directed and approved by the government, and also commit to renting or purchasing a property for five years. If you decide to purchase a property, its value must be at least €350,000.
The Benefits of a Maltese Golden Visa
- The opportunity to apply for full citizenship after just one year of residency.
- The opportunity to obtain an EU passport at the same time as becoming a Maltese citizen.
- The legal right to reside, work, and study in Malta as well as the rest of the EU.
5. St. Kitts And Nevis
The Citizenship by Investment Program of St. Kitts and Nevis was the world’s first program of its kind, first launched way back in 1984. To be eligible, you must make a donation of at least $150,000 to the country’s Sustainable Growth Fund, or a real estate investment of at least $400,000. After this, you should receive your passport in less than six months.
6. Antigua And Barbuda
Antigua and Barbuda’s citizenship program for investors provides a few different opportunities to obtain an economic passport. You can qualify by simply donating $100,000 to the country’s National Development Fund. Alternatively you can invest $1.5 million to establish a legally registered business. Finally, you can make a real estate investment of $400,000 in government-approved projects. Once you have your passport, you will be able to travel visa-free to more than 150 countries, including all of the countries in Schengen. Furthermore, you only need to reside in the country five days per year to be deemed a resident. The passport process usually takes around six months in total.
There are many other countries with investor immigration programs but these are six of the most exciting. Many of us do not want to just live in the countries where we were born, not with so many fantastic opportunities to live, work, and invest all around the world. If you are considering making an investment to become a resident in another country, make sure you do your research, and also find out what that may mean for your status in your own country.
