Spain which has around a million empty
homes across the whole country and is having poor banks due to these poisonous
assets from a housing bubble which burst in early 2008.
It has initiated to offer foreigner’s
a residency permit if they buy a property worth 160,000 euros ($200,000) or
more, the country's commerce secretary said on Monday.
Real estate prices are expected to
fall up to 30 percent more before leveling out, economists say, while there is
estimated to be more than a million homes around the country.
Spanish banks' bad loans ratio hit a
new high in September, the Bank of Spain said on Monday, with massive
unemployment and the economic downturn hitting Spaniards ability to repay their
debts.
It was unclear whether residency granted to
property investors would be extended to spouses and children under 18. Spain also
risks a backlash from other European countries if the move is seen to pave the
way towards eligibility for a Spanish passport, and therefore the right to live
and work in all 27 EU member states. Spain's banks have been saddled
with toxic debt since the bottom fell out of the property market causing many
developers to go bust.
About Spain
- Good Weather, Bad Economy
Indians who would consider Spain as a
destination for property investment would factor in aspects such as employment
potential, overall economic stability and outlook, and cost of living.
"Rather than focus purely on the promise of residential status, the
Spanish government would do well to market the country in a manner that brings
forth these aspects. For the first time since the euro crisis started, Spanish
banks have instituted steps to bring down prices — something that Ireland started
doing four years ago. The residential market in Spain is enormous and will soon
start getting very competitive," Puri says.
HUNGARY
A major development
in Hungarian immigration policy affecting ’investor residency’ is anticipated
imminently. On 27th October, 2012 the ruling party of Hungary
submitted a Bill to Parliament, which would offer permanent Hungarian residency
under preferential conditions for non-EU national investors willing to buy at
least €250,000 of government bonds.
The new Bill proposes that private
individuals or private companies, in which a private individual is a majority
shareholder, that have purchased and hold €250,000 of goverment bonds (’residency
bonds’) with a maturity period of a minimum of five years will qualify for this
new special category and be subject to preferential treatment.
Hungarian Goverment bonds are
considered as low risk investments, while offering favourable interest rates.
At maturity, the original capital is returned to the investor with interest.
The ’preferential treatment’
outlined in the Bill includes exemption from certain existing requirements
relating to Hungarian permanent residency. Notably there will be no
need for at least three years continuous physical residence in Hungary. Also,
unlike other immigration policies, legal representation will be permitted
throughout the entire preferential process, meaning that a petitioner’s
personal appearance or involvement in the process is not required and the whole
matter can be handled through a Hungarian immigration lawyer.
Hungarian permanent residents are
entitled to reside in Hungary
for an indefinite period of time. Unlike Hungarian citizens, however, permanent
residents cannot hold a Hungarian passport or vote in Government elections. But
otherwise they enjoy the same benefits in Hungary as citizens do, including
eligibility for Hungarian health care, public education, employment and
welfare, among others, and they receive a Hungarian ID card. Hungarian
permanent residents can travel visa-free to any Schengen state for a maximum
stay of up to 90 days.
·
Invest EUR250K
into state bonds or stock, Get permanent residency in two weeks, Get long-term
visas for your family, Live and travel freely in the EU!
About Hungary
- Hungary
is considered a favorable
destination within the EU for non-EU nationals wishing to acquire residency and
eventually citizenship, as businesspeople with a viable business plan, stable
income, and good local market knowledge can get a resident permit in the
country relatively easily. At present, this option, along with all other
requirements for business (such as banking), is open to all nationalities.
IRELAND
Immigrant Investor Programme
The Immigrant Investor
Programme is open to non-EEA nationals and their families who commit to an
approved investment in Ireland. Aproved
participants in the Programme and their immediate family members will be
granted rights of residence in Ireland
which will allow them to enter the State on multi-entry visas and to remain
here for a defined period but with the possibility of ongoing renewal. The Programme will facilitate
participants, over time, in establishing a permanent relationship with Ireland.
Each application will be examined on its merits in a qualitative
examination by an independent interdepartmental committee. The investment has
to be good for Ireland,
good for jobs and in the public interest, the funds invested have to be legally
acquired and owned by the investor (i.e. not borrowed). The person has to be of
good character.
In order to be considered for the programme the investor must propose an
investment in one or more of the following categories:-
a) A once off endowment of a
minimum of €500,000 to a public project benefiting the arts, sports,
health, culture or education.
b) A minimum €1,000,000 aggregate
investment into new or existing Irish businesses for a minimum of three years.
Funding by the investor through the intermediary of a venture capital fund will
be considered provided that it can be demonstrated that the net effect is at
least equivalent to that of a direct investment.
c) minimum €2,000,000 investment
in a special low interest 5 year immigrant investor bond. There will be
one interest payment of 5.1% at the end of the 5 year investment period and
this is equal to an annual equivalent interest rate of 1% (AER).
d) A minimum €1,000,000 mixed
investment consisting of €500k in property and €500K in immigrant investor
bonds.
Residence Permission granted to successful applicants: Successful
applicants can expect to receive residence permission for 5 years. An initial permission will be
granted for two years and following a review at that point to ensure the
investor is continuing to meet the conditions of the scheme (i.e. the
investment has not been withdrawn, they continue to be law abiding and self
sufficient), a further period of 3 years will be granted. After this initial 5 years
period, the investor will be free to apply for residence in 5 year
tranches. The investor is
not required to establish actual residence in Ireland. The Immigrant Investment
Programme is about rights of residence that the investor may exercise as their
business and family needs dictate. No
minimum residence requirement is set other than the stipulation that the
persons concerned should visit Ireland
at least once in every 12 month period.
Anyone interested in this
programme should read the Guidelines for the Immigrant Investor Programme which
outlines the requirements of the programme and the application
process.
CYPRUS
IMMIGRATION
PERMIT CATEGORY (F) / PERMANENT RESIDENCY WHEN BUYING A PROPERTY IN CYPRUS
Granting Cyprus
immigration permits to subjects of third countries who acquire property in Cyprus for
residential purposes.
Cyprus immigration permit category (F) / Permanent Residency, is suitable for applicants who
possess and have fully and freely at their disposal a secured annual income,
high enough to give them a decent living in Cyprus, without having to engage in
any business, trade or profession and avoid the time consuming procedures of
having to renew a temporary residence permit on a yearly basis. This can also
be acquired by buying a property in Cyprus.
The Cyprus immigration permit category (F) / Permanent Residency, gives people who
buy a property in Cyprus
the right to indefinitely remain in the island. It should also be noted that
granting of the Cyprus Immigration permit Category (F) / Permanent Residency is
not solely provided to the applicant that will buy a property in Cyprus, but also to the family of the person
that will buy a property in Cyprus.
This means that the applicant’s spouse, minor children under the age of 18 may
also be granted the Cyprus Immigration permit Category (F) / Permanent
Residency if he / she buys a property in Cyprus.
The annual income of the person to buy a property in Cyprus and apply for
the Cyprus Immigration permit Category (F) / Permanent Residency should be at least Euro 7.500 (seven
thousand five hundred euros) for a single applicant and moreover at least Euro
4.000 (four thousand euros) for every dependent person. Original documents
evidencing the secured annual income as well as proof for the purchase of property
in Cyprus
should be furnished before the application may be proceeded with.
The applications for people who buy a property in Cyprus in order to
achieve the Cyprus Immigration permit Category (F) / Permanent Residency are
fast-tracked and examined favorably by the government within a period of
maximum 6 months, where the applicant(s) purchased a property in Cyprus, i.e house or an apartment (for personal
use and worth over Euro 300.000) to reside. The purchase of a property in Cyprus proves the applicant’s intention to
permanently reside in Cyprus.
The application for Cyprus Immigration permit Category (F) / Permanent Residency should
be accompanied by the appropriate documents i.e. Bank Account, Title Ownership
of the property in Cyprus,
copy of passport, income declaration, etc. Furthermore the applicant must open
a bank account with a Cyprus Bank.
Any person who is granted the Cyprus
Immigration permit Category (F) / Permanent Residency status
after buying a property in Cyprus must accept this status by coming to Cyprus and
registering, within one year from the date of issuance of the Permanent
Residency, or else this status will be revoked.
For people who will buy a property in Cyprus
at EDEN Beach Apartments, through our partners (independent
law firm) we can assist you to achieve this Cyprus Immigration permit Category
(F) / Permanent Residency status and enjoy living in your property in Cyprus all
round the year
Special
Note: Information indicated in this
document related to buying a property in Cyprus and Cyprus
Immigration permit Category (F) / Permanent Residency are for guidance only and
were accurate on the stated date of publication or last modification, 1/1/2012
It is a permit, which grants PERMANENT RESIDENCE WITHOUT RIGHT TO WORK in the Republic of Cyprus.
It concerns NON EU
NATIONALS.
This permit is also granted to the
spouse and minor children (under the age of 18) of the holder.
Upon the decision of the Minister of
Interior of the Republic
of Cyprus, dated on
7/05/2009, when a non EU Member buys a PROPERTY
- RESIDENCE for
himself and his family of €300.000 and more, his application for
Permanent Residence, Category F will be examined favourably.
This type of permit is granted to
those NON EU nationals, who possess and have fully and freely at their disposal
aSECURED ANNUAL INCOME,
high enough to give them a decent living in Cyprus, WITHOUT HAVING TO ENGAGE IN ANY
BUSINESS, TRADE OR PROFESSION. This income must come from legal sources from abroad. For
example, it might come from pensions, permanent deposits, business activities,
ownership of companies, shares etc.
According the provisions of the Law
the MINIMUM annual income required is €9,568.17 for a single applicant and€4,613.22 for every dependent person, but the Civil Registry and
Migration Department may demand ADDITIONAL
AMOUNTS as
necessary. These additional amounts might come from annual maintenance expenses
of the property, educational, medical and other needs of the family in each
particular case. It is always necessary to take in consideration ALL NEEDS OF THE FAMILY of the applicant and to offer solid
evidence that the applicant is able to cover all those needs on the long run.
He has to prove that the money he is getting from abroad will be enough to
cover ALL
EXPENSES of the
family.
As the Category F is the permit,
granted once but for the permanent stay in Cyprus, the Immigration Authorities
will examine the STABILITY and RELIABILITY of annual income during a long period of time.
The possession of a solid amount of money, deposited in one of the banks of Cyprus might
facilitate the application.
Basically, the most important requirements are:
1.
The
applicant has enough
money to cover all expenses of all
members of his family
2.
This
money come
from abroad
3.
This
money come from legal
sources
4.
This
income is secured, reliable and consistent on a long run and this income will be maintained in
time
If there is a reasonable doubt that
the applicant or any of his dependents might become an UNREASONABLE BURDEN ON THE SOCIAL
ASSISTANCE of the
Republic of Cyprus his application will be rejected.
If a holder of the Category F Permit
does not live in Cyprus for
almost two years he might lose his right of permanent residence in Cyprus.
Malaysia...
Anyone granted permanent residence
status in Malaysia
is issued with an Entry Permit and Identification Card which entitles the
individual to:
·
Reside
in Malaysia
for as long as they wish
·
Work
and do business in the country
·
Buy
property anywhere in Malaysia
·
Be
exempt from any visa or immigration requirements
Eligibility requirements for
Permanent Residence Status applicants:
·
High net worth
individuals,
who have a minimum of US$ 2 million Fixed Deposit in a Malaysian bank. This
should remain in the bank for a period of five years. The individual and their
spouse and children may seek permanent resident status after five years' stay
in Malaysia.
Applications should be submitted to the Immigration Department
·
Highly talented
and highly skilled individuals, who are considered "world class" by any
international organisation and who are recommended by an organisation. To apply
for permanent residency in this category, applicants must submit a Good Conduct
report from their home country that should be submitted with their application
to the Immigration Department
·
Professionals, who are considered to have
outstanding skills may apply for permanent residency. Applicants must be
recommended by a relevant agency in Malaysia and submit a Good Conduct
report from their home country. Applications should be submitted to the
Immigration Department
·
Spouse of a
Malaysian Citizen may apply for permanent residency if
married to a Malaysian citizen for a minimum period of five years. The spouse
must also have stayed in Malaysia
for five years. The applicant should already have a Long Term Visit Pass
and have one Malaysian sponsor. Applications should be made to the Immigration
Department
·
The Points Based System is another way of applying for
permanent residency. The minimum number of points required to apply for
permanent residence status is 65 points out of 120. Applicants are also
required to have one Malaysian sponsor and submit a Good Conduct report from
their home country. Applications should be made to the Immigration Department
Because Malaysia
is formerly a part of the British Empire, it
has many laws left over from that time. One is a very relaxed system on foreign
property purchases. Foreigners may buy any property, anywhere in Malaysia, as
long as it costs more than RM500,000 (€124,500), although they are currently
trying to make it RM1million (€249,000).
BAHAMAS
The
following persons are among the category of persons who may apply for permanent
residence:
·
Spouse of a
Bahamian after 5 years of marriage; the marriage must be subsisting; and the
couple must also be cohabiting as husband and wife
·
Persons born
legitimately outside of The Bahamas to a married woman, who is a citizen of The
Bahamas, and whose husband is not a citizen of The Bahamas
·
Financially
independent individuals or investors who are legitimate owners of a residence
in The Bahamas – please note that persons purchasing a residence for BS$1.5
million or more will get speedy consideration
·
Doctors / Medical
professionals after having been employed for a minimum of 20 years
·
Persons who have
held legal status (work or resident permit) for more than 20 consecutive years
Applicants
must be at least 18 years of age and of good character and must state in the
application that he or she intends to reside permanently in The Bahamas.
Permanent
Residence has become very popular and accelerated consideration of application
is given to major international investors and owners of residences valued
at five hundred thousand Bahamian
dollars (B$500,000) or more.
Buying a property costing USD500,000 or
more will almost guarantee that your application for permanent residency in Bahamas will be accepted quickly, provided you
can prove you are of good character, financially solvent, and say in writing
that you wish to live permanently in Bahamas.
The Bahamas or
residence be valued at one million, five hundred thousand Bahamian dollars
(B$1.5 million) or more, a response from the Immigration Department is
guaranteed
within twenty one days of submission of a complete application. The government fee for this is a one-time
fee of ten thousand Bahamian dollars
(B$10,000)
and one hundred Bahamian dollars (B$100) for an applicant’s spouse and
dependent minors. Higgs & Johnson’s
fee for the initial application for the primary applicant is three thousand
Bahamian dollars (B$3,000) (minimum) subject to increase in
complex
and lengthy cases and payment on account of one thousand five hundred Bahamian
dollars (B$1,500) should be made upon our being instructed. Although
our
experience has been positive, as mentioned above, the grant of permanent
residency is in the absolute discretion of the Board. In addition to paying the B$100 processing
fee the following documents are required:
1.
A copy of the
bio-data page of the applicant's passport;
2.
2 passport-sized
identical colour photographs of the applicant, with the applicant’s name
printed on the reverse side (photographs must not be more than 6 months old);
3.
An original
police certificate of character (issued not more than six months prior to the
submission of the application;
4.
Original birth
certificate (In the case of certificates that are written in languages other
than English, an English translation should be submitted, sealed by the appropriate
Consular Office where applicable, with a BS$10 Bahamian postage stamp affixed
to it;
5.
An original
medical certificate dated not more than 30 days prior to the submission of the
application;
6.
2 original
character references, written by persons known to the applicant for at least 5
years;
7.
Parents’ birth
certificate;
8.
Parents’ marriage
certificate;
9.
Marriage
certificate (married persons);
10.
Spouse’s death
certificate (widowed persons);
11.
Divorce decree
(divorcees); and
12.
Financial
statements from applicant’s financial institution citing a figure range, and
verifying economic worth
A
person holding a certificate of permanent residence who wishes to include his
wife, or dependent child under the age of eighteen (18) and ordinarily resident
in his household, may have them endorsed on the certificate at the time of his
original application or at a subsequent date, subject to such conditions as
might be laid down by the Board.
All
international persons owning residences in The Bahamas are eligible to receive,
upon application to the Director of Immigration, an annual “Home Owners Card”.
This card facilitates entry into The Bahamas and entitles the owner, his/her
spouse and minor children to multiple entries to The Bahamas and the ability to
remain in The Bahamas for the duration of the validity of the card.
MALTA
Property
Applicants are required to own a
Qualifying Property Holding, being property in Malta purchased after the 1st
January 2011 for a value of not less than €400,000, and must serve as the
applicant’s habitual residence, and that of any accompanying family members.
Alternatively, the applicant may opt to rent property in Malta for not
less than €20,000 per annum.
Permanent Residence applications received
and acknowledged
The old threshold of €116,000 continues
to apply to properties purchased before the 14th September 2011, or to any
promise of sale agreements entered into prior to this date in pursuit of a
Permanent Residence permit. However, the certificate of special tax status will
only be granted when evidence is submitted that the property has actually been
purchased by not later than 31st March 2012.
Furthermore, the old threshold of
€4,150 continues to apply to lease agreements entered into prior to the 14th
September 2011 where a copy of such agreement, attested by a notary or
advocate, is deposited with the Inland Revenue Department, by not later than
31st March 2012.
Such Qualifying Property Holding may
not be let or sub-let.
Financial Resources and Insurance
The applicant must not already
benefit from the Residence Scheme Regulations or from the Highly Qualified
Individual Rules. As in the case of EU/EEA/Swiss nationals, the applicant must
also be in receipt of stable and regular resources which are sufficient to
support himself/herself as well as any accompanying dependants and be in
possession of adequate health insurance cover for himself/herself and any
accompanying dependants covering the EU Territory. A new requirement is that
the individual must satisfy a “fit and proper test” in order to be granted a
permit under this scheme.
Furthermore, Non-EU/EEA/Swiss
applicants must be fluent in English or Maltese.
Tax Treatment
A 15% rate of tax is charged in
respect of foreign income remitted to Malta with the possibility of
claiming double tax relief. The minimum annual tax stands at €25,000 with an
added €5,000 per dependant, after claiming any double tax relief. Other
chargeable income of the beneficiary (and that of his or her spouse) that is
not taxed at the special rate of 15% will be taxed at 35%. A beneficiary of
this scheme and his or her spouse cannot opt for a separate tax computation. A
beneficiary is also subject to the payment of Provisional Tax payments.
The above minimum amounts of tax
payable are not refundable, and the minimum tax for the first year will be
payable by not later than the tax return date and will not be subject to
Provisional Tax payments.
Entry and stay in Malta
An applicant for High Net-Worth
Individual status who declares in the application that he does not intend to
become a long-term resident of Malta
may not spend more than 9 months in a calendar year in Malta. Such
individual would be expected to leave Malta for a minimum period of 3
months in a calendar year, and will not be eligible for long-term residency
status. In such cases, the applicant need not enter into a qualifying contract
to benefit from the High Net-Worth Individuals Rules.
However, in the case of an applicant
who declares that he intends to become a long-term resident of Malta in the
application form, such individual would need to become a party to a qualifying
contract. Such contract is an agreement that is entered into between the
Government of Malta and the applicant wherein the applicant contributes an
amount of funds to the Government of Malta.
It is important to note that the
special tax status granted by the High Net-Worth Individuals Rules does not
grant the beneficiary a right to enter, stay and reside in Malta, at any
time throughout the duration of such status.
Minimum Stay Requirements
Applicants may not spend more than
183 days in any other jurisdiction.
Registration Fee
A one-time registration fee of
€6,000 is levied by the Government. Such fee is however waived in the case of
applications for special tax status under the High Net-Worth Individuals Rules
made further to an application under the Residents Scheme Regulations, and
which application was duly received and acknowledged by the Commissioner of
Inland Revenue before the 14th September 2011. This concession will continue to
apply in respect of applications submitted until the 15th of September 2012.
Permit holders are also allowed to
carry on an economic activity in Malta.
Annual Return
An individual who benefits from this
special tax status must submit an Annual Tax Return which should include any
material changes that affect the beneficiary’s special tax status.
Current Holders of a Permanent Residence
Scheme Certificate
Holders of a Permanent Residence
Certificate may continue enjoying their current status and conditions unless
they opt for this new scheme. It should be noted however that the following
conditions for eligibility have been added through amendments to the Permanent
Residence Scheme Regulations:
§
The
holder of the certificate must be in receipt of stable and regular resources
sufficient to maintain himself/herself and his/her dependants without recourse
to the social assistance system in Malta;
§
The
holder of the certificate must be in possession of sickness insurance in
respect of all risks normally covered for Maltese nationals, for
himself/herself as well as for any accompanying dependants;
§
The
property being declared as the holder’s place of residence cannot be occupied
by any person other than the holder of the certificate and his/her family
members.
However, if such individuals sell
their dwelling house, or terminate their current lease agreement, they must
acquire a Qualifying Property Holding in order to maintain their eligibility
for the Scheme, being a property in Malta acquired for a consideration
of not less than €400,000, or leased for a consideration of not less than
€20,000 per annum.
In those cases where the holders of
a Permanent Residence Scheme certificate sold their dwelling house or
terminated their lease agreement before the 14th September 2011, the property
will still qualify as a Qualifying Property Holding if such individuals:
§
Purchased
another property before the 14th September 2011 for a consideration of not less
than €116,000; or
§
Entered
into a promise of sale agreement prior to the 14th September 2011 to buy a
property for a consideration of not less than €116,000 and actually purchase
the property to which the promise of sale agreement refers by not later than
31st March 2012; or
§
Entered
into a new lease agreement prior to the 14th September 2011 for an amount of
not less than €4,150 per annum, and deposit a copy of such agreement, attested
by a notary or advocate, to the Inland Revenue Department, by not later than
31st March 2012.
In all cases, the property must be
occupied by the individual as his/her primary residence worldwide, and the only
persons that may reside in the property other than the individual beneficiary
are his/her family members.
The holder of the certificate is
also required to submit an annual declaration accompanied by documentary
evidence and/or professional attestation as proof that he/she has satisfied all
the conditions required by the Permanent Residence Scheme Regulations.
Submission of applications
An application for special tax
status under the High Net Worth Individuals Rules may only be submitted to the
Commissioner of Inland Revenue through the services of a person that qualifies
as an Authorised Registered Mandatory, registered as such with the Commissioner
of Inland Revenue under the High Net Worth Individuals Rules. EMD as an
Authorised Registered Mandatory may assist you with your application for
residency under this scheme as well as with any tax and legal requirements.
Double
Taxation Relief
Malta residents are afforded protection
by double taxation agreements, which ensure that tax is never paid twice on the
same income in different countries. Malta has an extensive network of
double taxation treaties. Most treaties are based on the OECD Model Convention,
and relief is granted under the credit method whereby a credit for the foreign
tax paid is given. Where there is no double taxation treaty, another form of
relief from double taxation available under domestic law, namely unilateral
relief, largely achieves the same outcome.
Inheritance
and Transfer Tax
No death tax or duty is payable in Malta. However,
duty on documents and transfers is payable by the heirs of the deceased; the
purchaser of real estate situated in Malta,
and upon the purchase of shares in Malta companies.
However, no such duty is payable on
share transfers effected by shareholders in or by trading companies which have
business interests to the extent of more than ninety per cent outside Malta.
Likewise, an exemption from duty on share transfers in holding companies exists
where more than half of the ordinary share capital, voting rights and rights to
profits are held by persons who are not resident in Malta. Subject to certain
exceptions, duty is due at the rate of five per cent in the case of real
estate, and two per cent in the case of shares.
Purchase of Real Estate
Non-residents may freely purchase
one property in Malta,
subject to obtaining an AIP permit. This restriction does not apply to
properties in Special Designated Areas and, in the case of EU citizens who have
not been resident in Malta
for at least five continuous years, to property which is to serve as their
primary residence. On the other hand, EU citizens who have been resident in Malta
for at least five continuous years may purchase any number of properties they
wish.
CHINA
Foreign investors can apply for
Permanent Residence if they have direct investment in PRC for three
years in a row and have a sound taxation record and meet any of the following
terms and conditions:
1. having made investment of over USD 500,000 in industries of encouraged type
as specified in the Catalogue of Industries of Foreign Investment released by
the State;
2. having made total investment of over USD 500,000 in counties in the western
part of the country or in counties which are major targets of poverty relief
work undertaken by the State;
3. having total investment of over
USD 1 million in the central part of the country;
4. having total investment of over
USD 2 million in PRC.
Requirements:
1. Completed Application Form of Aliens for Permanent Residence in
PRC;
2. Four recent 2-inch color photos (full face without hat) against blue
background;
3. Valid foreign passports or identification capable of substituting passports;
4. Certificate of health issued by Entry-Exit Inspection and Quarantine Bureau appointed
by the Chinese government or issued by foreign medical agencies accredited by
Chinese embassies or consulate offices (the Health Certificate is valid for 6
months since it is issued);
5. Proof of no criminal record abroad recognized by Chinese embassies or
consulate offices.
6. Certificates of approval of foreign funded enterprises, certificate of
registration, proof of combined annual inspection, report of assets valuation
and proof of personal tax payment. In case of foreign funded enterprises of
encouraged type, letter of confirmation of the foreign invested projects which
the State encourages should also be provided.
Bulgaria
Who is our Immigration Program aimed at?
Our Immigration Program is aimed at
investors. If you invest €512,000 into Bulgaria via our Government
approved Investment Program then you and your family (spouse and children) will
qualify.
There is no need to reside in the country.
Moreover when you get permanent residency you do not need to renew it
annually; it will last indefinitely. With other programs what you get is an
annual licence to remain which is not the same thing.
Please read our guarantees: your money, at all times, stays under your
control. You have 100% peace of mind.
Property
What will you invest in?
We handpick a property portfolio
for you that has been built and finished to a luxury specification. Most of the
properties we offer are newly built readily available to reside in as well as
be rented out immediately. We choose only locations that offer the best
prospects in terms of rental and capital growth as well as swift resale
potential. With our teams’ global property success across 25 different markets,
we are equipped with the knowledge to ensure the properties we offer represent
the best available option.
As an investment property in Bulgaria offer
the following advantages:
·
Amongst
the cheapest prices in Europe and 40% down on
peak prices 2 years ago
·
Excellent
hedge against inflation
·
Attractive
tax advantages
·
An
investment you own and control and can use
·
Having
a home in Bulgaria
helps with the application for citizenship
·
Guaranteed
rental return meaning your investment works for you
·
Reclaim
vat of approximately €82,000 on an investment of €512,000
St. Kitts and Nevis
When purchasing a property in St. Kitts and Nevis
for USD400,000 or more, buyers automatically qualify for residency. The program
also gives home buyers visa-free travel to more than 100 countries, including
the Schengen Zone (25 EU countries), Canada, the UK, Hong Kong, Singapore,
etc., as well as making it easier to gain a residency permit to Monaco,
Switzerland, Andorra, the UK, Bermuda, Cayman Islands, Bahamas and other
Caribbean countries.
Seychelles
his is the simplest deal of its type: Quite
simply anyone who buys a residential property in Seychelles is automatically granted
a residency permit. The residency permit is valid for five years, after which
it can be easily renewed by paying the application fee of approximately
USD12,500.
Mauritius
Foreigners can now buy property
through one of the government’s schemes: the Permanent Residence Scheme (PRS),
Integrated Resort Scheme (IRS), and Scheme to Attract Professionals for
Emerging Sectors (SAPES).
§
The
PRS grants residency to foreigners who purchase up to 1.25 arpents (5,050m2) of
residential property costing at least USD500,000. Foreigners may only purchase
land at least 100 metres away from the sea.
§
Under
the IRS, foreigners may purchase luxury villas of up to 1.25 arpents each. As a
property owner, a residency permit is also granted, which is extended to the
investor’s family.
§
SAPES
is an incentive to encourage professionals to work in Mauritius and
allows foreign professionals to acquire residential property.
SOUTH AFRICA
A further option exists whereby
applicants will further also qualify for Permanent Residence in
this category only if the are able to prove the following:
·
A
net asset value of ZAR 7,5
Million
and
·
Provide
proof of payment of a non-refundable amount of ZAR 75,000 (Seventy Five Thousand
Rand) to the
Director General of Home Affairs.
or
The requirements, in order to
qualify in the Investor category, are that an applicant must be able to
demonstrate a right to the following:
·
An
income from a combination of assets
or
·
A
lifelong pension
or
·
The
right to an irrevocable lifetime retirement annuity
delivering to the applicant an income of not less than ZAR 20,000 (Twenty
Thousand Rand) per month.
Switzerland
For Non EU citizens , there are 2
ways to gain residence permit in Switzerland.
1. Swiss Company Formation (For
Business Investors)
2. Swiss Lump Sum Taxation (For Retirees)
A foreign national can obtain residence permit by setting up a company
in Switzerland
with the scope of creating new jobs, thus contributing to the economic
development of the country. The popular company types are GmBH / SARL (like
LLC), AG (corporation).
Foreigners are issued residence permit in Switzerland, upon paying a
`Annual lump sum taxation` fee – aminimum of CHF 150’000 (approx
USD 170’000) or more, depending on swiss canton, you chose
(except Zurich). This yearly tax fee is the minimum and must be paid to swiss
cantonal authorities, irrespective of family of worldwide income or
assets. There are many expensive swiss cantons, where this lump sum goes
from CHF 500,000 to CHF 1 million.
SLOVAKIA
ou can obtain a temporary residence permit in Slovakia on the following basis:
Real-estate ownership or company
establishment, where a person, willing to obtain a residence permit is just a
member, i.e. an owner but not an executive director, cannot be a ground
for receiving a temporary residence permit.
Documents for the residence permit
are to be filed in the country of citizenship or residence, apart from, for
example, the exceptions, stated below or in case when an applicant does not
need a visa to enter Slovakia.
Besides the documents which are
prepared by our company or together with an applicant, the following documents
are to be filed in an embassy:
·
application
form
·
state
duty
·
foreign
passport
·
2
photos 3x3,5 cm
·
document
serving as a basis for obtaining a residence permit
·
documents
of no criminal record with an apostille or higher validation
·
document
proving a place of stay in Slovakia
·
document
proving availability of financial resources for living in Slovakia
Important:
A certificate of no criminal
record for obtaining a temporary residence permit in Slovakia
should be provided from the country of citizenship, Slovakia, as well as from the
country where an applicant has lived within the past three years. Applicants
under 14, as well as people who apply for a residence permit in virtue of work
at civil divisions of armed forces do not need to file a certificate of no
criminal record.
All the documents, issued by governmental
organizations from other countries, which are filed for a residence permit in Slovakia by an
applicant, for example, a certificate of no criminal record, a birth
certificate, a marriage certificate must have an apostille.
All the documents, that are
submitted together with an application for a residence permit must be in the
Slovak language or must have been translated into the Slovak language by a
translator, registered within the Justice Department of Slovakia.
Document from a bank proving availability
of financial resources for living in Slovakia must indicate that you
have no less than a single amount of a minimum subsistence income for each
month of living, but sufficient no less than for a year. It amounted
approximately 2 300 euros in 2011. If an applicant submits documents for a
residence permit within Slovakia
on the grounds of an entrepreneurship, he/she must indicate a fivefold amount
of a minimum subsistence income for each month of living, but sufficient no
less than for a year. It amounted approximately 19 100 euros in 2011. The
certificate may be from any bank and in any currency, but with a conversion
into euros.
All the documents must be no older
than 90 days at the moment of filing the application.
The decision on getting a residence
permit should be made in 90-days period, besides a few exceptions. Police have
a right to extend this period by another 90 days in extra difficult cases. The
period for making a decision starts when police in Slovakia receives the application,
and not at the moment of filing the application.
A new act on residence permit is
being worked out during 2011. The law must be adopted this autumn. The act is
still not adopted make some additions to the rules of receiving a residence
permit and a permanent residence within Slovakia. It will be enacted on
January 2011.
Please remember:
A foreigner must present to police
a document that confirms an existence of insurance in Slovakia as
well as a document on health conditions within 30 days after picking up the
temporary residence permit. Several medical centers issue such documents after
passing a medical examination. It costs 193 EUR in Bratislava for adults from most of the
countries and 50 EUR for children under 5. The prices are a bit higher for
people from Asia.
A foreign resident must enter Slovakia and
pick up the residence permit within 180-days period since the moment of making
a decision on a residence permit.
Foreign residents must obey the
law of the Slovak
Republic at any time.
An applicant must tell the truth,
must not provide insufficient, incorrect information at the interview in the
embassy.
Foreign citizens with a residence
permit in Slovakia
must inform the police if their passport data has been changed or if they have
received a new passport.
Foreign citizens must inform the
police if their passport has been lost or stolen.
Foreign citizens must inform the
police within 3 days that the basis for their temporary residence permit is no
longer valid.
Foreign citizens must live at the
registration address is Slovakia.
If a foreign citizen changes their
actual address within Slovakia,
he must inform the police about this fact within three days after that change.
He also must change the label with their residence permit in the passport and
receive a new label with a new address.
If a foreign citizen with a
residence permit in Slovakia
leaves Slovakia
for more than 180 days he must inform the police about this fact.
Temporary residence permit is
fixed only to a single objective. If, for example, the basis for a residence
permit was work, you are allowed to work, if the basis was entrepreneurship,
you are allowed to carry on business only, with a few exceptions.
If you received a residence permit
on the basis of an entrepreneurship or a work, you must carry on your business
or earn an amount of money that will be sufficient for you and your family.
This means your net profit must exceed a minimum subsistence income for each
family member.
A foreign citizen who is a member
of a statutory body of a cooperative with a legal address or a branch, situated
within Slovakia,
does not need a work permission to work.
An application to prolong a
residence permit must be filed no later than the last day of a previous
residence permit.
If a foreign citizen with a
residence permit within Slovakia
is not going to prolong the residence permit, he must leave Slovakia no later than at the last
day of residence permit.
UK
Like most countries, the UK welcomes
wealthy individuals. If you have the necessary funds, it is relatively simple
to get a visa to come to the UK
as an investor. The requirements are:
·
You
must have at least £1 million in your control to invest in the UK, of which at
least £750,000 must be invested in:
·
Unit trusts
·
Private companies
NOT
·
Property
investment companies.
·
Off shore
companies.
·
Banks or building
society accounts
·
The
remaining £250,000 may be invested as you wish.
·
You
may not take employment beyond managing your investments.
·
You
must make the UK your main
home, you do not need to spend all your time in the UK, but you should spend at least
50% of your time here.
Singapore
Singapore Permanent
Residence – GIP Scheme
Singapore permanent residence can be bought
if you are willing to invest a small fortune in the country and support your
funds with proven entrepreneurial skills. This particular scheme officially
known as Global Investor Programme (GIP Scheme) is often referred to as
Investor Scheme and requires you to invest at lease 2.5 million dollars in
order to qualify under the scheme. Given the high capital investment and prior
business turnover requirements, we feel that GIP scheme is very unattractive
and does not make a whole lot of sense. The only affordable and practical way
to gain permanent residence in Singapore
is through the PTS Scheme.
At present, under
the Investor Scheme, you can choose either of the following investment options:
1.
Option
A: Invest at least S$2.5 million in a new business startup or expansion of an
existing business operation.
2.
Option
B: Invest at least S$2.5 million in a GIP-approved fund that invests in
Singapore-based companies.
Assessment criteria for Option A applicants
In order to qualify
for the GIP Scheme you must:
·
Meet
the minimum investment requirement of S$2.5 million in a new
business start-up or expansion of an existing business operation;
·
Possess
at least three years of business or entrepreneurial track record;
·
Submit
audited financial statements of your company for the last three years;
·
Have
at least 30% shareholding in the company if it is privately owned;
·
Submit
a three-year business/investment plan with employment and annual financial
projections;
·
Ensure
that your existing business meets the following turnover requirements:
·
For
companies in the real estate or construction-related industries: A minimum of
S$200 million in the most recent year and at least S$200 million per annum on
average for the last three years.
·
For
companies in other business sectors: A minimum of S$50 million in the most
recent year and at least S$50 million per annum on average for the last three
years.
If you own more than
one business, you must submit the financial statements of the company which has
the highest turnover. You are free to consolidate your businesses in order to
meet the minimum annual turnover criteria. Authorities will also take into
account the following factors:
·
Your
role and position in the company.
·
The
profitability of your company.
Note that you must
meet the employment and financial milestones that you have set in your
business/investment plan at the end of a three-year period.
Assessment criteria for Option B applicants
In order to qualify
for the GIP Scheme you must:
·
Meet
the minimum investment requirement of S$2.5 million in a GIP-approved
fund that invests in Singapore-based companies.;
·
Possess
at least three years of business or entrepreneurial track record;
·
Submit
audited financial statements of your company for the last three years;
·
Have
at least 30% shareholding in the company if it is privately owned;
·
Ensure
that your existing business meets the following turnover requirements:
·
For
companies in the real estate or construction-related industries: A minimum of
S$200 million in the most recent year and at least S$200 million per annum on
average for the last three years.
·
For
companies in other business sectors: A minimum of S$50 million in the most
recent year and at least S$50 million per annum on average for the last three
years.
If you own more than
one business, you must submit the financial statements of the company which has
the highest turnover. You are free to consolidate your businesses in order to
meet the minimum annual turnover criteria. Authorities will also take into
account:
·
Your
role and position in the company.
·
The
profitability of your company.
APPROVED BUSINESS SECTORS FOR GIP
SCHEME
You can choose to
invest in any of the following business sectors under the GIP scheme:
·
Biomedical.
·
Healthcare
services.
·
Pharmaceuticals
and biotechnology.
·
Medical
technology.
·
Alternative
energy.
·
Education.
·
Professional
services.
·
Electronics
including electronic components, electronics systems, and semiconductors.
·
Chemicals.
·
Engineering
services.
·
Energy.
·
Environment
technology.
·
Media
and entertainment.
·
Telecommunication.
·
Information
technology.
·
Philanthropy
including NGOs, NPOs, etc.
·
Lifestyle
and sports including art galleries, museums, auction houses, art logistics, art
theaters, production houses, sports academies, headquarters of sports
companies, etc.
·
New
technology such as intelligent systems, nanotechnology, new-technology enables
industries, etc.
·
Logistics.
·
Precision
Engineering.
·
Transport
engineering including aerospace, marine, land, oil and gas.
·
New
technologies including intelligent systems, nanotechnology, etc.
CANADA
The Immigrant Investor Program
(IIP) aims to attract experienced business people to contribute to Canada’s growth
and long-term prosperity by making a sizable investment into the Canadian
economy. Investors seeking permanent residence must:
·
show
that they have business experience
·
have
a minimum net worth of C$1,600,000
that was obtained legally and
·
make
a C$800,000 investment.
Your investment is administered by
Citizenship and Immigration Canada (CIC) and is guaranteed by the Canadian
provinces that use it to create jobs and help their economies grow.
If your application is approved,
you must make your investment before a permanent resident visa will be issued.
You must usually do this within 30 days. The visa office will send you a
letter with instructions. Learn more about making your
investment.
CIC will return your C$800,000 investment, without
interest, about five years and three months after payment.
BRAZIL
Brazil's National
Immigration Council (NIC) issued Resolution 60/04 on October 6, 2004, which
supersedes Resolution 28 of November 25, 1998, with respect to the issuance of
permanent visas to alien investors in Brazil. With this newer rule, the
amount of an investment needed for obtaining a permanent residency in Brazil was lowered to US$50,000 and this has
become the easiest and fastest way of getting residency in Brazil.
You can obtain a permanent residency in Brazil, by
investing the minimum amount of US$50K in, for example, a piece of real estate,
such as a rental apartment or condo-hotel unit (flat) or even by opening a
small business, such as a restaurant.
Under this new Resolution, a permanent visa
allows a foreigner to live and work in Brazil
with the purpose of investing his or her own foreign funds in productive
activities or investing in existing activities in Brazil.
Under the new rules, a permanent visa can be
obtained by a foreigner when the following conditions are met:
a minimum
investment of US$50,000, from individual resources in productive activities;
the
investment can be made into his or her newly opened company or in an already
existing business.
The procedure is pretty easy for a foreigner;
the documentation needed is basically a Power of Attorney, copy of passport,
and proof of address in native country.
This is how it works: usually, a corporation is
opened for the applicant (in his name - as the owner) and subsequently a bank
account will be opened. Afterwards, a registration takes with Banco Central do
Brasil and the minimum amount of US$50,000 is authorized to be wired from the
investor's account abroad to his new corporate account. It is worth mentioning
that when you transfer the money from your bank through the Central Bank of Brazil (Banco Central) to your own bank account
in Brazil,
that the money remains yours and stays with you at your disposal at all times
and under your sole control.
Once this has been completed, Banco Central do
Brasil will issue a certificate. With that certificate your visa application
will be filed in Brazil,
approved, issued and sent to any Brazilian Consulate abroad, as per your
request, so your passport can be stamped.
Compared to other Central America Residency
Investor Programs, there is no comparison. Central American countries like Costa Rica
charge US$50,000 to obtain a second residency, but the investment goes to
government tree planting projects that you have no control over and it is
doubtful that you will ever receive a penny of profit. Consider it a donation.
Freedom to choose your investment, you can
choose your own investment. It could vary a lot, from real estate to new
businesses. Most foreigners, usually those who are already purchasing real
estate, take advantage. But here are some direct examples:
Holiday apartment. It might be an excellent idea for you
to invest your money, where you could spend your vacations and lease it out
while you are not there;
Flats in São Paulo. Low prices,
equity, non-management needs, and monthly income make these a great investment
opportunity.
There are many reasons to choose the Investment
Program path, some of the reasons for this are:
1. The ability for applicant to work in their
own business.
2. Minimum amount of time required per year to
be here.
3. The fact that the program is encouraged and
pre-approved by the government.
4. Unrestricted. Applicant and family members
may apply and work at any endeavor.
5. Includes entire family including spouse and
children up to 18 years.
6. Brazilian Citizenship and Passport possible
in only 4 year's time.
7. Favorable Tax and Extradition laws.
8. No personal appearance in Brazil is
required for processing. You will pick up the Permanent Visa at the Brazilian
embassy or consulate in your home country and then you will enter Brazil with the
"Resident Investor Status".
9. It is good for 5 years and takes 60 days for
a permanent visa to be issued.
10. You do NOT have to remain in Brazil during
your residency. You can visit for as little as a few days every two years.
11. If you are single, a Brazilian Citizenship
and Passport is possible after only one year of marriage to a Brazilian
citizen.
12. A Resident Investor has almost all rights of
a Brazilian Citizen except political. You can not vote or get politically
involved.
In conclusion, there is no other program that
offers a faster and better cost/benefit ratio for a foreigner than the US$50K
Investment Residency Program.
Investment programs in comparison
Below you can find our analysis of
the most attractive investment programs of the world. Enjoy your reading.
Country
|
Required
Amount of Investment
|
Immediate
Result of the Program
|
Dual
Citizenship and Second Passport
|
Canada (Federal Investment Program)
|
800,000 CAD for five years without interest. To
participate in the program investor is expected to have legally obtained
assets in the amount of 1,600,000 CAD.
|
Investor and his family members get Permanent Resident
Visa and Permanent Resident Card.
|
Recognized. After 3 years of residence investor and his
family members may acquire second citizenship of Canada.
|
Canada (Quebec Investment program)
|
800,000 CAD for five years without interest. To
participate in the program investor is expected to have legally obtained
assets in the amount of 1,600,000 CAD. Inherited money can be regarded as
legally obtained and can be included.
|
Investor and his family members get Permanent Resident
Visa and Permanent Resident Card.
|
Recognized. After 3 years of residence investor and his
family members may acquire second citizenship of Canada.
|
Canada (Federal and/or Quebec Investment Program) – Loan Option.
To participate in the program investor is still expected to have legally
obtained assets in the amount of 1,600,000 CAD.
|
220,000 CAD must be invested. Investor can borrow 580,000
CAD from an approved Canadian Bank. No funds are returned to investor after 5
years. This walk-away option of investment is more popular than Full Cash
Option.
|
Investor and his family members get Permanent Resident
Visa and Permanent Resident Card.
|
Recognized. After 3 years of residence investor and his
family members may acquire second citizenship of Canada.
|
USA
|
500,000 USD must be invested in potentially risky projects
(various foundations or partnerships)
|
Investor gets EB5 visa (temporary residence), and after
two years he can get permanent residence – Green Card USA.
|
Dual citizenship is recognized. After 7 years of residence
second citizenship of the USA
is possible.
|
United Kingdom (Full Cash Option)
|
1,000,000 £ must be invested on the territory of the UK for 5
years (e.g., 750,000 £ in government bonds and 250,000 £ in real estate)
|
Investor and his family members get Temporary Resident
Visa for 3 years, after 3 years it is extended for 2 years. After 5 years
investor can get Permanent Residence (Indefinite Leave to Remain).
|
Dual citizenship is recognized. British passport can be
obtained after 6 years of residence.
|
United Kingdom (Loan Option)
|
150,000 – 200,000 £ must be invested. Investor can borrow
850,000 £ from a British Bank. No funds are returned to investor after 5
years. This walk-away option of investment is more popular among the foreign
investors than Full Cash 1,000,000 £ Option.
|
Investor and his family members get Temporary Resident
Visa for 3 years, after 3 years it is extended for 2 years. After 5 years
investor can get Permanent Residence (Indefinite Leave to Remain).
|
Dual citizenship is recognized. British passport can be
obtained after 6 years of residence.
|
Hong Kong
|
10,000,000 HK$ (approximately 1,290,000 USD)
|
Investor and his family members get Temporary Residence.
Permanent Residence is possible after 7 years.
|
Hong Kong is a special administrative
district of China. Dual citizenship is not recognized.
|
Singapore
|
5,000,000 SGD = 3,530,000 USD must be invested in Singapore for
five years. To participate in the program investor must have assets in the
amount of 20,000,000 SGD or 14,120,000 USD)
|
Investor and his family members get Permanent Residence in
Singapore.
After two years of residence they can acquire citizenship and passport of Singapore. It
should be noted that many investors are satisfied with PR and never apply for
citizenship of Singapore.
|
Dual citizenship is not recognized. Investor will be
expected to renounce all his previous citizenships and passports.
|
Australia
|
There is no direct investment program. Business
immigration to Australia
is possible through business visas of subclass 160 or 163.
|
Successful business immigration leads to issuance of visa
subclass 160 or visa subclass 163; visas are issued for three years. Visas
are converted into Permanent Residence based on proven results of successful
business in Australia.
|
Dual citizenship is recognized. After 3 years of temporary
residence and 4 years with permanent residence you may acquire second
citizenship of Australia.
|
New Zealand
|
From 1,000,000 to 7,000,000 USD depending on the chosen
program of investment.
|
Investor and his family members get Temporary Residence
for 3 or 4 years. Permanent Residence is possible after 3 or 4 years
depending on the chosen program of investment.
|
Dual citizenship is recognized. After 5 years in Permanent
Residence status.
|
Switzerland
|
There is no program of residence for investment.
|
Temporary residence (Permit B) can be obtained on the
basis of cantonal tax agreements (minimum CHF 150,000 annually). This permit
does not allow to work or to be engaged in any gainful occupation in Switzerland.
|
Dual citizenship is recognized. After 10 years on Permit B
you can get Permit C (Permanent Residence in Switzerland). After 2 years on
Permit C you can get Swiss citizenship.
|
Austria (Citizenship Program)
|
Investment from 6,000,000 to 10,000,000 EUR into Austrian
business or venture capital. Passive investments will not do. The investment
must create new jobs for Austrian citizens and/or enlarge export of Austrian
state or bring new technology.
|
Such investment allows you to get citizenship of Austria (for
special merits in economic sphere). Processing time for applications ranges
from 9 to 18 months.
|
Dual citizenship is generally not recognized. But for this
particular category of “special merits before Austria” is allowed. So, investor
can keep his previous citizenship.
|
Austria (Citizenship Program)
|
Donation of 2,000,000 EUR to some Austrian Charitable
Foundation. The Foundation will support cultural and social projects in Austria that
will lead to substantiation of the special contribution made by foreign
investor.
|
Such donation allows you to get citizenship of Austria (for
special merits in cultural, social or other sphere). Processing time for
applications ranges from 9 to 18 months.
|
Dual citizenship is recognized for those foreigners who
acquire citizenship and Austrian passport for special merits.
|
Germany
|
Minimum investment of 250,000 EUR into German business.
Business plan must create new jobs for German citizens or residents and must
be approved by the authorities of the relevant Land (administratively Germany is
divided into Lands)
|
Investor and his family members get Temporary Residence
for one year. After 5 years they can get Permanent Residence.Comment: It should be kept in mind that in
practice successful applications for Temporary Resident Permits usually start
from 1,000,000 EUR and higher. Otherwise, business plan must be very strong
to be approved.
|
Dual citizenship is not recognized. German citizenship can
be obtained after 8 years of residence in Germany. Applicant must renounce
his previous citizenship.
|
Latvia
|
Investor can simply buy real estate in the amount of
71,500 EUR for rural areas to 143,000 EUR for big cities and capital area.
|
In two or three months after the purchase investor and his
family members can get Temporary Residence for 5 years; residence is renewed
annually. After 5 years of physical residence Permanent Residence is
available.
|
Dual citizenship is not recognized. You can get
citizenship of Latvia
after 10 years of residence in the country provided that you renounced your
previous citizenship.
|
Slovakia (Citizenship Program)
|
Investment of 1,000,000 EUR into Slovak business is
required.
|
Such investment allows you to get temporary residence,
permanent residence, and citizenship of Slovakia (for special merits in
economic sphere). Processing time for applications ranges from 9 to 18
months. Citizenship is granted on case-by-case basis.
|
Dual citizenship is recognized with some exceptions. Dual
citizenship is not recognized for citizens of the former USSR. You
must renounce your previous citizenship, if you hold Russian or Ukrainian citizenship.
|
Bulgaria (Permanent Residency Program)
|
1,000,000 Lev (approximately 512,000 EUR) in government
bonds for 5 years. Investment is made without interest to the investor.
|
Investor and his family members get Permanent Residence.
After 5 years they can get Bulgarian citizenship (EU-citizenship). Physical
residence can be waived (for the purpose of citizenship application).
|
Dual citizenship is recognized.
|
Bulgaria (Permanent Residency Program)
|
180,000 EUR (loan option of 512,000 EUR investments) in government
bonds for 5 years. Investment is made without interest to the investor.
Nothing is returned to the investor after 5 years.
|
Investor and his family members get Permanent Residence.
After 5 years they can get Bulgarian citizenship (EU-citizenship). Physical
residence can be waived (for the purpose of citizenship application).
|
Dual citizenship is recognized.
|
Montenegro (Citizenship Program)
|
Investment from 500,000 EUR into Montenegrin business or
real estate. The program is relatively new; it was announced by the
Government of Montenegro in 2010. Now the program is suspended
|
Investor gets Montenegrin citizenship and second passport.
Passport of Montenegro
is an excellent travel document that allows visiting all EU-countries without
visa.
|
Dual citizenship is recognized.
|
Saint-Kitts
and Nevis (Citizenship Program)
|
Donation of 250,000 -300,000 USD (depending on a family
composition) into SIDF.
|
Investor and his family get citizenship of Saint-Kitts and
Nevis (certificate of registration and
second passport). Passport of St. Kitts allows visa-free travel to the UK, Ireland,
Canada,
and to all EU countries.
|
Dual citizenship is recognized. Passports can be obtained
in 3 or 4 months without visit to the country.
|
Saint-Kitts
and Nevis (Citizenship Program)
|
Investment of 400,000-1,000,000 USD into real estate in
the projects approved by the government. This option is not so popular option
as SIDF donation because in the end it is much more costly.
|
Investor and his family get citizenship of Saint-Kitts and
Nevis (certificate of registration and
second passport). Passport of St. Kitts allows visa-free travel to the UK, Ireland,
Canada,
and to all EU countries.
|
Dual citizenship is recognized. Passports can be obtained
in 5 or 10 months. At least one visit to the country is normally required.
|
Commonwealth of Dominica (Citizenship Program)
|
Donation from 100,000 to 200,000 USD (depending on a
family composition) to the Government of Dominica.
|
Investor and his family get citizenship of Dominica (Passport of Dominica allows
visa-free travel to the UK
and to Ireland).
|
Dual citizenship is recognized. Passports can be obtained
in 6 or 7 months. At least one visit to the country (for an interview) is
required.
|
Republic of Guatemala (Citizenship Program)
|
Investment of no less than 50,000 USD into Government
bonds for a period of no less than 5 years.
|
Applicants are expected to have no less than 250,000 USD
in assets and invest no less than 20 % of their assets in Guatemala.
Citizenship is granted on case-by-case basis. Passport allows visa-free
travel to all EU countries.
|
Dual citizenship is not prohibited. Passports can be
obtained in 8 or 9 months. At least one visit to the country is required.
|
Republic of Panama(Residence and Second Passport Program)
|
Deposit of 260,000 USD with the National Bank of Panama is
required for 5 years.
|
Investor and his family get Visa of Retiree and Passport
of Panama. Citizenship of Panama
is not possible under this program. Generally
this passport program is not recommended (except
cases when you wish to relocate to Panama and reside there).
|
Dual citizenship is not recognized (for the exception of Spain).
|
Oriental Republic of Uruguay (Residence and Citizenship Program)
|
Investment is not required but the applicant must show
sufficient income to live in Uruguay
(1,200 USD per month per person). Applicants can get temporary residence upon
arrival, and then get permanent residence after 12-18 months. After 3 years
of legal residence (since the first entrance) they can apply for citizenship.
|
Applicant and his family get residency and second
citizenship of Uruguay.
Passport of Uruguay
is an excellent travel document that allows visiting many countries of the
world, including all EU-countries, without visa.
|
Dual citizenship is recognized.
|
As we can see from the material
above, there is a great variety of investment programs not only for high net
worth individuals but also for medium entrepreneurs. These programs allow
investor to get not only temporary residence permit but sometimes direct
permanent residency (e.g., Canada), or even direct second citizenship
(Dominica, St. Kitts & Nevis, Montenegro, Bulgaria, Austria). In case you
did not find your country of choice in this summary you must not be upset. You
can send us an inquiry specifying the country of interest, and one of our
experts will send you an answer
