Golden visa programs have become popular avenues for immigrants seeking residency and citizenship in foreign countries. This article provides a brief of the
United States, United Kingdom, Europe, Canada, UAE, Singapore, New Zealand and Australia residency and investment visa programs, highlighting
unique benefits, investment requirements, and timelines to aid potential investors in making informed decisions.
1. United States of America
EB-5 Immigrant Investor Program
Benefits: Direct path to U.S. permanent residency for investors and their families with the flexibility to live, work, and study anywhere in the U.S.
Requirements:
Investment Requirement: Investment in a commercial enterprise in the United States; and create or preserve 10 permanent full-time jobs for qualified U.S.
workers. Minimum investment of $1,050,000/- out of which a minimum of $800,000 should be invested in a Targeted Employment Area (TEA) and the
remaining in a High Employment Area, creating or preserving at least 10 full-time jobs.
Timeline: Approximately 18 to 24 months for conditional permanent residency, which will remain valid for a period of 2 years, and after meeting the requirements,
lawful permanent residence/ Green Card will be granted.
Status of Family: The spouse and unmarried children below the age of 21 years are eligible for the grant of immigrant visa along with the applicant based on approved
I-526 petition.
2. Europe
Golden Visa Programs in Portugal, Spain, and Greece
Benefits: Residency for investors and families with travel privileges within the Schengen Area. Permanent residency or citizenship possible after a certain period.
Investment Requirement: Varies across countries.
Portugal Golden Visa Program: Minimum of EUR 500,000 into a Portuguese Investment Fund or Venture Capital Fund, Or minimum of EUR 250,000 Donation
by way of capital transfer;
Portugal Startup Visa Program: Potential to create qualified employment and potential to achieve a turnover of more than 325,000 € per year up to 5 years after
the incubation;
Spain Golden Visa Program: Minimum deposit of €1,000,000 into an accredited bank, or Minimum investment of €500,000 in real estate, or €2 million in
government bonds;
Greece: Minimum €250,000 or €500,000 in real estate depending on location of property, or Minimum €400,000 securities or a bank deposit in Greece;
Malta Permanent Residency Program: have capital assets of not less than €500,000, out of which a minimum of €150,000 must be financial assets;
Italy: Investment in a Government Bond issued by the Italian Republic, or invest at least €500,000 in a company incorporated and operating in Italy, or invest at least
€250,000 in an innovative startup, or make a philanthropic donation in the fields of culture, education, immigration management, scientific research, and preservation
of cultural and natural heritage.
Timeline: Residency within months, with potential extensions for permanent residency or citizenship.
Status of Family: The spouse and unmarried children below the age of 21 years are eligible for the grant of visa along with the applicant.
3. Canada
Startup Visa (SUV) and Quebec Immigrant Investor Program (QIIP)
Benefits: Permanent residency for investors and families with access to healthcare, education, and social benefits.
Canada Startup Visa Program Requirement:
Applicant must operate and manage a business venture meeting certain conditions set by Immigration, Refugees, and Citizenship Canada;
must get a letter of support from a designated organization (a business group that has been approved to invest in or support possible start-ups);
must own at least 10% of the voting rights in the corporation;
applicants and the designated organization jointly hold more than 50% of the total voting rights;
must actively manage the business from within Canada once setup.
Further, The Start-Up Visa Program requires applicants to meet minimum of level 5 in the Canadian Language Benchmark Test in English or French.
While application for permanent residence is being processed, applicant can apply for a temporary work permit to get to Canada which is valid for 1 year and lets
applicant work as an entrepreneur to develop business.
Quebec Immigrant Investor Program (QIIP) Requirement:
Province of Quebec is in charge of its own business immigration program. Applicant must have a net worth of at least CDN$2,000,000.
Investment Requirement: Minimum five-year term investment of CDN$1,000,000 (refundable after five years) and a further financial contribution of CDN$200,000.
Applicant must have a knowledge of spoken French corresponding minimally to level 7 according to the Québec scale of French proficiency levels.
Timeline: Processing time of 24 to 36 months, relatively shorter than other Canadian immigration programs.
Status of Family: The spouse and unmarried children below the age of 21 years are eligible for the grant of visa along with the applicant.
4. United Arab Emirates
Golden Visa providing Long-Term Residence
Benefits: Long-term residence visa which enables foreign talents to live, work or study in the UAE while enjoying exclusive benefits including a long-term, renewable
residence visa valid for 5 or 10 years.
Requirements:
Investors in public investments: Letter from an investment fund accredited in the UAE stating that the investor has a deposit of AED two million, or letter from Federal
Tax Authority stating that the investor pays the government no less than AED 250,000 (two hundred and fifty thousand) annually. The invested capital must be fully
owned by the investor and cannot be a loan.
Real Estate Investors: A person who owns a property worth AED two million or more, subject to fulfilment of certain criteria like letter from land department of the
respective emirate.
Entrepreneurs: Persons who own an economic project of a technical or future nature with a minimum capital of AED 500,000 and have approval letters from auditor,
authorities and an accredited business incubator in the UAE.
Persons with Specialized and Exceptional Talents: Including doctors, engineers, scientists, artists, athletes, students and inventors who have a recommendation or approval
letter from respective Ministry or Department in UAE.
Timeline: Processing time depends on category and prior immigration history, however, it is quicker compared to traditional long-term residency visas.
Status of Family: Golden Visa holder can sponsor their family members, including spouses and children regardless of their age, and also sponsor domestic helpers who
will get a permit to stay in UAE.
5. Singapore
Global Investor Program (GIP)
Benefits: Permanent residency for investors and families, providing access to Singapore's healthcare, education, and business opportunities.
Investment Requirement: Minimum SGD 01 million ($6.04 million) in a new business startup or expansion; SGD 25 million ($15.09 million) in a GIP approved fund;
or establish a Singapore-based Single-Family Office with Assets-Under-Management (AUM) of at least S$200 million, where minimally S$50 million must be
transferred into Singapore and deployed in any of the 4 listed investment categories.
Timeline: Processing time around nine to twelve months.
Status of Family: The spouse and unmarried children below the age of 21 years are eligible for the grant of visa along with the applicant. Parents and unmarried
children above the age of 21 years as at the date of application submission are not eligible to be included as dependents under GIP application. Instead, they
can apply for a Long Term Visit Pass (LTVP), which is tied to the validity of applicant’s Re-Entry Permit (REP).
6. United Kingdom
UK Innovator Founder Visa
Benefits: Freedom to live and work in UK without any restriction, eligible to apply for Indefinite Leave to Remain (ILR) for permanent residency after 3 years,
can apply for Citizenship after 5 years, health and education benefits, high standard of living, access to business opportunities throughout Europe.
Investment Requirement: Minimum investment of GBP 50,000 into a business with an innovative business plan. Innovative business idea with potential for
growth endorsed by an endorsing body.
Applicant can also work with a Joint Venture partner in the UK to establish a qualifying business. Joint Venture Business investments with a local UK partner
are typically in the range of GBP 200,000 – GBP 250,000.
Competent in the English Language to at least CEFR Level B2 in all Categories.
Timeline: 3 weeks to 8 weeks after submitting application and all required documentation
Status of Family: Spouse, children under 18, and children over 18 currently in the UK as a dependent are eligible as dependents.
UK Tier 1 Investor Visa (Golden Visa)
From 17th February 2022 the Tier 1 (Investor) Migrant route is closed to new initial applications for entry clearance or leave to remain. Any application after this date
and time it will be void and not considered. This includes no longer being able to switch into this route from other routes.
The Tier 1 (investor) visa, often called a "golden visa", offered residency to those investing £2m or more in the UK, and allowed their families to join them. Holders of
these visas could then apply for permanent residency in the UK, depending on their investment amount.
7. New Zealand
Active Investor Plus Visa
Benefits: Permanent residency for investors and families, world-class quality of life, balance of business and lifestyle, access to healthcare, education, and business opportunities.
Investment Requirement: Minimum least NZD $15 million or the weighted equivalent in available assets or funds, listed equity investments
Timeline: Processing time around eleven to twelve months.
Status of Family: Partner can apply for their own visitor visa. Dependent children can apply for student visas.
Investor 1 Resident Visa
This visa allowed people with NZD $10 million to invest in New Zealand to apply for residence. It closed to new applicants on 28 July 2022.
Investor 2 Resident Visa
This visa allowed business people with at least NZD $3 million in funds or assets to submit an expression of interest and then apply for residence. It closed to
new applicants on 28 July 2022.
8. Australia
Business Innovation and Investment (Provisional) visa – subclass 188
Benefits: Stay in Australia for 5 years, continue business and investment activity in Australia, apply for Australian citizenship.
Investment Requirement:
Business Innovation stream: must operate a new or existing business in Australia, must be nominated by an Australian State or Territory government agency;
Investor stream: must invest AUD1.5 million in an Australian State or Territory, must be nominated by an Australian State or Territory government agency;
Entrepreneur stream: must have a funding agreement with a third party to carry out entrepreneurial activities, must first be nominated by an Australian State
or Territory government agency.
Significant Investor stream: Australian Government decided to scarp the program in January 2024. Required investment of at least AUD5 million in complying
significant investments in Australia, and nomination by an Australian State or Territory government agency or Austrade;
Timeline: Processing time 1-2 years.
Status of Family: Spouse and dependent children eligible as dependents.
Benefits of Obtaining a Golden Visa, Residence Permits and Investor Visa:
1. Global Mobility: Facilitates easy travel within the region, enhancing business and leisure opportunities.
2. Educational Opportunities: Access to world-class education for investors' children.
3. Healthcare Services: Quality healthcare services for visa holders and their families.
4. Investment Opportunities: Exposure to new markets and business opportunities in the host country.
How Fortune Legal Advocates Facilitates Golden Visa Acquisition:
Fortune Legal Advocates, a reputable law firm, streamlines the golden visa process:
1. Expertise and Experience: Navigating complex legal frameworks with in-depth knowledge and experience.
2. Tailored Legal Guidance: Providing individualized strategies based on clients' goals and preferences.
3. Documentation Assistance: Meticulous support in preparing and organizing required paperwork.
4. Investment Guidance: Strategic advice on investment options aligned with visa program requirements.
5. Communication with Authorities: Acting as a liaison to ensure clear and effective communication, addressing queries promptly.
6. Timely Application Submission: Efficiently managing the application process to meet all deadlines.
7. Legal Representation: Advocating for clients during legal procedures or inquiries from immigration authorities.
8. Post-Visa Services: Offering post-approval support for ongoing legal obligations and requirements.
In conclusion, partnering with Fortune Legal Advocates simplifies the golden visa application process, enhancing the chances of a successful outcome for
prospective immigrants. Legal expertise and personalized support make obtaining a golden visa a seamless and secure endeavor.