United States – EB-5 Immigrant Investor Program

  • Investment Requirement: Minimum $1.8 million, or $900,000 in a targeted employment area (high-unemployment or rural area).
  • Job Creation: Must create or preserve at least 10 full-time jobs for qualified U.S. workers.
  • Residency Duration: Conditional permanent residency granted for 2 years.
  • Path to Permanent Residency: After 2 years, conditions can be removed to obtain permanent residency.
  • Note: The program has faced processing delays and changes in investment thresholds over the years.

🇳🇿 New Zealand – Active Investor Plus Visa

  • Investment Options:
    • Growth Category: Invest NZD 3 million over 3 years in eligible local companies or managed funds, with a minimum of 21 days physical presence.
    • Balanced Category: Invest NZD 5 million over 5 years in more passive assets like bonds and stocks, with a minimum of 105 days physical presence.
  • Residency Duration: Permanent residency granted upon approval.
  • Path to Citizenship: After 5 years of residency, applicants may apply for citizenship.
  • Note: The program is designed to attract capital with the potential to spur local economic growth and job creation.

🇪🇺 Europe – Investment-Based Residency Programs

1. Portugal – Golden Visa

  • Investment Options:
    • Investment Funds: Minimum €500,000 in qualified Portuguese investment or venture capital funds.
    • Job Creation: Establish a business in Portugal that creates at least 10 full-time jobs.
    • Scientific or Technological Research: A capital transfer of €500,000 or more into public or private research institutions.
    • Cultural or Heritage Preservation: A minimum contribution of €250,000 towards projects aimed at preserving Portugal’s cultural heritage.
  • Residency Duration: Initial permit is valid for 1 year, renewable for 2-year periods.
  • Path to Citizenship: After 5 years of residency, applicants may apply for citizenship, subject to language proficiency and integration requirements.
  • Note: Recent changes have removed real estate investment as an eligible option.

2. Greece – Golden Visa

  • Investment Requirement: Purchase real estate in Greece valued at a minimum of €400,000.
  • Residency Duration: Initial residency permit is valid for 5 years, renewable.
  • Path to Citizenship: After 7 years of residency, applicants may apply for citizenship, subject to language proficiency and integration requirements.
  • Note: Recent changes have increased the investment threshold in certain areas.

3. Hungary – Guest Investor Program

  • Investment Options:
    • Investment Certificates: Acquire investment certificates worth at least €250,000, issued by a Hungarian real estate fund.
    • Residential Real Estate: Purchase residential real estate in Hungary valued at least €500,000.
    • Monetary Donation: Provide a monetary donation of at least €1 million to a Hungarian higher education institution.
  • Residency Duration: Initial residence permit is valid for 10 years, extendable for an additional 10 years.
  • Path to Citizenship: After 3 years of continuous residence, applicants may apply for permanent residency; citizenship is obtainable after 7 years.