Monday, May 27, 2013

New Law - Spanish Government To Grant Residency with a updated Price €500,000 Property




The new price of Spanish Residency is €500,000 or €2000,000.

The long wait is over. Now you can get automatic Spanish residency, as a foreigner if you buy a property worth a minimum of half a million Euros.or buy Spanish debt for two million Euros or more.

The Spanish Government was left reeling following heavy critizism by the European Union when they published an automatic house-for-residency programme last November. The reason? The very low property price threshold set by the impending law of €160,000.
Now, that value has been set at €500,000 and it appears that this time it is going to happen, according to El Economista.
The draft proposal establishes that the family will also be eligible and the residency will be indefinite for as long as the investment is maintained.
An additional possibility contemplated by the law establishes that a minimum investment of €1,000,000 and 2 workers will give the right to automatic residency, or €500,000 if the investment is kept yearly.  There is also the possibility to combine different types of investments to attain the half  million mark.
According to the sources, the residency programme will not be retrospective, “as demanded by the Russians”.
Finally, the draft leaves out the right to Spanish State medical cover and education, social beneftis and, rather strangely, the freedom to travel around the Schengen countries (which would breach EU laws on the matter).
The Spanish Government has officialy released its plan to bring Spain out of the recession by offering residency to non-EU citizens who buy property worth over €160,000. The specific conditions are yet to be legislated on but the Secretary of Commerce, Jaime García-Legaz, has indicated that the property value is “balanced” and will not give rise to a massive demand for residency permits. He also said that the proposition is directed at the Chinese and Russian markets.
Three things we would like to comment on:
If this is to happen, Spain risks being again a victim of its own success because the demand for property in Spain can be unprecedented, far more than in the boom years.
China and Russia will only be tip of the iceberg as their citizens currently find less problems in obtaining tourist visas than citizens of countries like say Iran, Pakistan, Egypt etc.
If this proposition is finally approved, raising property taxes may not be a bad idea altogether.
We can hope is that Spain will now be able to learn from its previous mistakes and manage the potential masses of property buyers more intelligently by implementing rigid controls on property developers – banning the dodgy ones of course-, real estate agencies and other connected professionals.
The latest move by the Spanish Government has been to announce that, after much consideration, they will grant residency to families buying a property worth €500,000 and above, as was approved on Friday the 24th of May. But beware, this pre-law has not been been published in the official gazzete (www.boe.es) so even after this press release, professionals in the sector need to be cautious because as of yet, buying a property over 500,000 (cash-no mortgage) will yet not secure residency, and it is not going to be retrospectively applied!

Monday, January 7, 2013

A toy Plane to a Real Plane - Shorter route to move abroad




If Want to see or move abroad?

If your visa will be granted or not, in doubt?

If your visa has been rejected?


Going for a student visa, but doubtful about collage admission?

Solution to all problems is one - Come to a gurudwara in Jalandhar (Punjab) and offer a plane and who knows your wish might fulfil.
This may sound strange but Punjabi youths, especially from the Doaba region, have been thronging the Gurudwara Sant Baba Nihal Singh Ji Shaheedan in Talhan to offer toy planes so that their wishes of going abroad are fulfilled.
Toy planes, inscribed with names of different carriers, are found in front of the Guru Granth Sahib.
It all started few months back, when the word spread that wishes of settling abroad would be fulfilled if one offers a toy plane in the shrine.
Sandeep Singh, who came all the way from Nawanshahr to offer a plane, said wishes of two of his friends of settling abroad were fulfilled, especially after when they offered planes in the Talhan gurudwara. “My friends asked me to offer a toy plane so that my wish also gets fulfilled,” Sandeep said.
Similar a few cases are-

  • Jagjit Singh had a work permit to live in Britain, but wanted to immigrate to the US. However, his passport was damaged and things got delayed. But to his surprise, he said, he succeeded in getting a US visa immediately after offering a toy plane at the shrine.
  • Another man said he wanted a visa for his daughter, who recently got married to an NRI, and so he was at the shrine to offer a toy plane.
Although the ‘granthi’ of the gurudwara said it was very difficult in making arrangements for keeping so many planes, shops outside the shrine, however, are leaving no stone unturned to mint money.
Surinder Singh, a shopkeeper outside the gurudwara, said earlier he used to stock only “brooms” for people. “But now, brooms have made way to toy planes. Daily about 15 to 20 customers demand the planes which cost Rs 150-500,” he said.
Manager of the gurudwara Balbir Singh said on Sundays about 40 to 50 planes are offered. In most cases, devotees who wish to fly to a particular country offer a toy plane of the airline of that country, he said.
Aeroplanes are, however, not a new thing in the interior villages of Doaba region. If one takes a round of the villages, one can even spot water tanks in the shape of aeroplanes on the top of ancestral houses of NRIs.
The name of airline is written on the water tank meaning the owner of the house is settled in that country.
Jan 2009

Saturday, January 5, 2013

Wanna Move Abroad with Permanent Residency - Menu for 2013...





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

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.  
The Guidelines and Application Form are available at the bottom of this page.



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:
·                     entrepreneurship
·                     work
·                     studying
·                     family reunion
·                     civil divisions of armed forces
·                     special activities
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