In today’s globalized world, many people are interested in exploring new residency or citizenship opportunities in different countries. Investment-based visas, such as the Golden Visa, the U.S. Investment Green Card (EB5 visa), Citizenship by Investment programs, and the US EB2 visa, offer excellent options for those looking to live, work, or gain dual citizenship. This guide explains how each of these visa programs works, the benefits they offer, and how you can qualify.
So, if you’re interested in the Golden Visa USA or learning about the EB5 visa for investors, this article covers everything you need to know to make an informed decision.
What is a Golden Visa?
A Golden Visa is a residency-by-investment program offered by several countries. It allows individuals to gain residency rights by making an investment in that country, usually in real estate, government bonds, or local businesses. Golden Visas are popular because they often provide residency with fewer restrictions on employment or business requirements.
Benefits of the Golden Visa
Golden Visas offers several benefits to individuals seeking permanent residency without needing family ties or employment. Here are a few:
- Freedom of Movement: Golden Visas allow you to travel around a specific region without restrictions, such as in the Schengen Zone.
- Path to citizenship: In certain countries, the Golden Visa program allows investors to become citizens after a set number of years.
- Family Residency: Most Golden Visa programs extend residency benefits to spouses and dependent children.
Popular Golden Visa Programs and Their Requirements
- Portugal Golden Visa
- Investment Options: Minimum investment of €500,000 in real estate, or €350,000 in properties older than 30 years or in areas of urban renovation. There’s also a €350,000 investment in research or technology or a €250,000 investment in local arts and culture.
- Timeline: Typically grants residency within 6-8 months, with eligibility for citizenship after 5 years.
- Benefits: Full residency rights in Portugal, access to the Schengen Zone, and potential eligibility for E.U. citizenship.
- Spain Golden Visa
- Investment Options: Minimum real estate investment of €500,000, or investment of €1 million in Spanish company shares or €2 million in government bonds.
- Timeline: Residency granted within 2-3 months, with eligibility for permanent residency after 5 years and citizenship after 10 years.
- Benefits: Residency in Spain with freedom to travel within the Schengen Zone.
- Greece Golden Visa
- Investment Options: Requires a minimum real estate investment of €250,000, one of the lowest thresholds in Europe.
- Timeline: Residency granted within 1-2 months, renewable every 5 years as long as the investment is maintained.
- Benefits: Residency in Greece, Schengen Zone access, and an affordable investment requirement.
U.S. Investment Green Card: The EB5 Visa
The EB5 visa, also known as the U.S. Investment Green Card, is a residency-by-investment program specifically for the United States. It was created to encourage foreign investment and stimulate the U.S. economy by allowing investors to gain permanent residency in return for investing in a business that creates jobs for American workers.
EB5 Visa Requirements
- Investment Amount: A minimum investment of $1 million is required, or $500,000 if investing in a targeted employment area (TEA), which includes rural areas or areas with high unemployment.
- Job Creation: This proposed investment must lead to the massive creation or preservation of at least 20 full-time jobs for U.S. workers.
- Active Involvement or Regional Center Option: Investors can choose to invest directly in a new business or go through an approved Regional Center, which manages projects for foreign investors.
Benefits of the EB5 Visa
The EB5 visa offers several benefits, making it an attractive option for investors:
- Path to U.S. Citizenship: After five years of holding a green card, EB5 visa holders may apply for U.S. citizenship.
- Residency for Family Members: The spouse and unmarried children under 21 of the investor can also receive green cards.
- No Sponsorship Required: Unlike work-based visas, the EB5 does not require a job offer or employer sponsorship.
Timeline for the EB5 Visa
The process for obtaining an EB5 visa typically takes 18 to 24 months, depending on the applicant’s country of origin and any backlogs. Here’s a general breakdown of the timeline:
- Initial Application and I-526 Approval: 12 to 18 months.
- Conditional Green Card: Hopefully, when the application is approved, investors will receive a two-year conditional green card.
- Removal of Conditions: After two years, investors have the ability to file to remove conditions on their green card, making it permanent.
Citizenship by Investment Programs
Citizenship by Investment (CBI) allows investors to gain citizenship in a country by making a financial contribution, usually in the form of real estate purchases, business investments, or donations to a government fund. Unlike residency visas, CBI programs provide a direct route to citizenship, often within a matter of months.
Top Countries with Citizenship by Investment Programs
- St. Kitts and Nevis
- Investment Options: A minimum $150,000 donation to the Sustainable Growth Fund or a minimum real estate investment of $200,000.
- Timeline: Citizenship is typically granted within 3-6 months.
- Benefits: Visa-free travel to over 150 countries, including the Schengen Zone, the UK, Spain and Hong Kong.
- Malta
- Investment Options: Requires a combination of donations, property purchases, and government bonds, totalling around €700,000.
- Timeline: Residency granted within a year, with citizenship typically available after 36 months.
- Benefits: E.U. citizenship, which allows the holder to live and work in any E.U. country.
- Dominica
- Investment Options: $100,000 minimum donation to the Economic Diversification Fund or $200,000 in real estate.
- Timeline: Citizenship is typically granted within 3 months.
- Benefits: Visa-free travel to over 140 countries and attractive tax benefits.
Exploring the US EB2 Visa for Skilled Investors
The US EB2 visa is primarily designed for skilled professionals with advanced degrees like PhD or unique abilities, but it can also be an option for certain investors through the National Interest Waiver (NIW). The NIW allows entrepreneurs, investors, or individuals with unique skills to self-petition for a green card if they can demonstrate that their work benefits the U.S.
EB2 Visa Requirements
- Advanced Degree(PhD) or Unique Ability: Applicants must have an avant-garde degree or display outstanding ability in their field.
- National Interest Waiver (NIW): Applicants seeking the NIW must show that their work benefits the U.S. and is in the national interest.
- There is No Minimum Investment Requirement: Just like the EB5, the EB2 visa does not have a limited investment amount, hence creating a more flexible option for some.
Benefits of the EB2 Visa
- Path to Green Card: The EB2 visa allows applicants to obtain a green card without employer sponsorship.
- Family Eligibility: The visa extends to spouses and children under 21.
- Faster Processing Times: Understand that the EB2 visa typically has a faster processing time compared to the EB5 visa, making it a faster route to permanent residency.
Comparing Golden Visa USA, EB5, and Other Investment Visas
While there’s no specific Golden Visa USA, the EB5 and EB2 visas serve as close equivalents for foreign investors. Here’s how they liken to other Golden Visa and Citizenship by Investment programs:
- Investment Amounts: The U.S. EB5 requires a minimum investment of $500,000, while other Golden Visa programs like Portugal’s start as low as €250,000.
- Residency vs. Citizenship: The EB5 and EB2 visas offer U.S. residency, while Citizenship by Investment programs provide direct citizenship in countries like Malta and St. Kitts.
- Processing Time: Golden Visas are generally quicker, with processing times as short as a few months. The EB5 can take several years due to demand.
Choosing the Right Investment Visa for You
Consider these factors when choosing between a Golden Visa or Citizenship through Investment.
- Your financial investment capacity: Some programs, like the EB5, require higher investments, while others, like the Greece Golden Visa, are more affordable.
- Long-Term Goals: Are you looking for permanent residency or direct citizenship?
- Family Issues: Make sure that the visa program will allow family members to accompany you.
Conclusion
Investment visas are a great option for those who wish to gain a second nationality, live abroad or obtain residency. You can choose between a Golden Visa (U.S. Investment Green Card) or Citizenship by Investment. Be sure to thoroughly research each option in order to find one that fits your goals and lifestyle.