Investing in another country's economy is one of the easiest ways to become a citizen. Learn more about the best programs for immigrant investors in 2024

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Investment programs for immigrants, also known as investor visa programs, are government initiatives that allow foreigners to obtain residence or citizenship through a significant financial investment. 

Such programs contribute to economic growth and job creation in the host country through investments in business, real estate, or other approved projects. For example, the EB-5 program in the United States and the Golden Visa in European countries such as Portugal and Spain are popular options. This guide will help you learn all the details you need to participate in such programs.

In our previous article, we talked about the best countries that offer expats favorable conditions for obtaining citizenship for investment in 2024.

What is a program for immigrant investors? 

Citizenship by investment programs are aimed at attracting foreign capital by granting residence visas or citizenship in exchange for significant financial investments. The main goal of these programs is to stimulate economic growth and create new jobs through foreign direct investment.

Each country sets its own requirements and benefits for participants in such programs. The general rules include:

1. Investing significant amounts in the country's economy;

2. Minimum investment threshold required to obtain a visa or citizenship;

3. Maintaining investments for a certain period of time;

4. Obtaining one of the three types of legal status: citizenship, residence or permanent residence;

5. Compliance with other requirements, such as no criminal record, good health, sufficient financial resources and proven experience in investing or entrepreneurship.

The timeframe for reviewing and approving applications may vary depending on the country and the complexity of the process. For example, in Canada and the United Kingdom, programs for entrepreneurs require innovative business ideas, job creation, and funding from approved organizations.

To apply for an investor program, you need to prove your financial viability. These programs offer opportunities for international mobility, business and access to global markets. However, before applying, it is important to study all the conditions and requirements in detail, as the rules are subject to change.

Requirements for obtaining an investor visa 

There are several key requirements to consider before choosing an investor visa program. Each country has its own social and economic needs, which leads to differences in program requirements. For example, in Singapore, investment migration requires at least three years of successful business experience. The general requirement is to have liquid funds and make qualified investments.

The minimum investment amount varies from bank deposits of $5,000 to capital investments of £10 million. Programs that grant residence permits usually require less investment than those that grant citizenship. For example, the lowest cost of citizenship for investment starts at $100,000, excluding government fees.

Investment options include real estate, government bonds, bank deposits, investments in approved funds, setting up businesses in areas with high unemployment, and non-refundable contributions to a national development fund.

Additional requirements for the applicant's identity include being over 18 years of age, having no criminal record, being in good health and passing a medical examination. The applicant must also provide all necessary identification documents to apply for the visa.

For safe relocation to any country in the world, obtaining citizenship and employment, use the advice of an international lawyer. We help to solve complex and simple issues for your comfort and safety in any part of the world. 

The best programs for immigrant investors in 2024 

We have prepared for you a selection of the best investment programs that can help expats obtain citizenship or residence permit as quickly as possible.

Dominica 

Dominica's investment program is internationally recognized for its excellent value for foreign investors. With an investment of USD 100,000 or more, investors can obtain citizenship in as little as three to six months. 

Dominica attracts with a variety of real estate options, beautiful beaches, delicious cuisine and proximity to the United States. It is an ideal place for retirement in the Caribbean. A Dominica passport entitles you to visa-free travel to more than 140 countries, including Australia, Schengen countries and Hong Kong.

Malta 

The Maltese citizenship by naturalization program is a popular visa scheme for investors, attracting hundreds of applicants every year. As a safe and stable EU country, Malta offers one of the most powerful passports in the world with a high level of freedom of travel. 

Eligible investors can obtain a Maltese passport in less than a year by making a €750,000 deposit, buying a €700,000 property or renting a property for a minimum of €16,000 per year, and making a €10,000 charitable donation. An EU passport, which can be obtained by immigrant investors, allows them to travel freely within the Schengen area.

Saint Lucia 

Saint Lucia's investment program provides a fast track to citizenship through financial contributions. The smallest investment involves a donation of USD 100,000 to the National Economic Fund (NEF). 

It is also possible to invest in real estate by purchasing a pre-approved property for a minimum of USD 200,000, or to establish a new commercial enterprise. 

Spain

The Spanish investment program “Spanish Golden Visa” is one of the most popular in Europe for immigrant entrepreneurs and their families. It grants the right to reside in Spain in exchange for the purchase of real estate worth 500,000 euros or more. Spain attracts with its high quality of life, affordable cost of living and low crime rate, making it an ideal place for a new home.

The program allows you to obtain permanent residence after five years, subject to compliance with the requirements. After that, after ten years of residence, you can apply for citizenship. Citizens of former Spanish colonies are eligible to apply for naturalization after two years of residence.

Portugal

Portugal's golden visa is considered one of the best investor programs in the world, attracting expats for the past ten years. This investment visa provides numerous benefits for foreigners, including lucrative investment opportunities, tax residency status, and significant tax savings.

Citizens of non-EU/EEA countries can obtain this visa by investing a minimum of €250,000. Investment options include donations to cultural and heritage projects, establishing a job-creating business, contributions to investment funds, investments in research, and equity in companies. 

Greece 

The Greek Golden Visa is a popular way to obtain a long-term residence permit in the EU. It offers one of the lowest minimum investment thresholds for real estate purchases - from 250,000 euros. 

Thanks to the Non-Dom tax regime, investors can significantly save on taxes by paying a fixed annual tax fee instead of the usual income tax. This program is an attractive option for those looking for a cost-effective way to live in the European Union.

Cyprus

Cyprus offers one of the few programs that allow you to obtain EU permanent resident status for investments. Investors can obtain permanent residence by investing €300,000 in real estate and placing a three-year bank deposit of €30,000. 

After 7 years of residence in the country, you can apply for citizenship. This program is attractive for those looking for a long-term residence in Europe with the prospect of citizenship.

Antigua and Barbuda 

Antigua and Barbuda offers an investment migration program that allows for citizenship in exchange for an investment of USD 100,000 in the National Development Fund. 

Additional options include investing in approved real estate projects worth USD 200,000 (with a 5-year hold) and donating to the University of the West Indies Foundation. Passports are usually issued within three to six months, and the investor's family members are also eligible for citizenship. 

Saint Kitts and Nevis 

St. Kitts and Nevis offers one of the most flexible programs for immigration investment. The process of obtaining a passport begins with a $250,000 contribution to the Sustainable Island State Contribution (SISC) fund. For families, a real estate investment of USD 800,000 for a private home or USD 400,000 for joint ownership is usually chosen.

It is possible to apply for citizenship by investment without the need to have business experience or reside in the country before, during or after the application. An important advantage of the program is the ability to include a spouse and dependent children in the application. The St. Kitts and Nevis passport provides visa-free access and the possibility of obtaining e-visas to more than 150 countries, which makes this program an attractive option for many investors.

Earlier, we talked in detail about the citizenship program in exchange for investment in St. Kitts and Nevis.

Grenada

Grenada's economic citizenship program is internationally recognized as one of the best for family investment. Investment requirements start with a contribution of USD 150,000 to the National Transformation Fund (NTF). In addition, there is the possibility of purchasing real estate jointly or solely.

Grenada offers excellent real estate projects for investment and a world-class lifestyle in the picturesque Caribbean region. An important advantage is that Grenada is the only Caribbean country that provides investors with the opportunity to settle in the United States under the E-2 visa program. 

We remind you! Citizenship under investment programs provides a privilege - alternative citizenship and the opportunity to settle in another country. Read more about Caribbean Citizenship by Investment, which Caribbean countries offer citizenship by investment in 2024 and what are their advantages.

Igor Usyk - Head of Migration department at VisitWorld

To ensure a safe move to a new country, I advise you to consult a specialist. My colleagues, qualified specialists with a legal education, will help you avoid unpleasant situations during migration.

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