CITIZENSHIP & RESIDENCY BY INVESTMENT CONSULTANCY
Alex Global Consultancy has a set of deft, flamboyant, and experienced visa immigration consultants; who are ardent in proffer the needs of the clients. You do not have to be a citizen to live in a country. You can get a temporary residence permit or permanent residence permit.
A residence permit is not a visa, A residence permit is often confused with a long-term visa such as a student or work visa. They are not the same, each gives different rights.The visa allows you to cross the state border. In fact, this is a permit to enter a country for a specific purpose: for study, work, recreation or medical treatment. As a rule, this is a sticker on the passport page. In some countries, the visa looks like a stamp, insert, or a separate document.
A residence permit confirms the right of a foreigner to live in the territory of the country. Often the person will prove their identity to enter the country. The permit looks different in different countries: like a plastic card in the European Union and in Russia, like a passport. A residence permit incomparably gives more rights than a visa. During its validity period you can:
- live in the Country,
- buy real estate,
- cross the border an unlimited number of times, do business,
- study in public or private institutions,
- Use Medical Services,
- Get a driver’s License and purchase a car,
WAYS YOU CAN GET A RESIDENCE PERMIT OTHERTHAN MARRIAGE, STUDY OR WORK:
A residence permit can be obtained in different ways; the most common are marriage, study and work. Almost every country has special conditions for investors, businessmen, scientists and highly qualified specialists.
Consider the popular ways to get a residence permit:
Buy Real Estate: similar programs operate in several European countries; the minimum investment is from €250,000.
Invest in the Economy: Officially, this can be done in any country in Europe but only some of them actively attract investors with preferential terms of residence permit.
Open a Business and Create Jobs: All European countries make such statements but it is not possible to obtain a residence permit simultaneously everywhere.
Create a Family with a Citizen of the Country: A common option that scammers often use when offering to conclude a fictitious marriage. We talk about this in detail in the article on citizenship in Europe.
Conclude an Employment Contract: A simple and reliable option if European employers are interested in a specialist.
Reunite with Your Family: Suitable if a relative — a husband, child or mother — has already received a residence permit. You will have to prove financial dependence or sufficient income.
Enroll in a University: This will allow you to obtain a residence permit status for four to five years. To stay in the country after graduation, you will need to quickly find a job and sign an employment contract.
Conduct Official Activities: The method applies to diplomats, representatives of international organizations and members of delegations.
Scientific Research: You will need a contract with the organization that ordered the research.
Treatment: Suitable if long-term treatment is required. As a rule, it is issued for one to two years and is usually not renewed.
Proof of Value: A residence permit can be obtained for special services to the state or for volunteering.
INTERESTED TO STUDY?
LET'S TALK TO OUR EXPERT COUNSELLORS
A RESIDENCE PERMT IN EUROPE:
Some countries, such as Portugal and Spain, have official government investorprograms.Inexchangeforinvestment,theapplicantcangetaresidencepermitsfasterandeasier.Youwillneedtomeettheconditions of the program ,e.g living in the country for several days a year and ‘pass a Due Diligence check’.
Investment options vary. It all depends on the goals set by the state: for example, to support a sector of the economy, revitalize sparsely populated regions or create new jobs. Usually, invest or sare offered the following options: buying orrenting real estate, opening a company, creating a start-up, buying government bondsandsharesofcompaniesoropeningadeposit.Insomecountries, you will need to make a non-refundable contribution to a government fund.
Existing European programs and the MOST DEMANDED investment options:
Residence permit in Greece: To obtain the status, you need to buy real estate in the amount of €250,000, invest in the economy of at least€300,000 or prove your financial viability as an independent person.
Residence permit in Malta: The cost of obtaining the status will be€30,000, for maintenance — at least €8,750 per year. Real estate can be rented or bought.
Residence permit in Austria: Suitable for financially independent individuals within an annual quota. You need to have a sufficient level of income of at least €80,000 in accounts, know the language at a basic level and buy or rent a house.
Residence PERMIT IN Portugal: You can get it when buying real estate in the amount of €350,000, €1,000,000 for direct investment or starting a business providing at least ten jobs.
Residence permit in Spain: The right to obtain the status given
the purchase of real estate for at least €500,000, investments in Spanish companies of at least €1,000,000, opening a deposit for €1,000,000, buying government bonds for €2,000,000 or starting a business.
Residence permit in Switzerland: it is extremely hard to obtain. However, it is possible to obtain a status by investing at least €1,000,000
in the creation of a company. It is much easier to obtain a residence permit by paying an annual lump-sum tax of 450,000 Swiss francs.
Residence permit in the UK: Despite the difficulties in the migration sphere and the exit from the EU, the British authorities leftthe opportunity to obtain a residence permit for investments in the economy in the amount of £2,000,000 or more.
Feel free to contact us, our expert and experience teams are HAPPY to HELP you anytime.
Contact Us Now!!
ALL CITIZENSHIP & RESIDENCY BY INVESTMENT PROGRAMS
HOW TO OBTAIN DOMINICAN CITIZENSHIP THROUGH INVESTMENT:
Dominica’s Citizenship by Investment programme is one of most cost-effective CBI offerings in the Caribbean. There are two main investment routes that applicants can apply through. The first is by making an economic contribution (donation) to Dominica’s National Development Fund. The second option is available by investing in various Government approved real estate projects. The programme requires a minimum investment of $100,000, plus fees.
PORTUGAL GOLDEN VISA OVERVIEW:
The Portugal Golden Visa program has proven to be the most popular scheme in Europe with investors attracted to its flexibility, cost and benefits. Introduced in 2012 this pioneering investment visa effectively launched the concept of Golden Visas taking it mainstream and laying the foundations for other countries such as Spain and Greece to follow. Since then, the Portugal program has been actively promoted internationally attracting over €6.0 billion of inward investment into the economy. As the leading consultancy for the Portuguese Golden Visa La Vida is proud to have advised and assisted more than one thousand investors and applicants from over 150 countries worldwide for the programme since its introduction.
REQUIREMENTS FOR GOLDEN VISA PORTUGAL:
Investment:An investment of €500,000 (€280,000 or €350,000 reduced option) in real estate in Portugal will gain a golden visa residency permit for a family including dependent children. Although other methods are available (see FAQ below) the real estate route accounts for over 92% of all applications.
Associated Costs:There are several costs to consider in addition to the investment amount for the golden visa in Portugal. They include property tax, stamp duty, notary and land registry fees, government approval and application fees and legal costs for processing. Typically, they will add around 14% to a €350,000 investment.
Eligibility and Requirements:In addition to the investment and fees applicants will need to open a Portuguese bank account. Investors are required to have a clean criminal record, full health insurance and to submit their applications along with full biometrics. This requires one visit to Portugal at the application stage.The Portuguese Golden Visa can be renewed at two-year intervals providing the applicant spends two weeks in the country every two years and maintains their investment.
HOW TO OBTAIN SAINT KITTS CITIZENSHIP THROUGH INVESTMENT:
The St Kitts and Nevis Citizenship by Investment programme offers two main investment paths. Applicants can obtain citizenship and a passport through a donation route or by investing in government approved real estate projects. The government requires a minimum donation of $250,000 to the Sustainable Island State Contribution (SISC) or a minimum real estate investment of US$400,000. In addition, related government application fees, agency costs and due diligence fees apply.
St Kitts significantly increased their investment levels on 27th July, 2023. The previous SGF or LTO are no longer investment options for St Kitts citizenship.
HOW TO OBTAIN SAINT LUCIA CITIZENSHIP THROUGH INVESTMENT:
Saint Lucia offer one of the most cost-effective Citizenship by Investment programme offerings in the Caribbean. There are three main investment routes that applicants can apply through. The first is by contributing (donating) to Saint Lucia’s National Development Fund. The route requires a minimum donation of $100,000, plus fees. The second option is by investing in government approved real estate projects, from $200,000. The third route, is a five-year investment in Government Bonds. See below for more details on each route.
OVERVIEW OF ANTIGUA AND BARBUDA’S CITIZENSHIP BY INVESTMENT PROGRAMME:
Antigua and Barbuda’s Citizenship by Investment programme was first launched by the government in 2013. The programme helps Antigua attract direct foreign investment to the country, boosting economic growth across the nation and fund key community-focused projects and infrastructure. High-net-worth individuals and their families from all over the world apply for the programme to increase their global mobility and obtain a ”Plan B” passport. Successful applicants will be granted Antiguan citizenship and a passport which will enable them to gain visa-free travel to more than 161 countries worldwide.
TURKEY CITIZENSHIP BY INVESTMENT PROGRAMME OVERVIEW:
Turkey launched its citizenship by investment programme in 2016 following the success of golden visa programmes in Europe. The Turkish Golden Visa programme grants residency, citizenship and a Turkish passport to applicants investing in real estate. Turkey is strategically located as a hub between Europe, Asia and Africa offering strong market links and connections for travel and trade. It is ideally placed for families looking to establish both residency and business.
HOW TO OBTAIN CITIZENSHIP IN TURKEY THROUGH INVESTMENT:The real estate route is particularly attractive for investors in Turkey. This requires a property purchase of a minimum of $400,000 + fees, making Turkey one of the lowest cost citizenship by investment programmes on the market.
OVERVIEW OF GRENADA CITIZENSHIP BY INVESTMENT PROGRAMME:
Grenada’s Citizenship by Investment programme was introduced in 2013 and offers a low-cost entry for a second citizenship and passport. Applicants from all countries are welcome but are subject to strict due diligence checks. The programme attracts many high-net-worth investors from all over the world looking to increase their family’s global mobility and obtain the security of a second citizenship in Grenada. Successful applicants will be granted Grenada citizenship, a certificate of naturalisation and a passport which will enable them to gain visa-free travel to more than 153 countries worldwide. Grenada’s Citizenship by Investment programme has helped bring substantial foreign investment to the country, funding government-sponsored projects as well as boosting the general economy and creating jobs for local people.
SPAIN GOLDEN VISA OVERVIEW:
Spain launched its golden visa programme in 2013. An investment of €500,000 in real estate will gain family residency. The Spanish investor visa can be renewed every two years. After five years it is possible to gain permanent residency and after ten years citizenship. It is not necessary to live in Spain to retain and renew the residency visa permit.
OVERVIEW OF VANUATU CITIZENSHIP BY INVESTMENT PROGRAMME:
First launched in 2017, Citizenship by investment in Vanuatu is available to applicants who invest from $130,000 into a local development fund. Officially known as the Vanuatu “Development Support Programme” (DSP), the programme offers one of the fastest citizenship and second passport programmes in the world and is the only programme of its kind in the Asia-Pacific Hemisphere. Vanuatu, a chain of 80 islands in the south Pacific to the east of Australia is part of the Commonwealth. The official languages are English and French. Vanuatu offers Citizenship with full Ni-Vanuatu rights (less voting rights and political involvement).
GREECE GOLDEN VISA OVERVIEW:
Launched in July 2013 the Greek Golden Visa programme grants a five-year residency visa in return for an investment in real estate. There is no minimum stay requirement and children up to the age of 21 are included in the family application. The visa is granted for five years and renewed every five years if the property investment is retained. It is not necessary to live in the country in order to retain and renew the investor visa. However, citizenship can only be granted after seven years of residency.
IRELAND GOLDEN VISA OVERVIEW:
Ireland introduced its original investor visa programme in 2012, which is officially known as Ireland’s Immigrant Investor Programme (IIP). The programme was enhanced in 2013 and it now offers the opportunity for applicants from outside the European Union to gain Irish residency through investing a minimum €1.0 million in an Approved Investment Fund.
The Irish golden visa programme was made available to stimulate investment in Ireland and offer residency to dynamic business professionals with a proven record of success. This is an ideal programme for High-Net-Worth families seeking residency in Europe and will be particularly attractive to businessmen, entrepreneurs and those seeking a top level of education for their children at world class universities.
IRELAND GOLDEN VISA CLOSURE: *** The government announced the closure of Ireland’s Golden Visa programme on 14 February 2023. There is now a window of opportunity for several existing projects over the next few months for investors and applicants. However interested parties will need to contact us very soon as the preparation of an application can take 6-8 weeks.***
CITIZENSHIP BY INVESTMENT MALTA:
Malta offers both a citizenship by investment programme and residency by investment or golden visa programme.
Malta’s Citizenship by Investment route, now known as the Maltese Citizenship by Naturalisation for Exceptional Services by Direct Investment, is aimed at ultra-high net worth individuals. Individual investors must make a minimum contribution of €600,000 to the national development fund set up by the government and prove 36 months of residency. Alternatively, there is an expedited route which requires a contribution of €750,000 and evidence of 12 months residency. Investors must also contribute €50,000 per each additional dependent included in their application. In addition to the contribution, investors must also invest a further €700,000 into residential real estate or enter into a rental agreement at a minimum value of €16,000 p.a. which must be maintained for five years. A compulsory donation of €10,000 to a registered philanthropic, cultural, sport, scientific, animal welfare, or artistic non-governmental approved organisation or society is also required.
The benefits after one to three of years residency are citizenship and a Maltese passport. This in turn grants European citizenship with the ability to live, work and study anywhere in the EU.
MALTA CITIZENSHIP BY INVESTMENT BENEFITS:The Malta Citizenship by Investment Programme offers considerable benefits for those who spend a period of residency in Malta to acquire naturalisation. The Maltese passport is one of the strongest in the world for visa-free travel and Maltese Citizenship means not only residency in Malta but citizenship within Europe allowing the holder of Maltese citizenship and their family to live and work anywhere within the European Union.
Benefits
- Strong passport offering visa free travel to 198 countries and territories worldwide
- Citizenship of the EU. Ability to live, work and study anywhere within the European Union
- Strict Due Diligence vetting which ensures only the highest quality of successful applicants
CANADA RESIDENCY BY INVESTMENT:
Canada has a history of residency by investment programs at both the federal and provincial levels. The Quebec Investor Program, which has been suspended as of 2021 and is not currently accepting new applications, was a popular program that allowed high net worth individuals to obtain permanent residency in the province of Quebec in exchange for a minimum investment of CAD 1.2 million for a period of 5 years. Other provinces, such as British Columbia and Ontario, have their own Provincial Nominee Programs (PNPs) that allow foreign nationals to obtain Canadian permanent residency by investing in businesses or creating jobs in those provinces. Currently the most attractive program available with the lowest investment criteria is the Canadian SUV.
CANADA CITIZENSHIP BY INVESTMENT: Citizenship through investment is possible in Canada but applicants will need a period of residency first before being eligible to apply. There is no direct Canadian Citizenship by Investment program.
USA EB5 INVESTOR VISA:
The EB-5 visa gives permanent U.S. residency to those investing into government-approved projects across the United States of America. The USA EB5 investment visa can be beneficial as it grants access to the U.S. education system, the right to live, retire, work and study in the USA, the ability to receive investment back upon the completion of the project and residency for the investor, any children (under 21) and their spouse. The main applicant must reside in the USA for 6 months per year.
USA E2 INVESTOR VISA: Certain countries such as China, India and Vietnam now face lengthy retrogression delays through EB5. An effective alternative to the EB5 is the E2 visa. Investment must be “substantial” but in practice is far less than the EB5. The E2 can only be obtained by citizens of countries holding an E2 treaty with the USA. This includes options such as Grenada and Turkey. Investment for citizenship in these countries entitles the holder to apply for an E2 visa, providing they reside in the treaty country first, for a minimum of three years. The route to residency can be faster and cheaper than EB5 in some cases, although a key difference with the E2 is that it is a non-immigrant visa meaning unlike the EB5 it cannot lead to a Green Card.
MONTENEGRO CITIZENSHIP BY INVESTMENT PROGRAMME OVERVIEW:
***Important Update: The Montenegro Citizenship by Investment programme officially closed in December2022.***
The Montenegro citizenship by investment programme was launched in 2019. Applicants are able to apply by investing in one of several government approved real estate development projects. The investment element ranges from €250,000 in the northern and central region to €450,000 in the coastal region. An additional government donation of €200,000 is required, plus application and due diligence fees.
Feel free to contact us, our expert and experience teams are HAPPY to HELP you anytime.
Contact Us Now!!
