Congress created the EB-5 Program in 1990 to stimulate the U.S. economy through job creation and capital investment by foreign investors. The Program is currently the only visa program designed to allow foreign investors to obtain permanent residence (a “Green Card”) in the United States. There are 10,000 EB-5 visas available each Fiscal Year.
Applicants must make an investment of USD $900,000 in a regional center designated by the USCIC for at least five (5) years and must establish full-time employment for at least ten (10) qualified U.S. workers directly or indirectly through the enterprise. Under this option the Applicant is not required to actively manage the new enterprise.
Upon approval of the investor’s initial application, the investor can apply for conditional residence in the United States which, once authorized, is valid for two (2) years. After two (2) years, the investor can apply to have the conditions removed and have the conditional residency made permanent, provided that certain conditions of the investment have been met. Upon removal of condition, a full Green Card is granted for indefinite permanent resident status and work permission in the United States.
To be eligible to apply, the Principal Applicant must:
The procedure for obtaining an EB-5 Investor Green Card is a two-step process.
The first step involves completing a thorough business and financial due diligence analysis of the viability of the proposed EB-5 business project, making the investment into an escrow account and filing a petition with the USCIS to certify that the Applicant and investment are eligible. This step takes, on average, about one (1) year and a few months to complete.
Upon approval of the petition an application is made for the Green Card:
The United States of America is a member of the following international organizations:
328.6 Million
USD$60,200 (2017)
English (Official)
United States dollar (USD)
Washington, D.C.
Average all year round of 11.5 °C – 21.5 °C
Christianity
Federal Republic
The Antigua & Barbuda Citizenship by Investment Program was designed to facilitate economic expansion, increase Foreign Direct Investment, and attract developments to the country. The legal code in Antigua and Barbuda guarantees investor protection, promoting an attractive investment environment.
Applicants have three types of investment options available to obtain citizenship. The investment options include the following:
A contribution of a minimum of USD $100,000 for a family of four (4), or USD $125,000 for a family of five (5) or more persons.
An investment of a minimum of USD $400,000 in an approved real estate project. With this option the real estate is 100% freehold and must be maintained for a minimum of five (5) years.
For a limited time, two Applicants may make a joint investment of at least USD $400,000 provided each Applicant contributes a minimum of USD $200,000 towards the purchase of the real estate.
Investment of USD $1.5 million in the establishment of a business by a single investor; OR
A joint investment of a sum of at least USD $5 million by two (2) or more investors, where each investor contributed a minimum of USD $400,000.
The Antigua & Barbuda Citizenship by Investment Program was designed to facilitate economic expansion, increase Foreign Direct Investment and attract developments to the country. The legal code in Antigua and Barbuda guarantees investor protection, promoting an attractive investment environment.
Initial passports are valid for five (5) years and renewable subject to the holder meeting the residency requirement.
To be eligible to apply, the Principal Applicant must:
Decisions are rendered in 3-4 months on most applications as long as the due diligence report is satisfactory to the Citizenship by Investment Unit. Upon Approval, Applicants have 30 days to make the investment into the National Development Fund or finalize the real estate transaction. Upon receipt of the investment or confirmation of real estate purchase, passports are issued within two weeks.
Antigua & Barbuda is a member of the following international organizations:
103,864
$13,810 US World Bank (2017)
English (Official)
Eastern Caribbean Dollars. 1 XCD = 0.37 USD
Saint John’s
Average all year round of 22°C – 31 °C
Christianity
Constitutional Monarchy
The Montenegro Citizenship by Investment Program was implemented as a system to increase the standards of living and to create new jobs for the citizens of Montenegro. The Program is designed to grant citizenship to foreigners who contribute to the economic development of Montenegro through investment in business and/or real estate.
Applicants may make two types of investments to obtain citizenship, along with making a donation to the government fund. The investments include the following:
Government Fund Donation: A contribution in the amount of €100,000 in the form of a government fee.
AND one of the following options:
An investment of €450,000 in development projects approved by the Government in the established area of Montenegro.
An investment of €250,000 in development projects approved by the Government in an underdeveloped area of Montenegro.
Holders of a Montenegrin passport have access to approximately 122 destinations, visa-free. These include essential business hubs such as Singapore, Hong Kong, South Korea and Switzerland.
Passports are valid for 10 years and are renewable afterwards.
To be eligible to apply, the Principal Applicant must:
Decisions may be rendered in as little as 6 months provided that the investment funds have been granted a positive assessment by the international due diligence agent.
Montenegro is a member of the following international organizations:
622,471 (2017)
$7,120 US (2016)
Montenegrin (official)
Euro. 1 € = 1.13 USD
Podgorica
Average all year round of 5°C – 27°C
Orthodox Christianity
Republic
The Citizenship by Investment program is designed to attract Foreign Direct Investment and to promote the economy and values of the country. The Program provides an avenue for Applicants and their families to obtain citizenship.
Applicants have two investment options to obtain citizenship. The investment options include:
A non-refundable payment into the Sustainable Growth Fund in the amount of:
A payment of USD $10,000 is required for any additional dependents, regardless of age.
Payment of USD $200,000 (resalable after seven (7) years) or USD $400,000 (resalable after five (5) years) towards a pre-approved real estate project in St. Kitts and Nevis.
Holders of the St. Kitts and Nevis passport enjoy visa free travel to approximately 152 international and Commonwealth countries. These include the United Kingdom and all other members of the European Union, and important business hubs such as Singapore and Hong Kong.
Adult passports are valid for ten (10) years while passports for minor children are valid for five (5) years and renewable afterwards at any St. Kitts and Nevis Consulate or directly through the St. Kitts and Nevis Passport and Immigration Office.
To be eligible to apply, the Principal Applicant must:
Decisions can be rendered in as little as 45 days through the accelerated application process. Decisions for regular processing are rendered within four (4) months on most applications as long as the due diligence report is satisfactory to the Citizenship by Investment Committee. Upon approval, Applicants have 30 days to make the investment into the Sustainable Growth Fund or finalize the real estate transaction. Upon receipt of the investment or confirmation of real estate purchase, passports are issued within two (2) weeks.
Accelerated application processing is available for an extra fee to all Applicants except Applicants from the following countries:
St. Kitts and Nevis is a member of the following international organizations:
55,345 (2017)
$16,240 US (2017)
English (Official)
Eastern Caribbean Dollars. 1 XCD = 2.70 USD
Basseterre
Average all year round of 22°C – 31°C
Christianity
Constitutional monarchy
The Cyprus Investment Program is designed to attract high net-worth individuals to settle and do business in Cyprus, and to further promote Foreign Direct Investment.
Applicants may make four types of investments to obtain citizenship, along with a mandatory donation to the government. The investment options are as follows:
Donation to the Research and Innovation Foundation and the Cyprus Land Development Corporation
A donation of a minimum of €75,000 to the Research and Innovation Foundation, or an investment of a minimum of €75,000 in a certified innovative enterprise, or in a certified social enterprise.
Applicants may also choose to invest a total amount equal to 20% of the overall required investment amount in a Cyprus company on the basis that the operation falls within the primary or secondary sector of the economy, or in the sectors of research and development, education, health or renewable energy sources.
AND one of the following options:
Investment of a minimum of €2.5 million in the purchase or construction of building projects, land development projects or infrastructure projects.
Investment of at least €2 million in the purchase, creation or participation in businesses or companies based and operating in the Republic of Cyprus. These businesses or companies must have a tangible presence in Cyprus and employ at least five (5) Cypriot or European citizens.
Investment of at least €2 million in the financial assets of Cypriot companies or organizations. This includes, securities and debentures registered and issued in the Republic of Cyprus. Investors must maintain the purchased assets for a period of three (3) years.
Investment in a combination of the above options. The combination of investments must total at least €2 million.
The Cyprus Investment Program offers investors an EU passport with access to approximately 172 countries and territories, visa-free. These include essential business hubs such as Singapore, Hong Kong and Canada.
To be eligible to apply, the Principal Applicant must:
Cyprus is a member of the following international organizations:
1.18 Million
USD$33,609 (2017)
Greek, Turkish, English
Euro. 1 € = 1.13 USD
Nicosia
Average all year round of 13°C – 26°C
Orthodox Christianity
Republic
The Citizenship by Investment Program is designed to attract investments that will promote sustained economic growth and create jobs and business opportunities for citizens of Dominica. This Program offers the most affordable route to citizenship out of any of the Caribbean programs for applicants and their families. In order to stay competitive in a demanding global environment, the Government of Dominica is dedicated to providing legislative and fiscal support to help create contemporary, diversified, sustainable and resilient economic structures.
Purchase of Government authorized real estate with a minimum value of USD $200,000. The investment must be maintained for a minimum of three (3) years. If maintained and sold after five (5) years, the property qualifies the next buyer for citizenship as well.
Holders of the Dominican passport enjoy visa-free travel to approximately 135 international destinations. These include the United Kingdom, Europe’s Schengen Zone and important business hubs such as Hong Kong and Singapore.
Passports are valid for ten (10) years for adults and five (5) years for children under the age of 16 and are renewable afterwards at the Passport and Immigration Department in Dominica or through any Dominican Consulate.
To be eligible to apply, the Principal Applicant must:
Decisions are usually rendered in less than 3 months on most applications as long as the due diligence report is satisfactory.
Dominica is a member of the following international organizations:
73,925 (2017)
$6,490 US (World Bank 2009)
English (official)
Eastern Caribbean Dollars. 1 XCD = 0.37 USD
Roseau
Average all year round of 22 °C – 33 °C
Roman Catholic
Parliamentary Republic
Distinguished as the “Gift of the Nile”, the Republic of Egypt proudly exhibits miles of unspoiled desert landscapes, grand historical monuments, and breathtaking coastal regions. Egypt, positioned in the northeastern corner of Africa, straddling Asia via the Sinai Peninsula, is home to a diverse tapestry of people and traditions. It is a politically and economically resilient nation with one of the lowest crime rates in the region. Recognized globally for its profound historical significance and business-friendly environment, Egypt remains a top choice for international investors seeking a rewarding blend of culture and commerce.
The Egyptian Citizenship by Investment Program was launched on March 15, 2020 according to Parliament Law No. 190 to offer high networth individuals and their family members citizenship in exchange for a qualifying investment in the country. To maintain the integrity of the program, the Egyptian government established a special unit within the office of the Prime Minister to oversee the entire process of the program.
Applicants have three investment options available to obtain residency. The investment options include the following:
A refundable deposit at the central bank of Egypt of $750,000 USD for 5 years or 1 million USD for 3 years. Funds will be refunded in local currency with no interest.
To be eligible to apply, the Principal Applicant must:
102.3 million (2020)
3,496 US (2020)
Arabic (official)
Egyption Pound 1 = 0.054 USD
Cairo
Average all year round of 18°C – 34°C
Muslim
Democratic Republic
The Residency by Investment Program, also known as the Golden Visa, is designed to attract Foreign Direct Investments to the country and offers Applicants and their dependents residency permits in Portugal.
Applicants have three investment options available to obtain residency. The investment options include the following:
For the options above, a 20% reduction to the minimum investment amount would be applied for property purchases in low-density population areas.
For investment through the creation of a minimum of ten (10) jobs, this requirement may be reduced by 20% (8 jobs) when created in low density population areas.
Holders of the Portuguese passport enjoy visa-free travel to approximately 184 international destinations. These include essential business hubs such as Hong Kong and Singapore, as well as any of the states of the European Union, European Economic Area and Switzerland.
Passports are valid for five (5) years and must be re-applied for in person in particular Civil Registries or Departments of Citizen Cards. Overseas applications must be made in person at a consular authority such as an Embassy or Consulate.
To be eligible to apply, the Principal Applicant must:
Portugal is a member of the following international organizations:
610.31 million (2017)
$19,820 US (2017)
Portuguese (official)
Euro. 1 € = 1.13 USD
Lisbon
Average all year round of 17°C – 26°C
Christianity
Republic
The Malta Citizenship by Investment Program is designed to attract high net-worth investors and maintains its exclusivity by adopting a stringent due diligence process. The Program is designed to provide an avenue for Applicants and their families to obtain citizenship.
Applicants have one type of investment option available to obtain citizenship. Applicants must meet the following conditions:
Make a contribution in the amount of €650,000 to the Maltese Government;
Lease a property in the amount of at least €16,000 per year, or purchase a property with a minimum value of €350,000;
Acquire €150,000 worth of stocks, bonds, debentures, special purpose vehicles or other investment vehicles as identified.
Holders of a Maltese passport enjoy visa-free travel to approximately 182 international destinations. These include the United Kingdom, the European Schengen Zone, Switzerland and significant business hubs such as Hong Kong and Singapore.
Passports are valid for ten (10) years and are renewable afterwards at a Maltese passport office.
To be eligible to apply, the Principal Applicant must:
Decisions are rendered within twelve (12) months on most application as long as the due diligence report is satisfactory.
Malta is a member of the following international organizations:
460,297 (2017)
$23,750 US (2016)
Maltese, English
Euro. 1 € = 1.13 USD
Valletta
Average all year round of 9°C – 31°C
Roman Catholic
Parliamentary Republic
The Citizenship by Investment program is designed to attract Foreign Direct Investment and to promote the economy and values of the country. The program provides the avenue for Applicants and their families to obtain citizenship.
The Grenada Citizenship by Investment program is similar to the other Caribbean Citizenship by Investment programs but differs and is unique in the following ways:
Applicants may only make two types of investments to obtain citizenship.
The investments include the following:
A payment into the National Transformation Fund of USD$150,000 +
A payment towards an approved real estate project in Grenada in the minimum amount of USD$220,000 +
Holders of Grenada passport enjoy visa free travel to approximately 115 international and Commonwealth countries. These include the United Kingdom and all other members of the European Union, and important business hubs such as Singapore and Hong Kong. Grenada is one of very few nations whose citizens can travel to the People’s Republic of China without first obtaining a visa. See attached the visa free travel list.
Passports are valid for five (5) years and renewable afterwards at the Grenadian Consulate in London, or directly through the Grenadian Passport and Immigration Office.
To be eligible to apply, the Principal Applicant must:
Note: To ensure that the requirements listed above are fully adhered to, the Government of Grenada subjects each applicant to strict due diligence procedures.
Decisions are rendered in 60-90 days on most applications as long as the due diligence report is satisfactory to the Citizenship by Investment Committee. Upon Approval, Applicants’ have 30 days to make the investment into the National Transformation Fund or finalize the real estate transaction. Upon receipt of the investment or confirmation of real estate purchase, passports are issued within two weeks.
Grenada is a member of the following international organizations:
108,132 (UN 2008)
$6,810 US (World Bank 2016)
English (official), French patois
Eastern Caribbean Dollars. 1 XCD = 0.37 USD
St. George’s
Average all year round of 23°C – 28°C
Christianity
Constitutional Monarchy
The St. Lucia Citizenship Program is specifically tailored for high net-worth investors and maintains its exclusivity by limiting the number of applications accepted annually. The Program is designed to provide an avenue for Applicants and their families to obtain citizenship.
Applicants have four types of investment options available to obtain citizenship. The investment options include the following:
Purchase of property valued in the amount of a minimum of USD $300,000 in a pre-approved real estate development area. The investment must be maintained for at least five (5) years. In addition to the property purchase, processing fees, property registration, and taxes must be paid.
Purchased bonds must be registered and maintained in the name of the Applicant for a minimum of five (5) years.
Holders of a St. Lucian passport enjoy visa-free travel to approximately 144 international destinations. These include the United Kingdom, the European Schengen Zone and significant business hubs such as Hong Kong and Singapore.
Passports are valid for five (5) years and are renewable afterwards at a St. Lucia Consulate or directly through the St. Lucian Immigration Department.
To be eligible to apply, the Principal Applicant must:
Decisions are rendered within three (3) months on most application as long as the due diligence report is satisfactory.
St. Lucia is a member of the following international organizations:
178,844 (2017)
$8,330 US (2016)
English (Official)
Eastern Caribbean Dollars. 1 XCD = 2.70 USD
Castries
Average all year round of 22°C – 31°C
Roman Catholic
Constitutional Monarchy
Applicants have four investment opportunities available to obtain residency status. The options are as follows:
An investment of a minimum of €1 million in an Irish enterprise for a period of at least three (3) years.
An investment of a minimum of €1 million in an approved investment fund for a period of at least three (3) years. Such funds must be approved and regulated by the Central Bank.
An investment of a minimum of €2 million in any Irish REIT that is listed on the Irish Stock Exchange, for a period of at least three (3) years.
A philanthropic donation of a minimum of €500,000 to a project which is of public benefit to the arts, sports, health, and culture of education in Ireland.
An Applicant’s initial immigration permission is valid for two (2) years and may be renewed for a further three (3) years subject to certain conditions being met during the two (2)-year period. After the initial five (5) years, immigration permission may be renewed for a further five (5) years subject to meeting certain conditions.
Initial passports are valid for five (5) years and renewable subject to the holder meeting the residency requirement.
To be eligible to apply, the Principal Applicant must:
On average, decisions are rendered within 3 to 4 months, although it may take longer if the Evaluation Committee require more information from an Applicant. Upon approval, Applicants must make the investment within 90 days of the date of the approval letter.
Ireland is a member of the following international organizations:
4.3 Million (2018)
$62,440 US World Bank (2017)
Irish, English (Official)
Euro. 1 € = 1.13 USD
Dublin
Average all year round of 5°C – 18 °C
Catholic
Republic
The United Kingdom Immigrant Investor Program is designed to enable high net worth individuals making a significant financial investment in the U.K. to obtain residency at an expedited rate, depending on the investment option fulfilled. Applicants are permitted to apply for citizenship upon completion of residency and other requirements.
The United Kingdom Immigrant Investor Program enables applicants who invest higher amounts to obtain residency faster. Applicants are required to invest at least 75% of the total investment amount into U.K. government bonds or invest in share capital or loan capital in registered and active U.K. trading companies. The remaining 25% of the investment must be deposited into the U.K. regulated financial institution.
Applicants have three investment options available, as follows:
For a full investment in the amount of £2 million, applicants will obtain stay for settlement in five (5) years.
For a full investment in the amount of £5 million, applicants will obtain stay for settlement in three (3) years.
For a full investment in the amount of £10 million, applicants will obtain stay for settlement in two (2) years.
An investor visa is valid for a maximum of three (3) years and four (4) months, which can later be extended for another two (2) years prior to applying for residency.
Applicants have the option to apply for citizenship in the United Kingdom after having lived there for five (5) or more years, provided that they have met the following residency requirements:
No more than 90-day absence from the U.K. in the 12 months preceding the application, with the total number of days spent outside the U.K. not exceeding 450 days in the entire five (5)-year qualifying period;
Be of good moral character and not in violation of any immigration laws;
Demonstrate a basic level of proficiency in the English, Welsh or Scottish Gaelic languages as well as knowledge of U.K. life and culture.
To be eligible to apply, the Principal Applicant must:
Applicants are advised to apply no earlier than three (3) months before planned travel date. Decisions on investor applications are usually rendered in an average of three (3) weeks.
The United Kingdom is a member of the following international organizations:
66.04 million (2017)
$40,530 US (2017)
English (Official)
Pound Sterling. 1 GBP = 1.13 USD
London
Average all year round of 6°C – 20°C
Christianity
Constitutional Monarchy
Applicants have six (6) investment options available to obtain residency. The investment options include the following:
Permanent residence permits are valid for five (5) years and are renewable provided that the following conditions are met:
Applications for renewal or residence permits must be made at least two (2) months prior to the expiry of the current permit. Dependent children must renew their residence permits once they turn 21 years of age.
To be eligible to apply, the Principal Applicant must:
Decisions are rendered within three (3) months on most application as long as the due diligence report is satisfactory.
Greece is a member of the following international organizations:
10,473,455 (2019)
$27,820 US (2017)
Greek (Official)
Euro. 1 € = 1.13 USD
Athens
Average all year round of 10°C – 29°C
Greek Orthodox
Constitutional Republic
The Québec Immigrant Investor Program (“QIIP”) is designed to assist business investors and their families in obtaining permanent residence in Canada through investment in the country’s economic development. The government of Québec has established a quota system that restricts the number of applicants that may participate annually in the QIIP, and acceptance of new applications may cease when the Quota has been reached. Francophone applicants can apply at any time and are outside of the quota.
Applicants may make two types of investments to obtain permanent residency. The investment options include the following:
Investment of CAD $1.2 million in full with Investissement Québec- Immigrants Investisseurs Inc. over a five (5)-year period, with the payment amount being returned to the investor after the initial investment period.
Canadian Permanent Resident Cards are valid for five (5) years and are renewable afterwards, provided that residency and other requirements have been met.
To be eligible to apply, the Principal Applicant must:
Application to the QIIP is a two-step process. The applicant must first apply to the province for a selection certificate and, once approved, must submit an application for permanent residence to the federal government. The current estimated provincial processing time for the selection certificate (step 1) is 18 to 24 months. The current estimated federal processing time for permanent residence (step 2) is 48 months.
Canada is a member of the following international organizations:
8.485 million (2019)
$35,213 US (2016)
French (Official)
Canadian Dollars.
1 CAN = 0.76 USD
Québec City
Average all year round of -7°C – 25 °C
Roman Catholic
Constitutional Monarchy
Our firm’s experienced and informed team of associates and advisors possess the diverse skills and areas of expertise to navigate the complex and dynamic investor immigration landscape in Canada and internationally.
Our goal is to optimize our clients’ capacity to recognize, examine, and assess their opportunities and options. Our team’s access to relevant resources and contacts will allow you to advance your business and personal plans expeditiously, economically, and efficiently.
Call us now or fill out the form to discuss your case with an experienced legal professional.
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191 The West Mall, Suite 1100
Toronto, ON M9C 5K8
Phone: 1-877-236-3060
Fax: 416-236-1809
143 Pine Street
Collingwood, ON L9Y 2P1
Phone: 705-444-0031
Fax: 416-236-1809
143 Pine Street
Collingwood, ON L9Y 2P1
Phone: 705-444-0031
Fax: 416-236-1809
136 Main St. South
Kenora, ON P9N 1S9
Phone: 1-807-456-7223
Fax: 416-236-1809
136 Main St. South
Kenora, ON P9N 1S9
Phone: 1-807-456-7223
Fax: 416-236-1809
675 Cochrane Drive, #623A
East Tower, 6th Floor
Markham
ON L3R 0B8, Canada
Phone: 1-877-236-3060
Fax: 416-236-1809
675 Cochrane Drive, #623A
East Tower, 6th Floor
Markham
ON L3R 0B8, Canada
Phone: 1-877-236-3060
Fax: 416-236-1809
