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International Business Immigration Programs

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by Kathy Watkins

Exploring Business Immigration Opportunities

Nations worldwide have crafted business immigration programs to invigorate their economies by inviting investments from affluent individuals. Each country’s requirements vary; some necessitate passive investments, while others demand detailed business plans. Broadly, these can be divided into two options: residence and citizenship pathways.

Programs offering residence, often termed ‘Golden Visas,’ provide notable advantages such as access to the European Union’s Schengen Zone for unrestricted travel. Prominent examples include the US EB-5 program and Portugal’s Golden Visa for residence. Meanwhile, countries such as Malta and St Kitts and Nevis are renowned for offering pathways to citizenship.

The company Immigration to Canada assists individuals in navigating the intricate landscape of Canadian business immigration options. The focus is on understanding the unique requirements of Canadian immigration pathways that align with investors’ goals to ensure a smooth transition to life in Canada.

International Business Immigration Programs

International Business Immigration Programs Compared

When considering international business immigration programs, many options are competitive with Canadian business immigration pathways, such as the Canada Start-Up Visa and the Quebec Immigrant Investor Program. The Start-Up Visa provides an opportunity for entrepreneurs with a solid business plan and a Letter of Support from accredited entities like venture capital funds, angel investors, or business incubators, facilitating their permanent residency in Canada. This approach is especially appealing in dynamic sectors like information technology, healthcare, manufacturing, agriculture, and consumer goods.

Evaluating Business Immigration Options

The Quebec Immigrant Investor Program stands out in the realm of international business immigration due to its passive investment nature. Applicants are required to make a $1.2 million investment into a government-secured, interest-free venture for five years. Furthermore, eligibility criteria include specific net worth, language proficiency, and business experience requirements.

Opportunities for Canadian Citizens Abroad

Canadian citizens possessing the requisite net worth and investment capital may find themselves eligible for numerous international business immigration offerings mentioned here. Among these are several Caribbean options, which could be particularly attractive for Canadians wishing to avoid the frigid winter months. 

Residency Through Investment Initiatives

United States

Initiated in 1990, the EB-5 visa is a well-regarded program that aligns international entrepreneurs with economic development opportunities in U.S. communities. This program is widely recognized globally as an effective business immigration pathway. By investing in projects that enhance U.S. economic growth and generate employment for American workers, individuals can obtain a pathway to permanent residence, receiving a Green Card.

Criteria:

  • An investment of at least $1,050,000; or
  • A minimum of $800,000 in a Targeted Employment Area (TEA), characterized by rural settings or high unemployment.
  • Creation or maintenance of 10 full-time jobs for U.S. workers within two years of obtaining Conditional Permanent Residence.
  • Demonstration that investments are genuine and funds are legally sourced.

Advantages:

  • Provides a route to a U.S. Green Card for investors, their spouses, and unmarried children under 21.
  • Eligibility for U.S. citizenship after five years of permanent residency.
  • Access to American education often at reduced in-state rates.
  • Employment authorization without the need for employer sponsorship.
  • Flexibility to pursue other business ventures beyond initial investments.

Portugal

The Portuguese Golden Visa offers non-EU citizens a path to Portuguese citizenship through investments in real estate, business, or research and development. This program provides access to the EU, and its 2024 legislative updates streamlined eligibility and requirements, reflecting its importance as a leading European residency-by-investment opportunity.

Criteria:

  • Possession of a Portuguese Tax Identification Number (NIF).
  • Eligible investments include capital transfer, €500,000 in R&D, approved fund or venture capital investments starting at €500,000, or a €200,000 cultural heritage donation.
  • Must maintain a clean criminal record in both the country of residence and Portugal.
  • Requirement to spend an average of seven days per year in Portugal to retain residency.

Advantages:

  • Grants permanent residency in Portugal with rights to live, work, and study.
  • Includes residency rights for spouses, children, and dependent parents.
  • Visa-free travel throughout the 26-country Schengen Area.
  • Pathway to Portuguese citizenship after five years with lenient residency prerequisites.
  • Eligibility for the Non-Habitual Resident (NHR) tax regime, offering tax advantages for the first decade.

Greece

Greece’s Residency by Investment program offers a flexible pathway for non-EU citizens to gain residency through financial contributions, primarily in real estate. The program is notable for its lack of a minimum stay requirement and the prospect of attaining Greek citizenship over time.

Criteria:

  • Purchase property with a minimum investment of €400,000; or
  • Strategic investments in shares, bonds, or an Alternative Investment Fund (AIF) with a capital contribution of at least €500,000.

Advantages:

  • Permanent residency in Greece without the obligation to stay for a minimum duration.
  • Visa-free access within the Schengen Area.
  • Application extends to family members.
  • Opportunity to apply for citizenship after seven years.

Cyprus

The Cyprus Golden Visa program is a permanent residency initiative for non-EU entrepreneurs, potentially culminating in citizenship after five years. Immediate residency is granted upon meeting investment requirements, with minimal physical presence demanded.

Criteria:

  • Minimum annual income of €50,000 for the principal applicant, €15,000 for a spouse, and €10,000 for each dependent child.
  • Investment in residential property from €300,000 plus VAT; or
  • Purchase commercial property of at least €300,000 plus VAT; or
  • Invest €300,000 in a Cypriot Collective Investment Organization; or
  • Invest €300,000 in a Cypriot company, creating employment for five people.
  • Investors must verify that investments are maintained and income meets minimum requirements annually.

Advantages:

  • Immediate permanent residency status for the applicant and their family.
  • Permanent residency extends to spouses, children under 25, and dependent parents.
  • Offers access to the Schengen Area.
  • Fast and efficient application processing, typically within two months.
  • Various investment choices including real estate, business, and financial assets.

Spain

The Spain Golden Visa allows individuals to live and work in Spain through significant investments, commonly via real estate purchases.

Criteria:

  • Acquire real estate valued at no less than €500,000.

Advantages:

  • Authorization to reside and work in Spain.
  • Visa-free travel in the Schengen Area.
  • Family inclusion in the visa process.
  • No mandatory stay, offering flexibility for international entrepreneurs.
  • Eligibility for citizenship after ten years.
Express Entry Immigration to Canada

Italy Golden Visa

The Italian Golden Visa provides a swift route for non-EU and non-Swiss entrepreneurs and their families to secure residency in Italy, enhancing foreign investment since its inception in 2017. This immigration pathway promises a two-year residence permit, which is renewable for an additional three years. The program encourages investments and philanthropic contributions, making it an attractive option for potential investors.

Investment Requirements:

  • Invest a minimum of €2 million in government bonds; or
  • At least €500,000 in corporate bonds or shares; or
  • At least €250,000 in innovative start-ups; or
  • Make a philanthropic donation of at least €1 million.
  • The investment or donation must be declared within three months of entering Italy and maintained throughout the permit’s validity.

 

Benefits:

  • A five-year pathway to permanent residency in Italy.
  • A ten-year pathway to Italian citizenship.
  • Access to travel freely in the Schengen area, covering Mediterranean regions.
  • Enjoy affordable living costs and a pleasant Mediterranean climate.
  • Benefit from a favorable tax regime as a foreign tax resident.

UAE Golden Visa

Introduced in 2019, the UAE’s Golden Visa program is designed to attract investors, entrepreneurs, specialized talents, researchers, and outstanding students. It enables long-term residence without a national sponsor and offers 100% business ownership in the UAE mainland.

Investment Requirements:

  • Own real estate worth at least AED 2 million; or
  • Make substantial investments, such as deposits in local banks or investment funds.
  • For entrepreneurs, a viable business plan endorsed by an approved UAE incubator or investor is required.
  • For professionals and talented individuals, proof of exceptional work and advanced degrees is necessary.
  • For students and scientists, outstanding academic performance and recognition are required.
  • A valid passport with a minimum of six months before expiration.

Benefits:

  • Long-term residency with a renewable visa.
  • Family inclusion in the visa coverage.
  • Access to exclusive UAE services and discounts, such as the Esaad privilege card.

Malta Golden Visa

Known as the Malta Permanent Residence Program (MPRP), this golden visa invites non-EU citizens to earn permanent residency through investment. It offers a blend of investments in government-approved funds, real estate, and contributions to the Maltese government.

Investment Requirements:

  • Invest a minimum of €100,000 in a government-approved fund.
  • Real Estate Options:
    • Option A: Rent property at a minimum annual rent of €10,000 in Gozo or southern Malta, or €12,000 elsewhere.
    • Option B: Purchase property worth at least €300,000 in Gozo or the south, or €350,000 elsewhere.

Benefits:

  • Permanent Maltese residence.
  • Visa-free Schengen travel.
  • Family inclusion in the permit.
  • Speedy processing.
  • Advantageous Maltese tax regime with no tax on worldwide income for non-domiciled residents.

Malaysia My Second Home

The ‘Malaysia My Second Home’ (MM2H) program differs from other business immigration programs, granting long-term residency to foreign investors seeking to reside in Malaysia through a multiple-entry social visit pass.

Investment Requirements:

  • Purchase residential property valued at RM500,000 in Penang or RM1,000,000 elsewhere.
  • Minimum offshore income of RM10,000 per month.
  • Fixed Deposit in a Malaysian bank of RM300,000 for those under 50, and RM150,000 for those aged 50 or above.
  • Three months’ bank statements showing RM500,000 in liquid assets for those under 50, and RM350,000 for those 50 and older.

Benefits:

  • Renewable, five-year, multiple-entry visa.
  • Include spouse, unmarried children under 35, and parents or parents-in-law over 60.
  • Favorable property ownership conditions for MM2H participants.

Each pathway offers distinct advantages and investment opportunities tailored to varying interests, whether through the scenic landscapes of Italy and Malta, the thriving economy of the UAE, or the culturally rich experience of Malaysia.

Opportunities for Wealthy Individuals Seeking Canadian Residency

For high net worth individuals exploring global options, numerous international business immigration programs exist that offer pathways to secure a backup residency or acquire a second passport. Notably, Canada presents several attractive business immigration options worth considering. It is crucial to thoroughly assess all requirements and benefits associated with each program before deciding on the most suitable one to apply for.

Immigration to Canada provides a broad range of business immigration routes tailored to affluent candidates. Each program comes with specific criteria and unique advantages that need detailed evaluation. Before choosing a pathway, potential applicants should examine how each option aligns with their personal and professional goals.

FAQ
Can I Move to Canada by Purchasing a Business?

Yes, buying a business can be a pathway to immigrating to Canada. There are multiple federal and provincial programs available for entrepreneurs and investors. One key program is the Start-Up Visa Program, which grants you the chance to apply for permanent residency if you purchase and manage a business in Canada or establish a new one. Additionally, the Provincial Nominee Program (PNP) offers specific streams for business owners, varying by province and territory. It's crucial to review each program's requirements to find the right fit for you, ensuring you meet criteria such as investment levels and business management experience. Seeking guidance from immigration experts can be beneficial in navigating the process.

What Are Canada's Business Immigration Programs?

Canada offers several business immigration pathways, with the Start-Up Visa Program being the primary federal option for entrepreneurs aiming to move to Canada. This program is designed for individuals capable of launching innovative businesses that can generate jobs for Canadians and compete globally.

How Much Capital is Needed for a Business Visa in Canada?

For the Start-Up Visa, applicants must demonstrate they have enough settlement funds to sustain themselves and their dependents upon arriving in Canada, and these funds cannot be borrowed. The required funds depend on family size, starting at $14,690 for an individual and up to $38,875 for a family of seven or more, with an additional $3,958 for each family member beyond seven. These figures are subject to annual updates.

While there is no direct investment requirement from the applicant's personal funds, securing a commitment from a designated organization is necessary:

  • Venture Capital Fund: Minimum investment of $200,000.
  • Angel Investor Group: Minimum investment of $75,000.
  • Business Incubator: Acceptance into an approved business incubator program (no specified investment amount).
Can I Obtain Permanent Residency by Investing in Canada?

Yes, investing in Canada can be a route to gaining Permanent Residency (PR) through various investment immigration programs available at both federal and provincial levels.

The main federal programs include:

  • Self-Employed Persons Program
  • Start-Up Visa Program (SUV)

Each province also offers its own business immigration options, so it is essential for applicants to explore these programs when considering immigration to Canada through investment.

Is There an Age Limit for Canada’s Business Visa?

Canada’s business immigration programs generally do not impose strict age limits. For instance, the Start-Up Visa Program (SUV) requires applicants to meet eligibility standards regarding their business proposal, language skills, and available settlement funds, but does not have specific age criteria. Similarly, the Self-Employed Persons Program emphasizes relevant experience and the ability to contribute to cultural or athletic fields in Canada rather than age.

Who Qualifies for a Business Visa in Canada?

To qualify for Canada’s Start-Up Visa Program, applicants must meet several criteria: they need to own a qualifying business with shared voting rights, obtain a commitment from a designated organization (such as CAD 200,000 from a venture capital fund, CAD 75,000 from an angel investor group, or entry into a business incubator), demonstrate language proficiency at Canadian Language Benchmark (CLB) level 5 in English or French, have adequate settlement funds, and clear security and medical checks. Applicants should also intend to settle outside Quebec. Those who succeed, along with their families, can obtain permanent residency and access social benefits, healthcare, and education.

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