5,000 people annually receive citizenship by investment, and even more receive residence permits, according to the IMC.
Visa-free travel around the world has always been the main reason for participating in investment programs. With the onset of the pandemic in 2020, people have become even more appreciative of freedom of movement. For many wealthy people, the opportunity to travel abroad has become a vital necessity.
In 2022, investors receive a second citizenship or residence permit in order to be able to travel abroad:
for treatment;
remote work;
on business matters.
More and more investors are choosing active investment programs, such as starting a business or creating jobs. States are also trying to attract promising entrepreneurs and skilled workers.
Portugal offers foreigners to obtain a D7 visa. It is available to those who have passive income, such as pensioners and investors. To obtain a visa, you need to rent or buy real estate in the country and confirm that the monthly income from abroad is at least the minimum salary of €705.
Investors wishing to relocate to the US can obtain EB‑5 or E‑2 business visas. The latter is available only to citizens of countries that have entered into an agreement on trade and navigation with the United States.
To obtain an EB‑5 visa, an investor invests in a new or existing US company. This can be done independently or through a regional center - a special organization that promotes the development of the economy of a particular state.
The E‑2 business visa is an alternative for investors with a second citizenship. It is non-immigrant and suitable for investors who do not plan to live in the US permanently. But with an E‑2 visa, you can run a business, study, and freely enter the States.
There is no minimum amount for obtaining an E‑2 visa. In practice, it is enough for an investor to invest from $100,000, for example, to buy a franchise business.
