Residency by Investment

UAE Residence by Investment: Your Path to Long-Term Residency

The UAE, a key country in the Arabian Gulf, offers modern infrastructure, excellent business opportunities, and a high standard of living. If you’re considering long-term residency, the UAE Residence by Investment program, also known as the UAE golden visa, is worth exploring.

Key Program Details:

• Minimum Investment: AED 2 million (approximately USD 550,000)
• Processing Time: Over eight weeks
• Benefit: The right to live in any of the seven emirates of the UAE

Benefits of the UAE Golden Visa:

1. Strategic Location: Gateway to Africa, the Middle East, Asia, and Europe.
2. Safe and Secure Environment: Enjoy a high quality of life.
3. Family Inclusion: Add your spouse and unmarried children of any age without additional investment.
4. Ease of Doing Business: UAE ranks among the top 30 countries globally.
5. Favorable Tax Regime: No personal income, capital gains, or net worth tax (except for specific sectors).
6. Real Estate Opportunities: Good value from real estate investments.
7. Efficient Residence Permit System: Streamlined process for obtaining and renewing the golden visa.

Eligibility Requirements:

1. Real Estate Investment:
• Purchase a property worth a minimum of AED 2 million (approximately USD 550,000).
• Alternatively, invest in off-plan properties from approved local real estate companies.
• Loans from specific local banks can also qualify.
2. Application Process:
• Submit completed application forms with appropriate fees and supporting documents.
• Golden Residence visas obtained are valid for 10 years and can be renewed.
• Investments must be held for at least three years.

Remember that residing outside the UAE does not nullify the visa. The UAE Residence by Investment program provides an attractive pathway to long-term residency in this dynamic and thriving country

Spain Residence by Investment Program: Your Pathway to European Residency

Overview

The Spain Residence by Investment Program, also known as the Spain Golden Visa, enables foreign nationals to obtain residency in Spain by making a significant investment in the country. Successful applicants and their families gain visa-free access to Europe’s Schengen Area.

Key Facts

• Minimum Investment: €500,000 in Spanish real estate.
• Processing Time: Approximately 20 days for the immigration procedure.
• Benefits:
• Right to live, work, and study in Spain.
• Freedom of travel within the EU and Europe’s Schengen Area.

Why Choose Spain?

Spain is a highly desirable destination known for its:

• High Quality of Life: Enjoy a vibrant lifestyle, beautiful beaches, and diverse culture.
• Public Healthcare and Education Systems: Access excellent healthcare and education.
• Majestic Landscapes: Explore Spain’s natural beauty.
• Business Opportunities: Invest in a country with a strong economy and EU membership.

Requirements

To qualify for the Spain Golden Visa, you must fulfill one of the following investments:

1. Real Estate: Invest a minimum of €500,000 in Spanish real estate.
2. Other Options: You can also invest in Spanish companies, funds, bank deposits, create employment opportunities, or contribute to government bonds.

Path to Permanent Residence and Citizenship

• Temporary Residence: Within less than a month, you’ll become a resident of Spain with a temporary residence permit.
• Permanent Residence: After five years of continuous residence, you can acquire permanent residence status.
• Spanish Citizenship: You may apply for Spanish citizenship after two years of effective residence if you meet specific criteria.

Malta: The Jewel of the Mediterranean

Let’s dive into the Malta Residency by Investment program. Located in the middle of the Mediterranean Sea, Malta offers a beguiling blend of cultures, picturesque villages, outdoor activities, and mesmerizing beaches. The island enjoys approximately 3,000 hours of sunshine annually, making it an attractive destination for families, foreign investors, and business-oriented individuals seeking to enhance their quality of life and safeguard their freedoms.

What is the Malta Residency by Investment Program?

Often referred to as the Malta Golden Visa, the Malta Permanent Residence Program (MPRP) allows successful applicants to obtain a Certificate of Maltese Residence, enabling them and their families to reside in Malta indefinitely. Here are the key highlights of the program:

1. Eligibility Criteria:
• Third-country nationals (non-EU, non-EEA, or non-Swiss nationals) can apply for residency in Malta.
• Applicants must meet specific investment requirements and have a clean criminal record.
• Criteria include a lease agreement, property investment in Malta, and government contributions.
2. Investment Options:
• Property Investment: Purchase a property in Malta (minimum €320,000) or Gozo (minimum €270,000).
• Government Bonds: Invest €250,000 in government bonds for five years.
• Additional contribution of €30,000 to the Maltese government.
• Legal and processing fees (approximately €40,000).
3. Benefits:
• Permanent Residence: Successful applicants gain the right to settle, stay, and gain permanent residence in Malta.
• Visa-Free Travel: Access to the Schengen Area (90 out of 180 days on a rolling basis).
• Generations Included: Up to four generations can be included in a single application.
• Thriving Real Estate Market: Access to Malta’s real estate market.
• Healthcare and Education: Access to healthcare and education opportunities.
• Investment Duration: Applicants must maintain their investment for at least five years.
4. Application Process:
• The processing time typically ranges from four to six months, including background checks and document verification.
• After five years of physical residence in Malta, applicants can apply for Maltese citizenship and obtain a second passport.

Italy – Country in southern and western Europe

Italy Residence by Investment program, also known as the Italy Golden Visa. Italy, with its rich culture, historical landmarks, and vibrant cities, offers a unique lifestyle for investors seeking European residency. Here are the key details:

Overview

• Objective: The program aims to attract foreign investors who contribute significantly to Italy’s economy.
• Benefits:
• Italian Residence: Successful applicants gain the right to live, work, and study in Italy.
• Visa-Free Travel: Access to Europe’s Schengen Area.
• Quality of Life: Enjoy Italy’s rich culture, attractive industries, and major global cities.
• Healthcare and Education: Access to excellent medical care and educational facilities.
• Potential Citizenship: After ten years of residence (under special conditions).

• Investment Options:

1. Investor Visa Program:

• Invest a minimum of €2 million in Italian government bonds.
• Invest a minimum of €500,000 in Italian shares (reduced to €250,000 for innovative start-ups).
• Invest a minimum of €1 million in projects of public interest (e.g., culture, education, ecology).
• Spouse, children, and dependent parents can also request a visa without additional investment.

2. Elective Residence Program:

• Suitable for individuals with stable annual income from abroad.
• No specific investment required; prove income stability.

• Processing Time: Approximately three to four months.
• Renewal: The visa is granted for two years and is renewable for an additional three-year period if the investment is maintained.

Greece Golden Visa

Greece Golden Visa Program, a popular residence-by-investment initiative that grants approved applicants and their families a 5-year residency permit in Greece:

1. Overview:
• The Greece Golden Visa Program is considered one of the most affordable residence by investment programs that provide access to Europe.
• Successful applicants and their families gain visa-free access to Europe’s Schengen Area within three to four months of applying.
2. Key Benefits:
• Visa-Free Travel: Holders of the Greece Golden Visa can travel freely within Europe’s Schengen Area.
• No Residency Requirement: There’s no obligation to reside in Greece.
• Quick Processing: Residence permits can be acquired within 90–120 days.
• Investment Property Rental: Opportunity to rent out the investment property.
• Applicable to the Whole Family: Includes the main applicant, their spouse, children under 21 years old, and parents.
• Eligibility for Citizenship: After seven years of residence, applicants can apply for Greek citizenship.
• Income from Dividends: Ability to hold shares and receive income from dividends of a company registered in Greece (without being employed in Greece).
3. Qualifying Options:
• Real Estate Options:
• Investment in real estate property with a minimum value of EUR 250,000 (plus applicable taxes).
• Alternatively, a minimum of EUR 500,000 in Mykonos, Santorini, Thessaloniki, and most municipalities in Athens.
• 10-year lease agreement for hotel accommodation or furnished tourist residences in tourist accommodation complexes.
• 10-year time-sharing agreement for hotel accommodation.
• Other Options:
• Capital transfer: Term deposit of at least EUR 400,000 in a Greek credit institution for one year.
• Capital contribution: Minimum EUR 400,000 to a company registered in Greece (excluding portfolio investment companies and real estate investment companies).
• Capital contribution to a real estate investment company exclusively investing in Greece.
4. Renewal:
• Residence permits may be renewed every five years.

Cyprus

Cyprus Residency by Investment Program, which provides a fast-track route for entrepreneurs, investors, and families to obtain a Permanent Residence Permit (PRP) in Cyprus:

1. Overview:
• The Cyprus Residency by Investment program allows successful applicants and their families to obtain a Cyprus immigration permit with an unlimited duration in just two months.
• Investors can apply for Cyprus citizenship after residing in the country for five years as holders of this permit.
2. Key Benefits:
• Unrestricted Entry and Stay: Approved applicants and their families can enter and stay in Cyprus without restrictions.
• Healthcare Access: Eligibility for healthcare under the General Healthcare System.
• No Continuous Stay Requirement: Only a visit every two years is needed to retain residency status.
• Limited Right to Work: While there is no general right to work in Cyprus, investors can serve as unsalaried directors of companies in which they invest.
3. Investment Options:
• Real Estate Investment:
• Purchase a brand-new residential property for at least €300,000 (plus VAT).
• Alternatively, invest in two properties from different development companies, each meeting the minimum value requirement.
• Off-plan properties are also eligible.
• If the applicant and spouse buy together, the combined investment should be at least €300,000 plus VAT.
• Commercial Properties:
• Invest in commercial properties such as offices, shops, hotels, or related developments.
• Resales or used properties are also acceptable.
• Cyprus Company Share Capital:
• Establish a Cyprus company and invest in its share capital.
• The company must be based and operating in Cyprus, have a proven physical presence, and employ at least five people.
• Units of Cyprus Investment Organization of Collective Investments:
• Purchase units in any of the mentioned investment forms (AIF, AIFLNP, RAIF).
4. Requirements:
• Minimum investment of €300,000 in one of the above categories.
• Annual income of €50,000 (entirely from abroad if investing in residential property; partially from Cyprus if choosing other investment options).
5. Updates:
• The program was updated on May 2, 2023, with changes including an increase in the secured annual income requirement and exclusion of parents and parents-in-law from acquiring residence together with the applicant.