European Investor Visa compared to US Investor Visa (2024)
When it comes to European Investor Visa and US Investor Visa, there are many things to consider. Both visas offer a plethora of benefits for those looking to invest in a new country, but the two programs have some key differences. In this blog post,...
Written by
Facundo Bermúdez
Published on
25 Aug 2022
Table of Contents:
When it comes to European Investor Visa and US Investor Visa, there are many things to consider. Both visas offer a plethora of benefits for those looking to invest in a new country, but the two programs have some key differences. In this blog post, we will compare and contrast European Investor Visa and US Investor Visa, so that you can make an informed decision about which program is right for you!
Table of Contents
European Investor Visa vs. US Investor Visa: The Basics
The European Investor Visa, also known as the Golden Visa, is a residency by investment program. Since its inception, the program has been incredibly popular, with over 12,000 people from all over the world applying for the visa each year. The program grants residency to foreign nationals who make a qualifying investment in Europe, and it comes with a number of benefits, including the ability to live, work, and study in the country.
The US Investor Visa is also a residency by investment program. However, the program is much more restrictive than the European Investor Visa. There are different visas that you can invest in. For example, in order to qualify for the EB-5 Visa, applicants must invest at least $500,000 in a qualifying business venture. The program also requires that applicants create at least ten full-time jobs for US citizens or legal residents. While the US Investor Visa does offer some benefits (such as the ability to live and work in the United States), it is significantly less flexible than the European Investor Visa.
European Investor Visa
European Golden Visas are permits that offer residence or citizenship in European countries. Most of these visas are intended for wealthy individuals hoping to become permanent residents of a country through large investments. Foreign nationals can acquire residency by buying property in a European country.
Individuals who apply for a European Golden Visa will get residency for themselves as well as their spouse and children. As long as the investment is made, the residence permit will be renewed.
European Golden Visas are typically not linked to residency requirements in their granting countries. Most countries, however, require five to ten years of residence before granting permanent citizenship or residency. By obtaining a European Golden Visa, you will be able to travel throughout the Schengen area with your family.
Furthermore, if you acquire citizenship in a European country, you will be able to experience visa-free travel to more than 100 countries in the world. However, it depends on the state that issued the Golden Visa. The cost of obtaining a European Golden Visa can vary from hundreds of thousands to millions of dollars.
European Citizenship by Investment for Foreign Nationals
There is no guarantee that you will receive citizenship even if you are issued a European Golden Visa. Citizenship requires about ten years of residency in a country. Citizenship is granted in a few countries without continuous residency or with only a shorter residency requirement. In order to become a citizen of Greece, you must reside there for seven years.
Eligibility criteria for European Golden Visa
When it comes to issuing a European Golden Visa, every country has its own eligibility criteria. However, here are some general eligibility conditions to obtain a European Golden Visa:
- You own the money you intend to invest.
- You should not have any criminal record.
- Likewise, you should be able to support yourself and your family financially for the intended duration of your stay.
- The money you invest should be obtained legally.
Which European country gives citizenship by investment?
There are many countries that offer the European investor visa. Each one has different requirements. But, first, let’s start by introducing you to the countries that accept this program: Portugal, Bulgaria, Greece, Germany, Italy, Belgium, Malta, Austria, Switzerland, and Spain.
Portugal
The Portuguese Golden Visa comes with a starting investment amount of €250,000. If you have a Portuguese Golden Visa, you can get citizenship or a permanent residence permit after residing in Portugal for five years. You can choose one between of the following investment conditions to get the Visa:
- Buy real estate that costs at least €500,000.
- Do a capital transfer of at least €1 million.
- Likewise, you should make a minimum investment of €250,000 in arts, culture, and heritage.
- Not only that, but you should make a minimum investment of €350,000 in scientific research.
- Create at least 10 job positions.
- You should buy real estate that costs at least €350,000 in an urban regeneration area.
- You should make a minimum investment of €500,000 in a small or medium business.
Bulgaria
They offer an investment program. In order to be part of it, you will have to make an investment and then become a permanent resident of the country.
Greece
To obtain a Greek Golden Visa, you will have to invest a minimum of €250,000, and if you want to receive the citizenship, you will have to reside in Greece for seven years. However, Greece does not impose any minimum residence conditions on visa renewal. One of the advantages that this Visa has is that the investment amount is low and there is no minimum residence condition. In addition to this, you can renew your visa every five years.
Italy
You cannot obtain an Italian Golden Visa by buying a property or real estate. In this case, you will have to make a philanthropic contribution or investment in a company. Likewise, you can choose one between of the following options: make a minimum investment of €500,000 in an Italian company; make charitable donations in the areas of scientific research, culture, education, arts, cultural and natural heritage, and immigration management, or make a minimum investment of €250,000 in an innovative Italian startup.
Germany
While Germany does not offer a Golden Visa, you can acquire a German citizenship or residence permit by investing in a business.
Belgium
As in Germany’s case, investments are the only criteria for obtaining a Golden Visa in Belgium. In addition, citizenship is offered after five years of residing in Belgium. One of the requirements to obtain this visa, is that you need to set up a company by investing €350,000 – €500,000 for five years.
Malta
There are two types of golden visas in Malta. In one visa, permanent residency is granted indefinitely, while in the other, citizenship is conferred. To obtain a Malta Citizenship by investment visa, you should either sign a 5-year lease for €16.00 per year, buy a property in Malta amounting to at least €700,000, or, you could make a philanthropic contribution of at least €10,000 to a scientific, artistic or cultural organization.
Spain
In this case, you have to make an investment in real estate to acquire a Spanish Golden Visa. The minimum investment amount starts at €500,000.
Switzerland
There is a meticulous process involved in Switzerland’s Golden Visa program. If you wish to obtain Swiss residency through investment, you can choose one between the following options:
- You should create a company to provide jobs to Swiss nationals.
- Depending on the canton you choose to reside in, you will have to pay an annual tax of between CHF 150,000 and CHF 1 million.
Switzerland requires that you reside there for a minimum of 10 years before applying for a permanent residency permit. Citizens of Switzerland must have lived in the country for at least 12 years before becoming citizens.
Austria
Buying a property does not qualify you for an Austrian Golden Visa. By creating employment opportunities to boost Austria’s economy, you can get residency by investment in Austria. The following are some investment options you can consider:
- A minimum investment of €3 million in an Austrian government development fund.
- A minimum investment of €10 million in a business.
Disadvantages of European Golden Visa
There are many disadvantages of this program. The European Golden Visa program has been criticized for being a way to buy citizenship or residency. In addition, there have been concerns that the program could be used by criminals to launder money or avoid taxes. Additionally, critics say that the program could lead to an influx of wealthy people who would not contribute to the local economy.
Some countries, such as Greece and Spain, have had difficulty selling the properties that have been purchased through the program. This has led to concerns about whether the program is sustainable in the long term. There is also concern that the program could create a two-tier system, where those with enough money can buy citizenship or residency, while those without money are forced to live in their country of origin.
Us Investor Visa
As mentioned above, there are different types of investor visas that allow investment and residence in the United States. However, each one has different requirements.
EB-5 Visa
The EB-5 is a US Investor Visa which requires a minimum investment of $800,000. The investment must be made in a designated Regional Center, which is an organization that promotes economic growth in specific geographic areas. The EB-5 visa allows the investor to live and work anywhere in the United States. After five years, the investor can apply for permanent residency.
EB5 investors have the opportunity to become U.S. Citizens once they have completed the EB5 program process. To be eligible to become U.S. citizens, EB5 Visa holders must first be permanent residents for at least five years. At this point they can undergo the naturalization process which allows them to become U.S. citizens.
E-2 Visa
The applicant must make a substantial investment to qualify for the E2 investor visa. However, the law does not state a minimum dollar amount. Generally, the applicant should be prepared to invest at least $100,000 US dollars in the enterprise to have a good E2 visa case. The processing time for an E2 Visa varies by Consulate, anywhere from about two weeks to four months. The E2 Visa is granted for an initial period of two years. Nevertheless, it can be renewed an unlimited number of times as long as the Treaty Investor continues to meet the requirements for this type of visa.
L-1 Visa
L-1 visas allow you to enter the United States as a non-immigrant to work in the L-1 category. A non-immigrant visa with a reciprocity schedule is valid for a relatively short period of time, ranging from three months to five years. With extensions, the maximum stay is seven years. For a L1 visa, an employee must work for an overseas subsidiary, parent, affiliate, or branch office for at least one year within the last three years before transferring to the US company. During this time, the employee must have been a manager, executive, or specialized knowledge worker.
EB1-C
A EB1-C visa is an immigrant visa classification for multinational managers and executives. In order to transfer a manager or executive to a related US company, a foreign company must obtain an EB1-C visa. An approved Labor Certification is not required in order for the US company to hire the foreign worker. The EB1-C visa is similar to the L-1A visa, however the L-1A is a temporary nonimmigrant visa.
US Investor Visa Advantages
There are several advantages to the US investor visa. First, it allows the investor to live and work anywhere in the United States. Second, after five years, if the investor chooses to invest in the EB-5 Visa, he/she can apply for a green card. Third, the investment required is relatively low compared to other countries. In addition, the spouses of US investor visa holders are eligible to apply for a work permit. They can then live and work anywhere in the United States. Finally, there is no limit on the number of times the visa can be renewed.
Conclusion
Overall, the US investor visa is a good option for those looking to invest in a foreign country. The requirements are relatively low and there are many benefits, such as the ability to live and work anywhere in the United States. If you are considering investing in a foreign country, the US investor visa should be high on your list. If you are interested, do not hesitate to contact us. Our team is happy to help you on your path.
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