Top investment-based immigration to Europe schemes

If you are a person with a high net worth and looking for an alternative passport, here’s a brilliant piece of information for you-especially in this time of great turmoil. No matter where you are, in a time like this, it is always helpful to have other options to ensure long-term security for your future generations.

When searching for a second passport or residency, countries like Malta, Portugal, and Austria pack a heavy punch. Though these nations may be best known for their vibrant culture and beautiful landscapes over the past few years, they have witnessed a proliferation in the number of overseas entrepreneurs or investors calling these countries their home through Golden Visa Schemes.

Golden Visa, also known as Residency by Investment or Citizenship by Investment programs, allow foreign investors, high net worth individuals, and entrepreneurs to get citizenship or residency options.

Apart from gaining residency or citizenship ( depending on the program selected) in these European countries, the visa holders can travel across all 26 Schengen countries without applying for a visa.

Malta, Portugal, and Austria offer the best business immigration programs.

As per the Global Citizenship Programs Index (GCPI), Malta is on top of the list, followed by Austria Private Residence Program and the Portugal Golden Residence Permit Program.

Malta

The Malta Citizenship by Naturalisation for Exceptional Services by Direct Investment allows for citizenship by a naturalization certificate to foreign individuals and their families who make influential contributions to the country’s economy.

Each application goes through a stringent due diligence process, including background checks. After that, the applicant becomes eligible to apply for citizenship.

All interested applicants must invest at least €600,000 in the government’s national development fund. There is also an expedited route, requiring an investment of €750,000 and 12 months of residency status in Malta.

The Malta Permanent residency Program offers permanent residence to eligible candidates having a personal net worth of Euro 500,000 and investible funds of at least Euro 150,000. It provides two options:

Full Contribution Option
• Contribution to government € 98,000
• Mandatory charitable donation to a Maltese registered NGO € 2,000
• Renting of a residential unit for five years in the South of Malta and Gozo € 10,000

Reduced Contribution Option

• Contribution to government € 68,000
• Mandatory charitable donation to a Maltese registered NGO € 2,000
• Purchasing of a residential unit for five years in the South of Malta and Gozo € 300,000

Real Estate Options

It is also possible to rent or purchase real estate in other areas in Malta. In this case, the minimum rent is €12,000 per annum, and the minimum purchase price is €350,000.

Portugal

The Portugal Golden Visa is a residence visa issued to non-EU nationals who have made a significant investment in Portugal, such as purchasing real estate, making a capital investment, or creating employment opportunities.

Currently, it is one of the fastest permanent residency and citizenship pathways offered by a European country through the Golden Visa. The residency program has scored 75 out of 100 as the top Residency-by-Investment programs.

As per the reports published by Portugal’s Golden Visa statistics, SEF (Foreigners and Borders Service) granted 100 residence permits in February 2021. Eighty-nine authorized golden visas were awarded for the real estate investment, and 11 were issued for the capital transfer investment option.

To be eligible for a Golden Visa in Portugal, you must make one of the following investments:

• Purchase a property worth at least €500,000.
• For a low-density area, the minim investment amount in the property should be €400,000.
• Invest €350,000 in a property in a Portuguese urban regeneration area. If you invest in a low-density area, the investment amount is €280,000. The project should qualify for investment by the Portuguese Immigration and Borders Service – SEF.
• Invest at least €350,000 in a qualifying Investment Fund. The investment options are regulated by the Portuguese CMVM (Securities Market Commission) and usually include venture capital investment in real estate or start-up tech companies.
• Make a capital transfer of at least €1 million in a Portuguese bank account.
• Purchase Company shares worth at least €1 million.
• Invest at least €1 million in a company.
• Create at least ten jobs for Portuguese nationals.
• Invest at least €350,000 to create a commercial company or reinforce the share capital of a commercial company, through which you make at least five full-time jobs.
• Make a capital transfer of at least €350,000 for research activities in science or technology by either public or private scientific research institutions.
• Make a capital transfer of at least €250,000 to support the arts or reconstruction of national heritage.

Recently, Portugal’s government announced introducing some changes in the program to attract more foreign investors.

Austria

Austria is one of the most popular European countries. The country is famous for its beauty and its residency by investment program, unlocking tremendous opportunities for business investors seeking global expansion.

To be eligible for Austria citizenship by investment program, you must:

• Be able to invest at least €10 million if injected directly into a business or €3 million to contribute to the government development fund.
• The foreign national must significantly influence an entity with a solid economic performance and international reputation.
• Apart from the investment, the immigrant must make extraordinary contributions like introducing new technology or creating a significant number of jobs in Austria.
• Spouse and children up to 18 years old can be included in the citizenship application. Children above 18 years old would require filing a separate application.

For More information you can contact with our immigration experts at 8595338595 or [email protected].