EB-5 vs Other Investor Visas – Key Global Comparisons

EB-5 Immigrant Investor Program (USA)

Overview

• Investment Amount: $1.05 million (or $800,000 in a Targeted Employment Area (TEA)).
• Job Creation Requirement: Must create at least 10 full-time jobs for U.S. workers.
• Type of Investment: Must invest in a new commercial enterprise or a troubled business.
• Residency: Grants conditional permanent residency for two years, followed by the possibility to apply for permanent residency.
• Processing Time: Typically ranges from 29.5 to 61 months for Form I-526, and 34 to 62 months for Form I-829.

Benefits

• Direct path to permanent residency and eventual citizenship.
• Allows the investor, spouse, and unmarried children under 21 to gain permanent residency.
• No requirement for specific business skills or language proficiency.

Challenges

• Stringent source of funds documentation requirements.
• Long processing times and potential backlogs.
• Risk associated with meeting the job creation requirement.

UK Investor Visa

Overview

• Investment Amount: Minimum £2 million in UK government bonds, share capital, or loan capital in active and trading UK-registered companies.
• Job Creation Requirement: None specified directly for the investor.
• Type of Investment: Primarily in active and trading companies.
• Residency: Grants initial leave to remain for three years and four months, with extensions possible, leading to indefinite leave to remain (ILR) and eventually citizenship.
• Processing Time: Typically within 8 weeks for the initial application.

Benefits

• Pathway to permanent residency and citizenship.
• No specific requirement for business involvement.
• Flexibility in investment options.

Challenges

• High investment threshold.
• Stringent requirements for maintaining the investment.
• Changes in immigration rules can affect visa terms and conditions.

Portugal Golden Visa

Overview

• Investment Amount: Minimum €500,000 in real estate or €1 million in capital investment, or creation of 10 jobs.
• Job Creation Requirement: Creating 10 jobs can be one of the investment options.
• Type of Investment: Real estate, capital transfer, or business creation.
• Residency: Grants residency for an initial period of one year, followed by two-year extensions. Eligible for permanent residency and citizenship after five years.
• Processing Time: Typically within 3 to 6 months.

Benefits

• Access to Schengen Area.
• Pathway to permanent residency and citizenship.
• Flexible investment options.
• Low physical presence requirement (seven days per year).

Challenges

• Investment in real estate market can be volatile.
• Bureaucratic process can be complex.
• Changes in investment thresholds and eligible regions.

Canada Start-Up Visa

Overview

• Investment Amount: No minimum investment required, but must have support from a designated organization (venture capital fund, angel investor group, or business incubator).
• Job Creation Requirement: Must create jobs for Canadians and be innovative.
• Type of Investment: Must establish an innovative business with the potential to compete globally.
• Residency: Grants permanent residency upon approval.
• Processing Time: Typically 12 to 16 months.

Benefits

• Direct path to permanent residency.
• No minimum investment threshold.
• Support from designated organizations provides business mentorship.
• Access to Canadian markets and NAFTA benefits.

Challenges

• Must secure a commitment from a designated organization.
• High competition for obtaining support.
• Business must be innovative and viable in the long term.

Comparison Summary

Each investment visa program has its unique set of requirements, benefits, and challenges, making it important for potential investors to consider their personal circumstances, investment goals, and long-term residency plans when choosing the most suitable option.