Investor visa programs have become a popular strategy for countries to attract foreign capital and boost economic growth. Over 100 nations now offer some form of investment-based immigration, though only about a third have seen significant success. Among these, the United States’ EB-5 Immigrant Investor Program stands out as one of the most attractive options for foreign investors worldwide.

This article will explore the EB-5 program and compare it to other notable investor visa programs across Europe, the Middle East and North America, highlighting why the EB-5 visa remains a top choice for many international investors despite the tough competition.

The EB-5 Immigrant Investor Program

Introduced by the U.S. Congress in 1990, the EB-5 program aims to boost the U.S. economy by offering permanent residency to foreign investors and their immediate family members. To qualify, investors must:

• Invest $1,050,000 in a new commercial enterprise (NCE), or
• Invest $800,000 if the NCE is in a targeted employment area.
• Create or preserve at least 10 full-time jobs for U.S. workers.

The EB-5 program offers several unique advantages:

• Concurrent filing option for investors already in the U.S. on valid nonimmigrant visas.
• Faster processing for rural EB-5 petitions.
• Conditional Green Cards valid for two years, leading to permanent residency, with the option of applying for citizenship within a total of five years.
• No language, education, or business experience requirements.
• Eligibility for investors of all nationalities.

Investors begin by filing Form I-526 or I-526E. Upon approval, they receive conditional Green Cards. After two years, they can apply to remove conditions and become permanent U.S. residents.

Global Investor Visa Programs

The EB-5 visa is the only immigrant investor visa option in the U.S. The concept, however, is quite popular around the world. We will explore some of the strongest international residency and citizenship by investment programs below. Please note that this information is subject to change, so it’s best to verify the requirements of each golden visa program from their official websites.

Portugal Golden Visa

Portugal’s Residence by Investment (RBI) program is one of Europe’s most popular. Key features include:

• Various investment options:
  • €500,000 in a Portuguese fund.
  • Creation of 10+ jobs.
  • €250,000 donation to preserve national heritage.
• 18-month average processing time.
• Two-year initial residence permit, renewable every two years.
• Path to European citizenship.

While offering a route to EU citizenship, the Portuguese program requires frequent renewals and document submissions, making it more administratively complex than the EB-5 program.

Greece Golden Visa

Greece offers one of Europe’s most affordable RBI programs, granting access to Greece and the Schengen area. Investment options include:

• Real estate worth between €250,000 and €800,000.
• €500,000 capital contribution to a Greek investment company.
• €400,000 in Greek Government bonds.

The program has recently increased its minimum investment amounts. While affordable, the Greek golden visa has limitations, such as certain work restrictions, making it less suitable for families seeking new opportunities.

Canada Investor Visas

Canada offers two main investor programs:

1. Start-Up Visa (SUV):

• Requires sponsorship from a Canadian business incubator or significant investment from angel investors or venture capital funds.
• Grants permanent residency to entrepreneurs with innovative business ideas.

2. Quebec Immigrant Investor Program (QIIP):

• Requires a CAD 1 million investment and CAD 200,000 contribution.
• Grants an initial one-year work permit leading to permanent residency.

Both programs have language proficiency requirements and the QIIP is limited to French-speaking investors, making them less accessible than the EB-5 program.

Malta Residency and Citizenship by Investment

Malta offers both RBI and Citizenship by Investment (CBI) programs. The CBI program requires:

Three-year residency in Malta (12 months in exceptional cases).
€700,000 to €1.45 million investment, including property purchase or lease and charitable donations.

While offering quick access to EU citizenship, Malta’s program is more expensive and faces scrutiny from the EU over security and transparency concerns.

Spain Golden Visa

Spain’s RBI program grants temporary residency for investments of:

• €500,000 in real estate.
• €1,000,000 in Spanish shares or bank deposit.
• €2,000,000 in government bonds.

The program offers fast processing (20 days) but only temporary residency. Permanent residency is possible after five years, with citizenship eligibility after ten years of continuous residence.

Türkiye Citizenship by Investment

Türkiye’s CBI program offers direct citizenship for:

• $400,000 investment in real estate.
• $500,000 in various other investment options.

While frequently promoted as a pathway to the U.S. E-2 visa, the Türkiye CBI is a more roundabout and potentially more expensive route to U.S. residency compared to the EB-5 program.

Caribbean Citizenship by Investment

Five Caribbean nations offer CBI programs:

• Antigua & Barbuda
• Dominica
• Grenada
• St. Lucia
• St. Kitts & Nevis

These programs are among the most affordable, with investments starting around $200,000. They offer visa-free access to the Schengen area and, in Grenada’s case, E-2 visa eligibility. However, they face ongoing scrutiny from the EU and U.S., creating uncertainty about their long-term viability.

EB-5 vs. Other Programs: Comparative Advantages

When compared to other global investor visa programs, the EB-5 program stands out in several ways. These include:

• Accessibility: Open to investors of all nationalities with no language or education requirements.
• Family Benefits: Includes spouse and unmarried children under 21.
• Path to Citizenship: Clear route to U.S. citizenship after five years of permanent residency.
• Investment Return: Potential for full repayment of invested funds plus interest.
• Processing Time: Fast-track processing for rural projects.
• Work and Study Rights: Ability to live, work, and study anywhere in the U.S. upon receiving an EB-5 Green Card.
• Stability: Well-established program with a clear regulatory framework.

While other programs may sometimes offer quicker processing or lower investment thresholds, the EB-5 program provides a unique combination of immigration and financial benefits that make it attractive to a wide range of investors.

Starting Your EB-5 Journey

The EB-5 program offers a straightforward path to U.S. permanent residency with significant potential benefits. If you’re considering this investment opportunity, it’s crucial to work with experienced professionals who can guide you through the process.

EB5AN is a leading EB-5 firm with a track record of successful projects and investor approvals. Our team can provide expert guidance on selecting the right EB-5 project, understanding the application process, navigating USCIS requirements, and much more.

To learn more about how you can start your EB-5 journey, book a one-on-one call with our team today.