In this article, we discuss the 5 Best Countries for Migration by Investment. If you want to check out our detailed analysis, go directly to 20 Best Countries for Migration by Investment.
5. Canada
Canada’s Start-up Visa, also known as their Active Investor Visa, has attracted many investors due to its unique requirements. Unlike traditional investment-based programs, this program does not require the applicant to make a direct investment themselves. Instead, applicants are required to seek financial backing from accredited external investors. This can be achieved through a C$200,000 commitment from designated Canadian venture capital funds, a C$75,000 commitment from designated Canadian angel investor groups, or confirmation that the start-up is part of a designated Canadian business incubator program. Permanent residency can be achieved in 2 years, with citizenship attainable in 5 years. Holders of Canadian citizenship can enjoy visa-free travel to 185 destinations.
4. Austria
Austria’s citizenship by investment program, while one of the costliest and lengthier processes for migration, remains a top choice for some investors. Significant amounts of direct investments are typically required, aimed at generating new jobs and increasing export sales. The application process takes approximately 24-36 months, but investors can enjoy the benefit of greater mobility with access to 190 visa-free destinations.
3. Mauritius
Mauritius is also considered one of the best countries for migration by investment, offering both the Active Investor Visa and the Golden Visa program, which are highly attractive to investors. The Golden Visa requires a minimum investment of US $375,000 in designated real estate projects, granting immediate permanent residency for the applicant. Citizenship can be obtained after seven years of continuous residency (five years for Commonwealth nation citizens, or two years for those who invest US $500,000). On the other hand, the Active Investor Visa requires a minimum business investment of US $35,000, with residency obtained in 3 years and citizenship in 7 years (5 years for Commonwealth citizens). The application is usually processed in 2-3 months and allows visa-free travel to 146 countries.
2. Latvia
Latvia’s Residence by Investment Program offers several investment options for obtaining residency. The lowest-cost route involves a minimum investment of €50,000 (approximately US $54,500) in a Latvian company. Alternatively, investors can choose to invest €250,000 (approximately US $272,500) in real estate, interest-free bonds, or bank deposits. The process for obtaining permanent residency takes 5 years, with citizenship achievable after 10 years.
1. Malta
Malta stands at the top of the list for the best countries to migrate to by investment, offering two different investment programs. The Malta Exceptional Investor Naturalization (MEIN) Policy is a semi-direct citizenship program that requires a minimum investment in the form of a donation of €690,000 (approximately $752,100). Permanent residency and citizenship can be achieved within 12-36 months. The Golden Visa program, on the other hand, requires a minimum donation investment of €150,000 (approximately US $163,500). The application process takes 6-8 months, with permanent residency also obtained within the same time-frame. However, citizenship takes 5 years to attain, providing the advantage of visa-free travel to 179 destinations.
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