10 Premium Investment Immigration Programs for UHNWIs

This article discusses the ten premium (most expensive) investment immigration programs for high-net-worth individuals. These programs can add immense value to a person’s passports and investment portfolios while potentially helping them legally reduce their taxes.

Furthermore, these programs are located where you can easily make your home without giving up the luxuries and the lifestyle you prefer. 

Moreover, these investment immigration programs provide an opportunity to obtain a second residence or even a second citizenship and passport by investing in the economy of the host country. 

One of the benefits of such investment immigration programs is that it allows you to get your citizenship faster than traditional immigration processes. 

They can also give you access to high-yield international investments such as real estate, bonds, and other assets, in addition to the immigration benefits that will give you the opportunity to travel visa-free to many countries – depending on the specifics of each program. 

Moreover, by relocating, you can benefit from better tax management options, gain access to qualified and less expensive employees, as well as high-quality public and private services, like top-notch schooling for your kids. 

Fortunately, most of these investment immigration programs also allow you to bring your family members, so that they too can benefit from a new life.

However, not all programs are created equal. Not only should you consider the amount of investment required but also whether or not that investment will get you immediate citizenship versus a path to citizenship (or no path at all), access to certain countries, a place to call home, and much, much more. 

That’s what we do at Nomad Capitalist, and what puts us in a unique position to help those who want to go where they are treated best. We assess your situation holistically and curate an Action Plan tailored to your offshore needs. 

From billionaires and celebrities to everyday entrepreneurs, we’ve helped over 1,500 successful clients create their plans, grow their wealth and increase their peace of mind. We would love to do the same for you, too. Set up a call with us today to go where you’re treated best.

Premium Investment Immigration Programs

10. North Macedonia – Citizenship by Investment

North Macedonia’s program for investment immigration is an interesting option as it’s one of the fastest citizenship by investment programs, on the market. It also gives you the travel benefits of an EU country without all the complexities that come along with being a part of the EU. 

To obtain citizenship in North Macedonia, you must invest €400,000 as a direct investment in new facilities (except for those in the hospitality sector) and employ ten workers for at least one year.  

This may seem like a lot, but North Macedonia is among the most business-friendly countries in Eastern Europe, with a flat tax of 10% for companies and individuals and many great incentives for factories.

There is another option as well: A foreigner can obtain Macedonian citizenship by investment if they invest at least €200,000 of capital per person in a private investment fund for at least two years. 

9. Portugal – Golden Visa Residence

Unlike North Macedonia, Portugal offers a Golden Visa Program, which is a residence-by-investment program that also leads to eventual citizenship. 

Regardless of whether you’re seeking citizenship or not, even just establishing residency in this country can confer exceptional benefits.

Your golden visa residence permit will grant you visa-free travel and work privileges within the Schengen Area and many other countries around the world. Portugal only asks that you stay in the country for seven days the first year and 14 days every two years after that.

To qualify for the Portugal Golden Visa program, one must either invest €500,000 in a Portuguese business or choose between a capital contribution or donation. The capital contribution and donation options include:

• €500,000 – Venture Capital/Private Equity Fund
• €500,000 – Donation to Research Activities 
• €200,000–€250,000 – Donation to Arts.

To learn more about this popular program, read our full guide here.

8. Spain – Golden Visa Residence

Spain’s Golden Visa program presents a fantastic opportunity for HNWIs seeking residency in Europe, and like Portugal, it can also lead to eventual citizenship and an EU passport.

​​Now, we know what you might be thinking: “But isn’t Spain’s Golden Visa program under threat?” Well, there has indeed been some political pressure to revise the program, particularly the real estate investment option. However, as of right now, the program remains active.

For the time being, you can invest €500,000 in real estate, €1,000,000 in Spanish company shares or bank deposits, or €2,000,000 in government bonds, and you and your family will be granted temporary residency.

In terms of process, the initial residence card is granted for one year and can be renewed for two years and then for successive periods of five years. To renew, you will need to visit Spain at least once a year. 

The process of applying for and receiving residence is very straightforward and takes about two to three months to complete. The investor then gets the right to roam freely in the entire Schengen area.

After five years, it is possible to obtain permanent residence if you’ve lived in the country for at least 183 days each year. After ten years, you become eligible for citizenship, but bear in mind that you’ll need to maintain your investment for the initial five years.

You can learn more about Spain’s Golden Visa here, including the pros and cons of this particular program.

7. Bulgaria – Residence by Investment

If you are looking for a European residency program that’s a bit off the beaten path, then Bulgaria might be just the ticket. While it may not be the first place that springs to mind, it presents a compelling case for smart investors.

For an investment of BGN 1,000,000 (approximately €511,000) in UCITS (mutual funds/ETFs) and/or AIFs, you can obtain standard citizenship in just five years. 

Now, we understand that Bulgaria might not have the same glitz and glamour as, say, Monaco or Portugal, but this country packs one hell of a punch. Its low cost of living, attractive corporate tax rates, and visa-free travel privileges to most European countries are major benefits. Aside from that, you don’t need to go through difficult naturalisation processes like you would in Spain and Portugal.

6. Malta – Residence and Citizenship

Malta is another very popular option that seems to cater to all nationals with a trifecta of residency programs.

For non-EU citizens, there’s the Global Residence Program (GRP) and the Malta Permanent Residence Program (MPRP). And for EU nationals, there’s the Residence Programme (TRP). 

Of course, each program has its own set of requirements, including being able to demonstrate sufficient financial resources and making a qualifying investment.

All these routes can lead to citizenship after six years of living in the country. Furthermore, they unlock a flat tax regime of just 15% on foreign income remitted to the country, meaning if you plan things right, you can save a lot of money. 

You can learn more about the details of these investment immigration programs here.

5. US – Residence by Investment

While obviously not our top choice for residence permits, the US does have the EB-5 Visa (Green Card) that grants permanent residence to foreigners, and for some HNWIs residency here might align with their wants and needs

The US offers a great quality of life, endless economic opportunities, and, once you have your residence permit, some of the best travel perks in the world.

This visa can be obtained by investing US$800,000 in a TEA (Targeted Employment Area), and creating ten full-time jobs for US citizens within two years. 

These are usually rural areas or areas experiencing high unemployment. If you choose to invest in areas outside of designated TEAs, you must invest USUS$1.05 million dollars to qualify. For more specific information on the expensive and highly bureaucratic process to obtain the EB-5 Visa in the US, check out our Ultimate Guide.

4. Guernsey – Residence by Investment

Next door to Jersey, in the Channel Islands off the coast of Normandy, lies Guernsey. ‌

And why is Guernsey such a good option? Well,by getting residency in Guernsey, you can get most of the benefits of being a resident in the United Kingdom.

For investment immigration, they offer two options. 

The first is an investor visa where you can invest GBP£1,000,000 ‘for the benefit of the Bailiwick of Guernsey’ by making a deposit in a bank, purchasing an ‘open market’ (think more expensive) property, or investing in another approved financial asset, as announced, ad hoc, by the States of Guernsey. 

The second option is an entrepreneur visa. This will take a smaller investment upfront – £200,000 or approximately US$258,000 – but will require more effort and involvement on your part. 

In order to qualify fro the second investment, you must start a company that will create jobs and benefit the local economy. Alternatively, you can invest in an existing company, but you’ll need to have a full-time and active role in managing it yourself.

For both options, you can bring your spouse and children under 18. However, it is important to note that with these options, Guernsey is quite selective in who they let in due to their population management efforts. You must also plan to settle in Guernsey for at least 10 months of the year.

After five years, you can apply for permanent residency and, after another year, citizenship. Due to their strong connection to the UK, this can be a great passport to have. In most cases, it is accepted as the same thing.

For more details on this investment immigration program, check out our Guernsey Permanent Residence by Investment Guide.

3. The Cayman Islands – Residence by Investment

Beyond the beautiful scenery, tax-friendly policies, and excellent quality of life, the Cayman Islands offers several premium options for investment immigration. 

The first is as a person with independent means. This residency permit is valid for 25 years and allows you to bring your family. However, there are certain financial requirements associated with it. You must invest US$1.2 million in the country, maintain a bank account balance of US$500,000, and have an independent annual income of approximately US$150,000 from sources outside the islands. Additionally, there are various fees that must be paid annually to renew the permit. 

The second option is through a certificate of direct investment. With this option you will also receive a 25-year residency permit that will allow you to bring your family. However, you will be required to invest US$1.2 million in a business that creates jobs and hires at least 30% local workers. 

A third option is to have a substantial business presence in the country. To qualify, you must prove you are in a senior management position or own at least 10% of the shares in a business in an approved industry – mainly financial and legal services. 

On top of that, you must intend to live on the island for at least 90 days a year and will be required to pay several fees each year, but it also comes with a 25-year residency permit and the ability to work from the islands.

For more details on each of these options as well as opportunities for permanent residency and citizenship, look at our article on Cayman Island Residency.

2. Singapore – Residency by Investment

As more Singapore natives call for changes to the country’s immigration laws, obtaining residence by investment has become increasingly difficult and expensive. 

Still, Singapore’s Global Investor Program offers three main options for investment: 

• Invest at least SGD10 million into a new or existing business in Singapore and hire at least 30 employees 
• Invest SGD25 million into a government-approved fund that invests in Singapore-based companies 
• Establish a Singapore-based single-family office with assets under management of at least SGD200 million. 

The program grants permanent residence to investors. However, it’s important to note that business costs, corporate taxes and the overall cost of living in Singapore are relatively high.

And Singapore does not offer dual citizenship, which is certainly a factor any Nomad Capitalist should seriously consider.

For more details on how to get this permanent residence in Singapore, click here.

1. Jersey – Residence by Investment

A small island in the English Channel off the coast of Normandy, Jersey, offers a unique and premium program for investment immigration. 

It is an independent country with its own constitution but maintains strong British connections. Jersey offers an extremely high standard of living, global connections, a solid economy, no or low taxes, as well as easy access to the UK and Ireland.

The island is both a quiet and beautiful tourist destination as well as a leading offshore financial centre, making it an ideal place to mix business and pleasure.

By investing at least £1.75 million in Jersey real estate (specific residential properties) and having an annual income of no less than £1.25 million (just over US$1.6 million), you can become a resident of Jersey. 

In addition to the financial requirements, in Jersey, each application is at the discretion of the government officials, and a lot of their decision is based on subjective criteria such as voluntary work, media coverage of your business or social life, your awards and achievements, cultural interests or skills, and a clean criminal record.

That said, it’s one of the fastest countries to process your application, and your family can come along under the same investment sum.

Another benefit is that you can obtain a Jersey passport after six years of residence on the island. Given Jersey’s unique relationship with the UK, this passport grants you the same privileges as a British passport, such as access to over 170 countries visa-free.

For all the details on how to make the investment, check out our Ultimate Guide for Jersey.

10 Premium Investment Immigration Programs: FAQs

Let Us Help You Find the Best Investment Immigration Program

Investment immigration programs, be it citizenship by investment programs or Golden Visas, are closing off at record speed. Each year, our lists of the best citizenship and residency programs are narrowed down.

Who knows how many programs will remain by next year. The best course of action is to act now and set up a call with us today to discover which program works best for you, your personal life, taxes and corporate portfolio.

Your best life is waiting for you.

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