INVEST
Many countries offer attractive permanent residency programs for entrepreneurs, investors, and high-net-worth individuals. With the current global immigration opportunities, this is an ideal time to consider relocating your family or expanding your business internationally. LegitVisas can help you identify the most suitable residency program based on your personal and professional goals.
To encourage experienced business professionals and investors, many countries provide Investor Visas or Business Immigration Programs. These are often referred to as “Golden Visa” programs, which allow individuals to obtain residency by making a qualifying investment in the host country. In recent years, there has been a growing interest among entrepreneurs and investors seeking global opportunities and a stable international lifestyle.
Through strategic offshore investments, High Net Worth Individuals (HNWIs) can gain the opportunity to live, work, and operate businesses legally in another country. Immigration programs in countries such as Australia and Canada allow investors to retain control of their existing businesses while benefiting from residency in a new country.
The primary aim of these investor immigration programs is to attract experienced international entrepreneurs and investors who can contribute to the economic growth of the host nation. Each country has its own eligibility requirements, investment options, and program conditions for applicants.
BENEFITS OF INVESTING ABROAD
Benefits of Investor and Entrepreneur Permanent Residency Programs
- High Quality of Living in well-developed countries.
- Access to advanced healthcare and quality education systems.
- Opportunity to migrate along with your family and dependents.
- Expanded global opportunities for career and business growth.
- Investment-friendly policies and supportive business environments (varies by country)
- Greater international mobility and smoother global business travel.
- Potential pathway to fast-track citizenship in certain countries.
ELIGIBILITY
Each country has its different criteria. Some important points include:
Availability of Investment funds
Business history
English/local language proficiency
Business and banking experience
Health and conduct evaluation
WHY INVEST ABROAD?
The opportunity to gain citizenship, enjoy a high quality of life, and operate in a strong business environment are some of the main reasons individuals choose to invest in other countries. Investor and entrepreneur permanent residency programs provide a range of benefits and incentives for both individuals and businesses.
TOP COUNTRIES TO INVEST IN
High-net-worth individuals, entrepreneurs, and business professionals have the opportunity to obtain permanent residency in several countries around the world through investment programs.
Many nations offer Investor or Business Visas to experienced professionals who wish to start a new business or invest in an existing one abroad. These programs allow applicants to establish, purchase, or expand businesses in foreign markets while gaining residency benefits in the host country.
Canada
Australia
The UK
Denmark
Ireland
Estonia
INVESTMENT FOR CITIZENSHIP
Canada
Invest CAD 350,000
Australia
Invest AUD 1.25 million
Denmark
Invest €100,000
Estonia
Invest €1,000,000
CANADA’S STARTUP VISA
Canada offers the Start-Up Visa Program for innovative entrepreneurs who have the ability to build successful businesses, create jobs, and compete in the global market. This program is designed to attract talented entrepreneurs from around the world who want to establish their businesses in Canada.
Through the Start-Up Visa Program, entrepreneurs can immigrate to Canada if they secure support for their business idea from a designated Canadian organization such as an angel investor group, venture capital fund, or business incubator.
The minimum investment requirement is:
- $200,000 from a designated Canadian venture capital fund, or
- $75,000 from a designated Canadian angel investor group.
Entrepreneurs planning to invest in Quebec must apply through the specific Quebec immigration programs designed for investors.
If your application for permanent residency in Canada is approved, you will receive a Visa and a Confirmation of Permanent Residence (COPR).
The Canada Start-Up Visa also allows foreign entrepreneurs to start their businesses in Canada with the support of temporary work permits, which are backed by Canadian investors.
Once your application is accepted, you will have the opportunity to collaborate with private sector investors in Canada who can provide both financial support and business mentorship.
Applicants can receive support from one of the following designated investor groups:
- Venture Capital Funds
- Business Incubators
- Angel Investor Groups
Eligibility:
To apply for the Canada Start-Up Visa Program, applicants must meet the following requirements:
- Commitment Certificate and Letter of Support from a designated organization confirming that the business idea is supported.
- A qualifying and innovative business that meets the program criteria.
- Proficiency in English or French, proven through an approved language test.
- Completion of at least one year of post-secondary education.
- Sufficient settlement funds to support yourself and your dependent family members after arriving in Canada.
- Must pass medical and security background checks as required by immigration authorities.
Australia Business Investment
Australia offers several immigration pathways for individuals who want to start a business, invest, or expand their existing business while gaining the opportunity to live permanently in the country. Entrepreneurs, investors, and business owners can benefit from Australia’s Business Innovation and Investment visa programs.
Investment Pathways for Australia
Permanent Visa (Subclass 888)
The Business Innovation and Investment (Permanent) Visa – Subclass 888 is designed for business owners, investors, and entrepreneurs who want to continue their business or investment activities in Australia on a permanent basis.
Business Owner Visa (Subclass 890)
This visa is intended for individuals who already own and operate a business in Australia and wish to obtain permanent residency.
Territory Sponsored Business Owner Visa (Subclass 892)
The State or Territory Sponsored Business Owner Visa – Subclass 892 allows business owners who are sponsored by an Australian state or territory to remain in Australia permanently.
Business Innovation and Investment (Provisional) Visa
Under the Business Innovation and Investment (Provisional) Visa program, the Entrepreneur Stream allows individuals to establish and operate a business or conduct investment activities in Australia.
Basic Eligibility Requirements
Applicants must generally meet the following criteria:
- Have a clear business idea or plan to start a business in Australia.
- Have minimum funding of AUD 200,000 to support the business.
- Start-ups should present a detailed business plan.
- Demonstrate proficiency in the English language.
Streams under the Provisional Visa Program
The provisional visa program includes several streams:
1. Business Innovation Stream
This visa allows applicants to establish or manage a business in Australia. Applicants must be nominated by Austrade or a State/Territory government agency.
2. Investor Stream
Applicants must invest at least AUD 1.5 million in an Australian state or territory and maintain ongoing business or investment activities.
3. Significant Investor Stream
Applicants are required to invest at least AUD 5 million in Australian investments and must be nominated by Austrade or a State/Territory government.
4. Business Innovation Extension Stream
This stream allows Business Innovation visa holders to extend their stay for an additional two years, provided they receive nomination from Austrade or a State/Territory government.
5. Significant Investor Extension Stream
This visa allows Significant Investor stream holders to remain in Australia for an additional four years with appropriate government nomination.
6. Premium Investor Stream
Applicants must invest at least AUD 15 million in Australian investments or philanthropic projects and must be nominated by Austrade.
7. Entrepreneur Stream
This stream enables entrepreneurs to start and develop their own business in Australia, focusing on innovation and business growth.
Provisional Business Visa Application Steps
Application Process
- Submit your application through the Department of Home Affairs.
- Obtain a nomination from a State or Territory government or Austrade, or contact them directly for sponsorship.
- Once nominated and invited, applicants can proceed with their visa application.
Business Requirements for Visa Holders
Businesses established by visa holders should contribute to the Australian economy by meeting at least one of the following objectives:
- Develop international trade networks
- Create employment opportunities for Australians
- Use Australian goods and services in business operations
- Produce goods or services locally that would otherwise need to be imported
- Introduce or upgrade technology within the Australian market
Pathway to Permanent Residency
The Subclass 188 – Business Innovation and Investment (Provisional) Visa provides a pathway to permanent residency in Australia. After holding the Subclass 188 visa for at least one year and meeting the required financial and investment conditions, applicants may become eligible to apply for permanent residency.
Applicants must also demonstrate a long-term commitment to their business in Australia, which may include continued investment, active business operations, and the employment of local workers
Advantages of the visa
You can live in Australia permanently.
Business and investment promotion in Australia is possible.
Australian citizenship is available to suitable applicants.
Australia Golden Visa
The Golden Visa for Australia is open to people of any age.
Investment immigration can grant HNWIs a PR visa to Australia. This visa requires AUD 5 million in a specified structure. Investment is high yet regulated.
The Significant Investor Visa for Australia, often known as the Australia Golden Visa, streamlines immigration for HNWIs through investment.
Path to Permanent Residency
Residency by investment programs are designed for individuals who wish to obtain permanent residency in another country by making a significant financial investment, often including property purchase or business investment.
Successful applicants are granted residence permits or residence cards in the country where they invest. These permits can typically be renewed as long as the required investment is maintained, allowing investors and their families to continue living in the country.
In some cases, applicants for “Golden Visa” programs may not need to stay in the country continuously for the visa to be approved. However, for permanent residency or citizenship by investment, most countries require applicants to spend a certain amount of time physically present in the country.
How LegitVisas Can Help
LegitVisas assists entrepreneurs and investors in selecting the most suitable international investment and residency programs. Our team carefully evaluates your profile and recommends the best options based on your personal goals, financial plans, and business objectives.
We provide expert guidance and end-to-end support to help you and your family successfully relocate and settle abroad through investor and entrepreneur programs.
Contact us today to start your global investment and residency journey.
