December 2022 – My Global Citizenship

Brazil

Brazil Permanent Residency Investor Visa (VIPER)

Dec 23, 2022 myglobalcitizenship 0 Comment

Brazil offers permanent residency to those investors who invest in business and real estate (VIPER). The duration of the residence depends upon the investor’s contribution to the economy of Brazil.

The visa allows you to reside and work in the country. The visa is for those individuals who intend to live in the country for more than 2 years for business purposes. It is sometimes also known as a golden visa.

After 4 years of holding a permanent visa, the person can apply for citizenship. One can avail of citizenship if he ensures a stay of 183 days in the country.

The duration of the country visit must exceed six months straight. He must demonstrate expertise in the skills and knowledge of the country’s culture and history.

If the person or investor seeking a permanent residency in Brazil is married to the native, they may get citizenship before time, i.e., 4 years. In some cases, this phase exceeds 13 years.

Brazilian investor visa investment requirements
Application processing time is 4-6 months
- Authorized requirements
- Documentation requirements
- Dual citizenship
Brazilian Investor Visa Rules After Getting Visa
Benefits of Brazilian investor Visa (VIPER)
- 1. Eligible for national and public healthcare jobs
- 2. Barrier-free (to and fro) travel
- 3. Access to the Mercosur market

Brazilian investor visa investment requirements

Foreign Nationals revealing interest in investing in (real estate, business or stocks, or setting up a new business) in the country may get an investor visa.

He must ensure direct investment in the country’s economy, creating jobs, uplifting existing industries, and investing in real estate. For this, he must:

- Invest about $500,000 in the country as an individual investor

- Invest$600,000 as a Brazilian legal entity

- Investors interested in transforming technological interface can qualify by investing $150,000

- Employ at least 10 Brazilian citizens

- You must transfer the money to the respective Brazilian account

To be accepted, the applicants must hold a clear criminal record supported by a visionary business overview/plan to transform the country within their stay.

Permanent residency renews every 3 years. He must be willingly engaged until that timeframe in improving an economic prospect.

If you decide to forego the visa, you cannot renew it anymore. You can have your dues any time you wish to.

Application processing time is 4-6 months

If the authority calls for additional information, it may take more business days. It is ideal for keeping the documents (mentioned) beforehand.

Authorized requirements

- The business plan approved by the Council of Immigration

- Authorization of the Ministry of Labor and Employment

- Registration of Foreign Direct Investment in Brazil (FDI) and declaration of the same issued by the Central Bank of Exchange Contract

- The applicant must ensure a prestigious company stand and the potential to create employment opportunities in Brazil.

- Income tax receipt

- The passport must be valid for at least 6 months after the planned stay in Brazil

- Articles of incorporation of the respective Brazilian entity that receives the investment amount

- Confirmation of the payment of immigration tax

- Notarized documents by the competent authorities in the investor’s native country

Documentation requirements

- Police Clearance Certificate

- Xerox and original passport copy

- Curriculum Vitae

- Evidence of residential Address

- Professional certificates

- Bank statement

- Certified copy of the business license or incorporation document

- Passport-size photographs

Dual citizenship

Brazil allows investors to retain citizenship of 2 countries. It implies one can retain native citizenship too.

Brazilian Investor Visa Rules After Getting Visa

- Bring the family to Brazil after Visa confirmation.

- You must visit once every couple of years to retain your visa.

- Authority periodically reviews the investments by the investor in the country. If he stopped it, they might renew the status.

Benefits of Brazilian investor Visa (VIPER)

Getting a visa is key to amplifying your lifestyle.

1. Eligible for national and public healthcare jobs

You can enhance your lifestyle or your kids by ensuring a secure future with proximity to public and national jobs. These are more well-paid than private ones.

2. Barrier-free (to and fro) travel

Brazil Permanent Residency Investor Visa (VIPER) allows one to travel across 169 countries visa-free. And that includes the UK, Russia, and Schengen.

3. Access to the Mercosur market

Mercosur is a South American trade block that concludes (Argentina, Brazil, Uruguay, and Paraguay) as founders. It grants EU investors better opportunities than any country in the world.

It is ideal for businesses involved in importing parts and intermediate goods. On gaining a permanent residency visa, one can travel Mercosur Visa-free.

Conclusion

Brazil grants immense opportunities to investors to research and innovates business modules that benefit the economy.

Myglobalcitizenship helps interested investors get the key to Brazil’s international and progressing market with disciplined assistance.

It provides guidance and exposure to the keen parameters required to book your ticket to Brazil.

Portugal

Eligible property options for Portugal’s Golden Visa program

Dec 13, 2022 myglobalcitizenship 0 Comment

The Portuguese passport is the 5th largest passport in the world, and the country is known worldwide for its splendid culture, lavishing cities, and economic progress.

The government also offers various investment opportunities. The country first initiated the legal framework of Portugal’s residency by investment program, also known as the “Golden Visa,” in 2012.

Thousands of people got the Golden Visa for Portugal within 8 years of its initiation and secured their lives in this economically stable country.

Getting the Golden Visa for Portugal through Real Estate Acquisition
Eligible property options for the Golden Visa program of Portugal
- 1. Residential Real Estate
- 2. Commercial Real Estate
- 3. Real Estate Investment in the Azores or Madeira Islands
- 4. Investments in Real Estate in Lisbon, the Algarve, and Porto
Investments Scheme in Hotels

Getting the Golden Visa for Portugal through Real Estate Acquisition

According to a recent report of the Global Residence and Citizenship Programs, the Golden Visa program initiated by Portugal is the best residency by-investment program in the world.

This report highlights ten indicators to analyze this program. Those indicators are;

Citizenship Requirements

Quality of Life

Quality of Process and Processing Time

Reputation

Time to citizenship

Taxation

Compliances

Financial Requirements

Total Cost

Visa-Free Access

From all these indicators, the Golden Visa program of Portugal gets 79 points out of 100. Moreover, the minimum threshold of real estate investments for this program in Portugal is €280,000.

Eligible property options for the Golden Visa program of Portugal

As discussed above, investment in real estate is an option for Portugal’s Golden Visa program, and the routes to follow to qualify for that are:

1. Residential Real Estate

To purchase residential real estate in a designated area, visa holders need to pay €500,000, and if the property is part of an urban rehabilitation project, the investment requirement is €350,000.

This minimum threshold of investments will be dropped by 20 percent if the property is in a low-density area.

2. Commercial Real Estate

An investor can buy commercial real estate anywhere in Portugal, and the investment should be at least €500,000.

If the property is located in a low-density area, then the minimum investment requirement can be dropped by 20 percent.

3. Real Estate Investment in the Azores or Madeira Islands

Investing in commercial or residential real estate in the Azores or Madeira Island will qualify the investor for the Golden visa program of Portugal. For that, the amount to be invested should be €500,000.

The investment requirement will be dropped to €350,000 if the property is part of a rehabilitation project.

However, such a discount for these islands is not available as these are not part of the declared low-density areas of Portugal.

4. Investments in Real Estate in Lisbon, the Algarve, and Porto

Residential Real estate Investments in a non-interior area like Lisbon, the Algarve, and Porto will not qualify the investor for Portugal Golden Visa.

However, a commercial real estate investment in these areas will help the investor to get a Golden Visa for Portugal. International investors have been investing in hotels, offices, and Airbnb apartments licensed in these areas.

If you think that buying a residential property in a popular spot will not make you qualify for the Golden Visa of Portugal, then it is not valid.

Although the majority of the famous areas are already occupied, there are still some of the best locations in the country where you can make residential investments.

For instance, you can have your dream home in a mini coastal village in the Algarve, the Alijezur.

You can enjoy life to its fullest in this area as it is away from the crowds. Sagres is another example of these regions, and Douro Valley is also an option to buy residential property and be eligible for Golden Visa.

Douro Valley is near Porto, so you can visit big cities easily. Moreover, there is no geographical restriction if you consider investing in commercial property in Portugal and being eligible for the Golden Visa.

Investments Scheme in Hotels

Investing in a renovation project hotel can also assist you in getting a Portuguese Golden Visa, which means you can buy a room or an apartment in a hotel or a resort and be eligible for this program. These projects will give you options like;

Once you become a citizen of Portugal and get citizenship, then you can have the buyback option, and you can get it back in five or 6 years.

You can live in the apartment for a week or two a year as you have to stay in Portugal seven days a year on average.

The property can be given on rent for the rest of the time. The projected income upfront will be paid to you by some developments, and others will pay it as a dividend. However, some developers will only pay you some initial investment but will offer you a buyback rate.

This Golden Visa program will help you be part of the developed community in the heart of Europe.

If you want to avail this golden opportunity, then reach out to us! We are here to help you on this journey.

USA EB5

Direct vs regional center EB-5 investments: Which is the best investment option for you?

Dec 7, 2022 myglobalcitizenship 0 Comment

Post-1990, the EB-5 immigration program enabled foreign entrepreneurs or small businesses to relocate to the United States with families and relish permanent residency status.

It aims for foreign direct investment in new business, priming the development of rural and high-unemployment regions. Investors could qualify for a green card in exchange for allowing assets.

Interested businesses must create ten full-time employment opportunities in compliance with the United States and Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS).

The program is beneficial and all-inclusive as it optimizes the local economy and provides investors easy access to capital.

Leverage opportunities to invest in foreign business
Benefits of EB-5 direct investment for business owners
Benefits of investing in EB-5 investments through the regional center
Direct investment vs. Regional center investment: Which one to opt for?
Businesses immigrant investors can invest in
Requirements for EB-5 investors
- a) Sufficient Job Creation Potential
- b) Permanent Green Card holders
- c) Visionary and practical job projections plan
- d) Must keep EB-5 funds invested for 2 years
- e) Provide an authentic source of the funds
Tips to ensure the best bet with regional center investments
Documents required for filing and qualifying EB-5 visa
- Project documents
- Financial documents
- Personal documents
- Bottom Line

Leverage opportunities to invest in foreign business

EB-5 US Visa is an Immigrant Investor Program that permits international investors with spouses and unmarried children (below 21 years) to get a green card by investing in US-based businesses.

To qualify for an EB-5 immigration visa, an investor can directly invest or invest through a regional center.

Benefits of EB-5 direct investment for business owners

International or immigration businesses may leverage the following benefits under the EB-5 program:

Assured ticket to permanent residency on meeting the minimum investment and job creation requirements.

He is either the sole business owner or a partner sharing significant control over the business as a direct investor

Direct investors cannot take any credit for the indirect jobs

The jobs created by the respected business count as direct jobs

Get jobs (government or private), set up businesses, and lead a retirement life without any sponsorship obligations.

Benefits of investing in EB-5 investments through the regional center

EB-5 regional centers are agencies that help businesses set up a new commercial enterprise. These are USCIS affiliated. The affiliation states that the operations conducted align with economic development and growth.

Though investing in EB-5 through direct investments is beneficial, supporting through regional centers grants more flexibility. Here is how:

It eliminates any requirement for involvement in day-to-day business management and interactions. The regional center caters to everything on a business’s behalf.

No need to prove a direct job due to investment

The immigrant business share flexibility to develop their own business and jobs instead of creating 10 employments in the respective sector.

A regional Centre’s track record helps a business grow to bag better projects.

The amount you need to invest is $5,00,000. It is easier to get approved for.

Regional centers can take credit for the job creation leading to revenue upliftment.

You can demonstrate indirect job creation as proof of employment.

The primary benefit of applying with a prestigious regional center is that investors can secure exemplary approval.

This approval almost approves the 1-526 petition. It is a petition that international business owners must file to get lawful status as an immigrant business entity.

Direct investment vs. Regional center investment: Which one to opt for?

The below parameters will help you choose the best.

Parameters	Direct investment	Regional investments
Flexibility	Nearly absent	Yes
Futuristic	No	Yes, as experts lead it in the industry
Paperwork and Approval	May take long	Hassle-free
Role	New commercial enterprises must maintain payroll and records to prove a salaried employee onboarding.	No requirement to keep track of payrolls and new hires.
Which one is right for you?	It is ideal for businesses who wish to gain green card access by investing in existing companies.	It is an excellent opportunity for investors to obtain a permanent green card rather than manage a new business.

Businesses prefer regional centers for their breakthrough marketing efforts.

As per facts, 95% of business contribution in EB-5 investments is through regional centers.

With this frame, it becomes easier to achieve job creation goals in the US.

Businesses immigrant investors can invest in

A new commercial business that the investors can invest in must be legally authorized. These businesses include:

Partnership

Sole Proprietorship

Holding company and its subsidiaries

Corporation

Joint Venture

Limited Liability Company (LLC)

Other businesses that one can own publicly or privately

*An immigrant business entity is prohibited from investing in residential premises or non-commercial property.

Requirements for EB-5 investors

To determine whether your business qualifies for the EB-5 direct investments, consider the below aspects:

a) Sufficient Job Creation Potential

Each EB-5 investor business, apart from hiring 10 employees, must ensure 35 hours/per week.

One must follow this for 2 years. The involved companies must keep a detailed record of the same.

b) Permanent Green Card holders

The authority prioritizes businesses with minor immigration risks. EB-5 investors must ensure a permanent green card for themselves and respected family members.

c) Visionary and practical job projections plan

Plausible job creation projections must be there in the I-526 application. It is filed under 203(b) (5) of the Immigration and Nationality Act.

The business plan under this must include an operational and employment creation plan post 2-3 years of application approval. It should detail-

Hiring schedule

Basis of hiring

Detailed job descriptions (JD)

how the EB-5 business program aligns with EB-5 direct investment requirement

d) Must keep EB-5 funds invested for 2 years

An immigrant business must keep the funds invested until he holds the temporary green card for at least 2 years.

If one repays the investment amount before 2 years, he will be ineligible for permanent residency under the EB-5 program.

e) Provide an authentic source of the funds

The USCIS screening process involves a detailed analysis of the investment funds.

An EB-5 applicant may have different sources of funds. He must work with the lawyer to identify the funds to list.

In the case of a loan, the business must provide information regarding the pledged collateral.

The leading authority may request evidence of the same. The loan value must be at most 70% of the property value.

The value of the property must be equal to the loan amount. Apart from this, one must list the following with detailed documentation proof:

Corporate/partnership tax returns

Money received from inheritance

Alimony/official court judgments/civil lawsuits proceedings

Gifts (registration of gift for tax purposes)

Tips to ensure the best bet with regional center investments

Research and compare the best EB-5 projects

Choose a regional Center with an extensive track record

It must be a USCIS-approved center

Obtain documents for information

Seek independent verification

Analyze structural risk

Consider the developer’s incentive

Documents required for filing and qualifying EB-5 visa

Project documents

Proof of investment made by the respective business in the EB-5 compatible project

Evidence of the project in the TEA (Targeted Employment Area)

Evidence of the investment made in the new company/enterprise in the US

Regional Centers Private Placement Memorandum, LLC Agreement, the Escrow Agreement, and Subscription agreement.

Financial documents

Lawful proof of Funding source (Tax and gifts)

Tax statements for the last 5 years

Personal documents

Scanned passport copies of both the business investor and his dependents

Birth and marriage certificates of the investor and dependents

Local or national identification document

Copies of previously filed immigration applications or fresh ones

Bottom Line

Businesses interested in investing internationally in US-based businesses must align with these requirements.

Leveraging the expert assistance of benign immigration consultants could help you with guidance regarding the legalities of EB-5 Investment through regional centers and citizenship.

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