Residency /
Citizenship by Investment
Citizenship by Investment
USA CITIZENSHIP / RESIDENCY BY INVESTMENT
USA Residency & Citizenship: Security. Opportunity. Peace of mind.
Welcome! The EB-5 visa for Immigrant Investors is a United States visa created by the Immigration Act of 1990. This visa provides a method of obtaining the "Green Card" for foreign nationals who invest money in the United States.
International business executives, investors, and important persons who are active worldwide consider an alternative citizenship and passport a powerful tool for international tax planning and a safety net should the living conditions at home become unbearable.
To obtain the visa, individuals must invest $1,800,000 (or at least $900,000 in a Targeted Employment Area - high unemployment or rural area), creating or preserving at least 10 jobs for U.S. workers excluding the investor and their immediate family.
Please contact us for a detailed cost estimate or confidential consultation. Our associated attorneys are ready to assist you with attaining your investment objectives and answer any questions you might have about the EB-5 Residency / Citizenship by Investment program.
USA Citizenship / Residency Program DETAILS
The purpose of the EB-5 visa is to create or preserve at least 10 full-time jobs for U.S. workers excluding the investor and their immediate family.
To obtain the visa, individuals must invest a minimum of US$ 1,800,000 (or US$ 900,000 if in a "Targeted Employment Area" - an area of high unemployment), creating or preserving at least 10 jobs for U.S. workers excluding the investor and their immediate family.
Investments can be made directly into a new or existing job-generating commercial enterprise, or into a "Regional Center", a 3rd party-managed investment vehicle, which assumes the responsibility of creating the requisite jobs. Regional Centers may charge an administration fee for managing the investor's investment.
If the foreign investor's application is approved, the investor and their dependents will be granted conditional permanent residence valid for two years.
After two years the investor may apply for permanent residency (the "Green Card").
After five years of residency (conditional plus permanent) the investor may apply for U.S. citizenship.
Our associated attorneys are licensed to practice immigration law in the USA and can answer all of your immigration related questions.
Please contact us for a detailed cost estimate or confidential consultation. Our associated attorneys are ready to assist you with attaining your investment objectives and answer any questions you might have about the EB-5 Residency / Citizenship by Investment program.
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS (FAQ)
Q: What is the minimum investment required to obtain the EB-5 visa?
A: The minimum dollar amount is US$ 900,000 if the investment goes towards a business located in a so-called "Targeted Employment Area" (TEA), which is an area of high unemployment. If the location of the business is not a TEA, then the minimum investment is US $1,800,000.Q: How many jobs must the investment generate or preserve?
A: The investment must create or preserve at least 10 jobs for U.S. workers excluding the investor and their immediate family.Q: What types of businesses can I invest in?
A: As long as the minimum number of jobs are created you may invest in 1) a new commercial enterprise you start up, or 2) an existing troubled business that is entirely restructured, or 3) a so-called "Regional Center".Q: What is a "Regional Center"?
A: A "Regional Center" is a U.S. government-approved public or private investment vehicle that assumes the responsibility of creating the requisite jobs. Regional Centers may charge an administration fee for managing the investor's investment. The benefit of such centers is that they free investors from day-to-day management responsibilities they would have to assume were they to launch their own business. Investors should conduct their own due diligence by retaining a certified public accountant and a business attorney to examine all aspects of the investment vehicle before investing.Q: What is the visa application filing process and how long does it take to get the visa?
A: The EB-5 visa application process consists of three steps: filing Form I-526 (Petition by Alien Entrepreneur), filing Form I-485 (Application to Register Permanent Residence or Adjust Status), and filing Form I-829 (Petition by Entrepreneur to Remove Conditions). All petitions are filed with the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) department of the United States government.The first step in the application procedure is to file Form I-526 (Petition by Alien Entrepreneur). This petition is to certify the applicant and the proposed investment as eligible for the EB-5 visa program. The current processing time is between four to six months.
After the I-526 is approved, you may apply for temporary residency by filing Form I-485 (Application to Register Permanent Residence or Adjust Status), for which the current processing time is between six to 12 months. If approved, the investor and his/her family members (unmarried children under the age of 21) are granted "conditional permanent resident" status which is good for two years.
After the I-485 is approved and within 90 days before its expiration date the investor may file "Form I-829 Petition by Entrepreneur to Remove Conditions”. At this stage the USCIS will verify that the investor maintained the investment for the required two-year period and all required jobs were created. If approved, the investor receives permanent residency status (the "Green Card). As a permanent resident (conditional or unconditional) you can live, study, or work in the United States, and travel freely to and from the country.
After five years as a permanent resident (two years as a conditional permanent resident plus three years as a full permanent resident) the investor may apply for U.S. citizenship.
Q: Will the visa also include my family?
A: Yes, your spouse and unmarried children under 21 can be added to the I-526 petition.Q: How do I prove the origin of my investment funds?
A: When filing the I-526 you must prove that your investment funds come from lawful sources, such as personal income or the sale of your assets. Valid proof includes five years of personal and business tax returns, five years of bank account statements, or proof of business ownership, business licenses and business financial statements. If you obtained your funds from the sale of your company, the sale of investments, the sale of other real estate, an inheritance, or a gift, you must provide official documents, such as contracts, closing statements, and similar.Q: Is there a risk that I lose my investment?
A: Yes, the U.S. government requires the investment to be "at risk" to qualify for the EB-5 visa program. This includes starting a new business or investing in a Regional Center as these centers are not permitted to guarantee the return of the investment funds.Q: What kind of return on investment (ROI) can I expect?
A: Your return depends on many factors, including whether you invest in an existing business, or a Regional Center. In general, your return may be higher if you invest in a high-risk business, and it will be lower if you invest in a lower-risk enterprise. The visa application is not dependent on the return your investment generates.Q: Once my I-485 application is approved, do I need to move to the United States or live in the U.S. for a minimum number of days during the year?
A: Yes. Within 180 days of receiving the visa the investor must enter the U.S. and establish residency. Evidence of residency includes opening a bank accounts, obtaining a driver's license or social security number, paying state and federal income taxes, as well as renting or buying a home. In general, all permanent residents must live in the U.S. at least six months each year in order not to lose their "Green Card".Q: Can you help me find a real estate agent in the Unites States?
A: Yes. We are associated with several licensed real estate agencies in the U.S. and would be happy to help you find your ideal commercial as well as residential property free of charge. Please use our contact form for a free consultation.Q: Can you help me find a Regional Center in which to invest?
A: Yes. If needed, our associated Immigration Attorneys will be able to introduce you to professional financial advisors who, for a fee to be determined by them, may help you identify a Regional Center that best meets your requirements. If you prefer to do your own research, here is the official list of all currently approved Regional Centers: Immigrant Investor Regional CentersQ: What are some of the most popular immigration by investment programs worldwide?
A: The Bulgaria Citizenship by Investment Program offers several investment options starting from EUR 257,000 plus fees for Bulgaria (EU) citizenship and passport after 5 years in residency status.The Cyprus Residency by Investment Program offers several investment options from EUR 300,000 for Cyprus (EU) permanent residency. Residents may apply for citizenship after 7 years in residency status.
The Greece Golden Visa allows non-EU applicants to file for Greece (EU) permanent residency by way of a EUR 250,000 investment in local real estate. The investor may file for Greek citizenship after 7 years of living in Greece at a minimum of 183 days per year.
The Malta Naturalisation for Exceptional Services by Direct Investment regulation provides the applicant with Malta (EU) residency and citizenship & passport for an investment in the amount of EUR 600,000 (36 months residency option) or EUR 750,000 (12 months residency option). Additional are a philanthropic donation, a property purchase or rental, and fees. For applicants who are only seeking Malta (tax) residency or Schengen travel benefits, options start at an annual recurring expense of EUR 15,000 plus property and fees.
The Monaco Residency / Citizenship Program offers Monaco permanent residency to applicants who can prove sufficient accommodations and financial self-sufficiency. The applicant may file for Monaco citizenship after 10 years of permanent residency.
The Portugal Golden Visa Residence Permit Program offers Portugal (EU) permanent residency for a investment (donation) starting from EUR 250,000. Investors may apply for Portugal citizenship after 5 years in residency status.
The Spain Golden Visa offers Spain (EU) permanent residency for a EUR 500,000 minimum investment in real estate, or a EUR 1 Million Euro asset transfer, or a 2 Million Euro securities investment, or the creation of a new government-approved business project. The investor may file for citizenship after 10 years in residency status.
Outside of the EU, citizenship by investment programs include those offered by Turkey, Vanuatu, Canada, the United States of America, and the Caribbean nations of Antigua & Barbuda, St. Kitts & Nevis, Grenada, Dominica, and St. Lucia:
Turkey offers the Turkish citizenship and passport for a property purchases of at least USD 400,000.
Vanuatu offers the Vanuatu citizenship and passport for a donation starting at USD 130,000.
Canada offers several residency by investment options, leading to citizenship if desired, starting at CAD 200,000.
The United States EB-5 Program leads to permanent residency status and citizenship in the United States for a minimum investment of USD 900,000 in a commercial enterprise in the U.S. that generates at least 10 jobs for Americans. After 5 years as a permanent resident the investor may apply for U.S. citizenship.
The Caribbean nations of Antigua & Barbuda, St. Kitts & Nevis, Grenada, Dominica, and St. Lucia offer citizenship programs requiring a real estate investment from USD 200,000 or a non-refundable donation of at least USD 100,000.
Please contact us using the contact form below for a detailed cost estimate or confidential consultation. Our associated attorneys are ready to assist you with attaining your investment objectives and answer any questions you might have about the USA Residency / Citizenship by Investment programs.
Contact Us for a Free Consultation
Contact us for a free, detailed cost estimate or confidential consultation by email (or phone / office visit, if preferred). To start the application process online please register here.
We will reply to your inquiry by email within one hour!
If you prefer to meet in person at any of the offices please send us your dates of travel so that we may coordinate a time most convenient for you.
Our immigration associates in the USA are working exclusively on citizenship & residence matters and will stand by your side throughout the entire application process, from start to finish.
Do you have any questions? Use our contact form to receive a reply today.
Zenturo Ltd.
Residency & Citizenship by Investment Programs WorldwideUSA Office: Los Angeles
394A / 395A, Triq il-Kbira San Guzepp
Santa Venera, SVR 1016
Malta
Phone: +356 9950 5515
WhatsApp: +356 9991 4125
Telegram: +356 9991 4125
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Skype: Zenturo Ltd. Support
Service Inquiries: service@zenturo.zenturo.com
General Counsel: legal@zenturo.zenturo.com
Company Registration No.: C-39472
VAT ID: MT-18142026
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