Countries all over the world have international business immigration programs that are designed to boost economies by attracting investment from high-net-worth individuals.
Some require a passive investment, others may need a business plan, but they can broadly be split into two categories: residence and citizenship.
The international business immigration programs that offer residence are often called ‘Golden Visas’, and include several options for gaining access to the European Union’s free travel Schengen Zone.
Examples of popular international business immigration programs are the US EB-5 and the Portugal Golden Visa for residence, and Malta and St Kitts and Nevis for citizenship.
International Business Immigration Programs vs Canadian Business Immigration
Many of the international business immigration programs on this page compare favourably to Canadian business immigration, including the Canada Start-Up Visa and the Quebec Immigrant Investor Program.
The Start-Up Visa allows Canada business immigrants with a well-thought-out business plan and Letter of Support from a designated venture capital fund, angel investor or business incubator a pathway to permanent residence.
That business plan could be in popular fields such as information technology, healthcare, manufacturing, agriculture and consumer goods.
The Quebec Immigrant Investor Program is unusual among international business immigration programs in that it is a passive investment program.
That passive investment must be of $1.2 million into a government-guaranteed investment for five years bearing no interest. There are also net worth, language and business experience requirements.
Options For Canadian Citizens
Canadian citizens with the required net worth and money to invest could qualify for most of the international business immigration programs included on this page.
They include several options in the Caribbean, which could prove popular for Canadian citizens looking to escape the cold winter.
Residency By Investment Programs
Established in 1990, the EB-5 is a Golden Visa that connects foreign entrepreneurs with American communities’ economic needs. It is one of the world’s most well-known international business immigration programs Geared toward providing a pathway to a US PR, the program gives a Green Card to individuals investing in projects that boost American economic growth and create jobs that employ Americans.
Requirements:
- An investment of at least $1,050,000; or
- An investment of at least $800,000 into a Targeted Employment Area (TEA), which is either a rural area or one with high unemployment levels.
- Creation or preservation of at least 10 full-time jobs for qualifying US workers within 2 years of the immigrant investor’s admission to the US as a Conditional PR.
- Proof that the investment is in a bona fide enterprise and that the funds are “lawfully sourced.”
Benefits:
- Provides pathway to US green card for the investor, their spouse, and unmarried children under 21.
- After five years of PR, investors can file for citizenship.
- Access to American education, often at in-state tuition rates.
- Work authorization in the United States without needing employer sponsorship.
- Investors can pursue business proposals outside of the one they initially invested in.
The Portuguese Golden Visa allows non-EU citizens to get Portuguese citizenship by purchasing real estate, investing in Portuguese businesses, or contributing to research and development projects.
One of the international business immigration programs that offers EU access, it was amended via legislation in January 2024, with major changes to the eligibility criteria and investment requirements to streamline the program. This was major news, considering the significance of Portugal’s Golden Visa as one of the leading residency-by-investment programs in Europe.
Requirements:
- Applicant needs to have a Portuguese NIF (Tax Identification Number).
- Investor needs to make an investment that could include capital transfer, a €500,000 investment in research and development, a minimum €500,000 investment in approved funds or venture capital funds, or a cultural heritage donation of €200,000.
- Investor needs to show evidence of a clean criminal record from their country of residence and from Portugal.
- Spend an average of seven days per year in Portugal to maintain residency status.
Benefits:
- Candidates become permanent residents of Portugal, with the right to live, work, and study.
- Residency rights included to spouse, children, and dependent parents.
- Visa-free travel within the Schengen Area, which consists of 26 European countries.
- A pathway to Portugues citizenship within five years of residency, with relatively lenient residency requirements.
- Access to Portugal’s Non-Habitual Resident (NHR) tax regime, which offers favorable tax treatment for the first 10 years of residence.
The Greece Residence by Investment program grants non-EU citizens residency in Greece through financial contributions, commonly in the form of real estate. It is known to one of the most flexible international business immigration programs with no minimum stay requirements, and also offers a chance to apply for Greek citizenship eventually.
Requirements:
- Real estate acquisition via a minimum investment of €400,000; or
- Strategic investments into shares or bonds, including a minimum capital contribution of €500,000 or investing in an Alternative Investment Fund (AIF).
Benefits:
- Candidates become permanent residents of Greece without any minimum stay obligation.
- Access to visa-free travel within the Schengen region.
- Visa opportunity for family members of the applicant.
- Chance of acquiring citizenship after seven years of residency.
The Cyprus Golden Visa program is one of the permanent residence international business immigration programs designed for non-EU foreign entrepreneurs to obtain long-term residence in Cyprus that could potentially result in citizenship after five years. Investors obtain their residence immediately upon completion of their investment criteria, with the only physical presence requirement being to visit Cyprus for at least one day every two years.
Requirements:
- Minimum income requirement of at least €50,000 for the principal applicant, €15,000 for a spouse, and €10,000 for each dependent child.
- Investment into residential property of at least €300,000 plus VAT; or
- Purchase of commercial property worth at least €300,000 plus VAT; or
- Investment of at least €300,000 in units that are part of a Cypriot Collective Investment Organization; or
- Investment in €300,000 of share capital in a company registered in Cyprus and generating employment for at least five individuals.
- Investors need to prove that they have maintained their investment and their income in the previous year meets the minimum income requirement.
Benefits:
- Candidates become immediate and indefinite permanent residents of Cyprus.
- The permanent residence extends to spouse, children under 25, and dependent parents.
- It is one of the international business immigration programs that offers access to the Schengen Area.
- Quick and efficient application process with approval typically within two months.
- Diverse investment choices including real estate, business, and financial assets.
Making a large investment can allow applicants to access the Spain Golden Visa. It is one of the business immigration programs that includes a real estate option.
Requirements:
- A minimum real estate purchase amounting to at least €500,000.
Benefits:
- The right to live and work in Spain.
- Visa-free travel within the Schengen Area.
- Inclusion of immediate family members in the visa program.
- No minimum stay requirement, making the program flexible for foreign entrepreneurs.
- Possibility of acquiring citizenship after ten years.
The Italy Golden Visa allows foreign entrepreneurs and their family members to become Italian residents in a matter of months. The program was launched in 2017 by the Italian government to encourage foreign direct investment into the country. It another one of the international business immigration programs geared towards non-EU and non-Swiss residents, for them to obtain a residence permit that is valid for two years and renewable for three more years.
Requirements:
- An investment of at least €2 million in government bonds; or
- An investment of at least €500,000 in corporate bonds or shares; or
- An investment of at least €250,000 in innovative start-ups; or
- A philanthropic donation of at least €1 million.
- The investment or donation needs to be declared in the Italy Investor Visa application within three months of the date of entry into the country.
- The original investment needs to be maintained for the entire validity period of the residence permit.
Benefits:
- Allows for a five-year path towards Italian permanent residence.
- Allows for a ten-year path towards Italian citizenship.
- Access to Schengen zone countries in the Mediterranean, such as Malta, Cyprus, and Greece, as well as Africa and Asia.
- Affordable living costs.
- Mediterranean climate.
- Provides a special tax regime as a foreign Italian tax resident.
The UAE Golden Visa is a long-term residency visa introduced by the United Arab Emirates in 2019 to attract investors and entrepreneurs. Unlike other international business immigration programs, it also aims to attract specialized talents, researchers, and outstanding students. This visa allows foreigners to live, work, and study in the UAE without needing a national sponsor and offers the benefit of 100% ownership of their businesses on the UAE mainland.
Requirements:
- Financial commitment to the UAE economy visa
- Ownership of property in the UAE, through the purchase of property worth at least AED 2 million; or
- Substantial investment in the UAE, such as depositing to an investment fund or a local bank account.
- For entrepreneurs who are either in the process of establishing a start-up or already have a successful business:
- Viable business plan or business proposal needs to be presented.
- Applicants need to be endorsed by an approved incubator or investor in the UAE.
- For professionals and talented individuals, a proven track record of outstanding work needs to be demonstrated, and they need to have advanced degrees.
- For students and scientists:
- Exhibiting outstanding academic performance.
- Be recognized through awards or research.
- A valid passport with at least six months remaining prior to expiration.
Benefits:
- Ability to live and work in the UAE for the long-term period.
- The visa is renewable.
- Allows spouse and children to be included under the visa coverage.
- Access to exclusive services, discounts, and privileges within the UAE, like the Esaad privilege card. These can allow for savings across many sectors.
The Malta Golden Visa, officially known as the Malta Permanent Residence Program (MPRP), offers non-EU citizens the opportunity to obtain permanent residency through investment. It is one of the international business immigration programs that offers applicants the chance to qualify by making a combination of investments in government bonds, real estate, and contributions to the Maltese government.
Requirements:
- Substantial investment into a government-approved fund, the minimum being €100,000.
- Real Estate Options:
- Real Estate Option A: Renting a property with a minimum annual rent of €10,000 in Gozo or the southern regions of Malta, or €12,000 somewhere else in Malta.
- Real Estate Option B: Purchasing a property with a minimum value of €300,000 in Gozo or the south of Malta, or €350,000 in other parts of the country.
Benefits:
- Right to indefinite Maltese residence.
- Visa-free travel within the Schengen zone.
- Ability to include family members within the permit.
- Efficient processing time.
- Access to a favorable Maltese tax regime, including no worldwide income tax for non-domiciled residents.
- Diverse investment options, including real estate and government bonds.
The ‘Malaysia My Second Home’ (MM2H) is different to other international business immigration programs in that it allows foreign investors to receive a long-term visa to live in Malaysia. It is a multiple-entry social visit pass that is renewable.
Requirements:
- Purchasing property:
- Purchase of residential property worth at least RM500,000 in Penang state.
- Purchase of residential property of at least RM1,000,000.
- Minimum offshore income of RM10,000 per month.
- Fixed Deposit account in a Malaysian bank.
- If below 50 years of age, the Fixed Deposit amount will be RM300,000.
- For those aged 50 and above, the Fixed Deposit amount is RM150,000.
- A copy of latest three months’ bank statement showing liquid assets of at least RM500,000 for those below 50 and RM350,000 for those aged 50 or over.
- Last three months’ payslips or income statement, if applicable, to verify offshore income.
Benefits:
- A renewable multiple-entry visa lasting up to five years.
- Spouse, unmarried children under 35, and parents or parents-in-law above 60 years of age can be included.
- Property ownership under favorable conditions, such as allowance to purchase residential properties at a lower minimum price in comparison to non-MM2H foreigners.
Citizenship By Investment Programs
Citizenship by Exceptional Achievement is a program in Austria that provides citizenship in response to a large financial commitment to Austria. Unusually for international business immigration programs, it requires applicants to display an interest in acquiring Austrian citizenship by demonstrating and/or creating ties to Austria.
Additionally, notable achievements need to be demonstrated in the areas of: science, sports, arts, or business.
Requirements:
- The applicant needs to be aged 18 or over.
- The minimum amount excluding taxes should be €10,000,000.
- They need to possess sufficient funds to make the investment.
- They need to present all the documentation to prove that the investment amount is from a legally secure and sound source.
- They need present all the documentation to prove that their personal record is clean and exceptional.
- They need to present and attest to a clean criminal record.
Benefits:
- Economic benefits, with access to the booming Austrian economy.
- Enhanced global mobility and the privilege to access EU countries for leisure, cultural or work-related purposes.
- Access to some of the best educational institutions in the world, from primary to university levels.
The CIB in Malta started in 2014, but the terms of operation were changed in 2020 to grant citizenship by naturalization for exceptional services by direct investment into the country’s economic development. According to the new regulations, the investor will be given a residence permit lasting 1 or 3 years, depending on their investment amount, and on the basis of which they can travel to any EU country. It is one of the international business immigration programs that allows the investor can apply for citizenship after completing this residence period.
Requirements:
- The foreign entrepreneur needs to be 18 years old or more.
- The investment amount should be at least €600,000 if the applicant has resided in Malta for 36 months or €750,000 after residing in the country for 12 months.
- The applicant must buy a residential property of at least €700,000 in Malta, which needs to be held for at least five years. Alternatively, the applicant could lease a residence with a rental value of €16,000 annually.
- Donate €10,000 to any organization approved by the Community Malta Agency.
- A valid residence card to apply for citizenship.
- The applicant and their family members should be in good health.
- There is also a strict Due Diligence process that applicants are put through, which is fully compliant with EU anti-money laundering directives.
Benefits:
- Visa-free travel to 186 countries, including the USA.
- Opportunity to work and study in EU countries.
- High standard of living.
- Access to the Maltese healthcare system, which is ranked among the best in the world.
The Caribbean Island of Dominica – known as the “Nature Island of the Caribbean” – established its CBI program in 1993, as an incentive to boost investment. Dominica is a a member of the Commonwealth of Nations, the UN, the Organization of American States, CARICOM, and several other international organizations. In terms of CBI, it is known as one of the fastest countries in the world to grant a second passport, hosting the oldest program after St. Kitts and Nevis.
Requirements:
- Donation Option
- A minimum non-refundable contribution of $100,000 to the Economic Diversification Program, which supports public and private projects within Dominica.
- Real Estate Option
- Contribution of $200,000 toward investment into real estate.
- Government fee of $25,000 for single applicant.
- Government fee of $35,000 for main applicant and up to 3 dependents.
- Government fee of $50,000 for main applicant and up to 5 dependents.
- Government fee of $25,000 for any additional dependents.
- Hold the property for at least 3 years.
- If reselling to another CBI applicant, hold the property for at least 5 years.
Benefits:
- Full residence status – including working rights
- Citizenship to a country that is signatory of double taxation treaties with the USA and the CARICOM.
- Access to the Nature Island of the Caribbean, made up of rivers, waterfalls, animals and birds, and rainforests with rare plants.
- Considered one of the happiest places in the world.
- Minimal taxation, with no wealth, gift, inheritance, foreign income, or capital gains tax.
- Ability to hold multiple citizenships
Turkey’s CBI was launched in 2017, with the minimum investment requirement being dropped from $1,000,000 to $400,000 due to initial lack of success. The program’s success can largely be traced to that decision, as there is an abundance of suitable properties for $400,000.
Requirements:
- Minimum contribution of $400,000.
- Investors must hold the property for at least 3 years and meet other requirements.
Benefits:
- Ability to start a business in the US or UK
- Ability to travel to Turkey, Hong Kong, Japan and Singapore, among others
Saint Lucia offers a Citizenship by Investment Program (CIP) that allows individuals to obtain citizenship by making a qualifying investment. Applicants can choose from four options: a non-refundable contribution to the National Economic Fund, an investment in government-approved real estate, a government bond purchase, or investing in an approved enterprise project. It is one of the international business immigration programs that requires a due diligence process, ensuring applicants meet specific criteria. Benefits of Saint Lucian citizenship include visa-free travel to over 145 countries, no residency requirements, and potential tax advantages.
Requirements:
- Minimum contribution of $100,000 to the National Economic Fund; or
- Purchase of real estate with a minimum value of $200,000 from an approved real estate development, which must be held for at least 5 years; or
- Participation in an approved enterprise project with a minimum contribution of USD 3.5 million, plus the creation of no less than three permanent jobs; or
- Investment in non-interest-bearing government bonds with a minimum value of USD 300,000.
Benefits:
- Visa-free travel to over 148 countries
- 0% personal tax rate
- Several routes to citizenship
- Lifetime citizenship
- Free movement in the Caribbean CARICOM countries
- Confidential and anonymous process
Established in 1984, this program is one of the oldest and most reputable international business immigration programs, designed to attract foreign investment and boost economic development in the twin-island nation. Applicants can choose between a non-refundable contribution to the Sustainable Growth Fund (SGF) or an investment in government-approved real estate. The program includes a thorough due diligence process to ensure eligibility.
Requirements:
- Minimum investment of $250,000 for donation.
- Minimum investment of $400,000 for real estate (approved resort hotel shares only), held for 7 years before resale.
- Minimum investment of $800,000 for real estate (full title deed on condos or private homes) held for 7 years before resale, plus payment of various registration and other fees.
- On approval in principle of an application made through a real estate investment, a government fee applies, as follows:
- Main applicant: $25,000
- Spouse of the main applicant: $15,000
- Any other qualified dependent of the main applicant regardless of age: $10,000
- Clean criminal record.
- Proof of source of funds.
- Health certificate confirming good health.
- Completed application forms and supporting documents.
Benefits:
- Visa-free or visa-on-arrival access to over 150 countries, including all EU Schengen countries
- No residency requirements
- Potential tax advantages
The Grenada Citizenship by Investment Program (CIP) offers citizenship to individuals who make a qualifying investment. It is one of the international business immigration programs that allows applicants to choose between a non-refundable contribution to the National Transformation Fund (NTF) or an investment in government-approved real estate.
Requirements:
- Invest in a pre-approved real estate with a minimum value of $220,000 or donate $150,000 to the government’s National Transformation Fund (NTF).
Benefits:
- Visa-Free Travel to 153 countries and territories worldwide.
- No requirement to relocate to Grenada.
- No interview process.
- Opportunity to diversify assets outside of the applicant’s current region.
Antigua and Barbuda is an independent Commonwealth state in the Eastern Caribbean. The Antigua and Barbuda Citizenship by Investment Program was first started in 2013, after approval under the Citizenship by Investment Act, Act No. 2 of 2013. It is one of the international business immigration programs with the goal of promoting foreign investment, thereby enhancing the country’s economy.
Requirements:
- The main applicant needs to be over 18.
- No criminal record.
- A minimum donation of $100,000 to the National Development Fund (NDF).
- A minimum investment of $200,000 in real estate, with the property being held for a minimum of 5 years.
- A minimum investment of $400,000 into a government-sanctioned business.
Benefits:
- Visa-free travel access to more than 140 countries, including those in the Schengen area, like the UK and Canada.
- Dual citizenship.
- Privileges associated with being a citizen of CARICOM and the Commonwealth.
Vanuatu CBI is is one of the fastest and most efficient international business immigration programs for obtaining a second passport, due to its lax rules surrounding investment immigration.
Requirements:
- Be over 18 and under 65 years old.
- Qualifying single-person investment of $130,000 or $180,000 for a family of four. Any additional dependents can be added for an extra fee of $15,000 each.
- Net worth of at least $250,000.
- Alternatively, an investment of $150,000 to the Vanuatu government fund.
- Alternatively, foreign nationals can purchase real estate in Vanuatu for at least $200,000.
- Not be a national of Iran, Iraq, Syria, North Korea, or Yemen, unless the national has permanent residence outside their country and has lived there for at least 5 years.
Benefits:
- Access to 112 Vanuatu passport visa-free countries
- Passport within two months.
- No personal taxation, no wealth tax, inheritance tax, and gift tax.
- No residence or interview requirements.
Options For High Net Worth Candidates
There are international business immigration programs all over the world that could provide options for high net worth individuals looking for a backup residency or a second passport.
There are also plenty of Canadian business immigration options for those candidates to consider.
It is important to factor in all of the requirements and benefits of each program before making a decision on which one to apply for.
Canada Business Immigration FAQ
Can I Immigrate To Canada If I Buy A Business?
Yes, you can immigrate to Canada by buying a business. Canada offers several Federal and Provincial immigration programs for entrepreneurs and investors. One such option is the Start-Up Visa Program, which allows you to apply for permanent residence if you buy and manage a business in Canada, or start a new business on your own. Another option is the Provincial Nominee Program (PNP), where provinces and territories have specific programs for business owners. These programs have different requirements, so it's important to research and choose the one that fits your situation best. Make sure to meet all the criteria, including investment amount and business management experience. Consulting with an immigration expert can help guide you through the process.
What Is The Business Immigration Program In Canada?
Although Canada has a number of business immigration programs, the main Federal program geared towards entrepreneur immigration is the Start-Up Visa Program. This pathway is for entrepreneurs who have the skills and potential to build businesses in Canada that are innovative, can create jobs for Canadians, and can compete on a global scale.
How Much Money Is Required For A Canada Business Visa?
For the Start-Up Visa, applicants need to show proof that they have the settlement funds to support themselves and their dependants after they arrive in Canada. They can’t borrow this money from another person.
The amount needed depends on the size of an applicant’s family, ranging from $14,690 for a family of one to $38,875 for a family of seven or more. For each additional family member over seven, $3,958 are added to the maximum principal amount. These amounts are updated every year.
There is no direct investment requirement from the applicant's own funds, but the applicant must secure a commitment from a designated organization:
- Venture Capital Fund: Minimum investment of $200,000.
- Angel Investor Group: Minimum investment of $75,000.
- Business Incubator: Acceptance into a designated business incubator program (no set investment amount).
Can I Get PR If I Invest In Canada?
Yes, investing in Canada can be a pathway to obtaining Permanent Residency (PR) through various investment immigration programs. These operate on both Federal and Provincial levels.
The following business immigration programs are operational on the Federal level:
- Self-Employed Persons
- Start-Up Visa Program (SUV)
Each province has its own business immigration programs, which applicants should research before applying to come to Canada through the investment route.
What Is The Age Limit For A Business Visa In Canada?
Canada's business immigration programs do not have strict age limits. For the SUV, for example, applicants must meet eligibility requirements related to their business proposal, language proficiency, and settlement funds, but age is not a specific criterion. The same is true for the Self-Employed Persons Program, wherein the focus is on relevant experience and the ability to contribute to Canada's cultural or athletic sectors.
Who Is Eligible For A Business Visa In Canada?
To be eligible for Canada's Start-Up Visa Program, applicants must meet the following criteria: own a qualifying business with shared voting rights, secure a commitment from a designated organization (CAD 200,000 from a venture capital fund, CAD 75,000 from an angel investor group, or acceptance into a business incubator), demonstrate language proficiency at CLB level 5 in English or French, have sufficient settlement funds, and pass security and medical clearances. They must also intend to settle outside Quebec. Successful applicants and their families can obtain permanent residency, with access to social benefits, healthcare, and education.
