The United States is a surprising addition to the list of residency by property
investment countries. Many people are unaware of their EB-5 Investment Visa which
gives permanent U.S. residency to those investing into government-approved
projects across the USA. The EB5 visa grants access to the U.S. education system,
the right to live, retire, work and study in the USA, the ability to receive investment
back upon the completion of the project and residency for the investor, any children
(under 21) and their spouse. The main applicant must reside in the USA for 6 months
per year. The EB-5 leads to a Green Card and the eventual opportunity of full
citizenship; however, the investment amount is relatively high, starting at $500,000.
Another US visa which provides just residency and no Green card is the E2 visa,
which is open to citizens of countries holding an E2 treaty with the USA. This
includes options such as Grenada, Montenegro and Turkey. Investment for
citizenship in these countries entitles the holder to apply for an E2. The route to
residency can be faster and cheaper than EB5 although a key difference with the E2
is that it is a non-immigrant visa meaning unlike the EB5 it cannot lead to a Green
Card.
9. United States
