The Rise of 'Invest and Migrate': Rich Indians' Path to Global Citizenship

Written by

Alisha Azeem

Fact check by

Divyansh Chaudhari

Updated on

Feb 22,2025

The Rise of 'Invest and Migrate': Rich Indians' Path to Global Citizenship - TerraTern

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The number of wealthy Indian individuals who want to extend their perspectives internationally has heightened in current times. Various nations have created 'invest and migrate' programs that offer wealthy citizens the opportunity to obtain foreign citizenship or residency status by using strategic investments. Various elements, such as economic possibilities, choice of lifestyle, and worldwide mobility, push individuals to pursue this phenomenon.

 

The Driving Forces Behind the Trend

Here are the driving forces behind the trend:

1. A New Generation of Affluent Indians

A growing number of young Indian professionals and entrepreneurs have shown increased interest in 'invest and migrate' programs, which has led to the phenomenon explained. A significant portion of affluent Indians has boosted their wealth through investments in stock markets, employee stock options, and high-level compensation packages. Startup founders who achieved successful liquidity events end up possessing notable sums of disposable income.

2. Diversification of Assets and Opportunities

These affluent individuals adopt international investments because it allows them to broaden their investment base outside of their domestic marketplaces. Through their involvement, they obtain new business opportunities combined with real estate investment possibilities and the economic expansion potential of foreign countries.

3. Global Mobility and Quality of Life

Many individuals join these programs mainly because they offer open travel to various countries. Certain nationalities enable their citizens to travel without borders to numerous nations, thus improving their private and occupational movement capabilities. These immigration programs provide some residents with a solution for escaping environmental problems in India, such as severe air pollution and extreme weather conditions. 

4. Educational and Career Prospects for Children

Indian families with financial means utilise such programs to get their children to study abroad since they believe it will yield valuable educational and career opportunities. People with residency or citizenship will encounter easier ways to obtain jobs and qualify for social benefits across their host nation.

Also Read: Germany is set to become the World Immigration leader

Popular Destinations and Their Programs

Here are the popular destinations and their programs:

1. United States: EB-5 Visa Program

Many Indian investors consider the EB-5 Visa Program in the United States to be their preferred option. The EB-5 Visa Program needs investors to put $800,000 into targeted employment areas or $1,050,000 into non-TEA locations. Applicants who join this program can gain permanent residency followed by citizenship after waiting times between 12 to 36 months based on project location.

2. Portugal: Golden Visa Program

The Portuguese Golden Visa Program has entered the Indian investment market as a popular choice. This program allows applicants to earn Portuguese residency through investments starting at €500,000 into venture capital ventures or €250,000 toward artistic projects or national heritage activities. After five years, they can pursue citizenship.

3. Greece: Golden Visa Program

The Golden Visa Program of Greece operates through real estate investment and features different mandatory investment amounts according to regional jurisdictions. Investors must allocate funds starting from €250,000 when they choose to rehabilitate listed buildings yet they need to set aside €800,000 specifically for properties located in desirable urban areas such as Athens and Santorini. Through the program, persons receive permanent residency, which can lead to citizenship after spending seven years as residents.

4. Malta: Permanent Residence Program

The Maltese permanent residency program consists of government funding combined with real estate properties or property rental participation1. Permanent residence within the European Union can be obtained quickly through this program, which requires only a ten to twelve-month processing time and lacks any minimum stay requirement.

5. United Arab Emirates: Golden Visa Program

The Golden Visa Program from the United Arab Emirates has gained popularity since it allows foreign nationals to obtain extended residence by investing at least AED 2 million. The program allows fast processing while supporting family members which creates a desirable solution for those who want Middle Eastern residency.

6. Caribbean Islands: Direct Citizenship Programs

The Caribbean countries of Dominica and Antigua & Barbuda together with St. Kitts & Nevis and St. Lucia, operate programs that allow individuals to obtain citizenship by making donations or investing in real estate properties.  These programs are known for their relatively quick processing times and the extensive visa-free travel benefits they provide.

The Impact on Host Countries

Countries offering these programs benefit from the influx of foreign capital and the addition of skilled, educated professionals to their populations. Business investments within these programs raise funds that flow into economic development initiatives and generate employment opportunities for the host country's residents.

Also Read: Sweden Increases Foreign Workers Salary to 2.25 Lakhs

Considerations and Challenges

People who decide to join 'invest and migrate' programs must extensively evaluate the full spectrum of legal, financial and personal effects these choices will bring. Every prospective participant should research each program because they must satisfy minimum time requirements, pass language tests, and maintain extended commitments.

 

Conclusion

Public interest in 'invest and migrate' programs among Indian high-net-worth individuals demonstrates a global phenomenon where citizens spread across borders as the world's economies interact more often. The recognition of high-net-worth individual immigration programs by additional nations will result in their continued development as well as their growth during the upcoming years. Those who possess financial resources and an interest in international travel can use these programs to establish a worldwide future for themselves and their family members.

To learn more about the latest happenings in the immigration field, you must contact TerraTern right away!

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Frequently Asked Questions

What is the minimum investment required for the US EB-5 Visa Program?

The minimum investment is $800,000 for Targeted Employment Areas (TEAs) or $1,050,000 for non-TEA locations.

How long does it take to obtain citizenship through Portugal's Golden Visa Program?

Citizenship can be applied for after 5 years from the date of application for the Golden Visa.

Which family members can be included in most 'invest and migrate' programs?

Most programs cover the main applicant's spouse and dependent children, with some also including parents or grandparents.

What are the benefits of the UAE's Golden Visa Program?

It offers a 10-year renewable residence visa, self-sponsorship, and the ability to live, work, and do business in the UAE.

How quickly can one obtain citizenship through Caribbean programs?

Processing times for Caribbean citizenship programs typically range from 3 to 8 months.