Countries around the world strive to lure global capital onto their shores using a variety of sophisticated techniques. Those countries with high standards of living and an abundance of opportunity are natural draws for immigrants. The right of residency is something that can be leveraged to attract even more investment capital. In fact, many wealthy individuals are willing to invest sizable funds to qualify for residency and the right to enter and leave at will.

Many nations have structured visa programs to attract capital for targeted economic growth. The United States uses its EB-5 investment visa to fund projects that create American jobs. A similar program in Canada drives money to the provincial and territory level for local use. Other countries use funds generated by investment visas to infuse their financial sectors with additional capital.

This issue of Global Perspectives takes a spin around the world looking at investment visas, initially examining the U.S.’s EB-5 and various issues that have arisen since our last reporting on the program in April 2011.

You’ll also learn about similar initiatives in Canada, the United Kingdom and Australia. Each program uses different levers to attract specific types of capital, investment and entrepreneurial skills—and each is designed to benefit various aspects of a country’s economy.

Advertisement