A look at immigrant investor programs around the world

Immigrant investor programs are created and implemented by countries that wish to boost their economies by attracting foreign investors.

The following is a brief look at some of the countries that have immigrant investor programs.

Canada

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The Canadian Immigrant Investor Program was a favorite among foreign investors prior to its cancellation in June of 2014 due to the ease of application. Under the program, investors must show proof of business experience, have a net worth of at least C$1.6 million, and invest a minimum of C$800,000 in order to be eligible for permanent residency. The funds were to be divided among Canada's provinces and to be used in five years' worth of job creation. Investments made under the program were to be returned within five years and three months after payment, interest-free.

The cancellation of the program caused dismay and anger in the investor community, particularly among Chinese nationals, more than a thousand of whom filed a suit against the Canadian government.

Canada still has two smaller foreign investor programs: the Quebec investor program and the Quebec entrepreneur program.

Japan

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The Japanese Investor/Business Manager visa is for foreign nationals who invest, start, operate, or manage a business in Japan. In order to apply for the visa, a foreign investor must secure a business space in Japan, and hire at least more than two full-time employees who are either Japanese or permanent legal residents. Business management experience of more than three years is also a requirement.

Foreign investors must also make a minimum investment of 5 million yen. The length of stay under the program is one or three years.

Australia

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Under Australia's Business Innovation and Investment Program, foreign nationals must invest a minimum of AUS$5 million to an approved investment fund. They will then be eligible for a four-year residency under the Business Innovation and Investment provisional visa. Afterwards, they can apply for a Significant Investor permanent resident visa if they've maintained a designated investment of AUS$1.5 million for four years. The Significant Investor visa allows holders to stay in Australia indefinitely, apply for citizenship, sponsor eligible relatives for permanent residence, and enroll in Medicare.

The United States has its own immigrant investor program, the EB-5, which grants green cards to foreign businesspeople in exchange for a minimum investment of $500,000 and job creation for at least 10 qualified American workers.

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