Report from China: Spain and Portugal visa programs spark interest from Chinese investors

 

Spain Investment Visa Seminar in Beijing

Since the Cyprus' banking system crash earlier this year, Chinese investors have found new destinations for real estate investment visa programs in Spain and Portugal. 

Spain's new law granting Visas to non-European Union citizens who invest in real estate properties set to become legal in July. Foreign investors spending a minimum €500,000 (European Dollar) on a property purchase will be given automatic residency as long as they own the property. The Spanish residency Visa for a real estate purchase is similar to investment Visa programs offered in Cyprus, Ireland and Portugal. Spain is one of twenty-two EU member states within the Schengen area common visa policy allowing freedom of movement within the European Union.

The Government of Portugal also has decided to grant long term residency Visas to property investors from outside the European Union. The Portugal residency permit allows the Visa holder to work or study and free travel in Schengen countries. Investorss also will have the option to apply for permanent residency after five years. The so called Golden Residence Permit Program is designed to bring greater foreign investment into the country by offering in exchange a quicker and simpler way for investors to receive temporary residency Visa.  

Chinese investors have shown very strong interest in such program which allow them travel freely within EU states.  These programs have been a major competitors to the US EB-5 immigrant investor program. For more information about Chinese investment, join us July 25 in Chicago.