AIMA Increases Fees for Immigrants

Agency Replacing SEF Increases Fees for Immigrants Served at Counters by 33% By Press Review 12:19, October 23, 2023

The Agency for Integration, Migration, and Asylum (AIMA), set to replace the Immigration and Borders Service (SEF) in issuing documents for foreigners, will initiate a general increase in fees charged to those applying for residence permits, work permits, investment visas, renewals, and extensions when immigrants opt for counter service, and once AIMA’s digital channels are available.

As reported by Diário de Notícias, the fee increases by AIMA will be approximately 33% compared to current prices. For instance, the fee for receiving and analyzing a temporary residence permit application will increase from 91.69 euros to 121.95 euros, while the fee for each temporary residence permit issued or renewed will rise from 78.81 euros to 104.82 euros. Moreover, the fee for permanent residence permits granted to applications made by minors will increase from 242.31 euros to 322.27 euros.

The new fee amounts will come into effect on October 29, the designated date for the abolition of SEF and the transfer of its responsibilities to seven different entities. It is stipulated that the fee remains the same for in-person service until the digital channels are made available and operational.

The decree published in the Official Gazette also establishes a “25% reduction” in fees “when applications are submitted through digital channels,” with Ana Catarina Mendes’s office explaining to the same newspaper that this discount “is on the new fee, meaning that the fee amount will remain the same as the current one.”

For now, it is unknown when AIMA’s digital service channels will be available and operational.

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Germany reforms citizenship law

Germany is in the process of revamping its citizenship law, streamlining the pathway to obtaining German nationality and also introducing the option of dual citizenship.

The new citizenship law of Germany was unveiled on Wednesday (23.08.2023). Proposed by Interior Minister Nancy Faeser, the legislation aims to simplify the process of obtaining dual citizenship and make naturalization more accessible for non-EU citizens.

In a statement to the press in Berlin, Faeser highlighted that this reform demonstrates Germany’s commitment to modernization. She emphasized that the changes to the citizenship law should be understood within the broader context of the comprehensive reform of Germany’s immigration laws. This reform primarily seeks to attract skilled workers to address the significant labor shortages within the country.

Faeser underlined, “We will be able to attract the most qualified individuals globally only if they can integrate fully into our society, enjoying all democratic rights in the foreseeable future.”

This overhaul has been in development since the fall of 2021 when the center-left coalition, consisting of the Social Democrats, Greens, and the neoliberal Free Democrats, assumed power.

The key points of the new citizenship plans include:

Immigrants who are legally residing in Germany can apply for citizenship after five years, reduced from the current period of eight years. In cases of notable achievements, this period can be further shortened to three years.
Children born in Germany to at least one parent who has been legally residing in the country for five years or more will automatically acquire German citizenship.
Immigrants aged 67 or older will have the option to take an oral German language test instead of a written one.
Multiple citizenships will be permitted.
Individuals solely dependent on state support will not be eligible for German citizenship.
German citizenship will be denied to those who have committed offenses such as antisemitic, racist, xenophobic, or other actions deemed incompatible with a commitment to a free democratic society.

The proposed legislation will undergo parliamentary debates and could potentially come into effect in the fall.

In terms of multiple citizenships, around 14% of the population in Germany, totaling just over 12 million people, do not hold German passports. Approximately five million of these individuals have been residing in Germany for a minimum of a decade. In 2022, there were 168,545 applications for German citizenship, which fell below the EU average.

Currently, dual citizenship is only available for EU and Swiss nationals, citizens of countries that do not permit renunciation of citizenship (such as Iran, Afghanistan, Morocco), children of parents with both German and other citizenships, refugees facing persecution in their home countries, and Israelis. Certain well-integrated Syrian refugees in Germany may also be eligible for expedited German citizenship.

These reforms align Germany with other European nations. In the EU, Sweden had the highest rate of naturalization in 2020, with 8.6% of all foreign residents obtaining citizenship. In contrast, Germany’s rate was 1.1%.

Germany is home to about 2.9 million people who hold more than one citizenship, constituting roughly 3.5% of the population. However, this number is likely higher, as 69% of new German citizens maintain their original passports. Among the most common second citizenships held are Polish, Russian, and Turkish.

Despite these changes, there is opposition. The center-right Christian Democratic Union (CDU), known for consistently obstructing past reforms, expresses reservations. CDU leader Friedrich Merz has voiced caution, stating that German citizenship is a cherished asset that requires careful handling.

The far-right Alternative for Germany party (AfD), which opposes immigration, vehemently opposes these planned changes. AfD lawmaker Gottfried Curio criticized the proposed adjustments, suggesting that they mask integration issues and manipulate statistics.

Italiya priostanavlivayet predostavleniye “Zolotykh Viz” dlya grazhdan RF i RB Pravitel’stvo Italii prinyalo resheniye prekratit’ vydachu viz “Zolotoy Vizy” investoram iz Rossiyskoy Federatsii i Respubliki Belarus’. Etot shag byl predprinyat posle boleye chem goda s momenta rekomendatsiy, predostavlennykh Yevropeyskoy komissiyey. Po ofitsial’noy informatsii, v techeniye 2022 goda, v period rassmotreniya etogo resheniya, Italiya utverdila 32 zayavki grazhdan RF iz 36 podannykh i predostavila im dvukhletniye vizy. Eto kolichestvo prevyshayet summu odobrennykh zayavok ot drugikh stran, vzyatykh vmeste. Dannyye za 2023 god poka nedostupny. Ital’yanskaya programma “Zolotoy Vizy” pozvolyayet poluchit’ vid na zhitel’stvo srokom na dva goda (kotoryy mozhet byt’ prodlen na tri goda) v obmen na investitsii v razmere 2 millionov yevro v ital’yanskiye gosudarstvennyye obligatsii, vnesti vklad na summu 500 000 yevro v ital’yanskuyu kompaniyu, vlozhit’ 250 000 yevro v ital’yanskiy startap ili pozhertvovat’ 1 million yevro na blagotvoritel’nyye initsiativy v Italii. Vozmozhnost’ prozhivaniya s VNZH mozhet byt’ prodlena na tri goda, a po istechenii desyatiletnego sroka obladateli takogo statusa mogut podat’ zayavleniye na polucheniye grazhdanstva Italii. VNZH, Italiya, Migratsiya, Zolotaya viza, PMZH, Ещё Посмотреть дополнительные материалы 1 229 / 5 000 Результаты перевода Перевод Italy suspends the provision of “Golden Visas” for citizens of the Russian Federation and the Republic of Belarus

The Italian government has decided to stop issuing Golden Visa visas to investors from the Russian Federation and the Republic of Belarus. The move comes after more than a year since the advice provided by the European Commission.

According to official information, during 2022, during the period of consideration of this decision, Italy approved 32 applications of Russian citizens out of 36 submitted and granted them two-year visas. This number exceeds the sum of approved applications from other countries taken together. Data for 2023 is not yet available.

The Italian Golden Visa program allows you to obtain a residence permit for a period of two years (which can be extended for three years) in exchange for an investment of 2 million euros in Italian government bonds, make a contribution of 500,000 euros to an Italian company, invest 250,000 euros to an Italian startup or donate 1 million euros to charitable initiatives in Italy.

The possibility of residence with a residence permit can be extended for three years, and after a ten-year period, holders of such status can apply for Italian citizenship.

Lithuania cancels residence permits of more than 1,000 citizens of Belarus and Russia

Lithuania has taken a significant step to enhance its security by announcing the revocation of residence permits belonging to more than 1,000 Belarusian and Russian citizens, whom the nation’s authorities consider potential security threats. This decision follows the government’s distribution of a questionnaire to these residents to gauge their perspectives on Russia’s invasion of Ukraine. The move comes as Lithuania houses a considerable population of Belarusian and Russian citizens, with over 58,000 Belarusians and more than 16,000 Russians, as reported by the country’s Migration Department.

Furthermore, in response to the reported presence of Wagner mercenaries in Belarus, Lithuania may opt to close two out of the six border crossing points between itself and Belarus. This measure aims to address any potential security risks associated with the situation.

By taking these decisive actions, Lithuania aims to safeguard its national security and uphold its commitment to maintaining stability in the region.

Paraguay Permanent Residence and Cedula Program: Your Ultimate Plan B

You may not yet be familiar with the Republic of Paraguay, but the Permanent Residence and Cedula program is a compelling option for those seeking a Plan B residence program amidst the instability of our times. With a modest investment, individuals can obtain a Paraguay Residence Permit and become part of a country that boasts numerous advantages:

Abundant Renewable Energy: Paraguay is the world’s largest electricity exporter and relies on almost unlimited renewable energy sources.
Vast Fresh Water Reserves: The nation possesses substantial underground reserves of fresh water.
Major Food Producer: Paraguay ranks as the world’s 5th largest exporter of beef.
Stable Economy: Paraguay maintains a stable economic environment with no exchange or currency controls.
Favorable Tax System: The country offers a friendly tax system, with corporate and personal tax rates set at 10%. There is no tax on worldwide income, wealth tax, capital gains tax, inheritance or estate tax, or capital acquisitions tax.
Financial Privacy: Paraguay does not participate in CRS (Common Reporting Standard) reporting on bank or brokerage deposits.

In November 2022, President Mario Abdo Benitez implemented a new residence and migration law that has already taken effect. This updated law streamlines the residence application process, making it more efficient. Though some residence requirements have become stricter, overall, the changes are positive. For instance, applicants now receive the first Paraguayan residency card immediately upon application, significantly reducing waiting times. The following information has been fully updated to reflect the new post-2022 Paraguay Residency Program.

Reasons to Choose Residence by Investment in Paraguay:

Paraguay operates as a pro-business democracy with a government that actively encourages foreign investment. Obtaining residence in Paraguay for retirement or starting a business is a straightforward process with well-defined rules and guaranteed results if the guidelines are adhered to.

Historically, Paraguay may have been somewhat isolated due to geography and politics, but it has embraced an international outlook since 1992. The country has made improvements to its residence programs, specifically designed to streamline the application process for foreigners who can contribute to its development.

Two Routes to Obtain Residence in Paraguay by Investment:

Individuals seeking residency in Paraguay through investment have two main options, excluding traditional channels like marriage or family reunification.

Traditional Route: Two Years of Temporary Residency Followed by Permanent Residency – Minimal Investment Requirement

Any individual or family can apply for residence in Paraguay by signing a declaration stating their intention to practice a profession, start a business, or demonstrate the financial resources to support themselves in the country without employment.

The process begins with collecting the necessary documents in the applicant’s home country and submitting scans to White and Partners for launching the residence application process at the National Immigration Office in Asuncion.

Upon filing their applications, applicants receive a “Precarious Residence Card,” valid for 90 days but not renewable. It allows them to reside in Paraguay while their Temporary Residence Permit application is processed. During this period, applicants can initiate company formation or apply for a tax number in Paraguay.

Temporary Residency is typically granted within this 90-day period, valid for two years, and allows applicants to apply for a Paraguay Cedula (national ID card) with the same duration. This new cedula allows for the opening of local bank accounts, obtaining a Paraguayan driver’s license, and other rights similar to Permanent Residents or Citizens.

Before the two-year Temporary Residence Permit expires, individuals may apply for Permanent Residence status. Additional documents will be required to support the statements made during the temporary residence application process. Notably, demonstrating substance behind the residence application is essential for obtaining Permanent Residence, which can be achieved by forming a company or purchasing real estate in Paraguay.

Expedited Permanent Residency in Paraguay: The SUACE Route

The SUACE business residency by investment program in Paraguay offers an alternative path to jump straight to the 10-year Permanent Residence status, bypassing the need for two years of Paraguayan Temporary Residency.

Ideal for those starting a business or establishing a branch/representative office of their existing foreign company, this route requires a minimum investment of US$70,000. The investment amount does not need to be directly deposited or shown in the bank account. Instead, the investor is required to spend the investment amount over ten years, supported by a simple business plan.

The SUACE program aims to stimulate the economy by fostering new companies and job creation, making it less suitable for retirement purposes. However, it may be an attractive option for retired individuals looking to start small consulting or family office businesses.

Documents Required for Paraguay Residence and Cedula:
Regardless of the chosen route, the basic documents required for the residence application include:

Birth Certificate;
Marriage certificate (if applicable);
Police criminal records certificate from the country of birth and any country resided in over the past ten years.

These documents must be certified by apostille or legalized by the Paraguayan consulate in the issuing country. Компания White and Partners offer assistance in obtaining certified translations to Spanish and necessary local legalizations as per official requirements. A local police registration certificate and clearance certificate from the Paraguayan Interpol office are also obtained by White and Partners’ staff on the ground.

(Note: Medical checkups or certificates are no longer obligatory as of November 2022.)

Opening Bank or Brokerage Accounts in Paraguay:
While it is no longer mandatory to deposit funds in a local bank to apply for Temporary Residence, it is highly recommended to open a local bank account and deposit funds to support reasonable living expenses after obtaining Temporary Residence.

Local banks offer deposit accounts in both US dollars and PYG local currency, with attractive rates of return in Paraguay’s booming emerging economy. White and Partners provide assistance in opening bank accounts in Paraguay, either in person or online, as an additional service with Paraguay Residence by Investment assistance.

For non-residents seeking to partake in the Paraguayan economy without obtaining residence, brokerage houses that open accounts for non-residents offer opportunities to purchase Paraguayan stocks and bonds, as well as fiduciary deposits in Paraguayan banks.

Citizenship in Paraguay:
Paraguay does not have a formal Citizenship by Investment program. However, successful applicants under the Residency by Investment programs may apply for citizenship after three years of Permanent Residency. The requirements include fluency in one of the two national languages (Spanish and Guarani), knowledge of the political constitution of Paraguay, and a track record of residence and integration in the country.

Dual or Multiple Citizenship in Paraguay:
The Paraguayan Constitution allows for dual or multiple citizenship under specific circumstances, such as by international treaty or reciprocity between the States of origin and adoption. Currently, the only country with such a treaty in force is Spain. However, renouncing one’s other nationality is not typically required by the Paraguayan authorities. As each case is unique, individuals interested in holding dual citizenship in Paraguay are advised to consult a qualified Paraguayan attorney.

Get Started Today with Residence in Paraguay:
Considering Paraguay’s promising opportunities, the White and Partners Residence by Investment program is an attractive path for individuals seeking stability and investment prospects in this progressive nation.

Residency in Italy: Temporary and Permanent Options for Foreigners

Have you ever dreamt of calling Italy your second home, immersing yourself in its captivating culture and embracing la dolce vita? For those aspiring to extend their stay beyond the typical tourist experience, Italy offers a world of opportunities through temporary and permanent residency permits. Whether you seek to study, work, invest, or reunite with loved ones, this article is your gateway to understanding the intricacies of becoming an Italian resident.

Foreigners planning to stay in Italy for more than 90 days must obtain a residence permit, known as “permesso di soggiorno.” There are two types of residency permits: temporary and permanent.

Temporary residency is issued for 1 or 2 years, depending on the purpose of the permit. For instance, students receive a 1-year residency card, while investors and foreign employees of Italian companies are granted a 2-year permit.

Non-EU citizens can apply for temporary residency in Italy for various reasons, including investment, work or pending employment, study, scientific research or internships, family reunification, medical treatment, and special cases like residency for international protection or pending recognition of stateless status.

On the other hand, the permanent residence permit is granted to foreigners who have legally and continuously lived in Italy for at least 5 years. These 5 years of residence in the country should not have been interrupted for longer than 6 consecutive months or 10 months in total.

To obtain permanent residency, foreigners must demonstrate sufficient knowledge of the Italian language and income higher than the social allowance, which was €503.27 in 2023.

How to Obtain an Italy Residency Permit through Investment

For non-EU citizens who wish to move to Italy but don’t have work or study agreements in the country, there’s an option to obtain temporary residence through investment. Introduced by the Italian government in 2017, this option is known as the “Golden Visa” or “Investor Visa.”

Foreigners can choose from various investment options:

€250,000 – Business investment in an innovative startup approved by the authorities.
€500,000 – Business investment in a company incorporated and operating in Italy.
€1,000,000 – Philanthropic investment in a project of public interest in areas like culture, education, immigration management, scientific research, and preservation of cultural heritage.
€2,000,000 – Purchase of government investment funds.

In addition to having sufficient funds for the chosen investment, applicants must meet general requirements, including being over 18 years old, providing proof of legal income, having no criminal record or prosecutions, and holding valid health insurance for Italy.

Under the same investment, an investor can also request residency for their close family members, including a spouse, children under 18 (including those of the spouse), unmarried adult children who are fully dependent on the investor and have no children of their own, and parents who are financially dependent on the investor.

The initial residence permit obtained through investment is valid for 2 years, and it can be renewed for another 3 years. After that, the investor becomes eligible for a permanent residence permit. It’s important to note that if investors choose a returnable investment option, they can only reclaim their money after obtaining permanent residency, as returning the investment earlier will lead to the loss of their temporary residency status.

Obtaining a Residence Permit for Work in Italy

The Italian government allows a specific number of foreign workers to obtain residence permits for work each year. For example, in 2023, 82,705 spots are allocated for new residents, and 7,000 spots are reserved for those already residing in Italy for other purposes, such as students who find jobs at local companies.

Certain professions are recognized as “out-of-quotas,” meaning they are not counted in the general quota, and individuals in these occupations follow a different application procedure. These professions include translators, interpreters, sports professionals, artists, scientists, nurses, and trainees.

To employ a foreign professional, Italian companies need to obtain authorization from the Immigration Office. They must confirm with the Employment Centre that there are no suitable candidates among current residents and then apply to the Immigration Desk for foreign employee authorization.

Once the Immigration Desk approves a foreign employee, it requests the Italian embassy in the candidate’s home country to issue an entry visa. The candidate must present a valid passport, medical insurance, and proof of accommodation in Italy to the embassy. The Immigration Desk will not authorize a foreigner if the visa candidate is considered a threat to public order or the security of the state or if they have criminal records.

The entire process takes around 3 months, including confirmation from the Employment Centre and the Immigration Desk and the visa processing period.

The validity period of the residency permit depends on the foreign employee’s work contract. Permanent work contracts result in a 2-year residency permit, fixed-term contracts lead to a 1-year permit, and seasonal job holders receive 9-month permits.

Dominica and Vanuatu are deprived of the UK visa-free regime

Today, the Home Office released a statement of changes to the Immigration Rules, imposing a visa regime on Dominica, Honduras, Namibia, Timor-Leste, and Vanuatu. Nationals from these countries will now be required to obtain a visa before visiting or transiting through the UK.

The decision to implement these changes is in response to the large number of asylum claims from Namibians and Hondurans in the UK, as well as abuses of the immigration system by individuals from Dominica, Timor-Leste, and Vanuatu.

The changes come into effect at 3 pm today and amend Appendix Visitor: Visa national list of the Immigration Rules. The Home Secretary, Suella Braverman, stated that these visa requirements have been imposed solely for migration and border security reasons and do not reflect poor relations with the affected countries.

During a four-week transition period, individuals with confirmed bookings to the UK made on or before 1500 BST on 19 July 2023, with an arrival date no later than 16 August 2023, will still be allowed visa-free entry. The Home Office is also making arrangements to provide visas for diplomats from these countries currently working at the embassy in London.

The Home Office has taken these steps after careful consideration of the abuse of citizenship by investment schemes in Dominica and Vanuatu and the significant increase in UK asylum applications from Namibian and Honduran nationals. Additionally, there has been a sustained increase in the number of non-genuine visitors from Timor-Leste, who often attempt to fraudulently claim EU Settlement Scheme status or work illegally in the UK.

The statement of changes, HC 1715, can be accessed from the UK Government’s website. It is important for travelers to be aware of these new requirements and plan accordingly. The UK will continue to review and adapt its border and immigration system to ensure it serves the national interest effectively.

UK to remove visa-free travel from Saint Kitts and Nevis Grenada Antigua and Barbuda and Saint Lucia by the end of 2023

The United Kingdom government is preparing to take action to suspend the current visa-waiver agreement with Dominica in July, with similar suspensions to follow for other Caribbean nations. The countries affected include St Lucia, Grenada, Antigua and Barbuda, and St Kitts and Nevis, and these suspensions will be implemented in phases by the end of 2023.

Miami-based news outlet, Associates Times, reported on this targeted action against multiple Caribbean nations, particularly those with Citizenship by Investment Programmes. The decision is expected to be the first phase of the recently announced ETA (Electronic Travel Authorisation) System, aimed at enhancing national security and streamlining the immigration process.

The ETA System, introduced by the UK government on July 18, requires travelers without a visa to obtain an electronic document before traveling to the UK. To obtain an ETA, travelers must fill out an online application with personal information, such as their name, passport details, and travel purpose.

This policy shift by the UK government is reminiscent of Canada’s approach in 2017 when it strategically suspended visa-free waiver agreements with OECS nations (Organisation of Eastern Caribbean States) in two separate phases. Canada’s move aimed to improve immigration procedures and strengthen national security. However, Canada later reintroduced visa-free travel for eligible travelers from 13 new nations, including OECS countries.

Associates Times predicts that the UK government will extend its policy revamp beyond the initial group of nations, incorporating more countries into the ETA system to further modernize its immigration framework. The exact timeline and the list of nations to be impacted during the next phase are yet to be announced by the UK government. Nevertheless, the move shows the UK’s commitment to fortifying national security and enhancing immigration management, similar to Canada’s successful strategy.

UK Prime Minister’s Announcement: Visa Application Fees and Immigration Health Surcharge Set to Rise

In a recent announcement on 13 July 2023, the UK Prime Minister unveiled plans for significant increases in visa application fees and the Immigration Health Surcharge (IHS). These measures have been proposed to meet the rise in public sector wages. Here are the key developments regarding the upcoming changes:

Visa Application Fees: Reports suggest that once the new rates come into effect, there will be a substantial rise of up to 20% in visa application fees across various categories, including work and study visa routes.
Immigration Health Surcharge (IHS): The IHS, which certain categories of visa applicants are required to pay to access the UK National Health Services, will see a significant hike. Specifically, the annual charge per adult applicant will increase from GBP 624 to GBP 1,035.
Impact on Certain Categories: The changes will also affect specific groups. For children under 18, students, and Youth Mobility Visa holders, the IHS will increase from GBP 470 to GBP 776 per applicant per year.

The UK Home Office is expected to provide further details about the exact implementation dates and the specific visas that will be impacted by these adjustments in the coming months.

Impact on Employers:

The upcoming increases in visa application fees and the Immigration Health Surcharge are likely to have a considerable impact on employers in the UK who hire foreign nationals. As the costs associated with employing non-UK workers are set to rise, employers may face increased financial challenges in recruiting talent from overseas.

It is important for businesses and stakeholders to stay informed about these changes and prepare for the potential financial implications they may bring. As more details are released by the UK Home Office, employers will need to adapt their hiring strategies and budgets accordingly to navigate these new developments effectively.

Egypt Approves New Residence by Investment Program

Egypt has given the green light to a new residence by investment program, introducing renewable residence permits ranging from one to five years for investments starting at $50,000.

The implementation of this program is the outcome of a series of legal revisions completed in May, according to Hany Mostafa Moawad, an investment migration specialist at Prime Properties in Cairo.

Moawad explains that in May, the Egyptian government approved amendments to the law governing residency and property ownership for foreigners in Egypt. These amendments paved the way for the launch of the new program.

The reviewed laws that played a crucial role in this process included:

Law No. 89 of 1960, which pertains to the entry and residency of foreigners in the Arab Republic of Egypt.
Law No. 230 of 1996, which regulates the ownership of built properties and vacant lands by non-Egyptians.
Law No. 14 of 2012, which concerns integrated development in the Sinai Peninsula.
Law No. 72 of 2017, which focuses on investment.
Law No. 194 of 2020, which is the Central Bank Law.

As a result, foreign citizens can now be eligible for residence permits in Egypt under the following conditions:

Real Estate Investment:

Acquiring one or more properties in Egypt with a total value of at least $200,000 grants a 5-year permit.
Acquiring one or more properties in Egypt with a total value of at least $100,000 grants a 3-year permit.
Acquiring one or more properties in Egypt with a total value of at least $50,000 grants a 1-year permit.

Bank Deposit:

Depositing $100,000 in an Egyptian state-owned bank grants a 3-year permit.
Depositing $50,000 in an Egyptian state-owned bank grants a 1-year permit.

These residence permits can be renewed indefinitely as long as the investment is maintained. Similar to the Egypt Citizenship by Investment Program, this new program does not impose any physical presence requirements.

Moawad highlights that the precise regulations and required documents for residency permits will be determined by the Director-General of Passports, Immigration, and Nationality in accordance with the legal provisions.

The same official has already clarified that only properties registered in Egypt’s real estate registry will qualify, and the deposits must be made in one of the state-owned banks in Egypt. The deposits can be in currencies other than USD as long as they are recognized foreign currencies.

Moawad mentions that real estate developers have been urging the government to include unregistered properties as a qualifying investment. This would allow investors to acquire units in off-plan projects that are still under construction to qualify for the residence permit. Currently, only about 8% of Egyptian properties are registered in the national cadastral registry.

“In addition, the cabinet has approved a legislative amendment to the second article of Law No. 230 of 1996, which regulates the ownership of built properties and vacant lands by non-Egyptians. This amendment permits non-Egyptians to own properties, whether built or vacant, for residential purposes,” he adds.

One limitation of the program is that Egypt does not offer permanent residency status, not only within the context of residence by investment but in general. Therefore, the investor visas do not provide a path to permanent residency or citizenship.

Nevertheless, the government is actively working on legislative amendments that would create a pathway to citizenship and permanent residency for long-term residents.