Review of Overseas Investment: Conditions and Benefits

In recent years, due to sharp currency fluctuations, economic instability, and political risks, the desire to migrate and invest abroad has increased significantly.

By investing internationally in stable and fast-growing economies, individuals can reduce their reliance on domestic market fluctuations and lower liquidity risk while also gaining residency opportunities. Common forms of overseas investment include company registration, entrepreneurship, startups, buying property, and more.

Benefits of Investing Abroad

Investing abroad has many advantages and benefits, including the following:

• High economic growth in developed countries
• Strong social security systems
• The possibility of obtaining residency in certain countries
• Preservation of capital value due to economic stability
• Access to free or affordable education for children at schools and universities

Top Methods for Investing Abroad

There are various methods for investing abroad, each with its advantages and disadvantages. To choose the best method, you should consider your objectives, risk tolerance, timeline, and financial resources.
Below are these methods, and we will explain some of the most common ones:

• Direct foreign stock investment (FDI)
• American Depositary Receipts (ADRs)
• International Exchange-Traded Funds (ETFs)
• International Mutual Funds
• Buying property abroad
• Investing in foreign startups

Investing Through Buying Property

Buying property in foreign countries is one of the most popular investment methods. Investors can earn returns by renting out their properties while protecting their assets against inflation. Moreover, considering the possibility of obtaining residency or citizenship in the destination country, many individuals are attracted to this form of investment despite potential risks, such as property ownership laws and applicable tax rates.

To make the best decision, it is essential to know the costs and legal benefits associated with buying property. In certain countries, this may provide only permanent residency, whereas in others, it could result in citizenship and a passport shortly after buying.

Investing by Buying Property in Dubai

By investing in Dubai, you not only gain the opportunity to obtain residency but also benefit from tax advantages. These incentives have encouraged many to invest in Dubai’s property market, contributing to the UAE achieving record property sales and values over the past 12 years.

It is important to note that Buying property in Dubai does not grant citizenship under any circumstances. However, with a minimum property investment of 2,000,000 AED, you can obtain the UAE Golden Visa, which allows you to live, work, and study in the country. This visa also covers your spouse and children without age restrictions and grants a ten-year residency in the UAE.

Investing Abroad Through Company Registration

Company registration is another investment method for large business owners from Iran in foreign countries. The most fundamental step in registering a company is to acquire sufficient and effective information about the investment process in the target country. Generally, companies first select commercial markets that have minimal cultural and economic distance from their own markets.

In 2024, the best countries that allow investment through company registration include India, China, Malaysia, Vietnam, Ireland, Germany, the United Kingdom, Finland, Denmark, Canada, the United States, and Dubai. Some benefits of investing through company registration include the following:

Investing Abroad Through Startups

The startup visa is a pathway for immigration through the establishment of a business that entrepreneurs, investors, professionals, and senior managers can utilize. In this method, applicants must have a unique and innovative business idea.

Various developed countries have established strong startup ecosystems that support new businesses with ideas that can contribute to the economy. Initially, temporary residency is granted, which is renewable. Subsequently, with continued residence in the country and ongoing startup business activities, applicants can receive permanent residency.

Conditions and Required Documents for Investing Abroad

To obtain residency through buying property, company registration, and other methods in your desired destination country, you will need the following documents:

In addition to the general documents and conditions mentioned above, each country has different requirements for foreign investors based on the type of visa, which are outlined in the table below:

Best European Countries for Investment and Residency

Obtaining residency in European Union countries provides the opportunity for visa-free travel, excellent education and healthcare services, and access to job opportunities. Over the past decade, European Union countries have attracted €25 billion in Foreign Direct Investment (FDI) through Golden Visa programs.

Over the past decade, European Union countries have attracted €25 billion in Foreign Direct Investment (FDI) through Golden Visa programs. A Golden Visa generally refers to residency granted to foreign investors who contribute to the host country’s economy through buying property, government bonds, or business investments. Below are some of the top European Union countries for investment:

Portugal

Since 2012, Portugal has granted residency to approximately 13,000 investors and 20,000 family members. However, in October 2023, changes to the Portuguese Golden Visa program were introduced, including a ban on obtaining residency solely through real estate investments. Currently, there are four Golden Visa investment options available:

• Payment of €250,000 to help preserve Portugal's cultural heritage.
• Investment of €500,000 in Portuguese research institutions or monetary and financial funds.
• Investment of at least €500,000 to start a business.
• Providing 10 new full-time jobs for Portuguese citizens.

Greece

The Greek Golden Visa allows applicants to invest in real estate worth €250,000 or more, although the threshold amount in prime areas is now €800,000. Generally, Greece offers several residency methods:

• Buying Property.
• Renting in licensed hotels or tourist accommodations for 10 years.
• Direct investment in the Greek economy, including company registration, bonds, or fixed deposits.
• Investment in mutual or alternative funds.

Hungary

This country launched its Golden Visa program in July 2024, offering a 10-year residency. The conditions for investors who can utilize this visa are as follows:

• Investing in shares worth a minimum of €250,000 in Hungarian investment funds.
• Investment of at least €500,000 in residential property.
• Donation of at least €1,000,000 to a public fund supporting institutions of higher education.

With this visa, the main applicant, spouse, and children under 18 years old can obtain residency in Hungary.

Spain

Applicants for residence in Spain can usually invest €500,000 in real estate. Other options for obtaining residency include:

• Depositing €1,000,000 in a Spanish bank.
• Acquiring shares worth €1,000,000 in Spanish companies or funds.
• Investing €2,000,000 in government bonds.

Italy

The visa program of this country, once one of the most expensive programs in Europe, has become one of the most affordable programs in the European Union alongside Greece and Hungary since 2020, with an investment of €250,000. There are four options for obtaining residency in Italy as follows:

• Investing €250,000 in launching official innovative projects.
• Investing in shares worth €500,000 in existing Italian companies.
• Investing €1,000,000 in cultural, educational, immigration, or publicly beneficial scientific projects.
• Buying government bonds for €2,000,000 with a minimum maturity of 2 years.

The main applicant’s spouse, children under 18, adult children, and financially dependent parents are eligible for residency in this country.