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In recent years, due to severe fluctuations in currency rates, economic instability, and political risks, the desire of Iranians to migrate and invest abroad has significantly increased. According to a report by Tejarat News, by the year 1402 (2023), Iranians have invested $1,700 billion abroad.
By engaging in international investments in prosperous countries with emerging economies, you can avoid relying solely on domestic market fluctuations and reduce your liquidity risk through investment and residency acquisition. Examples of investing in foreign countries include company registration, entrepreneurship, startups, real estate purchases, and more, which we will discuss in detail in the following sections.
Advantages of Investing Abroad
Investing abroad has advantages and benefits compared to investing in Iran, including the following:
- High economic growth in advanced foreign countries;
- High social security;
- The possibility of obtaining residency from certain countries;
- Preservation of capital value due to economic stability;
- Increased welfare and quality of life compared to Iran;
- Opportunity for free education for children in schools and universities;
8 Methods of 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:
- Real estate purchase;
- Startup;
- Company registration;
- Self-supporting investment;
- Entrepreneurship;
- Buying bonds;
- Investing in franchises;
- Investing in hostels in foreign countries.
Investing Through Real Estate Purchase
Buying property in foreign countries is one of the popular investment methods, where one can earn returns on their investment by renting out the property and protecting their assets against inflation.
Moreover, considering the possibility of obtaining residency or citizenship in the destination country, despite the risks such as ownership laws and tax rates associated with real estate investment, many individuals are keen on investing through property purchases.
In this method, the minimum investment amount in real estate for obtaining residency or citizenship
Therefore, to make a better decision, you should have precise information about the amount of money you need to pay and the legal benefits it entails for you. For example, in some countries, you may only be granted permanent residency and never obtain their citizenship; while in others, you will receive a passport of that country within a few months of purchasing property.
Cost of Buying Property in Different Countries | |
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Country Name | Cost of Buying Property |
Dubai | $544,514 (equivalent to 2 million AED) |
Turkey | $400,000 for passport (equivalent to 13,178,720 Turkish Lira) $75,000 for annual temporary residency (renewable, equivalent to 2,471,010 Lira) |
Portugal | $304,430 (equivalent to 280,000 Euros) |
Greece | $271,812 (equivalent to 250,000 Euros) |
Investing Through Real Estate Purchase in Dubai
The United Arab Emirates, due to its geographical proximity to Iran, cultural and religious similarities, and the numerous opportunities it offers to investors, has become one of the most favored countries for Iranian investors.
By investing in Dubai, you not only have the opportunity to obtain residency but also benefit from tax advantages. If you earn less than 375,000 AED in profit, you can take advantage of the exemption from corporate tax.
These benefits have encouraged Iranians to invest through property purchases in Dubai, leading the United Arab Emirates to achieve the highest property sales and values in the past 12 years; it is also expected to experience up to a 40% increase in demand for investment in the future.
Buying property in Dubai is a highly sought-after method for investment and obtaining residency. According to some statistics, the volume of Iranian investments in Dubai's real estate is estimated to be around $25 billion in 1403.
The most important point to know when buying property in the UAE to obtain residency is that you will not receive the passport of this country under any circumstances.
However, with a minimum investment of 2,000,000 AED for purchasing property in the UAE, you can obtain the Emirates Golden Visa, which allows you to work and study in the UAE.
This visa is issued for your spouse and children without age restrictions and grants you 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 Documents Required for Residency Through Investment Abroad
To obtain residency through property purchase, company registration, and other methods in your desired destination country, you will need the following documents:
Required Documents for Obtaining Residency Through Investment |
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1. Application Form |
2. Photo | 3. Valid Passport | 4. Documents confirming legal entry and residence in the country | 5. Criminal Record Certificate | 6. Health Insurance | 7. Visa Fee Payment Receipt |
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:
Residency Conditions Through Investment in Various Countries | |||||
---|---|---|---|---|---|
Country Name | Visa Program | Minimum Required Amount in USD | Minimum Required Amount in Local Currency | Type of Investment | Validity |
Canada | Startup Visa | $200,000 | 274,892 CAD | Business | Permanent as long as the investment is maintained. |
United Kingdom | Entrepreneur Visa | $64,340 | £50,000 | Business | 3 years renewable |
Germany | Entrepreneur Visa | $391,410 | €360,000 | Business | After 5 years of residence on an entrepreneur visa, permanent residency can be obtained. |
Turkey | Citizenship by Investment Program | $250,000 | 5,000,000 TRY | Real Estate | --------- |
Dubai | UAE Golden Visa | $2,722,570 | 10,000,000 AED | Real Estate and Business | 10 years renewable |
Best Countries for Investment and Residency in Europe
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. The term Golden Visa generally refers to the residency of foreign investors who contribute to the host country's economy through the purchase of real estate, government bonds, or businesses. Below are some of the best countries in the European Union for investment:
Portugal
Since 2012, this country has granted residency to approximately 13,000 investors and 20,000 family members. However, changes to the Portuguese Golden Visa program were introduced in October 2023, including a ban on residency solely through the purchase of real estate.There are now five Golden Visa options you can utilize:
- 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.
Eligible individuals include the investor, spouse, children under 26 years old, and financially dependent parents.
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:
- Property purchase;
- 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.
Eligible applicants for residency include the investor, spouse, financially dependent children under 24 years old, and financially dependent parents.
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:
- Purchase of 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;
With this permit, the main applicant and family members are granted residence for the first three years, which can be extended up to five years. Eligible individuals for this visa include the applicant, spouse, dependent children, and parents.
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;
- Purchasing 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 spouse of the main applicant, children under 18, adult children, and financially dependent parents can obtain residency in this country.
Conclusion
Due to domestic currency fluctuations, unfavorable economic and social conditions, and high living costs, investing abroad has become a viable option that has recently gained popularity among Iranians.
Taking action to invest abroad not only helps earn profit and preserve your assets but also facilitates obtaining residency in your destination country and utilizing advanced facilities, updated transportation systems, and other amenities in developed countries.
In this article, we have discussed investment methods, benefits, conditions, and the best countries for investment.