About Portugal
Welcome to Blog
Portugal
Portugal is a southern European country on the Iberian Peninsula. It is a developed country with a high-income advanced economy that ranks highly in terms of ease of doing business, connectivity and social issues. Portugal is a member of the United Nations, European Union, NATO and other international institutions. It is also part of the Schengen zone, which allows for free and unrestricted movement within 28 European countries.
Total Population
10,291,196
Area/Size (km2)
91,590
Official Languages
Portuguese
Local Currency
EUR (€)
Portugal Residency by Investment Program
Type of visa: Residence visa
Investment Amount
Real Estate €500,000
Investment Duration
5 years
Family
Children below age 24
Residency Requirement
7 days per year
Philippines
About Philippines
The Philippines is an archipelagic country in Southeast Asia boasting of extensive rainforests, coastlines, volcanoes and mineral deposits. It is considered to be an emerging market with a transitioning economy based on services and manufacturing. The Philippines is a member of the United Nations, World Trade Organization, Association of Southeast Asian Nations and other international institutions.
Total Population
106,512,074
Area/Size (km2)
298,170
Official Languages
Tagalog and English
Local Currency
PHP (₱)
Philippines Special Resident Retiree’s Visa (SRRV)
Type of visa: Retirement visa
Investment Amount
Fixed deposit USD 20,000 or
Real Estate USD 50,000
Investment Duration
Indefinite
Family
Children below age 21
Residency Requirement
None
Singapore
About Singapore
Singapore is a vibrant city-state known for its high quality of living and modern infrastructure. With a world-class airport and extensive public transport network, it is consistently ranked among the top cities globally for infrastructure. As one of Asia’s leading investment destinations, Singapore attracts global investors with its stable government, safe environment, dynamic lifestyle, and strong economy. These qualities continue to make Singapore a preferred choice for foreigners seeking economic opportunities and a better quality of life.
Total Population
6,042,000
Area/Size (km2)
735.7
Official Languages
English, Mandarin, Malay and Tamil
Local Currency
SGD ($)
Singapore Global Investor Programme
The Global Investor Programme (GIP) is an initiative by Economic Development Board (EDB) of Singapore. This is a popular programme which assists foreign investors and entrepreneurs in setting up and developing their business in Singapore. It provides links to local business networks and more opportunities for business collaborations.
- Invest at least SGD 10,000,000 in a new business entity or to expand an existing business operation
- Invest at least SGD 25,000,000 in a GIP fund that invests in Singapore
Eligibility
- Must possess at least 3 years of entrepreneurial and business track record
- The nature of business must be in the list of government-recognised industries;
- Turnover must be at least SGD 200,000,000 in the most recent year and on average for the last 3 years
- If your company is privately held, you should have at least 30% shareholding in the company.
- Family Office: Invest at least SGD 2,500,000 in a new Singapore-based single family office having Assets-Under-Management (AUM*) of at least SGD 200,000,000
Eligibility
- At least 5 years of entrepreneurial, investment or management track record AND
- An individual, or direct family net worth of at least SGD 200,000,000
Established Business Owners
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At least 3 years of entrepreneurial and business track record
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Company annual turnover of at least SGD 200 million in the most recent year and on average for the last 3 years
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If privately held, applicant must have at least 30% shareholding
Next Generation Business Owners
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Immediate family must hold at least 30% shareholding, or be the largest shareholder in the qualifying company
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Company annual turnover of at least SGD 500 million in the most recent year and on average for the last 3 years
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Applicant must be part of the company’s management team (e.g. C-suite or Board of Directors)
Founders of Fast Growth Companies
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Founder and one of the largest individual shareholders of a non-publicly listed company valued at least SGD 500 million
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Company must be invested into by reputable Venture Capital / Private Equity firms
- Company must be engaged in one or more industries listed by the authorities
Family Office Principals
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At least 5 years of entrepreneurial, investment or management track record
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Net investible assets of at least SGD 200 million
Singapore Company Incorporation
At AIMS, we provide the following services:
- Incorporation of Private Limited Companies
- Documentation preparation
- Application and reservation of company name
- Provision of business information profile
- Corporate secretarial package
- Annual ACRA filing
- Registered office address
- Nominee director service
- Private bank and commercial bank link up
- Business sourcing
- Recruitment
- Permanent office liaison and rental
- Service office liaison and rental
- Work pass applications
Singapore Entrepreneur Pass (EntrePass)
The Entrepreneur Pass (EntrePass) is an Employment Pass for foreign entrepreneurs who would like to start a new business in Singapore.
Applicants must fulfil the following requirements:
- The company must not be registered for more than twelve months at the point of application
- Hold at least 30% shareholding in the company
- The company must be venture-backed or own innovative technologies
- Must meet at least one of MOM’s innovation/track record criteria (e.g. funding, incubator support, IP, research collaboration, or prior venture-backed business)
- Submit a business plan detailing company’s goals and objectives.
The key to an EntrePass approval is a comprehensive business plan that outlines the goals and objectives of the proposed business venture plan, including a strategy to meet the requirements stipulated by the Ministry of Manpower (MOM). Our experienced team at AIMS would be able to assist you in the drafting of the business plan and the submission of application even if you are based overseas.
Singapore Work Visas
AIMS will be able to assist individuals who have already secured a job in a Singapore-based company and require the relevant work visas. In addition to individual work passes, AIMS will also be able to assist with companies who wish to transfer employees from overseas offices to the Singapore office.
Employment Pass (EP)
The Employment Pass is for foreign professionals, managers and executives who wish to work in Singapore.
Applicants must fulfil the following requirements:
- From 1 January 2025, applicants must earn a fixed monthly salary of at least S$5,600 in most sectors, or S$6,200 in financial services.
- The qualifying salary increases progressively with age, up to around S$10,700–11,800 for candidates in their mid-40s.
- In addition to salary, applicants must also meet the requirements of the COMPASS points-based framework, which assesses both individual and employer attributes.
Employment Pass holders can apply for the Dependant’s Pass and/or Long-Term Visit Pass for their eligible family members.
In addition to the application of Employment Passes for the relevant professions, AIMS also offers tailored business solutions for the purposes of the EP. Please contact us assessment@aims.sg to find out more.
Personalised Employment Pass (PEP)
The Personalised Employment Pass is for high-earning foreign professionals and provides greater job flexibility than the standard Employment Pass.
Key Features:
- Unlike the EP, the PEP is not tied to a specific employer.
- PEP holders may remain in Singapore for up to 6 months in between jobs while seeking new employment.
- The PEP is valid for 3 years and is not renewable.
Applicants must fulfil the following requirements:
- Must earn a fixed monthly salary of at least S$22,500.
PEP holders can also bring in eligible family members under Dependent's Passes and Long-Term Visit Passes.
S Pass
The S Pass is for foreign mid-level skilled workers, such as technicians who are interested to work in Singapore.
Applicants must fulfil the following requirements:
- Must earn a fixed monthly salary of at least S$3,150.
- For the financial services sector, the minimum qualifying salary is S$3,650.
- The qualifying salary increases progressively with age, up to around S$4,650 (non-financial) and S$5,650 (financial services) for candidates in their mid-40s.
- Are assessed on their qualifications and relevant work experience.
Employers hiring S Pass holders are subject to a quota and levy system.
Others
Other passes include Dependent’s Pass, Miscellaneous Work Pass, and Training Work Permit.
Malta
About Malta
Malta is an archipelago in the central Mediterranean between Sicily and the North African coast. Malta enjoys a strategic geographic location and boasts of a productive labour force in a developed open market economy. It is a service-based economy that is dependent on foreign trade, tourism and financial services. Malta is also a member of the European Union.
Total Population
432,089
Area/Size (km2)
320
Official Languages
English
Local Currency
EUR (€)
Visa Free Travel
161 countries
Malta Residency by Investment Program
Type of visa: Permanent Residency
Investment Amount
Real Estate €270,000 /€320,000 or
Bonds €250,000
Investment Duration
5 years
Family
Children below age 26
Residency Requirement
None
Malta Passport Program
Type of visa: Citizenship
Obtaining a second passport can be advantageous for many reasons. Some perks include ease of travel and the ability to conduct and set up businesses with the support of the government. Citizenship by investment is becoming increasingly common these days. Having a second passport can be especially beneficial if your home country faces political strife or instability.
Investment Amount
Donation €650,000 and
Real Estate €350,000 and
Bonds €150,000
Investment Duration
5 years
Family
Parents
Children below age 26
Residency Requirement
None
Ireland
About Ireland
Ireland is an island in the North Atlantic, politically divided into the Republic of Ireland and Northern Ireland, which is part of the United Kingdom. The economy of Ireland is a knowledge economy, with a strong focus on services in the high-tech, life sciences and financial services industries. In 2017, Ireland was ranked first for high-value foreign-direct investment flows for the sixth year in a row by IBM’s Global Locations Trends report. Ireland is also popular as a corporate tax haven and offshore financial center.
Total Population
4,803,748
Area/Size (km2)
68,890
Official Languages
English and Irish
Local Currency
EUR (€)
Ireland Residency by Investment Program
Type of visa: Permanent Residency
Personal Net Worth
€2,000,000
Investment Amount
Fund €1,000,000
Investment Duration
3 years
Family
Children below age 18
Residency Requirement
None
Greece
About Greece
Greece is a country in southeastern Europe with thousands of islands throughout the Aegan and Ionian seas. It is considered the cradle of Western civilization due to its influence in ancient times. Greece’s rich historical legacy is evident with its 18 UNESCO World Heritage Sites. Greece is a member of the European Union, the North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO), the World Trade Organization (WTO) and several other international institutions. It is the largest economy in the Balkans, where it is a prominent regional investor. Greece is also part of the Schengen zone, which allows for free and unrestricted movement within 28 European countries.
Total Population
11,142,161
Area/Size (km2)
128,900
Official Languages
Greek
Local Currency
EUR (€)
Greece Residency by Investment Program
Type of visa: Permanent Residency
Investment Amount
Real Estate €250,000
Investment Duration
Indefinite
Family
Children below age 21
Residency Requirement
None
Cyprus
About Cyprus
Cyprus is an island country in the Eastern Mediterranean and is a member of the European Union. Cyprus enjoys a strategic geographical position as it lies at the crossroads of three continents, Europe, Africa and Asia, thus providing unrivalled access and travel opportunities. The island is perfectly located for working and traveling within and beyond the European Union. It has excellent infrastructure, a pleasant climate and is highly stable. Cyprus also provides world-class property rights and solid investment, trade, labor, business and financial freedom.
Total Population
1,189,085
Area/Size (km2)
9,240
Official Languages
Greek and Turkish
Local Currency
EUR (€)
Visa Free Travel
156 countries
Cyprus Residency by Investment Program
Type of visa: Permanent Residency
Investment Amount
Real Estate €300,000
Investment Duration
3 years
Family
Children below age 25
Residency Requirement
Visit every 2 years
Cyprus Passport Program
Type of visa: Citizenship
Obtaining a second passport can be advantageous for many reasons. Some perks include ease of travel and the ability to conduct and set up businesses with the support of the government. Citizenship by investment is becoming increasingly common these days. Having a second passport can be especially beneficial if your home country faces political strife or instability.
Investment Amount
Real Estate €2,000,000
Investment Duration
3 years
Family
Children below age 28
Residency Requirement
None
Bulgaria
About Bulgaria
Bulgaria is located in southeastern Europe and is a member of the European Union (EU) and World Trade Organization. The national currency is the lev, which is strongest and most stable currency in Eastern Europe. Bulgaria has a rich cultural heritage and history with Greek, Ottoman, Persian and Slavic influences. As the country with the lowest tax burden of the EU, Bulgaria can be an attractive option for those seeking a second passport. It is also part of the Schengen zone, which allows for free and unrestricted movement within 28 European countries.
Total Population
7,036,848
Area/Size (km2)
108,560
Official Languages
Bulgarian
Local Currency
BGN (лв)
Visa Free Travel
157 countries
Bulgaria Passport Program
Type of visa: Citizenship
Obtaining a second passport can be advantageous for many reasons. Some perks include ease of travel and the ability to conduct and set up businesses with the support of the government. Citizenship by investment is becoming increasingly common these days. Having a second passport can be especially beneficial if your home country faces political strife or instability.
Investment Amount
Bonds €1,022,584
Investment Duration
3 years
Family
Children below age 18
Residency Requirement
1 visit each year
Malaysia
About Malaysia
With towering skyscrapers looking down upon wooden houses built on stilts, Malaysia is a unique country that preserves its traditional charm alongside its modern infrastructure. It is a multicultural country with people from different religions and ethnic backgrounds. One of the main reasons for Malaysia’s thriving economy is the availability of natural resources such as palm oil and rubber.
Manufacturing is also a major sector in the country’s economy. Malaysia has a tropical climate, with abundant sunshine and rainfall throughout the year.
Total Population
32,042,458
Area/Size (km2)
328,550
Official Languages
Malay
Local Currency
RM ($)
Malaysia My Second Home Programme (MM2H)
Type of Visa: Long term social visit pass
Malaysia My Second Home Programme is designed by the Malaysian Government to allow individuals who meet a certain set of criteria to stay in Malaysia for an extended period of time. Participants will be granted a multiple entry social visit pass where they can travel freely in and out of Malaysia.
This pass is valid for an initial period of 10 years, and is renewable. The main applicant is also allowed to bring their spouse and unmarried children below 21 years of age. Parents above 60 years of age can be sponsored for a Parents' visa.
Requirements
- Aged below 50 years
- Proof of liquid assets of RM 500,000 and monthly offshore income of RM 10,000
- Open a fixed deposit account with RM 300,000
- After one year, the applicant can withdraw up to RM 150,000 for approved expenses
- Maintain a minimum balance of RM 150,000 from second year onwards and throughout stay in Malaysia under this program
- Aged above 50 years:
- Proof of liquid assets of RM 350,000 and monthly offshore income of RM 10,000 or monthly government pension of RM 10,000
- Open a fixed deposit account with RM 150,000
- After one year, the applicant can withdraw up to RM 50,000 for approved expenses
- Maintain a minimum balance of RM 100,000 from second year onwards and throughout stay in Malaysia under this program
Benefits
- A renewable 10-year multiple entry social visa to stay in Malaysia
- Applicants can bring their spouse, children (below 21 years of age) and parents (over 60 years of age) as dependents
- Freedom of travel in and out of Malaysia with no restriction on the minimum period of stay
- Income received overseas will not be taxed
- Applicants will be issued ID cards
- Applicants are entitled to purchase residential properties in Malaysia
- Applicants are allowed to bring their personal cars to Malaysia or purchase a locally assembled car without having to pay import duty/tax
- Applicants are entitled to employ one domestic helper for the household
- Applicants can set up and register their own business in Malaysia in compliance with the Companies Act 1965 (Malaysia)
- Applicants aged 50 years and above are allowed to work on a part time basis subject to approval
- Foreign spouses of Malaysia nationals and Employment Pass holders are also eligible to apply
USA
About USA
The United States of America is a highly developed country with the world’s largest economy. America is home to the world’s largest immigrant population, with individuals hailing from more than 100 nations. As the world’s foremost economic power with a large manufacturing sector and a sophisticated services and knowledge economy, America continues to be a mainstay for multinational companies. America has always been a global leader, be it in politics, economics, culture or education.
Total Population
326,766,748
Area/Size (km2)
9,147,420
Official Languages
English
Local Currency
USD ($)
Green Card (USA permanent resident visas)
- Free primary and secondary education, subsidized tertiary education
- Increased odds of securing university scholarships
- Children do not require student visas to study in any USA colleges or universities
- Welfare system for elderly
- Highly advanced medical system
- Applicants are eligible for USA citizenship in 5 years
EB-5 Visa (Fifth Preference EB-5)
The EB-5 visa is an investment immigration program implemented by USCIS to attract foreign investment for infrastructure and job creation purposes. It was officially launched in 1993 by the United States Congress. Originally, a temporary organization was established with the purpose of using investment channels to attract more foreigners to contribute to US economy. The current EB-5 system, which constitutes of a network of regional centers, was implemented in 2004. Since the beginning of the EB-5 program, tens of thousands of investors and their families have successfully received Green Cards (USA permanent resident visas).
Investors and Entrepreneurs can apply for permanent residency in the United States by investing in businesses that will benefit the US economy under the following options:
- Investing in a new commercial enterprise
- The minimum requirement is to invest a minimum of US$1,000,000 or US$500,000 in an area of high unemployment. The investor has to be able to create employment for at least 10 qualified United States workers and be actively involved in the management of the business.
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- Effective November 21st 2019, the investment amounts will be increased from US$1,000,000 and US$500,000 to US$1,800,000 and US$900,000 respectively. We urge all clients who are considering to obtain a USA Green Card to act with haste and contact us immediately.
- The minimum requirement is to invest a minimum of US$1,000,000 or US$500,000 in an area of high unemployment. The investor has to be able to create employment for at least 10 qualified United States workers and be actively involved in the management of the business.
- Investing in a Government Approved EB-5 Project
- The USCIS has a pre-approved list of Regional Centres that helps investors fulfil the requirements for EB-5. Our consultants have personally visited some of these EB-5 projects to ensure their viability and primarily to give our clients piece of mind.
EB-3 Visa (Third Preference EB-3)
The EB-3 Visa is an employment-based Green Card solution that grants permanent resident status in the USA to foreign nationals who receive an offer of permanent, full-time employment from a qualified U.S. employer. We work with multiple employers in the USA to coordinate such qualifying offers of employment exclusively for our immigration clients who retain our professional services. The main applicant, spouse and children below the age of 21 will all receive Green Cards.
Benefits:
- No treaty status requirements
- No English language test requirements
- No investment requirements
EB-2 Visa (Second Preference EB-2)
The EB-1 Visa is catered to foreign nationals who hold advanced degrees and have at least 5 years of progressive work experience or display exceptional ability in their fields. Exceptional ability refers to an expertise significantly higher than that usually encountered in the respective fields of the sciences, arts or business. The applicant should also meet the criteria laid out by the United States Immigration.
Documentations required to demonstrate eligibility:
- Official academic qualifications
- Recognition of professional achievements
- License to practise the profession
- Other documents relevant to the field
EB-1 Visa (First Preference EB-1)
The EB-1 Visa is catered to foreign nationals who have an extraordinary ability, are an outstanding professor or researcher, or are a multinational executive or manager. Each occupational category has certain requirements that must be met:
- Applicant possess outstanding abilities in the sciences, arts, education, business, or athletics through sustained national or international acclaim
- No job offer required
- Applicant is a professor or researcher who possess outstanding achievements in a particular academic field
- Job offer from a USA employer required
- Applicant is a multinational manager or executive with outstanding working performance
- Petitioning employer must be a USA employer
L1 Visa
Type of visa: Work visa
The L-1A and L-1B visas allows USA employers to transfer executives, managers and individuals with specialized knowledge who are based in foreign offices to an office based in the USA. Applicants who will be helping to set up a USA office on behalf of companies who are based in foreign countries can also apply for this visa. Other requirements relating to the applicant’s employment history and experience will need to be met to qualify for this visa.
E-2 Treaty Investors
Type of visa: Long-term investor visa
The E-2 visa allows for applicants who are nationals of a treaty country (a country with which the United States maintains a treaty of commerce and navigation) to be admitted to the United States when investing a substantial amount of capital in a U.S. business. Employees of such individuals or a qualifying organization may also be eligible for this visa, subject to certain requirements.
Student Visa
Type of visa: Student visa
If you wish to pursue your academic studies, or participate in educational or cultural exchange programs in the United States, you may apply for F-1 or M-1 students and exchange student visitor visas. Eligibility requirements vary according to the types of course you apply for. AIMS will be able to assist if you have a place in a USA school.