As with Australia, the main criteria for business immigration to New
Zealand are whether your proposal will create jobs, add to exports,
and/or increase the diversity of existing businesses. Indeed, except
for the fact that no precise figures are quoted for size of proposed
investment, New Zealand’s attitude is very similar to Australia’s.
New Zealand does more closely specify the kinds of business it is seeking:
manufacturing, horticultural or agricultural product processing, tourist
development, and certain technical and professional consultancy services.
New Zealand, too, has a list of skills — the “Occupational
Priority List,” which changes from time to time, and people with
those skills may be able to gain entry without a specific job offer.
Certain relatives may be permitted to join their kin already in New
Zealand, and of course there is a limited refugee entry. No set criteria
are published for retired persons wishing to go to New Zealand to live.
United Kingdom: £150,000
Paradoxically, of all the nations in this immediate list, only the
UK will grant permanent residency (leading to citizenship) on the basis
of a simple demonstration, and transfer into the UK, of money: in this
case the sum of £150,000.
It is true that you must also demonstrate a close connection with the
UK, and an income of not less than £15,000 a year.
Unfortunately it seems that citizenship of a former or existing British
colony is not a close enough connection to qualify. Indeed, the close
connection criterion may be so vague that you could be rejected because
you are wearing the wrong tie.
£150,000 is also the minimum sum required if you wish to enter
the UK to start a business. You must demonstrate that there is a need
for the business, and the investment, and also show your ability to
accommodate and support yourself and your dependants.
In the above cases, clearance must be obtained before any attempt to
enter the UK.
If you are a citizen of another country in the European Community (this
does not apply to Greek until 1988, or Spaniards or Portuguese until
1993), you may enter the UK and work there freely without a work permit.
After six months you must apply for a residence permit, which you will
get, valid for five years, if you are in employment (self— or
otherwise) or a member of the family of someone who is. After four of
the five years are up you may apply for the right of indefinite stay.
If you are a minister of religion, accredited journalist, or a representative
of an overseas firm that has no branch or subsidiary (or other representative)
in the UK, you will not need a work permit either. But you should first
get entry clearance by having your employer write a letter setting out
the position and confirming you will be paid enough to provide for your
living requirements.
The UK also accepts a limited number of refugees.
A London law firm that could be helpful is
Albert Aung & co. 35 Albernarle St., London W1 X 3FB,
Although at the time of going to press there are two bills before Congress,
as mentioned below, the US has no provision for permanent residence
via investment. You can however effectively gain permanent residence
— without the eventual right to citizenship — by the use
of the “E” or “L” visa.
The E1-visa holder is otherwise known as a treaty trader, and the E2-visa
holder as a treaty investor. These visas are granted on the basis that
your presence is required in the US for the purpose of activities that
will increase US exports, or result in a substantial investment there
in an active business. Provided the business activity is maintained,
the visa can be renewed indefinitely. The lists of treaty countries
for this purpose are limited. For example, Hong Kong and China are not
included while Taiwan is (hence the value of the Taiwan non-resident
passport detailed above).
The L-visa can also be renewed indefinitely. This is issued to foreign
nationals who are transferred to US subsidiaries of foreign companies.
Such companies can be large or small: the [aren’t of your US employer
could be a billion-dollar multinational or your own family company.
There are many business opportunities in the US for people with some
money and energy. If you need help in finding such opportunities, please
write to me as requested on page 49. But neither the E-visas nor the
L-visa will lead directly to a US passport.
Before the US Senate there is a pending bill filed by Democratic Senator
Edward Kennedy for the allocation of immigrant visas to investors putting
up between $US250,000 and $US500,000. Also before the Senate is a bill
filed by Republican Senator Alan Simpson for the allocation of visas
to investors putting up at least $US2 million, to go into a business
that will give jobs to at least 10 Americans. The Simpson bill is duplicated
by a bill filed in the House of Representatives by Democratic Representative
Charles E. Schumer. It seems likely that some form of legislation will
become a serious possibility, so readers should keep an eye open for
wider opportunities in the US under this heading. I am advised that
it is unlikely that legislation will have passed all its stages, and
so be definite, before the fall of 1988.
Other requirements
In addition to qualifying under one of the categories mentioned above,
or in the checklist in Appenthi I there are other requirements more
or less common to all countries. For example, you should be of good
character, be of sound mind and body, have no criminal convictions,
and so on.
Italy
If you buy residential property in Italy. yon will have no difficulty
in getting a residence permit, subject to your demonstrating sufficient
financial standing and good character.
A resident may after five years apply for naturalisation. The grant
of naturalisation is discretionary, and subject to satisfactory references
from the authorities in the place of your residence.
If you have taken an interest in local affairs you will have improved
your chance of success (although I am not recommending that you get involved
in local politics!). /continued...
Reminder: This edition of How To Get A Second Passport was published
in 1990. Check the useful
links page for updated information.
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