2019 Sees $10 Billion Raised By Investment Migration Programmes
According to a recent analysis published by Investment Migration Insider (IMI), ten investment migration programmes generated a total revenue of US $10 billion last year.
This figure was reached by collecting data from official government reports or through estimates of approved applications and average investment amounts for the below programmes. Notably, these can be considered the ‘highest-grossing’ schemes of 2019.
| US EB-5 Immigrant Investor Programme ($1.8billion) | Cyprus Citizenship by Investment Programme (US$1.48billion) |
| Turkey Citizenship by Investment Programme ($1.34billion) | UK Tier I Investor Visa ($959million) |
| Portugal Golden Visa ($885million) | New Zealand Investor Visa ($860million) |
| Greece Golden Visa ($835million) | Spain Golden Visa ($850million) |
| Australia Significant Investor Visa ($703million) | Malta Individual Investor Programme ($280million) |
2019
As per official data, the US EB-5 Visa generated revenue of US$1.8billion last year – a decrease from the US$2.7billion generated in 2018. During the first quarter of 2020, it logged over 4000 new applications, making it one of the most successful quarters to date; despite the outbreak of the novel coronavirus. Having said that, the full effects of the pandemic might not be felt until later. This is because the US fiscal years begins on October 1st.
The Turkish Citizenship by Investment Programme’s revenues stood at US$1.43billion in 2019, marking a sharp increase from the US$106million in 2018. This can be attributed to the programme’s investment requirement being lowered to US$250,000 from the previous US$1million in September 2018. Other investment migration programmes with an increase in revenue between 2018 and 2019 include the Santa Lucia Citizenship by Investment Programme and the Greek Golden Visa.
2020
The Investment Migration Insider analysis also makes projections for 2020. With the COVID-19 pandemic still a global threat, it is interesting to note that some investment migration programmes are still on track for a record-setting year. The Vanuatu Development Support Programme and the Vanuatu Contribution programme stand out here, mainly due to the country being officially COVID-free.
As explored in a previous article published on this website, it seems that high-net worth individuals are more likely to invest in countries that may offer a safe space for them to settle down. This reaps benefits for the investors and receiving countries alike, with ample revenue being generated for the benefit of the populations at hand.
