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Indian Investment Migration Market
April 15, 2019
April 15, 2019

Basic Dos and Don’ts for Entering the Indian Investment Migration Market – By Prashant Ajmera

Author By Ajmera Law Group Categories Residency & Citizenship by Investment and Indian market

India is one of the few emerging economic powerhouses whose HNWIs have yet to appreciate the benefits of residency and citizenship by investment (RCBI). In this article, we outline some of the major do’s and don’ts of Indian investment migration market success.

RCBI is a relatively new investment concept to most wealthy Indians. Complicating matters is that India is a very large country, its people as diverse as its landscape with multiple languages, religions, cultures, and food habits. Before even beginning to market RCBI programs in India, therefore, in-depth study and understanding of the market – and especially the Indian mindset – is essential.

7 mistakes to avoid to break through the Indian market

  1. Impatience: RCBI is not a readily grasped concept here, so try not to be impatient. It takes time for inquiries to convert into actual investment.
  2. Expecting local RCBI-agents to know what they’re talking about: India has more than 5,000 immigration agents/consultants, but their knowledge about RCBI is dismal or a bare minimum to say the least. So if you think appointing any old immigration agent in India to market your product is a sound strategy, think again. We’ve already met large international agencies that have burned their fingers trying to break into the Indian investment migration market by relying on local agents. To some, the results have been so disappointing that they’ve decided to pull out of the market altogether.
  3. Expecting HNWI advisors to do the work for you: Chartered accountants, wealth managers and lawyers who work with and for Indian HNWIs also have very basic or no knowledge about RCBI programs and its utility for Indian HNWIs.
  4. Underestimating the challenge of getting money out of India: Government regulations are not very favourable when it comes to transferring money from India to a foreign jurisdiction.
  5. Thinking most Indian HNWIs are in a rush to leave the country: India has a stable democracy and a vibrant economy. Thus, most HNWIs are not highly motivated or desperate to leave the country and acquire immigration elsewhere.
  6. Neglecting the stigma of HNWI emigration: RCBI is not well accepted socially. When wealthy Indians try to acquire residency or citizenship of another country, it is often perceived as an attempt to flee from the law, escape wrongdoing, or due to possible ostracism by the business or social community.
  7. Expecting Indian HNWIs to be open to the idea of RCBI: Indian HNWIs are quite conservative and many will not even consider the idea. Very few HNWIs have made an international investment through RCBI, so there are few examples for other HNWIs to follow. Changing these perceptions will take time.

What service providers and developers must do to successfully enter the Indian market

Consider this Rule Number One: Though they are both neighbors and economic powerhouses, India and China are by no means the same. So what works in China may not or likely will not work in India. This means, for example, that the marketing strategies that attracted thousands of investors in China may not attract a single one in India.

Case in point – One of the leading companies promoting RCBI in the world has a veritable fleet (100+) of agents working on their behalf in India. For the past few years, they’ve been conducting seminars and road shows on a regular basis but their efforts have produced virtually no results. Out of frustration, they have decided to pull out of the Indian market altogether.

This is a common experience for many foreign developers and project promoters. I’ve met several stakeholders at various events who have shared their frustrations with the Indian market. Not only foreign companies but even Indian origin developers and promoters face a roadblock when marketing their products and services to the Indian clientele.

Here are 11 pointers of things you should do to avoid the same fate:

  1. Educate: Be prepared to educate Indian HNIs regarding RCI program due to lack of awareness and knowledge.
  2. Build trust: Indians normally prefer doing business through personal references. They do not easily trust credit ratings and long drawn agreements. Trust is the main issue here. So finding a way to win the trust of Indian HNIs is imperative.
  3. Focus on selling your country, not your project: Try selling your country rather than your project Indian HNWIs. Better still, stress on the unique sales proposition (USP) of your country’s program from the Indian HNWI perspective. If the program does not appeal to their personal and economic sensibilities, Indians won’t part with their hard-earned money. Connecting with the psyche of Indian HNIs is the key – success stories of the Indian diaspora and the prominent presence and appreciation of Indian culture, food, and places of worship in your country will create a sense of welcome and belonging.
  4. Think out of the box – Create a USP for your country. Attract Indian HNWIs through trade missions, providing subsidies for shooting Bollywood movies, promoting luxury wedding destinations, etc.
  5. Don’t try to cover the whole of India in one trip. It can’t be done. Also, do not expect to close deals in the first meeting itself. It may take many meetings and follow-ups before an Indian HNI actually signs up.
  6. Find knowledgeable local representatives. Indians like working with reputed foreign service providers who have a strong presence in India. Appointing a knowledgeable and reliable agent or representative in India who protects your interests is important.
  7. Try working with one good agent rather than many mediocre ones. India is a big country but one good agent can generate more business than 10 frivolous ones.
  8. Appoint professionals as your associates; those who have good connections and professional rapport with HNWIs.
  9. Allocate a sizable budget for marketing: Newspaper advertisements, seminars, and road shows can prove to be quite expensive. Social media marketing is a good and cost-effective way of generating leads as most Indians are social media savvy.
  10. Be generous with good introducers: Don’t hesitate to seek help from local associates to convert leads into actual clients. Be generous in compensating them. This will motivate them to work harder and get more business.
  11. Find common ties: Caribbean countries can take advantage of common ties with India such as love for cricket, medical schools and the local Indian-origin population (who migrated to their countries 2-3 generations back) to attract Indian HNWIs. European countries can attract Indian HNWIs actively involved in business by showcasing the high quality of life, natural beauty and excellent opportunities for education and business across Europe.
February 10, 2019
February 10, 2019

What Question investor should asked for EB-5 investment?

Author By Ajmera Law Group Categories EB-5 US Investor Visa, Green Card, Investor Visa, Regional Centers, Residency & Citizenship by Investment, USA

 

How to select your EB-5  project and make a safe investment in the EB-5 project?

Regional Centers, Broker dealer, Agent, and mortgage broker who is showing you EB-5 project, you should ask the following questions.

  • What year was the Regional Center first approved by USCIS?
  • How many EB5 projects has the Regional Center completed?
  • How many I-526 and I-829 approvals obtained by the investors in the Regional Center.
  • May I have a copy of the PPM _ Private Placement Memorandum) so I can review the credit agreements for the senior bank loan and the other loans?
  • Is it true that the EB-5 loan is the last loan to be repaid because the Senior Bank Loan will be paid first?
  • Does the EB-5 loan have a security interest in real estate or in the assets of the developer or Regional Center?
  • May I have a copy of the EB-5 insurance policy?  Does the policy cover the 3 primary reasons for application denial: fraudulent statements, criminal background and source of funds issues?
  • If the project doesn’t sell as quickly as expected, could the EB-5 loan be extended beyond 5 years?
  • If the project sells for 15% less than expected, could I lose all or a portion of my investment?
  •  Where is the money coming from to pay the interest on the bank loan?
  • Does the Fund provide the letter from the senior bank loan and the private loan as well as the Targeted Economic Area?

Find out these answers and consult our law firm to compare answers with Regional centers we work with and answer provided by them to these questions.

Email: prashant@ajmeralawgroup.com

October 10, 2018
October 10, 2018

Why Indian exporters should consider Residency and Citizenship by Investment?

Author By Ajmera Law Group Categories Global Investing How & why?, USA

Recently, I had an opportunity to conduct a seminar at one of the largest export promotion organisations in Mumbai, India.

After the seminar I received a lot of feedback from the audience regarding the difficulties Indian exporters are facing in exporting their goods. The common obstacles cited were government policy, international trade policy, lack of financial support from the government and insufficient knowledge about import-export regulations of other countries.

I also received feedback that it was easy to establish and do business in African countries, in the Middle East and with our neighboring countries but as far as Western countries were concerned, Indian exporters are having a hard time making their mark.

While interacting with the participants, I was surprised that none of them had given a thought to the Residency and Citizenship by Investment option as a means to expand their export business from India.

I believe this is directly related to the visa regulations of many Western countries. Exporters from China, Taiwan, Korea and even Pakistan (Group countries) have used these regulations to their advantage, while Indian exporters have been quite reticent or unforthcoming in doing so.

Exporters from these Group countries have recognized that in developed or Western countries, there are three types of buyers / importers:

  • Large buyers who come to their countries and establish purchase offices in the country. For example – Walmart.
  • Large importers who import goods and depend on foreign exporters such as them to sell them these goods.
  • Small buyers / importers who do not physically visit their countries but wish to sell the goods of these exporters from offices or shops in their home country.

To sell goods to these buyers / importers, export companies in the Group countries have realized that having a presence in the importer’s country is the most efficient and effective way to sell their goods, especially to the class (ii) and (iii) category buyers.

To have this presence,  exporters from the Group countries take advantage of the Residency and Citizenship by Investment programs of all major countries in the world. Through these programs they obtain permanent residency/citizenship of the respective country. This then allows them to conduct business in their adopted country as local businessmen.

Let’s take an example of a Green Card holding Chinese exporter versus an Indian exporter who has no residency status in USA.

A Chinese exporter will have the following advantages over his Indian counterpart while selling goods to an American importer:

  1. As the Chinese exporter has a USA Green Card, he can start his own company in USA, purchase a warehouse and office and ship goods to the American importer immediately so that they are received within 1 or 2 days. For an Indian exporter in India, it will take several days to process the order and ship out the goods. He will have to deal with a huge amount of paperwork before his goods reach USA.
  2. There is no time difference and hence communication is faster and efficient for the Chinese exporter. Whereas an Indian exporter has to be really prompt and time conscious.
  3. Payment is easy – for the importer to make and exporter to receive.
  4. Confidence level of the buyer/importer is better while doing business with a US-based Chinese supplier/exporter than India-based exporter who has never seen or interacted with.

Unless and until Indian exporters learn to explore different options such as Residency and Citizenship by Investment to their advantage, they will always fighting a losing battle against exporters from other countries.

The best analogy that can be used to emphasize this reality is that if you wish to fight, you need to get into the boxing ring. You cannot stand outside the boxing ring and try to beat your competition.

August 21, 2018
August 21, 2018

20+ migration options for H1B and L1 visa holders

Author By Ajmera Law Group Categories Canada Business Immigration, Canada PNP Program, Citizenship, EB-5 US Investor Visa, Residency & Citizenship by Investment, Second Passport

Canada immigration for H1B visa holder, L1 visa holder and other visa class having temporary status in USA

Is your child, relative or friend facing a problem with H1B visa, L1 visa or any other visa in USA?

No worries. They can now breathe easy knowing that there are several options available to them to acquire legal status in USA. If they wish to move out of USA, they can also choose from more than 20 other countries around the world. This short video will give them all possible options:

  1. USA EB-5 investor program:
  • Make an investment of 1,000,000 US$ in a new business and create 10 jobs or
  • Make an investment of 500,000 US$ in a new business and create 10 jobs provided this business is in a TEA area or high unemployment area.
  • Investment can be in form of Debt /Loan, Equity or fund.

Good projects can secure:

-your principal amount

-a good return and

– processing time is as short as 3 months to 13 months for the first I-526 petition approval.

  1. Canada skilled worker immigration:

You can qualify under this program if you have –

  • A Master’s degree
  • Minimum of 3 years of work experience
  • Are preferably under the age of 35 years or better still, under 29 years of ageand
  • Have an IELTS score of 8 in listening and 7 in each of the other three categories
  1. Start Up immigrant visa of Canada:

You can qualify for this visa if you have started a company that can be –

  • Incubated by Canada Government approved incubators or
  • If angel investors make an investment of 75,000 CD$ in your company or
  • If a VC makes an investment of 200,000 CD$ in your company
  • And if you have the required IELTS score and post-secondary education
  1. There are 10 different business immigration programs of Canada:

In general, you need to fulfil the following basic criteria for all of them –

  • Possess net assets of 500,000 CD$ and above
  • Have 2 to 3 years of business experience or senior executive experience
  • Have a viable business plan to start a new business, purchase an existing business or enter into a joint venture with another company
  • Have an IELTS score of at least 5 band in each category
  1. UK Tire 1 immigration:

To qualify under this program you need to have –

  • Net assets of 200,000 pounds or more
  • IELTS band of 4 to 5 in each category
  • A viable business plan which will create 2 jobs
  1. Citizenship of Malta (EU member country):

If you wish to obtain the citizenship (passport) of Malta, a European Union member, you will need to –

  • Make a donation of €650,000
  • Purchase bonds of €150,000
  • Purchase a residenceworth€350,000 or rent a residence worth€16,000 per year

Children under 26 years and parents can be included under this program

  1. Residency of Malta:

If you wish to obtain the residency of Malta, you will need to –

  • Make a contribution of €30,000
  • Purchase bonds of €250,000
  • Purchase a residence worth€270,000 or rent a residence worth€10,000 per year

Children under 26 years of age and parents can be included under this program

  1. Citizenship of Cyprus (EU member country):

If you wish to obtain citizenship of Cyrpus, an EU member country, you will need to-

  • Purchase real estate/property worth€0 to 2.5 million
  • Permanently maintain a residential property of €500,000 (you can sell other assets after 3 years)

Children under 25 years and parents can be included under this program. There are no language, minimum age and education requirements

  1. Residency of Cyprus:

If you wish to obtain the residency of Cyprus, you will need to –

  • Purchase real estate/property worth €300,000
  • Make a bank deposit of €30,000
  • The applicant must provide proof of secured annual income of at least €30,000 outside of Cyprus. This income must increase by €5,000 for every additional child and €8,000 for each dependent parent.

Children under 25 years of age and parents can be included under this program. There are no language, minimum age and education requirements

  1. Residency of Greece (EU member country):

If you wish to obtain residency of Greece, you will need to –

  • Purchase real estate worth €250,000 or more

Children under 21of age and parents included can be included under this program. There are no language, minimum age and education requirements. Under this program, applicants cannot work for someone but can operate their own business.Applicants can apply for Greek citizenship after 7 years

  1. Residency of Portugal(EU member country):

If you wish to obtain residency of Portugal, you will need to –

  • Purchase real estate worth €500,000 or more (lesser amount investment possible)

Children under 18years of age and parents can be included under this program. There are no language, minimum age and education requirements. Applicant can work as well as operate their own business

  1. Residency of Spain ((EU member country):

If you wish to obtain residency of Spain, you will need to –

  • Purchase real estate worth €500,000 or more

Children under 18 years of age and parents can be included under this program. There are no language, minimum age and education requirements. Applicant can work as well as operate their own business. Medical insurance is required.

  1. Second passport of Europe – Bulgarian Citizenship (EU member country):

If you wish to obtain a second passport and easy access to European markets, you can opt for Bulgarian citizenship. To qualify, you will need to –

  • Invest €500,000 for Permanent Residence in government bonds
  • Invest €1 million for Citizenship in government bonds

Loans are available for making the required investment. Upon approval, applicants can live, work, operate a business and study for free/with reduced fee in any member EU country.

  1. Citizenship of Dominica in 3 months:

If you wish to obtain citizenship of another country in a short period of time in a hassle-free manner, you can apply under Dominica’s Citizenship & residency Program. To qualify, you will need to –

  • Make a donation of $100,000 US or more OR
  • Make aninvestment in real estate of $200,000 US or more for 3 years

Children under the age of 30 years, parents above 55 years of age &grandparents can be included under this program. There is no taxation on income earned abroad and one can obtain NRI Status plus visa free travel to more than 120 countries around the world. Easy access to medical schools in USA for children

  1. Citizenship of Grenada in 3 months:

If you wish to obtain citizenship of another country in a short period of time, you can apply under Grenada’s Citizenship & residency Program. To qualify, you will need to –

  • Make a donation of $200,000 US or more OR
  • Make an investment in real estate of $350,000 or more for at least 5 years

Children under the age of 29 years and parents above 55 years of age can be included in the application. There is no taxation on income earned outside of Grenada and one can obtain NRI Status plus visa free travel to more than 120 countries around the world. Easy access to medical schools in USA for children and E2 Business visa of USA.

  1. Citizenship of St Kitts and Nevis in 2 months:

If you wish to obtain citizenship of another country in a short period of time, you can apply under for citizenship of St Kitts & Nevis. To qualify, you will need to –

  • Make an investment of at least $400,000 US in one of the approved real-estate developments OR
  • Make a donation of $250,000 US to the Sugar Industry Diversification Foundation (SIDF, a public charity)

Children under the age of 30 years and parents above 55 years of age can be included in the application. There is no taxation on income earned outside of the island country and one can obtain NRI Status plus visa free travel to more than 150 countries around the world. As a Commonwealth citizen, applicant receives certain preferential treatment in the United Kingdom. Two or more applicants may apply for citizenship together by purchasing one piece of real estate.

  1. Citizenship of Antigua & Barbuda in 3 months:

You can obtain second citizenship or a second passport of this beautiful island nation within a short period of time. To qualify, you will need to –

  • Make a contribution to the National Development Fund of at least $100,000 US OR
  • Make an investment in designated, officially approved real estate with a value of at least $400,000 US OR
  • Make an investment in an approved business of at least $1,500,000 US

Dependent children and dependent parents over 65 years of age can be included under this program. There is no minimum net worth requirements or previous business experience needed. Visa free travel to more than 135 countries around the world.  No taxation on income earned outside of St Kitts & Nevis

  1. Citizenship of St Lucia in 3 months:

You can obtain second citizenship or a second passport of this beautiful island within three months. To qualify, applicant will have to –

  • Choose from four options which range from an investment amount of $100,000 US to $3,500,000 US. These four options are –
  • Saint Lucia National Economic Fund
  • Real Estate Projects
  • Enterprise Projects
  • Government Bonds

Dependent children under 25 years of age, dependent parents above 65 years and mentally or physically challenged dependent children and/or parents can be included under this program. Visa-free travel to over 120 countries around the world. No taxation on income earned outside of StLucia. Under the Enterprise Project option, two or more applicant can make a minimum investment of $6,000,000 US, with each applicant contributing no less than US$1,000,000.

  1. Business Immigration to New Zealand:

You can apply for conditional business residency of New Zealand. To qualify you need to –

  • Invest $100, 000 NZ in capital investment and run a business for 2 years OR
  • Invest $500,000 NZ in capital investment and run a business for 6 months
  • Have a business plan that will help NZ economy
  • Be fluent in English and serious businessmen only

After obtaining a business permit, applicant can apply for Permanent Residence of New Zealand after 3 years.

  1. Investment immigration to New Zealand – $3 million:

You can apply for direct PR of New Zealand through investment. To qualify, you will need to

  • Have $3million NZ in available assets
  • Invest $2.5million NZ in real estate
  • Have 3 years of business/management experience
  • Have basic English skills (IELTS 3 band or equivalent)
  • Be under 65 years of age 
  1. Investment immigration to New Zealand – $10 million

You can apply for direct PR of New Zealand through investment. The highlights of this program are –

  • Must have $10million in available assets
  • There is no age requirement
  • Can invest in a variety of assets class
  • No minimum residency requirements
  1. Business Immigration to Australia – Business Visa Class (188A):

You can apply for temporary PR of Australia. To qualify, you will need to –

  • Have a business turnover of $500,000 AU and 30% (private company) or 10% (private limited company) ownership
  • Have net assets of $800,000 AU
  • Have a business turnover of $300,000 AU in Australia
  • Manage a business in Australia for 2 years
  1. Business Immigration to Australia – Investor Visa Class (188B):

You can apply for temporary PR of Australia. To qualify, you will need to –

  • Have net assets of $2.25 million AU
  • Own and manage a business of $1.5 million AU
  • Invest 1.5 million AU in governmentbonds

If you keep your investment for 4 years and have minimum residency for 2 years, you can be eligible for permanent PR and citizenship after 5 years.

  1. Business Immigration to Australia – Significant Investor Class (188C):

You can apply for temporary PR of Australia. To qualify, you will need to –

  • Invest $5million AU in Australia (various options available)
  • Stay 160 days in 4 years in Australia to get permanent PR
  • No age limit
  1. Business Immigration to Australia – Business Talent – Significant Business History (132A):

You can apply for direct PR of Australia. To qualify, you will need to –

  • Own & manage a business with a turnover of $3 million AU
  • Have ownership of 30% (private) or 10% (public) in the company
  • Have net assets of $1.5 million AU that can be transferred to Australia
  • Invest$400,000 AU in Australia
July 28, 2018
July 28, 2018

Mehul Choksi has obtained the citizenship of Antigua.

Author By Ajmera Law Group Categories Caribbean, World

So it has finally come from the horse’s mouth!

According to the article published in Midday (Mumbai edition) on 28th July, 2018, Mehul Choksi has admitted to obtaining the citizenship of Antigua in order to expand his business.

https://www.mid-day.com/articles/took-citizenship-of-antigua-to-expand-business-mehul-choksi/19648168

Mr. Choksi further stated that there was no truth in the allegations levelled by the Indian government against him. He is allegedly involved in over $2-billion Punjab National Bank scam. Mr. Choksi claims he has taken Antigua citizenship last year to expand his business, as the passport of the Caribbean nation provides visa-free travel to 132 countries, local media in Antigua reported.

“I lawfully applied to be registered as a citizen of Antigua and Barbuda under the Citizenship by Investment Program. During the course of my application, I did all that was lawfully required of me to do. My application for citizenship was in due course approved,” the statement published in the newspaper said.

Choksi had taken the citizenship of Antigua in November 2017, and oath of allegiance on January 15 this year. “My application was motivated by my desire to expand my business interest in the Caribbean and to obtain visa-free travel access to 130 or so countries,” the statement said, adding that he was in the United States in January 2018 for medical treatment. “Having received treatment I am still in a state convalescence. That being the case I have decided to reside in Antigua and Barbuda,” it read.

Many HNIs and businesspersons from India have started taking interest in the Citizenship & Residency programs of Caribbean countries because of the multiple reasons. The most important among then are:

  1. Visa free travel to over 130 countries around the world.
  2. Close proximity to the U.S. markets.
  3. High quality of life
  4. Quick processing of applications and direct citizenship (passport) through investment
July 28, 2018
July 28, 2018

Simplifying the EB-5 Program – Investing in EB-5 business as a debt, equity partner or in the fund?

Author By Ajmera Law Group Categories Citizenship, EB-5 US Investor Visa, Green Card, Regional Centers, Residency & Citizenship by Investment

Of late a large number of regional centers have entered into the EB-5 market, offering a variety of investment choices to investors. This has resulted in investors becoming more and more confused regarding the most appropriate investment option most suitable to their needs and long term goals.

I regularly meet clients who have a very sound financial background, yet are completely lost when choosing the right EB-5 investment.

Here are the three most common offerings in the EB-5 market at present:

  1. DEBT Model:

98% of the offering in the EB-5 market is using this model. This model involves three entities:

(i) The company who has been granted the ‘Regional Center(RC)’ approval

(ii) The developers who have incorporated a company or LLP -1 for the project, and

(iii) Another LLP-2 which is used as an investment vehicle for EB-5 purposes.

As an investor, you will be making investment in LLP-2 which will loan fund to LLP-1. In return, LLP-1 will give credit for all jobs created in the project to LLP-2so as to meet the mandatory ‘Creation of 10 jobs’ requirement of the EB-5 program.

Investment is generally made for a period of 5 years and at the end of 5 years, the capital is returned to the investor by taking a second mortgage.

LLP-1 also offers interest to EB-5 investors which can be in the range of 1%-4% per annum. Ideally, if all these three entities are managed by one single developer company, then this particular EB-5 project can be considered a good selection.

However, in reality, we see that RC approval is obtained by one entity, which then seeks out a developer to develop the project and an entirely different third company is involved in marketing the project. If you do adequate research you will find that there are very few developers who are directly involved in the marketing of their project.

In these type of projects, the local banks havethe first claim, promoters have second claim and EB-5 investors have the last claim to receive any money in the event of project failure.

  1. EQUITY Model:

Very few companies are currently offering the equity option for EB-5 investment. In this model, only one company or LLP is created by developers of the project and EB-5 investors are required to make an investment in this particular LLP only. EB-5 investors give the managing rights to the developers. In this model, the investors are not given any fixed returns but are offered a percentage of the profits as and when the project becomes profitable, while the developers take only a small portion of the profit.

In this model, the risks are higher but returns can be as high as 10%-12% per annum. Some of the hotel projects for which our law firm has raised EB-5 investment capital were based on this model and have consistently given good returns.

In many EB-5 projects, there are no loans from local banks or lenders except bridge loans. Because of this, the properties are mortgage-free right from day one and chances of failureare very low,while those of good returnsare very high.

In case the project fails, the capital can be distributed amongst all the EB-5 investors as compensation since there is only one class of investors.

  1. FUND Model:

Quite a few RCs are offering this model now. In first two options, there is one project and one company or LLP. In the Fund model, a fund of a certain predetermined amount is created to loan money to several projects and hence the risk is distributed equally among several projects. An annual fixed return is given to investors which can be in the range of 1%-3%.

Simply put, the first model can be compared to a debenture, the second one to a share investment and the third one to a mutual fund investment. Each model has its own pros and cons. However,the bottom line is that a viable EB-5 project must have good developers who have a successful track record in non-EBB and EB-5 project development.

This article outlines very general information regarding EB-5 investment options for the sole purpose of easy understanding for investors at large. Each investor must seek appropriate legal advice and consult their financial advisers before making any kind of the investment.

July 28, 2018
July 28, 2018

Real Estate Market Overview of Cyprus, Europe.

Author By Ajmera Law Group Categories Cyprus Residency Visa, Europe, Investor Visa, Residency & Citizenship by Investment

Cyprus real estate market is ready for Indian investors and developers alike.

Cyprus is small island country in the Mediterranean region south of Turkey.  The island’s natural beauty and its dynamic real estate market has attracted the attention and investment of HNIs and businessmen all over the world. The most attractive facet of investing in Cypriot real estate is that it can get you and your family residency or citizenship of this country. Hence you can become a resident of the EU by purchasing real estate in Cyprus thus gaining automatic access to the huge European market.

It is true that the Cypriot economy was heavily affected during the economic crisis of 2013 that brought many European economies to the brink of collapse. But interestingly, Cyprus was one of the few countries that was able to turn the tide around rather quickly. Now the Cypriot economy is thriving under its able administration.

The real estate market of any country directly reflects the overall performance of its economy. After the 2013 crisis, the government of Cyprus introduced the Residency & Citizenship program fornon-EU citizens. Under this program, investors making an investment of €350,000 in real estate are granted Cypriot residency and those making an investment of €2 million to €2.5 million in other various combined assets, including residential real estate of €500,000, are granted Cypriot citizenship.

The Cypriot Residency & Citizenship program is one of the most attractive and value-for-money programs in the world. It has garnered interest not only from investors but also reputed developers who have entered into joint ventures with local developers.

This has increased the confidence level of the local real estate market and consequently the economy. The GDP growth in 2017 was 3.4 % and International Monetary Fund (IMF) predicts further GDP growth of 2.6% in 2018.

Due to strong market indication and high demand for real estate across Cyprus, there was a substantial increase in real estate transactions and new construction permits in 2017.

Interest from foreign buyers for high end properties (€1.5 million and above) has increased by 45% in 2017.

Growth in all property price indices was recorded during 2017, reflecting the increased demand and activity levels in the real estate sector.

Following are the highlights of the real estate market in Cyprus during the year 2017:

  1. There was 49% increase in the value of new building permits. The capital city of Cyprus accounts for 35% of the total permits or market share.
  2. There was 24% increase in sale contracts across Cyprus. Though the capital is Nicosia, Limassol is the country’s financial capital and it recorded 35% of the total transactions. At the same time, Famagusta recorded the highest annual growthof 44%in number of sale contracts during 2017. Nicosia recorded a growth of 42%.
  3. There was an increase of 33% in sale transactions by foreign buyers. Paphos and Limassol are the most popular destinations among foreign buyers. However, during my recent visit to Cyprus, I observed that the Ayia Napa area is not very popular among investors and is an attraction only for tourists. This area has great potential for foreign investors.
  4. There was a rise of 45% in the purchase of high end real estate as these purchases are directly connected with Cyprus passport/ Europe citizenship program.

Experts believe that the Cypriot real estate market will be doing really well in the coming years.

As attorneys, we assist Indian HNIs and developers to make suitable investmentsin Cyprus and manage all legal aspects associated with the process.

E-mail us at: info@ajmeralawgroup.com for more information visit www.ajmeralaw.com

July 14, 2018
July 14, 2018

EB-5 and Residency and Citizenship by investment conference in LA, USA

Author By Ajmera Law Group Categories EB-5 US Investor Visa, Events, Residency & Citizenship by Investment, Second Passport

EB5 Investors Magazine is organizing in Los Angeles EB-5 Convention at The Westin Bonaventure Hotel and Suites on July 23-24, 2018.

This two-day educational, networking event will host a gathering of broker-dealers, developers, immigration and securities attorneys, migration agents, regional centers and other EB-5 program stakeholders.

The conference not only about EB-5 but speakers and panelist are coming from all over the world to talk about Residency & Citizenship program of various countries.

The event will also feature special guest speakers and sponsorship opportunities.

The lawyer from our law firm Mr. Prashant Ajmera will be speaking at this conference as one of the panelist speaker at India : Market Spot Light. www.ajmeralaw.com

More information about this conference can be fond at Read More

July 10, 2018
July 10, 2018

Doing business or Investing in USA – EB-5 – L1 – EB-1 (c) or E2 visa

Author By Ajmera Law Group Categories EB-5 US Investor Visa, Green Card, Investor Visa, Regional Centers, Residency & Citizenship by Investment

 

Doing business or Investing in USA: Nine different options for Indian businessman

This is a very simple way to explain, how one can make an investment in the USA or do business in and with the USA.

  1. Simple export of goods and services to USA consumer or business.
  2. Making an investment into an existing business, land building, or farming land and become partner/investment. You do not any visa of the USA and you don’t get any visa by just making a simple investment.
  3. Purchase of Real estate in the USA – any type of visa not possible but can take benefit of rental income and capital gain.
  4. Register a company in the USA, open an office in the USA, a bank account in the USA in person, hire local people to run the business. No Person is transferred from India to the USA.
  5. Register a new company in the USA, open a subsidiary office in the USA, a bank account in the USA, hire local people to run the business with a definite business plan and KEY PERSON(S) IS TRANSFERRED from India to the USA. This is an L1 visa. A person is a senior executive and Technical Person to be transferred from the USA. The American company will be a  subsidiary of the Indian company.
  6. Indian company taking over 51% of the USA company and by join venture, Indian CEO or Key technical person transferred to the USA under EB-1-C Visa class.
  7. Starting a NEW business in the USA, hire 10 people and make an investment of 1 million US$ and investor, his spouse and children under 21 can get a green card of USA. – This is an EB-5 direct investment.
  8. Starting a NEW business in the USA, hire 10 people and make an investment of 1/2 million US$ and investor, his spouse and children under 21 can get a green card of USA. This business must be in an area where there is high unemployment or a population is less than 20,000. This is EB-5 under the Regional center class.
  9. You make an investment in Real Estate and become a citizen of another country like Grenada, Turkey, Canada and then apply for an E2 business visa of the USA to do business in the USA.

 

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