IMM Group Investment Migration News May 2025: U.S., Australia, Canada, Europe, and Caribbean Highlights
May 29, 2025 · Residency by investment · 16 min read
In this edition of Investment Migration News May 2025, IMM Group reviews the key developments across residency and citizenship by investment programs. This issue covers:
1. U.S. green card by investment: why file an EB-5 petition now?
The EB-5 program, the U.S. route to permanent residence through investment, faces the risk of being replaced by the proposed “Gold Card” program, which would require an investment of up to US$5 million. If that happens, the current EB-5 program would end. Investors should therefore consider filing an EB-5 petition before any change takes effect.
The EB-5 program is still accepting petitions as normal and is protected by the EB-5 Reform and Integrity Act of 2022 (RIA). Under the Act, petitions filed on or before September 30, 2026 will continue to be processed through to a final decision. EB-5 processing times have shortened considerably, to around 12 months for petitions tied to rural-area projects.
With an investment of US$800,000 and project structures designed for capital repayment (EB-5 capital must remain at risk), EB-5 remains an attractive option, particularly for applicants from countries where EB-5 is still not oversubscribed. Delays, however, may mean fewer remaining investor places in a given project and longer processing times.
| Read the full article here
2. Canadian business immigration: which options suit investors?
As Canada tightens its temporary residence pathways, business and investment immigration has emerged as an increasingly strategic and sustainable route. Below, IMM Group outlines three notable programs for investors seeking Canadian permanent residence for the whole family:
1. Canada Start-Up Visa (SUV): permanent residence directly, without a temporary residence stage
This route is designed for entrepreneurs with an innovative business idea supported by an organization designated by the Government of Canada. With IELTS 5.0 and proof of settlement funds, investors and their families can live in any province, enjoy broadly the same social benefits as Canadian citizens, and may apply for citizenship after 3 years of residence. It suits investors who want to launch a business and settle in Canada for the long term.
After about 1.5 years, the whole family can move to Canada to live and run a business on Prince Edward Island. The program requires management experience, a personal net worth of at least C$600,000, and an investment of at least C$150,000. Key advantages include a broad range of eligible business sectors and a clear pathway to permanent residence, with access to education and healthcare on the same terms as Canadians.
3. New Brunswick provincial entrepreneur stream: a pathway for investors seeking permanent residence
This stream is for investors who establish or acquire a business in the province. Net worth and investment requirements are similar to those of PEI, but the program places greater weight on the viability of the business plan and on local job creation. Once they hold permanent residence, investors and their families may live in any province and may apply for citizenship after 5 years if they meet the residence requirements.
Since 2025, Canada has lowered its permanent resident targets and tightened temporary pathways, while prioritizing investment applications that deliver real value, such as the SUV and the Provincial Nominee Program (PNP). All three programs above align with Canada’s strategy to attract high-quality immigrants, and they suit investors with the financial capacity and a clear settlement plan.
| Read the full article here
3. Portugal Golden Visa through fund investment: a resilient, sustainable route in 2025
European countries are favoring sustainable forms of investment and restricting real estate routes because of their adverse effect on local housing markets. Fund investment not only meets strict legal requirements but also supports economic development goals and helps limit risk for investors.
Requirements: A minimum investment of €500,000 (approximately US$560,000) in investment funds established under Portuguese law and licensed by the Portuguese Securities Market Commission (CMVM). In addition, at least 60% of each fund’s total investment must be allocated to commercial companies headquartered in Portugal. The investment must be held for at least 5 years.
Through the Portugal Golden Visa fund route, the whole family receives residence permits, giving each member benefits such as:
- The right to live, study, and work in Portugal.
- Visa-free travel across the 29 Schengen countries (stays of up to 90 days in any 180-day period).
- Free public schooling for children through high school, and university tuition at the same rates as Portuguese nationals.
- Access to the healthcare and social security systems on the same terms as Portuguese citizens.
- The possibility of naturalization after 5 years, subject to meeting the requirements.
- A Portuguese passport providing visa-free or eVisa access to more than 180 destinations, including the United States, the United Kingdom, Australia, and Canada.
| Read the full article here
4. Own property in Istanbul and obtain Turkish citizenship in around 1 year, with straightforward requirements
Türkiye, where Europe meets Asia, has become a real estate investment hotspot thanks to its strategic location and steady growth. In the first quarter of 2025, total home sales reached 335,786 units, up 20.1% year on year. In Istanbul alone, home sales rose 20.4% year on year, accounting for more than 16% of all transactions nationwide. With its strong tourism appeal (35 million international visitors a year) and rich cultural heritage, Istanbul real estate offers a strategic option for investors seeking returns and wealth preservation.
With a real estate investment of at least US$400,000, investors and their eligible family members can obtain Turkish citizenship directly. Processing is relatively fast, at around 12 months. The program appeals for its straightforward requirements:
- A property holding period of just 3 years, among the shortest of citizenship by investment programs.
- No medical examination required.
- No asset declaration required.
- Open to applicants of most nationalities.
- No upper age limit; no education, work experience, or language requirements.
- No requirement to reside in Türkiye.
Through real estate investment, investors and their eligible family members obtain Turkish citizenship directly, with full citizenship rights. A Turkish passport provides visa-free or eVisa access to more than 110 destinations and can make it easier to apply for EU and Schengen visas (France, Germany, Italy, Greece, and others). Investors may also be able to apply for an E-2 visa to live and invest in the United States under the bilateral treaty between the two countries, subject to eligibility requirements.
| Read the full article here
5. Own property abroad, add a second passport, and expand your global mobility
Real estate investment abroad is becoming a smart strategy that allows investors not only to diversify their assets into foreign currencies, but also to open the door to a second passport or permanent residence for the whole family — with the freedom to travel, study, and live in many countries around the world.
Notable programs currently include:
- Grenada: Invest from US$270,000 in real estate, and eligible family members may obtain citizenship within 13–15 months, with visa-free or eVisa access to 148 destinations, including the United Kingdom and the Schengen countries. Dual citizenship is permitted, and grandparents, parents, and siblings may be included as dependents.
- Türkiye: Own real estate from US$400,000 and obtain citizenship in about 12 months, with no residency requirement. A Turkish passport provides access to more than 110 destinations, makes it easier to obtain European visas, and may support an E-2 visa application to live in the United States (if eligible).
- Greece: Invest from €250,000 (approximately US$280,000) in real estate to obtain a residence permit, with no minimum stay requirement. Citizenship may be available after 7 years. Freedom of travel within the Schengen Area.
- Cyprus: Invest from €300,000 (approximately US$336,000) and obtain permanent residence in about 12 months. Citizenship may be available after the required period of residence. Access to European-standard education and healthcare.
- Malta: Purchase real estate from €375,000 (approximately US$420,000) or lease from €14,000 (approximately US$16,000) a year, combined with a government contribution, to obtain permanent residence under the Malta Permanent Residence Programme (MPRP) in 8–10 months. The whole family can live and study in Malta and travel within the 29 Schengen countries.
| Read the full article here
6. IMM Group: why work with a proven advisory firm?
The global investment migration market is constantly shifting and increasingly complex, so investors need an advisory partner who not only helps build a strong application but also serves as a steady anchor for their family’s future. That is why, across all our investment migration solutions, IMM Group stands apart as a strategic advisory partner, working alongside you with experience and integrity.
As a pioneer with more than 21 years of hands-on experience in Vietnam, IMM Group does not act as a sales agent. We do more than advise — we design investment migration solutions built on:
- Rigorous due diligence and risk management: Our experience successfully handling hundreds of cases, including complex ones, enables us to conduct multi-layered project due diligence and protect investors’ interests rigorously, even during market crises.
- In-depth professional consulting and full transparency: Every IMM Group advisor and case manager is certified in investment migration advisory by the Investment Migration Council (IMC). Our team analyzes benefits and risks in full, so you can make decisions based on complete and accurate information. We put our clients’ long-term interests first.
- Integrity and commitment every step of the way: Guided by our philosophy, “Serving with Authentic Values,” IMM Group stays with you from the first step until you have settled in your new country. Integrity is our foundation, reflected in our readiness to stand up for clients’ interests and to proactively refund service fees when risks beyond the client’s control arise, as set out in the contract.
- Receive and give: By choosing IMM Group, you join us in supporting the work of the Be Better Foundation, reflecting the social responsibility and human values we pursue.
For full details, read the linked articles or contact IMM Group to discuss investment migration programs in various countries.
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