The United States remains one of the most desired destinations for migrants and investors from all over the world. The US has a complex immigration system, and in each case it is warranted to assess the individual situation thoroughly in order to establish the immigration route offering the best chances and also to plan any tax implications in advance.

There are interesting immigration possibilities for i nvestors and under certain conditions you may be granted permanent resident status (a "Green card") within a short period of time. However, from the taxation point of view, permanent resident status may be worth avoiding.

After five years of legal residence it is possible to acquire US citizenship and to obtain a passport which gives the protection - but also the taxation - of the most powerful country in the world. There are four ways to acquire US citizenship: by birth in the United States or in US territories (Jus soli), by birth outside the US to US parents, and by naturalisation.

US Diversity Visa Program DV-2006

  Canada

Canada is one of the most highly regarded countries in the world. It is a country which allows its citizens to reach their potential. People immigrate to Canada for the quality of life and the opportunity to do business in a multi-cultural environment. Canada's way of life makes it the place to be in the new millennium.

Canada recently changed its immigration process and does now, like Australia and New Zealand, assess prospective immigrants against a points system. However, Canada is looking for certain professional skills and thus gives more points to people with certain occupations.

For active or passive investors and for business migrants Canada offers special immigration rules. Active entrepreneurs will have to invest and participate in the management of a business, but they do not have to meet a fixed net worth minimum, whereas investors will have to have a net worth of at least CAD 500,000 and relevant business experience.

Canadian citizenship is available after three years, and its passport is very attractive in terms of visa-free travel possibilities. It also is an interesting route for eventual immigration to the USA.

  Australia

Australia is the only state to occupy a whole continent by itself. It offers everything, from large, exciting cities to deserts, from sunny beaches to beautiful mountains, from tropical to temperate climates. Australia is currently looking for skilled immigrants and investors.

There are numerous immigration categories, and it pays to verify which is most appropriate for you, as it often happens that immigration is possible under two or more categories. This is also true for investors and business immigrants. Australia is also an attractive place to retire, and to this end Australia offers a special visa for retirees (minimum age: 55 years).

After only two years of residence in Australia it is possible to become an Australian citizen and to obtain an Australian passport, which is an added attraction to some immigrants from countries whose passports restrict their travelling (like, for example, India, China, Vietnam, and others). Many international businessmen from Asia settle in Australia to obtain this very attractive passport.

If you want to immigrate to Australia, depending on the category you choose, your age, education, professional occupation and experience, and other factors are assessed against a points system. A (temporary) business visa is available with a business investment of as little as AUD 250,000.

 New Zealand

This island state of incredible natural beauty offers a very relaxed, attractive lifestyle. It attracts people from all over the world, fascinated by New Zealand's country side, healthy life and multicultural society. New Zealand is looking for people who will contribute to this growing nation. In particular, NZ is looking for highly skilled individuals and investors.