Frequently Asked Questions

Global real estate, residency, and citizenship. Strategically planned and executed, start to finish.

At a Glance

INGWE Investment & Migration is a licensed global advisory and execution firm founded in 2018 and headquartered in Toronto, Canada, with local offices in Panama, China, and Vietnam. INGWE specializes in helping internationally mobile investors, entrepreneurs, retirees, and families invest in international real estate, secure residency or citizenship abroad, and build global mobility. INGWE is not a real estate brokerage.

INGWE is not a generic immigration firm. It is the single licensed team that selects the investment, executes the purchase, processes the visa, and supports life in destination: including business incorporation, banking, taxes, relocation, ongoing compliance.

Key facts

  • Founded: 2018, Toronto, Canada
  • Founder: Reza Motalebpour, RCIC, RECO, BCFSA, USCIS EB-5, Nauru Certified Agent
  • Coverage: 20+ investment migration programs across North America, Latin America, the Caribbean, Europe, the Middle East, and Oceania.
  • Clients served: 50+ nationalities
  • Services: international real estate investment, residency by investment, citizenship by investment, banking setup, business incorporation, tax registration support, relocation

At a Glance

1. About INGWE

  • What is INGWE Investment & Migration?
  • Who founded INGWE and what is his background?
  • Where is INGWE based and where does INGWE operate?
  • Is INGWE a licensed firm?
  • What makes INGWE different from other investment migration firms?

2. Our Services

  • What services does INGWE offer?
  • Do you only handle Canadian immigration?
  • What programs and countries does INGWE cover?
  • Does INGWE handle real estate AND immigration, or just one?
  • What is a Discovery Trip, and do I need one?

3. Investment & Costs

  • What is the minimum investment required to work with INGWE?
  • What is the cheapest golden visa or citizenship program available in 2026?
  • Are INGWE’s advisory fees included in the investment minimums?
  • Can I use a loan or retirement account (401k or IRA) to fund an investment program?
  • Does the investment get returned at the end of the program?

4. Process & Timelines

  • How does the process work from start to finish?
  • How long does it take to get residency or citizenship?
  • What is the fastest citizenship by investment program in 2026?
  • Do I need to live in the country to maintain my residency or citizenship?

5. Eligibility & Family

  • Who is eligible to work with INGWE?
  • Can my family be included in my application?
  • What if I have a previous visa refusal?
  • Do I need to speak the local language of the destination country?

6. Residency vs. Citizenship

  • What is the difference between residency by investment and citizenship by investment?
  • Can I hold dual or multiple citizenships?
  • What is a Golden Visa, and how is it different from a second passport?

7. Tax, Banking & Post-Approval

  • Does INGWE help with banking setup in the destination country?
  • Will I be required to pay taxes in the destination country?
  • Does obtaining a golden visa or second citizenship affect my home country taxes?

8. Requirements & Due Diligence

  • Are there health or background check requirements?
  • How does INGWE protect my privacy and personal information?

9. Specific Programs

  • What is the Portugal Golden Visa, and how does it work in 2026?
  • What is the US EB-5 Immigrant Investor Program?
  • What is the Nauru Citizenship by Investment program?
  • How does Serbian citizenship through exceptional contribution (Article 19) work?
  • Which Caribbean Citizenship by Investment program is best?
  • What is the New Zealand Active Investor Plus Visa?

10. 2026 Updates & Getting Started

  • What investment migration programs changed in 2026?
  • How do I get started with INGWE?
  • Is there a cost or obligation for an initial consultation?

Jump to

1. About INGWE

What is INGWE Investment & Migration?

INGWE Investment & Migration is a licensed global advisory and execution firm founded in 2018 and headquartered in Toronto, Canada, with local offices in Panama, China, and Vietnam. INGWE specializes in helping internationally mobile investors, entrepreneurs, retirees, and families invest in international real estate, secure residency or citizenship abroad, and build global mobility.
INGWE is not a real estate brokerage. INGWE is not a generic immigration firm. It is the single licensed team that selects the investment, executes the purchase, processes the visa, and supports life in destination: including business incorporation, banking, taxes, relocation, ongoing compliance.

Who founded INGWE and what is his background?

INGWE was founded by Reza Motalebpour, a Regulated Canadian Immigration Consultant (RCIC) and licensed real estate strategist with direct, on-the-ground experience navigating cross-border investment and relocation across more than 10 countries.

Reza has personally held legal residencies in Cyprus, Dubai, Canada, Panama, and Germany, while managing businesses and investments across multiple jurisdictions simultaneously. Before founding INGWE, he built and operated businesses in Hong Kong, Taiwan, Turkey, Japan, India, Sri Lanka, the United States, and South Africa. His path into this field is personal, not theoretical. INGWE was built from lived experience so that clients would not have to navigate the same challenges alone.

Reza’s credentials:

  • RCIC, Regulated Canadian Immigration Consultant, College of Immigration and Citizenship Consultants (CICC)
  • Licensed Real Estate Salesperson, Real Estate Council of Ontario (RECO)
  • Licensed Real Estate Salesperson, BC Financial Services Authority (BCFSA)
  • USCIS Registered EB-5 Investment Agent
  • Nauru Certified Immigration Agent
  • Business operations experience across 10+ countries

Where is INGWE based and where does INGWE operate?

INGWE is headquartered in Toronto, Canada, with local offices in Panama, China, and Vietnam. It operates across 20+ investment migration jurisdictions through a carefully vetted network of licensed regional specialists. The firm serves clients from more than 50 nationalities.

Active operating destinations:

  • North America: Canada, United States
  • Latin America: Panama, Argentina and surrounding markets
  • Caribbean: Antigua and Barbuda, Saint Kitts and Nevis, Saint Lucia, Grenada, Dominica
  • Europe: Portugal, Greece, Spain, Italy, Malta, Bulgaria, Cyprus
  • Middle East: UAE (Dubai) and broader GCC markets
  • Oceania: New Zealand, Nauru

Is INGWE a licensed firm?

Yes. INGWE is directly licensed in key jurisdictions. In every other market, operations run through an exclusive network of carefully vetted, fully licensed specialists who share the same standards, accountability, and client commitment that define INGWE.

Licenses held by INGWE:

  • Real Estate (Canada): Licensed with RECO (Real Estate Council of Ontario) and BCFSA (BC Financial Services Authority)
  • Immigration (Canada): Licensed Regulated Canadian Immigration Consultant (RCIC), member of the College of Immigration and Citizenship Consultants (CICC)
  • Nauru: Certified Agent, authorized to advise on and process Nauru citizenship and residency applications
  • United States: USCIS Registered EB-5 Investment Agent, authorized to offer EB-5 investment projects for U.S. immigration purposes

What makes INGWE different from other investment migration firms?

Most firms in the space operate in one lane: either immigration processing or real estate sales. INGWE was built for the space in between. Under one licensed roof, the investment strategy, the immigration pathway, and the full relocation plan are designed together from day one, rather than pieced together by two or more unrelated firms.

Most firms offer INGWE delivers
Real estate: properties listed to sell Investment strategy: markets and assets selected to perform
Immigration forms and visa processing End-to-end mobility planning with compliance built in
One service, one jurisdiction Integrated investment + relocation and residency strategy across 20+ countries
Advice from agents who read the rules Guidance from a founder who has held residency across multiple continents supported by local partners
Most firms offer INGWE delivers
Generic program recommendations Custom, data-driven plans built around your financial and mobility goals
Sales staff managing your file Direct access to senior consultants and management throughout
No commitment to confidentiality Absolute discretion, for every client, regardless of profile or origin

2. Our Services

What services does INGWE offer?

INGWE provides five core service areas covering the full cross-border journey, from initial strategy to life in destination.
  1. International Real Estate: Strategic real estate planning across Panama and select EU jurisdictions, including ROI projections, total ownership cost analysis, remote and in-person purchasing, property management, and financing planning for non-residents.
  2. Panama Real Estate Tours: Curated discovery tours across Panama. Meet vetted developers, evaluate properties firsthand, explore neighborhoods, and assess local infrastructure, from schools and banking to lifestyle and accessibility.
  3. Global Residency and Citizenship: Investment-linked residency and citizenship strategy and execution across Panama and 20+ destinations, from program selection and qualifying investment to visa approval and full destination support.
  4. Business Setup & Relocation Solutions End-to-end support to establish your business and life in a new country. Across Panama and select EU jurisdictions, this covers company incorporation, banking setup, tax registration, and full relocation coordination.
  5. For Developers and Partners. A dedicated program for developers and regional centers seeking access to INGWE’s international investor network.

Do you only handle Canadian immigration?

No. INGWE’s primary focus is global investment and business migration, not domestic Canadian immigration. Canadian programs offered by INGWE are limited to the Start-Up Visa and the Quebec Immigrant Investor Program (QIIP). INGWE does not offer services for Express Entry, Provincial Nominee Programs, family sponsorship, study permits, work permits, or other standard Canadian immigration categories.

What programs and countries does INGWE cover?

INGWE’s core portfolio covers the following programs. Programs outside this list are evaluated on a case-by-case basis.
Europe
  • Portugal — Residence by Investment (Golden Visa)
  • Greece — Residence by Investment (Golden Visa)
  • Spain — Real estate purchase with visa support (Non-Lucrative Visa and others)
  • Italy — Investor Visa (and non-investor pathways)
  • Malta — Permanent Residence Programme (MPRP)
  • Bulgaria — Trade Representative Office (TRO) and Residency through Investment
  • Cyprus — Business Facilitation Unit (BFU) and Residency through Investment
  • Serbia — Citizenship through exceptional and strategically important contribution (Article 19)
Americas
  • United States — EB-5 Immigrant Investor Program
  • Panama — Qualified Investor Program, Friendly Nations Visa, Pensionado Visa, Business Setup (Free Zone)
  • Antigua and Barbuda — Citizenship by Investment
  • Saint Kitts and Nevis — Citizenship by Investment
  • Saint Lucia — Citizenship by Investment
  • Grenada — Citizenship by Investment
  • Dominica — Citizenship by Investment
  • Canada — Quebec Investor Program; Start-Up Visa (program currently paused)
Middle East
  • United Arab Emirates (Dubai) — Golden Visa Program, Real Estate Purchase–Linked Visa
Oceania
  • New Zealand — Active Investor Plus Visa
  • Nauru — Citizenship by Investment

Does INGWE handle real estate AND immigration, or just one?

Both, simultaneously, under one licensed roof. This is INGWE’s defining capability. Most firms either advise on property or handle visa processing. INGWE’s team specializes in both, which means the investment strategy and the immigration pathway are designed together from the start, not pieced together by unrelated firms.

Where a real estate-linked residency program is available, your property purchase is structured to meet immigration requirements. Where it is not, alternative legal pathways are identified and managed in parallel with your acquisition.

Does INGWE offer property viewings or real estate visits?

Yes, exclusively in Panama. INGWE organizes curated, structured visits for clients who want to evaluate the destination before committing to an investment or relocation. Trips are time-optimized and professionally guided. During a Real Estate Tour, clients typically:
  • Meet vetted developers and legal counsel
  • Visit shortlisted properties and neighborhoods
  • Assess local infrastructure: banking, schools, hospitals, lifestyle
  • Understand the practical realities of living or investing in the market
Real Estate Tours are not required, but they are strongly recommended for clients making a significant first investment in a new country.

3. Investment & Costs

What is the minimum investment required to work with INGWE?

Minimum investment varies by program. The figures below represent the minimum capital required by the main programs. INGWE’s advisory and professional fees, plus any additional costs such as government and administrative fees, are separate and are detailed in a formal proposal following an initial consultation.

Program Minimum Investment (No dependents Included)
Nauru Citizenship by Investment From USD 115,000
Canada Start-Up Visa Paused
Panama Friendly Nations Visa USD 200,000 (real estate or bank deposit)
Panama Qualified Investor USD 300,000 to USD 750,000
Caribbean CBI (Dominica, Saint Lucia, Grenada, St. Kitts, Antigua) USD 200,000 to USD 325,000
Italy Investor Visa EUR 250,000 to EUR 2,000,000 (depending on category)
Greece Golden Visa EUR 250,000 to EUR 800,000 (depending on location)
Program Minimum Investment (No dependents Included)
Serbian Citizenship (exceptional contribution) EUR 450,000 recommended donation
***Serbia's exceptional-contribution citizenship is discretionary and case-by-case.
Portugal Golden Visa (Fund Route) EUR 500,000
UAE Golden Visa AED 2,000,000 (approx. USD 550,000)
USA EB-5 (Targeted Employment Area) USD 800,000
Canada Quebec Investor Program (QIIP) CAD 1,200,000 (CAD 1M refundable + CAD 200K contribution)
New Zealand Active Investor Plus NZD 5,000,000 to NZD 10,000,000

***These fees are for reference only and are subject to change at any time by the government. For a full fee breakdown, please contact our office.

What is the cheapest golden visa or citizenship program available in 2026?

In 2026, Nauru’s Citizenship by Investment program has the lowest entry point among programs INGWE offers, starting from approximately USD 115,000. Some Caribbean options, like Dominica, remain quite accessible starting at USD 200,000. Among European golden visas, Greece remains one of the lower-cost routes starting at EUR 250,000 in select regions.

The right program depends on your objectives: global mobility, tax planning, future citizenship, family inclusion, or a specific real estate investment thesis. INGWE matches investment capacity with strategic fit rather than simply lowest cost.

Are INGWE's advisory fees included in the investment minimums?

No. The investment minimums above are government-required program thresholds, capital that flows directly into qualifying investments, properties, or government funds. INGWE’s advisory, legal, and processing fees are charged separately and are detailed in a formal proposal following your initial consultation. Government processing fees, additional donation requirements, translation costs, document legalization, and medical examinations are also separate from the investment minimum and should be budgeted in addition to the capital requirement.

Can I use a loan or retirement account (401k or IRA) to fund an investment program?

In some programs, yes. Financing and retirement-account funding structures are available for specific programs, subject to legal requirements. The right answer depends on your home jurisdiction and the target program.
Loans
Financing is available in select programs. The Quebec Investor Program, for example, allows the guaranteed investment amount to be financed through an authorized financial intermediary. The non-refundable CAD 200,000 government contribution, however, must be paid in full and cannot be financed.   For real estate-linked pathways, financing is available in select destinations such as Panama and the UAE, where local banks extend mortgages to qualifying foreign investors.
Retirement accounts (401k / IRA, for U.S. clients)
For the Portugal Golden Visa, U.S. clients have successfully used 401k funds through a self-directed account structure. This requires creating a self-directed account (SD401K) and a Portuguese LLC with matching names, with funds transferred via SWIFT directly to the qualifying investment fund in Portugal. This is a structured process with specific legal requirements, and INGWE walks U.S. clients through it in detail. Availability of financing varies by program and jurisdiction. Contact INGWE to discuss your specific situation.

Does the investment get returned at the end of the program?

It depends on the program and the investment route chosen. There are three broad categories.
  • Refundable: The QIIP’s CAD 1,000,000 investment is returned after 5 years (without interest). Portugal’s fund route capital is typically returned at the fund’s maturity (approximately 7 to 8 years). Government bonds in programs like Saint Lucia are returned after a 5-year hold.
  • Non-refundable: Donation or contribution routes are non-refundable. Examples include the QIIP’s CAD 200,000 contribution, Caribbean NEF donations, Portugal’s arts donation route, Nauru’s Treasury Fund contribution, and Serbia’s strategic donation.
  • Asset held: Real estate purchases remain your property and can be sold after the required holding period, typically 5 to 7 years depending on the program.

4. Process & Timelines

How does the process work from start to finish?

INGWE’s approach follows a clear, end-to-end sequence. Every engagement moves through the same structured stages, adapted to the specific program and client profile.
  1. Initial Consultation. Assess your goals, financial profile, nationality, and mobility objectives.
  2. Strategy & Program Selection. INGWE builds a custom plan identifying the right program(s) and investment structure for your situation.
  3. Investment Selection & Due Diligence. For real estate programs, INGWE identifies qualifying properties through its developer network. For fund or bond programs, INGWE conducts legal due diligence on the investment vehicle with its regional partners.
  4. Investment Execution or Business Setup. The qualifying investment is completed and proof of funds documentation is generated. For most programs and real estate routes, this happens before submission. For a small number of programs (certain US EB-5 structures and select fund pathways), the investment is staged in parallel with, or shortly after, approval.
  5. Document Preparation. Your legal and immigration team compiles all required documents, including proof of investment, and prepares all forms.
  6. Application Submission. The application is submitted to the relevant government authority with all supporting documents and fees.
  7. Processing & Approval. Government review, due diligence checks, and, in some programs, an interview.
  8. Residency or Citizenship Issuance. Biometric appointments, permit issuance, and passport collection where applicable.
  9. Post-Approval Support. Banking setup, tax registration, relocation support, and ongoing compliance.

How long does it take to get residency or citizenship?

Processing times vary significantly by program. The table below provides general guidelines. Actual timelines depend on government processing volumes and may vary.
Program Approximate Timeline
UAE Golden Visa 2 to 4 weeks (very fast)
Nauru Citizenship by Investment 3 to 4 months
Caribbean CBI 4 to 14 months
Panama Friendly Nations Visa 6 months for the 2-year Temporary Residence (permit issued upon submission and valid during processing.)
Panama Qualified Investor 90 days
Serbia Citizenship (exceptional contribution) 30 to 60 days
Greece Golden Visa 6 to 8 months
Portugal Golden Visa 12 to 18+ months (subject to backlogs)
Italy Investor Visa 90 days
Cyprus Investor Visa 8 months
Program Approximate Timeline
Canada Start-Up Visa (PR) Paused
Canada QIIP (PR) 35 to 72 months
USA EB-5 Varies by nationality

INGWE provides a program-specific timeline estimate during your consultation.

What is the fastest citizenship by investment program in 2026?

Nauru and Panama are amongst the quickest. Nauru is currently one of the fastest direct routes to a second citizenship, with processing of approximately 3 to 4 months and a government contribution starting at USD 115,000 for a single applicant. 

Panama’s Qualified Investor Program is one of the fastest route to permanent residency through investment, granting permanent residency in approximately 90 business days against a qualifying real estate investment starting at USD 300,000. Permanent residency is issued on the first approval, leading to citizenship after 5 years of physical presence. 

The UAE Golden Visa processes are quite fast as well (2 to 4 weeks), but it is a 10-year renewable residency permit and does not lead to a second passport.

Speed should not be the only selection criterion. Due diligence quality, long-term program stability, visa-free access, and jurisdictional reputation all factor into the right choice.

Do I need to live in the country to maintain my residency or citizenship?

This varies by program. Most golden visa programs have minimal or no residency requirements to maintain the permit. Citizenship pathways typically require none or some physical presence, and converting permanent residency to citizenship through naturalization usually requires meaningful time in country.

5. Eligibility & Family

Who is eligible to work with INGWE?

INGWE serves internationally mobile investors, professionals, retirees, entrepreneurs, and families who are seeking to invest globally, obtain residency or a second citizenship, or build a long-term mobility strategy. Most clients have investable capital starting at USD 200,000 and above.

There are no nationality restrictions imposed by INGWE itself, though individual programs may restrict certain nationalities. INGWE assesses eligibility for specific programs during the initial consultation.

Can my family be included in my application?

Yes, in virtually all programs INGWE offers. Most programs allow the inclusion of dependents in a single application, though age and relationship definitions vary. Typical dependents allowed:
  • Spouse or common-law partner
  • Dependent children (age limits vary by program, typically under 18 to 30)
  • Parents or grandparents of the main applicant (age-dependent, often 55+, financially dependent)
  • Unmarried or financially dependent siblings (in some programs, including Nauru)
Family inclusion details vary by program. INGWE outlines exactly which dependents qualify and the associated additional fees during your strategy consultation.

What if I have a previous visa refusal?

A previous visa refusal does not automatically disqualify you. Most programs INGWE offers evaluate applicants on a case-by-case basis, and prior refusals, depending on the reason, do not necessarily prevent approval. Full disclosure of any prior refusals is always required, and INGWE advises on how to address them properly within your application.

Do I need to speak the local language of the destination country?

Most programs INGWE offers have no language requirement for obtaining residency or citizenship. The exceptions are programs that lead to naturalization based citizenship, where language ability may be required at the naturalization stage (not the initial residency stage).
  • No language requirement: Greece Golden Visa, UAE Golden Visa, all Caribbean CBI programs, Nauru, Portugal Golden Visa, Panama, EB-5, QIIP (for the investment phase), Serbia (exceptional contribution), New Zealand Active Investor Plus.
  • Language required: Canada Start-Up Visa (CLB Level 5 in English or French). QIIP requires Level 7 French proficiency. Most EU citizenship by naturalization pathways require demonstrated language proficiency, typically at A2 or B1 level on the Common European Framework of Reference (CEFR), as part of the qualifying criteria.
Note that language requirements for eventual citizenship may differ from those for the initial residency or investment program.

6. Residency vs. Citizenship

What is the difference between residency by investment and citizenship by investment?

Residency by investment grants you the right to live, and often work and study in a country, typically renewable and sometimes leading to citizenship after 5 to 10 years of legal residence. Citizenship by investment grants full citizenship directly, usually within 3 to 18 months, including a passport and voting rights.
Feature Difference
Outcome Residency grants a permit. Citizenship grants a passport.
Timeline Residency: 2 weeks to 2 years. Citizenship: typically 3 to 18 months (direct CBI).
Pathway to passport Residency programs lead to citizenship only after years of qualifying residence. CBI grants citizenship directly.
Physical presence Most residency programs require some presence to become a citizen. Most CBI programs require none.
Cost Costs vary significantly by program. Direct citizenship by investment (CBI) programs often have lower upfront costs than residency-by-investment paths that lead to citizenship through naturalization, because they are priced as a one-time qualifying contribution rather than a multi-year residency commitment with renewal fees, naturalization fees, and language certification costs layered on top.
Typical use case Residency: relocation, tax planning, future citizenship. CBI: global mobility, travel freedom, family security.

Can I hold dual or multiple citizenships?

Dual citizenship rules depend on both your current country and your destination country. Many destinations, including Canada, Portugal, Greece, Italy, Malta, and several Caribbean CBI jurisdictions, allow dual citizenship, while countries such as China, India, and Japan generally do not. INGWE reviews your current citizenship rules as part of the initial consultation to confirm compatibility with the target program.

What is a Golden Visa, and how is it different from a second passport?

A Golden Visa is a colloquial term for a residency by investment permit, typically granted by European countries (Portugal, Greece, Spain, Malta) and others like the UAE. A Golden Visa lets you live, work, and travel with rights in the issuing country. A second passport is granted under a Citizenship by Investment program and gives you full nationality, including visa-free travel on that country’s passport. A Golden Visa can lead to citizenship after a qualifying period of residence. A second passport is immediate citizenship. Many clients pursue both: a Golden Visa for lifestyle and tax planning, and a Caribbean or Nauru passport for global mobility.

7. Tax, Banking & Post-Approval

Does INGWE help with banking setup in the destination country?

Yes. Offshore bank account setup and assistance with opening accounts in the destination country are part of INGWE’s post-approval support. For many programs, particularly Portugal, Panama, and UAE, opening a local bank account is a practical or legal requirement, and INGWE’s in-market partner network facilitates this process.

Will I be required to pay taxes in the destination country?

Holding a golden visa or residency permit does not automatically make you a tax resident. Tax residency is generally triggered by physical presence, typically 183 days or more per year. Most golden visa holders who spend less than 183 days per year in the destination country are not required to pay local income taxes on their worldwide income. Many of INGWE’s destination markets offer favorable tax regimes:
  • UAE: No personal income tax.
  • Panama: Territorial taxation. Foreign-sourced income is not taxed.
  • Caribbean CBI countries: Generally no tax on global income.
  • Nauru: No tax on global income, inheritance, or capital gains.
  • Portugal: Special tax regimes available for new residents.
  • Greece: Flat tax options available for high-net-worth residents.
Important: Tax implications are complex and jurisdiction-specific. INGWE strongly recommends consulting a qualified cross-border tax advisor. INGWE does not provide tax advice.

Does obtaining a golden visa or second citizenship affect my home country taxes?

That depends on your country of origin, the specific program, and whether you physically relocate. Golden visas and citizenship by investment do not, by themselves, alter your home country tax position. What changes the position is where you spend time and whether you sever tax residency in your home country.
  • Canadian residents remain subject to Canadian tax on worldwide income until they formally sever their tax residency ties with Canada.
  • U.S. citizens are taxed on worldwide income regardless of residency, due to citizenship-based taxation.
  • Other nationalities vary. Most countries use residence-based taxation, so physically relocating and meeting local exit requirements can legally reduce your tax obligations.
Important: This is a legally and financially sensitive area. INGWE advises all clients to engage a qualified cross-border tax professional before making residency or citizenship decisions for tax purposes. INGWE does not provide tax advice.

8. Requirements & Due Diligence

Are there health or background check requirements?

Yes, for most programs. Investment migration programs universally require a clean criminal record and some form of background verification. Some programs add medical examination requirements.

  • Background check: A clean criminal record and police clearance certificate(s) from your home country, and any country where you have lived for six months or more, are required in virtually all programs.
  • Medical examination: Required by most programs as part of public health and admissibility screening.
  • Due diligence: Most investment programs conduct thorough international due diligence on all applicants as part of their national security and program integrity process.
  • Source of funds: All programs require documentary proof of the lawful source of investment capital.

How does INGWE protect my privacy and personal information?

Confidentiality is a foundational principle at INGWE, not a footnote. Every client interaction, financial profile, and personal circumstance is treated with absolute discretion, regardless of profile or origin. INGWE does not disclose client information to third parties beyond what is legally required for program applications. All network partners, developers, and local legal teams are bound by the same confidentiality standards. For clients with elevated privacy requirements (public figures, business owners, politically exposed persons), INGWE is experienced in structuring engagements accordingly.

9. Specific Programs

What is the Panama Qualified Investor program?

The Panama Qualified Investor Program is a residency by investment route that grants permanent residency in approximately 90 business days against a qualifying investment, making it one of the fastest direct paths to permanent residency worldwide. Permanent residency is issued on the first approval, with no temporary residency stage required. Key facts:
  • Real estate route: from USD 300,000 in qualifying Panamanian real estate
  • Fixed-term deposit route: from USD 750,000 in a 5-year deposit with a licensed Panamanian bank
  • Securities route: from USD 750,000 invested through the Panama Stock Exchange
  • Processing time: approximately 90 business days
  • No prior visit to Panama required, the application can be filed remotely through a Panamanian attorney
  • Family inclusion: spouse, dependent children, and in many cases dependent parents
  • Path to Panamanian citizenship: eligible to apply after 5 years of permanent residency, subject to physical presence and other naturalization criteria
  • Use of the program: Panama is a US dollar-based, territorial-tax economy, and home of world renowned free zones, which makes the Qualified Investor route particularly relevant for clients seeking a stable base alongside their broader mobility plan.

What is the Panama Friendly Nations program?

The Panama Friendly Nations Visa is a residency program for citizens of approximately 50 designated “friendly nations” (including the United States, Canada, the United Kingdom, EU member states, Australia, New Zealand, and select Asian and Latin American countries) that grants two years of temporary residency, convertible to permanent residency thereafter. 

Key facts:

  • Eligibility: must hold a passport from one of the approximately 50 designated friendly nations
  • Real estate route: purchase of Panamanian real estate from USD 200,000
  • Fixed-term deposit route: USD 200,000 in a 3-year deposit with a Panamanian bank
  • Employment route: a verified job offer with a Panamanian employer
  • Initial result: 2-year temporary residency permit
  • Conversion: eligible to convert to permanent residency after the 2-year period, subject to maintaining the qualifying basis
  • Path to Panamanian citizenship: eligible to apply after 5 years of permanent residency
  • Family inclusion: spouse, dependent children, and dependent parents
  • Processing time: typically 3 to 6 months for the initial 2-year permit

Use of the program: lower investment threshold than the Qualified Investor route, making it the more accessible option for eligible nationals who want a long-term Panama base without committing the higher capital required for the fast-track Qualified Investor permit

What is the Portugal Golden Visa, and how does it work in 2026?

The Portugal Golden Visa is a residency by investment program that grants a renewable residence permit in exchange for a qualifying investment in Portugal. After five years of legal residency, eligible holders can apply for Portuguese citizenship, which provides a passport with visa-free access to the European Union.

Key facts (2026):

  • Real estate investment is no longer a qualifying route (closed in 2023)
  • Fund investment remains available from EUR 500,000 (most common route)
  • Arts and cultural heritage donation routes are available at lower thresholds
  • Minimum physical presence: 7 days in year one, 14 days per subsequent 2-year period
  • Citizenship eligibility after legal residency
  • Processing time in 2026: 12 to 18+ months, subject to backlogs
  • Family inclusion: spouse, dependent children, dependent parents

What is the US EB-5 Immigrant Investor Program?

The EB-5 Immigrant Investor Program is a United States visa category that grants conditional green cards to foreign investors who invest in a US business that creates or preserves at least 10 full-time jobs for American workers. Conditional permanent residency is typically granted within 1 to 3 years, converting to unconditional permanent residency after meeting job creation requirements.

Key facts:

  • Minimum investment: USD 800,000 in a Targeted Employment Area (TEA); USD 1,050,000 otherwise
  • Must create or preserve at least 10 full-time US jobs per investor
  • Pathway to US citizenship: 5 years after green card issuance
  • No language requirement, no education requirement
  • Family inclusion: spouse and unmarried children under 21
  • INGWE is a USCIS Registered EB-5 Investment Agent

What is the Nauru Citizenship by Investment program?

The Nauru Citizenship by Investment Program, launched in late 2024 and legally based on Nauru Act No. 15, allows high-net-worth investors and their families to obtain second citizenship by making a non-refundable contribution to the Treasury Fund. Proceeds support Nauru’s national development goals, including environmental initiatives, public services, and infrastructure. INGWE is a Nauru Certified Agent. Key benefits:
  • Visa-free or visa-on-arrival access to 89 countries, including the UK, Ireland, UAE, Hong Kong, and Singapore
  • No tax on global income, inheritance, or capital gains
  • No residency requirement before, during, or after citizenship
  • Citizenship for the whole family (spouse, children up to 30, dependent parents 55+, financially dependent unmarried siblings)
  • Complete confidentiality: names of new citizens are not disclosed publicly
  • Remote application process: can be obtained from anywhere in the world
  • Cryptocurrency may be recognized as a legitimate source of funds
  • Processing time: 3 to 4 months
  • Minimum investment: from USD 115,000

Which Caribbean Citizenship by Investment program is best?

There is no single best Caribbean CBI program. The right choice depends on your objectives: cost, processing speed, family structure, visa-free access, and post-citizenship residency plans. INGWE actively works with five Caribbean jurisdictions.
Program Key Features
Dominica Among the most affordable. Donation route from USD 200,000 (single applicant). Processing in 4 to 6 months. Strong visa-free access to Schengen and UK.
Saint Lucia NEF donation from USD 240,000 (single applicant). Processing in 6 to 14 months. Includes bond route option.
Grenada Visa-free access to China. Eligibility for USA E-2 Treaty Investor Visa. Donation route from USD 235,000.
Antigua and Barbuda Family-friendly structure. University of the West Indies fund option favorable for large families. Donation from USD 230,000.
Saint Kitts and Nevis Oldest and most established CBI program (since 1984). Premium reputation. Sustainable Island State Contribution from USD 250,000.
Note: Recent EU and US measures have reduced or removed visa-free or immigrant-visa access for some Caribbean CBI jurisdictions, so travel and residency rights should be checked on a destination-by-destination basis. INGWE confirms current program status and US entry implications during consultation.

10. Getting Started

How do I get started with INGWE?

The first step is a private, confidential consultation with Reza and the INGWE team. There is no obligation at the consultation stage. INGWE only recommends a program if it genuinely fits your goals. During your initial consultation, INGWE will:
  • Assess your objectives, financial profile, and timeline
  • Review your eligibility for relevant programs
  • Identify the right investment and immigration strategy for your situation
  • Outline the process, costs, and next steps

Is there a cost or obligation for an initial consultation?

There is no obligation at the consultation stage. INGWE will only recommend a program if it genuinely fits your goals. Full advisory, legal, and processing fees are presented transparently in a formal written proposal following the consultation, separate from the investment capital requirement of the chosen program.

Still Have Questions About Your Situation?

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