News.

May 5th., 2021

New Start-Up Visa Program (CSUV) - Venture Capital Stream

The benefits of CSUV - Venture Capital Program are as follows: 

  • Direct route to Permanent Residency (applicant, spouse, and dependents);

  • Applicant can live anywhere in Canada;

  • Fast, 24-hour initial client screening;

  • Small initial payment (CAD $50,000), with the balance due upon Letter of Support issuance;

  • Unique, practical, and innovative business concepts;

  • We will help to develop the applicants' business with websites, logos, and other corporate materials;

  • Venture Capital stream businesses are the furthest advanced, best developed, and may be already-functioning (early-stage);

  • Investor groups are logical, complimentary, cohesive, and comprised of 3-5 applicants with connections or common interests;

  • The government-approved venture capital fund will invest a minimum of $200,000 in the applicants' business;

  • Applicants will each own an average of 15-20% of the business;

  • Minimal interviews are required, and all interviews are conducted by our Canadian partner staff;

  • We will prepare a comprehensive submission letter to accompany the federal file;

  • We will monitor the processing of all clients' IRCC applications;

  • We will legally challenge any IRCC decision with which we are not in agreement;

  • In the unlikely case of refusal, we will investigate and transfer the client into a second project at no additional cost;

  • No detailed source or path of funds documentation is required;

  • The Letter of Support will be issued in approx. 3 months; and

  • Federal processing is presently being concluded within 12 months.


We continue to market the very popular Angel Investor stream and currently have 5 pre-approved Angel projects ready for clients' investments, leading to fast Letters of Support.

The CSUV is a fast, simple and very convenient way for our clients to obtain Canadian Permanent Residence. 

Please contact us for further details.

May 23, 2021

Portugal: Time To Act Now – Ahead Of Portugal Golden Visa Changes – Early '22

Now is the time to act, before the changes detailed below, in relation to applying for a Portuguese Golden Visa, come into effect on 1st January 2022.

Background

Forthcoming changes to the Portugal Golden Visa are designed to drive investment towards Portugal's low-density population areas, relieving pressure on higher density areas such as Lisbon, Oporto and the Algarve.

Investment levels will also be increasing for each of the Golden Visa routes.

Changes Regarding Real Estate

As from January 2022, investors will be blocked from buying residential properties in high-density areas such as Lisbon, Porto, and the Algarve, as well as in coastal areas such as Setubal and the Silver Coast. If you are specifically interested in purchasing a property in one of these areas, now is the time to do so, before the changes come into effect. The restrictions are not applicable to commercial properties.

Other areas of Portugal, however, do offer attractive investment potential, for example; the Douro Valley, Aljezur, Peneda-Gerês, and Madeira.

  • To meet the new rules, individuals will need to invest a minimum €500,000 in real estate. However, individuals need only invest €350,000 in a property that is at least 30 years old which will be refurbished, or €280,000, if that same property is also located in a low-density area .

Changes to Other Investments

As of 1st January 2022, investment in any one of the non-real estate routes, will be required at the increased levels, as detailed below:

  • Investment by capital transfer will increase from €1,000,000 to €1,500,000; or

  • Investment by capital transfer in research activities, will increase from €350,000 to €500,000; or

  • Investment by capital transfer for the acquisition of units of investment funds or venture capital funds, designated for the capitalisation of companies, will increase from €350,000 to €500,000; or

  • Investment by capital transfer through the establishment of a commercial company with a head office in Portugal, and the creation of a minimum of five permanent jobs, will increase from €350,000, to €500,000.

Golden Visa Renewals

The renewal of Golden Visa permits, granted prior to 1st January 2022, will not be affected by the changes detailed above.

Acceleration of the Processing Time for Golden Visa Applications

The Portuguese Government has also announced that Golden Visa applications will now be digitalized. All documents are to be submitted digitally, and the issue of the relevant Portuguese Individual Tax Number, will also be managed digitally. This change will help reduce bureaucracy and result in a faster application process.

Summary and Indicated Action

  • If you are considering applying for a Portuguese Golden Visa, now is the time to act.

June 27, 2021

What vaccinated travelers need to know before entering Canada

By Mohanad Moetaz


As part of Canada’s phased approach to easing border measures, fully vaccinated travelers who are exempt from travel restrictions will not need to quarantine nor will they need to take a COVID-19 test on day-8, beginning on July 5, 2021 at 11:59 p.m. EDT.

Vaccinated travelers coming to Canada before that date will still need to quarantine.

Canadians, permanent residents and their family members as well as some temporary foreign workers and international students who attend an educational institution with a COVID-19 readiness plan are exempt from the travel restrictions.

In addition, holders of a valid Confirmation of Permanent Residence (COPR) are now also exempt, and may travel to Canada.

Canada’s health minister Patty Hajdu said that Canada is working on a “proof of vaccination” that will be accepted by the federal government.

To be considered fully vaccinated in Canada, you must have received vaccines approved by the Canadian government. This means you should have received two doses of the Pfizer, Moderna or AstraZeneca vaccines, or one dose of the Janssen vaccine, or approved combinations, at least 14 days before entering Canada.

If you received two doses from two different provinces, make sure you have the required documentation for both doses.

Here is what you need to know if you are planning to travel to Canada soon.

Before you travel to Canada

You will need to plan your quarantine before coming to Canada, in case you do not meet the entry requirements for fully vaccinated travelers.

Within 72 hours prior to arriving in Canada, you must take a COVID-19 test. You must also pre-register for your COVID-19 test upon arrival.

Make sure you download the ArriveCAN mobile application. You must enter the following details into the application:

  • your contact and travel information;

  • your quarantine plan;

  • your 14-day travel history;

  • your proof of vaccination in English or French;

  • a COVID-19 symptom self-assessment; and

  • a confirmation of a negative COVID-19 test result or a positive result taken between 14 and 90 days before travelling.

 

Bring your documents with you, including a digital or paper copy of a proof of vaccination.

The ArriveCAN mobile application is available for download on the Apple App Store as well as the Google Play Store.

If you do not have a smart phone, or if you will not have data while travelling, you can enter the required information on the ArriveCAN website, and bring a printed copy or screenshot with you.

At the Canada border

When you arrive in Canada, you may be asked to provide information and documents, such as a negative COVID-19 test and a proof of vaccination.

As you approach the border officer, make sure you have the ArriveCAN receipt ready on your phone. You may be asked to show this receipt to the officer.

You will also have to answer eligibility and health screening questions as well as questions about your vaccination.

Where testing services are available upon arrival, you will have to complete your COVID-19 test on-site. Otherwise, you will be asked to collect a home test kit to use when you arrive at your final destination.

If you are showing symptoms of COVID-19, or if you are found to not be exempt from the travel restrictions, you must follow the instructions given to you by the government representative.

After you arrive in Canada

If you are exempt from the travel restrictions, are not showing any symptoms of the virus and you are fully vaccinated, you will not need to stay at a government-approved hotel. You will also not need to quarantine nor will you need to take another test on the eighth day after arrival.