Investment Visa Cost Calculator

The True Cost of Investment Visa Programs

Immigration through investment programs like EB-5 has become increasingly popular as wealthy individuals and families seek residency or permanent status in developed countries. While the headline investment amount ($1.05 million for EB-5, €280,000 for Portugal, etc.) receives most attention, the true cost of obtaining an investment visa extends far beyond the principal investment. Professional fees, government filing costs, travel expenses, and opportunity costs during processing can easily add $50,000-$150,000 to the headline investment amount. Understanding the complete cost picture helps applicants make informed decisions about whether investment immigration makes financial sense compared to other residency pathways or staying in their home country.

The EB-5 Program: America's Investment Visa

The EB-5 Immigrant Investor Program is the most well-known investment visa pathway for the United States. It requires investing $1,050,000 ($800,000 if invested in a Targeted Employment Area) that must create at least 10 full-time jobs for American workers. The investment is typically made through a Regional Center project, which pools investor capital for business ventures or real estate developments. Unlike tourist visas, EB-5 investors and their immediate family gain permanent resident status (green card), leading to potential citizenship after five years.

The typical EB-5 process takes 2-4 years from application to receiving the green card, though processing times vary dramatically depending on visa category and country of origin. Applicants from mainland China, for example, may wait 10-15+ years due to per-country visa limits and processing backlogs.

Cost Structure of Investment Visa Programs

The total cost of an investment visa can be broken down into several components:

Where TC is total cost, PI is primary investment amount, PF is professional/government fees, TE is travel expenses, OC is opportunity costs (returns foregone), and AM is annual maintenance fees times validity period V.

Professional Fees in Investment Immigration

Immigration Attorneys: $10,000-$30,000. Complex cases or applicants with criminal history, tax issues, or visa refusal history may cost significantly more. Some attorneys charge on retainer basis; others charge hourly at $300-500/hour.

Regional Center Fees (EB-5 specific): $40,000-$75,000. This fee covers the investment through the regional center project and includes compliance review, application preparation, and ongoing reporting.

Accountants/Financial Advisors: $3,000-$10,000. Needed to prepare financial documents proving source of funds and legitimacy of investment capital, which is one of the most heavily scrutinized aspects of any investment visa application.

Visa Processing Fees: $3,500-$5,000. Government filing fees; amounts vary by visa program and location.

Document Preparation and Translation: $2,000-$5,000. International applicants must translate educational credentials, marriage certificates, business documents, and financial records into English.

Worked Example: Complete EB-5 Investment Timeline and Costs

A Chinese entrepreneur applies for EB-5 sponsorship for himself and his spouse:

Investment Amount: $1,050,000 (direct investment in business creating 10 jobs)

Professional and Processing Fees:

• Immigration attorney: $20,000
• Regional center/project fee: $60,000
• CPA for financial documentation: $8,000
• Government filing and medical: $4,000
• Document translation: $3,000
• Background checks and other: $1,000
• Subtotal: $96,000

Travel and Miscellaneous:

• Three visa interview trips (China to USA): $12,000
• Housing setup in new location: $15,000
• Additional family members (spouse): $2,000
• Subtotal: $29,000

Opportunity Cost (24-month processing):

• Investment could have earned 5% annually: $1,050,000 × 5% × 2 years = $105,000
• Capital unavailable for business/other investments during processing

Total Out-of-Pocket Cost: $96,000 + $29,000 = $125,000

Total Effective Cost (including opportunity cost): $230,000

Cost Per Family Member: $230,000 ÷ 2 = $115,000

The applicant is investing $1.05 million for residency status for two people, with total out-of-pocket costs of $125,000 and opportunity costs of approximately $105,000, making the effective cost closer to $230,000 for a green card lasting 10 years (eventually renewable or leading to citizenship).

Comparison Table: Investment Requirements by Country/Visa Type

Program	Primary Investment	Typical Prof. Fees	Timeline	Status Granted	Family Included
EB-5 (USA Direct)	$1,050,000	$90,000-$120,000	24-48 months	Green Card	Spouse & Children
EB-5 (Targeted Area)	$800,000	$90,000-$120,000	24-48 months	Green Card	Spouse & Children
Portugal Investor Visa	€280,000-€500,000	$30,000-$50,000	6-12 months	Residency	Spouse & Dependent Children
Malta Residency	€300,000-€400,000	$20,000-$35,000	3-6 months	Residency	Family members
Turkey Citizenship	$250,000-$500,000	$10,000-$25,000	6-12 months	Citizenship	Family included
Singapore PR	SGD $2.5M (≈$1.85M)	$50,000-$80,000	12-18 months	Permanent Residency	Dependents

Critical Considerations Beyond Dollar Cost

Source of Funds Documentation: Immigration authorities require proof that investment capital comes from legitimate sources. Complex financial backgrounds (business ownership, inheritance, cryptocurrency profits) may require expensive audits, accountant declarations, or additional professional review.

Tax Implications: Investing capital in a foreign country has tax consequences. US citizens must report worldwide income even if living abroad. Applicants may need international tax planning adding $5,000-$20,000 in professional fees.

Processing Time Risk: EB-5 processing has experienced significant backlogs (currently 20+ years for mainland China applicants). Delays mean capital remains invested/unavailable longer, and visa category backlogs can change, affecting family members differently.

Investment Performance Risk: EB-5 investments are at-risk investments. While the 10-job requirement must be met, there's no guarantee the investment will be profitable or that capital will be returned. Some regional center projects fail, resulting in complete loss of the $1.05 million investment and denial of the visa petition.

Residency vs. Citizenship: Many investment visa programs grant residency, not citizenship. A €280,000 Portugal investor visa grants residency but doesn't guarantee Portuguese citizenship (usually 5-6 years of residency required). This affects tax liability and benefits duration.

ROI Calculation: When Does Investment Immigration Make Sense?

Investment immigration makes financial sense when the cost of obtaining residency/citizenship through investment is lower than alternative paths or when the residency itself has value beyond the direct financial return.

Example: A wealthy Chinese entrepreneur considering EB-5 should compare:

• EB-5 total cost: $1.175 million (investment + fees) with uncertain timeline and investment returns
• Alternative: Pay $250,000 for Turkey citizenship (not requiring ongoing residency) plus maintain business in China
• Alternative: Pay $50,000+ for marriage visa if family connections exist to desired country

If the goal is US permanent residency for the entrepreneur's family, EB-5 may be necessary despite cost. If the goal is international mobility and options, alternative paths may offer better value.

Key Assumptions and Limitations

• Professional fees vary widely: Highly dependent on case complexity, attorney experience, and location.
• Processing times uncertain: Government processing timelines are notoriously unpredictable; backlogs can expand dramatically.
• Exchange rates: Programs priced in foreign currencies fluctuate; assumes constant exchange rates.
• Investment return uncertain: Calculator assumes specified return percentages; actual returns may be lower, zero, or negative.
• Tax treatment varies: Calculator doesn't include investment income taxes or foreign tax implications.
• Success not guaranteed: Investment visa applications can be denied; fees are often non-refundable even if visa denied.
• Currency risk: Long processing periods mean investment currency exposure to exchange rate fluctuations.
• Political/regulatory risk: Visa programs change (EB-5 has been subject to cap increases and program suspensions historically).
• No citizenship guarantee: Residency visa may not lead to citizenship; renewal or maintenance may require additional costs.

Making the Investment Immigration Decision

Investment immigration is appropriate for individuals who genuinely need residency in a specific country and have sufficient capital that the investment amount is not a significant portion of their total wealth. For individuals viewing this as an investment opportunity to generate returns, traditional investments typically offer better risk-adjusted returns. The value lies in obtaining a status (permanent residency, citizenship) that provides options, security, and family protection—not in the financial returns of the investment itself.