Africa is a playground for foreign investment. African countries are eager attract foreign direct investment to grow their infrastructure and economy. Wealth is fast growing in Africa as a result of urbanisation, and high return real estate market. Many countries offer visas for investment to foreigners investing in local economy. The Government actively promotes foreign investment by offering incentives such as tax breaks, reduced regulations, and special economic zones to attract businesses.
We unveil a list of investment linked visa programs, available for foreign investors in African nations.
1.Angola
A Privileged Visa is granted to foreign citizens who are investors or to representatives or attorneys of investing companies and it is intended to allow its holder to enter the Angolan national territory for the purpose of implementing and carrying out an approved investment proposal, in accordance with the Private Investment Law.
2.Botswana
Investment visa is issued to business people who regularly visit Botswana as directors of companies based in the country. It is also issued to individuals who have investment projects in Botswana. The Investment visa authorizes the holder to enter Botswana for investment purposes for a period of up to five (5) years.
3.Mauritius
Mauritius requires a minimum investment of USD 50,000 in a business activity to get 10 year residence visa . This scheme is promoted by Mauritius Economic Board. A foreign investor who invests at least USD 375,000 in Real estate or a qualifying business activity is eligible to apply for a permanent residence permit. An exclusive 20-year residency is given to ensure you settle and your business is proactive.
4. Seychelles
An investor is eligible to apply for Permanent Residence by Investment by have made an investment of USD 1 million or more in a business in Seychelles. An investor who has been granted a Permanent Residence Permit or Citizenship and wishes to be accompanied by spouse and children will need to apply for a Dependent’s Permit. This Permit will allow spouse and children who are not of school age (0 to 3 years) to live in Seychelles.
5.Ethiopia
The Investment visa (IV) issued for Foreign investors. This is a visa issued to foreign Nationals who are engaged in investment activities. It can also be issued to potential investors who wish to come and invest in Ethiopia. This visa can be applied online and can be extended within Ethiopia.
6.South Africa
South Africa grants residence permit to foreigners who are contemplating investing in the South African economy by establishing a business or by investing in an existing business in the country. They must apply for a business visa, if it is his or her intention to be employed in the business. At least R5 000 000 in cash and capital to be invested in the Republic.
7.Kenya
An investor registered with Kenya Investment Authority obtains an Investment Certificate upon request and proof of investment of at least 100 000 USD or its equivalent for a foreign investor and 1 000 000 KES or its equivalent for a local investor. The investor is entitled to three class D entry permits for management or technical staff and three class C, F or G entry permits for owners, shareholders or partners for a maximum period of two years.
The Directorate of immigration and registration of persons is responsible for the issuance of the several classes of permits and passes. Kenya Investment Authority is mandated under the Investment Promotion Act to facilitate foreign investors with projects worth 100 000 USD dollars to obtain permits and passes.
8. Egypt
Egypt offers citizenship by investment to foreign investors, who make the following investments in the country. Egypt is richest nations in Africa with high GDP growth and strong economy and lucrative property market.
- Real Estate – $300,000 (property investment)
- Treasury Donation – $250,000 (non recoverable)
- Bank deposit – $500,000 (recoverable)
- Business – US$ 350,000 (40% share atleast, recoverable)
9. Ghana
Ghana has enjoyed increasingly stable and deepening democratic governance and a best place for doing business in West Africa. The Ghana business visa provides investment opportunities for foreigners to invest in Ghana and settle there
10.Morocco
Morocco grants visa for investors. To apply for this visa, a recommendation from the Directorate of Foreign Investment or a trade association or a competent authority or guardianship of Regional Investment Centers (ICC) or a Moroccan or foreign investor partner established in Morocco. The Moroccan Agency for Investment and Export Development is responsible for promoting national and international investments as well as the export of goods and services. The agency is committed to supporting all economic sectors throughout their life cycle.
11.Cape Verde
According to Cape Verde Citizenship Act 2003, Person who makes a sizable investment of USD 200,000 or more in Cape Verde may be granted citizenship without the residency requirement. Residence Permit 5 years (renewable). Cape Verdean citizens can acquire citizenship of another country without losing their citizenship of origin. Naturalization can be granted to the foreigner who normally resides in Cape Verdean territory for at least five years, who is considered of age or emancipated by the State laws of Cape Verde, has moral or civil fitness, has capacity to take care of him/herself and provide for him/herself.
12.Zambia
A Zambia Investor’s Permit is issued to a foreigner (above the age of 18 years) intending to establish a business or invest in Zambia or who has established or invested in a business in Zambia, or is joining an already existing company. US$250,000 for a new business and US$150,000 if joining an existing company.
13.Malawi
The Business residence permit which authorizes a person to reside in Malawi for the purpose of carrying on, practicing or engaging in such business, profession or occupation for gain, profit or reward as self-employed person or a partner or proprietor. Any investor investing any amount equal to or above US$50,000 shall make application for an Investment certificate from Malawi Investment and Trade Centre (MITC). .The permit is valid for 5 years from date of approval and is renewable for successive period of 5 years.
14.Mozambique
Investment visa issued to holder to enter national territory for the purpose of implementing investment projects in the amount of US $ 500,000 or more, approved by the competent authority. It can be filed e-visa online
15.Nigeria
Nigeria offers special N3A – Investor Visa (Small Scale Enterprise), issued to potenal small enterprise investors who wish to invest in Nigeria. Residence permit (5 years) renewable.
- Evidence of US$250 000 to US$500 000 as importation and retention of investors capital,
- Police report from countries in which applicant was resident in the last 5 years.
- Documentary proof of investment in Nigeria
16.Rwanda
Rwanda offers investor visa to foreign investors in different categories
- A1: Investor (Minerals, Mining and Other related activities)
- A3-1: Investor-recurring applicant applicant (Minerals, Mining and other related activities)
- B1: Investor (Agricultural products, animal husbandry and other related activities)
- B3-1: Investor-Recurring applicant (Agricultural products animal, husbandry and other related activities)
- F1: Investor (Engaged in manufacturing)
- F3-1: Investor-Recurring applicant (Engaged in manufacturing)
- O1: Investor (Invests in hospitality sector and other related activities)
- O3-1: Investor-recurring applicant (Invests in hospitality sectored other related activities)
- W1: Investor (Engaged in information technology and other related activities)
- W3-1: Investor-recurring applicant (Engaged in information technology and other related activites)
- X1: Investor (Invests in transport and logistics or other related activities)
- X3-1: Investor-recurring applicant (Invests in transport and logistics or other related activities)
- Z1: Investor (Intends to invest in any other sector of economy not mentioned in the aforementioned order)
- Z3-1: Investor (Intends to invest in any other sector of economy not mentioned in the aforementioned order)
REQUIREMENTS
* Detailed Curriculum Vitae.
* Full Business registration certificate.
* Investment certificate of the company.
* The original police clearance from the country of the previous residence of six months.
17.Tanzania
Residence Permit Class A may be granted to a person who intends to reside in Tanzania and engage in trade, Business, Profession, Agriculture, Animal husbandry, prospecting of Minerals or manufacturing.
Residence Permits are categorised depending on the nature and scale in which the holder intends to undertake. Basically, there are three types of residence permits, namely :-
Class A: For self –employed foreigners (investors)
Class B: For expatriates working in company/ private institutions.
Class C: For other class of foreigners such as researchers, retired persons, Missionaries, Volunteers etc.
The maximum validity of any class of Residence Permit will not exceed two years, and it may be renewable.
18.Tunisia
The investors’ support cell in the Ministry of Foreign Investment assists foreign investors and entrepreneurs in their efforts to obtain their residence permit in Tunisia. The residence permit is normally granted for a period of 2 years on a renewable basis, and must be renewed each time a work contract is renewed. Each renewal may be valid for up to 5 years. The residence permit is granted by the Directorate General of National Security in the Ministry of the Interior. The One Stop Shop at APII (Tunis, Sousse or Sfax) grants foreign investors and entrepreneurs their residence cards.
19.Uganda
Uganda Investment Authority issues the Investment Licence to both domestic and foreign companies. Acquiring an Investment licence from the Uganda Investment Agency is a mandatory requirement for foreign investors as it is the instrument that legalises the investment in Uganda. Companies need to meet the threshold i.e. US$ 50,000 for domestic investors and US$ 250,000 for foreign investors. Please note that some sectors require regulatory licenses e.g. mining, manufacture of drugs, before applying for an investment license. All foreign nationals intending to work in Uganda must ensure that they are in possession of the relevant work permit.
20.Zambia
An Investor’s Permit is issued to a foreigner (above the age of 18 years) intending to establish a business or invest in Zambia or who has established or invested in a business in Zambia, or is joining an already existing company. Proof of personal investment amounting to US$250,000 for a new business and US$150,000 if joining an existing company
21.Zimbabwe
The Investor Residence Permit is issued to foreign shareholders in a locally registered company who have indicated a commitment to invest at least USD 200,000 each (or the equivalent in your home currency) and have adequate proof of access to said funds.
