Permanent Residency and a Family Legacy in the United States
EB-5 United States
The United States EB-5 program is the most direct and established legal route for high-net-worth investors and their families to obtain permanent residency (a Green Card). Unlike temporary or trade visas, EB-5 allows a definitive move to life in the United States by putting capital into projects that drive the economy and create jobs. Under a rigorous regulatory framework, it stands out for granting complete freedom to live, study and work in any state in the country — which makes it the global mobility solution par excellence.
- Minimum investment: from USD 800,000.
- Processing time: approx. 24 to 36 months.
- Minimum stay: you must maintain the intention to reside in the United States.
- Family: extends to your spouse and unmarried children under 21.
- Grants an initial conditional Green Card, convertible to full permanent residency.
Eligible Investment Routes
From USD 800,000
From USD 800,000
From USD 1,050,000
From USD 800,000
Projects in TEA Zones
Passive investment through a USCIS-approved Regional Center in a Targeted Employment Area (rural or high-unemployment). It is the most chosen route, for its simpler administration and its flexibility in meeting the requirement of 10 jobs.
From USD 800,000
Direct Investment in TEA Zones
For investors who want to run or keep direct operational control of their own business, franchise or new branch, strategically located in a qualifying rural or high-unemployment area.
From USD 1,050,000
Standard Investment in Non-TEA Zones
Applies to projects or direct investments anywhere in the United States that does not qualify as a high-unemployment or rural area: major cities or premium commercial districts.
Eligibility Criteria and Requirements
- Prove exhaustively and unambiguously the lawful origin and legal traceability of the capital to be invested.
- The chosen project must create at least 10 full-time jobs for qualified United States workers.
- Dependent children included in the application must be unmarried and under 21 at the time of filing.
- No criminal record and no prior immigration violations in the United States.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is a “Regional Center” in the EB-5 program?
They are public or private economic entities designated and regulated directly by USCIS. Their role is to manage investors' funds and channel them into large real estate or infrastructure projects, which makes it easier to meet the job creation requirement indirectly.
Does the EB-5 visa affect my worldwide tax obligations?
Yes. On obtaining a Green Card you automatically become a United States tax resident, which means you must report and pay tax on your worldwide income. International tax planning with our team before residency is granted is essential.
What happens if the project does not create the 10 required jobs?
Job creation is an essential requirement for removing the conditions on the Green Card after two years. That is why at AIM Global we run rigorous due diligence beforehand, selecting only Regional Center projects with a solid compliance record and a wide margin on job creation.
Can I live in a different state from where the investment is made?
Absolutely. If you take the Regional Center route your investment is passive, which leaves you completely free to live, study, retire or start businesses in any city or state in the country, regardless of where the project itself is located.
How does EB-5 differ from an E-2 investor visa?
The key difference is the permanence of the status. The E-2 is a non-immigrant (temporary) visa that requires you to actively run a business and does not lead directly to residency. EB-5, by contrast, grants a Green Card — permanent residency — directly to the investor and their family, with complete freedom to live and work anywhere, and no obligation to run a company day to day.
How long does the investment have to stay in the project?
Under USCIS rules, the capital has to remain “at risk” — invested and working in the project — throughout the conditional residency period, usually around 2 to 3 years from the issue of the initial Green Card. Once the removal of conditions is approved (Form I-829) and full permanent residency is granted, the Regional Center begins the exit process and the return of capital under the specific terms of each project.
we are here to help
Tell us about your case
Fill in the form and we will get in touch to move things forward.