The GIP is a pathway to residency/permanent residency for those with proven business achievements or substantial investable assets. It’s not a typical “buy a house, get a visa” program, but rather targets entrepreneurs, family offices, and large investors, hoping they will bring their businesses or capital to the country, boosting the economy or creating jobs. The GIP offers a fast track to permanent residency (PR) centered on investment or business establishment, but the requirements are correspondingly high—not only must you have funds, but you also need a business background, a feasible settlement plan, and a long-term business intention. Official documents and authoritative interpretations position the GIP as a policy tool for attracting high-end human capital and corporate resources, rather than a mass immigration product.
The Most Typical Target Group
The core target group for the GIP is typically business owners or senior executives who already have established businesses and wish to extend their operations to target countries or establish a regional base there. This group of applicants typically possesses substantial business experience and a company operational background (management team, business track record, etc.); desires more stable long-term residency by establishing or expanding their business locally; and can provide a clear business plan outlining how it will generate employment or economic benefits. Applicants of this type are more persuasive in their application materials, business plans, and investment compliance, aligning perfectly with the GIP’s policy objectives.
High-Net-Worth Individuals and Family Offices
Besides business operators, family offices, ultra-high-net-worth individuals (UHNWs), and professional investment management teams are also common suitable candidates. Many GIPs allow meeting the requirements by investing in approved funds, establishing a family office, or directly investing in designated industries—these methods are more suitable for those with long-term asset allocation and cross-border management needs. The family office route is particularly suitable for those wishing to combine wealth management with family relocation.
Considering Fund Size and Investment Methods
GIPs usually offer several investment options (e.g., direct investment in establishing/expanding businesses, investing in approved funds, or establishing a family office), each with different requirements regarding fund size, local deployment, and time commitment. For those seeking only small-scale trials and lacking management experience: Generally unsuitable; suitable for families/individuals with substantial funds available for long-term investment and verifiable sources of capital; and for those seeking quick PR through investment but lacking genuine business intentions: high risk and low success rate. Specific amounts and plans are subject to policy changes; please refer to the latest official information.
Senior Executives and Key Talent
If you are a senior executive, senior manager, or possess irreplaceable skills in the target country’s supply chain, a GIP may also be suitable—especially when the company is willing to relocate its regional headquarters or key operations there. Such applicants often find it easier to convince the reviewing body with a combination of “people + capital,” demonstrating a substantial contribution to the local economy.
Which groups are generally less suitable for a GIP?
For those seeking immigration solely through real estate or passive investment (without substantial business operations or large controllable assets), many GIP programs prioritize “economic contribution” over mere property purchases; those with limited funds and unable to prove the legal source of their funds; and applicants hoping for a “short-term stay and quick return” (GIP often requires demonstrating long-term business/investment intentions); in these cases, other immigration programs (such as skilled migration, general investor visas, or family reunification) may be more realistic.
Key Practical Considerations
Source of Funds and Compliance Proof: Can you provide bank statements, tax and company documents demonstrating the legality and investability of your funds? (This is one of the hurdles.)
Business Plan and Implementation Capability: Can you actually conduct business, hire staff, sign office contracts, or obtain necessary permits in the target location? This relates to the persuasiveness of the approval process.
Family and Living Arrangements: Do you want your family to relocate with you, or do you simply want better entry and exit convenience and asset allocation? Different goals will influence your choice of investment path.
Tax and Compliance Costs: Immigration does not equate to “tax optimization.” Many investment immigrants face cross-border tax filing and compliance costs, which need to be calculated in advance.
Time and Sincerity: GIPs are often considered part of a “Regional Infrastructure Investment Plan” (GIP). Immigration authorities focus on your long-term commitment, not just a one-time injection of funds.
GIPs are suitable for those with genuine business or asset management capabilities who are willing and able to invest time and resources in long-term operation or management in the target country. If you are a business owner, family office head, ultra-high-net-worth individual, or multinational senior manager, and wish to obtain long-term residency or permanent resident status through local investment and operation, a GIP can be a strong option. The government has also explicitly positioned GIPs as a policy tool to attract high-end talent and capital that can bring industrial or managerial capabilities. However, please note: a GIP is not a “buy-and-hold” shortcut—it requires substantial funds, a legal source of funds, a feasible implementation plan, and a genuine long-term intention. If the goal is “low-threshold, short-term residency,” other immigration pathways may be more suitable. Before making a decision, it is recommended to do two things: First, conduct a realistic check on your own funds, business situation and family goals; second, consult a qualified immigration/tax advisor based on the latest official requirements (such as investment options and amounts) to avoid detours.
