Citizenship and Residency by Investment Programmes
See below a selection of countries offering residency and citizenship investment programmes.
Pakistan
Pakistan, with its strategic location in South Asia, presents untapped potential for high net worth immigration investment. Its emerging markets, particularly in real estate and technology, offer growth opportunities. Cities like Islamabad and Lahore are gaining interest for luxury property investments. While navigating the business landscape can be challenging due to regulatory complexities, the country’s rich cultural heritage, hospitable populace, and scenic diversity from mountains to coastlines add to its residential appeal. Pakistan’s large, youthful population also promises a dynamic workforce for investors.
Pakistan Golden Visa
Pakistan does not currently offer a golden visa or citizenship by investment programme similar to those offered by some other countries. Such golden visa programmes often allow individuals to obtain citizenship or residency rights through substantial investment, typically in real estate, national development funds, or local businesses. However, the immigration and passports website suggests Pakistan does offer a facility purely for Commonwealth citizens to gain citizenship by depositing funds in Pakistan.
PAkistan Business Visa
Business visas are issued to foreign nationals who intend to establish a business, invest, or engage in commercial activities in Pakistan.
Country Passport Strength and Ranking
If Pakistan were to offer a Citizenship by Investment programme, one of the concerns for applicants would be its passport. The Pakistani passport offers visa-free access to only 46 countries worldwide. It is one of the weakest passports in the world. In terms of access for business people, it offers visa-free access to just 2.2% of the world’s wealth (as measured by GDP) and 4.6% of the global travel popularity. It ranks a lowly198th overall in La Vida’s comprehensive Global Passport Ranking, coming third-to-last. This is one factor in the attraction of citizenship by investment into a second passport by Pakistani nationals in programmes such as those of Malta and Grenada.
