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Citizenship by InvestmentLifestyle Residency
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United States

North America

The world's largest economy — unmatched opportunity, deep capital markets, and a coveted green card for investors.

✓ Verified June 2026

#7
Global
Passport Rank
186
Destinations
Visa-Free
$80K
USD
GDP per Capita
Good
Safety
Discover — Open Access

Quality of Life

The United States offers extraordinary diversity in lifestyle, climate, and culture across 50 states. Major metros like New York, Miami, Los Angeles, and San Francisco attract global talent with world-class infrastructure, arts, and education. Quality of life varies significantly by state and city — from the beachfront luxury of Florida to the alpine outdoors of Colorado. Healthcare is outstanding in quality but privately funded. The USD is the global reserve currency, and the US holds the world's deepest equity and real estate markets.

Safety & Security
Good

Safety varies significantly by neighbourhood and city. Affluent suburbs and gated communities in states like Florida, Texas, and California offer very high safety standards. Crime statistics are unevenly distributed, and most high-net-worth areas report minimal serious crime.

Healthcare

World-leading private hospitals and specialists — Mayo Clinic, Cleveland Clinic, Johns Hopkins. Healthcare is privately funded and expensive without insurance; comprehensive private health insurance is essential for residents.

Education

Home to 8 of the world's top 10 universities (Harvard, MIT, Stanford, Caltech, Columbia, Chicago, Yale, Princeton). Private K–12 schooling is excellent and widely available in major metros. Public school quality varies widely by school district.

Tax Summary

Federal income tax up to 37%; state income tax ranges from 0% (Texas, Florida, Nevada) to 13.3% (California). Capital gains tax up to 20% plus 3.8% NIIT. The US taxes citizens and permanent residents on worldwide income regardless of residence — a critical consideration for internationally mobile HNW individuals.

World Happiness Report rank: #23 globally

Work Permits

The US immigration system is among the world's most complex. Key employer-sponsored routes are H-1B (speciality occupation), L-1 (intracompany transferee), and O-1 (extraordinary ability). Self-employed routes exist for entrepreneurs and investors. Wait times for employer-sponsored green cards from India and China can stretch decades due to per-country backlogs.

H-1B Speciality Occupation

EmployerSpouse can work

For professionals in speciality occupations requiring at least a bachelor's degree. Subject to annual cap of 85,000 with lottery; cap-exempt positions available at universities and non-profits.

Minimum salary: Prevailing wage (typically USD 60,000–150,000+)
H-4 EAD work authorisation available if primary holder has an approved I-140 petition.

L-1 Intracompany Transferee

EmployerSpouse can work

For managers, executives (L-1A), or specialised knowledge workers (L-1B) transferring from a related overseas entity. L-1A is a direct path to an EB-1C green card.

L-2 spouse automatically authorised to work.

O-1 Extraordinary Ability

Employer or SelfSpouse restricted

For individuals with extraordinary ability in sciences, arts, education, business, or athletics. No cap, no lottery — merit-based with strong evidence requirements.

O-3 dependants cannot work.

E-2 Treaty Investor

SelfSpouse can work

Non-immigrant visa for nationals of treaty countries investing a 'substantial amount' in a US business. Does not lead directly to a green card but renewable indefinitely. Popular for entrepreneurs.

Minimum salary: No minimum — investment proportionality required
E-2 spouse automatically authorised to work.
Skills-Based Migration Members

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Economic Residency & Migration Programmes Members

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Economic Opportunities

The United States is the world's largest economy at USD 28 trillion GDP. It leads globally in technology, finance, healthcare, and defence — and is home to the majority of the world's most valuable companies. For entrepreneurs, the US offers unparalleled access to venture capital, the world's deepest equity markets, and a culture that celebrates risk-taking.

GDP Size
USD 28 trillion (2025)
Unemployment Rate
3.7%
Key Industries
Technology & SoftwareFinance & Asset ManagementHealthcare & PharmaReal EstateRetail & ConsumerDefence & AerospaceMedia & Entertainment

The US is the world's top destination for skilled foreign workers and entrepreneurs. Employer-sponsored visas are common in tech, finance, and healthcare. The EB-5 and E-2 routes are popular for investor-entrepreneurs. However, immigration processing is slow and politically sensitive.

Delaware C-Corp is the global standard for venture-backed startups. Silicon Valley, New York, Miami, and Austin are top startup ecosystems. Foreign founders can incorporate easily; working legally in the US requires a visa, but the O-1 or E-2 are popular for funded founders.

Who This Country Suits

The US is best suited for ambitious professionals, investors with long time horizons, and entrepreneurs seeking the world's largest market. The complexity and cost of immigration, combined with aggressive worldwide taxation, means it is better as a primary residence than a second passport play.

Origin Nationalities Most Drawn Here
IndiaChinaUnited KingdomCanadaAustraliaUAESaudi ArabiaBrazilSouth KoreaSingapore
Ideal Profiles

Tech founders seeking Silicon Valley or New York VC ecosystems

Senior executives transferred by multinational employers (L-1A → EB-1C track)

HNW families seeking EB-5 green card as a long-term asset and educational access

Finance professionals targeting Wall Street or hedge fund roles

Physicians and medical specialists (high demand, employer sponsorship common)

Academics and researchers pursuing NIW self-petition

Premium — Live · Work · Own
🏡Live
Premium

Everything you need to actually move here — residency timelines, cost breakdowns, schools, healthcare, and expat community insights.

Step-by-step residency application process & timelines
Monthly cost of living breakdown by lifestyle tier
International school options & tuition ranges
Private healthcare networks & medical evacuation protocols
Expat community size, forums & local relocation contacts
Lifestyle relocation checklist & common pitfalls
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💼Work
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Structures, banking, and tax strategies for business owners, remote professionals, and investors operating across borders.

Company formation options, costs & timelines
Offshore structures & holding company frameworks
Business banking — local banks, international access, multi-currency accounts
Corporate tax rates, treaty networks & effective planning strategies
Trusts & foundations for asset protection
Crypto & digital asset regulatory environment
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🏠Own
Premium

Property market intelligence — where to buy, what to pay, rental returns, and the full legal process for foreign buyers.

Prime buying areas & price-per-sqm benchmarks
Rental yield data by location & property type
Golden visa via real estate — thresholds & qualifying properties
Legal buying process for foreigners, step by step
Developer directory — vetted projects & track records
Ownership structures, taxes on purchase & ongoing holding costs
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