EB-5
BRAZIL
by Dennis Rodrigues
Over the last few months the potential growth of the EB-5 industry in Latin America is an increasingly hot topic
in the world of investment immigration. Interest from wealthy Latin Americans is picking up, and the U.S. EB-5
industry is taking notice.
In 2014, the region as a whole represented less than three percent of the total (10,000) visas issued, with Brazil accounting
for roughly 10 percent of that. Although still a small number
given the size of its overall population (approximately 600
million people), those familiar with the industry have observed
a significant uptick in investor participation from the region this
year, and expect this to continue.
Latin America presents different opportunities and challenges throughout the region; here, we will be focusing on its
biggest market - Brazil. As the EB-5 market develops in Brazil
and other countries in the South America, we can learn much
from how the industry has evolved in China and what can and
cannot be applied to the Brazilian market. As with many new
markets, the EB-5 market must give special attention so that
the industry grows in a structured and sustainable manner,
allowing all of its participants to benefit.
Facets of the Brazilian EB-5 Market
Need for Awareness and Information
One of the challenges that the EB-5 industry faces in Brazil is
a general lack of awareness regarding the EB-5 visa and invest-
ment process. In order for the market to evolve, increasing
awareness must be the single most important focal point for
all the stakeholders involved. SPREAD THE WORD! Most
Brazilians have never heard of the EB-5 Immigrant Investor
Program. Instead, some mistakenly believe that buying an
apartment in the United States using an LLC, Corporation
or other offshore legal entity structure could potentially be a
qualification for a visa program. Many believe that buying or
starting a business in the United States would also qualify. The
majority is completely unaware of the program, or even if they
have heard of it, they know nothing of its requirements.
Opportunity for Migration Agents
If interested parties do happen to ask a local lawyer or accountant, they generally are given misleading or uninformed advice.
Migration agents and intermediaries are still rare in Brazil, so
many Brazilians have limited access to sound information. To
meet the need for information as interest grows, the migration
agency industry may see an uptick in growth in light of rapidly
rising unemployment across industries including finance and
banking, which may bring opportunities to those caught
in the down cycle as companies will have to downsize to
EB-5 Visas Issued In Latin America
35 0
Argentina
Brazil
300
Venezuela
Mexico
250
LATAM
200
150
100
50
0
6
20 07
2008
2009
2010
2011
2012
EB5 INVESTORS MAGAZINE
2013
2014