THE ADDRESS Magazine No.20 | Page 47

ment” and thereafter to apply for an investor visa: the acquisition of a real estate asset(s) with a minimum value of EUR 500,000 per applicant; the creation of a business project to be developed in Spain, duly recognized as being of “general interest”; the investment of a minimum of EUR 2 million in Government bonds or EUR 1 million in company shares or bank deposits. The initial visa is valid for one year and, subject to compliance, will subsequently be converted into a residence permit for two periods of two years. There are no minimum stay requirements during the initial one year residence period. However, to convert the visa into a residence permit, the applicant will be required to enter Spain. The program does not prevent the applicant or his family from becoming Spanish citizens; but a 10 year period of residence is necessary before application. Belgium Residence Belgian law allows foreign nationals to apply for residence through various routes, including the set-up of an international holding structure in Belgium, investment in an existing Belgian company, or investment in a foreign company through a Belgium holding company. A person who is employed by a Belgian company, or a person who sets up or buys a Belgian company, can apply for residence in Belgium. In addition, there are two main economic routes under which a person could qualify for residence, either as a manager or highly skilled employee; or as an entrepreneur or self-employed individual. Hong Kong Residence Hong Kong offers straightforward, efficient residence programs for individuals to obtain residence in order to work, live or study in Hong Kong. There are programs for capital investment, employment permits, training,