Reference

Glossary

Plain-language definitions for the terms that recur across every program page. Where a term is route-specific, the definition points you to that route's record rather than generalizing.

10 of 10 terms

Citizenship by Investment (CBI): Full nationality granted directly for a qualifying contribution (fund, property or enterprise) — no residence period required. The passport issues on approval.
Residence by Investment (RBI): A renewable residence permit granted for a qualifying investment. Grants residence (and travel), not citizenship; citizenship is a separate, later step.
Golden Visa: The common shorthand for high-investment residence permits in many jurisdictions (property- or capital-based). Mechanics differ by country and by rule version — never assume one number applies everywhere.
Permanent Residence (PR): An indefinite (non-expiring-status) right of residence, usually reached after a qualifying period of lawful residence. Card validity ≠ status.
Naturalization: Citizenship by residence: qualifying periods, language/integration and character conditions. Cohorts (when your clock started; your nationality) determine the exact rule version that applies.
Targeted Employment Area (TEA): In U.S. EB-5, a high-unemployment or rural area that lowers the qualifying investment to US$800,000 (vs US$1,050,000 nationally).
Due Diligence (DD): Background and source-of-funds scrutiny applied to CBI/investor applicants. DD outcome — not the minimum amount — is usually the main success or refusal gate.
Source of Funds (SoF): Documented, lawful origin of the money used for an investment. Weak SoF evidence delays or refuses most investment routes.
Presence counting rules: How physical presence is counted per rule dimension (per 12-month window, per calendar year, per continuous stay). Different dimensions under one route often use different counting methods — there is never one universal days-per-year number.
Rule version / cohort: Law changes freeze cohorts: your application may be judged under the rule in force when you first acquired a permit or filed. Both old and new rule versions must stay on file so the correct one applies to your case.

Looking for something not listed? The program pages carry the authoritative, route-specific definitions and FAQs.