Post
by Administrator » Fri Jun 22, 2007 1:31 pm
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Most countries allow a path toward permanent residency by this method.
In big, general terms:
A person comes to a country and begins a business.
The business MUST meet local government standards.
It may then issue a work contract to a foreign-born person, which usually sets minimum wages (& associated taxes) as per law.
USUALLY, they can by-pass local tests that normally require posting the job for anyone so that the owner/director can be hired directly by work contract.
The company usually needs to formally invite the foreign-born person to come to the country.
Some demonstration that the foreign-born person is self-sufficient is usually required (i.e., will NOT require welfare/social benefits).
The immigration department then judges the seriousness of the application & the company & the investment, etc., and then issues a work permit.
That work permit becomes the basis for a residency visa.
Residency visas can be renewed, so long as wages & taxes and book keeping all remain in order.
At some point, the foreign-born person qualifies for permanent residency.
Part of the beauty of this is that many, many expenses can be paid through the company and (semi-)recovered outside the taxable capital/income stream. Your company can, for instance, write into the work contract that it will provide housing for you as part of your work agreement .. and thus, all your rent is a company expense. One of many examples.
Company ownership of fixed assets (physical equipment) is liable to loss if you are sued. However, the company can pay for services (phone, etc.) and it's all pre-tax expenditure that can't be confiscated by anyone.
Also note that after 12 months in the EU, you begin to gain European Union protections and rights on traveling, residing and working throughout the EU.
There are wide variations, but this is a general framework. For example, in Latvia you can begin a limited liability corporation (the equivalent of a British Ltd.) for about 2000 GBP.
In Germany, you need 500,000 euros, and you must employ a minimum of 5 more citizens/legal residents in Germany.
However, as far as the EU is concerned, if you are a director/ owner/ tax-paying resident in Latvia, Romania, Germany or the UK (etc.), you have equal rights & protections for activities in the EU.
I can't advise you on the Czech Republic, but if you consider Latvia, very definitely contact me.
I have more than a passing familiarity in that area ...
the Admin