Over 30 million Indians live outside India. They emigrate for career opportunities, education prospects, superior healthcare, and better living standards.
The Immigrant Invest expert lists the best countries for Indians to immigrate to.
Moving to another country for Indians
Before choosing a pathway, it’s essential to thoroughly research your options and perhaps consult with immigration experts or legal counsel. Common pathways for Indian citizens looking to emigrate are employment or study abroad and marriage to a foreign citizen.
However, one of the easiest ways to move to another state is to obtain citizenship or residency by investment. Many countries offer visas to individuals willing to invest money in their economies or start a business — for example, the US EB-5 visa program or Cyprus’ permanent residency program.
Immigrating to a new country is a significant life decision that requires careful planning as the country you choose will profoundly impact your life.
Top countries to move to if you’re an Indian
The United Arab Emirates offers residence visas to investors, entrepreneurs, and highly skilled professionals worldwide.
Individuals investing in real estate are granted 2-year visas for properties worth AED 750,000 (roughly $204,000) and 10-year visas for properties valued at AED 2,000,000 (approximately $545,000).
Around 3.5 million Indians live in the UAE, which is almost a third of the country’s population. Arabic is the official language, but English is prevalent and some people also speak Hindu and Urdu.
Australia is ranked fifth worldwide for its high living standards on the United Nations Human Development Index. As a job market, the country offers an abundance of career opportunities.
One potential avenue for immigration to Australia is the Australian Business Innovation and Investment (Provisional). For a minimum investment of AUD 1.25 million (approximately $830,000), investors can stay indefinitely and operate a business in the country.
According to the Australian Bureau of Statistics, Indians represent the largest group among overseas migrants in the country as of 2022.
New Zealand is close to Australia in terms of both location and culture. It was also identified as the second safest globally in the 2022 Global Peace Index.
Investors can apply for an Active Investor Plus Visa, which grants an indefinite stay in New Zealand. The mandatory investment is NZD 15 million (approximately $9.54 million).
Other immigration routes are also available for those intending to work, manage a business, or pursue education.
Canada is another top country on the United Nations Human Development Index, ranked 15th among 190 countries.
The sizable Indian community in Canada ensures that Indian culture is acknowledged and celebrated. Canada is one of the most accepting nations worldwide, bolstered by stringent anti-discrimination regulations and a firm dedication to human rights.
There are several pathways available for immigration. Highly skilled professionals in healthcare and STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics) may opt for the Express Entry system and gain permanent residence in 6 months or less. Additionally, there are region-specific programs tailored to the demands of local labor markets.
The USA houses the second-largest Indian diaspora globally, with approximately 2.7 million Indian migrants. Many medical specialists from India choose to move to the States for a significantly higher income than back home.
If you are considering immigrating to the United States, the EB-5 Immigrant Investor Program provides an avenue. It requires a minimum investment of $800,000 in a local business that creates at least 10 jobs for skilled Americans.
A US immigrant visa is a path to obtaining a green card and applying for US citizenship after five years of residence.
Greece is a seaside country in southern Europe. It’s both affordable and welcoming to immigrants.
Greece offers a Golden Visa program for a minimum investment of €250,000, usually in real estate. Compared to Golden Visas from other EU countries, Greece provides the lowest property investment threshold for residency acquisition.
The Golden Visa grants its holders the right to live and study in Greece and visit other Schengen area nations for 90 days within 180 days.
Cyprus is an island country in the Mediterranean Sea. It boasts a diverse culture with many English speakers, making assimilation smoother.
Investors can acquire a permanent residence permit in Cyprus for €300,000 by investing in real estate, shares in Cypriot companies, or securities. This residency status is lifelong, and you can apply for citizenship after five years of residence.
Spain is the fourth-largest economy in the EU.
With a minimum investment of €500,000 investors can move to Spain, establish a safe haven, operate a business, and travel to other Schengen states without a visa.
A language test is not required to move to Spain under the Golden Visa program.
Malta. Under the Global Residence Programme, Indian citizens have the option to apply for residency in Malta for a minimum investment of €34,000, including a €15,000 annual tax.
Permanent residency in Malta can also be acquired by renting real estate for €150,000+ for 5+ years and buying a property for €370,000+. This status is lifelong and allows holders to relocate to Malta and visit the Schengen Area for up to 90 days within 180 days.
Another route might be Malta’s Citizenship by Naturalisation for Exceptional Services by Direct Investment for a €690,000+ investment. After three years of residence, you can apply for a Maltese passport.
English is widely spoken in Malta, and the country is renowned for its language schools.
The UK shares deep cultural ties with India and houses a significant Indian population.
However, the UK does not offer a residency-by-investment program. You must have a reason to immigrate to the country: accept a job offer, enroll at a university, or start a business.
In brief: where to immigrate if you’re an Indian
As an Indian citizen, consider the quality of life, economic prospects, education and career opportunities, and ease of securing residence when choosing a country for immigration. The countries listed above combine some or all of these aspects.
In addition, they have large Indian diasporas and are immigrant-friendly.
Immigrant Invest helps its clients obtain citizenship and residence in foreign countries such as Malta, Greece, Cyprus, and the UAE. To learn more, visit our website.
ThePrint ValueAd Initiative content is a paid-for, sponsored article. Journalists of ThePrint are not involved in reporting or writing it.