Short answer: almost every investment immigration and citizenship programme requires proof that your funds are lawful. Reviews look at two things: how the money was built up (income, business, asset sales, gifts) and how it was moved to the investment.
What each programme focuses on
| Programme | Focus |
|---|---|
| US EB-5 | Lawful source and a complete transfer path — the strictest |
| Hong Kong CIES | Net assets maintained for six months before applying |
| Caribbean CBI | Funds and background in due diligence |
| Portugal Golden Visa | Funds transferred from abroad, with source evidence |
Typical documents
| Source | Typical documents |
|---|---|
| Salary | Tax returns, payslips, employment letters |
| Business income | Company accounts, dividend records, tax filings |
| Asset sales | Sale contracts, completion records, original purchase proof |
| Gifts | Gift deed and the donor’s source of funds |
| Loans | Loan agreement and proof of secured assets |
Preparation steps
- Map a timeline: from your first income or assets, step by step.
- Gather documents: along the timeline, filling gaps early.
- Plan the transfer path: avoid unnecessary intermediate accounts, with a record at each step.
- Keep details consistent: names, dates and amounts.
Common issues
- Cash or incomplete early records: support with other documents.
- Funds moved through several accounts: each step needs a record.
- Gifted funds: prove the donor’s source too.
Source of funds usually takes the longest, so start before you’ve even chosen a programme.