Venezuela does not specify a precise investment amount to qualify for the Transeúnte Inversionista visa, merely that applicants must demonstrate they have made investments considered sufficient by the “competent Venezuelan authorities”.

The investor must hold at least 20% of the company’s share capital. 

The Inversionista visa has a validity of 3 years and is renewable indefinitely as long as the applicant continues to meet the conditions. 

After two years of temporary stay (transeúnte status), howeve, the applicant can obtain permanent residency in Venezuela (residente), a visa that has a validity of 5 years.

Program benefits

• Visa-free travel within MERCOSUR;
• Path to citizenship;
• Permits dual/multiple citizenship;
• Lower cost of living;
• Warm climate;

The initial Inversionista visa is issued for 3 years with the Transeúnte (transitory) status.

After two continuous years of residency, typically monitored by evidence of entry and exit stamps in the individual’s passport, the individual may apply for a Residente status (effectively permanent residency), which has a validity of five years and which is renewable.

To maintain the Residente status, the applicant must not be absent from Venezuela for more than 24 consecutive months. A return to Venezuelan territory within 24 months, even if only briefly, suffices to reset the clock.

After ten years of legal residency (five for those married to a Venezuelan and for natural-born citizens of Spain, Portugal, Latin-American, or Caribbean countries), the individual may apply for citizenship in Venezuela. 

Applications for this program may be directed to:

Ministry of Foreign Affairs

Legislation upon which this program is based:

LEY DE EXTRANJERÍA Y MIGRACIÓN N° 37. 944

Gaceta Oficial N 5.427/2000