Seychelles.

Not a citizenship-by-investment programme: requires an investment of at least USD 1 million in a Seychelles business plus 11 years' aggregate residence, a citizenship exam (80% in a national language), sponsors and public notices. Introduced by s. 5C of the Citizenship Act, inserted by the Citizenship (Amendment) Act 11 of 2013 with effect from 2 December 2013 (gazette and consolidated text stored). Legal basis: the 1994 Act's general 'special circumstances' clause (s. 5(2), in force 1 January 1996), although s. 5C doesn't refer to it. Fee SCR 350,000 (2020 list). No counts found. Whether a later amendment removed the investor route has not been checked.

A residence permit category for buyers of property in the Eden Island development, listed in the Immigration Department's fee schedule (SCR 150,000 for 5 years including spouse and children). No official minimum price, legal basis or start date was found: the Immigration Regulations' fee schedule (S.I. 12 of 1981, as amended) and any agreement or regulation creating the scheme were not obtained (SeyLII refuses automated access; the government's 2007-2008 residence-permit page lists only the general discretionary permit). Industry sources cite USD 500,000 for property-linked residence permits generally, which was not confirmed officially. The ordinary residence permit is discretionary (family connection or 'special contribution' to Seychelles) and does not allow work.

Permanent residence for a non-Seychellois who has invested the equivalent of at least USD 1 million in a Seychelles business and has lived there legally for 1 year, or has 5 years' business association with Seychelles. Holders can work without a Gainful Occupation Permit and pay 50% of the sanction fee for buying property. Introduced by 2013 amendments to the Citizenship Act and Immigration Decree (texts not obtained; 'launched' is the month of the Department's guide). Permit fee SCR 150,000. Citizenship for investors needs 11 years' aggregate residence (see syc-investor-citizenship). No counts found.