Real Estate Without Borders

Episode: The 3 Most Desirable Visas Around the World

Date: August 23, 2025
Host: Dan (A)
Guest: B (Founder of Goldwater Global)

Episode Overview

This episode explores the three most desirable global visas for investors, entrepreneurs, and those looking to diversify their international presence. Featuring a seasoned mobility and investment expert, listeners learn about key visa options, the current motivations driving cross-border movement, strategic benefits of countries like Dubai and the U.S., and practical pathways for Canadians, Indians, and other global citizens. The discussion includes real estate, asset mobility, and tax optimization for international investors.

Key Discussion Points & Insights

1. Guest Introduction & Goldwater Global's Mission

• Background:
  • Serial entrepreneur from Toronto, ex-investment banker, raised $1 billion in capital, Canadian citizen, Dubai golden visa holder, US EB5 holder.
  • Founded Goldwater Global to fill the gap in international mobility for people, assets, and businesses.
  • Goldwater is a "global mobility platform" supporting families, asset movement, and business setup.
  • Quote (B, 01:22):

    "We believe one without the other is incomplete. Without mobility of capital, mobility of business is not good. With the mobility of families, without mobility of assets, not good."

2. Trends in Global Mobility and Visa Motivations

• Regional Drivers for Migration:
  • Indians & Chinese: Wealth creation fuels interest in residency and citizenship for quality of life, ease of travel, and less bureaucracy.
    • Quote (B, 03:50):

      "Indians have the money now...they’re saying, you know what, I’m done with this. I’m going to buy residencies and abroad."

  • Americans & Canadians:
    • Desire for economic diversification, to minimize IRS jurisdiction, and explore attractive foreign markets like Dubai, Portugal, Greece.
    • Quote (B, 04:29):

      "Dubai is one of the most sought-after destinations for Americans and Canadians."

  • Europeans:
    • High taxes, business restrictions, and safety concerns push wealthy individuals to consider relocating or diversifying abroad.
• Breakdown: These three groups (Indians, North Americans, Europeans) account for about 90% of current global mobility.

3. Why Dubai? Top Destination for Investors

• Key Reasons:
  • Asset and wealth security (foundations, trusts) and secrecy.
  • No capital gains or property taxes; pro-business environment.
  • Strong property rights, flexible landlord-tenant laws.
  • Booming real estate market post-COVID with significant returns.
  • Affordable entry compared to Western markets.
  • Fast-growing Indian community, proximity to India, no bureaucratic hurdles.
  • Memorable Quote (B, 08:48):

    "Dubai is the best Indian city, right? It’s four hours from India... there’s no waiting, bullshit waiting like Canada."

  • Limitation: No path to Emirati citizenship; only permanent residency (Golden Visa).

4. Other Visa Hotspots & Travel Advantages

• Portugal:
  • Previously attractive for Golden Visa, but recent restrictions and local affordability concerns.
• Latvia:
  • Offers Euro travel cards/residency; beneficial for ease of movement in Europe.
  • Quote (B, 10:32):

    "There are other countries, Latvia, for example...get a euro travel card, euro residency card."

• Dubai Limitation:
  • No additional travel freedom (not citizenship), relevant for those seeking stronger passports for travel (especially Indians).

5. U.S. EB5 Visa & Other American Options

• Who Seeks EB5?
  • Primarily global Indians and Canadians.
  • Canadians often evaluate TN, E2, and EB5 visas.
• Visa Pathways:
  • TN Visa: For Canadians; work-only, no path to green card. Increasingly scrutinized at the border.
  • E2 Visa: For those investing ~$100K–$200K in their own U.S. business. Can’t work for another employer.
  • EB5 Visa: Invest $800,000 (at risk for 5 years); must create 10 full-time jobs over two years to get a green card.
    • Direct (build own business) or Indirect (via a regional center project).
    • Underwriting key: Selecting strong, reliable EB5 projects avoids loss of capital/immigration status.
    • Quote (B, 13:31):

      "EB5 is like a real estate led investment... invest $800,000 and it has to create 10 full time jobs for two years."

  • Net Worth Required: $3–4 million is a typical cut-off for EB5.
• Accessibility:
  • E2 is best for Canadians with moderate net worth, spouse gets open work permit.
  • EB5 is for higher net worth; Goldwater offers loans for up to $400,000 to help bridge funding.

6. Real-World Business Mobility: Host’s Example

• Steps for Canadians moving business to U.S.:
  • Set up a Canadian and a U.S. company.
  • Write a substantial business plan (~$200K investment) for the E2 visa.
  • Visa is initially two years, can be extended; must actively manage the business.
  • Instagram and online influencers recommend investing in U.S. Airbnbs for E2, but legality is “grey area.”
  • Quote (B, 19:36):

    "You will see a lot of influencers peddling that. Well, it’s, I’m not sure how that is legal... For you, set up the corporation, build the business."

7. Tax & Asset Diversification Advice

• United States:
  • Higher salaries, lower taxes than Canada; attractive for young Canadians, especially via EB5.
• Dubai:
  • Golden Visa for business owners; efficient tax structure and business environment. Ideal for capital parking.
  • Quote (B, 23:03):

    "Def initely makes sense to have a Dubai subsidiary, Dubai business visa, eventually a Dubai golden visa."

• India:
  • Strong opportunity for global investors (compared favorably to NASDAQ in dollar terms); best approached via secure mutual funds and regulated investments.
  • Quote (B, 24:22):

    "India is one of the largest markets next to US to give that kind of returns in dollar terms, it has performed on par with NASDAQ dollar adjusted..."

Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

• On Global Mobility Triad:
  (01:22) — B: "We believe one without the other is incomplete. Without mobility of capital, mobility of business is not good. With the mobility of families, without mobility of assets, not good."
• On Indian Demand for Second Passports:
  (03:50) — B: "Indians have the money now...they’re saying, you know what, I’m done with this. I’m going to buy residencies and abroad."
• On Dubai’s Edge:
  (08:48) — B: "Dubai is the best Indian city, right? It’s four hours from India...there’s no waiting, bullshit waiting like Canada."
• On EB5 Underwriting & Risk:
  (14:45) — B: "Why underwriting is important is you have to make sure the developer is able to build the hotel in time. Right. They don’t build a hotel. If they don’t go belly up, they’re able to return the capital, then you’re good..."
• On Young Canadians & Tax Efficiency:
  (21:35) — B: "It’s a no brainer for young Canadians who can afford... to go to US from Canada. So absolutely it’s a no brainer."
• On Investment Diversification:
  (24:22) — B: "India is one of the largest market next to US to give that kind of returns in dollar terms, it has performed on par with nasdaq dollar adjusted."
• Dubai as New Wealth Hub:
  (23:03) — B: "Dubai is the incoming hub. It’s what Switzerland used to be many years back."

Timestamps for Key Segments

• 00:29–02:28: Guest Introduction & Goldwater’s Mobility Triad
• 03:12–06:35: Who is investing abroad, and why?
• 06:50–09:47: Dubai’s real estate & visa strategy
• 10:56–13:26: US visa routes—EB5, E2, TN, practical advice for Canadians
• 14:11–16:22: Mechanics & risks of EB5 investments
• 17:20–20:16: Setting up and scaling a Canadian business into the U.S. under E2
• 21:35–24:58: Tax considerations, credit support for EB5, Canada-to-Dubai strategies, and investing in India

Closing Tips & Resources

• For Canadians:
  • Consider U.S. EB5 for long-term tax and salary benefits.
  • Utilize Dubai golden visas for optimal tax and asset security.
  • Diversify investments internationally—consider India’s high-quality funds.
• For All Listeners:
  • Prioritize strong legal advice and due diligence.
  • Goldwater offers loans for EB5 investments, making it accessible to more people.
  • Find Goldwater Global:
    • "You can fill a form [on our website] and one of our team will get in touch with you within 24 hours." (25:17)

This episode offers an expert, ground-level look at international visas, smart real estate moves, and cross-border asset allocation strategies. Whether moving capital, business, or family, these insights empower savvy investors to confidently expand abroad.