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For over 20 years, our team of qualified and professional associates have successfully handled
hundreds of cases in providing investment immigration, residency, and citizenship solutions for
countries such as Canada, US, UK, EU Member States (Bulgaria, Hungary, Cyprus, Malta,
Portugal), Caribbean Islands (Saint Kitts & Navis and Antigua & Barbuda), Australia and
Malaysia.
Lalani & Associates, a highly reputable consultancy firm within its target market and audience,
was launched in 1992 by Sikander Lalani, a partner at the renowned accounting practice
Daudally Lalani & Co(established in 1954). This firm was established based on a philosophy that
emphasizes professionalism, sincere and candid advice, and high client service standards.
Even though our main focus remains on providing immigration, residency and citizenship
services, we can also provide additional value to our clients through synergetic services through
our sister firms, Daudally Lalani & Co and Lalani Capital, in the areas of international tax
planning solutions, and in the fields of financial and corporate advisory services.
The firm currently serves its client base out of offices in Karachi, Lahore and Dubai. By
leveraging its international business and governmental network in North America, Europe,
Pakistan and the Middle East, Lalani & Associates is positioned to successfully execute its
clienteles strategic objectives.
Sikander Lalani
Chief Executive Officer, Lalani & Associates
Senior Partner, Daudally Lalani & Co, Chartered Accountants
Licensed Immigration Consultant
B.Com, FCA, FCMA
Member of Immigration Consultant of Canada Regulatory Council (ICCRC)
Member Canadian Association of Professional Immigration Consultants (CAPIC)
Fellow Member of the Canadian Migration Institute (CMI)
Noman holds a MBA degree in Finance (equivalent to MPhil) from Iqra University IU.
Anum Rasheed
Director Operations- European/ Caribbean Investors Programs
Association of Chartered Certified Accounts (ACCA) Member, B.Com
Anum is working with Lalani & Associates since 2011 and is currently managing the European
and Caribbean Investor Programs at Lalani and Associates. She had been associated with
banking sector previously and had also worked for Ford Rhodes Siddat Hyder, a member firm of
Ernst and Young.
Anum has completed her B.Com from University of Karachi and is a Member of Association of
Chartered Certified Accountants (ACCA) UK
Mohammad Obaid
Director Operations - Canada/USA Investors Programs
CA- Finalist, M.Comm.
Obaid is associated with Lalani & Associates since 2009 and currently manages the Canadian
and USA Investor Program.
Obaid has completed his CA articleship from Ford Rhodes Siddat Hyder, a member firm of Ernst
and Young. He has a vast experience and understanding of various audit and financial
assignments.
Recognizing that each high net worth individual and family has unique
needs, Lalani & Associates creates, structures and manages comprehensive
solutions to complement the clients complex international investment, tax
and legacy management strategies.
Global Citizenship and Residency Practice Lalani & Associates provides high
net worth individuals and families with a range of investment based global
citizenship and residency solutions.
North America
o No age restriction
o Investor and family can live and work anywhere in the United States
o Children can attend any public school or university for the same cost as US
Citizens in their State
o Eligible to become US citizens after five years (physical residence is required for
at least two and a half years and not be absent from US for six months or more
at a time)
The second option available to investors for immigration will permit them to
invest in an EB-5 project which is funded by regional centers approved by the
USCIS with the intention to boost economic growth. Under this option the
investment amount will be reduced to $500,000 if the business is situated in a
targeted employment area (TEA), or a rural area. Immigration to USA will be
easier through the second option, i.e. the syndicate/EB-5 fund, because it lets
the immigrants take the legal status of a limited partner in the EB-5 compliant
project. Moreover, under this option the investors will no longer be directly
responsible for creating employment for 10 full time individuals and there wont
be any need to participate in the day to day management of their investment as
the syndicate/fund will take the burden for that.
Once they have obtained the green card, the investors will be required to
physically reside within the US for at least 2.5 years out of a total 5-year period,
to be eligible for US citizenship.
o No age restriction
o Investor and family can live and work anywhere in the United States
o Children can attend any public school or university for the same cost as US
Citizens in their state
o Eligible to become US citizens after five years (physical residence is required for
at least two and a half years and not be absent from US for six months or more
at a time)
Canadian Immigrant Investor Program
For the last two decades thousands of immigrants have been welcomed into
Canada through the Quebec Investor Program. Investors opting to initiate the
application process for Immigration to Canada through this program must
have the intention to settle in Quebec, which is the second largest and a
multicultural province of Canada.
This program has been established for all the businessmen, senior
executives, agriculturalists, NGO managers, and senior government
officials/bureaucrats who have the intention to apply for Immigration to
Canada. After coming to a special agreement with the Federal Government,
this province has been granted the right to choose its own immigrants. In
order to confirm the eligibility of Quebec immigrants, thorough background,
security and medical checks are run on them by the Federal Government.
The application process for the Quebec Investor Immigrant program has
been re-opened since 31st May, 2016 and will remain open till 28th February
2017. This time the program has a limited quota of 570 applications from
around the world, excluding China. Keeping in mind the very restricted quota
for applications from around the world, it is recommended to start the
process for Quebec immigration as soon as possible.
Investor Requirements:
A minimum, legally earned net worth of CAD 1.6 million, excluding any
gifts received less than 6 months before the application is submitted to
MIDI.
A commercial business
An agricultural business
Principle applicant
Spouse
Children till the age of 19 years. However, the expected change in the
law, if implemented, will increase the age limit to 22 years for
dependent children.
Process:
Once the investor deposits the professional fees, Lalani & Associates
will start compiling the application and will submit it to a Quebec
lawyer for initial review which is then further submitted to Ministre de
lImmigration, de la Diversit et de lInclusiona (MIDI) along with the
governments processing fee.
The MIDI might request for an update of the applicants net worth
while the application is in queue for an interview.
The applicant and spouse will be invited for an interview with the
Quebec immigration officer in Montreal, which is the expected location.
If the applicant comes out successful in the interview, then a Intent to
issue CSQ letter will be sent to the applicant, after which he/she will
have 110 days to invest the funds, either by depositing the full amount
or by availing the financing option.
Permanent Residence:
Citizenship Requirements:
In order to meet the eligibility criteria for acquiring Canadian citizenship, the
applicants will be required to physically reside in Canada for at least 1,460
days out of a total 6-year period. However, if the amendments proposed to
the Canadian immigration law are implemented, then the number of days
will be reduced to 1,095 out of a total 5-year period. At the time of
Citizenship application, citizenship and Immigration Canada will ask for
detailed proof of residence in Canada, including and not limited to grocery
bills, utility bills, school enrollment for children etc.
Adult immigrants will be required to pass a citizenship test and provide proof
of adequate proficiency in English language.
Children below the age of 18 are usually granted citizenship when one of
their parents receives citizenship status. However, children above the age of
18 must comply with the citizenship requirements.
Europe
Investment: 511,292
New Fast Track Option: Double your investment and get citizenship
after only 1 year of PR
Since joining the European Union in 2007, Bulgarias economy has been one
of the fastest growing economies in the region. The temperate climate,
beaches, relaxed lifestyle and beautiful countryside make it a classic spot for
individuals.
To meet the eligibility criterion for the Bulgarian Investor Program, investors
are required to make an investment of 511,292 in a portfolio of Bulgarian
Government bonds, excluding the interest, with a maturity of 5 years. The
bonds are pledged by the government of Bulgaria and carry an investment
credit rating of BBB by S&P and Baa2 by Moodys.
In case the investors want to avoid the risk of tying up their capital for a
period of 5 years as well as the currency and investment risk, the alternative
option available to them is that of financing through a Bulgarian or European
bank. In this case scenario, to be able to secure Bulgarian citizenship by
investment, the investors will simply have to pay 195,000 upfront, as
prepaid interest. The bank will require the investor to show and prove a net
worth of 1 million in order to exercise the financing option. If the investors
are successful in proving this, the bank will make the investment on their
behalf. The same option can be utilized again for the Fast-Track process,
where the investors double their investment and receive citizenship after 1
year of PR.
The investors will have to prove the legitimate source of funds for the
investment, whether they choose to make the full investment of 511,292 or
they select the financing option. Lalani & Associates qualified Chartered
Accountants will work with the investor or his accountant to prove the
required source of funds.
Moreover, the investors must also clear all background checks and have a
clean record.
Principal Applicant
Spouse
Children under 18
Lalani & Associates and Arton Capital can provide a turn-key solution to fulfill
these criteria, unless the investor has purchased additional assets, set up a
business or moved his family to Bulgaria, which would require a more
detailed tax assessment and will bear an additional cost.
It is recommended that the investor and his family visit Bulgaria at least
once a year, during the 5 year period.
Taxation
Bulgaria only taxes the worldwide income of residents who spend 183 days
or more in a year within the country. If the investor does not plan to spend
183 days or more in a year in Bulgaria, then he will not be subject to tax on
any income outside Bulgaria. However, we recommend our clients to seek
independent tax advice.
Any personal or corporate income earned in Bulgaria is taxed at a flat rate of
10%.
Citizenship
If they utilize any of the above mentioned options, they will be eligible for
citizenship within 6 months of the additional investment. This means an
investor can get Bulgarian citizenship within just 2.5 years, without
any physical residency requirements for a one-time financing cost of
295,000 plus professional fees.
Hungary Residency Program
o Principal Applicant
o Spouse
o Dependent children
o Dependent parents
Citizenship Path:
This program is ideal for those businessmen and investors who want to
secure citizenship for themselves and their families without having to reside
outside their country of origin for business or personal
reasons.
Principal Applicant
Spouse
Investment Requirements:
As per the regulations of the Civil Registry laws, foreign investors who wish
to obtain Cypriot citizenship by investment must meet the following
requirements:
Applicants opting for this option must invest at least 2 million in the
purchase, creation or participation of businesses or companies
currently functioning in the Republic of Cyprus.
Process: The application process for Cyprus immigration under this program
entails two phases; first phase is for the principle applicants and their
spouse. The second phase is for children and is subject to the successful
completion of the first phase.
Portugal Golden Residence Visa Program
The law allows the Golden Residence Permit holders to live, work and study in
Portugal, as well as to travel anywhere within the Schengen zone without a
visa. In order to maintain their permits, the applicants are required to
physically reside in Portugal only for 7 days in a year. The permit must be
renewed in year 1, year 3 and year 5.
Portugal immigration through the Golden Residence Visa program is ideal for
all those individuals who wish to secure European Citizenship and visa-free
travel within the Schengen zone for themselves and their families, but cannot
physically reside outside of their homeland for personal or business reasons.
o Principal Applicant
o Spouse
o Children under 18
The candidates who wish to secure Portuguese residency status through this
program will be required to invest foreign direct investment through two
ways. Firstly, through the acquisition of real estate worth at least 350,000
with construction completed at least 30 years ago or located in an urban
rehabilitation area, with execution of rehabilitation work. The alternate option
available is to invest at least 500,000 in real estate anywhere in Portugal.
Each investment must be held for a minimum period of 6 years and cannot be
financed through a third party, such as a bank.
Process
o The relevant documents will be filed and submitted by Lalani & Associates, as
well as service and Processing payment.
o Applicant will visit Portuguese Embassy in Islamabad to sign and attest the
documents required.
o All funds for the real estate transaction and government fees for Golden
Residence Permit must arrive in the applicants bank account in Portugal and
be distributed from there
o Investor and family must prepare to visit Portugal for 4/5 business days to sign
documentation, fingerprinting, opening of bank account etc. An invitation
letter will be issued for the Temporary Residence Visa application for Portugal.
Lalanis partners will assist with trip arrangement. Government fees must be
transferred by investor to his Portuguese account.
Renewal
o All family members must visit Portugal for a minimum of 7 days per year to
maintain residency.
The Individual Investor Program (IIP) was launched by Malta under the
option of Citizenship by investment. It is the only citizenship by
investment program that has gained recognition and approval by the EU.
Under a Public Services Concession, this program is directed by identity
Malta on behalf of the government.
This investor program is the most suited for all those businessmen and
investors who have the desire to obtain Malta EU citizenship for them and
their families, without having to reside outside their country of origin for
business or personal reasons.
o Principal Applicant
o Spouse
Citizenship will be granted to only those applicants and their families who
meet the requirements for immigration to Malta, as well as only those
candidates that hold a residence status in Malta for a period of 12
months, immediately before the day of issuing the naturalization
certificate. As per the current law, the principal applicant is obligated to
show residence status for a period of 1 year preceding the granting of
citizenship. There is no requirement for any set number of days to be
spent by the applicant in Malta.
Investment Requirements
The minimum contribution levels that must be met in the initial phase of the
program have been set as follows:
o Contribution of 650,000 for the main applicant
2. Investment in property
In addition to these requirements, the applicant and all the family members
must be covered by a Global Health Insurance Policy of minimum of 50,000.
Process
The application process to apply for Malta residency and citizenship entails
several steps and the application is processed between a period of 1 to 1.5
years, depending upon clients responsiveness.
Caribbean Islands
Dominica, known as the Nature Island for its unspoiled natural beauty, is
arguably the most breathtaking island in the Caribbean. It is a prime
destination for individuals seeking to apply for Caribbean Citizenship
programs because of its growing economy and impressive standards of
living. This island is not home to pristine sandy beaches, but it also holds a
diverse blend of English, French, African and Caribbean people and their
respective cultures. It is a politically and economically stable state, with the
lowest crime rate in the region.
Principal Applicant
Spouse
Children under 18 and aged 18-25 (if they are current full-time
students and have been since turning 18)
Investment Requirements:
2. Donation Option:
Once approval is issued and the applicant makes the required donation
or title transfer of real estate, a citizenship certificate is issued in 30
days.
Grenada is popularly known as The Spice Island because of the myriad locally
grown spices. It offers one of the most picturesque waterfronts in all of the
Caribbean. The sublime scenery is one of the many enticements to visit the
three beautiful main islands. Diving, sailing, excellent restaurants,
o Spouse
o Children under 18 and aged 18-25 (if they are current full-time
students and have been since
o Turning 18)
Investment Requirements:
The investment must be minimum US$ 350,000 and must be owned and
maintained for a minimum period of 4 years. Real estate closing fees are US$
50,000 which includes property registration, processing fees and taxes to the
property purchase.
The contribution under the donation option is due in two parts USD 75,000 at
the time the application is lodged, and the balance after the applicant has
made one year as a permanent resident under the program.
Process
The island of St.Kitts and Nevis is ideal for all those individuals seeking to
apply for Caribbean Citizenship Programs. Formerly a British Colony, it is
now a federation of two scenic islands in the Eastern Caribbean, and a
member of the commonwealth with English as the official language. The
country is an upcoming luxury resort destination, currently served with
direct flights from London, New York, Toronto, Miami and Puerto Rico. St.
Kitts & Nevis has no income, capital gain, wealth, inheritance or gift taxes
on its citizens and residents.
The Saint Kitts and Nevis citizenship by investment program was launched in
1984, making it the longest established program of its kind in the world.
The successful applicants of this program are granted direct citizenship to
Saint Kitts and Nevis, which means they are not even required to live there
or visit it for any number of days prior to gaining citizenship. Moreover,
within 6 months of their applications, they will receive passports that allow
visa-free/visa-on-arrival travel to over 120 countries including UK, and EU
countries.
Principal Applicant
Spouse
Children under 18 and aged 18-25 (if they are current full-time students
and have been since turning 18)
Investment Requirements:
The St. Kitts & Nevis government has been focused on developing the luxury
tourism sector to tap the islands potential as another quality destination
in the Caribbean. Hence, the real estate investment opportunities available
are in luxury resorts and hotels currently under development.
Process
After the application is submitted, the St. Kitts & Nevis government takes
about 3-4 months to come to a decision or ask for additional information.
While the government reserves the right to request an interview with the
applicant, it is rarely requested.
Once approval is issued and the applicant makes the required donation or
title transfer of real estate, a citizenship certificate is issued in 30 days.
Our experience with the St. Kitts & Nevis Citizenship by Investment
Program
Lalani & Associates has been successfully processing St. Kitts & Nevis
citizenship applications since 2009 with a 100% success rate.
The principals at Lalani & Associates who are managing the program, have
been to St. Kitts & Nevis and have held discussions with government
officials, real estate developers, and law firms as part of their due diligence
of this program.
Individuals who are considering the different options for Caribbean Citizenship
programs should definitely opt for Antigua and Barbuda Citizenship by
Investment program. Antigua and Barbuda is a member of many international
organizations, such as the United Nations, the British Commonwealth and
Caricom and the Organization of American States (OAS) among many others.
Passport holders of Antigua and Barbuda enjoy visa-free travel to approximately
130 countries, including the UK, Canada and the countries of the Schengen
zone.
Eligible Family Members:
o Principal Applicant
o Spouse
o Children under 18 and aged between 18-25 (if they are current full-time
students and have been since turning 18)
Investment Requirements:
The Government of Antigua and Barbuda has re-introduced the Limited Time
Offer, under which applications for the Antigua and Barbuda passport program
received for the NDF investment option will receive a reduction on the
investment contribution from US$250,000, to US$200,000. The government
processing fees will be US$50,000 for principal applicant and spouse
respectively and free for up to two dependents. The offer is valid for a family
application of up to four persons. Additional family members will pay normal
fees.
Process
o The passport is issued in 3-6 months depending upon CIUs approval and
settlement of investment to be made.
Entrepreneur Programs
SKILLED WORKER
Express Entry is the new selection system for Canadian immigration, designed to
select skilled workers for immigration to Canada. It is a completely electronic
process involving the federal government, provincial governments, and
Canadian employers.
Supporting Information
There are a total of 1,200 points available under the Comprehensive Ranking
System.
After getting your free assessment done through our website, Lalani &
Associates will review your information to determine your eligibility of entry into
Express Entry pool.
As per CIC process, after 6-month the successful applicants will land in
Canada as permanent residents.
Quebec Skilled Worker
Quebec is the largest province of Canada. It is famous for its rolling hills, vast forests, and
countless waterfalls where official language is French. The economy of Quebec is highly
industrialized and diversified to enjoy permanent visa status. Through the Quebec Skilled
Worker Program, successful applicants and their families can obtain Canadian permanent
residency status after they receive invitation from government of Quebec Province. The major
advantage is the announcement by Quebec government that it will take two rounds of application
intake in future. It is therefore expected that the government will accept larger number of
applications.
The permanent residency program by Quebec government in Canada is for skilled professionals
with minimum of 1 year experience in their field of education. Quebec government has fixed
point-based system in order to check eligibility of skilled professionals. The profile of applicants
is reviewed where minimum of 49 points are required by the main applicant and minimum 57
points are required by accompanying spouse, if along, under different criteria as:
Education
Area of training
Work experience
Age
Language Proficiency
Children
Application Process
Lalanis team will review the profile and prepare Catalogue of Documents (CoD) for
continuing the process.
The process of Quebec skilled worker program is not complicated like other programs but has a
limited quota of 5,000 applications online. The whole process starting from Certificate of
Selection Quebec (CSQ) till issuance of visas takes time up to approximately 2.5 3 years.
The application intake period for this program is currently closed but it is expected to re-open
again in April 2017.
Immigration to Australia is open for individuals through the skilled worker immigration program. This
program was launched with the introduction of Skill Select initiative with the aim to ensure that
skilled migration program caters to the economic needs of Australia. This program supports the
Australian Government in managing who, when and in what numbers can apply for the Skilled
Migration program.
This Australian visa is designed specifically for those skilled workers who arent sponsored by anyone,
be it an employer, family members, or nominated by a state or territory government. If the applicant
obtains this visa, he/she will be permitted to live or work in Australia as a permanent resident. In
order to qualify for this category, the applicants current occupation must be listed in the skilled
occupation list (SOL). This list provides a complete list of the relevant assessing authority for each
occupation on the lists.
The skilled workers opting for this visa category will be allowed to live and work in specified regional
areas within Australia for a period of up to 4 years.
The eligibility criterion for this program requires applicants occupations to be listed in the consolidated
sponsored occupation list (CSOL), which will provide a complete list of the relevant assessing
authority for each occupation on the lists.
3. Sponsored or Nominated visa:
This visa category targets those points-tested skilled workers who have nominated by a state or territory
government agency. The applicants will be free to work and live in Australia as a permanent resident
if they are granted this visa.
In order to meet the eligibility criteria to qualify for this visa option, the applicants occupation must be
listed in the consolidated sponsored occupation list (CSOL), which will provide a complete list of the
relevant assessing authority for each occupation on the lists.
Eligibility requirements:
Experience: 3 years of relevant post qualification experience, provided an occupation should be listed
under Skilled /Consolidated Skilled Occupation list.
You must have been living in Australia on a valid Australian visa for 4 years immediately before
applying, including 1 year as a permanent resident, and
You must not have been absent from Australia for more than 1 year during the 4 year period, including
no more than 90 days in the year immediately before applying.
Sponsorships
1. Spousal Sponsorship
The average processing time for Canadas spousal sponsorship is around 18-24
months.
o Prove that you have sufficient income to provide basic requirements to your
spouse and dependent children.
Key Benefits:
o Sponsored person will be able to get Permanent Residence Rights from day 1!
o Free education for your school children and superior medical facilities
o Excellent law and order situation.
2. Parental Sponsorship
The processing time for parental sponsorship for Canada is around 7 8 years.
o Have declared your income to the Canada Revenue Agency (CRA) for the last
three years immediately preceding the date of application,
Key Benefits:
o Parents / Grandparents will be able to migrate to live with their family and get
Permanent Residence Rights from day 1!
Visit Visa
Visit family,
Eligibility Criteria:
Have sufficient funds available and ties to their home country such as a job,
family or property.
Satisfy visa officer that you will leave Canada at the end of your authorized stay
Be in good health
Lalani & Associates has successfully represented numerous clients for their visit
visa applications in the past and our approach is to help mitigate the concerns
of visa officers that often result in a visa refusal. Even if you have been refused
in the past, a well thought out application with supporting evidence and
documentation can result in a successful application.
SuperVisa
The sponsor must exceed the minimum necessary income level for
this program (if married or in a common-law relationship, the
income of both can be included);
8-10 weeks
Key Benefits:
2 persons $27,674
3 persons $34,022
4 persons $41,307
5 persons $46,850
6 persons $52,838
7 persons $58,827
Student Visa
Why Canada?
Prove that you have enough money to pay for your tuition fees, living
expenses and return transportation for yourself in Canada.
Satisfy officer that you will leave Canada at the end of your authorized
stay.
8-12 weeks
Working with our network of partners, we can help create a tax strategy that
fits with your residency and citizenship plans.
Alternative Investments
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