Global residency and citizenship service guide

Understand programme options, service steps and frequently asked questions.

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20+ Years of Expertise in Investment Migration & Second Passports

Our Services

CathayCity is a leading Hong Kong immigration consultancy with over 20 years of professional experience, serving high-net-worth individuals and families with comprehensive migration solutions across three core areas:

Investment Migration & Residency: Ireland, Portugal, Spain Golden Visa, Italy, Bulgaria, and UK Employer Sponsorship. Obtain European residency through property or fund investments and enjoy EU freedom of movement.

Second Passports (Citizenship by Investment): Antigua, Dominica, Grenada, St Kitts, Malta, Vanuatu, Turkey and 10+ countries. Fastest approval in 30 days, visa-free access to 130–180 countries. The most comprehensive second passport portfolio among Hong Kong immigration consultants.

Mainstream Country Migration: Australia (Skilled Migration, 188B/C Investment, NIV Entrepreneur, 186/482 Employer Sponsored), Canada (SUV Start-Up, AAIP/AIPP Employer Sponsored, Express Entry), USA (EB-5 Investment, EB-1A Extraordinary Ability, EB-2 NIW, EB-3 Employer Sponsored).

Australia: Skilled Migration (189/190/491, 2026 four-tier occupation priority), NIV National Innovation Visa, 188B/C Investment, 186/482 Employer Sponsored.

Canada: SUV Start-Up Visa (suspended from Jan 2026, alternatives: Entrepreneur PNP), AAIP/AIPP Employer Sponsored, Express Entry, Hong Kong Pathway (Lifeboat).

USA: EB-5 Investment (US$800K TEA), EB-1A Extraordinary Ability, EB-3 Employer Sponsored. Grandfather clause protection for applications filed before 30 Sep 2026.

Four Steps Process Four Steps Process

At CathayCity, we simplify the complex immigration application process into four clear, efficient steps, with industry-leading experts providing full support throughout your journey. From initial consultation to successful approval, we offer customized, time-efficient services to ensure every step is steady and worry-free.

Free Consultation & Tailored Solutions

Comprehensive Assessment: We carefully evaluate your personal situation and immigration goals, providing in-depth, professional advice.

•Free Consultation: You can choose to have a free initial consultation at our Singapore or Hong Kong offices, or via phone with our trusted immigration consultants who will answer all your questions.

Secure Investment Opportunities

Safety and Reliability: Whether you choose to invest in real estate or other projects, we conduct rigorous pre-screening to ensure your investments are secure.

•Exclusive Site Visits: We can arrange site visits to your target country with all travel costs covered by us. We also negotiate with developers on your behalf to secure the best prices.

Professional Application Preparation

Due Diligence: Our immigration experts prepare all application materials with the utmost rigor and care, ensuring everything is perfect.

•Full Monitoring: We monitor your application progress throughout and keep you updated at all times. We comply with all regulations and licensing requirements with no intermediaries, giving you complete peace of mind.

Fast Approval & Global Citizenship

Efficient Approval: Within just a few months, you can receive your residence card or passport and begin your new global life.

•Exclusive Benefits: As a global citizen, you can:

•Travel freely to over 150 countries and regions;

•Settle, work, and live in your chosen country;

•Benefit from tax optimization for wealth growth;

•Provide a stable, secure future for your family;

•Give your children access to top-tier education in the United States, Canada, Australia, New Zealand, or Europe.

  • POPULAR IMMIGRATION COUNTRIES
  • Australia
  • Second Passport
  • IMMIGRATION STREAMS
  • PASSPORT PROGRAMS

Second citizenship and passport can be a valuable thing to have in an increasingly globalized world.

RESIDENCE BY INVESTMENT

Residency by investment is the process of obtaining a permanent residency card in another country by investing in the economy of that country.

ENTREPRENEUR VISA

Fastest immigration stream among others. For people who want to work in their own business

SKILLED MIGRANT

Low cost and fastest immigration stream to attempt permanent residence by your profession

Key Benefits of Alternative Residency or Citizenship

Travel worldwide for business or pleasure, including the US, CAN, AUS, EU and UK without burden of constant visa applications

Invest in real estate and other assets with options to release your investments when the investment term is over

Relocate to Europe and other locations worldwide with entire family in a matter of months

An alternative place to call home. Enhance your financial stability due to stable economic and political environments

Preserve your wealth by taking advantage of a favourable tax regime

Educate your children in the world’s most prestigious schools and universities

Registered & Regulated Under Australian Migration Authority

Citizenship by Investment vs Residency by Investment: Key Differences

Australia National Innovation Visa (Subclass 858): Invitation, Nominator and Evidence Guide

Why Choose CathayCity

20+ Years of Experience: Serving global clients with thousands of successful cases. Our team includes licensed Australian immigration lawyers, former immigration officers, and senior consultants.

30+ Countries Covered: Whether it's Australia, Canada, USA, or second passport nations, we provide deep professional advice.

Transparent Fees: All costs fully disclosed before contract signing. No hidden charges. Free initial consultation and eligibility assessment.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q1: How much does immigration cost?

Immigration costs vary by country and visa type. Australian immigration government fees are approximately AUD 4,985-10,000 (including family members), Hong Kong QMAS and Top Talent Pass have no application fees, island passports start from USD 100,000-250,000 investment, European Golden Visas start from EUR 250,000-500,000 investment. CathayCity offers transparent pricing with no hidden fees. Get FreeAssessment →

Q2: How long does immigration take?

Based on our 20 years of experience, Australian immigration takes 7-18 months (our average: 10 months), Hong Kong QMAS takes 6-9 months (our average: 7 months), Hong Kong Top Talent Pass takes 4-8 weeks (our average: 5 weeks), Canada Express Entry takes 6-12 months, island passports take 3-6 months. CathayCity's professional service helps clients achieve faster processing times. Find Out Your Timeline →

Q3: What conditions do I need to meet for immigration?

Requirements vary by visa type. Australian Skilled Migration requires 65+ points (competitive score: 80-90+), Australian NIV Talent/Entrepreneur has no age limit, no English requirement, no EOI points test, Hong Kong QMAS requires 80+ points (competitive score: 120-150+), Hong Kong Top Talent Pass requires annual income HKD 2.5million or graduation from top 100 universities. CathayCity offers free eligibilityassessment. Get Assessed Now →

Q8: Do I need English for immigration? Can I immigrate if my English is poor?

Answer: Many immigration pathways have no English requirement or low English requirements. No English requirement: Australian NIV Talent/Entrepreneur, Hong Kong QMAS/Top Talent Pass/Capital Investment/GEP, all island passports, all European Golden Visas. Low English requirements: Australian Employer Sponsored (IELTS 5.0-6.0), Australian Skilled Migration - Trade Occupations (IELTS 6.0). We've successfully helped 500+ clients with limited English skills immigrate. Concerned About English? Get Assessment →

Q9: Can I bring my family when I immigrate?

Answer: Most immigration pathways allow you to include family members. Australian immigration: Spouse and children under 25 (NIV) or under 18-23 (other visas). Hong Kong immigration: Spouse and unmarried children under 18, dependents can work and study in Hong Kong. Island passports: Entire family receives citizenship, including spouse, children under 18-30, parents 55+ (some countries). European Golden Visas: Entire family receives residency. Learn About Family Immigration →

  • Citizenship by Investment Program