US Freedom Capital, a leading investment and investment banking firm, has opened its representative office in Dubai, UAE recently.

By expanding operations to Dubai, the company aims to increase its ability to offer world-class immigration services and investment opportunities to potential investors residing in UAE and the wider GCC region, said a statement.

The firm currently has offices in Washington DC, US; Dallas, US; London, UK; and Shanghai, China.

The EB-5 Visa was created by the Immigration Act of 1990 whereby the visa provides foreign nationals a method of obtaining a Green Card by investing money in the United States. Over the years, the programme has undergone a number of changes to make it more conducive for investors.

At present, the criteria for the visa includes that an individual must invest at least $500,000 in a project or business within a Targeted Employment Area and create a minimum of 10 indirect jobs through that investment.

David Gunderson, principal and executive VP of the company, said: “The experience and knowledge provided by our firm’s executive partners and the board of directors strengthens our ability to provide quality investment opportunities and immigration services. By establishing a presence in Dubai, we strongly believe that we will be able to further fortify our capability of providing unmatched global coverage.

“Over the years there has been a growing demand for the EB-5 visa category among UAE residents, particularly Iranians, Pakistanis and Indians, as well as Arab expatriates from Jordan, Lebanon, Egypt and Syria. In the year 2013, over $3.25 billion was invested in the United States through the EB-5 program, of which 86 per cent of investors were approved for permanent residency.”

As part of its services, the company will provide its clients with concierge services thereby assisting families and individuals with all of their relocation needs and addressing all aspects of a new life in the US such as: providing financial expertise, referrals to legal and tax professionals, and simple translation assistance as well as providing introductions for wealth management, tax and accounting, estate planning, housing, medical and cultural and language familiarity.

The firm has planned to host its second seminar in Dubai on October 11 to educate people on the features and benefits of the EB-5 programme, as well as other investment opportunities in the US.  

The event will also be hosted in Abu Dhabi, UAE on October 12, Manama, Bahrain on October 14 and Muscat, Oman on October 16. - TradeArabia News Service