Many foreigners who are interested in investing in Honduras often wonder how to obtain a migratory status that allows them to stay in the country without the need to frequently leave or renew their stay.
The Migration and Foreigner Law provides a good option for foreigners interested in investing in Honduras. According to the law, foreigners who invest their capital in any lawful economic activity in Honduras can acquire the status of investor resident. Similarly, foreigners who invest their capital in certificates, securities, or bonds of the State and national financial institutions, as determined by the law, can also acquire this status.
However, there is a minimum investment requirement to be considered a foreign investor. The law sets this investment amount at a minimum of fifty thousand US dollars ($50,000.00) or its equivalent in the national currency. Additionally, there are some special requirements, such as:
- Investing capital in the investment areas specified in Article 31 of the Migration and Foreigner Law.
- The investment must be a minimum of fifty thousand US dollars ($50,000) or its equivalent in the national currency.
- The Ministry of Governance and Justice will not authorize residency when the foreigner intends to make investments not permitted by the law.
Furthermore, the foreign investor is required to provide a guarantee, which must be in the form of a certificate of deposit issued by the Central Bank of Honduras, with a value not less than five thousand US dollars ($5,000.00) or its equivalent in the national currency. Once it is verified that the investment has been made, the guarantee will be returned to the investor within one year.
The advantage of residency is that it allows the foreigner to reside in the country without the need to renew a visa or extend their stay. This is particularly beneficial when one wishes to stay for more than ninety (90) days, which is generally the maximum period allowed for foreigners to stay in the country without obtaining a specific migratory status, such as the one we are discussing here.
It is important to review the additional requirements with your lawyer prior to entering Honduras and to determine the necessary documents to apply for residency in the country.