Honduras investor visa (residence by investment)

Separately from residence, the INM grants special stay permits to business owners (empresarios). That file includes the company's deed of incorporation or individual trader declaration, the valid operating permit, a Revenue Administration Service (SAR) certificate that the business is operating and accounts signed by a registered accountant, and costs USD 100 per person per year plus L.200 for certificates.

The investor proves with documents a minimum investment in Honduras of USD 50,000 or the equivalent in lempiras, in lawful areas of investment, backed by the investment's own guarantees. The INM page writes the figure as "USD$50,0000.00"; the words state fifty thousand dollars.

The file adds a technical feasibility study with timetable and investment plan, a certificate of deposit of no less than USD 5,000 issued by the Central Bank of Honduras and held at the disposal of the Secretariat of Human Rights, Justice, Governance and Decentralisation to guarantee the investment, and a certificate of registration in the Register of Investors of the Ministry of Industry and Trade.

Residence applications go to the Secretariat of State for Human Rights, Justice, Governance and Decentralisation through a legal representative (apoderado legal), with the required stamps and full contact details for the lawyer and the applicant. The file includes the power of attorney, a recent 6 x 5 cm photo, a certificate of migration movements from the National Migration Institute (INM), an authenticated criminal record certificate from the country of origin and of last residence, a certificate from the criminal investigation directorate that there are no complaints against you, a medical certificate no older than six months and an authenticated copy of the passport.

If you started the residence procedure abroad through a Honduran embassy or consulate, add the original entry application authorised by the consul. Documents in a language other than Spanish must be officially translated by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and legalised or apostilled where applicable.

Foreigners who have filed for residence must keep extending their stay at the INM until the resolution is issued and they are registered in the National Register of Foreigners. Extensions cost the equivalent of USD 20 per month, paid through the General Treasury of the Republic. Once the resolution is issued, the foreigner registers in the National Register of Foreigners and obtains the resident card.