Visa de Transeunte Inversionista (TR-I)

Venezuela's Visa de Transeunte Inversionista (TR-I) grants temporary residence to foreign nationals or representatives of foreign companies who have made and registered a productive investment in the country. Established under the Ley de Extranjeria y Migracion (Gaceta Oficial No. 37.944, 24 May 2004), the visa is administered by SAIME domestically and by Venezuelan consular missions abroad. Foreign investment registration is handled by the Ministry of Popular Power for Economy, Finance and Foreign Trade (MPPEF).

• Productive investment made and registered with the MPPEF (formerly SIEX)
• Investor must hold at least 20% of the company's share capital
• Investment must generate economic impact in Venezuela (residential real estate purchases do not qualify)
• Valid passport with minimum 6 months validity
• Criminal background certificate from country of origin or residence for the past 5 years, apostilled and translated into Spanish
• Foreign company commercial registry registered in Venezuela (Registro Mercantil)
• Company registration and qualification from the MPPEF
• Three months of company financial statements (bank-sealed and signed)
• Bank account statements proving investor solvency
• Completed visa application form

• The visa is tied to the registered investment
• Holder may manage or work within the investment enterprise but cannot take general employment with unrelated Venezuelan employers
• Investment must be productive, not purely residential real estate

The visa is valid for 3 years with multiple entries and no limit on stay within that period. Before expiry, the holder may apply through SAIME for an extension of up to 2 additional years. After the extension expires, the holder may apply for permanent resident (residente) status, which is valid for 5 years.

Applications are submitted through Venezuelan embassies and consulates abroad. The completed application form and all required documents are submitted either in person or by postal mail, depending on the consulate. Visa issuance requires authorization from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs in coordination with the MPPEF. Processing takes approximately 10 business days after receipt of complete documentation. The application fee is USD 60 (non-refundable).

Upon entering Venezuela, the holder must register with SAIME within 30 days and receives a cedula de identidad (identity card) valid for 1 year, renewable annually. After 3 years, the holder may transition to a residente cedula valid for 5 years.

Individuals present in Venezuela for more than 183 days in a calendar year are considered tax residents and subject to progressive income tax on worldwide income at rates from 6% to 34%. Non-residents pay a flat 34% rate on Venezuelan-source income.

The visa grants multiple entries with no limit on stay. To maintain residency status, the holder must visit Venezuela at least once every 24 months.