Digital Residency for Foreign Investors

Helps governments promote foreign investment
Digital Residency is a platform that helps governments promote foreign investment by allowing investors to register their companies online from abroad.

Automates the process of setting up a foreign-owned company from abroad
An online single window automates the process of setting up a foreign-owned company. Owners register and operate their business without entering the country or holding a residency permit.
Supports landmark agreements such as AfCTA and CAFTA
The programme was developed to support the creation of regional value chains for trade agreements such as the Africa Continental Free Trade Area and the Central America Free Trade Agreement.
Why it matters
Simpler and more accessible procedures lead to an increase in the number of companies registered. Unpredictable and lengthy procedures, as well as the need to make multiple visits to government offices are often cited by investors as a disincentive.
Further, recent restrictions placed on international travel, unpredictability of flights and reductions in companies’ travel budgets complicate the ability of investors to physically visit a country.
Advantages
  • Companies can more easily establish subsidiaries in the beneficiary country.
  • Governments have a tool to improve their attractiveness as a place for foreign investors to do business.
Beneficiaries

Digital Residency is available to any government that allows foreign investment. It can be implemented in line with existing laws.

Installation process
STEP 1
Analysis
The project team analyses with government officials every element of the procedures to create and operate a company creation procedure (laws and rules, information needs, document requirements, fees, roles of different agencies and officials such as Business Registry, Tax administration, Social Security, etc.).
STEP 2
Development
The project team develops the country platform.
STEP 3
Implementation
The project team enters online procedures into the platform.
STEP 4
Training
The project team trains government staff to operate the system.