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Investing in the Marianas Foreign Investor Certificates Short-Term Entry Permit For people entering the Northern Mariana Islands for the purposes of surveying business opportunities, a short-term business permit is issued by the Immigration Officer at the point of entry into the islands. The Short-Term Business Entry Permit allows a business person to stay in the CNMI for 30 days. An extention of 90 days can be applied for at the Department of Commerce 10 days prior to the expiration of a Short-Term Permit. A tourist visa cannot be changed to a business visa unless the holder first exits the CNMI. Therefore, when a business person enters the CNMI, it is imperative to obtain a business visa if the intent of the visit is for business purposes. Regular-Term Entry Certificate A business owner in the CNMI should obtain a Regular-Term Business Certificate. This certificate entitles the business owner/investor to lawfully engage in business and to remain in the CNMI for up to 90 days within a 12 month period. Long-Term Entry Certificate A Long-Term Business Certificate is initially valid for up to two years and allows the business owner and dependents (under 21 years of age) to enter and exit the CNMI freely, as long as the certificate is valid. The holder of a Long-Term Business Entry Certificate has no absolute right to the renewal for the Long-Term Business Entry Certificate. Applicants will be required to substantiate capital investments of no less than $150,000 plus a security deposit of $100,000 for a new or existing enterprise. Rules, regulations and fees in connection with the issuance of Long-Term Business Entry Certificate can be obtained from the Economic Development Division of the Department of Commerce. Foreign Investment Certificate The Foreign Investment Certificate and Foreign Investment Visa are documents issued to an alien investor who has met all the standards and conditions as set by the Secretary of Commerce. The minimum amount of investment shall be $150,000 per person in an aggregate "Approved Investment" in excess of $2,000,000 plus a one time security deposit of $100,000 in a single "approved investment." The duration of the Foreign Investment Certificate shall be perpetual, provided that the Approved Investment continues to comply with the standards of issuance. The immediate family members of the applicant shall be eligible to obtain the Foreign Investors Visa which also will allow that family member to reside in the CNMI for as long as the applicant wishes to reside in the CNMI and remains in good standing. Rules, regulations and fees in connection with the issuance of the Foreign Investment Certificate and the Foreign Investors Visa can be obtained from the Economic Development Division of the Department of Commerce.
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