Update on Venezuela š»šŖ Recent Changes, Investment Viability, and Visa Options
For my fellow gringos currently āmonitoring the situationā
The world woke up to shock on the morning of January 3, 2026.
President NicolƔs Maduro, the leader of Venezuela, had been captured by the US military during a covert operation in the middle of the night.
Maduro was on a military flight to face justice in the US and Venezuela was now free at last.
Or so we thoughtā¦
The reality of the situation quickly kicked in.
While Maduro being removed from power was a huge step in the right direction for the country, the aftermath wasnāt going to be so simple.
There was a power vacuum left to fill. Who would step in and take charge of the country? How would the transition period work?
Just a long list of questions that needed answers.
No one knew how things would play out or how long it would take. In fact, if weāre being honest, we still donāt.
However, clarity seems to be coming sooner than later.
Recently, weāve seen a string of positive developments and changes that have @Andresevd and myself very excited about whatās to come. The future is bright in Venezuela.
P.S: If youāre currently āmonitoring the situationā in Venezuela, make sure to join our Telegram group for daily updates.
Recent Changes
Thereās still much to be resolved in Venezuela, but the recent developments have us feeling optimistic that things will open up here soon.
Hereās some of the changes weāre excited about:
1. Political Stability and Status Quo
One of the primary reasons behind Operation Absolute Resolve by the USA was the presence of geopolitical adversaries in Venezuela, often referred to as the "Legion of Doom" ā> Russia, China, Iran, and Cuba.
However, following this operation, Venezuela is re-establishing its historically close ties with the U.S., creating new opportunities for citizens from the West, particularly American citizens, in the country in the near future.
This newfound stability is exactly what we wanted, as real estate investment options potentially start to open up.
2. Economic Recoveryā¦Incoming
Venezuela's economy has struggled for over fifteen years, experiencing an 80% collapse in GDP.
This collapses transformed Venezuela from one of the highest GDP per capita countries in Latin America ā> to one of the lowest.
Most of these challenges stem from self-inflicted issues and artificial limitations (such as currency exchange controls). Since a large portion of the economic decline was self-created, the rebuilding process is expected to be swift.
Venezuela has the potential to be a half-trillion-dollar economy, with a current valuation around 120 billion. If everything plays out how weād like, Venezuela could be setup to see consecutive years of double-digit GDP growth in the near future.
3. Oil Industry Investments = Trickle Down
The state of Venezuela's economy is closely tied to its oil sector, which houses the largest oil reserves globally (nearly 20% of the world's reserves).
After witnessing a 67% drop in oil production over the year, mainly due to socialism and corruption, the country is currently seeing significant investments from multinational oil corporations, especially from the USA.
Historically, oil revenues have played a crucial role in revitalizing the broader economy.
We believe as the oil sector in Venezuela opens up again, this will boost the overall economy of the country and ātrickle downā to many Venezuela citizens of all social classes.
4. Safety For US Citizens as Embassy Opens
A few years ago, this may have not been the case, but by Latin American standards, Venezuela is relatively safe these days.
The unpredictability of the government and authorities can certainly still pose challenges. However, with the current changes being implemented, this is one of the key improvements weāre seeing in the country.
For American citizens, a significant concern was the inactivity of a formal embassy. Now, the USA consulate is operational after years of absence, with Laura Dogu appointed as the head of the mission.
Some believe she parallels General MacArthur's influence in Japan post-WWII. This consulate presence enhances overall safety for U.S. citizens in Venezuela ā> signficantly!
5. International Air Routes Reopening En Masse
Venezuela faced significant air travel restrictions due to its political climate over the years. This is changing, as many previously canceled routes are now being reinstated, with a major breakthrough being the re-establishment of air connections between U.S. cities, likely targeting Miami.
Hereās some of the places that will now have direct flights to Venezuela:
Panama ā Panama City (Copa)
Colombia ā BogotĆ” (Avianca, LATAM, Wingo), MedellĆn (Wingo)
Spain ā Madrid (Air Europa, Plus Ultra, Laser, Iberia), Tenerife (Plus Ultra)
Turkey ā Istanbul (Turkish Airlines)
Brazil ā SĆ£o Paulo (GOL, Rutaca)
Portugal ā Lisbon (TAP)
United States ā Miami (American Airlines ā pending approval)
6. Real Estate Prices Upā¦
Now for some ābadā newsā¦
Many abroad assume the situation in Venezuela is dire financially, but that is not the reality as of today.
The real estate market throughout the country bottomed out in late 2018, and has shown consistent growth since then.
Following the events of January 3, prices have risen between 20-100% depending on the market.
That being said, we could very well still be early. There will be a āgoldilocks zoneā with the Venezuela real estate market at some point in timeā¦once the market is fully opened up.
We will be ready to pounce when that happens.
Investment Viability
Venezuela is entering a phase of reconstruction, with numerous industries and institutions throughout the country needing substantial upgrades.
Obviously, this will present opportunities. The key thing to keep in mind is thisā¦
Treating Venezuela like other countries in Latin America, with regards to investing, could be a fundamental error.
Hereās an example, an idea:
Beach properties bought in Latin America 10+ years ago have seen significant gains. Places in Costa Rica, Punta del Este in Uruguay, and maybe the biggest winner ā> Los Cabos, Mexico. And letās not forget Punta Cana, Dominican Republic.
So when I began doing my research on real estate markets in Venezuela, I started my search in the beach towns and cities.
And I ran my research by @Andresevd to get his āboots on the groundā feedback. He quickly changed my thought process. Due to the sheer size of the oil industry in Venezuela, his take was that industrial cities in the country could be better investment markets.
While beach spots like Isla Margarita will certainly be options (personally curious about investing here), so will places like:
Overall, real estate stands out as an obvious investment opportunity in Venezuela, but it requires a solid understanding of the market, as well as the necessary liquidity.
Is it currently viable?
Technically, yesā¦with a caveat.
Youāll need some type of visa/residency in the country to invest as of right now. Thereās a few workarounds, but they pose bureaucratic nightmares.
And getting that visa? Itās not exactly simple. More intel on that belowā¦
Visa/Residency Options
We believe this will change here soon, but this is the reality of visa and residency options in Venezuela as of today:
Applications will be judged differently on a case-by-case basis.
The ādifferentlyā in that equation can be based on your nationality, the consulate location applying at, a political mandate from āupstairsā to allow certain types of people to get a visa, and even discretionary criteria from the officer youāre applying with.
In practices, thereās a number arbitrary procedures on the back end to allow foreigners to actually get visas in Venezuela. But we canāt share how that works publicly as of now, mainly because it changes weekly.
If youāre serious about getting started, reply to this email.
For now, hereās some of the visa and residency options that are technically available.
For individuals looking to buy real estate, youāll most likely start with the first option here:
