Experts in investment immigration believe that the sector is on the cusp of a significant evolutionary shift. These changes might happen soon, in 2024 or 2025 at the latest. Immigration agents who really focus on each client’s needs will likely do very well in this environment.
Global shifts in citizenship-by-investment programs: latest updates
The investment immigration market has gone through turbulent times lately. Many golden visa programs were discontinued, while others underwent revisions. The Caribbean nations faced heightened scrutiny from the USA, the EU, and Great Britain over their citizenship-by-investment programs. A well-known Canadian investment program made a comeback. As you can see, 2023 brought lots of significant updates with it.
At present, Ireland does not offer a golden visa program. Portugal has made it impossible to obtain legal residency via real estate investment. In Greece, the investment threshold has been raised for properties in sought-after tourist areas. Meanwhile, the Federation of St Kitts and Nevis has increased its investment requirements across the board.
Investment immigrants encountered unforeseen issues after acquiring second passports. Specifically, Dominica’s passport no longer offers visa-free travel to Great Britain. Cyprus has been revoking citizenship from its economic citizens following investigations that uncovered fraudulent actions by these individuals.
The allure of visa-free travel to the Schengen area has significantly boosted the appeal of Caribbean citizenship-by-investment programs. Affluent individuals from China, India, and numerous other nations have undoubtedly shown interest in this benefit. However, Dominica’s recent loss of visa-free access to Great Britain casts a concerning shadow. In response, Dominica’s government is diligently striving to regain favor with British authorities. Meanwhile, St Kitts and Nevis, St Lucia, Antigua and Barbuda, and Grenada are revising their economic citizenship programs to meet the stricter standards imposed by the EU and the USA. Despite these challenges, the investment immigration industry continues to thrive.
Why one-size-fits-all doesn’t work in investment immigration
Investment immigration is a strategic tool that is used to achieve specific objectives. Agents who exclusively promote a single citizenship-by-investment or residence-by-investment program may not be considering the diverse needs of their clients. This is especially true given each customer’s unique goals that can be reached by obtaining a foreign citizenship or legal residence permit. With this in mind, it is essential to offer clients a variety of investment immigration options to make sure they find the one that best fulfills their individual requirements.
In today’s fast-paced world, people have access to more information than ever before, which makes them well-informed about the options they have. Nonetheless, the process of securing second citizenship or legal residency in another country involves complex procedures and intricate details. This complexity necessitates a tailored approach for each client.
Your passport to the world: customized investment immigration
Promoting only one citizenship-by-investment program is not prudent, as lots of such schemes were discontinued in the past. This is why at International Wealth, we provide a range of citizenship and residence-by-investment options to our clients.
Each investment immigration program boasts unique attributes that may attract different clients. While some are content with Caribbean citizenship, others aim for relocation to the EU and require a European golden visa scheme. There are also those who seek citizenship or residence-by-investment opportunities in Southeast Asia or Eastern Europe. International Wealth’s expertise lies in identifying the program that best aligns with your specific needs.
We also highlight investment immigration options that often go unnoticed. While there are established routes to obtaining second citizenship or legal residency abroad, International Wealth experts guide clients through more unconventional opportunities to achieve the same objective.
Beyond the beaten path
Our meticulous analysis of national immigration laws allows us to uncover hidden gems that delight our clients. Each country offers a variety of immigration paths, some of which are overlooked due to their perceived complexity or cost. Yet, these less conventional options may be the perfect fit for certain individuals.
For instance, numerous countries offer citizenship to those who render exceptional contributions or exceptional services. The criteria for exceptional vary, but such opportunities, despite being frequently overlooked, are worth considering for their potential to fulfill unique client needs.
Our expertise includes understanding what various national governments deem as exceptional services. Often, a significant financial contribution is recognized as such. This implies that International Wealth clients have the opportunity to obtain foreign citizenship in countries that do not have formal citizenship-by-investment programs.
Stay ahead with International Wealth
We keep a close eye on the evolving landscape of the investment immigration market to deliver optimal solutions to you. A recent development, for instance, allows legal residents of the UAE to apply for Schengen visas online, eliminating the need to visit a visa agency or consulate. While Caribbean passports offer visa-free entry to the EU, a UAE residence card now comes with a comparable advantage.
Obtaining a UAE golden visa is both simple and affordable, and we are eager to guide you through the whole process from start to finish. The golden visa offers the possibility of indefinite renewals, which means you can enjoy permanent access to the Schengen area as a legal UAE resident.
Legal residence programs frequently undergo changes, altering their benefits. For example, Japan’s legal residence permit now qualifies you for an online Schengen visa application, offering the same EU access benefits as the UAE’s legal residence.
With a golden visa in an EU country, you will enjoy visa-free entry to the whole EU. Admittedly, certain Latin American countries offer similar benefits, plus unrestricted access to MERCOSUR nations. Legal residence in countries like Paraguay or Uruguay is easier to obtain, plus it is more cost-effective compared to a European golden visa.
Well-versed in the intricacies of the investment immigration industry, International Wealth experts diligently track legislative changes related to immigration. We are eager to guide you through the complexities of obtaining a second citizenship or legal residency abroad. From securing a taxpayer’s number, national ID, and driving license to assisting with property purchases, bank account openings, and the establishment of trusts and companies overseas, we are at your service for these and other related needs. Feel free to reach out to us anytime, we are quick to reply!
