Business people and investor potential pathways

Residency and Citizenship

A growing number of Countries now offer immigrant investor programmes, exchanging residency rights or citizenship for a sizable investment in their economies.

European Countries such as Greece and Cyprus are now offering Investor visas through Investment in Real Estate. In addition a number of Caribbean countries, namely, St. Kitts and Nevis, Antigua & Barbuda and Dominica offer citizenship through Investment and a Second Passport providing travel access to many visa free countries. Caribbean Programmes start from just $200,000 plus related costs.

Not every country and programme is the same. There are significant differences relating to investment level, family qualification, permanent residency, minimum stay, citizenship and passports. Not least of all the differing economic states and real estate investment prospects of each of the countries in question.

Our Non EU National Clients and other Foreign Investors motivations to obtain alternative residence rights or Citizenship fall into several categories:

• Traditional Immigration: Investor programmes can be simply another way for wealthy applicants and their families to move to popular destinations, sidestepping eligibility requirements and delays found in other immigration pathways. Educating their children in these countries without paying international student fees can also be a motivation.
• Insurance policy: Applicants may not want to emigrate immediately, but securing residence rights abroad keeps this option open in case of future political or economic upheaval in their homeland.
• Visa Free Travel: Business people and other frequent travelers can reduce the cost and time of applying for visas by gaining citizenship or residence rights in certain countries.
• Lower taxes: Wealthy Investors who establish residence in a low-tax Country such as Cyprus or Dominica may be able to reduce their tax bills.

These motivations are not mutually exclusive, and some foreign Investors apply for multiple programmes at the same time – for example to improve access to visa free travel in the short term while working toward citizenship in a traditional destination where they intend to settle permanently.

However, it is important to gain the right professional advice before beginning this process. Every client has different needs and objectives.  Contact me at [email protected] for further details on Real Estate Investment and the Investors visa programmes on offer.