Countries that are offering citizenship or residency by investment are seeing an increase in the number of individuals applying for residence under their programs. The opportunity to live and work in another country is seen as extremely valuable by many people, especially those looking to provide educational opportunities to children and/or open up job opportunities.
Whether it is a passport or simply a residency, individuals and families are investing large amounts of money into programs that offer these benefits. While some programs require applicants to be physically present in the country they wish to gain citizenship or residency status for a set number of days each year, other countries require no such commitment. As long as you meet certain criteria, you can become eligible for residency within one of these countries.
Portugal
Portugal has a Portugal Residency by Investment scheme, which allows you to obtain residency through investment. The Portugal Residency scheme is called “Vistos Gold” and it can be utilized by individuals looking to reside in Portugal. Portugal’s Golden Visa Program gives people from all over the world the opportunity to live in Portugal. The Golden Visa Program is the most popular Portugal residency by investment program. For instance, Portugal real estate for sale for non-EU citizens is one of the Portugal investment programs that work and offers an exceptional option. The Golden Visa program in Portugal has the following requirements Applicants must be at least 18 years old, hold a valid travel document (ID card or passport are accepted), have health insurance, have no criminal record, and low risk of money laundering.
There is no Portuguese language requirement for Portugal’s Golden visa program. However, applicants should be able to speak and write English. Individuals over the age of 16 can apply for Portugal residency through an investment in education at one of Portugal’s private universities. The minimum amount required to invest is 250,000 Euros. Applicants should be able to speak and write English.
St. Kitts And Nevis
This is one of the most popular countries for offshore asset protection planning. The country offers one of the most cost-effective means for U.S. citizens to secure permanent residency in a safe and stable, English-speaking nation with direct international flights, modern amenities, and exceptional weather year-round. Residency by Investment can provide you with a safe, stable, and productive environment to live your life as you choose. In addition, it can reduce or potentially eliminate your tax liability on the income generated outside of the United States. St. Kitts Residency program offers numerous benefits for those looking to become St. Kitts citizens without renouncing their U.S. citizenship.
To qualify under the St. Kitts Citizenship-by-Investment program, an applicant must either make a qualifying investment into one of several government-approved programs or meet the requirements for Retired Persons by donating only to the Sugar Industry Diversification Fund or by purchasing approved real estate in St. Kitts. The donation route is particularly attractive for investors who aim to retire in St. Kitts, as the donation is not subject to income tax and provides a fixed 10-year return of 2% per year on your initial investment.
In addition, if you have a dependent with a disability, above the age of 65 years or you have a net worth over US$5million, you may be eligible for a non-refundable grant of citizenship after five years. For those with a net worth of over US$10 million, there is the option to upgrade said visa to a St. Kitts and Nevis passport within a year without having to fulfill the standard physical presence requirement.
Singapore
Singapore has a reputation of being a very business-friendly country with low tax rates and financial secrecy. If you are looking to live in Singapore, one way is by establishing residence in this country via investment. The Singaporean government offers several programs for foreigners who are willing to invest in the country, including two permanent residence schemes. These are the Global Investor Programme (GIP) and the Residential Development Scheme (RDS). With GIP, you can enjoy living in Singapore permanently once you have invested in this country $2 million or more.
Alternatively, you can live in Singapore under RDS by investing $2 million or more in a property development project or other approved real estate projects. Depending on the type of investment made, an investor may enjoy either permanent residence status or temporary residence visa for up to 10 years with multiple re-entry privileges subject to certain conditions. Foreigners from any country can invest in a range of business sectors in Singapore, including property projects and education. There is no age requirement to qualify for GIP, but applicants under 18 years of age need the consent of a parent or legal guardian.
For RDS, investors must be at least 21 years old and should not have resided in Singapore for more than one cumulative year over the last 10 years. One can even choose his/her preferred residential property and plan and develop it using a wholly-owned company.
Bulgaria
Bulgaria was the first nation to offer a Residency by Investment program. The goal was not just to receive investment but also to have the investor reside in Bulgaria for at least 183 days per year. Residency by Investment programs in Bulgaria has been established to create a stable economic structure that will contribute to the development and growth of the country. With this status, you can live, work or retire in Bulgaria. The program is very flexible and designed to meet all individual needs. To qualify under the Residency by Investment Program, applicants must invest in Bulgaria.
The minimum amount of investment is either €500,000 (BGN 1 million) which must be invested in the capital of a Bulgarian company or €250,000 (BGN 500 000) if the direct investment is made by buying real estate property. In addition to the basic requirements, applicants will have to meet additional criteria depending on the amount of investment made. If the total value of the acquired shares is €500,000 (BGN 1 million), they will have to buy business assets located in Bulgaria.
Otherwise investment into real estate property worth €250,000 or BGN 500 000 can be made either directly or through a fund that will invest in such property. Bulgarian residency by Investment program is available to Non-EU and EU nationals, who want to live in Bulgaria permanently, but do not have the resources to qualify for Bulgarian Citizenship by Descent or Marriage.
Greece
Greece is one of the few countries in Europe to offer an investment immigration program. Greek citizenship through an investment program is an excellent possibility for wealthy investors to gain a second passport and live in one of the most desirable countries in Europe. The offering from Greece is unique in the European market it’s a citizenship-by-investment program that allows you to buy a piece of real estate, contribute funds into the Greek economy in exchange for citizenship after a year of residence.
Greece offers immediate permanent residency to foreign nationals who make a significant direct investment in property. A minimum of €250,000 is required to obtain this residency permit which will allow you to live and work anywhere in the European Union. After living for five years continuously in Greece, you can apply for Greek citizenship and receive a Greek passport.
This residency-by-investment program has been extremely popular among wealthy Russian, Ukrainian, and other Eastern European nationals who are looking for second citizenship. The stunning Greek islands are perfect for enjoying the sun during the summer months while many of the mainland cities have attracted an influx of people due to their cultural richness or business opportunities.
All these countries mentioned above offer different types of residency by investment programs, but each has its specific requirements. The minimum investment requirements are different in each country depending on the type of residence by the investment program you choose. Some offer real estate purchase opportunities, while others offer business investments or both. Choose your preferred residential property and plan and develop it using a wholly-owned company.