{"id":9141,"date":"2017-05-12T10:59:37","date_gmt":"2017-05-12T10:59:37","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.investmentimmigration.com\/?p=9141"},"modified":"2019-02-12T14:02:22","modified_gmt":"2019-02-12T19:02:22","slug":"citizenship-residency-investment-immigration-options-growing","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.investmentimmigration.com\/citizenship-residency-investment-immigration-options-growing\/","title":{"rendered":"Citizenship and Residency Investment Immigration Options Growing"},"content":{"rendered":"

High-net worth individuals are being urged to consider a growing list of options when it comes to citizenship-by-investment<\/a> and residency-by-investment<\/a>.<\/p>\n

\"CitizenshipWith the number of programs available set to increase in 2017, high-net worth individuals will have a greater choice when it comes to considering dual citizenship, or becoming a permanent resident of another country.<\/p>\n

Ireland, Montenegro, Turkey and Italy are among those countries considering the launch of investment immigration<\/a> programs.<\/p>\n

Key benefits of second citizenships and residency programs include greater global mobility (both personal and business), liberal tax regimes and simply a better life for a candidate\u2019s family.<\/p>\n

European Union countries such as Portugal<\/a> and Malta<\/a> have built successful programs based on the benefit of free travel to the 28 member nations.<\/p>\n

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Investment Requirements: Portugal Golden Residence Investor Program<\/b><\/p>\n

Capital Investment
\n<\/b>Transfer of capital of minimum value of \u20ac1 million into Portugal including through purchase of shares in companies<\/p>\n

Jobs<\/b>
\nCreation of at least 10 new positions in Portugal<\/p>\n

Real Estate<\/b>
\nPurchase of unencumbered real estate in Portugal of a minimum value of \u20ac350,000. Co-ownership or purchase of property through finance is permissible provided each individual makes a mandatory minimum investment of \u20ac350,000.<\/p>\n

Urban Rehabilitation<\/b>
\nInvestment of at least \u20ac350,000 in constructed 30 years ago or investment for rehabilitation of properties located in Urban Rehabilitation Areas<\/p>\n

Scientific Research and Development<\/b>
\nInvestment of at least \u20ac350,000 in R&D activities of institutions that are part of the national technological system.<\/p>\n

Promotion of Culture<\/b>
\nInvestment of at least \u20ac250,000 towards financing of bodies pursuing cultural or artistic activities or towards renovation or maintenance of cultural heritage.<\/p>\n

Small-Cap and Mid-Cap Finance<\/b>
\nInvestment of at least \u20ac500,000 towards purchase of units of small-cap or mid-cap venture capital funds.<\/p>\n

Investment in Low Population Areas<\/b>
\n20 per cent reduction in minimum investments in the above-mentioned categories when investment is made in a low population-density area.<\/p>\n

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Chinese citizens are key customers of programs all over the world, with the stated goal of providing better educational opportunities for their children.<\/p>\n

In general, a citizenship program will require greater investment than a residency one, with Cyprus<\/a> a good example of a country offering both options.<\/p>\n

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Cyprus Citizenship Investment Thresholds<\/h3>\n

Purchase of financial assets issued by Cypriot companies:\u00a0\u20ac2m<\/b><\/p>\n

Investment in real estate, land development, or infrastructure projects:\u00a0\u20ac2m<\/b><\/p>\n

Purchase, creation, or participation in Cypriot businesses or companies:\u00a0\u20ac2m<\/b><\/p>\n

Combination of the five three investment options (may include purchase of special government bonds worth \u20ac500,000):\u00a0\u20ac2m<\/b><\/p>\n

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As the industry grows, competition increases, which could drive investment thresholds down.<\/p>\n

Countries that consider themselves \u2018top tier\u2019, such as the UK<\/a>, US<\/a> or Canada<\/a>, would hope to be able to maintain higher thresholds for their residency programs based on their status.<\/p>\n

The US, for example, is currently considering raising the threshold of its EB-5 investment program, while others are calling for it to be abolished.<\/p>\n

Elsewhere, Caribbean nations<\/a> running citizenship programs are competing directly with each other for investment, forcing down the thresholds and lowering physical presence requirements.<\/p>\n

As more nations come online in the investment immigration arena, it will be worth noting how the industry shift to accommodate new players.<\/p>\n

Further reading<\/b><\/p>\n