Residency by Investment (RBI) or ‘golden visa’ programs allow foreigners, in exchange for investment, to attain a residence permit in a country where the money is spent. Generally, various investment options are available, but the most popular one is buying real estate. Investors gain a valuable and tangible asset, in addition to residency rights.
With the development of blockchain technology and the emergence of cryptocurrencies, governments of many countries have commenced imposing new tax enforcement and regulations. That is why many investors have started to look for offshore options to secure their assets and diversify a wealth portfolio. This is especially due to wealthy crypto-holders.
More than dozens of countries across the world offer a possibility of obtaining their citizenship and second passports to foreign investors through citizenship by investment programs.
In the era of globalization, a second passport for wealthy individuals has become a necessary commodity for many purposes – it creates an opportunity to diversify the investment portfolio and expand business globally; eases international travel by allowing visa-free access to many destinations; gives a peace of mind by securing some kind of insurance policy for the whole family in case of turmoil, so-called ‘Plan B.’
The Covid-19 pandemic fueled the demand for ‘golden visas’ and second passports. Almost all leading immigration and relocation firms have been reporting about the increased interest and inquiries about residency and citizenship by investment programs since the disease outbreak.
Montenegro launched its Citizenship by Investment Program in 2019. The scheme was designed to spur much-needed capital into the country’s economy, although it was capped to just 2,000 applications and limited in time – the program will expire by the end of 2021.
Non-EU nationals can obtain a Residency Permit in the EU in just a period of 2-3 months through the Greek ‘Golden Visa’ program; one of the most popular “Residency by investment” programs in the European Union.
Portugal’s ‘golden visa’ program was launched in 2012, and this scheme gives opportunity to non-EU/EEA investors first to obtain a special, followed by the permanent residence permit, in exchange of investment.
Foreign investors seeking to obtain a second passport through Antigua and Barbuda’s citizenship by investment program (CBI) need from 3 to 5 months to prepare the application, submit it to the Citizenship by Investment Unit (CIU)
Investors can obtain a second passport from Grenada to accelerate their success and create global opportunities. Along with enhanced international mobility, Grenada’s economic citizenship brings a sense of stability and cost-effective investment plans