Latest news with #CitizenshipbyInvestment
Time of India
4 days ago
- Business
- Time of India
Explained: Why UAE-based holders of 'golden passports' may soon lose visa-free travel in these countries
Recent US and EU regulations require CBI countries to meet strict vetting standards by 2025, or risk losing visa-free access to the UK and Schengen countries/ (Representative Image) TL;DR US cracks down on 'golden passports': Secretary of State Marco Rubio gives 36 countries 60 days to improve vetting or face visa bans. EU follows suit: Brussels plans to suspend Schengen access for nations with weak Citizenship by Investment (CBI) schemes. 30,000 in UAE could be hit: Around 10,000+ CBI applicants in the UAE, mostly expats, risk losing visa-free perks. Indians most vulnerable: Many gave up Indian citizenship for Caribbean passports—now those documents may become worthless. Alternatives emerge: UAE's Golden Visa, plus traditional immigration routes to Canada and Australia, are gaining favour. What happened? The US and EU are cracking down on "golden passport" schemes—programmes that allow foreigners to buy citizenship in exchange for investments. On June 14, US Secretary of State Marco Rubio issued a directive to 36 countries, giving them 60 days to improve security checks and share citizenship data. Failure to comply could lead to visa bans for their passport holders. The EU, too, is preparing new legislation—expected by September—that would strip Schengen access from countries with lax CBI standards. Why is this a big deal in the UAE? The UAE is home to one of the world's largest expatriate populations—nearly 90% of its residents are foreign nationals. Over the past few years, more than 10,000 Citizenship by Investment applications have been filed from the UAE, many covering entire families. That means roughly 30,000 people may soon find that their expensive second passports—once prized for visa-free access to the UK and Europe—are no longer worth much. Which countries are affected? The US memorandum specifically targets: Caribbean nations: Dominica, Saint Kitts and Nevis , Saint Lucia, among others Asian nations: Cambodia African nations: Egypt These countries are accused of running poorly vetted citizenship schemes that could pose security risks. The European Commission has echoed these concerns, saying such programmes could be exploited by criminals, money launderers, or politically exposed persons. Why are Indian expatriates at particular risk? Because India does not allow dual citizenship, Indian nationals who acquire a second passport under a CBI scheme must give up their Indian citizenship. In 2023 alone, 4,300 Indians renounced their citizenship—many choosing Caribbean passports for easier global mobility while continuing to live and work in the Gulf. Now, with travel privileges attached to those passports in jeopardy, they face being locked out of the UK and EU with no clear path back to Indian nationality. What are the alternatives for affected expatriates? With the credibility of CBI passports declining, many expatriates are looking elsewhere: UAE's 10-year Golden Visa: Offers long-term residency, access to services, and avoids the stigma of purchased citizenship. Points-based immigration: Countries like Canada, Australia, and New Zealand offer merit-based visas and permanent residency options. Entrepreneurial routes: Startup and investor visas in countries like Portugal or the UK (with revised regulations) remain open to some. How does this affect countries offering CBI schemes? For small nations that rely heavily on citizenship sales to fund public services, this could be an economic disaster. If the EU or UK suspend visa-free access, these programmes lose their biggest selling point. That would trigger a collapse in revenues, investor confidence, and likely provoke political backlash at home. Many of these countries have already pledged reforms—tightening background checks, requiring physical residency, or increasing minimum investments—but Western governments appear sceptical. Experts say only deep, transparent changes can save the model from collapse. What happens next? The 60-day US deadline ends in mid-August, and the EU's proposed law is expected by September. If affected countries don't comply, visa suspensions could kick in before the end of the year. That puts thousands of UAE-based investors in limbo—waiting to see if their six-figure bets on global mobility turn into bureaucratic dead ends. FAQ Q: What is a Citizenship by Investment (CBI) programme? A: It allows individuals to acquire citizenship in a country in return for a financial investment—usually real estate, donations, or government bonds. Q: Why do people opt for CBI schemes? A: For visa-free access to Europe, the UK, or other desirable destinations; for business flexibility; and in some cases, for tax planning or political safety. Q: Is the UAE's Golden Visa the same as CBI? A: No. The UAE Golden Visa is a long-term residency visa, not citizenship. It doesn't offer global mobility perks like visa-free Schengen travel but is considered more secure. Q: Can former Indian citizens reclaim their nationality? A: Technically, yes—through Overseas Citizen of India (OCI) status—but full citizenship is very difficult to restore once renounced. Q: Which passports are under scrutiny? A: Dominica, Saint Kitts and Nevis, Saint Lucia, Grenada, Antigua and Barbuda, Cambodia, Egypt—and others offering similar schemes. BOTTOM LINE: What was once a shortcut to global freedom is now a diplomatic headache. For thousands of UAE residents—especially former Indian citizens—the coming weeks will determine whether their second passports remain a gateway or become a dead end.
Time of India
06-07-2025
- Business
- Time of India
Thousands of UAE residents who invested in second passports fear visa bans as US, UK tighten CBI rules
Recent US and EU regulations require CBI countries to meet strict vetting standards by 2025, or risk losing visa-free access to the UK and Schengen countries/ (Representative Image) For many expatriates in the UAE, acquiring a second passport through Citizenship by Investment (CBI) programs has become a popular route to global mobility, offering visa-free access to key destinations like the UK, Schengen area, and other countries. Unlike in their home countries, where restrictions on visas or passports may limit global movement, UAE residents benefit from rules that allow dual citizenship, making it easier to pursue CBI options in countries like Dominica, Saint Kitts and Nevis, Saint Lucia, Cambodia, and Egypt. These countries offer pathways to citizenship in exchange for hefty financial investments. However, recent developments have cast a shadow over these investments, leaving many in a state of uncertainty as the global landscape for CBI programmes shifts dramatically. The Impending Storm: US and EU Crackdowns on CBI Programmes On June 14, US Secretary of State Marco Rubio signed a memorandum setting a 60-day deadline for 36 countries, including many with CBI programmes, to meet rigorous vetting and information-sharing standards. These standards are designed to address concerns over security risks and the integrity of the programmes. The deadline, which ends on August 13, 2025, brings with it the threat of visa bans for nations that fail to comply. Similarly, the European Union is progressing with legislation to suspend visa-free Schengen access for countries that have weak oversight, with a law expected to come into force by September. For many expatriates in the UAE, this could mean losing access to one of the main benefits of CBI passports—visa-free travel to a range of countries. As Sam Bayat, founder of Dubai-based Bayat Legal Services, explained to the local media outlet Gulf News : 'It's a perfect storm, and many passport holders didn't see it coming.' Bayat, a pioneer in international investment migration, further emphasized the scale of the situation: 'People invested hundreds of thousands of dollars into citizenship programmes, believing it was their ticket to global freedom. Now, they're facing sudden restrictions that could render those passports practically useless.' The UAE: A Hotspot for CBI Applications The impact of these changes is most pronounced in the UAE, where expatriates make up almost 90% of the population. Bayat estimates that over 10,000 applications have been filed from the region in recent years, suggesting that around 30,000 individuals could be affected by these new restrictions. This number is based on the assumption that each application involves multiple family members, making the potential fallout substantial. Among those most vulnerable are Indian nationals in the UAE. Since India does not allow dual citizenship, many individuals who acquired second passports had to renounce their Indian nationality. In 2023, Henley & Partners' Private Wealth Migration Report highlighted that 4,300 wealthy Indians gave up their citizenship, with many opting for CBI programmes in the Caribbean or other regions while residing in the Gulf. One Indian expat, who acquired a Saint Lucia passport in 2022, told Gulf News : "We took this step thinking we were securing our future. Now it feels like everything's up in the air. I'm following the developments and hoping it doesn't come to a point where we're left without real options.' For many, this isn't just a policy shift, it's a personal crisis. Bayat adds, 'For families who sold property or dipped into savings to secure their second passports, this is more than a policy change, it's a personal crisis. They may feel betrayed, especially those who renounced their nationalities.' Local Agencies Under Pressure: The End of an Era? The local agencies in the Gulf that marketed these CBI programmes as low-risk, high-reward investments are also facing pressure. Bayat suggests that many of these firms, which built their business models around facilitating Caribbean passport acquisitions, may not survive the fallout. "This could be the end of the road for dozens of firms that built their businesses on Caribbean passports," he warns. A 2023 European Commission report raised concerns about the lax due diligence of several Caribbean states issuing "golden passports." According to the report, these countries have issued a large number of passports with weak vetting processes, which has drawn the attention of both the US and EU. But the issues aren't limited to the Caribbean. The US memorandum also targets Cambodia and Egypt, signaling that the problem is now global. In light of this, Bayat argues that 'cosmetic changes' to the CBI programmes won't suffice. He calls for 'a phased, credibility-first model' to restore trust in these schemes, warning that without meaningful reform, CBI programmes risk being viewed as a 'security threat' rather than a legitimate development tool. The Growing Shift Toward Secure Alternatives As CBI programs face mounting scrutiny, many affected individuals are beginning to explore more secure and credible alternatives. The UAE's 10-year Golden Visa, for instance, has gained popularity as a stable long-term option. Rayad Kamal Ayub, Managing Director of Rayad Group Immigration Services, points to this shift: 'We are navigating a significant transformation in the citizenship-by-investment landscape. The shift away from off-the-shelf passport purchases indicates a move toward more sustainable and legitimate pathways.' Ayub's firm has set up a help desk to assist those who are facing the fallout from these changes, as rules around CBI programs continue to evolve. He highlights the credibility of programmes like the UAE Golden Visa, which focus on long-term residency and integration, rather than simply paying for citizenship. Similarly, points-based immigration systems in countries like Canada, Australia, and New Zealand are becoming increasingly popular, as nations prioritize applicants' qualifications and long-term contributions over cash. Bayat concurs that the idea of investment migration itself is not under attack, but rather how it has been misused. He asserts: 'Citizenship is a sovereign right, but it carries responsibilities for both the issuing state and the individual. The US and EU message is loud and clear – adapt or be shut out.' The Stakes for CBI Countries: Economic and Political Ramifications For the countries that rely heavily on the revenue generated from CBI programmes, the stakes couldn't be higher. Nations like Saint Kitts and Nevis and Dominica use the proceeds from citizenship sales to fund critical infrastructure, schools, and healthcare. A US visa ban or Schengen suspension would not only devastate their economies but also likely confuse and anger their populations, who may not fully understand the reasons behind the changes. Bayat sums up the situation by stressing the need for greater transparency and accountability in CBI programmes: 'Visa-free access to the UK or Schengen is not a birthright; it's a privilege based on trust. And that trust is eroding fast for countries that continue to operate opaque or outdated CBI models.' He further adds, 'Commonwealth ties or past diplomatic goodwill won't protect countries from enforcement if their citizenship programmes fail to meet modern standards of integrity. '
Miami Herald
25-06-2025
- Politics
- Miami Herald
Haiti, Venezuela, migration on agenda as OAS General Assembly opens in Antigua
The Organization of American States opened its general assembly on Wednesday in St. John's, the capital of Antigua and Barbuda, where for the first time its top leader hails from the Caribbean region. Albert Ramdin, a former number two of the hemispheric agency and foreign minister of Suriname, was elected in March and took over the reins last month. He faces many challenges, from the governance crises in Haiti to Cuba and Venezuela — and the OAS' inability to make a dent on those issues over the years — to the Trump administration's move away from multilateral organizations. While Ramdin's election has been welcomed by the United States, Washington did not publicly endorse any candidate in the race for secretary general. Still, the U.S. is backing a candidate for commissioner on the Inter-American Commission on Human Rights and is planning to address a number of issues with regional partners including illegal migration. The United States' delegation is being led by Deputy Secretary of State Christopher Landau, who will find that Caribbean governments have their own concerns about U.S.-Caribbean relations. Ahead of Wednesday's opening, Ramdin said he would like to 'focus on the critical issues which are currently playing out in the hemisphere.' 'Haiti is foremost, but also electoral processes, democracy, human rights issues,' he said. 'I hope that Antigua and Barbuda will not only demonstrate a… constructive-forward looking agenda, so we hope to set a tone for that here.' Ramdin acknowledged that for a country the size of Antigua to host such a gathering 'is no small feat.' Antigua is among four countries in the Eastern Caribbean at risk of being placed on a new travel ban by the Trump administration, the Miami Herald previously reported. Haiti, Cuba and Venezuela were added to travel ban list last month. While new reports have suggested that the four Eastern Caribbean countries may be on a new list of 36 additional nations due to their participation in programs that make it easy for investors to become citizens, there are concerns that the administration is using the program to pressure the Caribbean nations to serve as third countries for undocumented migrants expelled from the U.S. During a recent meeting with foreign ministers from Antigua, Dominica, St. Kitts and Nevis and St. Lucia, U.S. State Department officials refused to confirm press reports about the proposed travel ban. However, an official confirmed that the United States is assessing immigration matters and is particularly concerned about the Citizenship by Investment programs, which allow foreign investors to obtain passports. The 55th regular session of the OAS general assembly is taking place at a critical time for the agency, which continues to be dogged by questions over it relevancy amid serious governance issues in the hemisphere. Secretary of State Marco Rubio has suggested that the OAS lead the security response in Haiti, where an underfunded security mission led by Kenya has been unable to stem gang violence. The violence has led to a record number of people having to flee their homes, now estimated by the United Nations at 1. 3 million. Wednesday marked a year since the first contingent of about 200 Kenyan police officers arrived in Port-au-Prince.
Time Business News
10-06-2025
- Politics
- Time Business News
New Legal Identities: A Gateway to Freedom or a Legal Minefield?
VANCOUVER, BRITISH COLUMBIA — For whistleblowers, political dissidents, victims of persecution, and individuals caught in the crosshairs of unjust legal systems, starting over isn't a fantasy—it's a necessity. But can acquiring a new legal identity offer protection, or does it expose people to even greater risks? Amicus International Consulting, the world's foremost authority on legal identity restructuring and second citizenship programs, releases an in-depth press report on the rise of legal identity change services, their lawful applications, and the potential legal landmines that await those who navigate them incorrectly. The Global Rise of Legal Identity Transformation The global demand for legal identity changes has increased significantly over the last five years. Increasing state surveillance, authoritarian crackdowns, and digital footprints that never fade have pushed individuals to seek ways to become someone else legally. Second passports, name changes, and reconstructed civil histories are no longer fringe services—they are mainstream tools for personal safety, data protection, and international freedom. Case Study: An environmental activist in Southeast Asia, facing assassination threats after exposing illegal deforestation linked to state officials, worked with Amicus International to obtain legal residency in a Caribbean nation under a new identity. Using a second passport, she legally relocated to Europe and now manages an NGO under full legal protections, out of reach from hostile actors. Legal Identity vs. Fraudulent Identity: The Critical Difference Amicus emphasizes that not all identity changes are legal or safe. Fraudulent identities involve falsified documents, stolen records, or misrepresented information. These are criminal offences and are subject to prosecution under international law. Legal identity changes, by contrast, follow lawful procedures: Citizenship by Investment (CBI) programs Statutory name change filings Refugee or asylum-based protection status Gender transition identity realignment National immigration registry procedures Birthright citizenship discovery and correction Amicus Policy: Amicus International refuses to work with any individual who seeks to falsify their identity through forgery or deception. All identity restructuring is done through legal instruments, reviewed by jurisdictional counsel, and submitted via government-authorized processes. The Benefits of a New Legal Identity For clients with a legitimate need, a new identity offers safety, flexibility, and access to economic and civil rights that were previously denied. Key Benefits: Freedom of movement: Second passports enable entry into jurisdictions that may have been previously restricted due to nationality. Second passports enable entry into jurisdictions that may have been previously restricted due to nationality. Financial access: Banking systems often require local documentation; a new legal identity allows account opening and investment. Banking systems often require local documentation; a allows account opening and investment. Digital privacy: Starting over with new identifiers protects against surveillance and harassment. Starting over with new identifiers protects against surveillance and harassment. Physical safety: Political targets can live without fear of recognition or retaliation. Political targets can live without fear of recognition or retaliation. Healthcare and education access: Especially for refugees or stateless persons. Case Study: A North African LGBTQ+ advocate faced both familial and state violence due to their identity. After fleeing, they obtained stateless recognition and, through Amicus' referral network, were subsequently legally naturalized in Latin America under a redefined legal name and gender marker. They now live openly and safely for the first time in their life. The Legal Minefields: When New Identities Go Wrong Despite the promise, obtaining a new identity can be fraught with danger if not handled properly. Amicus warns that even clients with the best intentions can face significant setbacks if proper protocols are not followed. Common Pitfalls: Overlapping identities: Retaining use of the original ID while using a new one is often illegal. Cross-border inconsistency: A new identity that isn't harmonized across jurisdictions can lead to legal contradiction or detention. Visa system red flags: Applying for a visa with inconsistent identity records can trigger an investigation. Digital trail leaks: Even with a new legal ID, accessing old social media or contacting known associates can expose your new life. Unrecognized name changes: Some countries do not honor foreign name change rulings unless domestically filed. Case Study: A British whistleblower who failed to delete his former digital accounts after acquiring legal Panamanian citizenship was flagged by Europol after reusing an old email. His second passport was seized, and he was placed on a digital watchlist, nullifying his identity protection. Global Legal Identity Programs: Which Ones Are Real—and Which Are Risky? With over a dozen active Citizenship by Investment (CBI) programs, dozens more refugee-recognition systems, and thousands of immigration registries, it can be difficult to determine which legal pathways are valid. Reliable Legal Identity Tools: CBI programs in Dominica, St. Lucia, Grenada, Antigua & Barbuda, Turkey, and Vanuatu in Dominica, St. Lucia, Grenada, Antigua & Barbuda, Turkey, and Vanuatu Asylum programs under the 1951 Refugee Convention under the 1951 Refugee Convention Legal name changes in Canada, the U.K., New Zealand, and select EU states in Canada, the U.K., New Zealand, and select EU states Birthright citizenship corrections in Ireland, Italy, and Argentina Risky or Questionable Services: Unofficial 'sovereign citizen' documents Fake tribal IDs or manufactured micronation passports Forged diplomatic status or 'immunity cards' Ghost IDs sold on dark web markets Amicus Note: Always confirm that any document—passport, national ID, driver's license—is verifiable through an authorized civil registry and backed by immigration law. Legal Identity and Extradition: Does a New Name Mean New Immunity? Changing your identity does not void international arrest warrants or active legal claims. INTERPOL Red Notices, U.S. indictments, and EU arrest warrants often follow the individual , not the name. However, if the original citizenship is renounced or no longer recognized, and the individual resides in a jurisdiction without an extradition treaty with the requesting state, the new identity can act as a powerful legal buffer. Case Study: A European banker facing extradition for politically motivated tax fraud used a second citizenship through Grenada to obtain legal protection in Central America. The host country refused to enforce the extradition request, citing insufficient dual criminality under local law and recognition of the new legal identity as separate from the original charges. How Amicus Ensures Legality, Ethics, and Security Amicus International offers a five-point legal identity transformation framework: Legal due diligence: Background checks to ensure no disqualifying offenses. Jurisdictional mapping: Analyzing extradition risks, legal frameworks, and biometric systems. Civil registration strategy: Coordinating name changes, new passports, and legal documentation. Digital footprint erasure: Advising on deleting or disassociating from prior online activity. Behavioral privacy coaching: Teaching clients how to adopt new personas safely and legally. Each client's case is handled with discretion, compliance, and documentation review by in-house legal and risk advisory teams. Who Amicus Serves—and Who It Does Not Amicus International will not serve: Convicted or suspected terrorists Sex offenders or child predators Human traffickers Individuals under active war crimes investigation Fugitives from legitimate democratic prosecutions Amicus will assist: Journalists and whistleblowers LGBTQ+ persons fleeing persecution High-net-worth individuals in politically volatile regions Stateless persons seeking recognition Victims of unjust or politicized legal systems The Human Element: Why Identity Means More Than Paperwork Identity isn't just about names and numbers—it's about dignity. For many, legal identity change is not a trick to avoid justice but a shield to reclaim freedom, safety, and purpose. Case Study: A woman born into an ultra-conservative regime where women were denied citizenship due to religious law contacted Amicus. She legally exited the region under refugee status, then rebuilt her life in Latin America with a new name and passport. She now advocates for women's rights through international speaking tours and media interviews—safely and proudly. Conclusion: A Gateway or a Trap? The Answer Depends on the Path You Choose A new legal identity can be a lifeline—or a legal catastrophe. It can open doors to freedom, movement, and protection, but only when approached with precision, compliance, and ethical alignment. Amicus International remains the trusted partner for individuals navigating the complexities of legal identity reinvention. Whether you're escaping injustice, reclaiming your rights, or seeking refuge from a life that no longer protects you, we believe your future shouldn't be defined by your past. Contact InformationPhone: +1 (604) 200-5402Email: info@ Website:
Time of India
06-06-2025
- Business
- Time of India
UAE Golden Visa vs top EU residency programs (Portugal, Greece, Malta & more): which one works best for you?
For those seeking global mobility, financial security, or a second home, Golden Visa and Citizenship by Investment programs open doors to new opportunities. Whether it's residency in Europe, business expansion in the UAE, or access to visa-free travel worldwide, these programs offer fast tracks to long-term benefits like tax advantages, business opportunities, and even citizenship. Tired of too many ads? go ad free now What is a Golden Visa? A Golden Visa is a residency-by-investment program allowing foreign investors to obtain legal residency by making qualifying investments. These programs, closely tracked and ranked by leading firms like Henley & Partners and Nomad Capitalist,appeal to entrepreneurs, investors, and professionals looking for greater mobility, better business climates, or a potential path to citizenship. Most require investments in real estate, government bonds, or funds. Europe's Golden Visas offer access to the Schengen Zone, allowing travel across 27 countries, while the UAE's program offers residency in a fast-growing, tax-friendly global hub. Let's start with the UAE's Golden Visa and then dive into a detailed face-off against Europe's top programs: Portugal, Greece, Hungary, Italy, Malta, and Cyprus. UAE Golden Visa breakdown Investment Requirements: 10-year visa: purchase property worth at least AED 2 million (~$545,000). Partial financing allowed with a minimum 20% down payment. 2-year visa: property purchase of AED 750,000 (approximately $204,000). For joint ownership with spouse, minimum AED 1 million (approximately $272,000). Mortgage buyers must pay 50% upfront for the 2-year visa. Residency Terms & Flexibility: Valid for 10 years, renewable indefinitely. No minimum stay required—residents can live abroad indefinitely without losing status. Freedom to live, work, and study across all seven emirates. Family members included: spouse, unmarried sons under 25, and unmarried daughters of any age. Taxation: No personal income tax, no inheritance tax, no capital gains tax, no property tax. Corporate tax of 9% applies only on profits over AED 375,000 (~$102,000). No global income taxation. Lifestyle & Infrastructure: Safe cities with world-class infrastructure. Direct flights to major hubs worldwide. Diverse expatriate community, with strong cultural and business ties to India and beyond. Popularity & Growth: Launched in 2019. In 2023, 158,000 Golden Visas issued by Dubai's GDRFA, up from 79,617 in 2022 and 47,150 in 2021—indicating rapid growth. Portugal Golden Visa Investment Options (minimum amounts): €250,000 (~$278,000) for arts and cultural heritage restoration. €500,000 (~$555,000) for investment fund units (most popular). €500,000 (~$555,000) for research activities. €500,000 (~$555,000) for business investment (minimum 5 jobs created). Company creation with minimum 10 jobs (variable investment amount). Residency & Citizenship: Residency permit renewable every two years. Minimum physical presence: 7 days per year to maintain residency. Citizenship eligibility after 5 years. Allows travel across Schengen Area visa-free. Family Benefits: Spouse, children under 26, and parents can be included. Taxation: Portugal taxes residents on global income, but non-habitual resident regime offers tax benefits for 10 years. Popularity: Over 33,000 permits issued since 2012. Popular among Chinese, Brazilians, Americans, Turks, and South Africans. UAE vs Portugal: Verdict Factor UAE Golden Visa Portugal Golden Visa Winner Investment Cost ~$545,000 (real estate) From ~$278,000 to $555,000 (varies by option) Portugal (lower minimum option) Residency Stay None required Minimum 7 days/year UAE (more flexible) Citizenship Timeline No direct citizenship path Citizenship in 5 years Portugal Taxation No personal income tax Taxed on global income (with exceptions) UAE Family Inclusion Spouse + unmarried children Spouse + children + parents Portugal Processing Speed As fast as 1 month Varies, generally slower UAE Lifestyle Tax-free, Middle East hub Access to Schengen Europe Depends on preference Overall Winner: Depends on goals. For fast, flexible residency and tax advantages, UAE leads. For a pathway to European citizenship with low stay requirements, Portugal is attractive. Greece Golden Visa Investment Options: €800,000 (~$888,000) minimum real estate in Attica, Thessaloniki, Mykonos, Santorini, or islands with >3,100 residents. €400,000 (~$444,000) minimum in other regions. €250,000 (~$278,000) minimum for renovation projects. Other options: shares, bonds, deposits (from €350,000 to €800,000). Residency & Citizenship: Permanent residency with no stay requirement. Citizenship after 7 years with 183+ days/year residency. Family Benefits: Spouse, children under 24, and parents included. Taxation: Special flat tax regime for foreign tax residents: €100,000 ($111,000) per year global income tax flat rate; family members pay €20,000 ($22,000) each. Popularity: Nearly 50,000 permits issued since 2014. UAE vs Greece: Verdict Factor UAE Golden Visa Greece Golden Visa Winner Investment Cost ~$545,000 From ~$278,000 to $888,000 depending on location UAE (lower minimum, but variable) Residency Stay None required None required Tie Citizenship Timeline No direct citizenship path 7 years, with stay requirement Greece Taxation No personal income tax Flat tax option for foreigners UAE (simpler) Family Inclusion Spouse + children Spouse + children + parents Greece Processing Speed ~1 month Varies, generally longer UAE Lifestyle Tax-free, global hub Access to EU & Schengen Depends on preference Overall Winner: UAE for tax simplicity and speed; Greece for cheaper investment options and EU benefits, but requires longer stay for citizenship. Hungary Golden Visa (launched 2024) Investment Options: €250,000 (~$278,000) purchase of real estate fund units. €1,000,000 (~$1.11 million) donation to higher education institution. Residency & Citizenship: 10-year validity with no renewal needed. Extendable once for 10 more years. Citizenship after 11 years of continuous residence. Family Benefits: Spouse, children under 25, and parents. Taxation: Income tax at 15%, corporate tax at 9% (lowest in EU). Popularity: Hungary's 2024 Golden Visa attracted 100+ applicants, with 11 approved by September. UAE vs Hungary: Verdict Factor UAE Golden Visa Hungary Golden Visa Winner Investment Cost ~$545,000 From ~$278,000 to $1.11 million UAE (lower entry point) Residency Stay None required Continuous residence for citizenship UAE (flexible), Hungary (citizenship path) Citizenship Timeline No direct citizenship path 11 years Hungary Taxation No personal income tax Flat income tax 15% UAE Family Inclusion Spouse + children Spouse + children + parents Hungary Processing Speed ~1 month Unknown, likely slower UAE Overall Winner: UAE for tax and speed; Hungary for lower taxes than much of Europe and a clear citizenship path. Italy Golden Visa Investment Options: €250,000 (~$278,000) innovative startup. €500,000 (~$555,000) business investment. €1,000,000 (~$1.11 million) philanthropic donation. €2,000,000 (~$2.22 million) government bonds. Residency & Citizenship: No minimum stay required for residency. Citizenship after 10 years with 183+ days/year residency. Family Benefits: Spouses, unmarried children of any age, and parents. Taxation: Special flat tax of €200,000 (~$222,000) per year on foreign income for up to 15 years. UAE vs Italy: Verdict Factor UAE Golden Visa Italy Golden Visa Winner Investment Cost ~$545,000 From ~$278,000 to $2.22 million UAE (lower entry) Residency Stay None required No requirement, but citizenship needs 183 days/year UAE (flexible) Citizenship Timeline No direct citizenship path 10 years Italy Taxation No personal income tax Flat tax for foreigners Depends (UAE simpler, Italy special regime) Family Inclusion Spouse + children Spouse + children + parents Italy Overall Winner: UAE for flexibility and lower minimum; Italy for long-term tax benefits and citizenship. Tired of too many ads? go ad free now Malta Permanent Residence Programme Investment Requirements: Property rental minimum €14,000 ($15,500/year) or purchase minimum €375,000 ($416,000). Fixed administrative fee: €50,000 (~$55,000). Donation: €2,000 (~$2,200). Contribution fee: €30,000 $33,000 (purchase) or €60,000 (rental). Total cost from approximately €182,000 $202,000 for the rental option to €457,000. for purchase. Residency & Citizenship: Lifetime residency rights. Citizenship possible but through a separate process (naturalization). Family Benefits: Includes spouses, children under 29, parents, and grandparents. Popularity: Approved 7,567 applications (2015–2021); 1,500 new in 2024, mainly from China, Vietnam, Russia, South Africa, and Turkey. UAE vs Malta: Verdict Factor UAE Golden Visa Malta Permanent Residence Winner Investment Cost ~$545,000 (real estate) ~$202,000 (rent) to $507,000 (purchase) Malta (rental option cheaper) Residency Stay None required Must maintain property ownership UAE Taxation No personal income tax Taxed on global income UAE Family Inclusion Spouse + children Extended family included Malta Citizenship Timeline No direct citizenship path Separate process UAE Overall Winner: UAE for simplicity and tax; Malta for wider family inclusion and European access. Cyprus Permanent Residence Investment Options: Minimum €300,000 (~$333,000) in residential/commercial real estate, shares, or funds. Residency & Citizenship: Lifelong validity with no renewal required. Citizenship after 8 years continuous residence. Family Benefits: Spouse and children under 25 included. Taxation: No tax on global income or inheritance. Corporate tax rate 12.5%. UAE vs Cyprus: Verdict Factor UAE Golden Visa Cyprus Permanent Residence Winner Investment Cost ~$545,000 ~$333,000 Cyprus Residency Stay None required Not specified (citizenship requires 8 years) UAE (more flexible) Citizenship Timeline No direct citizenship path 8 years Cyprus Taxation No personal income tax No global income tax Tie Family Inclusion Spouse + children Spouse + children Tie Overall Winner: Cyprus for lower minimum and citizenship timeline; UAE for flexibility and tax simplicity. Bottomline: Which Golden Visa Fits your goals? Choose UAE Golden Visa if you want: Flexible residency with no minimum stay. Fast processing and long 10-year visa. No personal income tax or global income taxation. A global business hub with easy family inclusion. Choose European Golden Visas if you want: Access to Schengen Zone and Europe's lifestyle. A path to European citizenship (Portugal, Greece, Cyprus, Italy). Lower minimum investments in some countries (Portugal, Hungary, Cyprus). Special tax regimes for foreigners (Italy, Greece). Each program has unique strengths. The UAE stands out for tax benefits and residency flexibility, while Europe offers citizenship and visa-free travel across multiple countries. Your choice depends on investment capacity, desired lifestyle, tax considerations, and citizenship ambitions.
