Latest news with #ArmandArton
Boston Globe
21-04-2025
- Business
- Boston Globe
Want to leave the US for good? How to get dual citizenship.
Tourists are limited by their guest status. Dual citizens, however, are granted many of the same privileges as locals. They can purchase property, apply for jobs, attend school, acquire a passport and stay for as long as they wish. (Some perks, such as voting and health care, may require residency.) Advertisement U.S. citizens can obtain another country's citizenship through a variety of means, such as investment; naturalization; or descent, officially known as jus sanguinis, the Latin term for 'right of blood.' The ancestral track is often the most achievable because it doesn't require a fat bank account, long-term residency in a foreign country or advanced DuoLingo lessons. A direct relative from abroad will suffice. Advertisement 'The most common route is by descent, typically through a grandparent,' said Peter Spiro, a law professor at Temple University who has written books on dual citizenship. 'An increasing number of Americans are now doing this.' The benefits of dual citizenship You already have U.S. citizenship and a passport, which ranks as one of the most powerful in the world. Why do you need another? So many reasons. For new adventures and opportunities - personal, professional, academic and/or financial. To connect with your heritage on a deeper level. For retirement planning, or to alleviate your tax burden. For ease of foreign travel, including speedier border entry and local discounts. To escape political unrest or social turmoil. Armand Arton, CEO of Arton Capital, an international agency that specializes in second residencies and citizenships, said many of his company's clients seek second citizenship as a 'Plan B.' Whether they relocate to their backup address or not, they are comforted by the idea of a safe haven, a place where they can retreat if their corner of the world goes haywire. " The last four months have accelerated that feeling for a part of the population in the United States," Arton said. Matthew S. Dunn, an immigration lawyer at Kramer Levin, said people are fleeing more than just the policies of Trump and his predecessor. 'People from both sides of the aisle or a range of political beliefs are looking for a more stable environment,' Dunn said. 'They feel that their beliefs are not in line with either administration and want to get away from it.' Basil Mohr-Elzeki, managing partner at Henley & Partners, said his firm has noticed an 'unprecedented increase' in demand from U.S. citizens, who make up nearly a quarter of his customer base, up from 4 percent in 2018. They are especially interested in citizenship from a European Union country, a skeleton key that will open doors to all 27 members. Advertisement 'It's quite powerful,' Mohr-Elzeki said of E.U. citizenship. Dual citizenship wasn't always so coveted, Spiro said. As recently as the late 20th century, it was considered an act of treason. Today, it is a status symbol, the calling card of globe-trotters. 'Since the end of the Cold War, we've witnessed close to an 180-degree shift in attitude,' Spiro said. How to check eligibility in the U.K., Ireland, and Poland To determine whether you are eligible for citizenship by ancestry, examine your family tree, focusing on the main branches. In general, lineage must come directly through a parent or grandparent, not an aunt or brother. Once you have a list of countries with a verifiable generational link, confirm that the governments allow multiple citizenships. Be careful because some countries require you to renounce your primary citizenship. The United States permits dual citizenship, as does most of Europe and much of Africa, including South Africa, Nigeria and Kenya. Asia has more 'holdout' countries, Spiro said, such as Singapore, Japan, Malaysia, Vietnam, India and Indonesia. The Middle East is a mixed bag. Jordan, Turkey and Lebanon allow it; Qatar, Bahrain and Oman do not. Henley & Partners lists more than 145 countries that permit multiple citizenships, though some favor investments over ancestry. Next, check to see whether you qualify. A country's consulate or agency that handles citizenship might illustrate the scenarios - a grandparent was born in the country, for instance, or a parent with citizenship was not - so you can find the one that best matches your family history. Advertisement Dates and circumstances can be important. The United Kingdom's lists several categories for applicants with a British parent, based on birth date: on or after July 1, 2006; between 1983 and June 2006; or after 1983. The conditions are slightly different. Some nations have less demanding qualifications than others. Citizenship specialists often mention Ireland and Poland as relatively easy, especially compared with France, Scandinavia and Italy. 'Italy is pretty complicated, but Ireland is straightforward,' Spiro said. 'It's almost like just signing up.' Acquiring Polish citizenship can be as simple as obtaining your grandparent's birth certificate, Mohr-Elzeki said. 'They would not have to learn the language or demonstrate ties to the country. They could do this at a distance as long as the grandparents were Polish citizens,' he said. The process becomes a bit more complicated if the relative became a citizen of their adopted home, severing the ancestral line. However, in many cases, you can still obtain citizenship if your grandparent was still a citizen of their homeland at the time of your parent's birth. That is how Filardo qualified. 'I knew my grandfather was born in Italy. I knew my grandparents came to this country and my father was born right after,' Filardo said. 'It's not like there was any question that these people were Italian and I had a right to the citizenship.' While some countries are opening their arms wider to new citizens, others are moving in the opposite direction. Last month, Italy capped lineage at parents and grandparents, removing great-grandparents from the roster of accepted relatives. It is also shifting the application process from Italian consulates and municipalities to one office in Rome. Advertisement Marco Permunian, lead attorney at Italian Dual Citizenship, which facilitates more than 2,000 applications a year, said the changes could shrink the pool of eligible applicants. Meanwhile, the consolidation of services to one site could create a backlog. He warned that the processing period could stretch beyond the average wait time of 2½ years. 'The community in North America is very frustrated,' Permunian said during a phone call from his office in Italy. 'It's a moment of uncertainty right now.' Privileges for descendants of immigrants fleeing persecution Several years ago, Heather Foster - who dreams of retiring in Europe with her husband - learned from a colleague about another path to citizenship: reparative citizenship. This category grants citizenship to descendants whose family members were expelled from their home country or denied citizenship because of war or persecution. The co-worker 'was getting Austrian citizenship as part of Holocaust reparations, so I started looking into it,' said Foster, 44, who works in health care. 'My grandfather fled Austria during the Holocaust, so I realized I might be eligible as well.' According to the Austrian Embassy in Washington, descendants may be eligible for citizenship if their family member 'feared or suffered persecution by organs of the National Socialist German Workers' Party … or of the authorities of the German Reich.' This group includes Austrians who 'died due to persecution or were deported abroad before May 9, 1945.' Similarly, German law states that the country will naturalize 'victims of persecution by the Nazi regime who were deprived of their German nationality on political, racial or religious grounds' between Jan. 30, 1933, and May 8, 1945 - the date of the country's World War II surrender. The law also covers their descendants. Advertisement In Spain, the 2007 Historical Memory Law, which was expanded 15 years later, attempts to repair injustices that occurred during the Spanish Civil War and Franco's dictatorship. Descendants of Spanish parents or grandparents who were exiled - for political, ideological or religious reasons, or because of sexual orientation or identity - may be entitled to citizenship. Benin recently passed a law granting citizenship to descendants of sub-Saharan Africans who were forcibly removed from the continent in the transatlantic slave trade. Nearly 20 years ago, Sierra Leone overturned a law that prohibited dual citizenship, a welcoming gesture to Sierra Leoneans in the African diaspora. Through Ghana's 'Year of the Return' program in 2019 and subsequent initiatives, hundreds of people from the diaspora have earned citizenship. The West African country also extends 'right of abode' rights to these community members, allowing them to live and work there without restrictions. During the Holocaust, Foster's grandfather fled to the United States via Switzerland. Though he survived the war, she said she is sensitive to the fact that her Austrian citizenship is tied to his plight. 'I was pleased to learn about this opportunity. Pleased is not quite the right word, though, because it comes with so much history and baggage and trauma,' she said. 'It's an unfortunate way to gain citizenship.' This summer, Foster hopes to visit Austria as a citizen. How much it costs to pursue dual citizenship Applying for citizenship can feel like tumbling down a 23andMe hole. You may become very familiar with your ancestral history and might even pick up a few new words in the native tongue. 'Some of the records are in the home countries, so you really have to do a deep dive,' said Matthew S. Dunn, the immigration lawyer at Kramer Levin. On vacation in Italy in 2001, Filardo visited her grandfather's village in Calabria to retrieve his birth certificate. In late 2019, she moved to Italy for a year to establish residency, circumventing the long wait to secure an appointment with the Italian consulate in New York City. 'If you declare you live in New York City with millions of other Italian Americans,' Filardo said, 'getting an appointment to get your citizenship is almost impossible.' For her Austrian application, Foster relied heavily on an aunt who resides in her grandfather's former house in New Jersey and oversees boxes of archival documents. She frequently called upon Google Translate, as well. If the application isn't too complex or the documents too difficult to collect, citizenship experts say, the applicant can lean on their own research and administrative skills. Foster completed the process herself, paying minimal expenses that added up to a few hundred dollars. " The costs are mostly related to sending in documents to be authenticated," she said. 'It's $20 here, $20 there, $50 for the fingerprinting, and then mostly mailing everything overnight to get it authenticated.' Filardo plunked down more money. She hired a lawyer in Italy, paying about $5,700 for his assistance with residency and the application. However, she spent less than some of Permunian's clients, who commit upward of $10,000 for a second citizenship. 'It isn't surprising to me how many businesses have cropped up offering to help people with this as a service,' Filardo said. 'For years, it was like a part-time job.' But now, Filardo can retire from it in Italy.
Forbes
10-04-2025
- Business
- Forbes
The New Era Of Global Mobility And What It Means For Business Leaders
Armand Arton is the Chairman and CEO of Arton Capital, a leading company in the investment migration industry. We are entering a new era of investment migration—one where exclusivity, strategic selection and national priorities are increasingly shaping the future of global mobility. Amid rapidly evolving economic landscapes and geopolitical shifts, governments are rethinking how they attract talent and capital investment—and it's something investors and entrepreneurs should be paying attention to. Governments are refining their approaches to ensure their programs remain competitive and aligned with national priorities. For example, the reinstatement of residency and citizenship programs in Hungary and Quebec, Canada, signals a resurgent competition in attracting global talent and capital. Or, consider Grenada's citizenship-by-invitation program, which handpicks individuals who bring both financial investment and strategic value to the host nation. (Full disclosure: My company helped design this program and, in partnership with Forbes Global Talent, is facilitating the nominations and vetting for this program.) In my view, initiatives like these also reflect a clear recognition: Investment migration can be a powerful tool for national development when directed with precision. A similar trend can be seen in how nations are focusing on investment in key industries. Rather than offering blanket incentives, forward-thinking governments are using targeted strategies to direct capital where it is needed most. Dubai's Blue Visa initiative is a prime example of this approach. Announced at the 2025 World Governments Summit, the initiative grants residency to an initial cohort of 20 sustainability leaders, signposting the United Arab Emirates's ambition to become a global leader in climate action. Beyond investment strategies, the modernization of passport systems is another essential frontier in strengthening global mobility. As countries refine their approaches, ensuring ever more seamless, secure and efficient travel is critical. Ethiopia's planned updates to its passport system are a promising example of how governments are taking tangible steps toward enhancing global mobility infrastructure. I believe the adoption of biometric technology, digital identities and e-visa systems will further streamline cross-border movement, setting a new standard for efficiency and security. As nations modernize their systems and negotiate greater visa-free access, they enhance not only the travel freedoms of their citizens but also their attractiveness to foreign investors and talent. In an increasingly interconnected world, a strong passport is more than a travel document; it is a gateway to opportunity. Another key development to watch is how the Trump administration will influence U.S. visa and immigration policies, particularly with the proposal for a $5 million "gold card" visa. This initiative, intended to replace the EB-5 visa program, seeks to attract wealthy investors willing to make a significant financial commitment in exchange for U.S. citizenship. While the full impact of this program remains to be seen, its potential to reshape global mobility trends is substantial, given the U.S.'s influential role in shaping immigration patterns. From my perspective, it could significantly alter talent migration flows in favor of the U.S. and may prompt other nations to reevaluate their own immigration and investment strategies. For entrepreneurs, executives and investors, understanding these trends is not just a "nice to have." It is a strategic imperative. Governments are actively choosing which industries to prioritize by directing foreign capital and talent into specific sectors, including sustainability, technology or infrastructure. Business leaders have a role to play in shaping this future. Engaging with policymakers, advocating for investment in key industries and supporting international talent mobility will be essential in ensuring that global mobility programs continue to drive economic growth and foster a spirit of innovation. The future of global mobility is what states make of it. As governments refine their strategies, modernize their systems and adapt to shifting economic realities, staying ahead of these trends will be crucial for those looking to navigate this space effectively. By understanding where investment is flowing, how policies are evolving and where opportunities lie, businesses and investors can position themselves at the forefront of this transformation—driving growth, fostering collaboration and shaping the next era of global human development. Forbes Business Council is the foremost growth and networking organization for business owners and leaders. Do I qualify?
Yahoo
20-03-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
Millionaires consider leaving Germany over rise of far-Right
More than a third of German millionaires are considering leaving the country because of the instability caused by mass migration and the rise of the far-Right, a study has found. In a survey of 1,000 German millionaires, 37 per cent said they were more likely to leave Germany following the results of last month's election, in which the far-Right Alternative for Germany (AFD) party secured an unprecedented second place. Of those considering an exit from Germany, 42 per cent cited the rise of the far-Right as their main reason for doing so, while 47 per cent cited concerns about immigration. The survey results suggest that Germany's fraught political atmosphere could lead to a 'brain drain' of top business talent, even as Friedrich Merz, the incoming chancellor, tries to turbocharge the economy with a special fund of €500 billion (£420 billion). 'Wealthy Germans are clearly feeling fatigued by the state of politics at home, and are looking elsewhere for a 'plan B',' said Armand Arton, the chief executive of Arton Capital, which carried out the survey on German millionaires with a net worth of up to €5 million. 'German millionaires are motivated to leave for three main reasons: immigration, the rise of the far-Right, and the prospect of higher taxes for the wealthy,' he added. 'Our data reflects the polarisation that's increasingly dominating European politics: Left-leaning millionaires are worried about the rise of the far-Right, and politically Right-leaning millionaires are worried about immigration.' Last month's election exposed a deep schism in Germany, where voters from the Western bloc opted for centrist parties while those in the former Communist East voted strongly for the far-Right AfD. With some 20 per cent casting their votes for the AfD, a far-Right party is set to become the main opposition group in the next parliament for the first time in Germany's post-war history. Severe tensions over mass migration, fuelled by a string of terror attacks committed by asylum seekers and refugees, played a significant role in the election campaign, as well as concerns over Russia and the ailing German economy. Economists from the Handelsblatt Research Group warned in January that the economy was facing its 'greatest crisis in post-war history', blaming it on the pandemic, the energy crisis and inflation. Mr Merz has vowed to create a special fund for infrastructure projects in Germany and scrap spending limits on major defence projects, to help the economy recover. The anti-migrant, anti-Islam AfD strongly rejects its far-Right label, and says it simply reflects the views of normal Germans who are fed up with mass migration, costly military support for Ukraine and the 'mainstream' political elite. But the party has also been embroiled in scandals over members using Nazi slogans in speeches, playing down SS war crimes and suggesting that the Holocaust was a mere 'speck of bird mess' in an otherwise proud national history. The AfD is being investigated as a suspected extremist group by Germany's domestic intelligence services, while its youth wing, Junge Alternative, was disbanded after members were caught joking about rounding up Jews into ghettos and shooting them. Shortly after the election results, Hanna Veiler, the president of the Jewish Student Union of Germany, announced she would leave the country because of the AfD surge. 'For me, this federal election has crossed a red line, and my decision is final: I will leave Germany.' Broaden your horizons with award-winning British journalism. Try The Telegraph free for 1 month with unlimited access to our award-winning website, exclusive app, money-saving offers and more.
Telegraph
20-03-2025
- Business
- Telegraph
Millionaires consider leaving Germany over rise of far-Right
More than a third of German millionaires are considering leaving the country because of the instability caused by mass migration and the rise of the far-Right, a study has found. In a survey of 1,000 German millionaires, 37 per cent said they were more likely to leave Germany following the results of last month's election, in which the far-Right Alternative for Germany (AFD) party secured an unprecedented second place. Of those considering an exit from Germany, 42 per cent cited the rise of the far-Right as their main reason for doing so, while 47 per cent cited concerns about immigration. The survey results suggest that Germany's fraught political atmosphere could lead to a 'brain drain' of top business talent, even as Friedrich Merz, the incoming chancellor, tries to turbocharge the economy with a special fund of €500 billion (£420 billion). 'Wealthy Germans are clearly feeling fatigued by the state of politics at home, and are looking elsewhere for a 'plan B',' said Armand Arton, the chief executive of Arton Capital, which carried out the survey on German millionaires with a net worth of up to €5 million. 'German millionaires are motivated to leave for three main reasons: immigration, the rise of the far-Right, and the prospect of higher taxes for the wealthy,' he added. 'Our data reflects the polarisation that's increasingly dominating European politics: Left-leaning millionaires are worried about the rise of the far-Right, and politically Right-leaning millionaires are worried about immigration.' Last month's election exposed a deep schism in Germany, where voters from the Western bloc opted for centrist parties while those in the former Communist East voted strongly for the far-Right AfD. With some 20 per cent casting their votes for the AfD, a far-Right party is set to become the main opposition group in the next parliament for the first time in Germany's post-war history. Severe tensions over mass migration, fuelled by a string of terror attacks committed by asylum seekers and refugees, played a significant role in the election campaign, as well as concerns over Russia and the ailing German economy. Economists from the Handelsblatt Research Group warned in January that the economy was facing its 'greatest crisis in post-war history', blaming it on the pandemic, the energy crisis and inflation. Mr Merz has vowed to create a special fund for infrastructure projects in Germany and scrap spending limits on major defence projects, to help the economy recover. The anti-migrant, anti-Islam AfD strongly rejects its far-Right label, and says it simply reflects the views of normal Germans who are fed up with mass migration, costly military support for Ukraine and the 'mainstream' political elite. But the party has also been embroiled in scandals over members using Nazi slogans in speeches, playing down SS war crimes and suggesting that the Holocaust was a mere 'speck of bird mess' in an otherwise proud national history. The AfD is being investigated as a suspected extremist group by Germany's domestic intelligence services, while its youth wing, Junge Alternative, was disbanded after members were caught joking about rounding up Jews into ghettos and shooting them. Shortly after the election results, Hanna Veiler, the president of the Jewish Student Union of Germany, announced she would leave the country because of the AfD surge. 'For me, this federal election has crossed a red line, and my decision is final: I will leave Germany.'
06-03-2025
- Business
UAE Ranks Among Top Destinations for German Millionaires Seeking Relocation
The UAE has been ranked among the top 10 destinations where German millionaires plan to relocate within the next year, driven by economic concerns, high taxes, and political shifts in Germany. A recent survey commissioned by investor migration consultancy Arton Capital revealed that 11% of German high-net-worth individuals (HNWIs) are considering moving to the UAE, attracted by its safety, security, zero income tax, and lucrative real estate market. Key Survey Findings The survey, conducted between February 24 and March 3, 2025, included 1,000 German millionaires aged 18 to 70 with a net worth of at least €1 million, 18% of whom have over €5 million. The UAE ranked seventh globally in the list of preferred relocation destinations. The top six destinations for German millionaires include Canada, Australia, the US, New Zealand, Spain, and the Netherlands. Why German Millionaires Are Choosing the UAE Armand Arton, CEO of Arton Capital, highlighted several factors driving the shift: Geopolitical and Economic Concerns: The German economy has struggled to recover post-COVID, with additional burdens from the Ukraine-Russia war leading to soaring energy costs and declining productivity. The German economy has struggled to recover post-COVID, with additional burdens from the Ukraine-Russia war leading to soaring energy costs and declining productivity. Stability and Safety: Wealthy individuals prioritize security, and the UAE provides a safe environment where they can freely enjoy their assets, including luxury cars and properties. Wealthy individuals prioritize security, and the UAE provides a safe environment where they can freely enjoy their assets, including luxury cars and properties. Favorable Tax Policies: Unlike other financial hubs such as Switzerland, Monaco, or Singapore, the UAE does not impose personal income tax, making it an attractive destination for high-net-worth individuals. Unlike other financial hubs such as Switzerland, Monaco, or Singapore, the UAE does not impose personal income tax, making it an attractive destination for high-net-worth individuals. Booming Real Estate Market: Many relocating millionaires invest in UAE's luxury real estate sector, either for personal use or as an investment. The UAE's Growing Appeal for HNWIs According to Henley & Partners, the UAE remains the world's leading destination for millionaire migration, with an expected net inflow of over 6,700 millionaires in 2024—more than any other country. The country continues to attract investors from India, Africa, Europe, and the Middle East, reinforcing its status as a global wealth hub. The Global Race for HNWIs Arton noted that wealthy Germans are increasingly seeking a 'Plan B' outside their home country. With political fatigue setting in, demand for alternative citizenship and relocation options is rising across Europe. Countries worldwide are competing to attract millionaires, offering incentives ranging from favorable tax policies to golden visa programs. As economic and political shifts continue, the UAE's business-friendly environment, strategic location, and investor-friendly policies ensure it remains a top choice for wealthy expatriates looking for long-term residency. News Source: Khaleej Times
