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Fastest Golden Visa programs worldwide
Fastest Golden Visa programs worldwide

Travel Daily News

time5 hours ago

  • Business
  • Travel Daily News

Fastest Golden Visa programs worldwide

Golden Visa with fast processing provides fast-track residency or citizenship. Investors looking for the quickest options can find programs that grant approval within four to six months. Golden Visas offer residency by investment. These programs allow investors to secure residency or even citizenship in a country by making a qualifying financial contribution. Processing times vary, but some countries grant residency or citizenship in just a few months. Albert Ioffe, Legal and Compliance Officer at Immigrant Invest, explains Golden Visa Programs terms and conditions and Golden Visa Programs with fast approval. What is a Golden Visa Golden Visa programs grant residency in exchange for investment. Investors typically choose real estate, government bonds, or business investments. The main advantages include visa-free travel, tax benefits, and a pathway to citizenship. Some programs process applications faster than others, making them attractive for those seeking quick relocation. Cheapest Golden Visa options are in the 5 Caribbean countries offering pathway to second citizenship. Quickest Golden Visa options in Europe Hungary Golden Visa — fastest in Europe. Hungary's new Golden Visa grants residency in about five months. Investors must place €250,000 into a local investment fund. The program does not require physical presence and offers a five-year renewable residence permit. Cyprus Permanent Residency — issued within two months. Cyprus offers residency for a €300,000 real estate investment. The processing time is about 9 months. While it does not lead directly to citizenship, residents can apply for naturalisation after five years. Greece Golden Visa — fast track option. Greece provides residency in 4 months for a €250,000 property investment. The program does not require physical stay and allows visa-free travel within the Schengen Zone. Italy Investor Visa — quick and flexible. Italy's investor visa is processed in 4 months. Investors must contribute at least €250,000 to an innovative startup or €500,000 into an Italian company. The visa grants a two-year renewable residence permit. Fastest Golden Visa programs in the Caribbean St Kitts and Nevis. A minimum contribution of $250,000 to the Sustainable Island State Contribution is required. Dominica. The Dominica program offers a passport in exchange for a $200,000 donation or a $200,000 real estate investment. The application process is straightforward, and no residency is required. Grenada. Grenada's citizenship-by-investment program requires a $235,000 donation or a $220,000 real estate investment. The passport allows visa-free access to China and the UK. St Lucia. St Lucia grants citizenship for a $240,000 government donation or a $200,000 real estate investment. The process is efficient and does not require physical presence. How to apply for the fastest residence-by-investment program Step 1. Choose the right program. Investors should compare residency and citizenship options based on processing time, investment amount, and long-term benefits. Step 2. Prepare the necessary documents. Common requirements include passports, proof of funds, background checks, and investment agreements. Step 3. Submit the application. Most countries allow applications through authorised agents. The process usually involves online or in-person submission. Step 4. Make the investment. The investment must be completed before residency or citizenship is granted. This can involve real estate purchases, fund deposits, or government donations. Step 5. Receive approval and residency/citizenship. Once the application is approved, investors receive their residence permit or passport. 9 benefits of the fastest Golden Visa programs Quick approval process. Residency or citizenship in as little as 6 months. Minimal physical presence requirements. Many programs do not require long-term stays. Visa-free travel. Residency or citizenship grants access to the Schengen Zone, UK, or other regions. Tax advantages. Some countries offer low or no tax on foreign income. Pathway to citizenship. Many Golden Visa holders can apply for citizenship after a few years. Secure investment options. Investments in real estate, funds, or businesses with potential returns. Family inclusion. Most programs allow spouses, children, and sometimes parents to apply. No language or education requirements. No need to pass exams or meet educational criteria. Flexible relocation options. Investors can maintain residency while living elsewhere. Additional Considerations When Choosing a Golden Visa Program Investment return potential. Some countries provide more stable or high-yield real estate investments, while others focus on government bonds or business contributions. Investors should assess the potential for appreciation and returns before committing funds. Tax implications. Each country has different tax regulations. Some Golden Visa programs offer zero taxation on foreign income, while others may require investors to pay local taxes. Consulting with a tax expert is advisable before selecting a program. Residency and citizenship timeline. While some programs grant residency immediately, others offer a direct path to citizenship within a few years. Investors should consider long-term residency and naturalisation options when making their decision. Reputation and international mobility. Certain passports provide stronger visa-free travel privileges. Caribbean programs, for instance, offer access to the UK and Schengen Zone, while European residency can lead to an EU passport after a few years. Conclusion Golden Visa with fast processing provides fast-track residency or citizenship. Investors looking for the quickest options can find programs that grant approval within four to six months. Whether in Europe or the Caribbean, these programs offer flexibility, security, and long-term benefits. Investors should consider investment return potential, tax implications, and mobility benefits when selecting a program. Photo by Claudia Altamimi on Unsplash

Cyprus shows off its new Airbus military helicopters touted as more advanced than what Germany has
Cyprus shows off its new Airbus military helicopters touted as more advanced than what Germany has

Associated Press

time6 hours ago

  • Politics
  • Associated Press

Cyprus shows off its new Airbus military helicopters touted as more advanced than what Germany has

NICOSIA, Cyprus (AP) — Cyprus on Friday unveiled four of its newly-delivered Airbus H145 helicopters that officials say are among the most advanced rotorcraft in the word with a proven track record that gives the Cypriot National Guard an operational edge. The helicopter is currently used by Germany, the U.S. Hungary, Belgium, Ireland and other militaries with over 500 variants currently in operation, logging over 8 million flight hours, according to Cyprus Defense Minister Vassilis Palmas. 'The new helicopter is a multi-role, digital instrument that is geared toward the demands of the 21st century,' Palmas told a ceremony at Cyprus' main Paphos air base. Two more of the state-of-the-art aircraft will be delivered, while the contract with Airbus allows for the purchase of additional helicopters, said Airbus Senior Vice President for the H145 program Daniela Dudek. Dudek said the reliability of the 3.8 ton aircraft is affirmed by its 40 years of service but the integration of advanced avionics and weapons systems make it the 'most military-capable aircraft in its category.' 'What we achieved over years to quickly integrate existing technology on the market, defense technology, and it is unique what you have here. You're even more advanced than what we currently have in Germany,' Dudek said. The helicopter's advanced avionics, which Airbus codeveloped with Israeli companies in the last two years, also includes an integrated weapons system dubbed H-Force which enables the pilot to easily operate the helicopters weaponry in flight, eliminating the need for a separate weapons officer on board. Dudek said another unique aspect of the Cypriot helicopters is an integrated battle management system that enables the aircraft to operate seamlessly with forces on the ground as well as other aircraft, including those belonging to the forces of other nations. Additionally, the helicopter's electronic warfare and other systems afford it a strong self-protection capability. Ethnically-divided Cyprus is in the process of modernizing its defensive capabilities to bring it up to modern European and NATO standards after years of relying on mainly Soviet-era, Russian-made weaponry. The island nation continues to operate Russian-made T-80 main battle tanks, but has recently sold off 11 Russian-made Mi35 attack helicopters to Serbia. Cyprus was split in 1974, when Turkey invaded following a coup by Athens junta-backed supporters of uniting the island with Greece. Only Turkey recognizes a Turkish Cypriot declaration of independence and maintains more than 35,000 troops in the island's northern third. The Cypriot defense minister said the helicopter purchase is part of wider strategic planning for the continuous upgrading of the National Guard, enabling the island to take part in joint military drills with friendly nations.

EU to call on members to reduce water consumption
EU to call on members to reduce water consumption

Russia Today

timea day ago

  • Business
  • Russia Today

EU to call on members to reduce water consumption

The European Commission is reportedly planning to call on EU member states to cut water use by at least 10 percent by 2030, according to a draft plan seen by the Financial Times. The legislation would mark the Commission's first water-usage reduction directive in the history of the EU. The proposal comes amid rising concerns about droughts and groundwater depletion following increasingly frequent wildfires and catastrophic flooding which have cost the EU billions and has reduced water reserves to previously unseen levels. 'We need to think about how we need to use water more efficiently,' EU Environment Commissioner Jessika Roswall told the outlet, stressing that 'when we have a shower, we need to think about it.' A ban on refilling swimming pools is already in place across southern Europe. Haris Sachinis, CEO of Greek water company Eydap, has warned that Athens could completely run out of water within two years if dry conditions persist. Cypriot Agriculture Minister Maria Panayiotou has warned that 2025 could be the island's third consecutive drought year and among the eight worst for water reserves in half a century. Sweden has also imposed bans on watering gardens with a hose in some areas while In France and Spain, disputes over dams and water rights have fueled tensions between farmers and environmentalists. Last year, the EU's environmental policies, including limits on pesticide use and water usage reductions, led to widespread protests from farmers and agricultural groups across the bloc, including in France, Spain, Germany, and Poland. The EC's draft plan calls for greater investment in the bloc's leaking infrastructure. The EurEau industry group has estimated that some 25% of EU water is lost through pipe leaks, with some countries such as Bulgaria losing up to 60%. The Commission has estimated that €23 billion ($26 billion) is needed annually for upgrades. The European Investment Bank also plans to offer €15 billion ($17 billion) in loans and guarantees between 2025 and 2027 to support the effort. Additionally, researchers found that only 2.4% of water is currently reused in the EU, a figure Brussels wants to raise. Although the savings target is not binding, the Commission is encouraging national targets and better data collection. A recent climate assessment found that only a 'limited number' of countries have adopted water resilience measures. The proposal follows a 2023 warning about rising competition for water and potential cross-border conflicts. The European Central Bank has separately warned that water scarcity poses a financial threat, with surface water shortages potentially affecting nearly 15% of eurozone GDP.

Cyprus Offers Syrian Families Money to Resettle, Work Permits for Main Earners
Cyprus Offers Syrian Families Money to Resettle, Work Permits for Main Earners

Asharq Al-Awsat

timea day ago

  • Business
  • Asharq Al-Awsat

Cyprus Offers Syrian Families Money to Resettle, Work Permits for Main Earners

Cyprus will offer Syrian families money to help them resettle back in their homeland and allow the main income earners to remain on the island nation for up to three years to work as part of a voluntary repatriation program, a Cypriot minister said Thursday. Deputy Minister for Migration Nicholas Ioannides said that a prerequisite for families to qualify for the program is that they must drop their claims for asylum or rescind international protection status already granted to them prior to Dec. 31, 2024, The AP news reported. Unveiling the program, Ioannides said that families wishing to voluntarily return will be given a one-off sum of 2,000 euros ($2,255) for one adult and 1,000 euros ($1,128) for each child. Childless couples are also eligible to apply. The application period runs from June 2 to Aug. 31. Additionally, the family's main income earner — either the father or mother will be granted a special residency and work permit allowing them to stay for a minimum of two years in Cyprus with the option of another year. Ioannides said that many Syrians have expressed their willingness to return and help rebuild their country, but are reluctant to do so because of the uncertainty surrounding where they'll be able to earn a living wage. According to the head of Cyprus' Asylum Service Andreas Georgiades, the program's premise is to help families overcome any such reluctance by affording them a modest nest egg with which to cover their immediate needs while enabling the main income earner to continue working and sending money to his family. The income earner will be allowed to travel back and forth to Syria while his or her residency and work permit are valid. Syrian nationals make up the largest group of asylum-seekers in Cyprus by far. According to Asylum Service figures, 4,226 Syrians applied for asylum last year — almost 10 times more than Afghans who are the second-largest group. 'This new program is a targeted, humanitarian and realistic policy that bolsters Syria's post-war transition to normality,' Ioannides said, adding that European Home Affairs Commissioner Magnus Brunner considers the program as a potential example for other European Union member countries to follow. Meanwhile, Ioannides repeated that a 2009 Search and Rescue agreement that Cyprus has with Syria enables Cypriot authorities to send back boatloads of Syrian migrants trying to reach the island nation after they're rescued in international waters. Ioannides said that two inflatable boats each loaded with 30 Syrian migrants were turned back in line with the bilateral agreement after being rescued when they transmitted that they were in danger. Ioannides again denied Cyprus engages in any pushbacks, despite urgings from both the UN refugee agency and Europe's top human rights body to stop pushing back migrants trying to reach the island by boat.

Cyprus to pay Syrian asylum seekers to return home
Cyprus to pay Syrian asylum seekers to return home

Khaleej Times

timea day ago

  • Business
  • Khaleej Times

Cyprus to pay Syrian asylum seekers to return home

Cyprus is to launch a repatriation scheme for Syrian families who revoke their asylum claims, allowing one adult member to stay on the island and work, a minister said on Thursday. Migration Minister Nicholas Ioannides said the financial incentives, beginning next month, would be for a voluntary return to Syria for families seeking asylum or those with international protection. He told reporters the scheme was being launched in coordination with the European Union. EU member Cyprus is one of the largest receivers of Syrian migrants per capita. Ioannides noted that Syria was "undergoing a critical transitional period" after Bashar Al Assad's ouster in December. "The success of the reconstruction depends on political will, international cooperation, and, most importantly, the active involvement of the Syrian people themselves," he said. Officials in Cyprus say 2,500 Syrians have withdrawn asylum applications or renounced their protection status, and around 2,400 have returned home. The repatriation scheme allows one person per family or couple to receive a special residence and work permit valid for two years. Returning family members will receive 2,000 euros ($2,270) for the spouse and 1,000 euros per child. The scheme will operate from June 2 to August 31. Cyprus granted asylum to thousands of Syrians who fled the civil war there that began in 2011. The eastern Mediterranean island is less than 200 kilometres from the Syrian and Lebanese coasts, and has long been a route for refugees seeking a better life in Europe.

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