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Time of India
14 hours ago
- Business
- Time of India
10 best countries to live and work in 2025
Thinking about living and working abroad? You might want to check this out. According to the Henley Opportunity Index 2025, these countries are some of the best to live and work in 2025. These countries are ranked based on six key parameters: earning potential, career advancement, employment prospects, premium education, economic mobility, and livability. Read on to know why they are ideal destinations for professionals and families seeking a high quality of life and career opportunities. Switzerland with overall score of 84 percent Switzerland tops the Henley Opportunity Index with an unmatched earning potential, strong career advancement, and robust employment prospects. Switzerland is known for its stable economy, high standard of living, and world-class healthcare. The country is also home to seven of the world's top 250 universities. For those who are looking forward to living in top cities with a clean environment, Swiss cities like Zurich and Geneva are some of the best options. With clean, safe environments with stunning Alpine scenery around, Switzerland is a great pick. Singapore with overall score of 79 percent Singapore ranks second with a perfect earning potential score and exceptional employment prospects. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Paras Sector 59 Gurgaon | Luxury Awaits at Paras Floret Paras The Florett Book Now Undo Singapore is a global financial hub with an impressive education system and vibrant urban environment. The Global Investor Program facilitates residency for wealthy investors. Singapore's low tax rates, safety, and modern infrastructure are also some of the reasons why many people gravitate towards living and working in Singapore. United States with overall score of 78 percent The U.S. finds itself in third position. The United States' diverse job market, driven by innovation in tech, finance, and entertainment, attracts people from all over the world. The United States is not called the Land of Opportunity for nothing. The U.S. offers premium education through elite universities like Harvard and Stanford; this is also one of the most important reasons why so many people plan for the US. The EB-5 Immigrant Investor Program provides pathways to residency through investment. Australia with overall score of 76 percent Australia's relaxed lifestyle, vibrant cities like Sydney and Melbourne, and robust healthcare system make it a favorite for expats. The National Innovation Visa supports skilled migrants in sectors like tech, healthcare, and construction, with employment prospects and career advancement. Australia's natural beauty, from the Great Barrier Reef to Uluru, is also one of the reasons why people are considering Australia. Canada with overall score of 73 percent Canada, fifth in the ranking, excels with welcoming immigration policies, high livability, and strong employment prospects. Cities like Toronto and Vancouver are known to provide great employment opportunities. If you are an entrepreneur, check out Canada's Start-Up Visa program. Canada's natural beauty, from Banff to Niagara Falls, and friendly communities make it easier to consider the country. United Kingdom with overall score of 70 percent On the sixth spot is the United Kingdom (UK). World-class universities like Oxford and Cambridge attract thousands of students every year. The UK's earning potential, career advancement, and employment prospects are robust in finance, tech, and creative industries, particularly in cities like London, Manchester, and Edinburgh. The Innovator Founder Visa is worth checking out if you are an entrepreneur with innovative business ideas and are looking to do business in the United Kingdom. United Arab Emirates with overall score of 67 percent The UAE offers strong earning potential and employment prospects. UAE's tax-free income and business hubs like Dubai and Abu Dhabi attract thousands every year. Its Golden Visa or the Golden Residence permit attracts investors, and is something worth checking out. The UAE's modern infrastructure and rapid career growth in finance, real estate, and tourism make it a dynamic destination. New Zealand with overall score of 65 percent New Zealand ranks eighth, excelling in economic mobility and livability. This remote yet spectacular country is known for its stunning landscapes, from fjords to mountains, and peaceful lifestyle, it offers a strong work-life balance. The Active Investor Plus Visa streamlines residency for investors. Cities like Auckland and Wellington are vibrant hubs worth checking out. Austria with overall score of 65 percent Austria, tied with New Zealand, also scores high in economic mobility and livability. Vienna, a cultural and professional hub, is known for its high quality of life with excellent healthcare and public services. Austria's citizenship-by-investment program appeals to high-net-worth individuals. Italy with overall score of 64 percent Italy, known for fashion, food, and tourism, has cities like Rome and Milan that offer opportunities in design, hospitality, entrepreneurship and more. Italy's Investor Visa and rich heritage, including 60 UNESCO sites like the Colosseum, attract professionals and families seeking a blend of work and cultural immersion.
Economic Times
3 days ago
- Business
- Economic Times
How foreign investors can secure permanent residence in Singapore
Agencies Singapore has positioned itself as a top destination for wealthy and experienced foreign entrepreneurs through its Global Investor Program (GIP), which offers a route to permanent residency. The initiative is designed for investors who wish to live, work, and contribute to the country's economy by starting businesses or making substantial investments. Successful applicants can expect to obtain permanent residence status within nine to twelve months. The program is part of the Singaporean government's broader aim to attract global talent and strengthen its business environment. Applicants must meet strict eligibility requirements and choose from three investment options, each tied to job creation or capital deployment in Singapore. Investment options under the program Applicants can select one of the following investment paths:1. Option A: Invest SGD 10 million (including paid-up capital) into a new or existing business in Singapore and employ at least 30 staff, half of whom must be Singaporean citizens. For existing businesses, 10 employees must be new hires.2. Option B: Invest SGD 25 million in a fund approved by the Singapore Economic Development Board, which invests in Singapore-based companies.3. Option C: Set up a single family office in Singapore with assets under management of at least SGD 200 million. At least SGD 50 million must be deployed in approved investments such as listed companies, qualifying debt securities, licensed funds, or private equity in local businesses. The office must employ at least five additional professionals over five years, including three Singaporean citizens. Application process and eligibility The program is open to established business owners, next-generation business leaders, founders of fast-growing tech firms, and family office principals with significant entrepreneurial must submit an e-application, a personal profile, and a detailed investment plan, along with hard copy supporting documents. After an interview and assessment, eligible applicants receive an Approval in Principle, valid for six months. The investment must be completed within this period. Permanent residence status must be formalized within a year of final and children under 21 can be included in the application. Male dependents must serve national service. Parents and unmarried children over 21 are not eligible but can apply for a five-year long-term visit pass. Benefits of Singaporean Permanent Residence Permanent residents in Singapore enjoy several advantages, including political and economic stability, low crime rates, and a high standard of living. The country offers world-class education, healthcare, and public transport systems, alongside advanced business infrastructure and a favorable tax a population of around six million and English and Mandarin as main languages, Singapore maintains a multicultural society. Its territorial taxation system means individuals are generally taxed only on income sourced within the country, a factor that appeals to foreign investors. Re-entry permits and citizenship path Once permanent residence is formalized, investors receive a five-year re-entry permit (REP), allowing them to travel without losing residency status. REP renewal requirements vary by investment option and may include meeting business targets or maintaining physical presence in two years as a permanent resident, individuals may apply for Singaporean citizenship, which is granted on a single-citizenship basis. The Singapore passport is currently ranked the world's strongest, offering visa-free or visa-on-arrival access to 193 destinations, including Europe's Schengen Area, the USA, and Singapore's ban on dual citizenship means applicants must be prepared to renounce their existing nationality if they seek citizenship. (Join our ETNRI WhatsApp channel for all the latest updates) Elevate your knowledge and leadership skills at a cost cheaper than your daily tea. Tariffs, tantrums, and tech: How Trump's trade drama is keeping Indian IT on tenterhooks Good, bad, ugly: How will higher ethanol in petrol play out for you? As big fat Indian wedding slims to budget, Manyavar loses lustre As 50% US tariff looms, 6 key steps that can safeguard Indian economy Stock Radar: JSPL forms Ascending Triangle pattern on weekly charts, could hit fresh 52-week high soon Nifty and business are different species: 5 small-cap stocks from different sectors with upside potential of up to 30% F&O Radar | Deploy Bear Put Spread in Nifty to play index's negative stance amid volatility Wealth creation: Look beyond the obvious in some things; 10 fertilizer sector companies worth watching
Yahoo
22-02-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
Singapore rolls out tax rebates, $3.7 billion program to boost stock market
By Yantoultra Ngui SINGAPORE (Reuters) -Singapore announced on Friday a set of measures to rejuvenate its equities market, including a 20% tax rebate for primary listings and a S$5 billion ($3.74 billion) program that focuses on investing in domestic stocks. The statement offers more details on measures Singapore's equities market review group announced on February 13 to revive its stock market that has come under pressure from a dearth of mega listings and softer trading liquidity. "We aim to have these measures lay the foundations for a sustainable and well functioning equities market, and we think if we take the proposed measures together, they will hopefully make an impact," Singapore's second finance minister Chee Hong Tat said in a briefing on Friday. Singapore's central bank, the Monetary Authority of Singapore or MAS, set up the review group chaired by Chee in August last year to recommend measures to strengthen equities market development in the country. The review group said in a statement that MAS and the Financial Sector Development Fund will launch the S$5 billion program, called Equity Market Development Program, which will draw in investments from other investors over time. MAS will begin evaluating eligible fund managers and strategies for the program over the next few months. They should be actively managed and invest in a range of companies in Singapore and not just index component stocks. Other measures include narrowing the qualifying investment categories for new family office applicants under the Global Investor Program to equities listed on approved Singapore exchanges. Single family offices are one-stop firms that manage the finances of the very wealthy. This compares to current categories that range from qualifying debt securities to non-listed Singapore-based operating companies that family office applicants under the program must deploy at least S$50 million to invest into. To attract listings, the review group announced measures including a 20% corporate income tax rebate for new primary listings and a 10% tax rebate for new secondary listings with share issuance. The overall proceeds raised from Singaporean IPOs was $152.3 million last year, 37.7% higher than $110.6 million in 2023, but just 4.6% of the total market share of the whole of Southeast Asia, according to LSEG data. Nevertheless, the outlook is improving with a slew of companies potentially looking to go public in the country, including Singaporean private healthcare group Foundation Healthcare Holdings and the data centre real estate investment trust of Japan's Nippon Telegraph & Telephone Corp. Singapore's initiatives to revive the domestic stock market, coupled with factors such as inexpensive valuations and high dividend yields, led analysts at JPMorgan to upgrade Singapore equities to "overweight" on Wednesday. ($1 = 1.3368 Singapore dollars) Sign in to access your portfolio
