Latest news with #GoldenVisa


Travel Daily News
17 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


Mint
2 days ago
- Business
- Mint
Dubai's Evolving Appeal in the Global Talent Migration Race
To the Reader: This article is a promotional feature and does not have journalistic/editorial involvement of Mint. Mint does not endorse/subscribe to the content(s) of the article/advertisement and/or view(s) expressed herein. Mint shall not in any manner, be responsible and/or liable in any manner whatsoever for all that is stated in the article and/or also concerning the view(s), opinion(s), announcement(s), declaration(s), affirmation(s), etc., stated/featured in the same. The article does not constitute financial advice. As global mobility patterns shift from capital arbitrage to quality-of-life-driven decisions, Dubai is emerging as a preferred long-term base for high-net-worth individuals (HNWIs) and their families. With over 128,000 millionaires relocating globally in 2024—actively seeking second residencies for their families (Knight Frank, 2024), the global wealth migration story is now deeply entwined with education, healthcare, and security. Dubai's approach is distinct: it is not just offering access, but anchorage. Supported by long-term policy planning, visa flexibility, and strategic investments in soft infrastructure, the city is positioning itself not merely as a destination, but as a foundation for family, legacy, and opportunity. 85% of global HR leaders say talent retention is their top strategic priority. But increasingly, it's not just about attracting individuals — it's about offering entire families a place to grow and thrive. For HNWIs, migration decisions are no longer driven solely by financial returns, but by broader life outcomes: where can children attend top-tier schools, where can families access world-class healthcare, and where can safety be taken for granted? Dubai has answered this shift by reimagining itself as a 'city of permanence' — where business opportunity meets family-friendly policy. Its Golden Visa program, high safety rankings, and inclusive residency pathways are tailored not just for wealth creators, but for their dependents and future generations. It's a migration strategy built on continuity and community. Dubai's future-forward ambitions: to double its economy by 2033 and become one of the top three global cities for business and lifestyle. The emirate has already shown strong momentum—recording AED 52.3 billion in foreign direct investment in 2024, with significant allocations to innovation sectors such as AI and fintech. Education is another cornerstone. Dubai now over 220 private schools offering 17 international curricula, as well as 25+ international universities. Healthcare mirrors this depth, with over 3,900 medical facilities, digital health infrastructure like NABIDH, and growing traction in medical tourism. This combination of public-private investment, global benchmarking, and multicultural openness has helped position Dubai as a relocation hotspot — not just for executives, but for the people they bring with them. Dubai's appeal also stems from its social stability. It was ranked 3rd globally ahead of Paris, London, and New York. It is supported by strict law enforcement, low crime, and high levels of public trust. For families arriving from more volatile markets, this assurance is invaluable. Economic fundamentals further underscore the emirate's resilience. Dubai attracted an estimated marking a 33% increase from AED 39.26 billion in 2023. In real estate, price appreciation in the first nine months of 2024 signals a robust, diversified recovery — powered by tourism, trade, logistics, and financial services. In parallel, Dubai's remains investor-friendly: 0% personal income tax, 0% capital gains tax, and a tiered 9% corporate tax that excludes incomes below AED 375,000. For globally mobile families, this offers a transparent and efficient wealth management environment. While many cities compete on incentives, Dubai is competing on integration — offering an ecosystem where families can access opportunity without sacrificing quality of life. Its vision is long-term: by 2033, it aims to create an economic environment valued at — a scale reflective not just of ambition, but of inclusivity and strategic foresight. As the global mobility narrative moves from relocation to rootedness, Dubai's pitch is clear: it is not just a place to grow wealth, but a place to grow a life. In the words of its positioning — it's where community and opportunity unite to create enduring legacies.


Time of India
3 days ago
- Business
- Time of India
Canada not the top choice, why Americans are skipping Trump's '51st state' for a much smaller country
For decades, Canada has been the default fantasy for Americans seeking a fresh start abroad—so much so that US President Trump has evidently desired to make it the '51st state.' But in 2025, a new trend is emerging: Americans are increasingly bypassing their northern neighbor and setting their sights on Portugal , now the undisputed top pick for US expats. A major survey by Expatsi , a relocation services company, polled over 116,000 Americans considering relocation, found that Portugal is now the number one country Americans want to move to, outpacing Canada and every other destination. While Canada still makes the top four, it no longer dominates the American imagination as it once did. Instead, the list of most-desired countries for relocation in 2025 reads: Play Video Pause Skip Backward Skip Forward Unmute Current Time 0:00 / Duration 0:00 Loaded : 0% 0:00 Stream Type LIVE Seek to live, currently behind live LIVE Remaining Time - 0:00 1x Playback Rate Chapters Chapters Descriptions descriptions off , selected Captions captions settings , opens captions settings dialog captions off , selected Audio Track Picture-in-Picture Fullscreen This is a modal window. Beginning of dialog window. Escape will cancel and close the window. Text Color White Black Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Opacity Opaque Semi-Transparent Text Background Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Opacity Opaque Semi-Transparent Transparent Caption Area Background Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Opacity Transparent Semi-Transparent Opaque Font Size 50% 75% 100% 125% 150% 175% 200% 300% 400% Text Edge Style None Raised Depressed Uniform Drop shadow Font Family Proportional Sans-Serif Monospace Sans-Serif Proportional Serif Monospace Serif Casual Script Small Caps Reset restore all settings to the default values Done Close Modal Dialog End of dialog window. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like A brain tumor threatens his life. Please save him. Donate For Health Donate Now Undo Portugal Spain United Kingdom Canada Italy Ireland France Mexico New Zealand Costa Rica Canada, once the perennial favorite, now sits at number four—behind three European reasons are as diverse as the destinations. According to the Expatsi survey, 61% of Americans cited adventure and personal enrichment as their main motivation, while over half pointed to political division or ultraconservatism at home. Affordability, safety, and quality of life are also key drivers, and Portugal's cost of living—about 35% lower than the U.S.—is a major call. Recent migration data supports this trend. Portugal has seen a 239% increase in American residents since 2017, with over 14,000 Americans now calling it home and a record 585,800 overnight stays by U.S. visitors in May 2024 alone. Americans have also become the leading nationality for Portugal's coveted Golden Visa program. Live Events Reuters recently noted that Portugal's 'blend of affordability, safety, and lifestyle is drawing a new wave of U.S. arrivals, both tourists and long-term residents,' a sentiment echoed by Expatsi's CEO, who said, 'Once Americans discover the ease of Portuguese residency and the quality of life, it's hard for other countries to compete.' The idea of Canada as the '51st state,' floated by President Trump, has been met with skepticism and even resistance among Canadians and Americans alike. Canadians overwhelmingly value their independence, and the practicalities of such a merger are daunting. Moreover, many Americans are seeking a more dramatic change in lifestyle, climate, and culture than Canada can provide. So while Canada remains a solid choice, the American dream of relocation is now painted in the pastel hues of Lisbon and Porto, not the maple red of Montreal. Maybe the 51st state is just a little further east than anyone expected.


Travel Daily News
3 days ago
- Business
- Travel Daily News
Piraeus tops Greece's property investment growth with 28% surge
Piraeus leads Greece's property market with 28% annual growth, highlighting top Golden Visa investment opportunities across high-demand regions. New analysis by Astons, a leading international firm specializing in real estate, residency, and citizenship through investment, highlights which regions of Greece currently offer the strongest investment opportunities, as annual property price increases reach up to 28%. Greece remains one of the world's most attractive Golden Visa destinations, offering foreign investors the opportunity to secure residency through a three-tier investment system. Tier A covers Greece's most sought-after locations – including Athens, Thessaloniki, and the islands – where the minimum investment is set at 800,000 euros (approximately $867,000). Tier B applies to other areas of the country with a lower threshold of 400,000 euros (approximately $435,000). Tier C, meanwhile, is designed for those investing in the conversion of commercial properties into residential use, requiring just 250,000 euros (approximately $278,000), regardless of location. According to Astons' data, no region has shown stronger annual price growth than Piraeus in the Attica region, which also leads in demand from Golden Visa investors. Between Q3 2023 and Q3 2024, average property prices in Piraeus surged by 27.8%, increasing from 2,000 euros per square metre to 2,556 euros per square metre. This puts the average price for a 120-square-metre property at 306,720 euros – well below the 800,000 euros Tier A minimum, requiring investors to carefully plan their acquisition strategies. Kavala Prefecture in Eastern Macedonia and Thrace follows closely, registering a 20.9% price increase over the past year, with average prices now at 1,630 euros per square metre. In a Tier B zone, this translates to an average property value of 195,600 euros, against a minimum investment requirement of 400,000 euros. Other notable regions showing double-digit annual growth include Chios Prefecture (20.6%), Sporades (19.9%), Grevena (17.5%), Lakonia (14.6%), Chalkidiki (14%), Messina (13.4%), Achaia (13.2%), and Zakynthos (11.5%). Alena Lesina, citizenship, residence permit, and real estate investment expert at Astons, emphasized that local market performance is key when evaluating investment opportunities: 'As with all countries, Greece's property market consists of many local markets, each performing differently in terms of price growth. Investors should consider two main factors: the potential return on investment based on local price trends, and the investment tier classification, which dictates minimum thresholds.' Lesina also pointed to a rising trend among developers focused on Tier C opportunities, particularly in regenerated areas of Attica such as Piraeus, Vouliagmeni, and Glyfada. These projects often involve converting older commercial properties – such as hotels and office buildings – into modern, eco-friendly residential units specifically designed for Golden Visa investors. Astons' findings suggest that while major cities and islands remain premium markets, evolving opportunities in regeneration projects and Tier C conversions are increasingly attractive for investors seeking flexibility, sustainability, and long-term growth potential in Greece's real estate landscape.


Time of India
3 days ago
- Politics
- Time of India
Is your Italian passport dream over? Here's what the new rule says
Italy has recently implemented significant reforms to its citizenship laws, particularly affecting individuals seeking citizenship through ancestral ties. These changes, enacted under Decree-Law No. 36/2025 on March 28, 2025, aim to tighten eligibility criteria and ensure a genuine connection between applicants and the Italian state. Key changes in citizenship eligibility As per the earlier system, all those with Italian ancestry dating back to March 17, 1861, were allowed to apply for citizenship under the principle of jus sanguinis (right of blood). However, the revised law states otherwise, which going forward, will restrict eligibility to applicants who have at least one parent or grandparent who was an Italian citizen by birth. This change effectively excludes those whose connection to Italy traces back to great-grandparents or earlier ancestors, unless they can demonstrate a tangible and recent link to the country. Read more: Vietnam's 10-year Golden Visa program: Key features, perks, and eligibility Introduction of the 'effective bond' requirement A notable addition to the citizenship criteria is the requirement of an "effective bond" (vincolo effettivo) with Italy. Applicants must now provide evidence of a real and recent connection to the country, such as recent residence in Italy or direct parental ties. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Giao dịch CFD với công nghệ và tốc độ tốt hơn IC Markets Đăng ký Undo This move aligns Italy with other European nations that emphasize a genuine link between the applicant and the state. Administrative and social implications Referring to the development, the Italian Government cites administrative efficiency and prevention of system abuse as primary motivations for the reform. As per the records, the number of Italian citizens residing abroad increased by 40%, from 4.6 million to 6.4 million, between 2014 and 2024, with significant numbers in countries like Argentina and Brazil. This surge has reportedly strained consular resources and raised concerns about individuals obtaining citizenship without meaningful ties to Italy. Impact on applicants and families However, many aspirant citizens are now uncertain and disappointed by the new rules. People who intended to petition for citizenship on the basis of their great-grandparents' Italian ancestry are now ineligible. Families may also encounter circumstances in which certain members meet the requirements of the previous regulations while others do not, potentially resulting in further divides within the family. Read more: 10 weekend getaways in India under INR 5,000 Transitional provisions and future outlook Reports add that applications that have been submitted before March 28, 2025, will be processed under the previous rules. However, the decree remains provisional and requires parliamentary approval within 60 days to become permanent. During this period, amendments or a complete repeal are possible, and legal challenges are anticipated. It's anticipated that the modifications will have ramifications for people looking to rediscover their Italian roots, even as they attempt to overcome administrative difficulties and maintain the integrity of Italian citizenship. The decree's ultimate effects will be ascertained over time, when the outcomes become more clearer. One step to a healthier you—join Times Health+ Yoga and feel the change