Latest news with #NomadCapitalist
The Sun
24-07-2025
- Health
- The Sun
Malaysia targets global medical tourism leadership with MYMT 2026
KUALA LUMPUR: The Malaysia Year of Medical Tourism (MYMT) 2026 was officially launched today to reinforce the country's status as a leading destination for affordable, high-quality healthcare. Health Minister Datuk Seri Dr Dzulkefly Ahmad unveiled the campaign under the tagline 'Healing Meets Hospitality,' targeting international healthcare travellers with Malaysia's blend of medical excellence and warm hospitality. 'Malaysia has long been recognised as a preferred destination for medical tourism. In 2024, we recorded 1.6 million healthcare travellers, generating RM2.72 billion in revenue, which marks a 21 per cent increase from the previous year,' said Dzulkefly. He noted that Malaysia's global reputation was further cemented when it ranked among the world's top 10 medical tourism destinations by Nomad Capitalist earlier this year. The campaign aligns with Visit Malaysia 2026, aiming to position healthcare as a key economic driver. Dzulkefly projected spillover benefits of RM12 to RM15 billion by 2030 for airlines, hotels, and local businesses. A key initiative under MYMT 2026 is the Flagship Medical Tourism Hospital (FMTH) programme, which recognises hospitals for clinical excellence and innovation. Four hospitals—Institut Jantung Negara, Island Hospital Penang, Mahkota Medical Centre, and Subang Jaya Medical Centre—are in the final assessment stage, with the winner to be announced in December. Adding star power to the campaign, celebrated singer Datuk Seri Siti Nurhaliza was named official ambassador, embodying trust and compassion—values central to Malaysia Healthcare. Dzulkefly also highlighted Malaysia's leadership role in ASEAN healthcare cooperation, particularly in cross-border care and health equity. 'With our continued commitment and collaboration, I am confident that we will exceed expectations and set new benchmarks in global medical tourism,' he said. - Bernama
Morocco World
21-07-2025
- Business
- Morocco World
Morocco Tops North Africa in Economic Freedom, Ranks 101st Globally
Rabat – Morocco continues to position itself as a key player in Africa's economic landscape, topping North Africa in economic freedom despite lingering structural challenges. According to the 2025 Nomad Capitalist Freedom Index , Morocco ranks 101st out of 196 countries, with a balanced yet partial score reflecting its progress and room for improvement. The index, compiled by the tax and migration advisory firm Nomad Capitalist, evaluates countries based on five pillars: financial freedom (30% of the score), asset protection (25%), human rights (20%), safety (15%), and quality of life (10%). Morocco achieved a 30/50 score overall, with consistent ratings across each category. Morocco's economic environment benefits from a clear legal framework that supports entrepreneurship. Article 35 of the Moroccan Constitution guarantees the freedom to do business and fair competition, while laws such as Law 104-12 on Competition aim to ensure market transparency and prevent monopolistic practices. The country's growing digitalization has made it easier to start a business, reducing bureaucratic hurdles. Targeted tax incentives also make Morocco attractive to foreign investors. Its stable monetary policy, controlled inflation, and strong international trade networks provide a favorable setting for entrepreneurs and investors alike. However, the road to greater economic freedom is not without obstacles. Administrative delays, legal opacity, a pervasive informal sector, and a rigid labor market continue to impede Morocco's full potential. Regional Leadership Within the Arab world and across Africa, Morocco stands out as one of the leaders in economic openness. It ranks first in North Africa, surpassing several regional peers thanks to fiscal reforms, robust public investment strategies, and deliberate efforts to attract international talent. Other reports, including studies by the Heritage Foundation, also highlight Morocco's openness to market economies and its relative stability in an era of global uncertainty — a quality particularly valued by businesses seeking predictable and secure environments. While Morocco's score remains below that of better-performing African nations such as Ghana or Cape Verde, which achieved scores around 39.5/50. Strengthening the rule of law, improving property rights protection, and enhancing the business climate further could propel Morocco higher in future rankings. For now, the county demonstrates both ambition and progress. Its challenge lies in translating political vision into tangible outcomes and ensuring that its economic freedom is not just robust on paper, but fully realized in practice. Tags: Economic Freedom IndexMoroccoMorocco economy
Daily Mail
15-07-2025
- Business
- Daily Mail
Starmer's Chagos 'surrender' deal helps Mauritius top destination list for global super-rich thanks to tax cuts paid for by Britain's billions
Mauritius has topped a global league table of desirable destinations for the super-rich, thanks to tax cuts paid for by Keir Starmer 's Chagos Islands 'surrender'. The tiny Indian Ocean nation is tied with Monaco at the head of Nomad Capitalist's Freedom Index 2025 after announcing plans to abolish income tax using money handed over by British taxpayers. The Prime Minister last month signed an agreement to cede sovereignty of the strategically-important Indian Ocean archipelago. The deal will see the UK lease back a military base on Diego Garcia, the largest of the islands, with Britain paying Mauritius an average of £101million a year for 99 years. In its inaugural Freedom Index Nomad, which brands itself a 'boutique tax and citizenship consultancy' for high and ultra-high net-worth individuals, said Mauritius had 'sensible taxation, a robust legal system and near-zero violent crime, giving investors a stable bridge between Africa and Asia '. Switzerland, Portugal and Ireland rounded out the top five, with the UK 21st and the United States joint 29th under Donald Trump. It came as Foreign Secretary today introduces a bill to hand over the British Indian Ocean Territory to Mauritius. Tory shadow foreign secretary Priti Patel said: 'It's a £30 billion tax on British taxpayers. 'Working people across Britain will pay the government of Mauritius to give them British territory, and deliver tax cuts to the people of Mauritius.' Mauritius will use almost £500million of the UK payments to help clear its national debt. This will allow the east African country to abolish income tax entirely for 81 per cent of employed Mauritians and raise minimum salaries. It has also been pointed out how, under the Chagos Islands deal, UK taxpayers are now funding more than 4 per cent of the Mauritian government's total budget. Nomad Capitalist research associate, Javier Correa, said its index 'educates and empowers high-net-worth individuals and families on their journey to live more freely'. 'While the West still preaches liberty, countries like the UK and US have become poster children for bloated bureaucracy, rising taxation, and the mismanagement of public finances,' he said. 'From entrepreneurs to investors, globally minded citizens need to understand that the Western world has changed and they may need to look elsewhere, so the Nomad Capitalist Freedom Index is a blueprint for them to go where they are treated best.' It aims to highlight places 'where personal liberty, financial sovereignty and lifestyle flexibility still exist and thrive - where global citizens can actually live life on their own terms'. To accompany the treaty, MPs will need to sign off on a Bill to wind up the current governance of the British Indian Ocean Territory (BIOT). The treaty will only come into force once the legislation is 'in place', according to the Government. It follows a 2019 advisory opinion by the International Court of Justice, which said the UK should cede control. As well as establishing a £40 million fund for Chagossians expelled from the islands, the UK has agreed to pay Mauritius at least £120 million annually during the 99-year agreement. The Government, however, estimates the bill will be lower at around £101 million a year, while critics argue it will be much higher.
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.
The Star
03-06-2025
- Health
- The Star
M'sia leads medical tourism charge
PETALING JAYA: From the Maldives to mainland China, foreigners are drawn to the world-class healthcare offered by private hospitals in the country, says Association of Private Hospitals Malaysia president Datuk Dr Kuljit Singh (pic). Apart from being cost-effective, these foreign patients were keen on the transparent healthcare plans offered by Malaysian private hospitals, he said. Another plus factor for them was the ease of communication as English is widely spoken, he said in an interview. Last Wednesday, the Health Ministry announced that Malaysia has been ranked as the top destination for medical tourism based on quality, infrastructure, cost-effectiveness and ease of access by Nomad Capitalist, a Dubai-based wealth consultancy firm. Health Minister Datuk Seri Dr Dzulkefly Ahmad said in a Facebook post that Malaysia's medical tourism sector generated about RM2bil in revenue in 2023, with 1.3 million foreigners seeking treatment in the country. Dr Kuljit told The Star that foreign nationalities who sought treatment are mainly from Indonesia, China, Bangladesh and the Maldives. The rest are from Europe and the United States. 'We are way more affordable compared to our neighbouring countries and far cheaper than western countries,' he said, estimating that foreign patients seeking treatment in Malaysia would be paying 20% to 50% lower than elsewhere. 'For those from the US, the savings could be up to 70% compared to what they would need to fork out in their own country.' He said foreign patients seek a variety of treatments ranging from simple health screening to sophisticated interventions. Dr Kuljit said that being a predominantly Muslim country was also advantageous as it was a plus point for Muslim patients. 'Another factor that has earned the trust and confidence of international patients are Malaysia's strict healthcare standards and accreditation with global medical bodies. 'They are treated with care and only discharged when they are fit to leave the facility,' he added. However, while medical care is seamlessly rendered, Dr Kuljit acknowledged that the biggest challenge private hospitals face is inadequate capacity for inpatients. 'A shortage of manpower such as nurses is an issue,' he said. Furthermore, he said restrictions and conditions imposed on private hospitals that curtail healthcare costs can prove to be a hindrance to the growth of medical tourism. But in the long term, he said Malaysia's future as a medical tourism hub remains bright as the projected number of patients exceeds targets annually. 'I am confident that Malaysia's reputation as one of the leading medical tourism destinations in the world will only continue to grow in leaps and bounds as private hospitals in Malaysia remain committed to delivering reliable, world-class care to Malaysians first and foremost and to the rest of the world,' he added. Dr Kuljit said Malaysians no longer need to travel abroad in search of premium healthcare. 'However, these advantages are sometimes overlooked by Malaysians and lead to a misunderstanding of the role of private hospitals. There is a mistaken notion that the services offered are medical tourism-oriented and solely driven by profit,' he said. He explained that private hospitals strive to improve continuously to meet world-class standards that benefit both the local population and medical tourists. Asked if private hospitals would extend their services to low-income Malaysians as part of their corporate social responsibility since they have earned revenue from medical tourism, he said such initiatives will be further enhanced if private hospitals managed to increase capacity. 'We are happy to work with the public healthcare system and conduct such programmes but we need to have greater capacity and manpower,' he said.
