Latest news with #PatriciaCasaburi
Telegraph
07-07-2025
- Business
- Telegraph
‘I moved to the US for a better salary, and pay just 10pc tax'
The American dream is still luring thousands of British workers across the Atlantic every year, in the hope of finding the success they lack in the UK. Between 2022 and 2024, America was the most popular destination for British expats, surpassing countries like Australia and the UAE, according to the US census. There are approximately 700,000 British citizens living in the US, spread across the country – with some 120,000 British born residents living in New York, 35,000 in Los Angeles and 15,000 in Washington DC. One of the main draws, as Patricia Casaburi, chief executive of migration consultancy Global Citizen Solutions, points out, is that the US offers significant professional and academic opportunities for British workers – particularly in finance, technology, medicine and the arts. 'Salaries average 40pc to 50pc higher than in the UK, and while healthcare concerns previously deterred some, NHS challenges have made this less of an issue – as well as the fact that US healthcare is often paid by the employer,' says Casaburi. The firm she runs helps people find the best residency or citizenship to diversify their investments. But there are downsides, as the British expats working state-side tell us. Some states, particularly New York and California, have 'hideous' taxes that eat into your higher salary, and of course there's healthcare insurance to factor in. Plus, there have recently been hints from President Donald Trump that inflated taxes for the rich could be on their way. 'Despite hideous taxes, I'm never moving back' Peter, a surgical device start-up co-founder who has been living in the US since 1999, considers himself more American than British. Bearing citizenship and a slight transatlantic twang, the 70-year-old doesn't miss his mother country at all. He first began visiting in the 1980s for business, but it was meeting his wife-to-be on a flight to Denver in 1997 that redirected his path across the pond for good. 'I was coming out of my second marriage, and not looking for any form of relationship, but after several hours of talking, we knew it was right,' he says. After getting married and spending some time in Britain together, the couple moved to Washington DC, then San Diego and eventually settled in New York City in 2009. As an entrepreneur, Peter earns three to four times what he would in the UK, while his wife, a broadcast journalist, earns eight to 10 times more. This tracks with current data – according to the American compensation data firm Payscale, the average annual salary in New York is $93,000 (£70,000), compared to London, where it is £46,000 ($61,121). In a Northern city like Manchester or Leeds, it's more like £34,000 ($45,173). Peter and his wife rent an apartment in a quiet part of Manhattan by the river, and own a beach house in Jersey Shore, but 'hideous' triple taxes are by far the most expensive aspect of life in New York. They pay a combination of federal, state and city tax, which equates to around 49pc of the couple's combined gross income – although, he notes, it's not as bad as in California. 'I'm fine with the high tax in principle here, but it's definitely the reason so many people leave New York – there are tons of US states where we could be paying considerably less,' he says, adding that his business is based in San Antonio, Texas, which provides some tax relief. Although Peter now gets health insurance through his wife's employer, they were stung when the Affordable Care Act (otherwise known as Obamacare) was introduced in 2010. As co-owners of a business, the policy pushed the pair's health insurance costs up by 90pc, to around $2,000 each a month. When they employed an assistant, the overall insurance dropped to $1,100 for all three, per month. 'I feel privileged to get good spousal coverage now,' says Peter. His wife's job is likely to keep them in New York City for the foreseeable, but even if she were to leave, he'd never move back to the UK. 'In my view, Britons are always glass half empty – people have their lot in life and settle for it,' he says. 'They want to retire as soon as they can because they hate their job and have a state cushion.' He finds people in America to be more ambitious and happy to continue working beyond retirement age. Launching a start-up as a septuagenarian, for example, has been viewed as completely normal behaviour by his peers, while in the UK, he believes he'd be an anomaly. 'Americans wear their salary like a badge of honour' Katy McQuade, now 59, moved to the US from London in 1990, and agrees that one of the biggest differences is the drive to be successful and 'make your mark' – although it took her a while to get used to the characteristic braggadocio. 'You wouldn't wear your salary like a badge of honour in the UK, whereas here there's no shame in telling someone outright, whether they want to know or not,' she says. Working as a realtor for the last 20 years, Katy lives in a small town called Carefree, near Scottsdale, Arizona. And carefree it often can be, as Katy pays a fraction of the tax charged in East Coast states like New York or Washington. Arizona's income tax is just 2.5pc, property tax is 0.45pc of a home's assessed value, and the average tax and local sales tax comes to 8.38pc. 'I'm in quite a high tax bracket, but I try to find workarounds nonetheless – such as creating a PLC,' she explains. 'I pay 10pc tax on what I earn, although when I was making closer to $100,000 a year, I would have nudged into the 20pc tax bracket.' Katy says she would happily pay higher taxes for better services and community upkeep, though. 'While we say we have a great tax rate, we're 42nd in education out of 50 states, and we don't get certain public services because they're not funded,' she explains. 'I'd prefer to live in a more educated state, and I think that's an important base for the general public.' 'There's a focus on entrepreneurship, which Labour is sucking away' Although Paul, 64, has worked in a number of US cities for business, he's never lived in the US permanently. However, his position at a boutique marketing tech agency saw him make the switch from Exmoor, Somerset to New York City at the end of April. 'We're seeing more business opportunities in the US than in the UK or continental Europe, so I'll be here for around three years to concentrate on that,' he says. 'I also see more optimism and positivity towards earning money here, and certainly a focus on entrepreneurship, which Labour is sucking away in the UK.' Soon to be joined by his wife, Paul is flat hunting in central Manhattan, and expects to pay $6,600 (£5,000) a month for a two-bedroom apartment. 'Back at home, we've been paying off our properties, and have rented them out while we're here, so although we're paying 10 times the costs for somewhere to live than in the UK, it feels doable,' explains Paul. 'All our children have grown up and left home, so we can enjoy the flexibility by coming here and taking advantage of everything.' While there's often the impression that American employees get very little holiday, Paul will get roughly the same allowance as he does in Britain, with his company offering 20 days, plus the eight US public holidays. He's planning to spend big on trips to North and South America – first up is Yellowstone National Park, inspired by the couple's Netflix drama favourite Yellowstone. His taxes will be slightly lower than in the UK, although that didn't sway his decision to accept the relocation. He hopes Trump will reduce them further, but recent hints from the president suggest otherwise. He may let tax breaks for the richest Americans expire, returning their top income tax rate to 39.6pc – the same as before Trump's 2017 tax overhaul – from the current 37pc. It's a concern for Peter. 'It would be an extra 2pc on everything over $2.5m, or $20,000 for every million,' he says. 'It would really affect us.' Casaburi says the proposed 'millionaire's tax' has surprised many clients and prompted wealthy British expats residing in the US to consider relocating to more tax-friendly jurisdictions. 'Rather than returning to the UK, which has significant taxes itself, British clients are exploring alternatives like Malta and Cyprus,' she says. Those wishing to stay closer to the US for family or business reasons are considering Caribbean nations that offer favourable tax terms like St Kitts and Nevis, Antigua, Barbuda and Grenada. 'While the US remains attractive for Britons seeking professional and financial advancement, its appeal for high-net-worth individuals fluctuates with changing fiscal policies,' she adds. Is the US losing its shine? While there may be more money to be had in America, it doesn't win across all metrics that make a happy life. The US dropped form 23rd to 38th in terms of quality of life, according to data from Global Citizen Solutions. 'In contrast, the UK has remained firmly in the global top 10 across the quality of life, investment potential, and mobility dimensions, maintaining strong institutional trust and healthcare access, despite Brexit,' says Casaburi. 'For British nationals already living in the US or considering transatlantic relocation, these shifts are prompting more nuanced evaluations, not just of economic opportunity, but of long-term wellbeing, security, and stability.' For Matthew, the American lifestyle was untenable. He relocated from London to New York in 2000, enticed by the fact that when he demanded double his already high programming salary to be doubled, 'they didn't blink', he says. 'I should've asked for 200pc.' However, the relentless New York lifestyle – 6am workouts, 11-hour workdays, nights out with brokers, and just four hours of sleep – took their toll, and Matthew was eventually diagnosed with supraventricular tachycardia, a serious heart condition which can be triggered by stress. In 2020, he and his family left New York for Bath, escaping a lifestyle that cost $20,000 a month – including $70,000 in school fees and $30,000 for health insurance. Now, life is calmer and far cheaper. 'Even if someone offered me 10x what I'm on now, I wouldn't move back permanently,' he says. The kids love school, play in open fields, and have Olympians as coaches. 'Bath's been the death of aspiration,' he jokes. 'There's nowhere else I'd rather be.' Peter, Katy and Paul are not planning a return to Britain any time soon. However, Katy says she makes regular trips back to the UK to visit family, and keeps a close eye on life across the pond. 'Right now, there is a lot of trepidation and nervousness about how to play your cards in the US, for expats and locals alike,' she says. 'We just have to wait and see how the cookie crumbles.'
Travel Daily News
23-05-2025
- Business
- Travel Daily News
Global Residency and Citizenship by Investment Report unvealed
Global Citizen Solutions' first RCBI Report ranks 37 countries' investment migration programs, highlighting top destinations for citizenship and residency amid global uncertainty. LONDON – As the world navigates geopolitical instability, market volatility and shifting regulations, Global Citizen Solutions, a leading advisory firm specializing in investment migration, has released its first-ever Global Residency and Citizenship by Investment (RCBI) Report. The report evaluates Citizenship by Investment (CBI) and Residency by Investment (RBI) programs currently available across 37 countries, providing key insights for those seeking a new beginning beyond their home nation. This timely report is the most comprehensive, data-driven analysis of global CBI and RBI programs to date, highlighting the top destinations where individuals can obtain a second passport or secure long-term residency. Antigua and Barbuda, St. Kitts and Nevis, and Grenada lead the CBI rankings, while Greece and Malta lead the global RBI list. 'This groundbreaking new report reveals a growing interest in dual and multiple citizenships, made possible by the fact that more than 75% of countries now allow some form of dual nationality. In today's world, investment migration is no longer just about obtaining a second passport – it's about unlocking global mobility, securing long-term opportunities and building a legacy,' said Patricia Casaburi, CEO of Global Citizen Solutions. 'Our Global RCBI Report, designed to serve as an essential guide to navigating complex RCBI programs, helps individuals understand how and where they can protect their wealth, move freely and hedge against global uncertainty.' Whether seeking a long-term home or exploring the best options for dual citizenship, the report offers a new perspective on how legal frameworks of RBI and CBI programs can serve as platforms for greater freedom, improved quality of life and financial advantages aligned with individuals' mobility goals. The report evaluated programs using 18 key indicators across the following five dimensions: Procedure Index: Minimum Investment Threshold, Average Processing Time, Path to Citizenship (RBI only), Investment Options, Visit and Residency Requirements, Family Member Inclusion and Program Reputation Tax Optimization Index: Type of Tax System and Tax Rates Mobility Index: Visa-Free or Visa-on-Arrival Access and Destination Attractiveness Quality of Life Index: Human Development, Migrant's Acceptance, Global Peace, and Healthcare Investment Environment Index: Ease of Doing Business and Economic Stability Top Countries for Global Citizenship by Investment (CBI) Programs – programs where full citizenship and a passport are granted in exchange for an economic contribution, such as real estate, bonds or a business: Rank Country Total Score 1 Antigua and Barbuda 94.33 2 St. Kitts and Nevis 93.62 3 Grenada 93.16 4 Dominica 90.51 5 St. Lucia 89.79 The Caribbean region, known for its flexible investment options, moderate cost of living, and efficient processing timelines, suit individuals and families seeking fast-track citizenship with moderate investments, no residency requirements and attractive tax regimes. The region accounts for 36% of all active programs and ranks among the top five in the CBI Index. European countries such as Malta which is still processing pending applications despite the recent decision of the European Court of Justice (ECJ) to end the Malta's Exceptional Investor Naturalisation (MEIN) and Austria offer access to the European Union and high-quality healthcare, education and lifestyle, though tagged with significantly higher investment thresholds and processing times. Both programs appeal to investors seeking enhanced global mobility and seamless EU access, thanks to the strength of the passports they confer. to end the Malta's Exceptional Investor Naturalisation (MEIN) and Austria offer access to the European Union and high-quality healthcare, education and lifestyle, though tagged with significantly higher investment thresholds and processing times. Both programs appeal to investors seeking enhanced global mobility and seamless EU access, thanks to the strength of the passports they confer. Asia, Oceania, Middle East, Africa regions including Cambodia in Asia and Vanuatu and Nauru in the Pacific, feature lower investment thresholds and accelerated timelines, making them attractive to cost-conscious investors seeking rapid access and flexible requirements, though their passports offer more limited, regionally focused mobility. Türkiye's CBI program stands out by offering a low investment threshold, expedited processing, and a passport granting visa-free access to important parts of the world. Top Countries for Global Residency by Investment (RBI) Programs – commonly referred to as 'golden visa' programs, these initiatives allow foreign nationals to obtain a legal residency through investment: Rank Country Total Score 1 Greece 91.47 2 Malta 89.97 3 Switzerland 89.94 4 Luxembourg 89.26 5 Portugal 89.2 European RBI programs are heavily weighted toward Europe, which accounts nearly for 50% of the 23 active programs worldwide. This reflects a shift in EU strategy toward longer-term integration and development goals, with countries like Portugal, Greece, Malta, and Luxembourg offering well-structured RBI options. Asia and the Middle East offer RBI programs characterized by business-friendly climates and favorable tax regimes, with the UAE and Singapore standing out for their global connectivity and zero-tax policies, attracting tech entrepreneurs and ultra-high-net-worth individuals. Oceania, led by New Zealand, targets innovative entrepreneurs and venture capitalists through high-threshold programs tied to business creation and job development. The country also ranks highly for quality of life, appealing to families and retirees seeking long-term relocation. In Africa, Mauritius is the option for regional diversification and future mobility. The country draws real estate and business investors with strong legal protections and tax incentives. Additional key takeaways that emerged from Global Citizen Solutions' RCBI Report include: Increased Interest in Wealth Preservation and Security Through Global Mobility: Global mobility is no longer a luxury but a necessity for individuals navigating a world of shifting borders, regulations and economic realities. Second citizenships can simplify this process, allowing heirs to reside in or manage assets from locations with more favorable inheritance laws. New-Generation Programs Emphasize Talent, Innovation, and Sustainability: Countries like Canada, and Singapore are moving away from passive capital inflows and focusing on attracting skilled entrepreneurs and professionals in strategic sectors such as artificial intelligence, clean energy and biotechnology. Dual citizenship: Most of Europe and the Anglosphere RBI jurisdictions (61%) allow dual citizenship with most schemes offering a pathway to naturalization, making them attractive to globally mobile individuals. In contrast, 26% of countries require renunciation of prior citizenship, mainly in Asia, which limits their appeal. Another 13%, in the Middle East, operate in legal grey zones where dual nationality is restricted but inconsistently enforced, creating uncertainty. Tax Optimization: The Caribbean remains the go-to region for CBI, offering minimal residence requirements, straight forward procedures and favorable tax structures. These programs operate under zero or territorial tax regimes, making them ideal for high-net-worth individuals focused on global mobility and tax neutrality, with relatively little regulatory friction. 'This is the first report of its kind to offer a holistic, transparent and comparable view of both CBI and RBI programs worldwide,' added Dr. Laura Madrid Sartoretto, research lead at Global Citizen Solutions. 'Our goal was to provide a resource that empowers stakeholders to make informed, forward-looking decisions.'
Travel Daily News
12-05-2025
- Business
- Travel Daily News
Global Citizen Solutions unveils Residency and Citizenship by Investment Report
According to Global Citizen Solutions' report, Caribbean nations lead rankings for citizenship by investment, while Greece and Malta top 'Golden Visa' residency by investment programs. FORT LAUDERDALE, FLA. – As the world navigates geopolitical instability, market volatility and shifting regulations, Global Citizen Solutions, a leading advisory firm specializing in investment migration, has released its first-ever Global Residency and Citizenship by Investment (RCBI) Report. The report evaluates Citizenship by Investment (CBI) and Residency by Investment (RBI) programs currently available across 37 countries, providing key insights for those seeking a new beginning beyond their home nation. This timely report is the most comprehensive, data-driven analysis of global CBI and RBI programs to date, highlighting the top destinations where individuals can obtain a second passport or secure long-term residency. Antigua and Barbuda, St. Kitts and Nevis, and Grenada lead the CBI rankings, while Greece and Malta lead the global RBI list. 'This groundbreaking new report reveals a growing interest in dual and multiple citizenships, made possible by the fact that more than 75% of countries now allow some form of dual nationality. In today's world, investment migration is no longer just about obtaining a second passport – it's about unlocking global mobility, securing long-term opportunities and building a legacy,' said Patricia Casaburi, CEO of Global Citizen Solutions. 'Our Global RCBI Report, designed to serve as an essential guide to navigating complex RCBI programs, helps individuals understand how and where they can protect their wealth, move freely and hedge against global uncertainty.' Whether seeking a long-term home or exploring the best options for dual citizenship, the report offers a new perspective on how legal frameworks of RBI and CBI programs can serve as platforms for greater freedom, improved quality of life and financial advantages aligned with individuals' mobility goals. The report evaluated programs using 18 key indicators across the following five dimensions: Procedure Index: Minimum Investment Threshold, Average Processing Time, Path to Citizenship (RBI only), Investment Options, Visit and Residency Requirements, Family Member Inclusion and Program Reputation Tax Optimization Index: Type of Tax System and Tax Rates Mobility Index: Visa-Free or Visa-on-Arrival Access and Destination Attractiveness Quality of Life Index: Human Development, Migrant's Acceptance, Global Peace, and Healthcare Investment Environment Index: Ease of Doing Business and Economic Stability Top Countries for Global Citizenship by Investment (CBI) Programs – programs where full citizenship and a passport are granted in exchange for an economic contribution, such as real estate, bonds or a business: Rank Country Total Score 1 Antigua and Barbuda 94.33 2 St. Kitts and Nevis 93.62 3 Grenada 93.16 4 Dominica 90.51 5 St. Lucia 89.79 The Caribbean region, known for its flexible investment options, moderate cost of living, and efficient processing timelines, suit individuals and families seeking fast-track citizenship with moderate investments, no residency requirements and attractive tax regimes. The region accounts for 36% of all active programs and ranks among the top five in the CBI Index. European countries such as Malta, which is still processing pending applications despite the recent decision of the European Court of Justice (ECJ) to end Malta's Exceptional Investor Naturalization (MEIN), and Austria offer access to the European Union and high-quality healthcare, education and lifestyle, though tagged with significantly higher investment thresholds and processing times. Both programs appeal to investors seeking enhanced global mobility and seamless EU access, thanks to the strength of the passports they confer. Asia, Oceania, Middle East, Africa regions including Cambodia in Asia and Vanuatu and Nauru in the Pacific, feature lower investment thresholds and accelerated timelines, making them attractive to cost-conscious investors seeking rapid access and flexible requirements, though their passports offer more limited, regionally focused mobility. Türkiye's CBI program stands out by offering a low investment threshold, expedited processing, and a passport granting visa-free access to important parts of the world. Top Countries for Global Residency by Investment (RBI) Programs – commonly referred to as 'golden visa' programs, these initiatives allow foreign nationals to obtain a legal residency through investment: Rank Country Total Score 1 Greece 91.47 2 Malta 89.97 3 Switzerland 89.94 4 Luxembourg 89.26 5 Portugal 89.2 European RBI programs are heavily weighted toward Europe, which accounts nearly for 50% of the 23 active programs worldwide. This reflects a shift in EU strategy toward longer-term integration and development goals, with countries like Portugal, Greece, Malta, and Luxembourg offering well-structured RBI options. Asia and the Middle East offer RBI programs characterized by business-friendly climates and favorable tax regimes, with the UAE and Singapore standing out for their global connectivity and zero-tax policies, attracting tech entrepreneurs and ultra-high-net-worth individuals. Oceania, led by New Zealand, targets innovative entrepreneurs and venture capitalists through high-threshold programs tied to business creation and job development. The country also ranks highly for quality of life, appealing to families and retirees seeking long-term relocation. In Africa, Mauritius is the option for regional diversification and future mobility. The country draws real estate and business investors with strong legal protections and tax incentives. Additional key takeaways that emerged from Global Citizen Solutions' RCBI Report include: Increased Interest in Wealth Preservation and Security Through Global Mobility: Global mobility is no longer a luxury but a necessity for individuals navigating a world of shifting borders, regulations and economic realities. Second citizenship can simplify this process, allowing heirs to reside in or manage assets from locations with more favorable inheritance laws. New-Generation Programs Emphasize Talent, Innovation, and Sustainability: Countries like Canada, and Singapore are moving away from passive capital inflows and focusing on attracting skilled entrepreneurs and professionals in strategic sectors such as artificial intelligence, clean energy and biotechnology. Dual Citizenship: Most of Europe and the Anglosphere RBI jurisdictions (61%) allow dual citizenship, with most offering a pathway to naturalization, making them attractive to globally mobile individuals. In contrast, 26% of countries require renunciation of prior citizenship, mainly in Asia, which limits their appeal. Another 13%, in the Middle East, operate in legal gray zones where dual nationality is restricted but inconsistently enforced, creating uncertainty. Tax Optimization: The Caribbean remains the go-to region for CBI, offering minimal residency requirements, straight forward procedures and favorable tax structures. These programs operate under zero or territorial tax regimes, making them ideal for high-net-worth individuals focused on global mobility and tax neutrality, with relatively little regulatory friction. 'This is the first report of its kind to offer a holistic, transparent and comparable view of both CBI and RBI programs worldwide,' added Dr. Laura Madrid Sartoretto, research lead at Global Citizen Solutions. 'Our goal was to provide a resource that empowers stakeholders to make informed, forward-looking decisions.'
Travel Daily News
06-05-2025
- Business
- Travel Daily News
Global Citizen Solutions unveils Global Residence and Citizenship by Investment report
Global Citizen Solutions releases first Global RCBI Report, ranking 37 countries' citizenship and residency programs amid rising demand for mobility, security, and tax efficiency. LONDON – As the world navigates geopolitical instability, market volatility and shifting regulations, Global Citizen Solutions, a leading advisory firm specializing in investment migration, has released its first-ever Global Residence and Citizenship by Investment (RCBI) Report. The report evaluates Citizenship by Investment (CBI) and Residence by Investment (RBI) programs currently available across 37 countries, providing key insights for those seeking a new beginning beyond their home nation. This timely report is the most comprehensive, data-driven analysis of global CBI and RBI programs to date, highlighting the top destinations where individuals can obtain a second passport or secure long-term residency. Antigua and Barbuda, St. Kitts and Nevis, and Grenada lead the CBI rankings, while Greece and Malta lead the global RBI list. 'This groundbreaking new report reveals a growing interest in dual and multiple citizenships, made possible by the fact that more than 75% of countries now allow some form of dual nationality. In today's world, investment migration is no longer just about obtaining a second passport – it's about unlocking global mobility, securing long-term opportunities and building a legacy,' said Patricia Casaburi, CEO of Global Citizen Solutions. 'Our Global RCBI Report, designed to serve as an essential guide to navigating complex RCBI programs, helps individuals understand how and where they can protect their wealth, move freely and hedge against global uncertainty.' Whether seeking a long-term home or exploring the best options for dual citizenship, the report offers a new perspective on how legal frameworks of RBI and CBI programs can serve as platforms for greater freedom, improved quality of life and financial advantages aligned with individuals' mobility goals. The report evaluated programs using 18 key indicators across the following five dimensions: Procedure Index: Minimum Investment Threshold, Average Processing Time, Path to Citizenship (RBI only), Investment Options, Visit and Residency Requirements, Family Member Inclusion and Program Reputation Tax Optimization Index: Type of Tax System and Tax Rates Mobility Index: Visa-Free or Visa-on-Arrival Access and Destination Attractiveness Quality of Life Index: Human Development, Migrant's Acceptance, Global Peace, and Healthcare Investment Environment Index: Ease of Doing Business and Economic Stability Top Countries for Global Citizenship by Investment (CBI) Programs – programs where full citizenship and a passport are granted in exchange for an economic contribution, such as real estate, bonds or a business: Rank Country Total Score 1 Antigua and Barbuda 94.33 2 St. Kitts and Nevis 93.62 3 Grenada 93.16 4 Dominica 90.51 5 St. Lucia 89.79 The Caribbean region, known for its flexible investment options, moderate cost of living, and efficient processing timelines, suit individuals and families seeking fast-track citizenship with moderate investments, no residency requirements and attractive tax regimes. The region accounts for 36% of all active programs and ranks among the top five in the CBI Index. European countries such as Malta which is still processing pending applications despite the recent decision of the European Court of Justice (ECJ) to end the Malta's Exceptional Investor Naturalisation (MEIN) and Austria offer access to the European Union and high-quality healthcare, education and lifestyle, though tagged with significantly higher investment thresholds and processing times. Both programs appeal to investors seeking enhanced global mobility and seamless EU access, thanks to the strength of the passports they confer. to end the Malta's Exceptional Investor Naturalisation (MEIN) and Austria offer access to the European Union and high-quality healthcare, education and lifestyle, though tagged with significantly higher investment thresholds and processing times. Both programs appeal to investors seeking enhanced global mobility and seamless EU access, thanks to the strength of the passports they confer. Asia, Oceania, Middle East, Africa regions including Cambodia in Asia and Vanuatu and Nauru in the Pacific, feature lower investment thresholds and accelerated timelines, making them attractive to cost-conscious investors seeking rapid access and flexible requirements, though their passports offer more limited, regionally focused mobility. Türkiye's CBI program stands out by offering a low investment threshold, expedited processing, and a passport granting visa-free access to important parts of the world. Top Countries for Global Residence by Investment (RBI) Programs – commonly referred to as 'golden visa' programs, these initiatives allow foreign nationals to obtain a legal residency through investment: Rank Country Total Score 1 Greece 91.47 2 Malta 89.97 3 Switzerland 89.94 4 Luxembourg 89.26 5 Portugal 89.2 European RBI programs are heavily weighted toward Europe, which accounts nearly for 50% of the 23 active programs worldwide. This reflects a shift in EU strategy toward longer-term integration and development goals, with countries like Portugal, Greece, Malta, and Luxembourg offering well-structured RBI options. Asia and the Middle East offer RBI programs characterized by business-friendly climates and favorable tax regimes, with the UAE and Singapore standing out for their global connectivity and zero-tax policies, attracting tech entrepreneurs and ultra-high-net-worth individuals. Oceania, led by New Zealand, targets innovative entrepreneurs and venture capitalists through high-threshold programs tied to business creation and job development. The country also ranks highly for quality of life, appealing to families and retirees seeking long-term relocation. In Africa, Mauritius is the option for regional diversification and future mobility. The country draws real estate and business investors with strong legal protections and tax incentives. Additional key takeaways that emerged from Global Citizen Solutions' RCBI Report include: Increased Interest in Wealth Preservation and Security Through Global Mobility: Global mobility is no longer a luxury but a necessity for individuals navigating a world of shifting borders, regulations and economic realities. Second citizenships can simplify this process, allowing heirs to reside in or manage assets from locations with more favorable inheritance laws. New-Generation Programs Emphasize Talent, Innovation, and Sustainability: Countries like Canada, and Singapore are moving away from passive capital inflows and focusing on attracting skilled entrepreneurs and professionals in strategic sectors such as artificial intelligence, clean energy and biotechnology. Dual citizenship: Most of Europe and the Anglosphere RBI jurisdictions (61%) allow dual citizenship with most schemes offering a pathway to naturalization, making them attractive to globally mobile individuals. In contrast, 26% of countries require renunciation of prior citizenship, mainly in Asia, which limits their appeal. Another 13%, in the Middle East, operate in legal grey zones where dual nationality is restricted but inconsistently enforced, creating uncertainty. Tax Optimization: The Caribbean remains the go-to region for CBI, offering minimal residence requirements, straight forward procedures and favorable tax structures. These programs operate under zero or territorial tax regimes, making them ideal for high-net-worth individuals focused on global mobility and tax neutrality, with relatively little regulatory friction. 'This is the first report of its kind to offer a holistic, transparent and comparable view of both CBI and RBI programs worldwide,' added Dr. Laura Madrid Sartoretto, research lead at Global Citizen Solutions. 'Our goal was to provide a resource that empowers stakeholders to make informed, forward-looking decisions.'
