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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.'
Yahoo
08-05-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
Understanding the Unique Model of Citizenship by Investment in St. Kitts and Nevis
ST. KITTS AND NEVIS, WEST INDIES / ACCESS Newswire / May 8, 2025 / Recent developments from the European Union's highest court have reignited global discourse around citizenship by investment. In particular, the ruling against Malta's citizenship programme has highlighted a critical legal and philosophical tension: should citizenship be seen as a commodity, and if so, under what terms? As Chairman of the Citizenship by Investment Unit of St. Kitts and Nevis-the birthplace of modern economic citizenship-I believe this is an important moment for clarity. It is essential to distinguish between different models of investment migration, and to underline how fundamentally different the St. Kitts and Nevis programme is from those found in parts of Europe. The core of the European Union's objection to Malta's programme lies in the very nature of EU citizenship. When a third-party national becomes a citizen of one EU Member State, they gain rights across the entire Union. This includes the ability to live, work, and move freely throughout all member states. EU citizenship is not confined to national borders-it is supranational. That is why the European Commission and the European Court of Justice have long argued that granting such status in exchange for financial investment alone risks undermining the integrity of the Union as a whole. This is not the case for the Citizenship by Investment Programme of St. Kitts and Nevis, or for similar programmes across the Caribbean. Our programme does not confer-either explicitly or implicitly-any rights or privileges to reside, work, or establish permanent presence in the EU. Citizens of St. Kitts and Nevis may travel to the EU only for short stays, not exceeding 90 days within a 180-day period, purely for visitation purposes. These arrangements are based on reciprocal visa waiver agreements and do not amount to freedom of movement, residence, or employment. When the St. Kitts and Nevis CBI Programme offers citizenship, it offers the privileges and responsibilities associated within our Federation-no more, no less. This distinction is not semantic-it is structural, legal, and intentional. It means that our programme does not create external obligations or ramifications for other states. The benefits that flow from citizenship-such as visa-free travel to certain jurisdictions-are granted by other nations as a sign of trust in our systems, our due diligence, and our rule of law. We do not sell access to any other state; we offer inclusion into our own. A Model Rooted in Responsibility Our Citizenship by Investment Programme, first established in 1984 continually evolved to meet the highest levels of international scrutiny. In 2023, we St. Kitts and Nevis did a comprehensive reform of the due diligence framework, enhanced international vetting, and created the Sustainable Island State Contribution-a forward-looking investment mechanism that supports national development while aligning with global standards. In recent years, St. Kitts and Nevis has made continuous efforts to set a benchmark in the wealth migration industry. The major changes include spearheading the signing of MOA in order to set a minimum investment threshold across all the Caribbean 5 that offfers CBI Programmes and also transforming the CIU into a body corporate.
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.'
