EU - Citizenship by Investment

khaleej times | ADVERTISING SUPPLEMENT | sunDAY, February 15, 2020

EU - CITIZENSHIP

BY INVESTMENT KHALEEJ TIMES

|

ADVERTISING SUPPLEMENT

|

Also featuring Australia and Canada Immigration See page 7

sun D A Y, march 1 5 , 2 0 2 0

Government Authorised Marketing Promoter

Second Citizenship?

CS Global Partners is an award-winning industry-leading legal consultancy firm specialising in citizenship and residence solutions. We liaise with the governments of Dominica and St Kitts and Nevis to promote foreign investments in their countries. We also support individuals wanting to secure their future and become global citizens through intelligent economic citizenship.

LONDON • HONG KONG • BEIJING • DUBAI • NEW DELHI • ST KITTS & NEVIS • SINGAPORE

khaleej times | ADVERTISING SUPPLEMENT | Sunday, March 15, 2020

EU - CITIZENSHIP BY INVESTMENT

2

In search for greener pastures Acquiring a citizenship through investment carries the promise of a secure future

L

ong gone are the days when one would have to slough away years in an employment in foreign countries, or resort to spending ridiculous amounts of money, in hopes of obtaining a second passport. Citizenship by investment has made it easier for entrepreneurs and investors to approach and embark on new ventures, unrestricted by immigration barriers that are set on certain nationalities.

With options spread across Europe and the Caribbean, we are spoilt for choice. These attractive schemes may require a certain financial

commitment, but once complete, it unlocks a plethora of opportunities, including better investment options, improved healthcare benefits, and visa-free travel, to name a few.

With a number of incidents taking place across the globe, the modern world is currently gripped by fear and paranoia that is unfortunately associated with certain nationalities; not to mention the stereotype people face due to their passports.

There are instances when people are unable to enter a country due to government regulations or bans. A second passport can easily bypass these issues, and allow the individual to enjoy stress-free travel.

Similarly, a number of nationalities are also barred from applying to certain countries, due to restrictions set by political relations or agreements.

For example, looking at those from the subcontinent, Pakistanis and Bangladeshis can apply for the United States’ E2 investor visa. This visa allows

entrepreneurs to work and travel easily.

However, this option is not available for those hailing from India, as the country does not share a treaty trade agreement with the US. As a solution, a second passport could help overcome this obstacle. And many Indians have indeed been choosing the secondary passport route.

Data collected by Henley & Partners, a Londonbased global citizenship and residence advisory firm, showed a 33 per cent increase of Indian nationals who applied for residence programmes last year, compared to 2018.

For many, the ability to travel across countries without the need to apply for visas is a soughtafter feature on its own. A recent YouGov survey highlighted that six in 10 residents aim to relocate from the UAE to another country, besides their home country. The results showed that people opt for this mainly due to better education for their children, higher standard of living, and of course,

visa-free travel. This is where citizenship by investment steps in, giving individuals access to the country’s residency rights and benefits, in exchange for a certain amount.

Looking at the UAE, the country has long served as an attractive destination for expatriates from all over the world, notably those from the subcontinent. Its secure environment for families, comfortable flight distance away from home, and of course, exposure to diversity and business opportunities are unlimited. While the country has recently started to grant 10-year golden visas to those who meet the qualifications, this option seems accessible only to those with a long business history and proof of finance. In addition to that, there is currently no option that grants citizenship to long-term residents. In such cases, a second passport is far beneficial, giving applicants a guaranteed future for themselves and their families.

Europe as a key destination for investors and a new home for global citizens

In the era of economic and political uncertainty, a second citizenship/ residence permit makes more sense.

Waquar Karim, V-P of WWICS, explains that going global is less of an option today and more of a necessity when it comes to personal and business growth and family security.

Top economies in the world like Europe, UK, USA, Canada, Australia and Caribbean Island administer programs that grant residency and citizenship by Investment to foreign nationals. These programmes aim to increase country’s foreign direct investment levels by offering incentives to those willing to make sizeable Investments. Individual/ investors can reap numerous benefits of expanding their presence across the globe. Having the flexibility of choosing where to live, to provide a better quality of life for their families, access to better education for their children and a safe haven in times of political instability are some of the major reasons that motivate investors to decide on getting global residency and citizenship.

GREECE: Get Golden Residency by

making a minimum Investment of €250,000 in real estate.

PORTUGAL: A minimum investment of €280,000 in real estate will get you full ownership and Golden residency of Portugal or start a new business with the investment of €135,000.

CYPRUS: You can get direct citizenship by making an investment of €2.5 Million in real estate. On investment of €300,000 you can earn residency Status.

SPAIN: Become permanent resident of Spain by making an investment of €500,000 in real estate.

FINLAND: Become a Finnish resident by

investing in a self-managed business under Active Investment Business Program.

Europe as an investment destination

Europe is a real opportunity for businesspersons, senior management professionals and investors who are seeking an incomparable quality of life.

“By having a residence permit in a European country, investors and their families are free to travel within the Schengen area for 90 days within a half year. After attaining European citizenship, they are free to live, work or do business in any part of Schengen region,” Karim says.

Europe’s attractiveness as an investment destination has risen sharply in recent years. Key factors in Europe’s increased appeal as an investment destination are its high property appreciation, regulatory climate, excellent rental returns, hassle free

Waquar Karim, Vice-President WWICS

property management and leadership in innovation.

Where can you make government bonds/real estate investments in Europe?

MALTA: Permanent Residency by investing €250,000 in government bonds or under finance option starting from €75,000.

UK: Become a UK resident by setting up or running a business in UK under Sole Representative or Innovator Visa program. Minimum Investment starting from 50,000 GBP. Looking to secure your family future, better quality life, education, healthcare and business potential in Europe?

One of the world’s largest immigration group — WWICS brings to you a wonderful opportunity to invest into real estate or government bonds or existing business or starting a new business. We also facilitate financing option of Government Bond through authorised financial

UK Residency by Investment, facilitated

by Maninder Singh — Branch Manager WWICS JLT institutions. Karim adds, “The group offers professional services to the individuals and families to transform their immigration dreams into reality and is helping them settle in their dream country under the different mobility programmes since 1993.”

WWICS is fully-licensed firm with more than 25 offices across the globe with offices in Dubai, Abu Dhabi, Sharjah, Canada, Australia, Bahrain, Kuwait, Oman, Kenya and 14 offices in India.

The group’s strong presence across the globe allows to serve and facilitate diligently to it’s clients. The global resettlement experts at WWICS are here to guide you at every step of the way. After intense strategising and developing of the best investment option with an expert team of lawyers and business/investment consultants, WWICS ensures smooth processing of your application with the concerned authorities.

khaleej times | ADVERTISING SUPPLEMENT | Sunday, March 15, 2020

EU - CITIZENSHIP BY INVESTMENT RIF Trust:

Your EU Residency specialist in the Middle East Greek and Portuguese Golden Visa are becoming increasingly popular among the region’s wealthy elite

RIF Trust, one of the leading global investment migration advisories in the Middle East and Africa, has been successfully assisting over 1,000 investors and their families seeking citizenship and residency by investment programmes (RIP) over the last eight years. Most recently, they have seen an increase in demand for EU residency, and later citizenship, from high net worth individuals in the Middle East.

“EU residency allows an applicant and their family to study or live full time in the country where the visa was obtained and enjoy visa-free travel to all 26 of the EU Schengen countries. In particular, the Greece and Portugal RIPs are the most popular and cost-effective options,” said David Regueiro, COO of RIF Trust.

Greece Golden Visa Programme

EU residency allows applicants and their families to study or live full time in the country where the visa was obtained and enjoy visa-free travel to all 26 of the EU Schengen countries. In particular, the Greece and Portugal RIPs are the most popular and cost-effective options.

Greece Residency

Since 2012, the Greek RIP has granted over 13,000 golden visas making it the most popular residency programme in the world.

For €250,000, Greek permanent residency can be obtained in three months, granting an applicant and their family access to the EU’s Schengen countries. Unlike other RIPs, upon approval applicants will immediately receive permanent residency.

After seven years, it is possible to apply for EU citizenship.

Many real estate investors are taking advantage of the booming real estate market, often referred to as the ‘real estate paradise of Europe, and investing in stunning properties in Athens or the Greek Islands, where RIF Trust’s local team will guide clients.

STARTING FROM

EUR 250,000 Portugal Residency

STARTING FROM

EUR 280,000

Portugal Golden Visa Programme

In 2019 alone, Portugal successfully processed 1,245 applicants, with this number growing each year. This is the EU’s simplest residence programme that leads to citizenship.

Starting from €280,000, the Portugal programme also grants EU Schengen visafree access for the applicant and their family with EU citizenship available after only five years.

RIF Trust proudly offers real estate investors two attractive options: a relaxing boutique resort for €280,000 in the Algarve or a Marriott Hotel in Porto for €350,000.

CONTACT US FOR MORE INFORMATION contact@riftrust.com I +971 (0) 452 06777 www.riftrust.com

riftrust_citizenship

rif trust

riftrustllc

— David Regueiro

COO of RIF Trust

To learn more, visit

www.riftrust.com or call +971 (0) 45206777

U-BORA Tower 2804, Business Bay, Dubai, UAE

khaleej times | ADVERTISING SUPPLEMENT | Sunday, March 15, 2020

EU - CITIZENSHIP BY INVESTMENT

4

Transforming lives through citizenship by investment CS Global Partners provides expert advice to investors looking for citizenship or residency solutions CS Global Partners, an award-winning, industry-leading, legal consultancy firm, specialises in citizenship and residency solutions. Headquartered in the heart of London with offices across Asia, the Middle East and Africa, CS Global Partners offers tailored, strategic advice to its clients and the countries it represents.

Currently, CS Global Partners holds three government mandates to promote its investor immigration programmes. The legal firm became St Kitts and Nevis’ first choice for marketing their Citizenship by Investment (CBI) Programme ever since it started pro-

moting the UK’s offering across the world and focusing on its newly introduced Sustainable Growth Fund as the programme’s most straightforward route to a second citizenship.

As an internationally recognised Platinum Standard CBI brand, St Kitts and Nevis is an example to the industry, particularly on conducting stringent due diligence and evolving to meet the needs of the market.

In 2014, the Dominican government followed suit by appointing CS Global Partners as the official marketing promoter of their CBI Programme worldwide. As a result, Dominica’s CBI

Programme underwent a complete transformation and became a leader in the CBI industry. The island leads with eco-friendly real estate options and transparent use of CBI funds.

Additionally, the programme has been well-received by international publications. Dominica, most notably, has been named the world’s best offering for second citizenship for the last three years by the annual CBI Index devised by FT’s Professional Wealth Management magazine.

After two years, the fellow Caribbean island of St Lucia joined the investment immigration industry and chose CS Global Partners to promote their new offering in East Asia. As a world-famous honeymoon and wellness getaway, St

Lucia’s economic citizenship programme has become a popular choice with Asian investors.

Driving economic prosperity and transforming lives in the process, CS Global Partners transcends the traditional investment immigration industry framework and supports the governments of Dominica, St Kitts and Nevis and St Lucia in promoting their CBI programmes worldwide. On the other end of the spectrum, clients that begin their journey to second citizenship with CS Global Partners can rest assured that any advice given will carefully be aligned to their specific needs.

From increased global mobility to alternative business and entrepreneurial ventures, second citizenship can provide a wealth of opportunities that may have once been out of reach.

Depending on the passport a client has, travelling to or acquiring visas can prove to be difficult. Second citizenship not only makes this process smoother, but it increases travel prospects – for business or pleasure. St Kitts and Nevis has one of the strongest passports within its region, enabling its native and economic citizens travel to nearly 160 destinations worldwide, including key business hubs in Asia.

With unpredictability striking frequently, owning second citizenship can make all the difference. As political and economic discord grip many parts of the world, the ability to leave when physical safety or financial security is threatened can be incredibly beneficial.

However, the most invaluable advantage to come out of CBI is the option to pass citizenship down to future generations, enabling families to build a legacy that lasts forever.

Lately, globally mobile individuals and their families have started discovering reputable Caribbean CBI pro-

From increased global mobility to alternative business and entrepreneurial ventures, second citizenship can provide a wealth of opportunities that may have once been out of reach.

grammes as affordable, reliable and efficient second citizenship alternatives. As a result, these blossoming nations can invest back into their countries’ economic development, energy sustainability, eco-tourism and international relations. These advancements benefit all citizens, whether native or adoptive. Investing in them ultimately translates into investing in your future and wellbeing.

Ultimately, a programme’s integrity and the impact it has on its native citizens is pivotal to the success of the industry. This gives investors something else to be proud of when they acquire second citizenship from a country that uses those funds to open new opportunities and improve the quality of life of their adoptive nations. The win-win solution rooted in genuine due diligence is what CS Global Partners was established upon and is a value that the investment immigration industry should strive towards.

khaleej times | ADVERTISING SUPPLEMENT | Sunday, March 15, 2020

WE ALSO SPECIALIZE IN OTHER CITIZENSHIP/ RESIDENCY BY INVESTMENT, SKILLED AND WORK PERMIT PROGRAMS INCLUDING & NOT LIMITED TO USA, CARIBBEAN, VANUATU, CANADA, AUSTRALIA ALONG WITH SKILLED IMMIGRATION AND OVERSEAS EDUCATION PROGRAMS.

WHY CHOOSE EUROPEAN COUNTRY? • Fast and easy process to become a golden resident visa holder • Residence permits can be maintained for lifetime with zero to minimum stay requirement. • Visa free travel to European Union countries on resident visa and visa free travel or on arrival visa to 150+ countries for European citizen • Avail Tax benefits • Easy access to Excellent Free education and health Care system for the family

khaleej times | ADVERTISING SUPPLEMENT | Sunday, March 15, 2020

EU - CITIZENSHIP BY INVESTMENT

6

The golden ticket to growth The process of migration can be long, tedious and engaging process, or it can be done passively through citizenship by investment or CBI. Sam Bayat, Esq. CEO of Bayat Legal Services, highlights the pros of CBI There are many dimensions to the golden passport, which is different from golden visas — a recent phenomenon that gives convenience but with many finer details to it.

According to Sam Bayat, CEO of Bayat Legal Services, European CBIs are expensive and may not be for everyone compared to Caribbean CBIs, which are very popular and affordable.

“European CBIs are a recent phenomenon that started a few years ago with Bulgaria. This programme was inspired on the Canadian investor model. Later, Cyprus, Malta and Montenegro followed the Bulgarian model but didn’t have the financing options that Bulgaria was offering.

Moldova also ran a CBI programme for a short period, but they had to close for various reasons. All European CBIs are not the same. In my opinion, Malta has the best programme and options because it is a within the Schengen zone and is the only programme at the moment with visa-free access to the US,” he said, adding that in case of Bulgaria, Cyprus and Montenegro, their citizens require a visa to travel to the US. “The most important fact about EU CBIs is the fact that once the investor becomes an EU national, they can relocate anywhere within the EU zone.

For example, someone with Cyprus citizenship can live in Paris like any other European national with no restrictions. Until last month, you could even move and live in the UK, but now that Britain has left the EU, EU nationals cannot relocate to England,” he said.

European programmes are very convenient with instant access to all the privileges and rights of any ordinary European citizen. The main issues with CBI programmes or golden passports are the cost and some restrictions. In Bul-

CBIs are freeing our clients from migration. With a new citizenship and passport, they can concentrate on continuing to run their business with less obstacles and effort. While everyone is accessing CBIs as a means to travel freely, what many should consider is CBIs as a business tool or expense.

— Sam Bayat, Esq

CEO of Bayat Legal Services

garia, you have to invest almost half a million Euros into the country for a minimum of five years and wait five years to apply for citizenship. In Cyprus, a purchase or investment of at least two million Euros, plus some other financial requirements will get you the citizenship in about six months. Malta requires a donation of 600,000 euros and other requirements. Hence, compared to the Caribbean programme, European CBIs are much more expensive.

“These programmes have also restrictions. For example, Malta will revoke

Sam Bayat, Esq. CEO

Pej Mohyeddin, Immigration & Citizenship Specialist

Second passport is a life necessity Pej Mohyeddin, Immigration & Citizenship Specialist, shares why you should consider another citizenship Upon attaining a second nationality, the benefits are endless based on my personal experience in witnessing others. Having a second nationality is not only about the freedom of travel, but the freedom of life in itself. It is a life insurance, especially in recent times where you are solely judged by your nationality.

It is not a nice feeling to not being able to pick up and travel when you please.

Another perk is that if something were to go down in your

its citizenship if an economic citizen commits a serious crime within the first seven years of being naturalised. Most EU programmes don’t easily allow children above 18 to be included in their parents application,” he added.

Taking a step back, Bayat shared his thoughts on possible upcoming citizenship programmes: “I’ve always thought that Hungary could at one point in time offer citizenship to applicants, who recently obtained their residency by investing in the country.

Around 7,500 applications were successfully processed in Hungary, and at a rate of three to four persons per application, this could represent many new economic citizens. Hungary could easily get an extra investment by offering citizenship to this group of investors who have acquired RBI. This group would be ideal candidates for citizenship as they have lived in Hungary for some time and are known to the authorities.”

He added that Austria has a CBI,

home country, you have a backup plan. For example, if a country is struck by crisis, it can be close to impossible to leave if you don’t have the right passport.

Today more than ever, it is crucial to have a second nationality. For instance, a client, prior to applying for his second passport with us, travelled from Dubai to Georgia but was sent back due to his nationality. Another scenario involved me: I travelled to Turkey with my Iranian passport. An officer almost refused me entry until I pulled out my Canadian passport and explained that I used my Iranian passport because the line to purchase a visa was too long. I was then welcomed with open arms. The point here is that a second nationality is crucial as well as a life insurance. More than just owning it, it is a life necessity.

but its requirements are not as clear as in the Caribbean or other European CBIs. “Their investment requirement is several million euros and one of the biggest setbacks is that the ministerial advisory committee needs to grant a favourable opinion as to the application of the individual. With the current political composition in Austria tilting to the extreme right, it seems unlikely that they would accept economic investors, especially from Mena.”

European CBIs have no prerequisites or age barriers. However, there is a restrictive list of applicants. Also, like any other residency or citizenship programme in any other part of the world, the applicant needs to be of good character, have a transparent past, no criminal record and a clear source of funds invested. These programmes tend to impose age barriers on dependent children. The major distinction with Caribbean programmes is that they allow parents and siblings to be also part of an application. This is great as it em-

powers the entire family — siblings, children under 30 and parents of both spouses.

CBIs should be part of any country’s national and economic interests, especially to countries where nationals have restrictions on travel and conducting business internationally.

To travel the world freely, almost unrestricted, one can explore the world and bring new ideas, business or ventures back to his country. To acquire such freedom, some opt to migrate to Western countries. But once they try to move the family back to the old country, it becomes almost impossible to do so.

“CBIs are freeing our clients from migration and integration. With a new citizenship and passport, they can concentrate on continuing to run their business with less obstacles and effort.

While everyone is accessing CBIs as a means to travel freely, what many should consider is CBIs as a business tool or expense,” Bayat said.

khaleej times | ADVERTISING SUPPLEMENT | Sunday, March 15, 2020

Other destinations — CITIZENSHIP BY INVESTMENT

Midhun Chayanani, Senior Lawyer and Consultant, and team members of The Migration Firm.

Turn migration dreams into reality Enjoy personalised and stress-free immigration services with qualified experts at The Migration Firm The Migration Firm is a team of highly experienced immigration lawyers and case managers known in the industry for their successful track record.

“We aim to make immigration as transparent and professional as possible, and countless clients who have successfully migrated to their dream destinations are testimony to achieving that goal.

Our case processing team is based in the UAE, giving clients in the country and Mena region easy and direct access to their case managers,” said Midhun Chayanani, Senior Lawyer and Consultant, The Migration Firm.

The migration experts provide various options, including skilled migration for professionals, business migration for investors and entrepreneurs, and study permits for students.

“The team’s collective finger is on the pulse of the immigration industry and in the loop with immigration legislation and changes. Moreover, our lawyers and case managers are shareholders of the company, so clients need not worry about dealing with different managers throughout the process,” Chayanani said, adding that clients can enjoy personalised and stress-free immigration services.

According to him, Canada and Australia are the two countries where skilled professionals can migrate to without an upfront job offer. Australia ranks second after Canada in the list of countries for immigration, and is the best choice for IT, engineering and finance professionals with ample opportunities in cities like Sydney, Melbourne and Canberra. He shared that some clients at The

Migration Firm were able to grab a job offer even before they landed in Australia.

Canada, on the other hand, is a preferred choice for medical professionals and students. However, provinces like Ontario and Saskatchewan have recently been nominating IT professionals and engineers to meet the local demand in these sectors. “Overall, in 2020, Canada has a target of 85,800 invitations (ITA) for new permanent resident admissions. So, Canada stands strong for all skilled professionals who are thinking to migrate,” he said.

The main attraction for UAE residents is a permanent status in Australia or Canada whilst enjoying almost all the rights of a citizen, such as government-provided medical coverage and free education for children. Both have high standards of living and English as the most spoken language, with the only essential difference being the climate.

“Life in Australia and Canada is also attractive for parents in the UAE as both countries offer a safe and brighter future for children,” Chayanani said.

Looking ahead, The Migration Firm is in the process of expanding its business, with new offices opening soon in India and Canada by mid-2020.

It is also tied up with various UK universities for student intake from September 2020 onwards.

“The countries and options to migrate are quite limited and the process is only going to get tougher.

If somebody has a dream to migrate, then it’s imperative to act now,” Chayanani advised.

7

Canada Calling

ALL FOR Australia

Canada is the country of superlatives and is ranked amongst the world’s top immigration destinations. Area wise, it is the second-largest country in the world after Russia but the population is only around 37 million and is also the ninth biggest economy. Comprising 10 provinces and three territories, Canada ranks first and has the best and safest banking and financial system among all countries. According to the United Nations Human Development Index, Canada has one of the highest quality of life in the world and will be the country with the most resources in terms of human capital and natural resources and is the country with the most access to free trade markets.

Canada is also the most educated country in the world with a 99 per cent literacy rate.

A business-friendly environment, a diversified and booming economy, and high quality of life combine to make Canada on of the world’s top immigration destinations. It’s almost every year that Canada earns a top spot in various quality of life rankings: human rights, healthcare, education, and per capita income are some if the many indicators that contribute to making Canada one of the most livable places on earth. So, it’s little wonder why a huge 22 per cent of Canada’s total population comprises immigrants from different parts of the world.

The best part is Australia allows dual citizenship.

For frequent flyers, dual citizenship is the proverbial golden ticket. Shorter lines at the airport, greater freedom while traveling, and the chance to legally circumvent immigrations laws are few of the benefits of dual citizenship.

The UN Human Development Index (HDI), which ranks quality of life, taking into account health and life expectancy, education, and standard of living.

In the most recent HDI report, released in 2016, Australia ranks in the number two position.

One of the most characteristic factors of life in Australia is diversity. This applies to lifestyle choices as well. Thriving metropolitan centres like Melbourne and Sydney are definitely choice for many.

With a net inflow of 12,000 high net worth individuals, Australia took the top spot for the most popular destination for millionaire migration in 2018, a gain of three per cent on 2017.

Australia wisely provides a pathway to citizenship for those willing to invest a significant amount of money in the Australian economy.

As an investor, there are a few different options you can pursue, but the requirements are many and the application process tedious. That being said, Australia’s system and application platform is much easier to navigate than a lot of other countries, including the US.

khaleej times | ADVERTISING SUPPLEMENT | Sunday, March 15, 2020