As the situation in many countries around the world become unfavorable for wealthy individuals, a second citizenship is increasingly becoming more attractive. A European citizenship is the most attractive particularly as some countries have a citizen by investment program. These programs of the European citizenship by investment afford the applicant freedom of movement, the right to settle with family within Europe, and ease of doing business.
The European citizenship by investment program also gives the applicant and his family access to a high standard of living, a safe environment, exceptional healthcare, and an excellent educational system.
The European citizenship by investment program allows for new investment opportunities with among others, a favorable tax system and lucrative real estate opportunities.
The European citizenship by investment program is offered by the following countries. Each country has their own requirements but also their own unique circumstances.
Portugal citizenship
Portugal lies on the Atlantic coast of the Iberian Peninsula in Southwestern Europe and hugs 832 kilometers stretch of the Atlantic coastline. It enjoys sunny weather for most of the year and boasts of excellent fresh produce and a delectable cuisine of mostly seafood like sardines and cod fish. It is an excellent option for expat families as they can avail of quality education, easy access to healthcare and an overall high quality of life.
A Portuguese passport allows the holder free movement meaning that one can live, work, and study in Portugal and anywhere else within the European Union, European Economic Area, Switzerland and the United Kingdom and can travel visa-free to 186 countries. Portugal is the top destination for investors seeking to acquire a second passport.
Portugal requires a €250,000.00 investment in real estate and only 35 days residency over 5 years to acquire citizenship.
Malta citizenship
Malta is an island located in the central Mediterranean Sea. It is a small but strategically important group of islands that has throughout its history played an important role for the domination of the Mediterranean Sea. It is a famous tourist spot but also a financial haven that has attracted numerous investors and firms from all over the world.
The Malta Citizenship by Investment Program grants investors and their families a Malta passport in one year’s time. Thanks to this scheme, Malta is now one of the easiest European countries to get citizenship. Considered one of the strongest passports to have, the Malta passport gives you Malta citizenship for life, the right to live, work and study in Europe, and visa-free access to over 160 destinations including the US, Canada, and the UK.
Malta requires a €600,000.00 investment and in three years the applicant can acquire citizenship.
Spain citizenship
Spain is a country on the Iberian Peninsula along with Portugal. It has a coastline along the Atlantic Ocean to the North and the Mediterranean Sea to the southeast that provides Spain with a pleasant climate throughout the year that is beneficial to its agricultural products. It has a diverse economy that includes a thriving automobile industry and a stable financial market.
The Spanish Golden Visa requires a minimum investment of € 500,000 in real estate. The Spanish real estate market is diverse and has the potential for capital gains in the years to come. After five years of living in the country, permanent residency can be obtained and after ten years, citizenship. This program is perfect for those who wish to live full time in Spain or simply maintain a second residency in Europe but without a path to citizenship.
Greece citizenship
Greece is a country in southeastern Europe that is surrounded by the Aegean Sea to the East, the Mediterranean Sea to the South and the Ionian Sea to the West. It is a country that is at once European, Balkan, Mediterranean, and near Eastern. It is often referred to as the cradle of Western Civilization and therefore rich in history and culture making it a famous tourist destination.
The Greece Golden Visa grants a five-year renewable residency visa for a minimum investment of €250,000 in real estate and is the lowest cost residency in the EU. There is no minimum stay requirement and children up to 21 years old can be included in the application. Citizenship is granted only after five years of residency.
Latvia citizenship
Latvia is a country on the Baltic Sea between Lithuania and Estonia. For nature-lovers, it is a tapestry of endless beaches, deep lakes and dense forest. For those into arts and culture, it has preserved much of its long and interesting history and has a myriad of festivals.
The Latvia Golden Visa requires a minimum investment of €250,000 in real estate. Citizenship can be acquired after a five-year residency. Ideal for Russians seeking investor visas, residency and citizenship in Europe.