Go Global: Citizenship, Residency and Offshore Property

Gain Portuguese residency for you and your family

We have been at the forefront of GVP applications since the programme's inception and are the GVP market leaders. The steps can be complex, but we have key partnerships with legal advisors and consultants in Portugal across all critical areas.

Golden Visa Portugal: New qualifying criteria (2023 update)

There are five routes to qualify for in the Golden Residence Permit Programme as of 19 July 2023.

Please note: none of the current investment categories can be used directly, or indirectly, for real estate investment.

1. €500,000 unit/share investment

   Capital transfer if a minimum €500,000, intended to the acquisition of units/shares of non-real estate collective investment funds, which are incorporated under Portuguese law, whose maturity, at the time of the investment, is at least five years and at least 60% of the value of the investments is made in commercial companies based in the national territory.

2. €500,000 donation to research

   Capital transfer of a minimum of €500,000 applied in research activities (non-refundable donation/contribution to a public or private institution of scientific research, integrated in the national scientific and technological system).

3. €250,000 donation to arts and culture

   Capital transfer of a minimum of €250,000 applied in investment or support to artistic production, recovery or maintenance of national cultural heritage (non-refundable donation/contribution to a project which is presented and approved by both GEPAC and the Ministry of Culture).

4. €500,000 and job creation

   Capital transfer of a minimum of €500,000 intended for the incorporation of a commercial company with HQ in Portugal, combined with the creation of five permanent jobs.

5. Job creation

   Creation of a minimum of 10 jobs, with the 10 work posts still active at each renewal (no minimum investment).

Greek Golden Visa qualifying criteria

Real estate investment

As of 1 August 2023, there are two different qualifying price categories of real estate investment for the Greek Golden Visa:

• Minimum investment of €500,000 in prime areas (central, northern and southern suburbs of Athens, the city of Thessaloniki, and the islands of Mykonos and Santorini)
• Minimum investment of €250,000 in all other areas of Greece and on all other islands

There are, however, no restrictions as to the type of property you can buy and so investors can purchase residential and/or commercial properties and can even buy land. In addition to this, property usage is not limited and so it is possible to enjoy leisure use of the property, opt for short term rentals or put a long-term tenant in place.

It is important to note that the property does need to be held indefinitely in order to retain residency rights.

Outside of prime areas, an investor can choose to purchase multiple properties to meet the €250,000 minimum investment threshold, or they can purchase real estate in excess of the minimum threshold in order to run multiple family Golden Visa applications off of the same property, i.e., one investment at €500,000 could support two family applications.

Differing itself from other global residency and citizenship-by-investment programmes, the Golden Visa investment does not have to be purchased solely in the name of the main applicant but can be owned 50/50 with a spouse.

Mauritius residency-by-investment: Qualifying criteria

The Mauritius investment programme permits the investor and family members to obtain long-term residency status.

Real estate investment

1. Minimum property investment of $375,000 in a project within the Integrated Resort Scheme (IRS) – existing IRS projects usually compromise of a variety of luxury residential properties, such as villas, townhouses, penthouses, apartments, duplexes and serviced plots of land, which are attached to a leisure and/or commercial space such as a golf course, a marina a restaurant, or a boathouse.
2. Minimum property investment of $375,000 in a project within the Real Estate Scheme (RES) – RES projects are typically smaller than IRS projects and must be on a freehold land (less than 10 hectares) and usually also compromise of luxury residential properties such as villas, penthouses, duplexes and apartments.
3. Minimum property investment of $375,000 in a project within the Real Development Scheme (PDS) – the PDS is more flexible than both the IRS and the RES in terms of size and type of property. It was designed to bring greater social and economic benefits to localised communities. Projects and properties within the PDS are subject to strict environmental and ecological impact regulations.
4. Minimum property investment of $375,000 in a project within the Smart City Scheme (SCS) – SCS projects comprise residential units such as villas, penthouses, duplexes, and apartments within any of the Smart Cities. The Smart City concept was designed to promote a balance of work, life and play. Smart Cities consist of large-scale mixed-use developments in cosmopolitan urban areas with smart technology, state of the art connectivity, smart modern transportation options and pioneering innovation at their core. Residential estates offer substantial and environmentally friendly living.

There are no restrictions as to property usage, so it is possible to enjoy leisure use of the property, opt for short-term rentals or put a long-term tenant in place.

It is important to note that the property does not have to be held indefinitely to retain residency rights.

Green card through investment

The EB-5 visa rewards investors and their family (spouse and dependants under the age of 21) with a green card (permanent residence). As the application process can be complex, and the investment project selection of paramount importance, we assure that you receive credible legal advice and provide full guidance on this journey.

EB-5 citizenship-by-investment: Qualifying criteria

For the EB-5 programme there are two qualifying investment options. Our immigration specialists can help you choose the one that’s right for you.

1. Passive investment

   The most popular of the two options, a passive investment requires a minimum of $800,000 to be made into a Regional Center in a Targeted Employment Area (TEA), which is an investment that is managed by the Regional Centre and is pre-approved by the US Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS).

   This investment must also create 10 full-time employment opportunities for US workers.

2. Active investment

   You are required to make a minimum investment of $1,050,000 in a new or existing commercial enterprise that was established after 29 November 1990. If you’re investing in a TEA, your minimum investment will be $800,000.

   Your investment must create at least 10 direct jobs for US workers and you must play an active role in the day-to-day management or policy formation of the enterprise.

Malta Permanent Residence Programme (MPRP): Qualifying criteria

The Malta Permanent Residence Programme was originally launched in 2015 as the Malta Residency and Visa Programme and is today one of the most sought-after and successful residence-by-investment programmes across the globe.

1. Real estate

   Upon receipt of the residency approval in principle, the investor is required to have a physical address in Malta. For the first five years of residency, the real estate requirements are as follows:

• Via property purchase:

Minimum investment of €350,000 (reduced to €300,000 for properties purchased in Gozo and the South of Malta)

• Via property lease:

Minimum annual property rental of €12,000 (reduced to €10,000 for properties rented in Gozo and the South of Malta)

2. Government contribution

   The investor is required to make a non-refundable contribution to the Maltese government of €40,000 to cover programme administrative costs and then further non-refundable government contribution of €28,000, if the investor is purchasing property, or €58,000 if the investor is pursuing a property lease.

3. Charitable donation

   A €2,000 charitable donation/philanthropic donation must be made to a Maltese organisation as proof of genuine links and ties to Malta.

4. Net-wealth requirement

   The main applicant is required to possess capital/assets of not less than €500,000 of which €150,000 must be in financial assets. The net wealth must be retained for life and documentation to support this will be required at each residency card renewal.

Grenada citizenship-by-investment: Qualifying criteria

To qualify for citizenship, the main applicant must be over 18 years of age, meet the due diligence requirements and be able to meet one of the following options:

1. Investment

   A minimum amount of $220,000 for the purchase of an approved business or property from a government-approved real estate project. You must hold the shared ownership property for a minimum of five years at which time you are able to sell it onward to  another CBI investor.

   There is an additional government contribution of $50,000 for a family of up to four persons. Each additional dependant incurs a $25,000 contribution, with the exception of dependent parents ($50,000) and siblings older than 18 ($75,000).

2. Donation

   You can make a one-time non-refundable donation, starting at a minimum amount of $150,000 for a single applicant. This donation will go to the National Transformation Fund (NTF), a government fund created with the aim of developing the economy of Grenada.

Malta Citizenship by Naturalisation for Exceptional Services by Direct Investment (ESDI)

Malta ESDI: Qualifying criteria

The Malta ESDI investment requirements are made up of four key criteria:

1. Real estate

Prior to lodging the initial application for residency, the investor is required to have a physical address in Malta. The address must be retained throughout the residency period and for the first five years after the Maltese citizenship has been granted. The real estate requirements are as follows:

• Via property purchase: Minimum investment of €700,000
• Via property lease: Minimum annual property rental of €16,000
2. Government contribution

The investor is required to make a non-refundable contribution to the Maltese government as follows:

• Main applicant: €600,000 (standard timeline) or €750,000 (expedited timeline)
• Dependant family members: €50,000
3. Charitable donation

A €10,000 charitable donation/philanthropic donation must be made to a Maltese organisation as proof of genuine links and ties to Malta.

4. Residence

The main applicant and all dependants must have held legal temporary residency in Malta, with proof of genuine links to Malta, prior to being eligible to proceed with a citizenship application. This residency can be retained, largely through absence, and the programme offers two different timelines:

• Standard timeline: residency to be retained for a minimum of 36 months.
• Expedited timeline: residency to be retained for a minimum of 12 months.

The UK: A booming economy in a prime location

London has attracted major investment over the years and, despite questions around it’s continued increase in house prices, has never ceased to amaze as demand remains high here. This city is truly the land of opportunity, consistently attracting people from all parts of the globe seeking the cosmopolitan lifestyle and career prospects London has to offer. This unique city has become a safe haven for property owners with the ongoing demand for housing and stable property prices.

The UK has many other hubs including Birmingham and Manchester. Thanks to constant regeneration, these cities can now compete on the global stage. They offering more achievable property prices for investors and equally high quality tenants through the migration of large businesses.

Greece: Prime European property where prices are still low

Athens

Known for its thriving arts scene, buzzing nightlife and ancient ruins, the capital city is an exciting and appealing place to live and work. It is a vibrant hub with a cosmopolitan community. A buzz of tourism comes through year-round, with an increasing community of nomads choosing to live and work in the city. The availability of centrally located property at competitive European rental adds to the appeal.

Thessaloniki

Thessaloniki is a wonderful place to live and work, with a high quality of life and relatively low cost of living. Some of the finest beaches in Greece are on the Halkidiki peninsula, which is just a short bus ride from Thessaloniki. The well-regarded University of Thessaloniki makes this area a popular destination for academics and brings a wonderful vibrancy to the city.

Mauritius: Economic prosperity, sustainability and political stability

The increase in investment, business set up, and professional skills employed is driving a demand for more residential property, shopping malls, medical facilities, education, industrial and commercial property. It's an exciting time indeed to become a part of an investor-friendly Mauritius.

Mauritius is constantly applying innovative thinking to attract as much investment and professional skills as possible to achieve the clear goals it has set out for its growth strategy – the next , and probably most exciting, 15-20 year period.

International hub

The Capital of Port Louis is situated in the centre of the island towards the West which is known as the financial hub of the island. The main harbour, Port Louis harbour, is also situated here. The government has invested USD 1.3 billion into transforming the harbour into a regional maritime hub, including storage facilities for oil and gas amongst others. The Mauritius container terminal is set to become one of the largest container ports in the region.

Accessibility is key to Mauritius and in line with its strategic vision to position itself as hub to efficiently connect Southern African markets to the Asia Pacific. Mauritius also boasts 20 airlines flying into the island – covering 150 destinations world-wide. Mauritius already services 9 of 15 airport hubs around the world. This includes direct flights Paris, London, Singapore, Dubai, Johannesburg, New Delhi, Mumbai, Perth and Nairobi.

Tropical paradise

Mauritius remains known for it's clean and picturesque beaches and offers an abundance of outdoor activities. From an array of water sports and fishing activities to choose from on and in the turquoise waters that surround Mauritius, to nature walks and mountain climbing in a year-round pleasant climate that continues to attract visitors from around the world.

There are ample excellent golf courses, hiking trails, cycling routes, state of the art gyms, kite surfing, diving, art education, cultural centres and cinemas to be explored.

This, coupled with the direct benefits from a growing economy that has created a demand for new shopping centres, business hubs and excellent education options, make Mauritius the destination of choice for those seeking residency, retirement, a place to work from remotely, personal work opportunities locally and business set up to benefit from the attractive tax incentives.

Portugal property investment

While we may attribute the early market recovery to these fiscal and visa incentives, the real estate markets in Portugal have matured entirely independent of any incentives and offer investors an excellent opportunity to own a piece of this dynamic European country and all its lifestyle and cultural benefits.

Portugal offers an attractive place to live and work, with an open-door policy for internationals seeking a European base with great airlift, restaurants, rich culture and a mild climate within a cosmopolitan coastline, where English is widely spoken.

Lisbon

Lisbon has become a hub for the tech savvy and invites high skilled individuals to enjoy the lifestyle, whilst remaining very much in an “Alpha city”. Lisbon is well regarded for Its finance, commerce, arts, entertainment and tourism, not to mention the large expat communities and a multicultural offering.

The Algarve

The Algarve has quickly become home to many internationals with its beautiful European climate and stunning coastline. The Algarve is home to one of the most sought after resorts in Europe, called Quinta de Lago, which has long been a hotspot for the extremely wealthy to invest in real estate. The Algarve has expanded toward the east and west as it grows in popularity and is becoming even more of a tourist hotspot, offering both investors and home owners an opportunity to own real estate in this safe haven. With a coastline rich in natural beauty, health and fitness pursuits are plentiful and the relaxed lifestyle is excellent for those looking to find their perfect solo or family retreat.