RESIDENCY AND CITIZENSHIP NEWS 2016

According to the latest statistics of November 2016, the Hungarian Office of Immigration and Nationality issued 4247 residence permits to foreign investors. This number outperforms the same number of Portuguese Golden Visa Program which was 4061 at the end of November. 

Although the Hungarian program started one year later than the Portuguese program, the above results show that foreign investors trust and prefer the Hungarian program. Other European residency by investment programs are significantly less popular.

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As a thought leader in investment management, what would you say is the reason for investing in residency or dual citizenship? 

The investor seeks an excellent or at least a goodinvestment opportunity. If you put your money into a business and get back more money after a short period — you are a successful investor. If you invest in a residence permit or a second citizenship a considerable amount of money, you may lose money. However, you may gain certain non-financial values, such as, a safe future for the whole family or higher standard of living, or even free movement in Europe and other countries. You may also establish new business opportunities or optimise your taxation. Our clients consider these types of ventures as excellent investments. They highly value the safety of their family and other non-material benefits. 

What is the effect of Brexit on immigration investments? 

Brexit is now a hot topic. On the 23 June 2016, UK citizens voted to leave the EU. In July, I wrote in my Blog “No one currently knows what relationship the UK will have with the EU in the future.” I should say the same today. However, one thing is certain, you can assuredly enter UK holding an EU passport. At present, we experience some ambivalence amongst potential investors. The magical magnetism of Europe is decreasing, but Europe is still attractive to investors. I would say that Brexit will not kill EU. Both parties have a stake in a peaceful resolution of this divorce. Disentangling 43 years of treaties and agreements covering thousands of different subjects is not going to be an easy task — it will take a long time. Brexit will not decrease the value of the EU passport or EU residency. However, we should experience a couple of months of turbulent times before people calm down. 

Migration crisis in Europe: What is the actual challenge for you? 

I think the EU’s migration crisis is far from over and we do not know what will be the future. That is a great challenge for Europe and a great challenge for us as well. The crisis has called into question the idea of a borderless Europe, undermining Member States’ long-term commitment to the Schengen Agreement. Recent terrorist attacks in Europe led to calls for tighter border security to counter perceived security threats. Several countries have reinstated temporary border controls. In light of recent terrorist incidents and continued security threats in Europe, the focus has been on enhancing border security, unfortunately mostly internally. In the longer term, though, this could dampen trade, impose new costs on businesses, slow the economic recovery and undermine a key tenet of European unity — the free movement of people. A considerable number of our clients who are seeking free movement in Europe are made unsure by the recent news of the migration crisis and EU’s responses. The cheap sensationalism of media does not ease our task. To find the right words and arguments that may help to regain the trust in Europe is one of the most important challenges we face. 

What would be your recommendations for non-EU nationals, in terms of immigration investments in Hungary and Europe over the next year? 

For those who are seeking European citizenship and also an excellent investment, I would suggest Cyprus. The government of Cyprus revised the previous citizenship program and made it even more attractive. The minimal individual investment amount is reduced from 5 million to 2 million Euro. In return for a safe and profitable investment into residential properties, you get an EU passport within 3-4 months. The price of real estates we offer increased by 5-10% each year. Whatever happens with Brexit, I am sure that you will have no problem freely entering Europe and most of the world with your Cypriot passport. Hungary stands out from the crowd with its easy, fast and safe program. An investment of 300,000 Euro in government bonds will result in a permanent residence permit within two months for the whole family allowing free movement in the Schengen zone. It is worth considering buying property in Budapest; prices are on their way to the sky. 

What is the role of “human factor” in your business? 

Investment is a human relation. If you do not trust the other person, you will not give your money to him or her. This is why the “human factor” is the most important factor in our business. We build trust. 

See the full interview...

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Many Americans were frenzied by president-elect Trump. The huge number of online searches on immigration to north actually crashed Canada's Citizenship and Immigration website. However, immigration to Canada can be a difficult process – even for Americans. It isn't quite as simple as packing up and driving to north. 

Events of the past months such as the attempted Turkish coup d'état, terror attacks, Brexit and now the Trump presidency are having a serious impact on thinking of wealthy people in alternative residence and citizenship.

"People are becoming uncertain and unsatisfied everywhere in the world," says Laszlo Gaal, founder and managing director of Residency Bond Program Ltd, a boutique immigration advisor firm that specialises in relocations for the wealthy. "Mass of poor people headed to Europe to find a better and safer life, hoping to be satisfied in a wealthy country. Rich individuals face the same problem. The world is not safe, the future is unpredictable. Wealthy people are in the position to step on the way forward, seeking to resolve uncertainty and secure a safe future for their children. Second passport or even second residency are also the key of a second — presumably safe — home."

In times past, second passports were — like revolvers — the preserve of spy novels. Today, high net worth individuals see buying citizenship or residency rights "as a means to improving international mobility, tax planning, and family security", the IMF said in a report last year. A second passport is a mobility insurance policy for you and for your family. The situation may get bad in your native country. If you have a second passport in your pocket, you can show a clean pair of heels; you always have the right to live elsewhere.

What are the best options for high net worth individuals looking for a dual citizenship by investment? How good is a second passport?

A passport is as good as many countries you can enter without visa. However, the underlying citizenship is as good as high the level of safety and rights you gain. For example citizens of Cyprus have the right to live, work and get an education within the European Union, in addition to visa-free travel to over 158 countries including Europe and Canada. Cyprus offers a high standard of life with access to reputable British schools, medical facilities and a highly favourable tax system. Cyprus enjoys a very low crime rate that is only one tenth of the average rate of European countries. You are not required to live on the island prior or during the application, or even after citizenship has been granted. Citizenship of Cyprus will be obtained within 3-6 months. Any drawback? You should invest at least 2 million euro in a property for at least three years.

At the opposite end, you can get a second passport by donating as little as 100,000 USD to the government of the Commonwealth of Dominica. Your donation will be part of a national capital mobilisation portfolio towards an ultimate goal of national development for Dominica. Passport of Dominica offers visa-free travel to 119 countries, including Hong Kong and European countries. It makes easy to obtain visas to other countries. As a Commonwealth citizen you and your family have the privilege to work and study in the United Kingdom. In addition, you can optimise your taxation as well. Director General of Organisation of Eastern Caribbean States, Dr. Didacus Jules suggested that the Trump Presidency could provide a "special opportunity" for countries in the sub-region with citizenship programs.

Citizenship-by-investment programs offer new citizenship and a second passport legally, relatively quickly and simply, without significant disruption to clients' life. Residency Bond Program Ltd selected the seven best citizenship programs in the world. Each of them is the best in one sense or another.

Find the best second citizenship option for you.

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If you appreciate the oldest and most established citizenship by investment program, St. Kitts is the right choice for you.

Benefits of Saint Kitts and Nevis second citizenship

Dual citizenship

You keen keep your original nationality.

Quick Processing 

The process of obtaining Saint Kitts and Nevis Citizenship by Investment usually takes 2-3 months. 

Extended visa-free travel 

With a passport of St. Kitts & Nevis you can travel visa free and also worry free to more than 125 countries in the world, including all European Union countries, the United Kingdom, Ireland, Caribbean and Commonwealth nations. Citizens can often acquire long-term travel visas to the United States of America. 

No need to visit 

An applicant does not need to visit St. Kitts & Nevis to qualify for citizenship, although all applicants are subject to a strict due diligence check. 

No tax 

St Kitts and Nevis has no income, wealth or inheritance taxes. 

English speaking people 

The official language is English. 

See St Kitts citizenship details...

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If you are economically minded, Grenada is the right choice for you.

Benefits of Grenada second citizenship

Dual citizenship

There are no restrictions on dual citizenship in Grenada.

Fast 

The process of obtaining Grenada Citizenship by Investment usually takes 2-4 months.

Visa-free travel 

A Grenada passport allows visa-free entry to 115+ countries including all European Union countries, the United Kingdom, and China. Citizens of Grenada are permitted to apply for E2 US Visa.

World Class University

Grenada is home to the best United States offshore university – St George’s University. It is one of the finest medical, veterinary, and arts and sciences schools, and graduates train in some of the top hospitals in the United States and the United Kingdom. It is internationally accredited and currently has 6,000 students for over 140 countries.

Hassle-free

There is no requirement to visit Grenada in order to qualify for citizenship through real estate investment, although all applicants are subject to a strict background check. No interview, education, or management experience required.

No tax 

Grenada has no income, wealth or inheritance taxes.

Friendly people

They love to socialise, share stories, celebrate and cook against the backdrop of music from local artists out on the shores of one of many beaches of Grenada.

See Grenada citizenship details...

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If you want a second passport but you are low in budget, Dominica is the right choice for you.

Benefits of Dominica second citizenship

Cheapest option

Even for an investment of USD 100,000 you may get a passport.

Dual citizenship

There are no restrictions on dual citizenship in the Commonwealth of Dominica.

Visa-free travel

Visa-free travel to 119 countries, including Hong Kong and the Schengen Area countries. Easy to obtain visas to other countries.

Connection to the UK

Privilege to work and study in the United Kingdom as a Commonwealth citizen.

Tax-free status

You are not liable to taxation in Dominica on any income earned outside of Dominica unless you decide to reside there.

Natural beauty

Named one of the world’s happiest places to live in. Incomparable lifestyle with a safe, stable and natural environment.

See Dominica citizenship details...

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We have received a lot of questions about the Hungarian referendum in October. The main questions sounded: Will Hungary exit from the EU? Will Hungarian permanent residents lose free movement in Europe?

Don’t worry, Hungary will not leave EU. In fact, over 70% of Hungarian people want to remain in EU, see the attached graph of Ipsos. The Hungarian people will be asked whether they are willing to accept EU quotas for resettling refugees coming to Europe. The question on the ballot paper is: “Do you want the European Union to be entitled to prescribe the mandatory settlement of non-Hungarian citizens in Hungary without the consent of Hungarian parliament?”

Is this voting an anti-migrant voting? Not at all. On October 2, voters in Hungary will vote whether they agree to the forced settlement of migrants in Hungary by the EU or not. Prime Minister Orban said that “With the quota referendum we are seeking to change decisions already adopted by the Commission in Brussels”. He added that Brussels wants to implement an automatic migrant distribution mechanism with no upper limit on numbers, and would also expedite the process of family reunification.

The voting will not affect the membership of Hungary in the European Union.

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If you want a second passport in a month and a gratis off-shore company, Vanuatu is the right choice for you. Vanuatu is the pearl of Pacific. 

Who gains? 

• Time is the most important for you 
• You are low in budget You want to optimise tax and need privacy 
• You are a fan of natural beauty You want to be happy 

What are the requirements 

Applicants must be over the age of 18 when submitting their application. Applicants should have no less than $260,000 United States dollars of net personal assets when submitting their application. Within one month after the application has been approved in principle, the applicant should deposit the full fee of US$260,000 with the Deputy Commissioner of the Vanuatu Financial Services Commission. Applicants must submit an original certificate of no criminal record from the jurisdiction in which he/she has resided during the last 12 months and (if different) the jurisdiction of his/her principal nationality. Applicants should provide evidence that they are solvent and financially able to maintain themselves and their dependents without depending on income from any employment or business arranged in Vanuatu. 

See Vanuatu citizenship details...

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Residency Bond Program Ltd. is a multi-award winning Investment Immigration team in Hungary. What makes your team unique from other competitors? 

We do not play the “expert advisor role”, we just collaborate. We know that the future of their family is the most important for our clients. Working closely together with them, we aim to find the solution that satisfies most of their needs. The customer knows what he wants; we know what is possible, so the result is the best possible solution. Collaboration is our mission.

The Hungarian Residency Bond Program offers Hungarian permanent residency under preferential conditions for non-EU nationals willing to invest into government residency bonds. Please tell us more about the benefits of this compared to the classical programs (e.g. investing in Real Estate or Business)? 

If you buy a real estate in a foreign country, you can never be sure about the current or the future value of the property, just as with opening a business in a foreign country. Who knows what the outcome will be in five years’ time? If you invest in government bonds, you see the future pretty clearly. You pay EUR 300,000 today and after five years you will get back EUR 300,000. The other main benefit of investing in government bonds is that it takes a mere day or two, whereas buying a business, or a real estate is an extremely time-consuming process.

With a volatile market and oil prices down to a record level, many wealthy families from the GCC countries are opting out to invest abroad. How would you approach wealthy Arab families offering your expertise and services to invest in Hungary? 

The world is changing, and investors need new targets. Hungary is an emerging and open economy, with an overt encouragement of foreign investment. Partnerships with potential investors are considered a national priority; special attention is paid to the needs of companies already settled in Hungary and to the further improvement of the business climate. Residency Bond Program Ltd. is your Hungarian partner. We work with you to obtain a Hungarian residence permit and to find the best investment opportunities.

You also offer your services for Cyprus, Malta and Antigua & Barbuda. Tell us a bit more and if you compare these countries (obviously well known for their citizenship by investment programs), what would you say differentiates Hungary’s residency (bond) program from those classical citizenship by investment programs? 

We offer a variety of investment immigration options. Each of them is the best in one sense or another. The Hungarian program only provides permanent residence, but it is the best value for the money. Cyprus citizenship is the most expensive, but it is also the most satisfying solution. Antigua and Barbuda do not offer European citizenship, but a wide range of visa-free travel for a reasonable price. Hungary stands out from the crowd with its easy, fast, safe program.

What is your strategy servicing more wealthy Arab families from the GCC within the next 3 years?

Our strategy is very simple: Each client being equally important to us, we always do our best to satisfy our client’s needs. We think that wealthy Arab families from the GCC have the same intention as other investors: they work for their families’ future. We are also aware that they know business very well, and they are only satisfied with the best. Indeed, we agree. 

See the full interview...

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Residency Bond Program Ltd has been named this year again as “Best Immigration Team 2016”by Acquisition International Magazine. 

Global Mobility, Immigration and Logistics Awards are focused on the professionals who have performed at truly outstanding levels over the past 12 months. These awards are designed to highlight the tireless work done by those individuals and departments who, through their dedication, commitment and expertise, facilitate these moves and the transporting of resources and materials to the four corners of the globe, ensuring that the global economy and the businesses within it remain truly global.  

Acquisition International prides itself on the validity of its awards and winners. The awards are given solely on merit and are awarded to commend those most deserving for their ingenuity and hard work, distinguishing them from their competitors and proving them worthy of recognition. 

Discussing the awards, Coordinator of Acquisition International Steve Simpson noted: “With these awards we highlight the tireless efforts of firms and individuals around the world who are working to transport the world’s resources and ensure their safe delivery. It is a real privilege to be able to turn the spotlight on our award winners, and I wish them every success in the years to come.” 

“We are very pleased to be recognised again with such an award, which we take as an endorsement by our clients and by professionals, but recognise that there is always more we can do” commented Laszlo Gaal managing director of Residency Bond Program Ltd. 

See the press release.

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