The best place for High Net Worth Investor Immigrants remain to be Europe. More than half of people who apply to become permanent residents by investment are applying to stay in Europe. But the big question remains, what really is investor immigration?

Definition of Investor Immigration

Investor immigration sometimes referred to as citizenship by investment is a developing concept were a high net worth individual or a family invest in a country of their choice, different from their original country of permanent residency. In return to their investment, the individual and their family are granted citizenship in that country. Not only do they get to become a citizen of that country, but they also get a new passport. Yes, you heard me right the first time.

There are many countries offering this permanent residency program but before you get excited and rush, you need to consider a few things. One of them is how powerful the passport of the country is. I think most people understand what I mean by that. Below are the few things you should consider.

The 10 critical points to consider when choosing an investor residency destination

1. Passport ranking including number of visa free destinations
2. Ranking & Acceptability of Education System (critical for a family person)
3. Political stability of country and Investment protection laws
4. Acceptability of dual citizenship (You don’t want to completely give up your original citizenship)
5. Ease of doing business Index
6. Availability of bankable business investment opportunity
7. Real estate investment opportunities and security
8. Tax laws of the country
9. Flexibility of the Investor Immigration program
10. Time taken to process the citizenship

The three Common Immigration Investment Options

In my next article I will explain the four common ways to becoming a global citizen, but I need to leave you with something to ponder. The options depend by the requirements of each country but the list is not exhaustive. Below is a list of the options which are common in most of the countries offering this program.

1. Donation to a Government Investment Fund
2. Investment in Real Estate
3. Investment in a Business

Benefit of residency by investment to destination countries

The biggest question I am asked about this investment opportunity is what’s in it for the destination country? Why bother dish out citizenships to foreigners? These programs happen to be beneficial to both the applicant and the government. To the destination government, whether it’s a direct donation to the government, you are opening a business or buying a property, it’s a direct injection into their economy which will benefit the people. If it’s a business, well you are going to pay tax and employ people right. To the individual, you have been given a second home plus a passport opening you up to the rest of the world without the hustles of having to apply for a VISA. Sounds fair to me.

So if you have questions before the next issue, send me an email on invest@www.ziminvestors.com …and as always, to your continued success!!!