The UAE has launched the Blue Residence visa. It's a long-term programme offering ten-year residency to foreigners who've major contributions to environmental protection. Unlike the existing residency by investment programme, it doesn't require any financial outlay. Let's talk into who qualifies for this new visa, how to get it, and what benefits it offers. Getting to know the UAE Blue Residence The Blue Residence Visa is the UAE's latest initiative to attract global talent.

Property loan notes have gained traction among investors looking for alternatives to traditional real estate investments. As the European property market continues to recover, retirees and expats are looking for ways to invest their funds. Let's talk about the outlook of the property loan notes in Europe. First up - What are property loan notes? Property loan notes are debt instruments issued by property developers or companies. They offer investors a fixed return over a s

The Golden Visa scheme in Spain has been under scrutiny for years. Earlier this year, Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez proposed shutting down the programme altogether. Even though it gained support from the Spanish Council of Ministers, discussions around abolishing the golden visa only started in July. The Spanish Congress is slated to consider abolishing it in September. But it's not too late to obtain Spanish residency (and possibly citizenship) by investment. Today, we cover

Like many residency by investment programmes in Europe, the Spanish Golden Visa has been a big topic of debate lately. In April 2024, Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez put forward a proposal to shut down the investor visa. Despite gaining support from the Spanish Council of Ministers, discussions about ending the programme only kicked off in July. Come September, the Spanish Congress will consider the bill proposal. Here's what we know so far about this potentially major change

The Portugal Golden Visa programme has been a popular choice for non-EU investors seeking European residency. Typically, Golden Visa holders must renew their residency cards every two years. But recent delays have caused a massive backlog of renewal applications. A new announcement from the Portuguese government offers a welcome reprieve. Here’s what you need to know. Portugal Resident Permits Extended Till 30th June 2025 The Portuguese government has announced an extension

Five Caribbean countries reached an MoU to increase the investment thresholds for their Citizenship by Investment (CBI) programmes. Saint Kitts & Nevis, Grenada, Antigua & Barbuda, Saint Lucia, and Dominica have nearly doubled their minimum investment thresholds. However, real estate investment options have remained largely unchanged in most countries. Find out what changed and why these programmes continue to attract investors seeking second citizenship and enhanced global m

The US Federal Reserve plans to cut interest rates twice before the end of 2024, first in September and then again in December. This comes on the back of stronger consumer spending, easing inflation, and falling jobless rates. Of course, expats and investors are keen to understand how the rate cuts will play out in the grand scheme. Let's break it down. 1. Impact on bond investors Interest rates and bond prices have an inverse relationship. When the Fed cuts rates, existing b

Portugal continues to make a raft of property-related policy changes. This comes off the back of housing crises affecting major cities like Lisbon and Porto, where local residents face increasingly unaffordable housing markets. The government has introduced new tax measures targeting property owners who convert residential homes into holiday rentals. This may affect investors, particularly those involved in the Golden Visa programme. These changes represent the latest in a se

Portugal's Non-Habitual Resident (NHR) tax regime has been a big draw for international investors and tax residents since its launch in 2009. The scheme offered substantial tax benefits, including tax-free transactions and reduced rates on pension income and wealth for up to a decade. However, in October 2023, the Portuguese Prime Minister announced plans to phase out the NHR regime . As of January 2024, the scheme closed to new applicants, with some exceptions for those meet

Portugal Golden Visa renewal made simple. Get exact costs, required documents, timelines & expert tips to avoid costly mistakes in 2024.

Spain's Golden Visa programme has long been a popular choice for non-EU investors seeking residency and a second passport in Europe. However, recent changes have altered the options for prospective applicants. In April 2024, the Spanish government got rid of the property investment option for Golden Visas. This move aimed to ease pressures on the housing sector and address concerns about potential money laundering risks. Despite this change, the Spanish Golden Visa programm

The Bank of England (BoE) has signalled a potential interest rate cut in August, a big shift in UK’s monetary policy. This move could be the first reduction in borrowing costs in over four years. During the same June meeting, the BoE’s rate-setting committee voted 7-2 to maintain the current rate of 5.25%, a 16-year high. However, the meeting minutes revealed a notable change in tone, hinting at a possible rate cut at their next meeting on 1 August. This potential policy shi

Malta, a sun-soaked Mediterranean island, offers more than just picturesque landscapes and rich history. It's become a sought-after destination for those seeking residency and a potential second passport within the European Union. A Malta residence permit opens doors to living in the country for a year, with the option to extend indefinitely. It grants holders the right to study, work, and bring close family members to Malta. Perhaps most attractively, it allows visa-free tr

Portugal's Golden Visa program me has captured the attention of investors worldwide, largely due to its comparatively low investment thresholds. However, the true cost of obtaining and maintaining a Golden Visa extends beyond the initial investment. Prospective applicants must consider a range of fees and taxes throughout their journey, from application to potential exit. Government Fees Golden Visa applicants must budget for several government fees. The application fee stand

Turkey's citizenship by investment programme has gained significant traction among investors worldwide. For a minimum investment of £317,000 in the Turkish economy, foreign nationals can secure a second passport. This scheme offers multiple pathways to citizenship, with real estate purchases being the most popular choice. What is the Turkish Citizenship by Investment Programme? The Turkish Citizenship by Investment Programme allows foreign investors to obtain Turkish citizens

More than eight million foreign nationals reside in Spain. Pensioners from across the globe relocate to Spain to make the best of their golden years, and it's easy to understand why. Retirees can soak up nearly year-round sunshine, enjoy delicious cuisine, and indulge in the warm sea. Here's a quick guide to retiring in Spain - the benefits, ways to relocate, and more. Why Retire in Spain? Expat-Friendly Environment Cities like Malaga, Alicante, and Valencia are renowned for

For US citizens, especially high-net-worth individuals and expats, obtaining dual citizenship in Portugal can be hugely appealing. It allows them to work, live and study in the EU whilst enjoying Portugal's high quality of life. In this article, we’ll quickly cover what US citizens need to know about dual citizenship in Portugal, including benefits for Americans, and various ways for obtaining it, including the highly sought-after Golden Visa programme. Dual Citizenship Betw

The EB-5 visa is a sought-after investment immigration programme allowing foreign nationals to obtain a US Green Card. It requires a minimum $800,000 investment in exchange for permanent residency and the ability to live, work and study anywhere in the United States. However, the process involves numerous technical terms and acronyms that can be confusing. This comprehensive glossary explains the most crucial phrases and provides practical insights to help investors navigate

Skip Spain's €500k golden visa requirement. Get EU residency for less with Portugal, Greece & other options starting at €150k. Compare now.

Loan notes are a popular fixed-interest investment product, offering investors the opportunity to lend money to companies. These notes can be secured, unsecured, traded, or convertible. The convertible variety, often referred to as convertible loan notes (CLNs) or convertible bonds, are a hybrid debt instrument that expat investors ought to understand. As the investment landscape becomes increasingly complex, particularly for those living abroad, understanding these sophistic