European Residency Visas - The Number 1 Choice

In my last few articles we looked out how the major European Residency Programmes matched up against the key points of consideration. Whilst all the programmes have their merits there is one outstanding programme that excels against ALL the major points for consideration. That is the Cyprus Permanent Residency programme

The Cyprus Permanent Residency programme with over 3,000 successful applicants in the past few years has become one  if not the most popular residency programmes in the market. So what makes it so special and what’s its appeal.

1. The whole family qualifies for just one single investment of €300,000 in real estate. This includes the investor, spouse, dependants up to the age of 18 and the investor’s parents

2. Unlike all other offerings the Cyprus Residence Permit is Permanent from day one with no need for future reconsideration or application renewals.  It is a lifetime permit for the investor and his family.The other residency offerings only provide a temporary visa which has to be renewed after the first year and then every two or more years after that

3. What happens to your children when they reach the age of 18? Most programmes include dependants up to the age of 18, however  as most of the offerings are only temporary, your children will typically lose their residency status when they reach adulthood.  With the Cyprus Programme your children have a lifetime residency permit even after they have reached the age of 18

4. Cyprus's strategic location at the crossroads of three continents: Europe the Middle East and Africa has been a major factor in attracting investors to the programme. It is just a short flight from many Middle Eastern and an African countries, as well as being the closest to Asia making it a very attractive and flexible solution.  It also provides a fast and appealing gateway to Europe

5. Cyprus has one of the lowest crime rates in the world and high quality International Schools. It is the most southerly of the European options, has glorious beaches and 326 days of sunshine a year offering a relaxed, stress-free Mediterranean lifestyle

6. Many successful people suffer from considerable taxation penalties from their current government and the appeal of living in a country with an attractive and low tax regime is considerable

Cyprus’s advantageous tax rates coupled with an extensive list of double tax treaties places it high on the list of preferred jurisdictions for international tax planners. Cyprus is not associated as an “offshore” vehicle. It is simply the lowest tax Jurisdiction in Europe that is not offshore 

7. Cyprus enables entrepreneurial successful businessmen to extend their current business or set up a new business providing them with a gateway to the European market and  the opportunity to fulfil their business ambitions and goals

8. In addition to all of points already covered the Cyprus Permanent Residency Programme  provides you with the opportunity to become full EU Citizens after 7 years 

In my next article I will announce which of the European Residency Options best addresses the other key category and that is the cost and ease of obtaining the European Residency Visas.

As previously mentioned  you and your family can qualify for the Cyprus Permanent Residency Permits in just 8 weeks by investing €300,000 in European Real Estate.

If you would like assistance or further information with European Residency Visas then feel free to contact me  on +447771716434 or  derek@europeancitizenships.com

Comparison of European Residency Options - Cost & Process

Last week we reviewed the various European Residency Programmes and how they marry up against some of the most important points to consider when selecting the most appropriate European Residency option for you. Today’s article takes that further, comparing the cost and ease of obtaining and maintaining the various residency programmes.

Cost 

Cost is one of the key factors for most however it should be balanced against the value delivered, the economic position  and Real estate markets that you are investing in.  Very few people make a decision on cost alone however it is always a major factor.

Most of the European Residency Programmes such the Golden Visas from Spain and Portugal require an investment of €500,000 in real estate. The Greek Citizenship programme requires the least investment at €250,000 however that should be balanced against its poor economic position and that it is a temporary visa only without the option of permanency. It is therefore infrequently recommended.  

Cyprus on the other hand is the second least expensive option requiring an investment of €300,000. It is a permanent lifetime permit and has a thriving economy and real estate market.  

Speed and Time

The various residency options all advertise fast application approval times of between 3 and 16 weeks however reality has historically been a little different?  Portugal for example experienced a significant backlog with investors waiting 2 years or more for approval and up to 3 months just to get an initial appointment. The Portuguese government has made efforts to improve this however it has been reported that there is still a sizable backlog. 

The Spanish Golden Visa application is the fastest taking just 3-4 weeks, The Greece Golden Visa 4 weeks, the Cyprus Permanent Residency taking 8 weeks with the Malta Residency takes up to 16 weeks

How easy is the process?

When comparing the various options it is important that the initial application process along with any renewal requirements is taken into consideration. Most of the options including Spain, Portugal and Greece Golden Visas are only temporary visas.  Applicants have to renew them after the first year and then every 2-5 years to maintain the visa residency rights, resulting in further time, cost and anxiety.

The Cyprus Permanent Residency Programme on the other hand is by far the easiest and stress free, providing a lifetime permanent residency permit from day one without any future renewal requirements or issues. 

Over the last few articles we have looked out how the major European Residency Programmes match up against the key points of consideration when selecting the best choice for you. Whilst all the programmes have their merits there is one outstanding programme that excels against ALL the major points for consideration. I will be providing further details in my next article, so stay tuned.

In the meantime if you would like any further information or assistance with European Residency Visas then feel free to contact me  on +447771716434 or  derek@europeancitizenships.com

Comparing the European Residency Visa Options?

In my last few articles we reviewed the key points you should consider when choosing a European Residency Visa Programme. In this article we look at how the various European residency programmes marry up against them.

All of the residency options provide significant benefits however the real value to you will very much depend upon your specific priorities. So let’s review some of the most important points of consideration.

Which offerings really provide Permanent Residency?

If you are investing hundreds of thousands of Euros you really want to ensure that you are getting value for such a large investment and that the residency is Permanent. Many of the residency programmes such as the Golden Visas from Portugal and Spain are only valid for a temporary period. Your residency rights have to be renewed every 2-5 years which is disappointing considering that you invested €500,000 or more. 

Only three programmes have provided ‘Permanent Residency’. The Hungarian Investor Residency Bond Program which is now suspended. The permanent visa from Malta which has to be renewed every 5 years; so not really that permanent. However the Cyprus Permanent Residency Programme provides a lifetime residency for the whole family from day one without having to renew at any time in the future.

What happens to the children’s residency status when the reach adulthood

Most programmes include the children in the one single residency investment which is very good news, however it is very easy to overlook the longer term implications when your children are so young. Most programmes only provide temporary residency status, with the dependants typically losing their residency status when they reach the adulthood.

The one exception being the Cyprus Permanent Residency Programmes as the dependants received a lifetime residency permit when they were children, which remains valid into adulthood.

Location and Lifestyle

There is a requirement to visit your country of residency on a regular basis to maintain your residency status. The frequency of those visits will depend upon the programme and therefore it may be wise to select a location that is closest to you to save on both time and costs. 

Many investors are looking for a better quality of life and a relaxed, stress-free Mediterranean lifestyle. The further South the country the more relaxed the lifestyle tends to be.

The various programmes all meet these requirements to a certain level; however the one that stands out is once again Cyprus. You only have to visit for one day every two years. Cyprus's strategic location at the crossroads of three continents: Europe the Middle East and Africa has been a major factor in attracting investors to the programme. It is just a short flight from many Middle Eastern and an African countries, as well as being the closest to Asia making it a very attractive and flexible solution. 

It is also the most southerly of the European options offering a relaxed, stress-free Mediterranean lifestyle with a low crime rate.

Tax Regime

Many successful people suffer from considerable taxation penalties from their current government and the appeal of living in a country with an attractive and low tax regime is considerable.

The different tax regimes vary considerably; however which country’s regime is the most attractive? Yes you have probably guessed: Cyprus’s advantageous tax rates coupled with an extensive list of double tax treaties places it high on the list of preferred jurisdictions for international tax planners. Cyprus is not associated as an “offshore” vehicle. It is simply the lowest-tax Jurisdiction in Europe that is not offshore.

This article covered some of the major points of consideration for selecting your European Residency Country and as you will have noticed there is only one European Residency programme that excels against them ALL.

In my next article we will be looking at some more key points of considerations such as cost and the ease of obtaining and maintaining the residency, so stay tuned.

In the meantime if you would like any further information or assistance with European Residency Visas then feel free to contact me on +447771716434 or derek@europeancitizenships.com

Getting a European Residency Visa - The Easiest Options?

Choosing which European Residency Programme is right for you may be one of the most important decisions that you will ever make. With an ever increasing number of countries offering you a route to Europe and the answer to your dreams, how can you really decipher which programme is best for you?

As mentioned in my most recent article: there are two major areas for consideration:

● The true value of the residency visa 

● The cost and ease of obtaining the residency visa permit

Last week we looked at the key points to consider when reviewing the true value and benefits of the countries’ specific offerings. Today we discuss the major points of consideration when you review the cost and ease of obtaining the various Residency Visas that are on the market.

1. The level of Investment

The residency programmes typically require an investment of €250,000 to €600,000 in real estate. It appears to be pretty straight forward decision with the least expensive option being the best? Well what if the least expensive option requires you to invest in a Country or market where the economy is broken and the market is in decline. Would that be a good decision? Does this investment cover the whole family or does it require further funds to include all family members?

2. Investment Asset Class 

Most of the programmes require an investment in Real Estate it is therefore fundamentally important to understand the countries’ economies and real estate markets.  Some residency programmes also require non-returnable “gifts” to the government  and investment in government bonds in addition to the investment in real estate

3. Speed

How long does the Residency application really take? The various options claim between 8 and 16 weeks for the residency approval, however when does the clock start ticking on that time? With some programmes it is taking more than 12 weeks just to get an initial appointment and only then can the application process start

Do they have enough resources to process the demand of applications? Not always: one of the most popular options claims 90 days for the process, however in reality it had a backlog of two years. This resulted in applicants outstaying their visitor’s visa period and having to return home without a Residency Visa

4. How simple is the application process

Most of the programmes claim that their offering is straight forward, however is that really the case? What are the residency requirements that you need consider?  

- The residency requirement when making your initial application

- The ongoing residency requirements to maintain the residency 

- The residency requirements to make the temporary visa permanent: 

Only one country provides a Permanent Visa from day One. Others require five years of continual living in that country before you can apply for a Permanent Residency, whilst others do not even have an option to make the temporary visa permanent

• What are the interview and language test requirements?
• Can you apply for the residency visa remotely?
• What are the bio-metrics requirements?  

5. Track record and likelihood of success 

When you are making a life changing decision for you and your family you really want the assurance of knowing that you have a strong chance of being successful with your residency application. Can you imagine the stress of going through the whole process, spending thousands on fees and building the expectation of your family only to end up with your application being declined?  Some of the new programmes have no or little track record. It is therefore important from the start to be extremely confident of the outcome of your residency application and the chances of fulfilling your dreams

In my next article I will be looking at the various residency options and how they match up to these major considerations, so stay tuned and find which programmed meets them ALL!!

In the meantime if you would like any further information or assistance with European Residency Visas then feel free to contact me  on +447771716434 or  derek@europeancitizenships.com

           Getting a European Residency Visa              Which Country? - The Easiest Options?

Choosing which European Residency Programme is right for you may be one of the most important decisions that you will ever make. With an ever increasing number of countries offering you a route to Europe and the answer to your dreams, how can you really decipher which programme is best for you?

As mentioned in my most recent article: there are two major areas for consideration:
● The true value of the residency visa 
● The cost and ease of obtaining the residency visa permit

Last week we looked at the key points to consider when reviewing the true value and benefits of the countries’ specific offerings. Today we discuss the major points of consideration when you review the cost and ease of obtaining the various Residency Visas that are on the market.

1. The level of Investment
The residency programmes typically require an investment of €250,000 to €600,000 in real estate. It appears to be pretty straight forward decision with the least expensive option being the best? Well what if the least expensive option requires you to invest in a Country or market where the economy is broken and the market is in decline. Would that be a good decision? Does this investment cover the whole family or does it require further funds to include all family members?

2. Investment Asset Class 
Most of the programmes require an investment in Real Estate it is therefore fundamentally important to understand the countries’ economies and real estate markets.  Some residency programmes also require non-returnable “gifts” to the government  and investment in government bonds in addition to the investment in real estate

3. Speed How long does the Residency application really take? The various options claim between 8 and 16 weeks for the residency approval, however when does the clock start ticking on that time? With some programmes it is taking more than 12 weeks just to get an initial appointment and only then can the application process start.


Do they have enough resources to process the demand of applications? Not always: one of the most popular options claims 90 days for the process, however in reality it had a backlog of two years. This resulted in applicants outstaying their visitor’s visa period and having to return home without a Residency Visa

4. How simple and straight forward is the application process
Most of the programmes claim that their offering is straight forward, however is that really the case? 

What are the residency requirements that you need consider?
 
- The residency requirement when making your initial application

- The ongoing residency requirements to maintain the residency 
- The residency requirements to make the temporary visa permanent: 

Only one country provides a Permanent Visa from day One. Others require five years of continual living in that country before you can apply for a Permanent Residency, whilst others do not even have an option to make the temporary visa permanent

What are the interview and language test requirements?
Can you apply for the residency visa remotely?
What are the biometrics requirements?  

5. Track record and likelihood of success 
When you are making a life changing decision for you and your family you really want the assurance of knowing that you have a strong chance of being successful with your residency application. Can you imagine the stress of going through the whole process, spending thousands on fees and building the expectation of your family only to end up with your application being declined?  Some of the new programmes have no or little track record. It is therefore important from the start to be extremely confident of the outcome of your residency application and the chances of fulfilling your dreams



In my next article I will be looking at the various residency options and how they match up to these major considerations, so stay tuned and find which programmed meets them ALL!!

In the meantime if you would like any further information or assistance with European Residency Visas then feel free to contact me  on +447771716434 or  derek@europeancitizenships.com

European Residency - Unlocking Europe for International Entrepreneurs

European Residency Permits - Unlocking Europe for International Entrepreneurs 

Even in today's society it is not unusual for successful business people to have restrictions placed on them and their business by their governing regime. Many successful entrepreneurs in oppressed regions even have to face the experience of witnessing the closure of their thriving company and the loss of decades of hard work without an explanation or compensation.

For others their business has reached the growth stage where active collaboration with a network of European or international partners is essential. But their business, like countless others, is negatively affected by travel restrictions and sanctions against their country. As a result, many potential partners walk away from the table, fearing the costs and complications of conducting business with them. 

Many of these entrepreneurs also have the need for regular business travel to Europe however they are hampered by the restriction of their current passports, with bureaucratic and tiresome visa applications making such travel almost impossible.

Then on top of all of this they frequently suffer from considerable taxation penalties from their government’s tax regime.

A European Residency Permit can unlock Europe and alleviate all of these issues. With the right  EU Residency Permit they can extend their current business, set up and start a new thriving business in Europe, travel regularly around Europe , transact with many European partners and benefit from one of the lowest and most attractive tax regimes in Europe.

There are numerous European Residency Programmes available and typically require an investment of between €300,000 and €500,000 in real estate.

For further information or assistance contact: derek@europeancitizenships.com

How European Residency Permits are Enriching the Lives of Thousands

How European Residency Permits are Enriching the Lives of Thousands 

European Residency applications are booming with a significant ever increasing growth on a daily basis. There are now thousands of very happy international families making Europe their home. 

What is driving this exodus and why are so many people happy to invest between €300,000 to €500,000 to make such a shift in their lives. 

Many are frustrated with the limitations, freedom of movement, taxation and challenges experienced in their home country.  They are seeking a better quality of life in a European, relaxed, stress-free Mediterranean lifestyle with a low crime rate. 

Successful rich individual and families often suffer from considerable taxation penalties from their current government and the appeal of living in a country with an attractive and low tax regime is considerable.

Non-EU citizens, who often travel to Europe for personal or business reasons, find that their visitor visa applications get rejected or bogged down in red tape and endless requests for additional documents… making European travel a difficult and painful experience. Being in possession of a European residency makes visa applications and travel significantly quicker and easier.

Others value the opportunity of becoming full EU Citizens, holding an EU Passport however they are not in a position to invest the funds that the EU Citizenship Programmes require. Some of the Residency Programmes provides them with all the benefits of living in Europe and a route to full EU Citizenship over time.

The right European Residency Permit can address all of these challenges and is enriching the lives of thousands of international families

There are numerous European Residency Programmes available and typically require an investment of between €300,000 and €500,000 in real estate.

For further information or assistance contact derek@europeancitizenships.com