A report by Henley & Partners, a global firm specializing in investment-based residency and citizenship programs, ranked Israel 10th worldwide in 2024 for applications to such programs among 94 countries where the firm operates.
The report analyzed the most sought-after investment migration programs, which allow investors to obtain citizenship or residency in exchange for economic contributions, such as real estate investments, business ventures or donations.
Residency programs typically grant living, working and study rights but can often be revoked, while citizenship programs provide full rights, including voting, permanent residency and, in some cases, inheritance of citizenship.
Israel ranked 10th in applications, behind the U.S., India, Turkey, the Philippines, the UK, China, Russia, Lebanon and Ukraine. The top five programs sought by Israelis were residency in Portugal, citizenship in Malta, and residency in Spain, Greece and Cyprus. Applications from Israeli citizens increased by over 160% between 2022 and 2023 and remained high in 2024, with a further 4% rise.
Malta topped the global citizenship program index for the 10th consecutive year with a score of 76 out of 100, followed by Austria (75), Grenada (69) and Antigua & Barbuda (67). Three small nations — Nauru, St. Kitts & Nevis and St. Lucia — shared fifth place with 66 points.
Greece's Golden Visa program ranked first among 26 residency programs with 73 points, overtaking Portugal, which had held the top spot for nine years. Portugal now shares third place with Italy and the UK (70 points), while Switzerland is second (72 points).
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Other high-ranking countries include Australia, Canada and Spain (69 points) and the UAE (68 points). Hungary (67 points) and Costa Rica (63 points) will join the rankings in 2025.
The number of U.S. applicants rose by over 1,000% compared to 2019, while UK applications surged 57% in 2024 from the previous year.
"Facing significant global uncertainty and local challenges in Israel, investors and wealthy individuals seek additional residency and citizenship to minimize risks and maximize economic and social opportunities,” said Henley & Partners’ Israeli branch head Daniel Shmeilin.
Henley & Partners Chairman Christian H. Kaelin, said: "Amid increasing global instability, countries use investment-based residency and citizenship programs to fund development initiatives, mitigate environmental risks and drive economic growth. For investors, alternative residency and citizenship offer a unique opportunity to diversify geopolitical risks."
Henley & Partners' CEO Dr. Juerg Steffen stressed that comparative analyses of migration and residency programs are essential tools for investors and governments. "Access to multiple countries provides greater flexibility and reduces exposure to regional and global risks," he said.