In an increasingly precarious and unpredictable world, securing the freedom to choose where you and your family want to live, study, conduct business and even retire is a prime concern. Political uncertainty is driving wealthy Israeli families to explore alternative ways of safeguarding their families and their wealth.
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Investment migration programs offer an invaluable source of stability by allowing investors to mitigate risks that threaten their wealth, lifestyles and legacies, and to create new opportunities for themselves and their families across a range of destinations worldwide.
By acquiring a second citizenship or an alternative residence, or both, global investors can overcome the limitations of being restricted to a single jurisdiction with a single passport by reducing their exposure to risks such as crime, political instability, poor governance or unexpected policy changes.
Europe’s economic resilience, health security, top-tier education and predominance of liberal democratic institutions have always made it a destination of choice for high-net-worth individuals. Here are some of the best investment migration programs available in Europe.
Portugal — Acquire a golden visa before the program closes
Peaceful Portugal is a standout choice for wealthy families seeking a high quality of life and a world-class haven to call home. The Portugal Golden Residence Permit Program holds the top position on the 2023 Global Residence Program Index and ranks 6th on the Institute for Economics & Peace’s 2022 Global Peace Index.
The government allows non-EU citizens who make an investment into the country’s economy to receive full residence rights in return. Investors can choose between a real estate investment of at least EUR 280,000, a capital transfer of a minimum EUR 200,000 in arts and cultural heritage, or a business endeavor where they create at least eight jobs.
Israeli families who invest in Portugal can live, work, and study in the country and travel visa-free throughout Europe’s Schengen Area and to a further 34 countries that the Portuguese residence permit allows.
The Portuguese government has announced that it will be suspending the current golden visa program in the next few months, so now is the best time for Israeli citizens to apply for the Portugal Golden Residence Permit Program before the new regulations take effect. After five years of residence, you and your family can apply for Portuguese citizenship and receive all the legal and social protections of the EU.
Greece — Purchase real estate and receive EU residence
The Greece Golden Visa Program is an extremely popular option for global investors, and for good reason. This Mediterranean EU country ranks third on the 2023 Global Residence Program Index, scoring 8 out of 10 for quality of life, and successful applicants acquire real estate in addition to residence rights.
Israeli investors who purchase property in Greece worth at least EUR 250,000 can receive residence within only two months of applying and can travel visa-free to 60 destinations including Europe’s Schengen Area. Successful applicants can apply for Greek citizenship after seven years of residence.
Malta — Settle in the Mediterranean
The small yet advanced island nation of Malta has steadily built a reputation for charm and stability and become one of Europe’s leading investment destinations. Malta’s Granting of Citizenship for Exceptional Services by Direct Investment regulations allow for the granting of citizenship by a certificate of naturalization to foreign individuals and their families who contribute at least EUR 738,000 to the country’s economic development.
Citizenship becomes possible after a 36-month residence period (or 12 months, by exception). Malta takes 1st place on this year’s Global Citizenship Program Index, also scoring 8 out of 10 for quality of life.
If a Caribbean retreat holds greater appeal, five island nations offer attractive citizenship by investment programs that boost global mobility and ease of travel to multiple jurisdictions across the world without needing a visa in advance, providing the ultimate security and optionality for families living in volatile political environments.
Antigua and Barbuda, Grenada, St. Kitts and Nevis, and St. Lucia’s programs all rank in the top 5 of the Global Citizenship Program Index, with Dominica’s program ranking 6th. Each of these programs’ passports facilitates visa-free or visa-on-arrival travel to over 140 destinations worldwide including Europe’s Schengen Area, Switzerland, and the UK as well as key Asian financial centers such as Hong Kong (SAR China), Singapore, and South Korea. In addition, Grenada allows visa-free access to China.
By opting for investment migration programs, wealthy Israeli families can access, reside, and do business in countries of their choice, where they feel more comfortable and secure, and can envisage a future that is better aligned with their aspirations, not just for now but for generations to come.
Henley & Partners offers a seamless service, from an initial free consultation on the best programs for you and your family, to submitting your residence or citizenship application to the government on your behalf, to helping you settle into your new country. The firm’s education division provides clients with all the support and assistance they need to access the best schools and universities in their country of choice.
- Contact Dan Marconi, Head of the Tel Aviv office at Henley & Partners, to find out how we can support you on your journey to acquiring alternative residence or citizenship.