January 29, 2025

In recent years, a notable shift has emerged in the investment landscape of India, as an increasing number of savvy investors set their sights on the West. This newfound interest can be attributed to the rising popularity of residency by investment programs offered by several Western countries. These programs provide a unique opportunity for Indian investors to obtain permanent residency or citizenship by investment in a foreign nation by making substantial financial contributions. The reasons behind this trend and exploring the factors driving Indian investors westward are explored.   Economic and Political Stability: One of the critical factors enticing Indian investors toward Western countries is their stable economic and political environments. Uncertainties surrounding domestic economic policies, geopolitical tensions, and bureaucratic hurdles in India have led many wealthy individuals and business tycoons to seek alternative avenues to safeguard their assets and secure a better future for their families. Western nations, known for their robust legal systems, transparent governance, and predictable economic growth, present a haven for long-term financial planning. Source: Economic Times   In 2020, 18 million Indians were residing outside of their nation of birth, according to the graph above. The sizable diaspora of Indians is spread among Saudi Arabia (2.5 million), the United States (2.7 million), and the United Arab Emirates (3.5 million). Australia, Canada, Kuwait, Oman, Pakistan, Qatar, and the United Kingdom are among other nations that have considerable populations of immigrants from India.   Diversification of Assets: Residency by investment programs offers Indian investors an attractive option to diversify their asset portfolios across international boundaries. By acquiring property or investing in local businesses overseas, investors not only benefit from the appreciation of foreign assets but also gain access to diverse markets, industries, and currencies. This diversification acts as a protective measure against economic downturns or fluctuations specific to India, ensuring financial stability and enhanced wealth preservation.   Global Education and Lifestyle: Western countries boast prestigious educational institutions that cater to various disciplines, offering a broader range of opportunities and experiences. Access to quality education and an enriched lifestyle in these countries motivates Indian investors to pursue residency through investment options. A wonderful alternative would be Malta Citizenship by Investment, for instance, given the country’s 2021 literacy rate was 94.94%, up 0.44% from 2018. Malta’s 2018 literacy rate was 94.5%, up 1.2% from 2011. This shows a constant increase.   Business Expansion and Market Access: For Indian entrepreneurs and business owners looking to expand their ventures internationally, residence-by-investment programs provide a strategic pathway to access foreign markets. With a GDP of over $906 billion, Turkey has the 19th-largest economy in the world. It is a participant in the G20 and the OECD, and it is a significant provider of ODA. Investors are subsequently drawn to Turkey’s Residency by Investment.   Freedom of Movement and Travel: Another significant attraction of residence by investment programs is the freedom of movement they offer. Indian investors can travel visa-free or with ease to multiple countries, thanks to the diplomatic relationships their new resident or citizenship by investment status affords. This global mobility facilitates international business ventures, leisure travel, and networking, making it an alluring prospect for those seeking more extensive global connections. Source: Passport Photo   The above maps show that 21 countries allow Indian citizens to visa-free destinations, 30 countries allow Visa-on-arrival, 50 countries allow for e-visa and 105 countries need visa issuance.   Tax Planning and Wealth Management: Western countries often provide more favorable tax regimes and wealth management opportunities than India. By attaining residency or citizenship by investment in these countries, Indian investors can optimize their tax liabilities, protect their wealth, and potentially benefit from reduced tax rates on income, capital gains, and inheritances.   Conclusion The surge of Indian investors seeking residency by investment in Western countries through investment programs reflects a strategic and prudent approach to wealth management, global diversification, and securing a better future for their families. The stability, opportunities, and benefits these countries offer have captured the attention of Indian investors seeking to transcend borders and expand their horizons. As more Indian investors flock westward, the landscape of international investment continues to evolve, fostering closer ties between India and the West.

In 2024, many countries are launching their premium citizenship by investment Programs, providing citizenship through financial contributions or investments. These programs are growing popular among investors due to the wide range of benefits they provide.   Over twenty countries established citizenship by investment program in mid-2023, including five Caribbean nations: Antigua and Barbuda, Dominica, Grenada, Saint Kitts and Nevis, and Saint Lucia. Countries such as Cambodia, Egypt, Jordan, Malta, North Macedonia, Turkey, and Vanuatu also offer such programs. Approximately 50,000 individuals along with their family, annually acquire citizenship by investment through this program. Citizenship by investment allows individuals to broaden their horizons and enhance their quality of life.   To help you understand citizenship by investment, this article will explain the concept and highlight the top countries offering these programs in 2024.   What is a citizenship by investment program?  Citizenship by investment is a legal process in which any person can get citizenship of any country by investing in the country’s economy. This program aims to attract foreign investment and stimulate economic growth and in return for the investment, give citizenship and a passport to the investor in their country, and get rights to live, work, and study.   The requirements and benefits of citizenship by investment program depend on the country’s policy. This is the easiest way to get a green card from other countries like Malta, Dominica, Grenada, Turkey, Antigua and Barbuda, Saint Lucia, St. Kitts and Nevis, and Montenegro, considered some of the best countries for citizenship by investment, it’ll save time and money. Each of these countries provides advantages and rules. They cater to investors with different amounts of money to spend, residency requirements, and how useful their passport is for traveling around the world in 2024.   Top Countries Offering Citizenship by Investment in 2024 Some countries are providing global citizenship by investment programs including Malta, Cyprus, St. Kitts and Nevis, Antigua and Barbuda, Grenada, Dominica, Turkey, and Montenegro. Here’s a brief overview of countries offering citizenship by investment programs in 2024:   Malta: The Malta Citizenship by Investment program is based on a point system. Investors should have to collect a minimum score for eligibility. Points are based on investments in Maltese real state and government bonds, as well as mandatory contributions to the National Development Fund. There are other criteria also such as language skills or business experience, which influence the total points earned.    Real Estate Investment: Applicants must purchase property in Malta with a minimum value of €700,000 or lease a property with an annual rent of at least €16,000.   Government Bonds: Applicants must invest a minimum of €150,000 in government-approved bonds.   Donation: A non-refundable contribution of €600,000 to the National Development Fund is required.   Dominica: If you want to become a citizen of a Dominica country, getting Dominica citizenship by investment is easier than in other countries. Here are the main financial requirements for obtaining citizenship through Dominica’s CIP:   Real Estate Investment: The minimum investment in real estate is $200,000 in an approved real estate project. This investment must be maintained for at least three years after citizenship is granted.   Economic Diversification Fund (EDF): The contribution to the Economic Diversification Fund (EDF) varies based on the number of applicants: Single applicant: $100,000 Applicant with spouse: $175,000 The applicant with up to two qualifying dependents (e.g., spouse and child under 18): $200,000 Additional dependents of any age (each): $50,000 By meeting these criteria, you can apply for citizenship in Dominica through their Citizenship by Investment Program.   Grenada: Getting a secondhand passport in Grenada Citizenship is easier by investing. Interested investors can qualify through two main avenues:   Real Estate Investment: The minimum investment in approved real estate projects is typically set at USD 220,000. Additionally, there are associated fees and costs such as government fees, due diligence fees, and legal fees.   Donation to the National Transformation Fund (NTF): The minimum non-refundable contribution to the NTF is USD 150,000 for a single applicant or USD 200,000 for a family of up to four persons. For larger families, additional contributions apply.   Antigua and Barbuda: In Antigua and Barbuda, you can get citizenship for yourself and your family very easily by investment, they also provide various investment options to the applicant. Applicants can choose to invest in real estate or make contributions to the National Development Fund (NDF).   The investment amounts required for the Antigua and Barbuda Citizenship by Investment Visa Program are as follows:   Real Estate Investment: Applicants must invest a minimum of USD 200,000 in approved real estate developments.    Contribution to the National Development Fund (NDF):  Single applicant: USD 100,000 Family of up to 4 members: USD 100,000 Family of 5 or more: USD 125,000   Saint Lucia: Saint Lucia provides benefits to applicants like visas for traveling to different countries and economic opportunities. In Saint Lucia’s Citizenship by Investment Program, there are several investment options available for individuals seeking citizenship:    National Economic Fund (NEF): Single Applicant: Minimum contribution of USD 100,000. Applicant with Spouse: Minimum contribution of USD 165,000. Family of up to 4 members: Minimum contribution of USD 190,000. Each additional dependent: Additional contribution of USD 25,000.   Real Estate Investment:  Minimum investment of USD 300,000 in an approved real estate project.    Enterprise Project Investment: Minimum investment of USD 3,500,000 in an approved enterprise project, creating at least 3 jobs.   Government Bonds: Minimum investment of USD 500,000 in non-interest-bearing government bonds.    St. Kitts and Nevis: St. Kitts and Nevis Citizenship by Investment program is the oldest program of Citizenship by Investment and a very respectful program. They give citizenship to foreign investors and their families. They also have their investment program and rules. Applicants have two main investment options to qualify for citizenship:   Sustainable Growth Fund (SGF):  Single applicant: Minimum contribution of USD 150,000. Applicant with up to three dependents (e.g., spouse and two children): Minimum contribution of USD 195,000. Each additional dependent: Additional contribution of USD 10,000.   Real Estate Investment: The investment must be maintained for at least 7 years. In addition to the investment, there are associated fees such

The Canada entrepreneur visa provides opportunities to entrepreneurs, business owners, and investors, who are seeking to grow on a global scale. The Canada Entrepreneur visa launched as a pilot program in 2013 and in 2018 it became a permanent program. Early it became popular among investors because of its diverse location, easy interference in the US market, skilled workforce, and business opportunity.    The Canada startup visa program started with 1000 spots and expanded to 3500 by 2023. The Canadian government in 2024 plans to reach above 5000 by 2026.   As we have discovered about the Canada startup visa program, let’s briefly discuss the eligibility criteria and benefits of a Canada startup visa for Indians:   Eligibility Criteria for the Canada Start-up Visa for Indians  To be eligible for the Canada startup visa program, Indian Candidate must meet this eligibility criteria:  Qualifying Business: You must have an innovative business idea, scalable and your business can provide jobs in Canada.   Language Proficiency: You must be fluent in English or French, you have to prove to them that you are mastered in these languages by taking tests like IELTS or CELPIP for English, or TEF for French.   Commitment Certificate: You must get the Commitment Certificate and Letter of Support from the designated organization. It confirms that they are supporting your business in Canada.   Sufficient Settlement Funds: You must have adequate settlement funds to support yourself and your family to settle in Canada.   Medical Examination: You have to go under medical examination to show that you are medically fit and able to settle in Canada.   Benefits of the Canada Startup Visa for Indians: Advantages of Canada Startup Visa program for entrepreneurs from India are below: Strong startup: The Canada visa investing program offers immense opportunities to Indian entrepreneurs. This program provides opportunities of networking and funding from places like co-working spaces, and a chance to collaborate with talented people.It helps them to boost their businesses and ensure long-term sustainability and opportunities for global entrepreneurship.    Permanent Residency and Citizenship: For Indians Canada’s entrepreneur visa program is a pathway to Canada’s permanent residency. This entrepreneur visa program gives long-term security and stability. It helps Indians to establish their roots and build a future in Canada.   Quality of Life: Canada provides a high quality of life by a diverse multicultural society, world-class education, and a healthcare system. Canada grants safe, and world-class services to their citizens, this quality makes Canada an attractive destination for those seeking a balanced life and a supportive environment for their business growth.   Diverse and skilled workforce: Canada is famous for its diverse and skilled workforce supported by a strong education system and it attracts skilled professionals from around the world. Its diverse workforce helps in startup businesses and building teams with a range of skills.     Access to Funding: There are many government programs to help entrepreneurs in funding business startups in Canada. Through this, they can connect with investors, mentors, and advisors who help them grow their businesses.   Market Opportunities: Canada gives Indian investors easy access to North America, Europe, and Asia markets. Its strategic and strong trade relationships are beneficial for entrepreneurs. This program helps investors in assessing the US market and expanding their business.    This Canada Entrepreneurs visa program inspires both business innovation and personal achievement. The visa program not only makes enterprise easier but also creates a conducive environment for personal and professional development. This program gives the opportunity of permanent residency and citizenship, which enables Indian entrepreneurs to fulfill their ambitions on a global scale.   This program’s commitment is to foster startups through funding, networking opportunities, and a skilled workforce that ensures individuals have the resources they need to succeed. Its supportive environment, high-quality lifestyle, and integrative society make it an ideal destination for entrepreneurs. If you want to take advantage of the Canada Startup Visa program but you are confused. My global citizenship  specializes in tailored advice and strategies that are important for conducting the visa application process effectively. We provide you all insight details about the Canada Startup Visa program and guidance to make the visa application process easier. Our expert team not only helps you get permanent residency but also lays the groundwork for long-term success in Canada’s business scene.