CBI/RBI schemes offer citizenship or residency to foreign investors against a designated investment such as contribution to Government fund, or through purchase of government stocks/bonds or a real estate investment with minimum threshold. There are also cheapest programs available such as Malta, Germany etc. starting from EUR 100,000

CBI/RBI schemes have increased dramatically in the past decade currently estimated at $15 billion annually. Cyprus and Portugal alone received over €10 billion euros through CBI/RBI schemes. It is estimated that each year, hundreds of wealthy people spend a collective USD 3 billion to add a second or third passport to their investment portfolio.

Only Cyprus and Malta have official CBI schemes running. Bulgaria has a citizenship by investment program through investment but takes about two years to receive citizenship.  With Malta it takes more than one year to receive citizenship under CBI.

Benefits of CBI/RBI Schemes

CBI schemes offer the following benefits

• Clear pre-defined transparent investment process  with specifically enacted citizenship by investment act
• Satisfy residence and eligibility conditions, including no criminal record and clearing due diligence vetting process.
• Applicants qualify for dual citizenship and second passport
• Citizenship once granted is for lifetime and passed on to family generations
• No requirement to live in the country after receiving citizenship

Golden visas/RBI schemes typically offer the following benefits to non-EU nationals:

• Clear and transparent investment process for investors to make an investment in return for residence or citizenship rights in a EU member state
• Investments can be active (business on the territory with the creation of jobs), or passive (capital is infused into a private company or lump sum transferred to government bonds or buying a property)
• Applicants are not required to live or  spend time on the territory in which the investment is made.
• Given full path to naturalize for citizenship
• Free movement in the Schengen area of the member states
• Residency rights to family and children of investors

The following are some of the member states in the EU and their territories  that offer CBI/RBI schemes.

Please note we have listed RBI schemes available in overseas/dependent territories as they provide a path for EU or UK (BOTC) passport

1. Malta

• Malta is full EU member state and participation in Schengen area
• Malta has both citizenship and residence by investment scheme (CRBI)
• RBI Scheme: Malta Permanent Residency Visa Programme (€100,000 Government bond/stocks with financing option) offers permanent residency
• CBI Scheme: Malta Direct Citizenship Program requires €750,000 for citizenship to foreign investors
• Family and children also qualify
• Rent or buy a home under both schemes
• Maltese passport 7th powerful in the world with visa free access to 183 countries in the world

Malta is one of the world’s smallest and most densely populated countries with Valletta, the smallest national capital in the European Union. Malta, Gozo and Comino are three inhabited islands of Malta. Malta has been inhabited since approximately 5900 BC because of its strategic centre in the mediterranean. Malta participates in Schengen area and joined the European Union in 2004; it became part of the eurozone monetary union in 2008. Film production is a growing contributor to the Maltese economy. Malta is visited by three times more tourists than its residents. Malta became Blockchain island  in 2018, popular for blockchain, fintech and AI startups and companies.

2. Portugal

• Golden Visa / Residence by Investment (RBI)
• Portuguese Golden visa residence permit for investment activity (€280,000 property) or Business (€250,000)
• Permanent residence after five years
• Citizenship after five or six years with no strict living conditions.
• Portugal has the fifth powerful EU passport in the world with visa free travel to 186 countries
• Non Habitual Tax regime for HNW investors

Portugal with a population of 10 million is a developed EU country with a high-income advanced economy and high living standards and 4th most peaceful country in the world. Portugal one of the founding countries of the euro and the eurozone and joined schengen area in 1995. Portugal is one of the largest exporter of wine and a significant European minerals producer and is ranked among Europe’s leading copper producers. The nation is also a notable producer of tin, tungsten and uranium.  Portugal is among the top 20 most-visited countries in the world, receiving an average of 20 million foreign tourists each year. Popular Tourist hotspots in Portugal are: Lisbon, Cascais, Fatima, Algarve, Madeira, Porto and the city of Coimbra. Lisbon attracts the sixteenth-most tourists among European cities. Portugal also has considerable resources of wind and river power, the two most cost-effective renewable energy sources.

3. United Kingdom

• UK Golden visa / Residence by investment scheme (RBI)
• UK tier1 entrepreneur visa for foreigners £100,000 (RBI scheme)
• UK tier1 investor visa (£2,000,000) in bonds or businesses (RBI scheme)
• Permanent resident status (ILR) after five years of living without absence
• UK citizenship after 6 years of living with PR status
• UK is very attractive despite Brexit and Covid issues.
• United Kingdom has 6th powerful passport in the world with visa free access to 186 nations in 2018

The United Kingdom consists of four constituent countries: England, Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland.  UK has fourteen British Overseas Territories. The United Kingdom is a developed country and has the world’s fifth-largest economy by nominal GDP and ninth-largest economy by purchasing power parity. It has a high-income economy and has a very high Human Development Index rating, ranking 14th in the world. The UK remains a great power, with considerable economic, cultural, military, scientific and political influence internationally. The British pound sterling is the world’s third-largest reserve currency after the US dollar and the euro. The UK service sector makes up around 79% of GDP and London is one of the world’s largest financial centers. United Kingdom is ranked as the sixth major tourist destination in the world and London has the most international visitors of any city in the world. The UK is a major centre for engine manufacturing and has the third largest aerospace industry in the world. Net migration continues to add to the population of the UK as an estimated 273,000 more people moved to the UK with an intention to stay 12 months or more than left in the year ending June 2018. Over the year, 625,000 people moved to the UK (immigration) and 351,000 people left the UK (emigration). The overall number of EU citizens coming to the UK continues to add to the population as 74,000 more EU citizens came to the UK than left.  On 29 March 2017, the UK government invoked Article 50 of the Treaty on European Union. The UK is due to leave the EU on 29 March 2019 at 11 p.m. UK time, when the period for negotiating a withdrawal agreement will end unless an extension is agreed

4.Ireland

• Ireland Immigrant Investor Program (IIIP)
• Residence by Investment (RBI)
• Immigrant investor program EUR 400,000 charity endowment or EUR 1 million in enterprises, investment fund, real estate trusts)
• High Potential Start-Up (HPSU) (EUR 1 million plus create 10 jobs)
• Permanent residence (stamp 4) issued immediately valid for 5 years
• Irish citizenship after 5-6 years
• Ireland passport 6th powerful in the world with visa free access to 185 nations.

Ireland is full EU member state opting out of the schengen area. It is most open economy in the developed world.  Politically, Ireland is divided between the Republic of Ireland (officially named Ireland), which covers five-sixths of the island, and Northern Ireland, which is part of the United Kingdom. Ireland ranks fifth economic freedom and first in high-value foreign direct investment (FDI) flows.. US multinationals contribute significantly to Ireland’s economy, making up 14 of the top 20 Irish firms (by turnover), directly employing a quarter of the private sector labour-force,paying 80% of business taxes. Ireland as one of the best countries for business and home to over 1000 multi national companies. Ireland is home to many of the world’s leading high-performance companies including Intel, Twitter, Pfizer, Citi, Huawei, Takeda, Fujitsu, Novartis and Trend Micro. 17 out of 20 global software companies are based in ireland. Ireland has a low corporate tax rate of 12.5%. he Irish tax regime is open and transparent and complies fully with OECD guidelines and EU competition law.

5. Greece

• Golden visa / Permanent residence by investment (PRBI)
• Golden visa scheme property investment (EUR 250,000)
• Strategic investment activity (minimum EUR 250,000)
• Permanent residence permit for investor and family
• Greek citizenship after 7 years of legal living
• Greece has 7th powerful passport with visa free travel to 183 countries.

Greece is located at the crossroads of Europe, Asia, and Africa is developed country with an advanced high-income economy, a high quality of life, and a very high standard of living and a part of EU and Schengen area. Greece has a 10 million population with unique cultural heritage, large tourism industry, prominent shipping sector and strategic importance classify it as a middle power. It is the largest economy in the Balkans, where it is an important regional investor. In 2009 Greece faced its severe crisis and currently Greece still has the large debts in the EU. Its property sector and GDP is recovering but real estate prices is stable attractive for foreign property buyers. Greece has a significant shipbuilding and ship maintenance industry. The six shipyards around the port of Piraeus are among the largest in Europe. Recently Greece has also become a leader in the construction and maintenance of luxury yachts. Greece welcomed over 28 million visitors in 2016 with tourism contributing 18% of GDP.

6. Montenegro

• New Economic Citizenship by Investment (CBI) launched in Oct 2018, applications to open in 2019
• Special Citizenship by investment admission program
• Property investment: EUR 250,000 (real estate) or EUR 450,000 (Podgorica real estate) plus fees
• Permanent residency in 3 weeks and citizenship within 6 months
• CBI limited to 2000 family applications
• Montenegro has 45th powerful passport in the world as of 2018
• Passport offers visa free travel to 123 countries including EU schengen states, Russia, Turkey, UAE, Brazil, South Korea

Montenegro is a country in Southeastern Europe on the Adriatic Sea with a population of 640,000, classified by the World Bank as an upper middle-income country, Montenegro is a member of the UN, NATO, the World Trade Organization and is a founding member of Union of the Mediterranean. Montenegro is a candidate country for EU membership and expected to join EU and Schengen area acquis in 2025. Montenegro uses the Euro as its national currency. Montenegro has both a picturesque coast and a mountainous northern region with 1.6 million visitors and a major contributor to GDP. Montenegro has experienced a real estate boom in 2006 and 2007, with wealthy Russians, Britons and others buying property on Montenegrin coast. Montenegro received, as of 2008, more foreign investment per capita than any other nation in Europe. Due to foreign direct investment, the Montenegrin economy has been growing at a very fast pace in recent years.  Banking sector of Montenegro is highly concentrated with high share of foreign capital. Banks in Montenegro usually operate as universal banks, providing retail and corporate banking products and services. Montenegro provides attractive incentives to businesses with foreign investment.

7. Moldova

• Moldova Citizenship by Investment Program (MCBI). currently suspended
• Newly opened Citizenship by investment scheme in 2018
• Donation to Public Government fund (€100,000)
• Moldova passport has visa free travel to 122 countries, ranks 46th powerful passport
• Visa free travel to schengen area
• Moldova is a future candidate for EU membership

Moldova is a landlocked country in eastern europe with a population of 3.3 million bordered by Ukraine and Romania. Moldova is a not a member of European Union and not part of Schengen area. Moldova has signed the Association Agreement and the Deep and Comprehensive Free Trade Agreement with the European Union during summer 2014. Moldova has also achieved a Free Visa Regime  with the EU which represents the biggest achievement of Moldovan diplomacy since independence. Moldova imports almost all of its energy supplies from Russia and Ukraine. Moldova has a well-established wine industry.  The official language of Moldova is Romanian and currency is Leu.  Approximately 100 Leu equals $5.8 US dollars

8. Latvia

• Golden visa / Residence by investment scheme (RBI)
• Golden visa scheme offers residency to foreign investors
• Real estate investment (€250,000 plus 5% state fee)
• Interest free government bonds (€250,000)
• Permanent settlement card after five years
• Citizenship after 9 years of legal residence
• Latvia passport ranks 11th powerful in the world, with visa free to 179 countries (US, UK, Canada, Europe)

Latvia has 1.9 million inhabitants. Latvia is a baltic country, member of the European Union and Schengen area, uses Euro currency since 2014. Latvia has 25% russian population in the country. Latvia is a natural gateway between the US, EU and Asia (especially Russia/CIS). The transport sector is around 14% of GDP. Latvia has three major ports. The Free port of Ventspils is one of the busiest ports in the Baltic states. Latvia’s workforce is ranked in the top five in the world in terms of university students per capita. World Bank’s report Doing Business 2019 ranks Latvia as 19th out of 190 countries for ease of doing business. Latvia has one of the fastest telecommunications infrastructures in the world, providing companies seamless connection with customers and partners abroad.

9. Germany

• Residence by investment scheme (RBI)
• Business investors or self employed person can receive residence permit § 21 AufenthG (€100,000)
• Temporary residence permit issued to holder to pursue an economic activity.
• Permanent residence after 5 years of lawful living
• Citizenship after eight years of uninterrupted residence
• German passport #3rd best in the world, with visa free access to 188 nations

Germany is the founding member the European Union in 1993, part of the Schengen Area and became a co-founder of the Eurozone in 1999.  Germany is the largest national economy in Europe with a highly skilled labour force, a large capital stock, a low level of corruption, and high level of innovation. German auto industry is one of the most competitive and innovative in the world, fourth largest by production. Germany is a global leader in science and technology and seventh most visited country in the world. After the US, Germany is the second most popular immigration destination in the world, home to successful artists, philosophers, musicians, sportspeople, entrepreneurs, scientists, engineers, and inventors.

10. Cyprus

• Cyprus is a full EU member state since 2004
• EU citizenship/residency for Families of Foreign Investors
• RBI Scheme: Permanent residence scheme (EUR 300,000 in real estate)
• CBI scheme: Citizenship by investment scheme (EUR 2 million in real estate or government bonds) (suspended from 2020)
• Cypriot has 15th powerful passport in the world with visa free access to 173 nations (Canada, UK, EU etc)

Cyprus is a major tourist destination with a population of 1.1 million is a  high-income economy with very high Human Development Index. Cyprus joined Eurozone in 2008. Tourism, financial services and shipping are significant parts of the economy. Large quantities of offshore natural gas have been discovered in Cyprus in recent years. Cyprus allows 100% foreign ownership business with a friendly tax system of 12.5% corporate tax rate, one of the lowest in the EU. Cyprus has concluded treaties on double taxation with more than 40 countries, and, as a member of the Eurozone, has no exchange restrictions. Non-residents and foreign investors may freely repatriate proceeds from investments in Cyprus

11. Monaco

•  Residence by investment scheme (RBI)
• €1 million Business capital transfer in a Monaco company
• €1 million real estate purchase
• €500,000 in a bank deposit and €500,000 property purchase
• Permanent residence after five years
• Monegasque citizenship after ten years of living
• Monaco passport is rare and 14th powerful passport with 174 visa free countries

Monaco (aka. Monte Carlo) is the second smallest country in the world in the french riviera after vatican.  Monaco is the richest country has the world’s second-highest GDP nominal per capita at US$153,177.  The country has highest number of millionaires and billionaires per capita in the world, infact 30% of the country population was made up of millionaires. Monaco’s mild climate, scenery, and gambling facilities have contributed to the principality’s status as a tourist destination and recreation centre for the rich. In more recent years, Monaco has become a major banking centre and has sought to diversify its economy into the services sector and small, high-value-added, non-polluting industries. The state has no income tax, low business taxes, and is well known for being a tax haven. Monaco is not formally a part of the European Union (EU), but it participates in certain EU policies, including customs and border controls. Through its relationship with France, Monaco uses the euro as its sole currency. Monaco has never levied income tax on individuals,[90] and foreigners are thus able to use it as a “tax haven” from their own country’s taxes, because as an independent country, Monaco is not obligated to pay taxes to other countries. The absence of a personal income tax in the principality has attracted to it a considerable number of wealthy “tax refugee” residents from European countries who derive the majority of their income from activity outside Monaco.

12. Bulgaria

• Citizenship and Residence by Investment (CRBI)
• RBI Scheme: Permanent residence scheme EUR 512,000 (Government bonds)
• CBI scheme: Bulgaria citizenship by investment EUR 1 million (after 1.5 year)
• Bulgaria passport ranks 18th best passport in the world has visa free travel to Canada, UK, Europe, Australia etc. total of 169 countries
• Bulgaria has EU membership and currently in the process of joining the Schengen area

Bulgaria has 7 million population with an open, upper middle income range market economy. Bulgaria is Europe’s fifth-largest coal producer with mining industry contributes to 5% of GDP. Bulgaria has some of the lowest corporate income tax rates in the EU at a flat 10% rate. On 1 January 2007 Bulgaria entered the European Union. Bulgaria is not a part of Schengen Area. Bulgaria received electronic visa waiver with Canada in 2017

13. Italy

• Golden visa / Residence by investment scheme (RBI)
• Startup investor visa (€500,000) issued for two years
• Italian companies investment (€ 1 million)
• Italian government bonds (€ 2 million)
• Philanthropic donations (€ 1 million)
• Permanent residence after 5 years
• Italian citizenship after ten years of legal residence in Italy
• Italy has 4th powerful passport in the world with visa free travel to 187 countries

Italy with a population of 60 million is considered to be one of the world’s most culturally and economically developed countries, with its economy ranking eighth largest in the world and third in the Eurozone at the heart of mediterranean sea. Italy is home to 54 World Heritage Sites, the most in the world, and is the fifth-most visited country.  Italy is a founding and leading member of the European Union.  Italy is a key gateway to the European Single Market and its 500 million consumers, but is also close to Northern Africa and the Middle East and their further 270 million potential customers; at the same time, it represents an ideal bridge between Southern Europe and Central and Eastern EU countries. Milan is a global financial centre and a fashion capital of the world. Italy has the biggest auto industry contributing of 8.5% to Italian GDP. In 2016, Italy had about 5.05 million foreign residents, making up 8.3% of the total population.

14. Montenegro

• Special Economic Citizenship by investment program (ECIP)
• New citizenship by investment scheme launched in 2018
• €250,000 in real estate plus €100,000 state fee for citizenship
• €450,000 in hotel or tourism in Podgorica plus fees
• Permanent residency issued in 3 weeks
• Montenegrin citizenship after 6 months
• Montenegrin passport has visa free travel to 123 countries, ranks 45th best passport in the world

Montenegro is a country in Southeastern Europe on the Adriatic Sea with a population of 640,000, classified by the World Bank as an upper middle-income country, Montenegro is a member of the UN, NATO, the World Trade Organization and is a founding member of Union of the Mediterranean. Montenegro is a candidate country for EU membership and expected to join EU and Schengen area in 2025. Montenegro uses the Euro as its national currency. Montenegro has both a picturesque coast and a mountainous northern region with 1.6 million visitors and a major contributor to GDP. Montenegro has experienced a real estate boom in 2006 and 2007, with wealthy Russians, Britons and others buying property on Montenegrin coast. Montenegro received, as of 2008, more foreign investment per capita than any other nation in Europe. Due to foreign direct investment, the Montenegrin economy has been growing at a very fast pace in recent years.  Banking sector of Montenegro is highly concentrated with high share of foreign capital. Banks in Montenegro usually operate as universal banks, providing retail and corporate banking products and services. Montenegro provides attractive incentives to businesses with foreign investment.

15. The Netherlands

• Residence by Investment (RBI) scheme
• Foreign investor scheme requires capital investment of €1.25 million in Dutch companies or in investment funds
• Residence permit issued for three years
• Permanent settlement after five years of legally living
• Dutch citizenship after five years
• Dutch passport is fifth best in the world with  visa free travel to 186 countries

The Netherlands has the 17th-largest economy in the world and one of the most developed and densely populated countries in western europe. Netherlands ranks among the highest in international indexes of press freedom, economic freedom, human development, and quality of life. Netherlands’ literally means ‘lower countries’, referring to its low land and flat geography, with only about 50% of its land exceeding 1 metre  above sea level. The country has a long history of social tolerance and is generally regarded as a liberal country, having legalised abortion, prostitution, and euthanasia, while maintaining a progressive drug policy. Amsterdam is the financial and business capital of the Netherlands. The Dutch strategic location gives it prime access to markets in the UK and Germany for international trade, with the Port of Rotterdam being the largest port in Europe. The Netherlands continues to be one of the leading European nations for attracting foreign direct investment and is one of the five largest investors in the United States. The country has a migration rate of 2.0 migrants per 1,000 inhabitants per year (2%). Personal Taxes are high around 38.5% one of the highest in Europe.

16. Jersey

• Investor scheme £2 million
• High value resident £1.75 million in a property
• Permanent residence after 5 years of living.
• Jersey passport is a British passport issued by the Passport Office of the Jersey Government in St Helier to British citizens connected to the Crown Dependency of Jersey.

The Bailiwick of Jersey  is a Crown dependency located near the coast of Normandy, France. The Bailiwick consists of the island of Jersey, the largest of the Channel Islands. Although the bailiwicks of Jersey and Guernsey are often referred to collectively as the Channel Islands, the “Channel Islands” are not a constitutional or political unit. Jersey has a separate relationship to the Crown from the other Crown dependencies of Guernsey and the Isle of Man, although all are held by the monarch of the United Kingdom. Jersey is not part of the United Kingdom, and has an international identity separate from that of the UK, but the UK is constitutionally responsible for the defense of Jersey. Jersey has a population of 100,000  not part of the United Kingdom, and has an international identity separate from that of the UK, but the UK is constitutionally responsible for the defense of Jersey. Jersey’s economy is based on financial services (40% of GVA in 2012), tourism and hospitality. Jersey is ranked as a tax haven by many organizations with the Financial Secrecy Index ranking Jersey as 16th, one rank behind the United Kingdom as of 2015. Jersey belongs to the Common Travel Area and the definition of “United Kingdom” in the British Nationality Act 1981 is interpreted as including the UK and the Islands together. For immigration and nationality purposes, the United Kingdom generally treats Jersey as though it were part of the UK

17. Andorra

• Passive Residence by investment scheme
• €400,000 in Property, bank deposit, Government debt securities/bonds (subjected to immigration quota’s).
• Permanent residence after five years
• Citizenship after 20 years of living
• Andorra passport is rare, ranks 19th powerful passport, with visa free access to 168 countries including US, Canada.

Andorra is the sixth smallest nation in Europe bordered by Spain and France with currency as Euro. Andorra has a population of 77,000. Tourism accounts for 80% of GDP in this tiny country with 10.2 million tourists visiting every year contributing to 80% of GDP. The banking, financial and insurance sector contributes to 19% of GDP. Andorra is not a member of European Union and not a member of schengen area. Andora an offshore financial sector experiencing steady growth in construction, real estate, tourism. The country has good living standards, proximity to spain and france, low costs and taxation and innovative country in the technology fields. Andorra has 100% fibre optic connectivity for IT technology companies.

18. Czech Republic

• Significant investment visa (CZK 75 million or USD 3.2 million)
• Long term residence permit for investors  with family
• Permanent residence after five years of living
• Citizenship after 10 years of living
• Czech passport ranked 8th powerful passport in the world with visa free access to 182 world countries including US, Canada, Mexico, Europe, UK etc..

The Czech Republic is a member of the European Union (EU), NATO, the OECD, the United Nations and Schengen area. The country is an advanced high income economy, ranks as the 6th safest most peaceful country and most non-religious countries in the world. After Czechoslovakia dissolved in 1992, the Czech government approved Czechia as the official short name in 2016. Skoda auto is the one the largest czech automobile companies by revenues. The capital Prague is the fifth most visited city in Europe after London, Paris, Istanbul and Rome

19. Gibraltar

• Residence by investment scheme (RBI)
• British overseas territory of the UK
• HNW individual with CAT2 status
• Requires £2 million in net assets and minimum tax of £22,000 and maximum tax of £27,560 annually

Gibraltar is  British overseas territory (BOT) with a population of 32,000 and the only British Overseas Territory which is part of the European Union. The head of state is the British monarch, currently Queen Elizabeth II, who is represented by the Governor of Gibraltar.  Gibraltar’s economy is dominated by four main sectors: financial services, online gambling, shipping, and tourism, which includes duty-free retail sales to visitors. A number of British and international banks have operations based in Gibraltar. The currency of Gibraltar is the Gibraltar pound, issued by the Government of Gibraltar under the terms of the 1934 Currency Notes Act. These banknotes are legal tender in Gibraltar alongside Bank of England banknotes. The standard rate of corporate tax is 10% (20% in the case of utility and fuel supply companies and companies abusing a dominant market position). Companies are taxed on profits accrued in or derived from Gibraltar (i.e., territorial basis of taxation)

20. Luxembourg

• Residence by investment scheme (RBI)
• EUR 500,000 in a new business or Investment funds (EUR 3 million) or Bank Deposit ( EUR 20 million) for five years
• Investors permit issued for maximum of three years.
• Permanent residence after five years
• Citizenship after five years of living (knowledge of luxembourgish language)
• Luxembourg passport 5th powerful in the world with 185 visa free destinations

The Grand Duchy of Luxembourg is a small landlocked country in western europe with a population of 600,000. Luxembourg is the richest country in Europe with the highest per capita GDP $104,003 and also a founding member of the European Union, OECD, United Nations, NATO, and Benelux.  Luxembourg’s stable and high-income market economy features moderate growth, low inflation, and a high level of innovation. Luxembourg is part of the Schengen Area, the EU single market, and the Eurozone. Luxembourg ranks sixth in financial secrecy index of 2018.

21. Lithuania

• Startup visa for entrepreneurs
• Business residence permit for two years
• Permanent residence permit after five years of living
• Apply for citizenship after 10 years of legally living
• Lithuania has 11th best passport in the world with 179 visa free destinations

Lithuania is one of the Baltic states with a population of 2.8 million people, its capital and largest city is Vilnius. Lithuania is a member of the European Union, Eurozone, Schengen Agreement, NATO and OECD. On 1 January 2015, Euro became the national currency of Lithuania. Lithuania has a flat tax rate rather than a progressive scheme. According to Eurostat, the personal income tax (15%) and corporate tax (15%) rates in Lithuania are among the lowest in the EU. The country has the lowest corporate tax rate 15% and 5% for small businesses. Information technology production is growing in the country, reaching 1.9 billion euros in 2016. In 2017, 35 FinTech companies came to Lithuania – a result of Lithuanian government and Bank of Lithuania simplified procedures for obtaining licences for the activities of e-money and payment institutions. Europe’s first international Blockchain Centre launched in Vilnius in 2018. Lithuania has launched three satellites to the cosmos. Lithuania has the highest percentage of hot air balloons per capita.

22. Spain

• Golden visa residence by investment (GVRBI)
• Golden visa scheme requires €500,000 property investment, €2 million in Government debts/bonds, €1 million in businesses
• Permanent residence after five years
• Citizenship after 10 years for most countries, reduced to three years for spanish speaking country nationals
• Spain passport 4th powerful in the world with visa free travel to 187 countries

Spain is a major developed country and 14th largest economy in the world, fifth biggest in the EU. Spain is EU member state and also part of schengen area.  Spain was also the second most visited country in the world, recording 82 million tourists. Substantial populations descended from Spanish colonists and immigrants exist in other parts of the world, most notably in Latin America. Within the EU, Spain had the 2nd highest immigration rate in percentage terms after Cyprus.  As of 2011,  5.7 million foreigners were residents in Spain, or 12% of the total population. In 2017, A total of 66,498 foreign residents acquired Spanish nationality from countries such as Morocco (17,082), Ecuador (7,301) and Bolivia (6,124).

23. Switzerland

• Business visa for investment in swiss companies (€500,000 to €1 million)
• Lump sum taxation residence for retirees  (Pay tax CHF 400,000 to CHF 600,000 per year depending on canton. You cannot work )
• Permanent residence after ten years of living in Switzerland
• Swiss Citizenship after 12 years of legally living
• Swiss passport is one of the best and exclusive passports in the world. In 2018, swiss passport ranks sixth powerful in the world with visa free travel to 185 countries.

Switzerland is one of the most developed  and one of the wealthiest countries in the world. Switzerland ranks at or near the top globally in several metrics of national performance, including government transparency, civil liberties, quality of life, economic competitiveness, and human development. Zürich and Geneva have each been ranked among the top cities in the world in terms of quality of life, according to Mercer. The population is about 8 million, resulting in an average population density of around 195 people per square km. Switzerland has more than 1500 lakes, and contains 6% of Europe’s stock of fresh water. Lakes and glaciers cover about 6% of the national territory. The largest lake is Lake Geneva, in western Switzerland shared with France. The swiss economy is one of most competitive and most powerful economies in the world. The main sectors of economy are banking, financial services and manufacturing of chemicals, health and pharmaceutical goods, scientific and musical instruments and musical instruments.  Switzerland is not part of the European Union (EU), the European Economic Area (EEA) or the Eurozone, however, it participates in the Schengen Area and the European Single Market through bilateral treaties.

24. San Marino

• Economic Residence by investment scheme (elective residency) limited quota for 50 per year
• Property investment of €500,000
• Sammarinese Government bonds € 600,000 for 10 years (non-interest bearing)
• Residency for economic reasons (create 3 jobs and guarantee  € 75,000 deposit)
• Reside in in the territory of San Marino for a minimum of 10 years for citizenship
• San marino passport ranks 19th powerful in the world with 168 visa free destinations (US, Canada, UK, Ireland, Australia etc).

San Marino is the third smallest country in Europe, after Vatican City and Monaco with a population of 33,000 and approximately 5000 foreign residents. It is also the fifth smallest country in the world. San Marino is an enclaved micro-state surrounded by Italy, situated on the Italian Peninsula on the northeastern side of the Apennine Mountains. The country’s economy mainly relies on finance, industry, services and tourism. It is among one of the wealthiest countries in the world in terms of GDP (per capita), with a figure comparable to the most developed European regions. San Marino is considered to have a highly stable economy, with one of the lowest unemployment rates in Europe, no national debt and a budget surplus. It is the only country with more vehicles than people. San Marino is not a European Union member and euro is used widely. Tourism and banking are the country’s main source of revenue. The corporate profits tax rate in San Marino is 19%. Capital gains are subject to a five per cent tax; interest is subject to a 13% withholding tax.

25. Estonia

• Foreign investor residence permit ( €1 million)
• Startup visa scheme (EUR 100,000) for five year TRP
• E-residency scheme
• Estonia has 12th powerful passport in the world with visa free access to 178 countries

Estonia with a population of 1.2 million is a tech savvy country with blockchain, fintech, AI and ICO startups and one of the most digitally advanced countries.  Estonia is EU member state and also a part of schengen zone. Estonia Estonia ranks very high in the Human Development Index  ranks very high in freedom, liberties and press. Estonian introduced  e-Residency is a digital identity that allows everyone in the world to do business online with ease and open bank accounts without visiting. Estonia has an investment-friendly taxation system, with transparent and functioning legislation. Estonia produces about 75% of its consumed electricity. Estonia’s economy benefit from a transparent government and policies that sustain a high level of economic freedom, ranking 6th globally and 2nd in Europe

Please note we only assist clients only with selected countries. Please contact us for private consultation.