Author page: Prabhu Balakrishnan

Property Prices and Taxes in Vanuatu

Property Prices and Taxes in Vanuatu

Vanuatu property prices still remains the lowest in the world. Property prices have been steadily increasing over the years, especially due to increase in tourism, especially tourist arrivals combined with influx of chinese, australians and other expats. It is important to remember that lands in Vanuatu are not freehold. Properties can be leased for up to 50 years for residential…

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Background to Vanuatu Economic Citizenship

Background to Vanuatu Economic Citizenship

The History of Vanuatu citizenship by investment can be traced back to 1990’s when passport for sale schemes from pacific islands became very popular. Pacific island tax havens were among the first countries to enter the passport selling business in the 1980s and 1990s.  Vanuatu ran a passport for sale scheme between 1996-1997 selling 300 passport making $3.3 million, equivalent…

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Maltese citizenship based on residence

Maltese citizenship based on residence

Malta offers a path to foreigners and stateless persons naturalize for citizenship who are already residents. This is a non-investment path based purely on residency, for those who lived in Malta for atleast five years. The advantage of citizenship in Malta is, there are no citizenship test (civic knowledge), language test (knowledge of Maltese not required, english is acceptable) or…

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How to get Japanese citizenship for foreigners?

How to get Japanese citizenship for foreigners?

Japan is one of the difficult countries in the world for foreigners because of strict immigration policies and a low acceptance rate for foreign citizens seeking permanent residency or citizenship. Foreigners can acquire japanese citizenship by marriage or naturalization. It is important to understand that Japan recognizes only one citizenship. The Japanese Nationality Act (Law No. 147 of 1950) defines…

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Spain allows dual citizenship with 25 countries

Spain allows dual citizenship with 25 countries

Spain allows conditional dual citizenship only with 25 treaty countries which have bilateral agreement permitting dual citizenship. The rules apply differently for spanish nationals born in Spain and foreigners who naturalize for citizenship. Exception is granted for Sephardic jews who apply for spanish nationality who can keep their existing nationality. Children with double citizenship, who are born outside of spain…

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