Looking to invest abroad and have questions about different residency programmes? We spoke to Chris Immelman, Head of Pam Golding International to get more information on how to make your process smooth and successful.
Residency-by-Investment allows investors the opportunity to invest in real estate in a particular country and thereby earn the right to live in that country. The most popular programmes have been those securing European Residency for the investor and his or her family. “For example, if you invested €250k in a Golden Visa-approved development in Greece, then you are allowed to legally live in that country,” Chris explains. You effectively obtain a European Residency, which not only allows you to live in Greece but also allows you to travel throughout Schengen Europe without requiring visas, simply by using your EU Residency Card. Their modus operandi is to source suitable developments undertaken by experienced, trustworthy developers that qualify for these programmes. “Our current offerings in Greece meet these requirements, having worked extensively with these developers on other projects in Greece and Portugal. This provides much needed comfort for investors wishing to take up this offer, as they are able to rely on the extensive track record of the developers.”
“We have an end-to-end solution in place, in that we have secured suitable professionals in all the jurisdictions that we work in. So whilst we do not physically assist the clients with the residency application, we do introduce them to people whom we work with in the various jurisdictions that are experts in their field, like international immigration lawyers,” says Chris.
Whilst the biggest demand has been for EU residency programmes, the European Union has recently made significant changes to the EU Residency and Citizenship regulations, resulting in many countries either closing their programmes or making significant changes to their programmes. Greece remains one of the standout European nations that still offers a fully government-supported residency programme, and it is by far the cheapest EU residency programme still allowed.
“As a result of the tightening of the various programmes in Europe, we have been looking elsewhere at programmes that may satisfy the needs of our clients – and as such are delighted to now be able to offer the Dubai Golden Visa programme which requires an investment of AED2m (approx. US$ 500k) which secures a Dubai Golden Visa. This allows one to legally live and work in Dubai for a ten-year period” he says. “The Dubai Golden Visa is renewable after ten years, provided one still owns the property.”
“Doing thorough research and considering all options is essential and we are here to help you understand each programme and which works best for you. We think the best advice is to ensure that you have done sufficient research and use professionals whom you can trust and who have built up a track record to demonstrate their trustworthiness and competence,” Chris advises.
Having travelled extensively and building up years in experience, helping people Chris and his team are well-equipped to provide you with the best service and advice. Chris adds, “Our job is to understand the intricacies of the actual residency programme and also the underlying investment. We visit almost all of the development opportunities and make the effort to meet and get to know the developers bringing these opportunities to market.”
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