Real Estate Investor Magazine South Africa March/April 2019 | Page 59

WEALTH MANAGEMENT countries like Malta for example. You can open bank accounts and can send your children to top schools. For example, with an EU citizenship such as Malta, your children have access to universities in Europe at EU rates, rather than the substantially higher foreign student rates.  To enjoy the maximum benefits of a European ‘citizenship by investment’ program, you generally need around R15 million to get into the Euro Zone, and residency programs start from as low as R2.5 million. The Caribbean programs start at around R1.5 million, but generally have the benefit that you can exit your investment after a period and still retain citizenship. RECOMMENDED PROGRAMS INCLUDE: Eurozone Portugal Starts from EUR500,000 into property (can be from EUR350  000 subject to certain criteria). Does not provide instant citizenship, but rather residency although you are not required to actually live there. After six years citizenship can be granted, however this is still open for debate. Regular visits are required for renewals as well as a language test. An attractive option though as a route to EU residence and visa-free travel to all the Schengen countries. Malta Requires Government contribution (donation) from EUR 650 000, in addition to an investment of EUR 150 000 into Government bonds (held for 5 years), as well as a property component (can choose between renting and buying). Program starts from around EUR 1 million for a family of 4 Citizenship takes just over twelve months (residency period) during which time at least +_21 days should be spent in Malta. There are no language requirements. Attractive option to gain entry to EU residence (within first 6-8 weeks) and then citizenship and travel to EU and USA. Malta is currently voted as no. 7 on the list of best passports to have.  Cyprus Starts at EUR300,000 into property for residence, but EUR2.5 million for citizenship. Offers fast and straightforward route to residence in 2 to 4 months. Offers access and travel to EU.   CARIBBEAN Grenada Starts at USD 200  000 donation or USD350,000 into property. Citizenship in 4-6 months. The only Caribbean country with visa-free travel to China and access to the US via the E-2 treaty ‘Investor Visa’, which allows you to establish a business and reside in the US. Visa-free travel to 140 countries incl. UK, China and Schengen region. Property is owned full title, fully managed and rented, and can be sold after 3 years (and keep citizenship). Antigua and Barbuda Starts at USD 100  000 donation or USD200,000 into property. Citizenship and passport in 4-6 months. Visa-free travel to 134 countries including UK and Schengen countries. Incredibly beautiful country, stunning beaches and fabulous properties.  St Kitts and Nevis Starts at USD 150,000 donation or USD 200,000 into property. Recognised for well-known offshore banking sector and a tourist hotspot. Visa-free travel to 149 countries including UK and Schengen countries. Citizenship in 6-9 months. Dominica (Commonwealth) Starts at USD 100 000 donation or USD220,000 into property. One of the cheapest programs and also voted one of the best programs due to how it’s managed by the Government. Citizenship in 3-5 months. Visa-free travel to 135 countries including UK and Schengen countries. Finally, she says, property growth rates vary according to the area and property type, and each programme comes with different conditions and requirements. It is therefore best to work with an experienced SA specialist to ensure you are equipped with accurate country, property and investment information and data. SOURCE: 40 Global: World Residence & Citizenship GET INSPIRED BY THE BIGGEST NAMES IN PROPERTY Join us on REIM TV as we interview master investors such as Sol Kerzner, Robert Kiyosaki, and Christo Wiese to name a few VISIT REIM TV AT WWW.REIMAG.CO.ZA SA Real Estate Investor Magazine MARCH/APRIL 2019 57