22 UGLOBAL IMMIGRATION MAGAZINE
“ Access to the European Schengen Area is another motivation and explains why HNWIs invest in Maltese , Portuguese , and Spanish residencies .
”
usual 10 . Moreover , they only need to take one of the two different citizenship exams ; Latin American residents of Spain skip the language-based DELE A2 . Yet they must show they know the basics of the Spanish Constitution and popular culture in the CCSE test .
DRIVING FACTORS OF INVESTMENT MIGRATION TO EUROPE
There are many factors driving investment migration to Europe . One of the most common factors is economic opportunity , as HNWIs can access new markets and grow their businesses .
In addition , Europe guarantees a high standard of living as there are excellent education , healthcare , and infrastructure . This attracts HNWIs looking for a better quality of life for their families .
Access to the European Schengen Area is another motivation and explains why HNWIs invest in Maltese , Portuguese , and Spanish residencies . As EU residents , they can move freely within this zone , important for business and leisure travel purposes .
Also , other trends are shaping the investment migration landscape in Europe . These include increased demand from China due to its ever-developing middle class . Chinese investors can access more disposable income and afford European golden visas .
INVESTORS LOOK TO MALTA AND SPAIN AS PORTUGAL ’ S POPULARITY RECEDES
The Malta and Spain programmes are not new , but as Portugal ’ s golden visa dulls , they shine brighter in the eyes of foreign investors . These countries are established tourist hotspots and appealing as more permanent bases . Favorable climates and the chance to go to the beach year-round are pluses , as their strong economies and high living standards .
Both Malta and Spain look to take advantage of Portugal ' s decision to remove the real estate option as a qualifying investment and benefit from the continued demand for residency in Europe .
CHRISTOPHER WILLIS
Christopher Willis is the managing director of Latitude Consultancy and has been involved in the immigration industry since 1995 . He is a member of the College of Immigration and Citizenship Consultants ( CICC ), the Canadian Association of Professional Immigration Consultants ( CAPIC ), and is a Fellow of the Investment Migration Council ( FIMC ). He sits on the board of the CAPIC Quebec chapter as well as the national lobbying committee . His office is the Regional Representative Office ( RRO ) for the Investment Migration Council in the Caribbean . He was educated in the United Kingdom and Canada and has owned and managed immigration firms in London , Montreal and the Caribbean . He is fluent in English and French and is involved in fundraising for philanthropic causes .