CBI Spring 2017 | Chinese Edition

Page 1

ii ss ss u ue e 1X0

投资移民

SSpprriin ng g 2200X 17 X

Inside This Issue 本期内容

“The Resurgence of the Global Residential Markets” “全球住宅市场的复苏” “Brexit and Investment Migration to the UK” “英国脱欧与投资移民” “Where’s Best to Invest? Property in Europe” “最佳投资项目在哪?欧洲房地产”

In Focus 本期看点

Cyprus 塞浦路斯 St Lucia 圣卢西亚 Germany 德国 The Commonwealth of Dominica 多米尼加共和国 ... and more 以及更多内容

www.citizenshipinvestment.org www.citizenshipinvestment.org




Citizenship by Investment Spring 2017

目录 2017春季

编者按 Daisy Reece 欢迎阅读2017年春季版《投 资移民——移民信息与选择参考 (Citizenship by Investment – your resource for citizenship and residency)》。

新闻快报 6 专栏 改进投资移民计划推动良性竞争

12

全球住宅市场的复苏

16

购物天堂:全球指南

24

最佳投资项目在哪?欧洲房地产

加勒比海最佳投资移民计划

38

英国脱欧与投资移民

42

32

国家聚焦 Contents

安提瓜和巴布达 塞浦路斯

多米尼加共和国

Sponsored by

46

50

60

64

70

74

81

Sponsored by

德国

希腊

格林纳达

马耳他

葡萄牙

88

圣基茨和尼维斯

92

圣卢西亚

96

100

Sponsored by

美国

在本期刊内,我们旨在评估多 种多样的移民与居留选择,以便为 您提供最新的最具有参考价值的相 关信息。除此之外,我们还回顾了 高净值人士在挑选移民或居留项 目前应了解的逻辑与实践上的注意 事项。 我们将全球移民与居留许可方 面最新的值得关注的信息放在了本 杂志最前面。我们不单从生活方式 的角度考虑了哪些地区最适合投资 房产,还提供了全球住宅市场复苏 方面的相关分析。投资者可在本刊 内找到哪些国家在2016年第四季度 获得最大投资回报的信息。 房地产可能是个热门话题,但 它不是本期刊涵盖的唯一主题。我 们还谈到了全球各大著名购物地点 以及如何准备一份最成功的大学入 学申请书。财务也是应注意的重要 方面,本期专题报道了针对非定居 外国人的税收立法以及将房地产授 权委托专业代理商办理的好处。 除了专题报道,我们的国家聚 焦板块还提供了有关欧洲、加勒比 地区及美国投资热点的所有有价值 的信息。国家聚焦板块从这些国家 的人口数据讨论到它们的历史和未 来经济状况,来分析每个国家的主 要特征。你可以在这里找到移民项 目的相关重要信息。 了解更多相关信息或是 其他资料,请访问网站www. citizenshipinvestment.org。 或关注我们的推特账号:@ CitizenbyInvest,我们会发送投资 移民的最新相关信息—您将会在第 一时间了解到移民政策的变化、调 整以及实施进程。 我们还要在此感谢Beacon Events在第三届中东投资移民峰会 上与我们的合作。 感谢您的阅读—我们希望您 会喜欢这份最新版的《投资移民 (Citizenship by Investment)》。


Citizenship by Investment Spring 2017

Contents Spring 2017 News Alert 7 Features Improvements to CBI programs drive healthy competition .......................... 10 The resurgence of the global residential markets ........................................... 14 Shoppingtopia: a global guide ...................................................................... 18 Where's best to invest? Property in Europe ................................................... 28 The best of the Caribbean CBI programmes ................................................. 36 Brexit and investment migration to the UK ................................................. 40

Country Spotlights Antigua and Barbuda

Sponsored by

................................................................ 44

The Commonwealth of Dominica

Sponsored by

................................................. 56

Germany....................................................................................................... 62 Greece .......................................................................................................... 66 Grenada ....................................................................................................... 72 Malta............................................................................................................ 78 Portugal ........................................................................................................ 84 St. Kitts & Nevis .......................................................................................... 90 Saint Lucia ................................................................................................... 94 USA

Sponsored by

Published by BLS Media Ltd, info@blsmedia.co.uk www.blsmedia.co.uk Unit 5, ‘Hiltongrove N1’, 14 Southgate Road London N1 3LY

Editor Daisy Reece info@blsmedia.co.uk Head Designer Achraf Amiri

.......................................................................................... 98 BLS Media are contract publishers of high quality media for prestigious organisations, event organisers, governments and trade associations both in the United Kingdom and internationally. Our experienced publishing team will develop your publication from initial concept through to completion. Our services include: creative design, PR, advertising sales, sales training, editorial and distribution. Whilst every care has been taken in compiling this publication and the statements contained herein are believed to be correct, the publishers and the promoters will not accept responsibility for any inaccuracies. Reproduction of any part of this publication without permission is strictly forbidden. BLS Media make no recommendation in respect of any of the advertisers and no recommendation may be implied by way of the presence of their advertisements. Advertising: For advertising enquiries in future editions of contact Sam Hussain info@blsmedia.co.uk www.blsmedia.co.uk

Welcome to the 2017 Spring edition of Citizenship by Investment – your resource for citizenship and residency options. Throughout this edition, we aim to evaluate the various citizenship and residency options in order to provide you with the most up to date and relevant information available. Further to this, we review the logistical and practical considerations the UNHWI should be aware of before choosing a citizenship or residency program. We begin this edition with news alerts on the latest updates to citizenship and residency permits around the world. Features within the magazine do not only consider the best places to invest in property from a lifestyle perspective, but also offer an analysis of the resurgence in the global residential market. Investors will find information on which countries saw the largest return on investment by the final quarter of 2016. Property may be the hot topic, but it isn’t the only topic covered in this edition. We cover where to shop in the major commercial hot spots around the globe and how to best prepare a successful university application. Finance is also key, with editorial features covering the changes in tax legislation for Non-Domiciled individuals and the advantages to outsourcing the care of an estate to a professional fiduciary. Besides our editorial features, our Country Spotlights provide all the crucial information needed about the investment hotspots of Europe, the Caribbean and the U.S. These spotlights discuss the main features of the countries, ranging from the demographics of the country to its history and economic future. Here is where you’ll find in-depth information about each citizenship program. For further information and updates, please visit our website, www.citizenshipinvestment. org. Alternatively, follow us on Twitter @CitizenbyInvest, as we tweet about the latest news on citizenship and residency – be the first to find out about changes and tweaks to both pre-existing and developing programs. We would also like to acknowledge and thank Beacon Events for their partnership at the third Investment Immigration Summit MENA. Thank you for reading – we hope you enjoy the latest edition of Citizenship by Investment.

Contents

Cyprus.......................................................................................................... 48

Editor's Note Daisy Reece


Citizenship by Investment Spring 2017

新闻快报 Ü

塞浦路斯

将投资金额从250万下降到200万欧元。额外投资50万欧元,投资者的父母也可一同申请塞 浦路斯的公民身份。

Ü

匈牙利

注意:匈牙利宣布即将结束此前大受欢迎的居留债券计划。此种申请的截止日期为2017年 3月份。

Ü

圣基茨和维尼斯

将可一同申请公民身份的主申请人父母的最小申请年龄从65岁下调到了55岁,子女的最大 申请年龄从25岁上调到了30岁。

Ü

圣卢西亚

圣卢西亚目前已取消此前被设定为500份的最大申请限度。此外,50,000美元的手续费已被 自动添加到购买政府无息债券的项目中。申请人不必再达到必须拥有3,000,000美元净资产的经济 要求。圣卢西亚也调整了有关国家经济基金的投资要求,详情如下: 2016年价格(USD)

2017年价格(USD)

主申请人

200,000

100,000

主申请人与配偶

235,000

165,000

主申请人与配偶以及最多两名子女

250,000

190,000

25,000

25,000

每附加一位合格亲属

Ü

多米尼加

多米尼加降低了投资移民项目的申请费用,并将可一同申请第二国籍的子女的最大年龄从25 岁上调到了28岁。注意:多米尼加已将目前最优惠的投资移民项目的价格从100,000美元上调到 了175,000美元,但等到2017年才开始正式执行。

Ü

土耳其

土耳其推出了黄金签证计划,为向房地产市场投资超1,000,000美元的国外投资者提供居留 许可。

66


Citizenship by Investment Spring 2017

News Alerts Ü

CYPRUS

Level of investment has been reduced from €2.5M to €2M. The parents of the investor can also apply for citizenship with an additional investment of €500,000.

Ü

HUNGARY

ALERT: Hungary has announced the end of its popular Residency Bond scheme. The deadline for applications is March, 2017.

Ü

ST KITTS AND NEVIS

The ages of dependent parents is being lowered from 65 to 55; financial dependents ages has been increased from 25 to 30.

News Alerts

Ü

ST LUCIA

St Lucia have removed the limit on maximum applications, which had been set at 500. In addition, an administration fee of $50,000 has been added to the purchase of non-interest bearing Government Bonds. Applicants also no longer need a net worth of $3,000,000 to apply. St Lucia have also changed the qualifying investments in the National Economic Fund, detailed below:

Price in 2016 (USD)

Price in 2017 (USD)

Main applicant

200,000

100,000

Main applicant and spouse

235,000

165,000

Main applicant, spouse and upto two other dependents

250,000

190,000

25,000

25,000

Each additional qualifying dependent

Ü

THE COMMONWEALTH OF DOMINICA

Dominica has lowered the application fee for its Citizenship by Investment program, as well as increasing the eligibility age of dependents from 25 to 28. ALERT: Currently the cheapest Citizenship by Investment program with prices starting at just $100,000, Dominica’s CBI program was set to be increased to $175,000. However, this cost increase has been postponed until 2017.

Ü

TURKEY

Turkey has launched a Golden Visa scheme that is set to offer a Residency Permit to those who invest more than $1,000,000 in Turkish real estate.

7




Citizenship by Investment Spring 2017

Improvements to Citizenship by Investment programs drive healthy competition ! Written by Veronica Cotdemiey, CEO of Citizenship Invest

their citizenship programs to fit those demands. This has significantly helped to attract more investors into these programs and create more awareness towards the citizenship by investment industry.

Guest Editorial

Some of these countries grant instant citizenship while others require to show proof of residency to, years later, have the right to apply for their citizenship. Through ‘fast track’ programs applicants seeking an alternative nationality can obtain it in only a few months depending on the country’s legislation. Here we highlight some of the most recent changes to the citizenship by investment programs.

T

he citizenship by investment industry has rapidly been gaining more awareness. Political instability, Brexit, aggressive changes to taxation policies, and the election of new political leaders who are inclined towards restrictive immigration policies, have encouraged more and more people to seek for a second nationality to somehow protect themselves from these radical changes. In the search for freedom of movement and safety, more people are increasingly considering a second citizenship. In the past couple of years several Governments across the world have carefully restructured their citizenship by investment programs allowing affluent investors to financially contribute to their country’s economy, obtaining residency status or a second nationality in return. Increasingly more, Governments started to carefully analyze the investors’ needs and are tailoring

10 10

The Cypriot Citizenship by Investment program is currently the only European program which allows an applicant to obtain citizenship in six months. The passport allows visa free travel to over 140 countries and most importantly the right to study, work, and live in any country which is part of the European Union. Major changes within the Cypriot Citizenship by Investment program have helped to attract a greater number of investors. In September 2016, the government reduced the price of the required real estate investment from Euros 2.5 million to Euros 2 million. Also, applicants can now include their parents in their application for an additional real estate investment of Euros 500,000. Along with this change, the government has enhanced their due diligence process in light of the growing number of applicants. In addition, the government will now in the first instance issue a residency card and six months later the citizenship. Such amendments have been reflected in an increased number of investors flocking to Cyprus to explore this opportunity.

‘Fast track’ citizenship programs such as the Cypriot program do not require the applicant to reside in the country, neither to prove residency, to obtain or maintain their new nationality. The Caribbean citizenship by investment programs have the same characteristics, hence their popularity. Some of these countries have also recently made changes to their citizenship legislation, adjusting to what has become a very competitive industry. The Commonwealth of Dominica, which is one of the Caribbean countries with a buoyant citizenship program, reduced their government application fees for the real estate investment option in December 1, 2016. To apply for the citizenship of Dominica via real estate, a minimum investment of USD 200,000 is required in a Government approved project. In addition to this investment the applicant is required to pay Government application fees which have been recently reduced considerably. With the new amendments to the legislation, these fees for a family of four have now been decreased from USD 115,000 down to USD 75,000 and for a family of six from USD 155,000 down to USD 100,000. This change has increased investment in Dominica’s real estate sector. Cabrits Resort Kempinksi; Tranquility Beach - CURIO A Collection by Hilton; and Silver Beach Marriot are three of the top world-renowned hotel brands approved by the Dominica Government for citizenship. These developments play a key role in supporting the country’s economy both within the Real Estate as well as the tourism sector. The Government has also introduced changes to the age of dependent children and parents. This gives applicants the possibility to include in their application children up to 28 years of age, instead of 25 years of age (previously); and parents over 55 years of age, instead of 65 years of age (previously).


Citizenship by Investment Spring 2017

Grenada’s citizenship program has also proven to be a major player within the citizenship by investment industry in the Caribbean, ever since reopening the doors of their citizenship by investment program in 2014. The country’s passport offers visa free access to over 120 countries including the UK, Schengen, and China. Grenada is the only Caribbean country with a fast track citizenship program which signed a Commerce and Navigation Treaty with the United States of America. In return, the USA allows Grenada’s citizens to fall under the E-2 non-immigrant classification. Therefore, a Grenada citizen can obtain U.S residency by making an investment of approximately USD 100,00 in a business in the U.S and employing a minimum of three people. Ever since the increase of the citizenship application costs passed in January 2012 by former Prime Minister of St. Kitts & Nevis Denzil Douglas, the legislation has not undergone any further changes in its costs. On the other hand, with a similar required entry level to St Kitts & Nevis, Antigua & Barbuda has slightly decreased their application costs. Announced back in June 2016, the Government now allows two dependent children to be included under the National Development Fund option at no additional cost, for a total financial contribution of USD 300,000 for a family of four.

...now not only is this a great opportunity to invest in the weakened Greek real estate market but also to obtain European citizenship whilst getting a good return.

Saint Lucia, which is the last country to have launched its citizenship by investment program on January 1st, 2016, also passed the latest significant amendments to their legislation only a few weeks ago. On January 1st, 2017. St Lucia aggressively decreased their costs becoming the most affordable citizenship program in the industry. The Financial Contribution to the National Fund of St. Lucia came down from USD 200,000 to USD 100,000 for a single applicant and from USD 250,000 down USD 190,000 for a family of four.

faster citizenship programs, others do not mind the wait and opt for longer term European residency programs. One of the most popular residency programs is the Portuguese Golden Visa. Through a real estate investment of Euros 500,000 the applicant obtains Portuguese residency status and 6 years later, if no amendments to the legislation take place, they have the right to apply for citizenship. The program is not only attractive due to the fact that Portugal’s passport is ranked highly and allows visa free access to over 150 countries but also because the investor could get a genuine return on their real estate investment as the property market is currently soaring and the property investment can be sold once citizenship is granted. Furthermore, the applicant does not have to reside in the country at any point in time but must only make periodical short visits to the country. Also within Europe, in July 2015, Greece introduced further amendments to their law whereby investors who purchase a property worth Euros 250,000 in Greece and reside in the country for seven consecutive years can apply for citizenship. Although the Greek residency by investment program was launched in April 18, 2013, before the recent change to its legislation, investors were not able to qualify for citizenship. Therefore, now not only this is a great opportunity to invest in the weakened Greek real estate market but also to obtain European citizenship whilst getting a good return. Such adjustments to the regulations performed by the different countries with the aim to enhance their citizenship by investment programs and make them more attractive, result in an significant increase of direct foreign investments into these nations. Over the course of the year further citizenship by investment programs are expected to be subject to amendments in the search for becoming more competitive. One thing is certain, the citizenship by investment industry is rapidly growing while gaining the attention of affluent investors who appreciate the multiple benefits of obtaining a second nationality.

The country offers a second citizenship in a period of three months and allows visa free access to over 120 countries including the UK and Schengen states. With this amendment, St. Lucia is set to experience a radical impact in the number of applications submitted during the course of 2017.Although some prefer to go for

11


Citizenship by Investment Spring 2017

改进投资移民计划 推动良性竞争 投

Guest Editorial

资移民行业正在迅速获得更多的认 识。政治不稳定,英国脱欧,税收 政策的积极变化,倾向于限制性移民政 策的新政治领导人的当选,都使得越来 越多的人想要申请第二国籍,以寻求各 种各样的方式使自己在这些天翻地覆的 变化中免受损失。在寻求行动安全和自 由方面,越来越多的人正在考虑第二公 民身份。 在过去几年中世界各地的几个政府 谨慎的调整了它们的投资移民计划,允 许富裕的外国投资者为它们的国家经济 提供经济援助,作为回报投资者可以获 得居留身份或是第二国籍。越来越多的 政府开始关注和分析投资者在当地的需 要,并为他们量身定制投资计划以满足 投资者的需要。这一举措有利于吸引更 多投资者的到来,也为投资移民行业带 来了更多的新认识。 这些国家中的一些国家会给予投资 者即时公民身份,而其他国家则要求提 供居留证明,几年后有权申请其公民身 份。通过“快速通道”方案,寻求替代国籍 的申请人可以根据该国的立法在短短几 个月之内获得申请。 在这里我们强调几项投资移民计划 的最新变化。 塞浦路斯投资移民计划是目前唯一 允许申请人在六个月之内获得公民身份 的欧洲移民计划。该护照可免签入境多 达140个国家,最为重要的是,护照持有 人享有在欧盟任何国家学习、工作和生 活的权利。 塞浦路斯投资移民计划中的重大变 化有助于吸引更多投资者的到来。2016 年9月份,塞浦路斯政府将投资房地产市 场的所需金额从250万欧元下调到了200 万。此外,再额外向房地产市场投资50 万欧元,主申请人的父母可一同申请公 民身份。随着移民项目的调整变化,申 请人数不断增加,政府的调查评估程序 也更加审慎严格。另外,政府会先向申 请人发放一张居留证明,六个月后出具 公民身份。这些修正案使得大批投资者 涌进塞浦路斯去寻找投资机会。 “快速通道”移民计划,如塞浦路斯的 方案,并不需要申请人居住在本国家,

12 12

!

Veronica Cotdemiey, CEO, Citizenship Invest

也不必提供居留证明以维持他们的新公 民身份。加勒比国家的移民方案也具有 这一特点,因此十分受投资者的青睐。 其他一些国家最近也对本国的移民方案 作出了些调整,以适应这个目前竞争激 烈的行业。 多米尼加共和国是加勒比地区的国 家之一,在2016年9月1日下调了本国 投资移民项目中房地产投资的政府申请 费。想要通过房地产项目申请多米尼加 公民身份的投资者,需购买政府批准下 的价值至少20万美元的房产。除了这笔 房产投资外,投资者还需支付近期大幅 下降的政府申请费。根据最新修订的条 款,四口之家的申请费用从 115,000美元 下降至75,000美元,一家六口的申请费 用从155,000美元下降至100,000美元。 这些政策的调整为多米尼加的房地产 市场带来了更多的投资。Cabrits Resort Kempinksi、Tranquility Beach - CURIO - A Collection by Hilton和Silver Beach Marriot 是多米尼加政府为移民项目批准的三大 世界知名酒店品牌。它们在房地产市场 和旅游业两个领域的发展为支持国家的 经济发挥了重要作用。 政府对主申请人子女及其父母的年 龄限制也作出了调整。主申请人子女最 大申请年龄从之前的25周岁调整为18周 岁,其父母最小申请年龄从之前的65周 岁调整至55周岁。 自从在2014年重新实施投资移民 方案后,格林纳达的移民计划成了整个 加勒比地区投资移民行业中的重要参与 者。该国护照可以免签入境超过120个国 家,包括英国、申根和中国。 格林纳达是唯一一个开通快速移民 通道并与美国签署了“商业与航海条约” 的加勒比国家。作为回报,美国将格林 纳达公民归为E-2非移民类别。因此,格 林纳达公民可以通过向美国商业投资约 100,00美元并雇佣至少3位员工的方式来 获得美国居留权。 自2012年1月份圣基茨和尼维斯的前 总理Denzil Douglas增加了移民申请费用 以来,该国立法在此项费用上并未再作 进一步的调整。 另一方面,与圣基茨和尼维斯同为


Citizenship by Investment Spring 2017

投资移民入门级别的安提瓜和巴布达, 则稍微降低了移民申请费用。政府在 2016年6月份宣布,允许两名受抚养子女 在国家发展基金项目下与主申请人一同 申请公民身份,无需额外缴纳费用。一 家四口所需的金融捐赠为30万美元。 圣卢西亚是2016年1月1日推出投 资移民计划的最后一个国家,也只在 几周前才通过了对立法的最新重大修 正。2017年1月1日,圣卢西亚积极降低 了本国的投资移民成本,成为了本行业 中最经济实惠的移民选择地。向圣卢西 亚国家基金提供财政捐款的金额,单一 申请人的20万美元下降到10万美元,四 口之家的25万美元下降到了19万美元。 该国可在三个月内完成申请程序发 放护照,且圣卢西亚护照可免签入境包 括英国和申根国家在内的120多个国家。 通过这项修正案,圣卢西亚移民申请的 数量将会在2017年迅速上升。 虽然有些人更喜欢移民申请获批迅 速的移民项目,但有些人则不介意等待 并选择长期的欧洲居留计划。其中最受 欢迎的居留项目之一就是葡萄牙的黄金 签证。通过向葡萄牙的房地产市场投资 50万欧元,申请人可获得葡萄牙的居留 许可,若6年后立法未作相关修改,申请 人有权向政府申请公民身份。该计划对 投资者极具吸引力,不单是因为葡萄牙 的护照排名高,允许免签入境150多个国 家,还因为目前葡萄牙的房地产市场异 常火热,投资者可以在这里得到丰厚的 投资回报。投资者一旦获得公民身份, 就可以将房产出售获取利润。此外,申 请人不需要居住在葡萄牙,只要进行定 期的短暂访问就可以了。

…现在不仅是投资 疲软的希腊房地产 市场的好机会,还 可以在取得欧洲公 民身份的同时获得 良好的投资回报。

此外,在欧洲,2015年7月份,希腊 对其法律进行了进一步的修改。在希腊 购买价值超25万欧元的房产,且在该国 连续居留7年以上的投资者,可向希腊政 府申请公民身份。虽然希腊的投资移民 计划是在2013年4月18日开始实施的,但 在最近修改立法之前,投资者并无资格 获得希腊公民身份。 因此,现在不仅是 投资疲软的希腊房地产市场的好机会, 还可以在取得欧洲公民身份的同时获得 良好的投资回报。 不同的国家都对各自的投资移民方 案进行了适当的调整,使该国的投资移 民计划对投资者更具吸引力,从而大幅 增加外国直接投资。在这一年中,投资 移民计划有望进行进一步的调整修正, 使其在投资移民行业中更具有竞争力。 有一点可以确定的是,投资移民行业正 在飞速发展,同时也会引起了解第二国 籍多重好处的富裕的投资者的关注。

13


Citizenship by Investment Spring 2017

The Resurgence of the Global Residential Markets

Feature

! Daisy Reece

A

s globalisation came under political attack, 2016 was a tumultuous year that threatened the resilience of the global residential market. Through positioning themselves as innovation centres, cities around the globe have thrived since the financial downturn. For those questioning whether the uncertainty of the current political climate will have knock on ramifications to the global real estate market, data seems to suggest otherwise. The Knight Frank Global Price Index for Q3 of 2016 shows a 5.3% increase - the highest in two years. However, the fall out of 2016 is as of yet unclear. In addition to Brexit, experts have outlined potential challenges presented by the slowdown in the Chinese market and unpredictable changes in U.S policy. How the market will manage these threats remains to be seen - if last year is to be taken as an indicator, it will find a way to continue its steady growth. 2016 was a year of turmoil for Turkey. A failed coup, security threats and Russian sanctions curtailed investment. However, its political turmoil has not stopped the growth of its real estate market, which is arguably the strongest in the world at present.

14 14

According to Frank Knight, Turkey has seen the largest growth in its residential market. Between the third quarter of 2015 and the third quarter of 2016, Turkey’s house price index saw an increase of 13.9%, the highest in the world. Following security threats and Russian sanctions investment has fallen since the same month one year prior; despite the circumstances, Istanbul house prices increased by 17.68%, Ankara by 9.16% and Izmir by 14.71%. In total, 7,493 houses were sold to foreigners in Istanbul, the country’s largest city. Commercial real estate in Turkey is also experiencing a dynamic growth period. Turkey’s young population, growing urbanisation and increasing consumer spending has had a positive influence on commercial real estate. Investors keen to capitalise on these opportunities have pushed expansion in the commercial market the total number of malls in Turkey was 337 in 2014, which rose to 361 in 2016 and is expected to reach 460 by the end of 2017. Turkey has recently introduced a Golden Visa scheme which will mean automatic residency for those who invest $1,000,000 in Turkish real estate.

The scheme means that Turkey will join Spain, Portugal, Cyprus, Greece and Malta, countries which have all seen growth driven by their offer of residency through real estate. The Turkish government hope to further drive growth through the incentive of residency - and the success of similar initiatives in Portugal and Cyprus suggests that their hope will become a reality. Following Turkey’s lead, Maltese house prices have also been rising due to demand and foreign investment. In the second quarter of 2016, statistics showed that prices had risen by 8.7% in comparison with the same quarter in the year before. The Central Bank of Malta have specified that the influx of foreign workers and to some extent, the Individual Investor Programme, have been a pillar of support to the increasing demand for housing. Further to this, the low interest environment has also been encouraging investment. Latvia is also one to watch. Average apartment prices had risen by 9.75% in the last quarter of 2016 in comparison to prices a year before.


Citizenship by Investment Spring 2017

Overall, several countries in Europe are showing promising signs of growth, in comparison to their weaker housing market counterparts in Asia and Russia.

Though not as high an increase as in Riga, rising house prices are consistent across the country; Ogre, Kauguri, Salaspils and Jelgava have all seen notable rises in housing price. In 2010, Latvia launched a scheme offering residency permits to foreigners who invest a certain amount in property. Since the launch, foreign ownership of Latvian real estate has grown considerably; today, foreigners account for 70% of property sales. The five year residency permit has been particularly popular with Russians, Ukrainians and Chinese buyers. It seems that the market will continue its growth as the Latvian economy is slowly improving, with unemployment down to 8% from 17% in 2012.

Amidst Cyprus’ economic recovery, house prices are also expected to rise following increased demand. Further more, the Cypriot government have introduced new laws that detail tax incentives, improve access to title deeds and the banking system as a whole. The revival of the economy is also expected to drive growth; the economy is expected to expand by 2% in 2017. Cyprus is another location that foreign buyers seek out due to the government-implemented Golden Visa scheme; its success is denoted by the rise of housing prices in seaside areas such as Paphos and Famagusta.

The economy of Bulgaria is also recovering from almost five years of stagnation. During the last quarter of 2016, house prices in Sofia rose by as much as 14.4%. Prices rising can be linked to the fact that limited new construction restricts supply, with demand for the larger cities continuing to increase. 2016 has also seen the rise in demand of vacation properties located in resorts and at the seaside. Driven by a large return on investment, it seems that the Bulgarian property market will continue to show strong growth in 2017.

Another European country to see high price rises is Germany; during the financial crisis of 2009, Germany avoided a house-price slump. Now, low interest mortgage rates are encouraging growth, which is as high as 8%. Demand in Germany is soaring due to the high influx of refugees, work related immigration, low levels of new construction and strong economic growth. Germany remains an economic powerhouse in Europe, and growth levels are forecasted to be at 3.7% over the coming year.

Currently, the strongest housing market in Europe is Iceland. Housing prices across the country rose by 10.85% in the third quarter of 2016, which was higher than the annual rise of 5.27% a year prior. Strong demand and low supply are reinforcing the growth trend. Romania’s housing market is almost as strong as that of Iceland, with the average selling price rising by 9.2% in the third quarter of 2016. Of late, the housing market has been bolstered by strong economic growth and a construction boom. Positive growth is not being witnessed around the globe, despite growth being a consistency across Europe. The last quarter of 2016 saw house prices in Russia decline by 11%, Brazil by 8% and Hong Kong by 6%. Russia is still recovering from a financial crisis caused by intervention in Syria, low oil prices and the war in Ukraine. Amidst both an uncertain political future and an economic depression, Brazil’s housing market is floundering. Finally, Hong Kong is also seeing declines, but it is worth mentioning that though prices have fallen, the fall was less than the fall one year prior. Overall, several countries in Europe are showing promising signs of growth, in comparison to their weaker housing market counterparts in Asia and Russia. Iceland, Germany and Romania stand out as strong growth models. Economies continue to recover from the financial crisis, a good indicator that growth will continue in 2017. However, as the world’s political stage grows more fraught, the future of the global residential market appears threatened, though it is as of yet too early to call the end of the boom.

15


Citizenship by Investment Spring 2017

全球住宅市场的复苏

Feature

! Daisy Reece

于遭受政治攻击的影响,2016年局 势动荡不安,全球住宅的市场的 应变能力受到考验。通过将自己的城市 定位为创新中心,全世界的城市都在金 融衰退之后再次蓬勃发展。对于那些针 对当前政治气候的不确定性是否会对全 球房地产市场产生影响提出的质疑,数 据资料似乎在暗示一些其他东西。2016 年第三季度的Knight Frank全球价格 指数上涨5.3%——这是两年来的最高涨 幅。然而,2016年的跌幅目前为止尚不 明确。除英国脱欧外,专家还介绍了中 国市场放缓所带来的潜在挑战以及美国 政策难以预料的变化。市场如何应对这 些威胁还有待观察——如果将去年作为 一个指标,将会找到一条继续稳步增长 的途径。 2016年对土耳其来说是动荡的一 年。政变失败、安全威胁与俄罗斯削减 投资的经济制裁。但是,其动荡不安的 政治局势并未影响到土耳其房地产市场 的增长,这绝对是世界上最强劲的房地 产市场之一。

16 16

据Frank Knight说,土耳其的住宅 市场是目前全世界增速最快的。在2015 年第三季度到2016年第三季度之间, 土耳其房价指数同比上涨13.9%,创历 史新高。在安全威胁和俄制裁之后,投 资比去年同期下降;尽管如此,伊斯坦 布尔的房价上涨了17.68%,安卡拉则上 涨9.16%,伊兹密尔上涨了14.71%。全国 最大城市伊斯坦布尔共向外国人出售了 7,493套房产。 土耳其的商业房地产也正处于蓬勃 发展期。土耳其的年轻人口,城市化程 度的不断扩大和消费支出的增加都对商 业地产产生了很多积极影响。热衷于利 用这些机会的投资者推动了商业市场的 扩张——2014年土耳其的购物商场总数 为337家,2016年上升至361家,且有望 在2017年底增至460家。 土耳其政府近期推出了一项黄金签 证计划,这意味着向土耳其房地产市场 投资超100万美元的投资者将自动获得居 留许可。该项计划意味着土耳其即将加 入西班牙、葡萄牙、塞浦路斯、希腊和

马耳他这些国家,通过房地产行业向投 资者提供居留许可从而推动经济增长。 土耳其政府希望通过居留许可进一步推 动国家经济的发展——葡萄牙和塞浦路 斯的同类举措已取得成功,表明土耳其 政府的期望有望成真。 跟随着土耳其房地产市场的脚步, 马耳他的房价因为购房需求和外商投资 也在持续上涨。2016年第二季度的统计 数据显示,价格同比上一年度同季度增 长了8.7%。马耳他中央银行指出,外国 劳工的涌入,在某种程度上是个人投资 者计划,是支持住房需求日益增长的支 柱。此外,低利率环境也刺激了国外投 资的增长。 拉脱维亚也是需要关注的一个国 家。与去年同期相比,2016年最后一季 度平均住房价格上涨了9.75%。尽管房价 并未高过Riga,但全国房价都在持续上 涨;Ogre、Kauguri、Salaspils和Jelgava 这四个城市的房价都出现了较为明显的 涨幅。2010年,拉脱维亚启动了一项计 划,开始向在本国进行房地产投资的外


Citizenship by Investment Spring 2017

总而言之,与亚洲 和俄罗斯较弱的房 地产市场相比,欧 洲几个国家都显示 出了有希望的增长 迹象。

国投资者提供居留许可。自从这项计划 推出以来,拉脱维亚房地产市场的外资 占有率大幅增长;目前,外资购买占房 地产销售的70%。该国的五年居留许可 证非常受俄罗斯、乌克兰和中国买家的 欢迎。随着拉脱维亚经济的缓慢增长, 其房地产市场也将继续保持着上涨的趋 势,该国失业率也从2012年的17%下降到 了目前的8%。 保加利亚的经济也开始在近五年的 发展停滞中逐渐恢复活力。在2016年 最后一个季度,索菲亚的房价涨幅高达 14.4%。房价上涨可能与新建住宅的限 制供应有关,大城市的购房需求持续上 涨。2016年度也出现了度假村与海滨度 假物业购买需求的增长。由于投资回报 率较高,保加利亚的房地产市场似乎在 2017年也将继续保持强劲增长。 在塞浦路斯的经济复苏中,随着 购房需求的增加,房价也将有所上涨。 此外,塞浦路斯政府还出台了新的法 律,详细列明税收优惠政策, 改善所 有权契约与整个银行体系。经济复苏也

有望拉动经济增长;经济预计在2017 年将扩大2%。由于政府实施的黄金签证 计划,塞浦路斯成为了外国投资者寻找 的理想投资地;它的成功表现在帕福斯 (Paphos)和法马古斯塔(Famagusta) 这样的海滨地区房价的上涨。 另一个房价上涨明显的欧洲国家是 德国;在2009年经济危机期间,德国避 免了房价的大幅下跌。现在,低息抵押 利率已被鼓励增至8%。由于大量难民涌 入德国,移民相关工作,新建住宅水平 低,经济增长强劲。德国仍然是欧洲经 济强国,预计未来一年的经济水平将达 到3.7%。 目前,欧洲住房市场最火热的国家 是冰岛。2016年第三季度全国房价上涨 10.85%,高于去年同期的5.27%。其强劲 的购房需求与房地产市场的低供应量共 同促进了房价的上涨。罗马尼亚的房地 产市场几乎与冰岛一样强劲,2016年第 三季度的平均销售价格上涨了9.2%。最 近,房地产市场受到强劲的经济增长与 建筑热潮的共同支撑。

虽然欧洲各国的经济增长一致,但 全球经济并未正面增长。2016年最后一 个季度,俄罗斯房价下跌11%,巴西下跌 8%,香港下跌6%。俄罗斯在干预叙利亚 事务、低油价和乌克兰战争导致的金融 危机中缓慢复苏。在尚不确定的政治前 景与经济萧条下,巴西的房地产市场困 难重重。最后,香港房价也有所下降, 但值得一提的是,虽然价格下跌,但低 于一年前的下跌幅度。 总而言之,与亚洲和俄罗斯较弱的 房地产市场相比,欧洲几个国家都显示 出了有希望的增长迹象。冰岛、德国和 罗马尼亚则以强劲的涨幅在一众欧洲国 家中脱颖而出。经济持续在经济危机中 得到恢复,这是将在2017年继续增长的 良好指标。然而,随着世界政治舞台的 扩大,全球住宅市场的未来发展似乎受 到威胁,尽管目前担心还为时过早。

17


Citizenship by Investment Spring 2017

Shopping topia: A Global Guide

Feature

! Daisy Reece

O

ne of the largest benefits of international travel is the opportunity it presents to try new foods, experience new cultures and explore a new reality. No city is the same, and as a result, shops around the world sell different stock to their counterparts in different countries. The heavy coats you find in a London Zara will not be what you find in Barcelona, and keen shoppers will know that travel means excellent new additions to wardrobes and daily life. If you’re travelling with a new citizenship, it can be daunting to know exactly what is on offer and where - so we’ve put together a small guide on cities in the Caribbean, the USA and Europe.

Ü

Antigua and Barbuda

If there is ever a time that the phrase life’s a beach applies, it’s during a visit to the Caribbean’s sunshine child, Antigua and Barbuda. If you can drag yourself away from lapping up the sunshine by the sea, venture out to Heritage Quay to lose yourself in some duty free shopping. Not only can you shop in the sunshine, but with prices much lower than the standard European / U.S prices, purchasing designer clothes, jewellery and watches becomes entirely guilt free. Located in St. John’s,

18 18

the shopping district is peppered with the island’s famous candy coloured buildings. For those who might say shopping isn’t a cultural activity, steel bands and local entertainers provide a charming atmosphere and a chance to stop, admire and rest your shopped out feet. Moreover, shopping hours extend past the Antigua norm - the 9-5 timetable provides all the time you need to snap up a designer bargain. St. John’s Heritage Quay is not the only shopping centre on the island. If you’re after locally made gifts and handicrafts, the shops in Redcliffe Quay are sure to stock the perfect option. The harbour was once the main quay for the coffee, sugar and rum trade, but today the buildings house restaurants, bars and shops. Be sure not to miss Redcliffe Quay’s dazzlingly coloured buildings - rumoured to be the prettiest buildings on the island, the bright colours provide the perfect backdrop for an unhurried afternoon stroll. With such options, it’s easy to forget that St. John’s is also home to a downtown area with many shops that sell a variety of clothes, grocery and gift shops. One guarantee about shopping in Antigua and Barbuda is that you will be spoiled for choice visitors and residents enjoy world class shopping in a fabulous destination.

The heavy coats you find in a London Zara will not be what you find in Barcelona, and keen shoppers will know that travel means excellent new additions to wardrobes and daily life.


Citizenship by Investment Spring 2017

Ü

Dubai

Dubai is synonymous with glitz and glam. Home to its own shopping festival, Dubai is known globally for its shopping - both for the items available, and for the luxurious environments that surround the boutiques. The Dubai mall embodies the spirit of Dubai shopping; with an aquarium, theme park, and an ice rink as well as 1,200 shops and 200 food outlets, it is safe to say that the Dubai Mall is one of a kind and a necessary visit for any avid shopper. From well known international brands and designers to local wares in the Sooq, the Dubai mall offers astonishing variety. The top floor is home to the Burj Khalifa, the observation deck that allows visitors to admire the view from the tallest building in the world. In addition to the Dubai mall, the Mall of the Emirates is another intriguing shopping destination which boasts a large range of shops as well as an indoor ski slope. Away from the hustle and bustle of the inner-city malls, The Dubai marina mall is less hectic than its counterparts. Small on a Dubai scale but linked to by the tram, it should be on any shopper’s to-do list. With cruises available from the marina, consider dedicating some of your visit to Dubai to a day out on the water. Combine shopping with romance by taking an evening walk along the waterside promenade; views of Dubai’s impressive skyscrapers

are abundant, and there are many restaurants along the 7km walkway. The marina mall is located at the end of the walk; though shopping may be more limited than the Dubai mall, the marina mall certainly has a lot to offer visitors - including a cinema and stunning views of the marina. For a shopping experience outside of Dubai’s malls, the Souk Madinat Jumeirah (Market of Jumeirah City) is perfect for gift shopping and for taking a small boat trip along the Souk’s Venice-like canals. With views of the Burj Khalifa, the Souk features restaurants and coffee shops - visit at night to admire both the views and the illuminated Souk.

Ü

New York

New York City’s reputation for excellent shopping is known world over. From designer boutiques to department stores, the Big Apple has something for everyone - and many options for shoppers interested in high end wares. A sure attraction for die-hard shoppers in New York is Fifth Avenue. One of the most expensive cities in the world, Fifth Avenue runs from the north side of Manhattan to the south side. The shopping in Fifth Avenue is hugely varied, and some of NYC’s biggest tourist attractions, the Empire State Building and the Rockefeller Centre are found among some of the

biggest names in fashion. Between the 30th and 60th blocks, the discerning shopper will find Prada, Louis Vuitton, Tiffany and Co and Versace. Fifth Avenue isn’t the only street to carry exclusive brands. Running parallel to Fifth Avenue is Madison Avenue, named after President James Madison and home to boutique stores. Dolce & Gabbana, Roberto Cavalli, Celine, Givenchy and Valentino are just a few of the big names that attract visitors year in, year out. Don’t miss out - Madison Avenue is also known for extravagant window displays that captivate passersby. NYC is renowned for its department stores. Saks, Bloomingdales, Bergdorf Goodman’s and Macy’s are some of the city’s biggest - Bloomingdales and Macy’s span an entire city block each. They offer a huge variety of goods on many different floors. For Macy’s, international visitors can apply for a discount card online - the discount is 10%. The shop has 9 floors, and having been open since 1902, is as much of a cultural attraction as it is a vibrant shopping destination. For those who prefer a mall experience, why not try Brookfield Place, located in lower Manhattan? Diana Von Furstenburg, Gucci, Burberry, Hermès and Michael Kors are just a few of the shops that are available.

19


Citizenship by Investment Spring 2017

London wouldn’t be London without the capital’s iconic department stores. One can find almost anything in Harrods.

20 20


Citizenship by Investment Spring 2017

With a wide selection of restaurants, Brookfield Place poses an alternative to the hectic Fifth Avenue, and a chance for the shopper to try chef driven eateries after a long day of chasing down the best styles.

Ü

Paris

Don’t worry if you don’t speak any French - for shopping, the only words you need are “Bonjour” and “J’adore”. Long known as the fashion capital of Europe, Paris is a natural candidate for the list of the best shopping destinations in the world. From specialist markets to luxury malls and boutiques, Paris is a shopping hub. Paris is famous for its exclusive streets, filled from start to finish with high end fashion houses. The three streets that any luxury shopper must visit are Rue St Honoré, Avenue Montaigne and Avenue des Champs Élysées. Along these famous avenues, the fashion labels include Lanvin, YSL, Guerlain, Fendi, Bulgari, Chanel, Valentino and Lancel. As years have gone by, the Champs Élysées has gradually become a home to more accessible fashion, such as Zara, H&M and Benneton. Despite the shift toward high street fashion, it remains one of the most beautiful streets in Europe. The capital is no stranger to luxury department stores. The most revered is Galeries Lafayette; with its flagship store located on Boulevard Haussman and took as much as 1 billion euro in profit in 2009. The company also operates in Jakarta, Casablanca, Beijing, Berlin and Milan. The Paris store houses an extraordinary amount of luxury brands in an aweinspiring ornate setting.

Ü

London

and a paradise for luxury shoppers. Mount Street in Mayfair is one of the most prestigious shopping areas in the capital. It boasts a mix of antique dealers, luxury brands and niche boutiques. Find the likes of Alexander McQueen and Saint Laurent in Mayfair’s Dover Street Market. Following Mayfair, Sloane Street is home to Tom Ford, Armani, Valentino and Roberto Cavalli. Bond Street is another competitor for the luxury shopping crown; Jimmy Choo, Burberry and Chanel are just a few of the distinguished brands that call Bond Street home. London wouldn’t be London without the capital’s iconic department stores. One can find almost anything in Harrods - from sushi to a Rodin replica in silver, Harrods is a rarity among department stores. Having sold everything from diamond manicures, yachts and crystal bathtubs, no store knows luxury goods like Harrods. Fortnum & Mason is another historic English store; having been founded in 1705, it is known for its bespoke hampers and afternoon tea. Its shoppers can enjoy a quintessential British experience within its walls. To visit a luxury mall, try Westfield London. Located in Shepherd’s Bush, Westfield’s luxury village features Prada, Tiffany and Co and Mulberry, as well as a wide variety of international luxury brands. A personal shopper and stylist can be organised to ensure that the most is made of the shops on offer.

Ü

Conclusion

With the right planning and know how, shopping in new cities can be easy. One certainty is that your wardrobe will thank you for all of your international travel - they say money never sleeps, but neither does fashion.

Pack your umbrella, but leave a lot of room in your suitcase - the shopping in London is world famous

21


The flagship Cypriot Citizenship by Investment Programme has proven to be one of the most popular in the EU.

Cyprus Citizenship by investment – key features

Tax benefits of Cyprus for individuals

Cyprus has proven to be a very attractive jurisdiction for foreign direct investments and opportunities which unlock the possibility of acquiring Cypriot passport and citizenship in an expedited way. The key features of the Cyprus citizenship scheme are:

Cyprus has long been positioned as a very attractive destination for high-net-worth individuals, not only for its natural beauty and unrivalled climate, but also for its taxation system which individuals can benefit from should they decide to relocate to Cyprus:

• the investment needed has been lowered to €2 million

• individuals can be classed as ‘non-domiciled’ individuals (if they have lived out of Cyprus for 17 out of the last 20 years) and as a result pay 0% tax on dividends, interest and rent from anywhere in the world

• the investment can include real estate, acquisition of a stake in Cypriot companies, investment in regulated funds in Cyprus, or a combination of the above asset classes • citizenship is also granted to the investor’s spouse/civil partner, financially dependent adult children, minor children and parents • the whole process can be completed in 3 months. Benefits of acquiring Cypriot citizenship An EU passport (which a Cypriot passport is) unlocks a number of benefits and opportunities for its holder. Individuals have the ability to live and work in any EU country and can also travel visa-free to more than 169 countries. Dual citizenship is allowed, meaning that the investor does not need to relinquish his current passport and citizenship. The citizenship is also valid for life and it can also be passed down the generations.

• there is no estate duty, wealth tax, inheritance tax or gift taxes in Cyprus • no capital gains tax for disposal of real estate outside of Cyprus • 50% reduction in income tax for individuals for relocate to Cyprus from abroad Cyprus: an all-round quality destination Leaving aside all the other features of Cyprus, above all it’s a destination where citizens can enjoy its peaceful atmosphere (with one of the lowest crime rates in the world), picturesque countryside, fantastic weather (with over 325 days of sunshine per year) and clear-blue waters.


It enjoys a unique geographical location in the south-eastern part

We take pride in the fact that our clients are genuinely satisfied

of Europe and at the crossroad of three continents thus giving it

with the level of service they receive, ensuring that their

an unparalleled ability to act as a gateway to and from Europe,

transactions and investments are dealt with in a professional

the Middle East, Africa and Asia. Cyprus also boasts a world-class

manner thus leading to successful outcomes.

education system (including some of the most renowned schools in the region which follow the English curriculum), highly-skilled work force and a unique history and culture. Kaimakliotis LLC – how we can help Kaimakliotis LLC is a renowned law firm in Cyprus, providing quality legal, professional and advisory services to our clients around the world. Our lawyers have worked and trained in worldclass international law firms, thus allowing us to offer unparalleled level of service. We have a dedicated immigration and investment department which is able to advise our clients to all aspects of their investments in Cyprus leading to the acquisition of Cypriot citizenship for investors and their families. We offer a ‘one-stopshop’ solution ranging from sourcing the investment, effecting the acquisition of real estate in conjunction with our network of real estate developers and managing the application for citizenship including following through with state authorities in Cyprus.

For further information please contact: Pavlos Kaimakliotis | Partner | Kaimakliotis LLC 59 Griva Digeni, Kaimakliotis Building, 5th Floor 6043, Larnaca, Cyprus T. +357 24 694800 E. info@kaimakliotis.com www.kaimakliotis.com


Citizenship by Investment Spring 2017

购物天堂:全球指南

Feature

! Daisy Reece

际旅行的最大优点之一就是可以品 尝新美食,体验新文化,探索一个 全新的现实世界。每座城市都是独一无 二的,世界各地的商店都会因为经营所 在地的变化而出售不同类型的商品。你 在伦敦Zara发现的一件厚大衣与你在巴 塞罗那看到的肯定不是同一件,而目光 敏锐的购物者都知道,旅行是衣柜和日 常生活最具吸引力的消遣方式。如果你 以一个新公民的身份去旅行,想要确切 知道在当地该去哪里购物以及该买什么 商品是有些困难的——所以我们做了一 个包括加勒比地区、美国和欧洲在内的 这些城市的一个旅游指南。

Ü 安提瓜和巴布达 如果你在度假期间去过安提瓜和巴 布达,就会深刻理解“生活就像一片沙滩” 这句话。如果你可以把自己拖到海边的 阳光下,前往Heritage Quay可以去很多 免税商店里尽情购物。您不仅可以在享 受热带的阳光下购物,这里的商品价格 远低于欧洲/美国的标准价格,游客们可 以放心的购买各种名牌服装,珠宝首饰 和名贵手表。位于圣约翰的购物区,穿 插着岛上著名的糖果色建筑。有些游客 可能会认为购物不是文化活动,钢鼓乐 队和当地艺人为游客们提供了一个迷人 的音乐文化氛围,让游客们在购物之余 也可以停下来歇息片刻,驻足欣赏。此

24 24

外,安提瓜和巴布达政府为游客们延长 了商场营业时间——9-5的时间表保证您 随时都可以安心购物。 位于圣约翰(St. John)的Heritage Quay并不是岛上唯一的购物中心。如 果你喜欢岛上的手工制品,那就一定不 能错过位于Redcliffe Quay的各种手工艺 品商店。这个港口曾经是运输咖啡、糖 和朗姆酒的主要码头,但是现在这里的 建筑物都变成了餐厅、酒吧和商店。游 客们千万不要错过Redcliffe Quay的那些 鲜艳夺目的建筑,建筑物的明艳色彩为 游客们悠闲的午后漫步曾添了一道赏心 悦目的完美背景。在码头漫步的悠闲时 光中,人们很容易忘记圣约翰还有售卖 琳琅满目的服装、杂货和礼品的商店。 可以保证的是,在安提瓜和巴布达的购 物区有数之不尽的商品货物可供您挑 选——游客和有居留许可的外国人都可 以在这里享受到世界顶级的购物体验。

Ü 迪拜 迪拜是富丽堂皇和炫目奢华的代 名词。这座城市有自己的购物节,迪拜 也因购物而全球闻名——既能购买到大 量的商品,精品店周围的环境也十分豪 华。迪拜购物中心完美诠释了迪拜的购 物精神;拥有一座水族馆、主题公园、 溜冰场以及1,200家商店和200家食品店,

在伦敦Zara发现的 一件厚大衣与在巴 塞罗那看到的肯定 不是同一件,而目 光敏锐的购物者都 知道,旅行是衣柜 和日常生活最具吸 引力的消遣方式。


Citizenship by Investment Spring 2017

可以肯定地说,迪拜购物中心是每个购 物爱好者的必经之地。从知名国际品牌 和设计师到Sooq的当地商店,迪拜购物 中心为游客们提供的商品数量、种类惊 人。顶楼销售的品牌是Burj Khalifa,游客 们可以在这座世界最高摩天楼的观景台 上欣赏这座繁华城市。除迪拜购物中心 之外,阿联酋购物中心也是一个值得一 逛的好地方,它拥有大量的商店以及一 个室内滑雪场。 远离市中心购物商场拥挤与喧嚣, 迪拜码头购物中心显得更加悠闲清净。 规模较小但有电车直达,每个购物者都 值得来这里游览一番。在码头可以乘船 游览,游客们可以坐船在水上游玩一整 天。晚间沿着滨水长廊一边散步,一边 购物,气氛非常浪漫;迪拜令人印象深 刻的摩天大楼让人目不暇接,这7公里的 人行道上沿街有许多餐厅。滨海购物中 心位于这条长廊的尽头,虽然商品种类 可能比起迪拜购物中心较有限,但滨海 购物中心为游客们提供了更多的娱乐活 动和优质服务——包括电影院和码头的 优美景观。 对于迪拜购物商场以外的购物体 验,朱美拉露天市场(位于朱美拉城的 市场)是游客们购买礼物商品的首选之 地,人们可以坐在一艘小船上游览集 市——向威尼斯的运河那样。这里有哈 利法塔、露天市场、特色餐馆和咖啡厅

供游客驻足消遣,在夜晚时分游客们可 以欣赏到被灯光照亮的露天夜市。

Ü 纽约 纽约一流的购物体验被全世界的购 物爱好者所称赞。从世界名牌到百货公 司,任何人都能够在纽约找到自己想要 的东西——对高端商品感兴趣的购物者 在这里有很多购物选择。 纽约的第五大道对很多购物者来 说都具有极大的诱惑力。纽约作为世界 上最昂贵的城市之一,第五大道由北向 南横穿曼哈顿。第五大道上的购物选择 非常丰富,一些纽约最大观光地,帝国 大厦和洛克菲勒中心,穿插在一些时尚 界高端品牌之间。在第30到第60街区 之间,购物爱好者们将会在这里发现 Prada、Louis Vuitton、Tiffany和Versace 等一众奢侈品牌。 第五大道并不是纽约唯一的 一条奢侈品购物街道。平行于第五 大道的麦迪逊大道,以美国前总统 詹姆斯·麦迪逊(James Madison) 的名字命名,这里坐落着许多精品 商店。Dolce & Gabbana、Roberto Cavalli、Celine、Givenchy和Valentino这 几大品牌是数年来麦迪逊大道吸引游客 们前来的一大亮点。千万不要错过——

麦迪逊大道也因那些吸引过路人的奢侈 品牌的橱窗展示而闻名于世。 纽约市因百货商店而世界闻名。 萨克斯百货(Saks)、布卢明代尔百货 公司(Bloomingdales)、波道夫·古德 曼(Bergdorf Goodman)和梅西百货 (Macy)都是纽约最大的百货商城—— 布卢明代尔百货公司和梅西百货几乎占 领了整个城市的每个街区。他们在各个 不同的楼层提供各种不同的商品。对于 梅西百货,国际游客可以在线申请折扣 为10%的优惠卡。这座百货大楼一共有九 层,自1902年开始营业以来,这座商城 的活力使它越来越具有文化吸引力。 对于那些喜欢购物中心的游客来 说,位于下曼哈顿区的布鲁克菲尔德广 场(Brookfield Place)无疑是一个好去 处。Diana Von Furstenburg、Gucci、 Burberry、Hermès 和Michael Kors这些奢 侈品牌都仅仅是冰山一角。布鲁克菲尔 德广场拥有各种各样的餐厅,为繁忙拥 挤的第五大道提供了另一种选择。在追 逐了一天的时尚风格之后,游客们可以 在餐厅里坐下来品尝一下店里的美食。

Ü 巴黎 即使不会说法语游客们也不必 担心——对于购物来说,你只需要会

25


Citizenship by Investment Spring 2017

如果没有这些标志性的 百货商店,那伦敦就不 能被称之为伦敦。顾 客几乎可以在哈罗兹 (Harrods)找到任何 想要购买的商品。

说“Bonjour”和“J'adore”这两个词汇就可 以了。作为欧洲的时尚之都,巴黎是时 尚爱好者心中的世界上最完美的购物城 市。从特定市场到奢侈品商场和各种精 品店,巴黎整座城市就是个购物中心。 巴黎以其独特的街道而闻名,整条 街道上的高端时尚住宅鳞次栉比。圣· 安诺赫街(Rue St Honoré)、蒙田大道 (Avenue Montaigne)、和香榭丽舍大 道(Avenue des Champs Élysées)是任何 奢侈品爱好者都必逛的三条街道。沿着 这些著名的大道,坐落在这里的各种奢 侈品牌包括Lanvin、YSL、Guerlain、 Fendi、Bulgari、Chanel、Valentino和 Lancel。经过很多年的变化,香榭丽舍大 道逐渐有了一些轻奢的亲民品牌入驻, 如Zara、H&M和Benneton。尽管这条大 道正在向高街时尚的方向转型,但它仍 是欧洲最美丽的街道之一。 巴黎作为法国首都对奢侈百货商城 向来不陌生。其中最受人尊敬的是巴黎 老佛爷百货公司(Galeries Lafayette); 它的旗舰店坐落于奥斯曼大道 (Boulevard Haussman),2009年获得了 10亿欧元的利润。该公司还在雅加达、 卡萨布兰卡、北京、柏林和米兰等城市 开设了多家分店。巴黎商店中的名贵奢 侈品琳琅满目,奢侈品牌数不胜数,奢 华的购物环境也令人惊叹连连。

Ü 伦敦 拿好你的雨伞,但要把你的手提箱 留下大块空间——伦敦是闻名世界的奢 侈品购物者的天堂。 位于梅费尔(Mayfair)的蒙特街 (Mount Street)是伦敦最负盛名的购 物区。蒙特街向来以位于这条街上的古

26 26

董商、奢侈品和小众精品店而而颇为自 豪。游客们可以在梅费尔的多佛街市场 (Dover Street Market)上找到Alexander McQueen和Saint Laurent这样的品牌。紧 随梅费尔的是斯隆街(Sloane Street), 这里有Tom Ford、Armani、Valentino和 Roberto Cavalli等一众奢侈品牌。邦德大 街(Bond Street)也是一条极具竞争力 的奢侈品购物街;Jimmy Choo、Burberry 和 Chanel仅仅是这条大街上入驻的奢侈 品牌之一。 如果没有这些标志性的百货商店, 那伦敦就不能被称之为伦敦。顾客几乎 可以在哈罗兹(Harrods)找到任何想要 购买的商品——从寿司到银制罗丹复制 品,哈罗兹是一座难以被超越和替代的 百货商店。这里的商品品类繁多,从钻 石美甲到游艇和钻石浴缸,没有人能比 哈罗兹更熟悉奢侈百货。佛特南&梅森百 货公司(Fortnum & Mason)是历史上最 古老的英国商店;这座百货公司建立于 1705年,因订做食盒与下午茶而出名。 在这里购物可以体验到原汁原味的传统 英国文化。 如果要参观奢侈品商场,那游客 们一定不能错过伦敦西田(Westfield London)。商场位于Shepherd’s Bush, 有Prada、Tiffany和Mulberry等奢侈品牌 入驻。游客们可以在这里挑选到很多自 己心仪的商品。

Ü 总结 提前做好旅游攻略,游览一座新城 市就会变得轻松而有趣。有一点可以确 定的是,你的衣柜一定会感谢你的这趟 国际之旅——他们总是说金钱永不眠, 其实时尚也是。


Tassos Papadopoulos & Associates LLC is one of the oldest law firms established in Cyprus, providing legal services in all areas of the law. Our Firm has been providing bespoke support to HNWIs, both local and foreign, in their Cypriot ventures for many years and throughout legislative and regulatory changes. Equipped with experience, knowledge, sophistication and discretion we have gained the trust of our clients supporting them in a multitude of legal matters in their activities in Cyprus. Our specialised Real Estate and Immigration Department provides legal services to our clients in relation to their immigration requirements and the structuring, execution and protection of the requisite investments in Cyprus as well as legal support for the ancillary matters related to their establishment in Cyprus. We provide personalised support to our clients from the start of the procedure right until their successful naturalisation. With our team of specialised and experienced professionals in all areas of the law, clients can rest easy that they are in good and capable hands.

10 Iasonos Street Jason Building 1082 Nicosia Cyprus

The Cypriot Naturalisation by Exception (Citizenship by Investment) Program requires that the applicant owns a residence in Cyprus of 500,000 Euro and also makes an investment of 2 million Euro, the latter to be retained for no less than three years. The Program allows for the naturalisation of the main applicant’s spouse or partner, children and parents (conditions apply).

T. 00357 22 889 999 F. 00357 22 889 988 E. info@tplaw.com.cy www.tplaw.com.cy


Citizenship by Investment Spring 2017

Feature

Where's Best To Invest? Property in Europe

! Daisy Reece

I

nvesting in real estate brings two fold return. The chance of securing a secondary citizenship whilst adding a further asset to their portfolio is an attractive prospect for many foreign investors. Investors might wonder which cities can offer the most bang for their buck - which city will guarantee the biggest return on their investment? A foreign investor hoping to secure a secondary citizenship through real estate investment should consider which region will offer the most in terms of culture, history and quality of life.

with prices of five bedroom villas starting at just €350,000, it isn’t a stretch to imagine those dreams becoming reality. Famed for its unhurried pace of life, the Silver Coast has much more to offer than vast expanses of beaches and open countryside. Golf, water sports, surfing and fishing are a handful of the available activities for those in pursuit of an active lifestyle. Of course, once you’ve worked up an appetite, there are plenty of delicious options - living in a costal region has many benefits, but one of the biggest is the fresh, inexpensive seafood.

Portugal: Lisbon

Ü

Portugal

Situated on the Atlantic Coast, Portugal is host to a variety of charming features - including 3000 hours of sunshine a year. It is also one of the oldest capitals in Europe - older than even Rome, Portugal certainly has a lot to offer its visitors.

Portugal: The Silver Coast Imagine waking up to blue skies, sandy beaches and a climate that promises hot summers and mild winters. For many of us, living in the Silver Coast of Portugal would be the stuff of dreams - and

28 28

For investors who prefer to settle within the surrounding bustle of city life, Lisbon remains an exciting option. With a spattering of World Heritage sites across its surroundings and a night life that Ibiza would envy, Lisbon is the perfect balance of respite and play. Lisbon is a treasure trove of history. Its winding, cobbled streets lead to 15th century monasteries and Moorish castles - to name but a few of the city’s landmarks. Furthermore, the city is just a stone’s throw away from Sintra, the town known for its distinguished palaces and fairytale fauna. And for those who aren’t ready to forgo the beach entirely, the coastal town of Cascais is a mere 40 minute train ride away.

There are many residency permits available throughout Europe, and many benefits of each that should be considered individually.


Citizenship by Investment Spring 2017

Qualify for a Golden Visa

Gozo

The Portuguese Residency Program requires a real estate investment of €500,000, and gives access to the 26 Schengen countries. For businessmen who wish to travel or work throughout Europe without fuss, the Golden Visa is a worthy investment.

The rural island of Gozo lies a mere 30 minutes outside of Malta. Small, but brimming with history, Gozo boasts both the Azure Window and the Ggantija temples. The island has also long been associated with the nymph Calypso from Homer’s Odyssey. Calypso kept Odysseus from returning home after falling in love with him; considering Gozo’s vast expanses of beaches and sunny climate, perhaps that wasn’t such a punishment after all.

The countries permitted by the Golden Visa are as follows: Austria, Belgium, Czech Republic, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Iceland, Italy, Latvia, Liechtenstein, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Malta, Netherlands, Norway, Poland, Portugal, Slovakia, Slovenia, Spain, Sweden and Switzerland.

Ü

Malta

Malta is one of the world’s smallest countries, but that doesn’t limit the breadth of activities the country shares with its guests. World class diving sites, cliff top heritage sites and incredible snorkelling is just a handful of what can be expected of the Maltese experience. Though Valetta, Malta’s capital city, covers just about 1km of space, there is nothing small about the culture and history its walls offer.

Gozo’s properties are low in price, starting at just under €150,000. The properties themselves range from the modern to the renovated, with farmhouses that are hundreds of years old perched on hills and clifftops offering spectacular views. For investors that would prefer to live within a close knit community, Gozo could be the perfect destination.

Valetta The aristocratic city of Valetta is Malta’s resplendent capital. Its architecture is distinctively Baroque; the city was recognised as a UNESCO World Heritage site in 1980. Malta’s key geographical position led to the installation of many defences on the island, and visitors will notice the island’s bastions, curtain walls and cavaliers, symbols of Malta’s rich historical past.

Must see architecture in Valetta includes the St. John Co-Cathedral, which features art designed by Caravaggio and Mattia Preti. It is little wonder that Valetta was awarded the title of European Art City. Besides its artistic influences, Valetta is also home to several splendid gardens, adding to its tranquil and serene atmosphere. Prices of properties in Valetta start at as little as €90,000. However, the majority of properties cost between €120,000 and €250,000.

Malta Residency Permit To qualify for a Maltese Residency Permit, investors are required to invest a total of €320,000 in a property purchase. However, this amount differs in Gozo and Southern Malta; in these regions, a real estate investment of €270,000 will secure a Residency Permit. Investors who are successful in gaining a Residency Permit are free to move throughout the 26 Schengen member countries. The countries that investors can access with the permit are as follows: Austria, Belgium, Czech Republic, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Iceland, Italy, Latvia, Liechtenstein, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Malta, Netherlands, Norway, Poland, Portugal, Slovakia, Slovenia, Spain, Sweden and Switzerland.

29


Citizenship by Investment Spring 2017

30 30


Citizenship by Investment Spring 2017

Ü

Spain

Spain is renowned globally for its cut price quality of life. Its long and rich history, Mediterranean climate and commitment to upholding a good work life balance has created the perfect environment in which to raise a family, or to simply enjoy a life without stress. Spain’s size means that investors have a wide variety of cities to choose between; lifestyles vary from the fast paced Barcelona and Madrid, to the green expanses of Galicia and then again to the relaxed ambiance in the south, in cities such as Granada and Valencia. With such variation available, investors in Spain might find themselves spoilt for choice.

Madrid Madrid is a fantastic city to live in. From prestigious educational institutions to world famous museums and restaurants serving the best the Mediterranean has to offer, Madrid is not a city to overlook when considering investment hot spots. Madrid has many neighbourhoods, each varying in character and style. The exclusive areas of the city are marked by high end boutiques, beauty salons and fine restaurants. The Spanish capital is marked by the beauty of the buildings and tree lined streets. Though the word ‘capital' conjures up a city scape, Madrid is home to many parks; the most famous of these is Retiro. Retiro is the perfect place to enjoy an afternoon with family; there are restaurants inside the park which run alongside the lake. Visitors can hire rowing boats or simply enjoy the view from beneath the shade, which might be the smart option in the summer months due to the heat.

Spanish Residency Permit A Spanish Residency Permit is available with an investment in real estate that equals or exceeds €500,000. A Spanish residency permit allows for visa-free travel to countries in the Schengen zone, which include: Austria, Belgium, Czech Republic, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Iceland, Italy, Latvia, Liechtenstein, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Malta, Netherlands, Norway, Poland, Portugal, Slovakia, Slovenia, Spain, Sweden and Switzerland.

Ü

Latvia

Located between Lithuania and Estonia, Latvia is a Balkan country that often flies under the radar of foreign investors hoping to attain a residency permit. From captivating medieval history to fairytale forests and wide beaches, Latvia has it all.

Riga Riga is a UNESCO World Heritage site, with a skyline that echoes a history marked by Latvia’s position at the crossroads of Northern and Eastern Europe. The old town of Riga features Gothic accents, namely in the spires that reach into the sky, as well as nouveau art collections along the main boulevards. The city is also home to the famous Central Market, which is the perfect place to experience locally produced Latvian foods and goods. Latvia is also known for its beer, which can be tried at many of the bars across town; if you’re particularly interested in the craft, be sure to visit Miera iela.

Property in Madrid is at the more expensive end of the spectrum. Apartments in the centre start at around €350,000 and above; houses on the outskirts are around the same price.

If its rich culture and history aren’t enough to tempt you into considering Latvia as an investment destination, the low cost of living and low taxes are sure to change your mind.

Valencia

Latvian Residency Permit

The third oldest and largest city in Spain, Valencia is Madrid’s opposite in many ways: a coastal city with a cheaper cost of living, Valencia is home to many contemporary buildings that can only be described as futuristic. However, it is the blend of old and new that makes Valencia truly spectacular; its twenty one centuries of history are reflected by the city's old neighbourhoods.

Acquiring the Latvian residency permit requires an investment in real estate that totals or exceeds €250,000. The permit allows for visa-free travel to members of the Schengen zone.

The home of the famous paella dish, Valencia offers city living with the added benefit of close access to the beach. Relaxation is juxtaposed by the large choice of Valencia's 34 museums. Parks are rife throughout the city. For the investor searching for a Mediterranean lifestyle with a family friendly environment, Valencia is the perfect candidate. Property prices start at the budget friendly €150,000 but can rise up to millions of euros, guaranteeing there are options for all - including those wishing to invest in luxury real estate.

Overall, there are many residency permits available throughout Europe, and many benefits of each that should be considered individually. From sunshine to low taxes, it is important that investors evaluate what is their most important criteria before investing. Whether the property will be a holiday home or a family home, there are many questions to consider.

31


Citizenship by Investment Spring 2017

最佳投资项目在哪?欧洲房地产

Feature

! Daisy Reece

资房地产能够为投资者带来双重 回报。能够获取一个第二国籍, 同时有为其投资组合进一步增加其他类 型资产的机会,对许多外国投资者来说 都极具吸引力。投资者可能会想知道哪 些城市可以为他们提供最大的泡沫—— 哪个城市可以向投资者保证他们的最大 投资回报?希望通过房地产投资来获得 第二国籍的外国投资者,应该考虑到哪 些地区的文化、历史和生活质量都是质 量最高的。

色海岸是一件一直梦寐以求的事情—— 而这里的别墅起价仅为35万欧元,使得 很多人的梦想都可以在此变为现实。

Ü

葡萄牙:里斯本

葡萄牙

葡萄牙位于大西洋海岸,拥有各种 各样的迷人风景——包括每年3000小时 日照时数。它也是欧洲最古老的代表城 市之一——比罗马的历史还有久远,葡 萄牙必然能够为游客们提供很多值得参 观的景观。

对于喜欢定居生活在周边城市的投 资者来说,里斯本一直都是一个理想的 选择之地。里斯本是一座世界遗产遍布 其各地的城市,伊比沙岛上有着丰富有 趣令人羡慕的夜生活,这里的休闲和娱 乐完美平衡。

葡萄牙:银色海岸

里斯本是历史的宝库。这些鹅卵石 街道会通向15世纪的修道院和城堡,有 些建筑也早已成为当地的地标。此外, 这座城市紧靠Sintra,这是一座因著名 的宫殿和童话般的动物而闻名世界的小

想象一下清晨醒来时的蓝天、沙滩 以及炎热的夏天与温和的冬天。对于我 们很多人来说,能够生活在葡萄牙的银

32 32

以其不间断的生活节奏而闻名, 银色海岸比广阔的海滩和开阔的乡村提 供给游客们的乐趣要多得多。喜爱运动 的游客可以在这里打高尔夫,海上冲浪 或是钓鱼。当然,如果你热衷于品尝美 食,这里也有很多美味的选择——生活 在沿海区域会有很多好处,其中就包括 各色新鲜而廉价的海鲜。

欧洲有许多国家都 在为投资者提供居 留许可,而它们的 优势又各不相同。


Citizenship by Investment Spring 2017

镇。对于那些并不想完全放弃海滩生活 的人来说,这里距离海洋沙滩仅有40分 钟车程的距离。

戈佐

葡萄牙投资移民计划要求投资者向 当地房地产投资至少50万欧元,该国护 照允许访问26个申根国家。对于希望在 欧洲各地旅行或工作的商人而言,黄金 签证是非常值得投资的。

戈佐乡村距离马耳他境外仅30分钟 路程。面积狭小,但历史悠久,戈佐岛 因拥有Azure Window和杰刚梯亚神殿 (Ggantija temples)而颇为自豪。这座 岛很久之前就已和荷马的奥德赛女神卡 里普索相关。Calypso在爱上Odysseus后 一直阻止他回家,考虑到戈佐岛的大片 沙滩和阳光明媚的气候,这也许并不是 一个惩罚。

黄金签证允许的国家如下:奥地 利、比利时、捷克共和国、丹麦,爱沙 尼亚、芬兰、法国、德国、希腊、匈牙 利、冰岛、意大利、拉脱维亚、列支敦 士登、立陶宛、卢森堡、马耳他、荷 兰、挪威、波兰、葡萄牙、斯洛伐克、 斯洛文尼亚、西班牙、瑞典、瑞士。

戈佐的房价非常低,房地产起价仅 15万欧元。从现代风格到个性装修的住 宅建筑,还有数百年前的坐落在丘陵和 悬崖上的座座农舍,为戈佐增添了一笔 美丽的风景色彩。对于喜欢生活在繁忙 热闹的生活社区的投资者而言,戈佐是 一个理想选择。

获取黄金签证的资格

Ü

马耳他

马耳他是世界上最小的国家之一, 但这不是指国家限制客人在此活动的范 围。世界级潜水地,悬崖顶部世界遗产 以及令人难以置信的潜水运动,都只是 马耳他娱乐活动的冰山一角。虽然马耳 他首都瓦莱塔面积仅有1平方公里,但是 它的历史与文化却悠久厚重丰富多彩。

瓦莱塔 瓦莱塔是马耳他的首都,是座金碧 辉煌的贵族城市。这里的建筑都是独特 的巴洛特风格;1980年这座城市被联合 国教科文组织列入世界遗产。历史上由 于马耳他重要的地理位置使得其居民不 得不在岛上安装许多防御装置,游客们 可以在岛上发现很多堡垒、护墙和骑士 队,这是马耳他历史悠久丰富的记号。

游客来到瓦莱塔一定不能错过的 建筑是圣约翰共同大教堂(St. John Co-Cathedral),其中包括Caravaggio和 Mattia Preti设计的艺术品。瓦莱塔还被授 予了欧洲艺术城的称号。除了在艺术方 面对世界作出的巨大贡献之外,瓦莱塔 还拥有几个美丽壮观的花园,为这座城 市增添了一丝优雅宁静的氛围。 瓦莱塔的房地产起始价为9万欧元, 但大多数房地产的价格区间都在12万到 25万欧元之间。 马耳他居留许可 想要申请马耳他的居留许可,投 资者需要在本地购买价值32万欧元的房 产。然而,戈佐以及马耳他南部地区对 此金额的要求有些变化;在有些地区, 投资者只要购买一套价值27万欧元的房 产就可以拿到居留许可。获得马耳他居 留许可的投资者可以在26个申根成员国 自由进出。 投资者可持马耳他居留许可自由 进出的国家如下:奥地利、比利时、捷 克共和国、丹麦、爱沙尼亚、芬兰、法 国、德国、希腊、匈牙利、冰岛、意大 利、拉脱维亚、列支敦士登、立陶宛、 卢森堡、马耳他、荷兰、挪威、波兰、

33


Citizenship by Investment Spring 2017

34 34


Citizenship by Investment Spring 2017

葡萄牙、斯洛伐克、斯洛文尼亚、西班 牙、瑞典和瑞士。

Ü 西班牙 西班牙因其极低的生活成本而闻 名世界。悠久而丰富的历史,地中海气 候,以及西班牙政府作出的工作生活平 衡的承诺,为想要组建家庭的人以及享 受无压力的单身生活的人都同时创造了 一个完美的生活环境。西班牙的国土面 积意味着投资者可以在众多城市之间挑 选自己的投资目标;生活方式从快节奏 的巴塞罗那和马德里到加利西亚的绿色 广场,然后再到南部地区的悠闲氛围, 如格拉纳达和瓦伦西亚等城市。在这些 各不相同的城市中,投资者有很大的挑 选余地。 马德里 马德里是一座梦幻般的城市。从著 名的教育机构,到世界著名的博物馆和 地中海地区服务最好的餐馆,马德里是 投资者在考虑投资热点时不可忽视的一 座城市。 马德里有很多社区,每个社区的特 征和风格都不尽相同。这座城市有很多 高端精品店、美容院和精品餐厅。西班 牙首都的标志是美丽独特的建筑和很多 林荫街道。虽然“首都”这个词容易让人们 联想到一些现代城市景观,但是马德里 也有很多公园;其中最有名的就是丽池 公园(Retiro)。丽池公园是与家人一起 享受一个悠闲下午的理想场所;公园里 还有一些开设在湖边的餐厅。游客们可 以租借划艇在水上游玩,或是只在树荫 下欣赏景色,这应该是在炎热夏季最明 智的选择。

任何人——包括想投资高档楼盘的投资 者,都能在此有所选择。 西班牙居留许可 在西班牙房地产市场投资超50万欧 元的投资者可申请西班牙居留许可。西 班牙居留许可允许持有人在申根区国家 免签入境,包括:奥地利、比利时、捷 克共和国、丹麦、爱沙尼亚、芬兰、法 国、德国、希腊、匈牙利、冰岛、意大 利、拉脱维亚、列支敦士登、立陶宛、 卢森堡、马耳他、荷兰、挪威、波兰、 葡萄牙、斯洛伐克、斯洛文尼亚、西班 牙、瑞典和瑞士。

Ü 拉脱维亚 拉脱维亚位于立陶宛和爱沙尼亚之 间,是巴尔干地区国家,有多希望获得 拉脱维亚居留许可的投资者来这里申请 投资移民。拉脱维亚拥有着迷人的中世 纪历史、童话森林和宽阔的海滩。 里加 里加的历史中心被列入世界遗产, 联合国教科文组织特别认为里加丰富的 新艺术运动建筑是世界上独一无二的。 里加老城拥有哥特式风格,它有触 及天空的塔尖,以及分散在主要沿林荫 大道上的新艺术藏品。该市也是非常著 名的中央市场的所在地,这里是了解当 地生产的拉脱维亚食品和商品的理想场 所。拉脱维亚的啤酒也非常有名,游客 们可以在当地城市的酒吧里品尝。如果 你对手工艺品特别感兴趣,那就一定不 要错过参观Miera iela。

马德里的房地产价格是整个西班牙 最高的。住宅公寓价格35万欧元起,郊 区价格与此相同。

如果仅因为这个国家丰富悠久的历 史和文化还不足以吸引你来拉脱维亚进 行项目投资,那低生活成本和低税收应 该会改变你的想法。

瓦伦西亚

拉脱维亚居留许可

作为西班牙第三个最古老面积最大 的城市,瓦伦西亚在很多方面都与西班 牙正好相反:一个生活成本便宜的沿海 城市,瓦伦西亚有许多只能被描述为未 来主义的当代建筑。然而,正是这种文 化的冲击融合,才使得瓦伦西亚看起来 非常壮观;它是被城市的老街区所反映 出的二十一世纪的历史。

投资者需在拉脱维亚投资价值至少 25万欧元的房地产,才能申请该国的居 留许可。该护照的持有人可在申根区国 家免签入境。

这座城市有著名的paella dish,且靠 近海滩。瓦伦西亚坐落着34座博物馆可 供游客游览。环境优美的公园也遍布整 个城市。对于想要寻找一个适合家庭生 活的地中海风格的城市的投资者来说, 瓦伦西亚是个完美的选择。

总而言之,欧洲有许多国家都在为 投资者提供居留许可,而它们的优势又 各不相同。从阳光到低税率,投资者应 该在投资前考虑清楚,自己最看重的标 准和条件到底是什么。这些房产不管是 度假屋还是住宅公寓,都有很多问题需 要投资者去考虑。

瓦伦西亚的房地产起始价格为15万 欧元,但也有上百万的空间涨幅,确保

35


Citizenship by Investment Spring 2017

The Best of the Caribbean Citizenship by Investment Programmes ! CS Global Partners

Feature

I

ndividuals looking to complement their existing wealth protection and investment growth strategies, improve their personal security, increase confidentiality in their personal affairs, or looking to travel globally at short notice, would benefit significantly from alternative citizenship and a second passport. Currently the most popular opportunities of this nature are offered by the countries of St Kitts and Nevis, Dominica, Grenada, and St Lucia. St Kitts and Nevis established the first economic citizenship programme in 1984. The Commonwealth of Dominica followed suit in 1993. Grenada introduced its Programme in 2013. Finally, and most recently from the Caribbean islands, in January 2016 St Lucia announced the launch of its Programme to the market. The popularity of these programmes is unparalleled to other programmes because they offer a seamless application process completed within 90 days; with no residence requirement, no business or education criteria and no risk to the client’s investment, as the investment is only made after application approval has been granted.

Ü St Kitts and Nevis and its Citizenship by Investment Programme Considered the blueprint of the citizenship by investment programmes, St Kitts and Nevis allows applicants and their families to obtain citizenship of the country, with no residency requirement, in exchange for an investment made into the country.

36 36

Citizens of St Kitts and Nevis can access secure means of protecting their assets and wealth, not to mention business opportunities in one of the Caribbean’s most flourishing economies.

Ü The Commonwealth of Dominica and its Citizenship by Investment Programme

The Government’s continued commitment to the success of the Programme is evident from its efforts to achieve excellence, and recalibration of Programme components when necessary. For example, in September 2016, the Prime Minister announced the appointment of Les Khan as the new Chief Executive Officer of the Citizenship by Investment Unit, the Government body responsible for processing citizenship applications. Mr Khan has a long history of working in regulatory compliance, and for 18 months prior to his assignment worked to restructure the Unit, aiming to provide a ‘The Platinum Standard’ of citizenship by investment. In other words, Mr Khan is committed to highest level of competency, transparency, and effectiveness, to continue to inspire trust in the Programme and citizenship of St Kitts and Nevis. As a direct result of these reforms, in 2016 St Kitts and Nevis witnessed huge improvements to processing times, returning an approval in principle on a successful application in as little as 45 working days – one of the fastest turnaround periods across the citizenship by investment arena.

Dominica is fast asserting itself as a business and investment hub, and, by its dedication to entrepreneurship, is attracting luxury brands such as the Kempinski and Curio Collection by Hilton, and establishing a booming construction sector that today draws investors from across the globe.

Applicant to the Programme, can choose to make a contribution to the Sugar Industry Diversification Foundation (SIDF) starting from USD250,000, or an investment into an approved real estate project of USD400,000 (plus Government fees). In respect of the real estate option, applicants are strongly advised to undertake an independent valuation of the property they wish to purchase under the Programme.

The Commonwealth of Dominica offers a fast route to citizenship of this peaceful tropical paradise through its Citizenship by Investment Programme. The Programme requires a single applicant to make an economic contribution of USD100,000 to the country’s Economic Diversification Fund (EDF) and in exchange the applicant, together with any family member included in the application, will obtain full citizenship of the country for life. The EDF was established to help the economy of the island prosper through increased diversification. All EDF contributions are earmarked for public and private sector projects, including the improvement of infrastructure and the development of funds to face natural disasters and other unpredictable calamities. Renewable energy is also a Government priority, particularly with respect to the exploration and use of geothermal energy and hydroelectric power. Dominica has 365 rivers and tributaries – a natural resource that is also being explored for bulk and bottled water export, and a key area of Government-supported investment. Alternatively, an applicant can invest in a Government-approved real estate project, with a minimum investment requirement of USD200,000.


St. Lucia

Citizenship by Investment Spring 2017 With no interview requirement or residency requirement, this Programme is a very attractive option for the busy entrepreneur or businessperson.

Ü Grenada and its Citizenship by Investment Programme Grenada has become a favourite destination for celebrities – and for good reason: utter beauty framed in absolute privacy! Justin Bieber celebrated his 21st birthday on the island, Lewis Hamilton was building an elegant villa overlooking the sea, the Egyptian billionaire Naguib Sawiris chose it as the site for his new five-star hotel, and the French businessman George Cohen bought a private island – Calivigny – attached to Grenada where he built a 10,000 square metre luxury resort.

Grenada Dominica

To add to this tri-island’s popularity amongst A-listers, the Government has been working towards sustainability and economic diversification. As part of this effort, in 2013, the Spice Island launched the Grenada Citizenship by Investment Programme. The Programme welcomes individuals of good character to obtain citizenship in Grenada for them and their families in return for an investment either in the form of a minimum donation to Grenada’s National Transformation Fund (NTF) of USD200,000 (covering up to four family members), of a minimum investment of USD350,000 into a Government-approved real estate project (plus Government fees). This Programme is particularly popular among large families. Grenadian citizens share strong diplomatic ties with China, a destination to which they can travel without a visa. Grenada’s Programme is among the world’s most interesting, with much of its popularity due to the country’s favourable international reputation.

from USD200,000 for a single applicant to USD100,000. It also announced a USD165,000 contribution for an applicant and a spouse, and USD195,000 minimum contribution for a family of four. Similarly to the other programmes, applicants have the option to invest in property too, with a minimum investment of USD300,000 plus Government fees. This Programme, although new, has been well received and no doubt will become increasingly popular.

Ü

In Summary

At CS Global Partners, we specialize in helping families and international businessmen achieve a second citizenship or residence. We are passionate about the solutions we offer and the countries that we work with. We see the value that these solutions bring to both the countries that implement these programmes as well as the individuals who take up the citizenship.

When you become a client of CS Global Partners, you place yourself at the centre of a community of professionals who work together to equip you with the tools to succeed in an increasingly competitive and international world.

The citizenship by investment programmes we have helped develop, and promote, offer the answers to a great many questions. Increasingly, individuals have looked to alternative citizenship as a means of becoming integrated with peoples from all corners of the globe, while making a smart investment decision.

© Four Seasons Golf Club

Ü St Lucia and its Citizenship by Investment Programme Saint Lucia, considered the latest newcomer to the citizenship by investment arena, is a famous honeymoon destination with a solid infrastructure. Access to a diverse offshore banking sector is another feature of this island, whose Citizenship by Investment Programme affords applicants the exclusive option to invest in a pre-approved enterprise. Although the Programme was only launched in early 2016, it underwent significant changes in January 2017. The Government announced a reduction to the minimum required contribution to the National Economic Fund (NEF) option

St Kitts & Nevis

For more information contact: E: info@csglobalpartners.com T: (0044) 207 318 4343 www.csglobalpartners.com

37


Citizenship by Investment Spring 2017

加勒比海最佳投资移民项目

Feature

! CS Global Partners

圣基茨和尼维斯

求既有财富保值和投资增值策略 的个人,为了保证个人安全,增 加个人事务的保密性,或想进行短期环 球旅行,都因为通过投资移民项目取得 第二公民身份而受益明显。目前,圣基 茨和尼维斯、多米尼克、格林纳达和圣 卢西亚几个国家正在向人们提供这个最 受欢迎的投资移民机会。 圣基茨和尼维斯在1984 年开始实施第 一个经济移民项目。多米尼克紧随其 后,1993 年也开始了本国的移民项目。 格林纳达投资移民项目于2013 年推出。 最后也是最新的即是圣卢西亚崭新的投 资移民项目,于2016年1月推出。这些项 目的普及速度与规模另其他项目都无可 比拟,因为它们可以在短短90 天的时间 内完成申请程序为投资者发放护照; 无 需坐移民监,无商管经理或教育背景要 求, 投资风险小因为仅需在申请获批后 进行必要投资。

Ü 圣基茨和尼维斯及其投资 移民项目 作为投资移民项目的蓝图, 圣基茨和尼 维斯允许主申请人与其家属一同获取公 民身份,且无需坐移民监,只需要在该 国进行项目投资即可。圣基茨和尼维斯

38 38

公民的财产受当地政府与法律的保护, 且这里是加勒比经济最繁荣的地区之 一,投资者在这里能够获得丰厚的投资 回报。 政府一直致力于完善其项目,在投资移 民项目上作出不懈努力,并在必要时刻 做出积极的调整。例如在2016 年9 月 份,总理宣布任命Les Khan先生为负责 处理移民申请的投资移民局新任首席执 行官。Les Khan先生多年来一直从事执 行法规方面的相关工作,18 个月前他所 任职的工作单位进行了整合重组, 旨在 为本次的投资移民项目提供一个“铂金标 准”。换句话说,Les Khan先生要致力 于维护整个移民申请过程的高水平、透 明度和高效率,取得投资者对圣基茨和 尼维斯申请程序和公民身份的信任。而 这一系列改革所导致的直接结果就是, 2016 年圣基茨和尼维斯在处理时间方面 取得了巨大的进步,最短曾在45 个工作 日内为申请者完成了审查程序发放了护 照,成为了各国投资移民项目中处理时 间最快的国家之一。 申请该国的公民身份,申请人可以选择 为糖业多元化基金(SIDF)捐款至少25 万美元,或是投资政府批准下的至少价 值40万美元的房地产项目(不包含政府 费用)。在房地产投资方面,我们强烈 建议申请人对本项目下要购买的地产进 行独立估价。

Ü 多米尼克及其投资移民项目 多米尼克目前定位商业和投资中心, 并 努力朝这个方向发展,通过发扬企业 家精神,吸引了Kempinski和希尔顿的 Curio Collection等一众奢侈品牌前来入 驻,鼓励建筑行业的蓬勃发展,如今吸 引了众多全球各地投资者的到来。 多米尼克为申请者提供了一个投资移民 项目下的快速通道。该项目要求单个申 请人向该国的经济多元化基金(EDF)提 供至少10万美元的经济捐款,申请人及 其家庭成员都可以一同获取多米尼克的 公民身份。该经济多元化基金(EDF)致 力于通过使岛上经济更加多元化的方式 来促使岛上经济更加繁荣有活力。经济 多元化基金的所有捐款都将用于公共与 私营部门项目,包括改善基础设施和建 立用于应对自然灾害及其他不可预测灾 害的基金。可再生能源也是政府重点关 注的行业领域,特别是在勘探和利用地 热能与水力发电方面。多米尼克共有365 条河流和支流——这也是大量可用于出 口的资源,以及出口瓶装水,这个行业 也是政府支持投资的关键领域。另外, 投资者也可以购买政府批准下的价值至 少20万美元房地产, 通过这种方式来申 请公民身份。


圣卢西亚

格林纳达 多米尼克

Citizenship by Investment Spring 2017 没有面试要求也无需坐移民监, 本投资 移民项目对于事务繁忙的企业家是个非 常具有吸引力的选择。

纳政府费用。虽然该项目才实施不久, 但已持续受到外界的广泛好评, 也无疑会

Ü 格林纳达及其投资移民项目

Ü

格林纳达如今已经成为了最受名人青睐 的度假胜地——理由是:绝对优美绝对 私密!贾斯汀·比伯(Justin Bieber) 在这座岛上庆祝了他的21 岁生日, 刘易斯·汉密尔顿(Lewis Hamilton) 正在这里建造一座俯瞰大海的优雅别 墅,埃及亿万富翁纳吉伊·萨维里斯 (Naguib Sawiris)将这里作为他的五 星酒店的新选址,法国商人乔治·科恩 (George Cohen)买下了一座私人岛 屿——Calivigny——连接到格林纳达, 他在那里建造了一个1 万平方米的豪华度 假胜地。

在CS Global Partners,我们专门帮助各 个家庭与国际商人申请投资移民项目以 及居留项目。我们对那些与我们相互合 作的国家以及我们为客户合作的国家都 十分熟悉了解。我们可以从中看到实施 移民项目的国家与取得第二公民身份的 投资者双方之间的共赢。

为了增加岛屿的知名度,政府一直致力 于经济的可持续发展及其多元化。作为 此次努力的行动之一,格林纳达在2013 年开始实施投资移民项目。该项目欢迎 能力素质出众的个人投资者及其家属来 申请格林纳达的公民身份,投资者可以 选择向格林纳达的国家转型基金(NTF) 捐赠资金至少20万美元(包含多达四名 家庭成员),或是购买政府批准下的价 值至少35万美元的房产(不包含政府费 用),通过这两种途径来申请格林纳达 公民身份。该项目在人口众多的家庭中 异常受欢迎。格林纳达与中国政府建立 了坚实牢固的外交关系,格林纳达公民 去中国旅行可以免签入境,非常便利快 捷。值得一提的是,格林纳达公民可通 过申请E-2签证前往美国投资经商,配偶 可申请工作许可,子女可在美接受高等 教育。由于格林纳达拥有良好的国际声 誉,该投资移民项目广受世界各地投资 者的欢迎。

越来越受世界各地投资者的欢迎。

总结

一旦当您成为CS Global Partners的客 户,就意味着您已成为我们遍布10个国 家或地区的精英团队服务的核心。他们 将携手助您推开在竞争越发激烈的全球 社会中成功的大门。 对于我们帮助发展与推广的投资移 民项目,我们准备了很多客户可能会问 到的问题的答案。越来越多的来自世界 各地的投资者正在探寻第二公民身份的 种种益处,并同时做出一个明智的投资 决策。

Ü 圣卢西亚及其投资移民项目

© Four Seasons Golf Club

© Four Seasons Golf Club

圣卢西亚,投资移民舞台上的最新入 场者,是一个基础设施完善的著名蜜月 旅行目的地。支持办理各种境外银行业 务是该岛的另一特点,其“投资移民项 目"还为申请人提供投资预先批准的企业 项目以及无息政府债券的选项。尽管在 2016年初才开始施行,但截至2017年1 月份该项目已经进行了重大调整。政府 宣布将国家经济基金(NEF)的单一申请 人最低捐赠金额从20万美元降至10万美 元。还宣布了申请人及其配偶的捐赠金 额要求为16.5万美元,四口之家的最低 捐款金额为19.5万美元。与其他项目类 似,申请人也可以选择投资当地房地产 市场,最低投资额为30万美元,另要缴

圣基茨和尼维斯

获取更多信息,请联系: E: info@csglobalpartners.com T: (0044) 207 318 4343 www.csglobalpartners.com

39


Citizenship by Investment Spring 2017

Brexit and Investment Migration to the UK ! Mishcon de Reya

The UK has not seen such restrictions since before it joined the European Economic Community in1973, and prior to the transposition of EU free movement law into domestic UK immigration law.

Feature

Clearly, the imposition of such controls represents a seismic shift in the landscape of UK immigration and has created uncertainty for the future rights of EEA nationals and their dependant family members to reside in this country.

Ü

Background

The UK has always been an attractive destination for high-net-worth individuals. The country's practice of welcoming talent and investment from overseas has led to the creation of a diverse and culturally rich society which appeals to those seeking not only tax efficiency, but political and economic stability, excellent educational opportunities and the benefits that flow from the UK’s long tradition of upholding the rule of law.

Following the outcome of the Referendum vote, the UK government is now negotiating the future rights of European Economic Area (''EEA'') nationals and their family members to reside in the UK, and is also likely to introduce changes to its domestic immigration categories. The result of such changes will inevitably impact migration to the UK as a whole and the ways in which both non-EEA and EEA individuals, including those with the capacity to invest, seek to come to this country.

Ü The UK's immigration policy is, however, in a current state of flux. This emanates, most notably, from the Referendum decision of 23 June 2016, in which the UK public voted to leave the European Union (the ''EU''). Immigration was at the centre of the debate surrounding the UK's continued membership of the EU and the UK government has, in recent times, come under increasing pressure to reduce the numbers of individuals migrating to the UK.

40 40

The end of free movement

On 17 January 2017, the UK Prime Minister, Teresa May, announced her priorities for the government's Brexit negotiations in her muchanticipated Lancaster House keynote speech. Her priorities included the "control" of migration between the UK and the EU: the Prime Minister confirmed that it is very probable that restrictions will be imposed on EEA nationals and their family members entering the UK.

Currently, citizens of EEA countries, and certain non-EEA family members, have the right to live in the UK without a visa by virtue of EU free movement law. However, post-Brexit, this is likely to change, and the current rights of EEA citizens and their family members to reside in this country is expected to become more restrictive. At present, those who have resided in the UK for five years or more as an EEA national may qualify for permanent residence and -potentially - British citizenship, subject to meeting the relevant rules. EEA nationals who have resided in the UK for less than five years may qualify for a registration certificate. Similarly, the non-European family members of EEA nationals, such as spouses/ civil-partners, children or other dependants, may also be able to apply for an EEA family permit, residence card or permanent residence card to formalise their status. Whilst it is unclear whether those who have documentation will remain protected, it is highly likely that those without documentation will be more vulnerable to any adverse changes in the law as a result of Brexit.

Ü Impact on the Tier 1 (Investor) visa What long-term affect the UK's exit from the EU will have on high-net-worth migration to the UK remains to be seen. However, in the short term, it appears that despite the relative political and economic uncertainty created by Brexit, the UK is continuing to attract overseas investors to its shores. Indeed, one notable outcome of Brexit to date from a high-net-worth immigration perspective has been a significant rise in Tier 1 (Investor) applications. The Tier 1 (Investor) visa allows those with access to £2million to apply to enter the UK by investing in either UK government bonds, UK equities or loan capital in active UK registered companies (excluding those principally engaged in property investment).


Citizenship by Investment Spring 2017 Applicants can also bring their partner and minor children with them to the UK, who can all live, work, study or establish a business in this country throughout the validity of their visas. The initial visa is usually granted for three years, with the possibility to extend for an additional two. Having spent five years in the UK on this visa or less, depending on the level of investment, the investor can become eligible to settle in the UK permanently. Those who invest at least £5million can become eligible to settle after three years, and those investing at least £10million can become eligible after just two years. Those who have spent five years lawfully in the UK can then apply for British citizenship and a British passport.

Ü Limitations of the Tier 1 (Investor) visa Although the Tier 1 (Investor) visa is largely unmatched in terms of the flexibility it offers, it is not without its limitations. Those who are eligible to apply for the visa are often cash rich and time poor. They are commercially minded and astute individuals who operate on an international playing field. The Investor visa category does not address this: it is not entirely fit for purpose when it comes to the typical investor’s lifestyle and as a consequence had been being overlooked by some in favour of other international offerings. For example, data from the Office of National Statistics in the UK showed that the number of Tier 1 (Investor) visas granted by the UK fell from nearly 3000 in 2014, to 708 in 2015, and only 217 in the first half of 2016. The decline can be attributed in part to the doubling of the minimum level of investment from £1million to £2million in November 2014. However, it is not only the greater level of investment that has presented difficulties for potential applicants. Following the change to the Investor visa rules in November 2014, the investor is now also required to have opened a bank account in the UK prior to applying for the visa, and therefore must have passed the bank’s stringent scrutiny regulations. This of course poses significant difficulties for nationals of certain countries, such as Iran, who often struggle to open a UK account in a timely manner as a result of the bank's interpretation of their regulatory obligations and/ or international sanctions. Furthermore, those who come to the UK on an Investor visa and who wish to acquire settlement rights are required to adhere to strict residence requirements which many struggle to meet. To qualify for settlement investors should reside in the UK for at least six months of every qualifying year. To qualify for citizenship, which is often the ultimate aim, the investor should not spend more than 450 days outside of the UK over a minimum five-year period.

For the vast majority of clients, keeping to these requirements is impossible. Whilst the visa is aimed at international investors it penalises them for travel at the point of settlement. In a world of increasing international connectivity this is simply not workable for many investor clients. Finally, although the category offers an accelerated settlement route for those wishing to invest more, this is no longer an option for the investor’s dependants. Although the absences of dependants are generally not scrutinised in the same way as those of the main applicant and, as such, it will often be the dependant partner who is in fact the wealth generator, the dependants of a £5million or £10million investor are still required to wait at least five years to acquire settlement rights. They cannot therefore settle in line with their investor family member, thus falling short of what many families want. When faced with these restrictions, the options being offered elsewhere can appear more attractive to clients desiring UK residence, and who have the capacity to invest. For example, for a minimum investment of EUR 2million in the Republic of Cyprus, applicants can acquire a Cypriot passport, and with it the full rights and entitlements of European citizenship, within three months. Holding a Cypriot passport has enabled the individual to live and work freely in the UK by exercising EU Treaty rights. The Maltese Individual Investor Programme is similarly attractive and allows applicants to acquire Maltese citizenship and, thus, has enabled them to live and work in the UK under European law within a year, for an investment of around £1million. Moreover, both these programmes allow the applicant to invest in property, which is now prohibited under the UK Investor rules. The commercially-minded gravitate towards options which allow the maximum return on their investment, and so being able to purchase a home and invest in property is appealing. In light of Brexit, however, and the probable termination of freedom of movement rights under European law, it is possible that citizenship by investment programmes being offered by other EEA countries will become less attractive to foreign nationals hoping to obtain an EEA passport in order to reside in the UK. Highnet-worth individuals wishing to reside in the UK will therefore have to consider UK domestic routes to long term residence in the UK. Indeed, a marked increase in Tier 1 (Investor) applications has already been seen.

Ü Resurgence of the Tier 1 (Investor) visa As explained above, prior to the Referendum vote, the UK had seen a marked decline in Tier 1 (Investor) visa applications. However, on 1 December 2016, the Office of National Statistics released figures on the number of Tier 1 (Investor) visas granted in the third quarter of 2016. The figures revealed that the number of Tier 1 (Investors) entering the UK in the third quarter

of 2016 was the highest number granted since the required investment threshold increased from £1million to £2million in November 2014. In the third quarter of 2016, the number of Tier 1 (Investor) visas granted by the UK rose from 40 in the previous quarter to 72: a staggering 80% increase. When compared to the same quarter in 2015, the third quarter of 2016 shows an increase of 56%.

Ü The reasons for the rise in Tier 1 (Investor) applications are likely to be threefold: 1. The drop in the value of the pound following the EU referendum is likely to have contributed to the rise in applicants; 2. It is possible that citizenship by investment programmes offered by EEA countries (as described above) are becoming less attractive to foreign nationals hoping to obtain an EEA nationality to live in the UK, due to the uncertainty surrounding the continuance of freedom of movement rights under EU law; and 3. Many fear that the UK government will tighten immigration rules in the aftermath of Brexit and so are pre-emptively seeking to secure their status before any adverse changes come into force. Although the rise in the number of Tier 1 (Investor) visas granted in the third quarter of 2016 does not yet match the pre-November 2014 levels, it represents a significant increase. It indicates that, despite the pejorative press surrounding the UK's increasingly restrictive attitude towards immigration, the UK may be set to regain its position as a destination of choice for high-net-worth investors.

Ü

Conclusion

Competition for the world's millionaires and the many economic contributions they bring - both in terms of direct investment and indirect spending - is fierce. Despite the relative uncertainty brought about by the outcome of the EU Referendum, the UK environment is continuing to maintain its foreign appeal: the wealthy continue to come here. In the aftermath of Brexit, the UK government has a window of opportunity to revisit its high-networth migration offering and to put in place a framework which more adequately attracts and enables international investment in this country, and allows the UK to reap the reciprocal benefits brought to it by such investment. If you have any questions, please contact: Kamal Rahman, Partner E kamal.rahman@mishcon.com T +44 20 3321 7143 Fran Rance, Associate E fran.rance@mishcon.com T +44 20 3321 6036

41


Citizenship by Investment Spring 2017

英国脱欧与投资移民 ! Mishcon de Reya

个国家居住所享有的各项权利带来了众 多不确定因素。 目前,欧洲经济区国家公民和某些 非欧洲经济区的家庭成员有权凭借欧洲 自由移民法,在没有签证的情况下在英 国继续居留。但在英国脱欧之后,情况 可能会发生改变,欧洲经济区公民及其 家人在这个国家居住的权利很有可能会 受到限制。

Feature

目前,在英国居留五年以上的欧洲 经济区国民有资格获得永久居留权,也 有申请英国公民身份的可能,但须符合 相关规定。在英国居住少于五年的欧洲 经济区国民可以申请注册证。同样,欧 洲经济区国民的非欧洲家庭成员,如配 偶/同性伴侣,儿童或其他家属,也可 以申请欧洲经济区家庭许可证,居留证 或永久居留证,以使其在英国的身份合 法化。虽然目前还尚不明确那些有文件 的人是否仍然受到保护,但可以确定的 是,没有居留许可的外国人很可能会受 到英国脱欧的不利影响。

Ü

Ü

背景

英国对于世界各地的高净值人士来 说一直都是极具吸引力的投资之地。英 国向来欢迎来自海外的人才与各个领域 的投资者,这些因素共同将英国打造成 了一个文化多元的富裕社会,英国吸引 了众多不仅寻求低税率还寻求政治和经 济稳定的国外投资者,英国一直以来致 力于维护国家法制的传统使得英国的教 育资源十分优质。

42 42

其国内移民进行类别调整的可能。这种 变化的结果将不可避免的影响到整个英 国的移民,以及欧洲经济区和非欧洲经 济区的独立个人,包括那些想要通过投 资的方式移民英国的外国投资者。

Ü

自由运动的结束

然而,目前英国的移民政策一直处 于变动状态。其中最引人注目的是,在 2016年6月23日的全民公投中,英国公民 投票选择脱离欧盟(EU)。“移民“这一 话题成为英国脱欧这一事件中的中心议 点,英国政府近年来在减少移民数量方 面面临着越来越大的压力。

2017年1月17日,英国首相特蕾莎· 梅(Teresa May)在她备受期待的兰开斯 特宫的主题演讲中,宣布了政府在英国 退欧谈判中的优先事项。她的优先事项 包括“控制”英国与欧盟之间的移民问题: 总理证实,这将非常有可能对进入英国 的欧洲经济区的国民及其家属施加限 制。自从1973年加入欧洲经济共同体之 后,在欧盟自由移民法转为英国移民法 之后,英国还未实施过此类限制。

既全民公投结果之后,英国政府正 在谈判欧洲经济区(EEA)的国民及其家 人未来在英国居住的各项权利,也有对

显然,实施这种移民控制措施是因 为英国移民前景的改变,并为欧洲经济 区国民及其受抚养的家庭成员未来在这

对英国工作签证的影响

英国脱欧这一事件对于高净值人士 的长期影响还有待观察。然而,短期来 看,尽管英国脱欧为整个国家的政治和 经济带来了不确定性,但是它还一直在 吸引着海外投资者源源不断的到来。事 实上,从高净值移民人士的相关方面来 看,英国脱欧带来的一个显著影响就是 英国工作签证申请数量的大幅增长。 英国工作签证允许向英国投资至少 200万英镑的申请人通过投资英国政府债 券、英国股票或注册英国公司(不包括 他们房地产投资中的主要业务)的方式 申请进入英国。申请人还可以将他的合 作伙伴及未成年子女带到英国,在所有 签证有效期间,他们都可以在这个国家 生活、工作、学习或经营生意。初始签 证有效期为三年,可另外再延长两次。 投资者使用英国签证满五年之后, 根据其投资水平,决定其是否有在英国 永久定居的资格。投资满500万英镑的外 国投资者要在三年后被评估是否有获得 英国永久居留的资格,投资金额满1000 万英镑的外国投资者两年后就可以申请 永久居留资格。那些在英国合法居留五


Citizenship by Investment Spring 2017

年以上的外国人可以向英国政府申请英 国公民身份和英国护照。

Ü

英国工作签证的局限性

虽然英国工作签证的灵活性是其他 签证无法相比的,但它也并非没有局限 性。有条件申请此签证的人往往资金充 裕却时间不足。他们是在国际商场上进 行角逐竞争的聪明精明的国际商人。投 资者签证的类别并没有解决这个问题: 在这投资者典型的生活方式方面,它不 能完美对接投资者的需求,因此导致它 被很多人忽略。 例如,英国国家统计局的数据显 示,英国政府发放的工作签证数量从 2014年的近3000个下降的2015年的708 个,而2016年上半年只有217个。 导致这一下降趋势的部分原因可能 是英国政府在2014年将最低投资额从100 万欧元提高到了200万欧元,金额翻了整 整一倍。然而,给投资者带来申请难度 的不仅只是要求较高的投资金额。

说可能比成为英国居民更具吸引力。例 如,在塞浦路斯共和国的最低投资额为 200万欧元,申请人可以在三个月内获得 塞浦路斯护照,并拥有欧洲公民的全部 权利。持有塞浦路斯护照使得个人能够 通过行使“欧盟条约”权利在英国生活和工 作。马耳他个人投资计划同样具有吸引 力,允许申请人获得马耳他公民资格, 从而使他们能够在一年内根据欧洲法律 在英国生活和工作,该项投资额约100万 英镑。此外,这两个计划允许申请人投 资于英国投资者规则现在禁止的财产投 资项目。商业上倾向于使投资获得最大 回报的方案,以及能够购买房屋和投资 房地产的吸引力。 然而,根据欧洲法律,鉴于英国脱 欧以及可能终止的非本国居民行动自由 的权利,其他欧洲经济区国家提供的投 资方案对希望获得欧洲经济区护照以便 在英国合法居留的外国国民的吸引力已 经减弱。因此,希望在英国居住的高净 值个人必须要考虑英国国内航线在英国 长期居留。事实上,现在我们已能看到 英国工作签证的申请数量明显增长。

在2014年11月份改变“投资者签证规 则”之后,投资者现在也需要申请签证前 在英国开设银行账户,因此需要通过银 行的严格审查。这当然对某些国家的国 民造成了重大困难,如伊朗,由于银行 的监管义务或国际制裁而时常难以及时 为其开立英国账户。

Ü 英国工作签证的申请数量 上升

此外,那些凭借投资签证来英国并 希望获得居留权利的人士,必须严格遵 守许多难以达到的居留条件。要想符合 取得居留权的资格,投资者要在每个合 格的年份在英国至少居留6个月以上。为 了符合申请英国公民的资格,这通常也 是每个外国投资者的最终目标,投资者 不能在至少五年的时间里境外停留天数 超过450天。对于绝大多数的外国投资者 来说,都无法完成这个要求。虽然政府 是针对外国投资者推出的这一签证,但 时间限定这一点对于外国商人来说并不 友好。在一个国际链接日益紧密的世界 中,这些居留要求对于很多投资者来说 都难以实现。

数据资料显示,2016年第三季度所 发放签证的数量是自2014年11月所需投 资金额门槛从100万英镑增加到200万英 镑时的最高数字。在2016年第三季度英 国授予的签证数量从上季的40个升至72 个:80%的惊人涨幅。与2015年同季比 较,2016年第三季度增长了56%。

最后,虽然此类签证可以为那些 有能力提供大笔投资的人提供申请加速 通道,但不再为其家属提供此项服务。 因为主申请人的子女不能再一同申请签 证,因此,实际上主申请人一般会与其 生意合伙人一同申请,投资500万英镑或 1000万英镑的投资者的家属,需要等五 年才获取居留资格。这导致了投资者无 法与其家庭成员的申请节奏保持一致, 无法满足很多家庭的投资移民需要。 当面临这些限制时,其他地方所提 供的选择对于有能力进行投资的客户来

严峻,但英国也许会重新鼓励高净值投 资者的到来。

Ü总结 全世界高净值人士之间的竞争以及 他们为经济带来的诸多贡献——无论是 直接投资还是间接支出——都是异常激 烈的。尽管全民公投的投票结果产生了 相对的不确定性,但英国的环境始终继 续保持着它的对外吸引力:富人还在源 源不断的涌向这里。在英国脱欧的影响 下,英国政府有机会重新审视其高净值 移民的项目方案,并建立一个更具吸引 力和能够实现国际投资的框架,并使得 英国在这些投资项目下获利。

如上所述,在全民脱欧公投之前, 英国工作签证的申请数量显著下降。然 而,2016年12月1日,国家统计局公布了 2016年第三季度发放的英国签证数量。

英国工作签证申请数量上涨的原因 可能有三个方面: 1. 欧盟公民投票后的英镑价值下跌 可能导致了申请人数的上涨; 2. 可能因为外国公民很难再通过欧 洲经济区国家所提供(如上所述)的投 资项目在英国合法居留,没有替换性国 籍供选择,投资者们只能申请英国工作 签证; 如果您有任何问题,请联系:

3. 许多人担心,英国政府将在英国 正式脱欧后加紧移民政策,因此在任何 不利变化发生之前,先取得在英国的合 法居留身份。 虽然2016年第三季度英国政府发放 的签证数量不断增加,但还未达到2014 年11月以前上升水平。这表明,尽管英 国媒体报道英国对移民的限制态度日益

Kamal Rahman, 合伙人 E kamal.rahman@mishcon.com T +44 20 3321 7143 Fran Rance, 同事 E fran.rance@mishcon.com T +44 20 3321 6036

43


Citizenship by Investment Spring 2017

Antigua and Barbuda Fast Becoming the CIP Jurisdiction of Choice

Country Spotlight

! Thomas Anthony | Deputy CEO, Antigua and Barbuda Citizenship by Investment Unit

In an age of increasing need for mobility, becoming a global citizen has never been more desirable. Despite being a relatively new entrant in the alternative citizenship space, Antigua and Barbuda’s Citizenship by Investment Program (CIP) is already proving very popular with investors. Speedy processing and the quality of real estate offerings, give the Program a serious competitive advantage. The independent Commonwealth state, located in the Eastern Caribbean, is a lush green paradise that boasts 365 white sand beaches with clear, turquoise waters. Home to over 90,000 people, the twinisland nation is considered to be one of the most beautiful places in the world. Historically, as a result of tourism and real estate, the country has experienced continuous growth in foreign direct investment. However, more recently, financial services, tertiary education and e-commerce have become significant contributors. Bolstered by generous Government incentives, foreign investment has contributed to the rapid development of the economy, resulting in the country having one of the highest GDP per capita in the sub-region.

44 44

Along with seven other states, Antigua and Barbuda is a member of the Eastern Caribbean Currency Union (ECCU), a development of the Organization of Eastern Caribbean States (OECS), using the Eastern Caribbean dollar as its currency. The Eastern Caribbean dollar has been pegged to the United States dollar for the last forty years, contributing to long term financial stability. The Government of Antigua and Barbuda has set a clear goal for the country to become, according to its Prime Minister, the Honorable Gaston Browne, “‘the economic powerhouse’ of the Eastern Caribbean” and sees its CIP as one of the key drivers that will lead to the realization of this ambition. Launched in 2013, the Program is managed by a dedicated Citizenship by Investment Unit (CIU), a team of professionals responsible for processing applications and for recommending the approval of real estate and business investment options. The ultimate responsibility for the program rests with the Office of the Prime Minister. According to the CIU’s Deputy Chief Executive Officer (DCEO), Thomas Anthony, there are a few factors that contribute to the rapid success of the Program.

“Our productivity and fast turnaround time of about 60 days,” he says, “is due to our highly competent staff, comprising mostly private sector individuals. That meant we quickly became one of, if not the most efficient Unit in the region, surpassing countries that had been in the industry for far longer or just prior to our entry.” “Secondly,” Anthony states, “the fact that Antigua and Barbuda has had a strong presence in the high-end tourism sector for more than four decades and already had certain infrastructure in place, the country quickly became an attractive place for those seeking to invest in real estate and business.” “Thirdly,” he adds, “we had the opportunity to learn from the already established programs and model our real estate offerings and escrow arrangements accordingly. In order to give investors the confidence that developers will deliver on their promise, the Unit exerts some control over the management of the escrow accounts.” “Lastly,” Anthony states, “we have been very visible in the international community by attending and presenting at various industry conferences and having a presence in high-quality publications such as this one.


Citizenship by Investment Spring 2017

1. Have permanent resident status or other long term visa in Canada, the United Kingdom and the United States or a jurisdiction with which Antigua and Barbuda has visa free entry arrangements. 2. Have resided outside of Iran for at least three (3) years prior to the application for citizenship by investment. 3. Demonstrate that the funds to be invested in Antigua and Barbuda were substantially earned outside of Iran. The CIU has afforded new citizens the opportunity to add dependents after approval. There is also a noHIV test requirement for minors under 11. Antigua and Barbuda was the first Caribbean nation to permit investment in approved businesses, an innovation that other jurisdictions are now copying. In addition to visa-free travel to 134 countries, including Canada, the United Kingdom, and the European Union’s Schengen area states, CIP-eligible investors have the right to reside permanently on the islands. The recent elimination of personal income tax makes it even more attractive. Applicants must be 18 and above and submit to a rigorous due diligence process. The only residency stipulation is that new citizens spend at least five days on Antigua or Barbuda in the five years following the granting of citizenship. Regarding due diligence and transparency, Anthony says the CIU understands that new citizens will be allowed visa free entry to 134 countries. “It is a responsibility that we take very seriously and all our international partners are involved in the entire process.”

Ü

This visibility,” he adds, “along with the culture of efficiency, a robust due diligence process, transparency and accountability of our Program made Henley & Partners and Arton Capital quickly brand Antigua and Barbuda as the number one program in the region. Henley & Partners went a step further and ranked us third globally.” In addition to its existing marketing efforts, the Unit is now offering a commission to all Authorized Representatives/Suppliers.

• Main applicant • Spouse

US$50,000 US$50,000

Up to two dependants pay no processing fees B. Family of 5 or more:• US$250,000 Contribution and processing fees • Main applicant US$50,000 • Spouse US$50,000 • Up to three dependants pay no processing fees

Antigua and Barbuda has earned over $100 million from the program and has conferred citizenship on 1,000 new citizens.

2. Real Estate Investments

The Program provides three options.

US$400,000 investment minimum - in an approved project (must be owned for at least 5 years)

1. Contribution to the National Development Fund (NDF)

3. Investment in Business

A. For a single applicant, or a family of 4 or less

• Single investor US$1.5M • Two or more investors US$5M (each at least US$400,000)

• US$200,000 Contribution and processing fees of:-

Iranian applicants should note that it is necessary that they satisfy the following requirements:

Benefits

• Visa free access to 134 countries, including Canada, United Kingdom and Schengen area • Decision rendered in 60-90 days on most files • No restrictions on dual nationality • Citizenship for life, once residency requirement is met • Straightforward application process, no minimum net worth requirement or previous business experience • No tax on worldwide income, inheritance, capital gains or investment returns • History of a stable currency US$1 = EC$2.70 (XCD) since 1976 • Antigua and Barbuda is a stable ‘Westminster’ style democracy • Well-established legal and regulatory framework, supporting civil and commercial relationships • Well-educated work force, skills and abilities for modern work place • Active and committed member of the International community With its efficient processing, rigorous due diligence, wide choice of investment options and the sheer physical attraction of the islands, the Antigua and Barbuda CIP is fast becoming a jurisdiction of choice. For more information visit www.cip.gov.ag Alternatively, pick up a copy of the new publication The Citizen, which aims to provide readers with all of the information needed regarding the program.

45


Citizenship by Investment Spring 2017

安提瓜和巴布达 快速成为投资移民领域的 新选择:

Country Spotlight

! Thomas Anthony | Deputy CEO, Antigua and Barbuda Citizenship by Investment Unit

在越来越需要流动性的时代,成为 全球公民从未如此受过欢迎。 尽管在替代性国籍方面,安提瓜和 巴布达还是个相对较新的参赛者,但其 “投资移民计划”(CIP)已经被证明是非 常受外国投资者青睐的。方便快捷的审 批程序和房地产市场投资的丰厚回报, 给该计划提供了极具竞争力的优势。 这个位于东加勒比地区的独联体国 家是一个郁郁葱葱的绿色天堂,拥有365 个白色沙滩和清澈碧绿的水域。该国居 住人口超过9万,安提瓜和巴布达被认为 是世界上最美丽的地区之一。 历史上,由于旅游业和房地产业, 该国的外国直接投资持续增长。然而, 最近金融服务、高等教育和电子商务已 替代前者成为该国经济的重要贡献者。 政的大力支持和鼓励,外商投资对经济 快速发展作出了巨大贡献,导致在整个 加勒比地区该国人均GDP水平最高。

46 46

除其他七个国家之外,安提瓜和巴 布达是东加勒比货币联盟(ECCU)的 成员,东加勒比国家组织(OECS)以东 加勒比元作为该组织的流通货币。东加 勒比元在过去四十年的时间里与美元挂 钩,这有助于长期的金融稳定。 安提瓜和巴布达政府根据其总理加 斯顿·布朗(Gaston Browne)所说的“东 加勒比地区的经济大国”,确立了该国的 明确目标,并将投资移民计划视为实现 这一远大目标的主要驱动力之一。 该计划于2013年正式推出,由一个 专门的投资移民委员会(CIU)管理,这 是一支负责处理移民申请的专业团队, 他们还建议政府批准房地产和商业投资 选择。该计划最终由总理办公室负责。 据投资移民的负责人托马斯·安东尼 (Thomas Anthony)介绍,这里有几个 重要因素有助于该计划的快速成功。

“我们的投资移民审批程序大约需要 60个工作日,”他说,“这主要得益于我们 高素质的员工,主要是私营部门人员。 这意味着我们很快就会成为加勒比地区 在移民审批方面最有效率的国家之一。 “其次,”安东尼说,“安提瓜和巴布 达在高端旅游行业已经强势存在了四十 多年,已经具备了完善的基础设施,政 府目前正在鼓励房地产和商业领域的投 资发展。“ “第三,”他补充说,“我们有机会从 已经建立的方案中学习,并相应地模仿 我们在房地产项目上的安排。为使投资 者对开发商有兑现承诺的信心,本行对 托管帐户的管理有一定的控制权。” “最后,”安东尼说,“我们通过参加 各种个样的行业会议并出版高质量的出 版物就是为了在国际社会中引起全世界 投资者的注意。“他补充道,”这种可见性 以及效率文化,强大尽职的调查流程,


Citizenship by Investment Spring 2017

3. 证明投资在安提瓜和巴布达的资 金是在伊朗以外地区合法赚取的。 投资移民委员会为新公民提供了批 准后添加家属的机会。政府对11岁以下 的未成年人也有艾滋病毒检测的要求。 安提瓜和巴布达是第一个实施投资 批准业务的加勒比国家,其他地区正在 复制这一创新方案。 除了包括加拿大、英国和欧盟申根 地区在内的134个国家的免签入境之外, 投资移民计划中已合格的申请者有权在 岛上永久居留。最近个人所得税的减免 使这一计划对投资者更具吸引力。 申请人必须18岁周岁以上,并需经 过严格尽职的背景调查。唯一的居留规 定是新公民在给予公民身份的五年内至 少在安提瓜或巴布达停留五天时间。 关于尽职调查和其透明度,安东尼 说,投资移民委员会了解到新公民将被 允许免签证进入134个国家。 “我们非常重视这一责任,所有的国 际合作伙伴都会参与到整个过程当中。”

Ü

透明度和问责制,使得Henley & Partners 和Arton Capital迅速将安提瓜和巴布达 列为该地区的第一大计划。Henley & Partners向前更进一步而我们在世界上排 名第三。“ 除现有的营销工作之外,该单位目 前会为所有授权代表/供应商提供佣金。 安提瓜和巴布达现已从该方案中获 利1亿多美元,并授予了1,000名新公民的 公民资格。 本计划提供三个选项。 1. 向国家发展基金(NDF)捐款 A. • • • • B. •

对于单个申请人或最多一家四口 200,000美元捐赠金额和程序费: 主申请人 50,000美元 配偶 50,000美元 两名子女以内无需缴纳程序费 一家五口或更多: 250,000美元捐赠金额和程序费

• 主申请人 50,000美元 • 配偶 50,000美元 • 三名子女以内无需缴纳程序费 2. 房地产投资 • 至少投资400,000美元——在已批准 的项目中(须至少持有5年) 3. 商业投资 • 单个投资人150万美元 • 两个或更多投资者500万美元 (每人至少投资40万美元) 伊朗申请人需注意,必需要满足以 下几点要求: 1. 在加拿大、英国和美国境内拥有 永久居民身份或其他长期签证,或有在 安提瓜和巴布达免签入境的权利。 2. 在安提瓜和巴布达投资申请公民 身份前至少三年内居住在伊朗境外。

好处

• 免签证进入134个国家,包括加拿 大、英国和申根区 • 大多数申请会在60-90天内作出决定 • 承认双重国籍 • 一旦满足居住要求,可以公民身份 在岛上生活 • 直接申请程序,对投资人无最低净 值要求或商业经验要求 • 对全球收入、继承、资本收益或投 资回报全部免税 • 自1976年以来,货币稳定在 $ 1 = EC$ 2.70(XCD) • 安提瓜和巴布达是一个稳定的议会 制民主国家 • 建立良好健全的法律和监管框架, 支持民间和商业的合作关系 • 劳动力受教育水平高,社会是依靠 个人技能与能力的现代工作场所 • 安提瓜和巴布达是国际社会中积极 和坚定的一员 安提瓜和巴布达的投资移民计划正 凭借其高效处理效率,尽职严谨调查, 广泛投资选择和岛屿景观吸引力,迅速 成为加勒比地区首选投资移民地。 欲了解更多信息,请访问网站www. cip.gov.ag。或者翻开一本新出版的《公 民(The Citizen)》副本,这本书旨在为 读者提供有关该计划所需的全部信息。

47


Citizenship by Investment Spring 2017

Country Spotlight

Cyprus Country Spotlight

Ü

Cyprus at a glance

Cyprus is the third most populous country in the Mediterranean. Home to over a million citizens, the island is the world’s 80th largest by area. Close neighbouring countries include Turkey, which lies a mere 70 kilometres to the north, and Lebanon, which is located approximately 108 kilometres to the east. It is also west of Syria, northwest of Israel and north of Egypt. The landscapes vary dramatically; with the Troodos mountains, famed beaches and the Pedieos River, Cyprus is home to varied scenery and breathtaking backdrops. With a sub-tropical climate, it experiences very mild winters and summers can be extremely warm. With an average temperature along its coast of 24 degrees Celsius, Cyprus boasts one of the warmest climates in the Mediterranean and as a result it is a popular tourist destination known for its beautiful beaches and archaeological sites relating to the cult of Aphrodite, including ruins of palaces, tombs and mosaic-adorned villas.

Ü

Education

Cyprus boasts a highly developed educational system and offers exceptional facilities, both public and private. The brilliant standard of Cypriot education can be attributed to its government prioritising it highly, in fact Cyprus is one of the top three spenders for education in the EU,

48 48

with nearly 7% of its GDP devoted to educating its citizens. Its only rivals in Europe are Sweden and Denmark, and the quality of its public schools are comparable with many of other European countries’ private schools. Indicative of its high quality, Cyprus currently has the highest percentage of citizens of working age who have higher-level education in the EU at 30% which is ahead of Finland's 29.5%. In addition, 47% of its population aged 25–34 have tertiary education, which is the highest in the EU.

Ü

Communication

With an advanced, high-income economy and a very high Human Development Index, Cyprus is a key figure in the European Union and although a great destination for tourists, it is also much more than that. Boasting a rich and divisive history which dates back as far as 10 million BC, it generally follows European standards and for English speakers, communication will be easy as English is widely spoken and recognised by its citizens. Cyprus is so much more than just a beach-time resort; the island is multi-layered, like its history, with a compelling culture, lifestyle and landscape, overseen by warm, hospitable people who are pleased to accept foreign trade and to do commence business relations with citizens and cultures of all kinds and creeds. The two most popular spoken languages in Cyprus are Greek and Turkish,

although for those who speak English there is little to fear - English is widely understood and many road signs, public notices, advertisements etc. are also translated into English.

Ü

Politics

Politically, Cyprus utilises a multi-party system but of course ultimate power is attributed to the President, who is both chief of state and head of government. The current President, Nicos Anastasiades, has been in power since February of 2013 and currently has a council of eleven ministers who operate underneath him, each one presiding over various categories, e.g. education, defence, health, etc. The Cypriot constitution, conceived in 1960, codifies the principle of separation of powers and, as such, the executive, legislative and judicial branches are all independent of one another in order to avoid abuse of power. The legislative branch consists of a House of Representatives who are represented by 59 members who get elected for a five year term. The three main parties in Cyprus include that of the current President, DISY, who was elected with 45% of the vote in the first round of the 2013 election and finally 57% of the vote in the second round. The other two prominent parties are the AKEL, who received 27% of the vote in the first round, and EDEK, who received 25% of the vote in the first round.


Citizenship by Investment Spring 2017

Ü

...The Cypriot citizenship program will continue to claim the European CBI crown and further increase investors’ interest in the country.

Religion

According to Eurobarometer 2005, Cyprus is the second most religious state in the European Union, falling slightly short of Malta. Approximately 94% of its citizens follow Eastern Orthodox Christianity, while small, but significant, Muslim and Jewish communities also reside on the island. Cyprus is also the home ground of the Hala Sultan Tekke, which can be found close to the Larnaca Salt Lake, and is considered by many to be the third holiest site in Sunni Islam. Both Muslims and Christians have been known to visit the site as part of their pilgrimage.

Ü

Economy

In the early 21st century the Cypriot economy diversified massively and Cyprus became far more prosperous due to this diversification. However, in 2012 it became affected by the Eurozone financial and banking crisis. In June 2012, the Cypriot government announced it would need EUR 1.8 billion in foreign aid to support the Cyprus Popular Bank, and this was followed by Fitch downgrading Cyprus's credit rating to junk status. Fitch said Cyprus would need an additional EUR 4 billion to support its banks and the downgrade was mainly due to the exposure of Bank of Cyprus, Cyprus Popular Bank and Hellenic Bank - Cyprus's three largest banks - to the Greek financial crisis. However, after a three and a half year recession, Cyprus’ economy began to recover well. In the first quarter of 2015, there was marked growth in the economy, and the country’s credit was upgraded. The Cypriot economy continued to blossom; growth of 2.9% was reported in the third quarter of 2016, securing a markedly positive start to 2017.

Ü

Citizenship by Investment in Cyprus

Many wish to gain a Cypriot passport. Possession of one is an invaluable asset; with access to as many as 159 countries without visa and the right to live and work in all EU member states, a Cypriot citizenship has the ability to open many doors. This month has seen significant changes to Cyprus’ Citizenship by Investment program which will undoubtedly make citizenships even more accessible to investors. As before, the Cypriot programme will remain the fastest in Europe, with eligible investors achieving citizenship approval within three months. The Cypriot Cabinet have now also approved alterations that will lower the amount that single investors are required to invest in the country from €5 million to €2.5 million. This amount can be invested in real estate, government bonds or through creation of a business based in the Republic. Furthermore, groups will also no longer have to number five or more investors, and citizenships can be secured for the applicants’ parents alongside their own applications.

Ü

Background

Since the launch of the Cypriot CBI program, investors have consistently been attracted to Cyprus due to the country’s highly sought after geographical location and mediterranean climate. The program is currently the highest listed of any

European country in the Arton index of global citizen programs. News outlets have praised the newly simplified process, as the changes will improve the program’s accessibility and will further cater for the family of investors. The tweaks to the program will undoubtedly ensure that the Cypriot citizenship program will continue to claim the European CBI crown and further increase investors’ interest in the country.

Ü

How to qualify

Investment and Donation You can qualify for Cypriot citizenship by: • Investing at least €2m in shares and/or bonds of the Cyprus State Investment Company and • Donating at least €0.5m to the Cypriot Research and Technology Fund

Investment You can qualify by investing at least €5m in Cyprus. The following types of investments qualify: • Property (but not undeveloped land) • Cypriot businesses or companies • Bonds, securities, debentures • Investment or participation in public works If a) to c) above, the investments have to be maintained for three years. Where the investment is in shares or bonds, the value of the investment must stay above €5m for the entire three years.

Bank Deposits You can qualify by depositing at least €5m in a Cypriot bank for three years on fixed terms.

Ü

Business activities in Cyprus

You can qualify by owning, or owning part of, a company which has paid taxes and other fees to the Cypriot government and which employs people in Cyprus. The amount of tax that must be paid varies according to the number of people your business employs in Cyprus. The minimum qualifying tax payments are as follows: • If the company employs ten or more people in Cyprus, it must have paid taxes of €200,000 in each of the last three years • If the company employs between five and ten people in Cyprus, it must have paid taxes and other payments of at least €300,000 in each of the last three years • If the company employs fewer than five people, it must have paid taxes and other fees of at least €500,000 in each of the last three years.

Ü

Benefits

• Fastest Citizenship by Investment program in Europe • Citizenship only necessitates one visit every seven years • Provided their Cypriot property value totals or exceeds £500,000, or parents own a share in a £500,000 property (+VAT), parents also qualify for citizenship • No language requirements • Excellent and strategic location • Can retain current nationality

49


Citizenship by Investment Spring 2017

塞浦路斯

Country Spotlight

国家聚焦

Ü

塞浦路斯概况一览

塞浦路斯的居住人口超过一百万, 岛屿面积全球排名第80位,是地中海附 近最受欢迎的三个国家之一。邻近国家 包括距离该岛北部仅70公里的土耳其, 坐落于塞浦路斯东部约108公里的黎巴 嫩,以及东部的叙利亚,东南部的以色 列和南部的埃及。岛上坐落着特罗多斯 山脉,还有派迪亚斯河和著名的海滩, 各式各样的风景变幻多姿,来往的游客 络绎不绝流连忘返。塞浦路斯是地中海 附近气候最温暖的国家之一,亚热带气 候,冬季温暖夏季炎热,海岸沿岸的平 均温度达到24摄氏度,该岛舒适宜人的 气候让当地的人民引以为豪。美丽的沙 滩以及人们因崇拜阿芙洛狄忒所留下的 相关建筑遗址,包括各式宫殿、陵墓和 精心装饰的别墅的废墟,使得塞浦路斯 成为了一个著名的旅游景点。

Ü

教育

另一个让塞浦路斯人民引以为豪 的方面,就是他们高度发达的教育体系 和为学生提供高水平教育质量的公立及

50 50

私立学校。塞浦路斯教育事业上的超高 水平得益于政府对教育事业的高度重视 和支持,事实上塞浦路斯是所有欧盟国 中教育经费投入最多的三个国家之一, 将近7%的GDP用于塞浦路斯人民的教育 投入。在教育方面可以与其相提并论的 欧洲国家只有瑞典和丹麦,并且塞浦路 斯其公立学校的教学质量甚至与欧洲一 些国家的私立学校不相上下,由此可以 看出塞浦路斯的确拥有着优质的教育资 源。塞浦路斯是目前欧盟成员国中,拥 有受过较高水平教育的劳动人口比例最 高的国家,占总劳动人口的30%,高于芬 兰的29%。另外,年龄在25-34岁之间且 受过高等教育的塞浦路斯公民占该年龄 段总人数的47%,是所有欧盟国中占比最 高的国家。

Ü

语言交流

塞浦路斯因其先进的、高收入的经 济体系以及极高的人类发展指数,逐渐 成为欧盟的核心成员国之一。尽管它作 为一个著名旅游胜地闻名于世,但塞浦 路斯的魅力远不止于此。塞浦路斯的历 史可以追溯到公元前一千万年前,当地

人民因其绵长悠久又跌宕起伏的历史而 颇感自豪。他们的社会准则一般是遵循 欧洲标准,对于使用英语的人来说,与 当地人民进行交流对话非常容易,因为 英语是全世界广泛使用的语言,并且为 塞浦路斯人民所接受。而塞浦路斯也远 不止是个有着金黄色海滩的度假胜地, 这个岛屿多姿多彩,它还拥有引人入胜 的文化、生活方式和风景。当地人民友 好大方,非常乐于与各式各样的人进行 商业合作。在塞浦路斯人们使用最多的 两种语言是希腊语和土耳其语,但英语 使用者毋须顾虑,因为英语是被当地普 遍理解和接受的语言,塞浦路斯的许多 路标、公告和广告等都会翻译成英文。

Ü

政治

政治上,塞浦路斯实行多党制,总 统既是国家元首也是政府首脑,并拥有 最高行政权。现任总统尼科斯·阿纳斯塔 夏季斯(Nicos Anastasiades),自2013 年2月以来担任塞浦路斯总统一职,目前 拥有一个在他管辖之下的由11位部长所 组成的理事会,每位部长都各自负责一 个不同的部门,例如教育、国防和卫生


Citizenship by Investment Spring 2017

塞浦路斯的投资入 籍计划还将会一直 保持着它的超高吸 引力,并努力向投 资者提供更多的投 资回报和利益。

等。塞浦路斯宪法于1960年开始生效, 贯彻三权分立的原则,行政权、立法权 和司法权相互独立、相互制衡,避免政 府官员滥用职权。塞浦路斯众院行使立 法权,其众议院共有59个议席,每5年改 选一届。在2013年选举中第一轮获得45% 选票第二轮获得57%选票的现任总统所在 的民主大会党是塞浦路斯的三大政党之 一。另外两个主要党派,一个是在第一 轮选举中获得27%选票的劳动人民进步 党,另一个是在第一轮选举中得到25%选 票的社会民主运动党。

Ü

宗教

根据欧洲晴雨表(一个长期跟踪欧 洲各国对欧盟民意的调查),塞浦路斯 是欧盟中宗教最为繁盛的第二大国家, 仅稍稍落后于马耳他。约有94%的塞浦路 斯人民信仰塞浦路斯正教会,但十分值 得注意的是,该岛上也有伊斯兰教和犹 太教社区。哈拉·苏丹清真寺就位于塞浦 路斯的拉纳卡盐湖畔,被公认为是逊尼 派的第三大圣地,穆斯林和基督徒都把 这里当作朝圣的地点之一。

Ü

经济 21世纪初,塞浦路斯的经济得到

大规模多元化的发展,塞浦路斯因此而 变得越来越富裕、繁荣。然而,在2012 年受欧元区财政危机和银行业危机的影 响,塞浦路斯政府于2012年6月份宣布其 需要18亿欧元的外援来救助塞浦路斯大 众银行,随后塞浦路斯的信用等级被惠 誉金融服务公司降至“垃圾”级。惠誉国际 认为,塞浦路斯至少还需要40亿欧元去 扶持它的银行业,降级的主要原因是塞 浦路斯银行的风险敞口。然而,在经历 了三年半的经济衰退之后,塞浦路斯的 经济状况开始逐渐好转。2015年第一季 度,塞浦路斯的经济显著增长,国家信 用评级也随之被调高。

Ü

塞浦路斯投资入籍计划

许多人都想有一本塞浦路斯护照。 因为这本护照的价值极高,可享受多达 159个国家的免签入境,可在任一欧盟成 员国工作生活,并且塞浦路斯公民的身 份可以为你带来更多的难得机遇。在本 月,塞浦路斯投资移民计划发生重大改 变,新政策使得申请人更容易获得塞浦 路斯政府的批准取得公民身份。正如以 前一样,塞浦路斯依旧是欧洲审核并发 放护照速度最快的国家,获批的申请人 在三个月内就可以拿到护照。塞浦路斯 内阁现在已经批准了这一政策变更,个 人投资者对该国投资的资金总额从500万 欧元降至250万欧元,其资金可用于投资 房地产、政府债券或是在本国创建商业 公司。此外,集体投资者不必再凑够5人 以上,主申请人的父母也可与申请人一 同申请塞浦路斯护照。

Ü

背景

自从政府开始实施这一投资入籍计 划,塞浦路斯就因其独特的地理位置和 宜人的气候环境而吸引了大量的海外投 资者。全球公民计划Arton指数显示, 该项目是目前所有欧洲国家的投资移民 项目中最具吸引力的一个。各路新闻媒 体纷纷称赞这一移民项目的新的简化流 程,因为该项目的变更使得人们更容易 取得塞浦路斯的公民身份,并且更适应 了投资者整个家庭的需要。毫无疑问, 塞浦路斯的投资入籍计划还将会一直保 持着它的超高吸引力,并努力向投资者 提供更多的投资回报和利益。

Ü

如何获取资格

投资与捐款

200万欧元 • 向塞浦路斯研究与技术基金 (Cypriot Research and Technology Fund)捐款至少50万欧元 投资 您可以通过在塞浦路斯投资至少500 万欧元的方式获得移民资格。以下符合 要求的投资类型有: • • • •

房地产(但不包括未开发土地) 塞浦路斯企业或公司 债券,证券,公司债券 投资或参与公共建设工程

如果a)至c),投资项目必须持有 三年以上。股份或债券投资在整个三年 内其价值必须保持在500万欧元以上。 银行存款 您可以通过在塞浦路斯银行定期存 款至少五百万欧元的方式取得资格。

在塞浦路斯的商业活动 您可以拥有或部分拥有一家雇佣塞 浦路斯公民且向塞浦路斯政府支付税款 和其他费用的公司。 外国投资者必须支付的税额根据您 的业务在塞浦路斯雇佣人数的不同而有 所不同。最低合格税款如下: • 如果公司在塞浦路斯雇佣了十名以 上员工,则在过去三年中必须每年 缴纳20万欧元的税款 • 如果公司在塞浦路斯雇佣5至10名员 工,则在过去三年中必须每年缴纳 至少30万欧元的税款和其他费用 • 如果公司雇佣员工不到5人,则过去 三年必须每年缴纳至少50万欧元的 税款和其他费用。

优势 • 是欧洲投资移民计划中审批最快的 国家 • 移民只需每七年访问一次塞浦路斯 • 如果投资者在塞浦路斯持有的房产 价值总计超过50万英镑,或其父母 也拥有一处价值50万英镑的房产 (+ VAT)的份额,则其父母也有资 格获得公民身份 • 无语言要求 • 地理位置优越 • 可保留现有国籍

您可以通过以下方式获取塞浦路斯 公民身份 • 通过购买塞浦路斯国家投资公司股 份和/或债券的方式向其投资至少

51




Why us? Andreas Demetriades&Co LLC is a full service Cyprus Law Firm established in 1970 by the Head of our Firm and practising Partner, Andreas Demetriades ex Minister of Justice of the Republic of Cyprus and President of the Pafos Legal Bar Association for three consecutive terms of office. He has also served as a Member of the Cyprus Parliament President of the Cyprus Telecommunication Authority and as an Adviser and Spokesman to a President of the Republic of Cyprus. Since 1970 we have been delivering cost-effective, innovative, and effective legal services. We are a dynamic, rapidly expanding Law Firm focused on providing a complete legal service to Clients in our core sectors. We have already acted for hundreds of international Clients in Permanent Residency and Citizenship Applications with a 100% success rate. We are qualified Cypriot Lawyers with in depth knowledge of the law and the procedures pertaining to the Cyprus Immigration via Investment Programs. Having our base in Cyprus allows us to speedily solve problems so as to avoid unnecessary delays. The Firm's excellent cooperation with all related government departments, together with our wealth of experience, knowledge and resources, offers Clients the best possible legal support.

How we can help As a fully licensed Law Firm we can offer support and legal assistance in all aspects of the Residency or Citizenship via Investment Procedure. In every step of the process, Clients will receive bespoke legal advice, directly from a Cypriot Lawyer. For more information, please contact Mr Demetris Demetriades, Head of the Investment and Immigration Department

INFORMATION / 信息: No.16, Nikolaou Nikolaidis str. Tryfonos Court 3rd Floor, 8046 Pafos, Cyprus T: +357 26811668 | F: +357 26932313 | E: info@demetriadeslaw.com

www.demetriadeslaw.com


为何选择我们? Andreas Demetriades&Co LLC 是一家为客户提供全方位服务的塞浦路斯律师 事务所,由公司负责人兼合伙人 Andreas Demetriades 于 1970 年成立,他曾任塞浦路 斯共和国司法部长并连续三任帕福斯律师协会主席。他还曾是塞浦路斯电信局议会议 长的一员并担任过塞浦路斯共和国的总统顾问和发言人。

自 1970 年以来律所一直在为客户提供高性价比、创新且有效的法律服务。 我们是一家目前业务迅速扩张,充满活力的律师事务所,专注于在我们的业务领域为 客户提供完善的法律服务。 我们已帮助过数百位国际客户进行永久居留和移民申请,成功率为 100%。 我们业务经验丰富的塞浦路斯律师对通过投资项目进行的移民申请程序和塞 浦路斯法律都有一个深入全面的了解。在塞浦路斯设立办事处使得律所能够迅速解决 相关问题,避免出现不必要的延误状况。律所与各政府相关部门都保持着良好的合作 关系,再加上我们丰富的经验、知识和资源,确保我们可以为客户提供最专业有效的 法律支持。

如何为客户提供帮助 作为一家拥有正式执照的律师事务所,我们可以为您在通过投资申请居留或 移民的程序中提供全方位的支持和法律协助。在每一步的申请过程中,客户可直接从 塞浦路斯律师那里得到最合适有效的法律建议。


Citizenship by Investment Spring 2017

The Commonwealth of Dominica

Country Spotlight

Country Spotlight

Ü

About Dominica

Discovery of the Commonwealth of Dominica is sure to yield a Caribbean experience unlike any other. Its breathtaking landscape reveals rainforests, rivers and waterfalls. It comes as no surprise that Dominica is affectionately known as “Nature’s Island”, as citizens of Dominica share their home with many rare species of plant, animal and bird. The rugged terrain offers adventurous visitors the chance to canyon, bike or swing from new heights. For those with a love of nature, Dominica is the perfect bird watching destination. Additionally, its botanical gardens house the Sisserou Parrot, which can only be found on the island and is the island’s national bird. Dominica is known for its spectacular reefs which visitors can explore for themselves whilst diving or snorkeling. Keen divers should certainly visit the signature Champagne Reef. For a less active visitor, there is the always the option to join a boating tour. From a catamaran, visitors with a keen eye for amphibians can enjoy dolphin watching. The sun is a permanent resident in Dominica, which boasts an extremely tropical climate and beautifully rugged terrain which will please all of the sun soakers looking for a place to soak up

56 56

the rays. Looking out onto the Caribbean Sea, the mountainous green sides are dotted with exotic tropical flowers, banana plantations and coconut trees. The Boiling Lake is the perfect place to soul search and discover yourself as its renowned healing properties are considered legendary. Dominica has the honour of being nominated as one of the happiest places to live on earth. Simplicity is key here, whether you want to walk barefoot through the pristine shore, wander down any number of green jungle trails or chill out on the beach looking onto the ocean, Dominica is a place where concerns are replaced by an overwhelming sense of peace and oneness. With a unique melting pot of cultures including English, French, African and Carrib, there is no shortage of interesting natives to get to know and grow friendships with. The citizens know how to work hard, but also how to play hard, with a number of music and pageantry events to enjoy.

Ü

Benefits of Citizenship in Dominica

One of the main benefits of a Dominican citizenship for the potential applicant would be the access it provides. Dominica itself is a safe and enjoyable place to live, with a high quality of life and English

is the official language so business transactions should be without language complications. Dominica also has a progressive and stable macroeconomic environment and a Dominican citizen has unrestricted foreign ownership of businesses rights in an investor friendly environment. Citizenship also comes with free movement of capital, dividends and profits made outside of the island and no capital gains, estate or death taxes making it a prime location for those looking to protect their wealth. Dominica’s Government has frequent dealings with the private sector and other foreign investors in order to facilitate growth. There are a number of flexible and tailored projects available for the investor, as many international companies are targeting Dominica to develop agricultural opportunities, alternative energy projects, manufacturing concerns, hotel resort developments and even investment in the film industry. The soil is perfect for producing a variety of fruits, produce and plants due to its rich volcanic content. The landscape is also a prime candidate for real estate development and there are a number of opportunities to work together with joint venture investments and private landowners.


Citizenship by Investment Spring 2017

The Commonwealth of Dominica has the honour of being nominated as one of the happiest places to live on earth.

Ü

Citizenship by Investment Requirements

Dominica offers applicants the option of becoming citizens in return for a qualifying investment, which includes either a donation to Dominica’s Economic Diversification Fund, or the purchase of pre-approved real estate.

Ü Economic Diversification Fund The Economic Diversification Fund was established through the Economic Citizenship Programme as one component of a national capital mobilisation portfolio towards an ultimate goal of national development for Dominica. Generated funds are utilised for public and private sector projects where a need is identified. Public sector projects identified for financing under the Programme include (1) building of schools, (2) renovation of the hospital, (3) building of a national sports stadium and (4) towards the promotion of the offshore sector. With respect to private sector projects, Government emphasis is on the tourism, information technology and agricultural sectors and therefore public sector projects to be financed under the Programme will fall within one of these sectors.

To qualify for citizenship under this investment option, there are four investment categories with different contribution amounts, based on the number of dependents included in the application, which are as follows: 1. Single Applicant: a non-refundable contribution of USD 100,000 is required 2. Main Applicant and Spouse: a non-refundable contribution of USD 175,000 is required 3. Main Applicant with up to three dependents (applicant plus spouse and two children below the age of 18): a non-refundable contribution of USD 200,000 4. Main Applicant with up to four dependents or more (applicant plus spouse and more than two children below the age of 18): a nonrefundable contribution of USD 200,000 plus USD 20,000 for each additional dependent under the age of 18 years and USD 50,000 for each additional dependent aged 18 or over.

Ü

Investment Programme, an applicant must purchase authorised real estate to the minimum value of USD 200,000. Following approval of a real estate investment application, the following Government Fees are payable: • USD 50,000 for the Single Applicant • USD 75,000 for family up to 4 persons, including the main applicant • USD 100,000 for family up to 6 persons, including the main applicant • USD 20,000 for each additional dependant aged under 18 years; USD 25,000 for each additional dependant aged over 18 years Given that the application procedure under this option entails the purchase of real estate, this can prolong the processing time, which is subject to the chosen property.

Real Estate

To qualify for citizenship of Dominica under the Real Estate Option under the Citizenship by

57




Citizenship by Investment Spring 2017

多米尼加联邦

Country Spotlight

国家聚焦

Ü

关于多米尼加

多米尼加联邦的发现肯定会产生不 同于其他的加勒比海的经验。它的热带 雨林、河流和瀑布展现出了这里壮观的 景象。但这并不令人吃惊,因为多米尼 加已被人们亲切地称之为“自然之岛“, 多米尼加的居民与这里的植物、动物和 鸟类等许多珍稀物种共同生活中这座岛 上。多米尼加崎岖的地形为热爱冒险的 游客提供了可供探险的峡谷,游客们还 可以在高处骑自行车或荡秋千。对于那 些热爱自然的游客,多米尼加是个绝佳 的鸟类观赏地。此外,它的植物园里生 活着Sisserou鹦鹉,它们只在这座岛上被 人发现过,是岛上的国鸟。 多米尼加以其壮观的珊瑚礁而闻 名,游客可以在潜水或浮潜时探索一 下。资深潜水爱好者一定要去参观香槟 礁。对于好静的游客,可以选择参加划 船游览活动。游客们可以在双体船上观 赏两栖动物或是看成群结队的海豚。

60 60

多米尼加为热带气候,常年光照 充足,人们喜欢在阳光下饮酒娱乐。面 朝加勒比海,山脉植被茂盛的一面其间 点缀着星罗棋布充满异国风情的热带花 朵、香蕉果园和椰子树。沸湖是个进行 自我放松的好去处,据说对于一些疾病 还有治愈能力。 多米尼加曾被提名为世界上幸福 感最高的居住地之一,为当地人民所自 豪。朴素是这里的主要基调,你可以赤 脚在海滨上奔跑玩闹,也可以在丛林中 漫步寻求片刻的宁静,抑或是躺在沙滩 上凝视远方和海洋,在多米尼加,人与 自然是一个整体,安静平和是人们内心 最深处的感受。 多米尼加是英国、法国、非洲和加 勒比文化的大熔炉,你可以在这里认识 大量友善风趣的当地人,并与他们交朋 友。这个国家的目标是成为加勒比地区 经济发展最强劲的国家。岛上的居民工 作努力,同时也热爱生活,懂得怎样去 放松自己,他们经常举办一些精彩华丽

的音乐和戏剧演出。

Ü

拥有多米尼加国籍的优势

取得多米尼加护照最大的便利之一 就是持有者进出欧洲方便。多米尼加生 活水平高,本身就是个宜居的地区。它 的官方语言为英语,进行商业贸易时不 会为语言问题困扰。多米尼加的宏观经 济环境先进稳定,经济自由投资环境良 好。公民可以自由调动资金、股息和利 润,且免付资本增值税、房产税或遗产 税,使得这里成了人们保护自己财富的 主要选择地。 多米尼加制定了大量灵活多变且 对投资者有利的投资政策,因此许多国 际公司向多米尼加的农业、新能源、制 造企业、度假旅馆开发,甚至是电影产 业进行投资。因为多米尼加的土壤是火 山灰,养料充足,非常适合种植各种水 果、农产品和植被。本地的房地产市场 还有待开发,并且在这里有大把的机会


Citizenship by Investment Spring 2017

多米尼加联邦曾经 被提名为世界上幸 福感最高的居住地 之一。

参与合伙投资,或者与私人土地所有者 一起合作。

在旅游、信息技术和农业领域,公共部 门项目在这些项目融资完毕后再进行。

Ü

为通过投资方式取得公民身份,基 于申请者家属的数量,这里有4种要求不 同的投资种类:

投资移民要求

投资者可以通过为多米尼加的经济 多元化基金提供捐款,或是购买政府批 准下的房地产的方式,来申请成为多米 尼加公民。

Ü

经济多元化基金

政府基金通过经济公民计划作为国 民资本调动组合的一部分而设立,最终 目的是为了国家的发展。 该基金生成的资金被公共部门和经 审核的私人部门所使用。公共部门项目 中认定为可融资的项目有:(1)建设学 校;(2)整修医院;(3)修建公共体 育场;(4)提升海外部门。出于对私人 部门项目的尊重,政府强调公共部门要

1. 个人申请:一次性捐献不可归还 的资金10万美元; 2. 主申请人与配偶:一次性捐献不 可归还的资金17.5万美元; 3. 申请人与其最多3位亲属(申请人 加配偶加两个18周岁以下的子女):捐 献不可归还的资金20万美元; 4. 申请人与四位亲属或更多(申 请人加配偶加两个以上未满18周岁的子 女):捐献不可归还的资金20万美元 (每增加一位18周岁以下的亲属追加2万 美元,每增加一位18周岁以上的亲属追 加5万美元)。

Ü

房地产

通过投资移民项目下的房地产投资 来获取多米尼加护照,申请人必须购买 价值至少20万美元政府批准下的房产。 房地产投资申请获批后,投资者应 上交以下政府费用: • • • •

单个申请人50,000美元 包括主申请人最多4人75,000美元 包括主申请人最多6人100,000美元 每附加一个18周岁以下的亲属需缴 费20,000美元;每附加一个18周岁 以上的亲属需缴费25,000美元

此选项下的申请程序因需购买房地 产,审批时间可能会延长。

61


Citizenship by Investment Spring 2017

Country Spotlight

Germany Country Spotlight

Ü

Quick Facts

Germany lies at the centre of Europe – not just geographically, but politically and economically. The fourth largest economy in the world, Germany is home to an estimated 82 million people. Its culture is famed for its organisation and punctuality, which has given rise to many successful innovations. As a result, Germany is known throughout the world for its precision engineering and hightech inventions. A formidable force in the global economy, despite its small population, Germany is also famed for its culture; it is especially well known for its contribution to classical music, literature and its excellent beer. As a federation of sixteen states, Germany surprises with its local diversity – there is no one homogenous culture. The variety of Germany’s landscapes offers visitors an unbridled breadth of choice. Across the country, there are no less than 13 national parks. With a huge range of beautiful landscapes to admire, visitors should consider Lake Königsee, the deepest and cleanest lake in Germany. The Rhine Valley is also home to many awe inspiring views – forty castles and stately homes live in the area between Bingen and Koblenz alone. Another must see tourist spot is the inspiration for the Disney castle, the Bavarian Neuschwanstein Castle. The castle was the property of Ludwig II of Bavaria, and offers stunning views, though it is often overwhelmed by

62 62

tourists. Finally, often forgotten by foreign travellers, the Island of Sylt offers 40 km of beaches accessible through the Hindenburgdamm Causeway. Its distance from the mainland means that it has retained its peaceful atmosphere which makes it a favourite with the rich and famous. Germany is a dynamic blend of the old and new, demonstrated by its array of fascinating and bustling cities. When it comes to city breaks, many opt to visit Berlin, which is one of the most popular - and coolest - capitals in Europe. Home to all of the major government buildings – the Reichstag of particular note – Berlin is a city of art and culture. Visitors will find over 170 museums in the city, as well as three well established opera houses. In recent years, Berlin has become a hotspot for edgy nights out on the town. Though you might know Berlin for its nightlife, outside of the city lies Grunewald, Berlin’s largest forested area. Two freshwater lakes and plenty of greenery comprise the perfect summer picnic spot. In fact, Berlin is one of Germany’s greenest cities, with open spaces throughout the capital. Germany is more than just its capital, however, and there are plenty of noteworthy cities scattered across the country throughout its 16 federal states. Hamburg, Düsseldorf, Dresden, Hannover, Nurnberg, Leipzig, Munich, Frankfurt and Stuttgart are a handful of some of the most lively

cities in Germany. Each has something different to offer – from Germany’s capital of fashion, Düsseldorf, to the harbour of Hamburg and the sleek financial hub of Frankfurt, it is certain that there is something for everyone. Germany is also home to Oktoberfest, which is Europe’s most visited festival and the world’s largest art fair. Munich hosts Oktoberfest, and visitors will find that beer is traditionally served in 1 litre glasses. However, beer is not the only beverage to be found in Germany, with the south western regions such as Rheinhessen famous for their wine growing. Germany is not just famous for its alcohol, however; the home of Audi, BMW and Volkswagen, German engineers are known worldwide for their automobile manufacturing capabilities. Many parts of the German roadways do not enforce speed restrictions, which means that drivers hungry for speed travel to Germany from all over the world. The climate in Germany is moderate; north-western areas are characterised by warm summers and mild cloudy winters, but further inland the summers are warmer and the winters are colder, as the weather is


Citizenship by Investment Spring 2017

Germany is a dynamic blend of the old and new, demonstrated by its array of fascinating and bustling cities. typically continental. To obtain permanent residence in Germany by means of investment, the following criteria must be met: • The applicant must have the financial means and capability to invest a sum of 1 million Euros into a German investment / project • The applicant’s investment must create ten new German job opportunities. • A self-employed applicant must deposit 1 million euros as a down payment and also create 10 job opportunities as part of their business plan.

Documentation required for an Investor Visa application • Valid passport (this must have a minimum of 3 months remaining) • An application supporting your reasons for living in Germany • Medical insurance which must cover you at least up to 30,000 euro • Certified documentation detailing your finances in order to show you can sustain your life in Germany • 2 x passport photos • Relevant birth and marriage certificates of your spouse and dependants where applicable • Inclusion of applicable visa administration fee

Ü

Settlement Permit

In order for the applicant to receive a settlement permit (enabling him/her to reside in Germany on a permanent basis) there are some conditions which must be satisfied: • The applicant must own a residency permit in Germany for a minimum of 5 years • Must prove he/she has a secure livelihood • Must provide evidence of sufficient accommodation • Must have sufficient knowledge of the German language • Must show basic knowledge of the German social and legal systems

Benefits of German Citizenship • Access to 177 countries worldwide visa-free • Passport is valid for ten years and can always be renewed

63


Citizenship by Investment Spring 2017

德国

Country Spotlight

国家聚焦

Ü

概况速览

德国位于欧洲的中心地带,不仅是 在地理上,还包括在政治和经济上。德 国是世界第四大经济体,约有人口8200 万。它的文化以其组织严谨和遵守规则 而闻名,从而促成了许多成功的创新。 因此,德国在全球范围内因其精密工程 和高科技发明而闻名。全球经济的强大 力量,尽管人口很少,但德国也以其文 化而著称,它对古典音乐、文学和优质 啤酒的贡献尤其出名。作为拥有十六个 州的联邦,德国当地的文化多样性令人 惊喜——没有一个同质的文化。 德国景观的多样性为游客提供了无 限宽广的选择。全国有至少13个国家公 园。游客们可以欣赏到美丽的风景,欣 赏德国最深、最干净的湖泊Königsee。莱 茵河谷也是一个拥有许多令人兴奋的好 景观的地方——在宾根和科布伦茨之间 的地区有四十座城堡和可供游览的豪华 古宅。另一个游客们必须要游览的旅游 景点是来自于迪士尼城堡的灵感——巴 伐利亚新天鹅城堡。这座城堡是巴伐利 亚的路德维希二世的财产,城堡周围环 境优美,经常被涌入的游客所淹没。最

64 64

后,经常被外国旅客遗忘的是Sylt岛为游 客们提供的40公里的沙滩,游客们可通 过兴登堡大堤进入这里。与繁华市区的 距离意味着它得以保留了宁静悠闲的气 氛,使其成为富人和著名人士的最爱的 度假场所之一。 德国是一个充满活力的新旧文化 冲击融合的国家,其魅力被众多繁华迷 人的城市展示出来。谈到休闲娱乐时, 许多人选择参观柏林,它是欧洲最受欢 迎和最酷的首都之一。所有主要政府大 楼都坐落于此——尤其注目的是德国国 会——柏林是一个艺术和文化之城。参 观者将在城市中找到170多个博物馆,及 三个历史悠久的歌剧院。虽然柏林的夜 生活可能不错,但在市外,柏林最大的 森林是Grunewald。两个淡水湖泊和大量 的绿地造就了完美的夏季野餐地点。事 实上,柏林是德国最绿色的城市之一。 然而,德国值得注意的城市不仅 仅是其首都,还有16个联邦州分布着全 国许多值得游客们注意的城市。汉堡、 杜塞尔多夫、德累斯顿、汉诺威、纽伦 堡、莱比锡、慕尼黑、法兰克福和斯图 加特都是德国一些非常热闹的城市。每

个城市都拥有着不同的特色——从德国 的时尚首都杜塞尔多夫到汉堡的港口以 及法兰克福的时尚金融中心,每个游客 都能在这里找到自己的爱好。 德国也是慕尼黑啤酒节的所在地, 这是欧洲最受欢迎的节日和世界上最大 的艺术博览会。但啤酒并不是德国唯一 的饮料,西南地区如莱茵森以酿造葡萄 酒而闻名。然而,德国不仅以其酒精而 闻名,德国还拥有奥迪、宝马和大众等 著名汽车品牌,德国工程师在汽车制造 能力方面全球闻名。德国很多地方都没 有执行速度限制,这意味着司机们可以 从世界各地快速前往德国。 德国气候温和,西北地区夏天温和 冬天阴冷,内陆夏天更加炎热冬天也更 冷,因为德国是大陆性气候。 通过投资在德国获得永久居留权, 必须符合以下标准: • 申请人必须有财力和能力向德国投 资/项目100万欧元 • 申请人的投资必须为德国创造十个 新就业机会


Citizenship by Investment Spring 2017

德国是个活力的新 旧文化冲击融合的 国家,繁华的城市 展示了它的魅力。

• 自雇申请人必须存入百万欧元作为 定金,并创造10个就业机会作为其 商业计划的一部分

Ü 投资者签证申请所需要的 文件
 • 有效护照证件(必须至少在德国居 留3个月) • 一个支持你在德国生活的理由的 申请 • 至少要支付30,000欧元的医疗保险 • 认证文档详细说明,以便显示你的 财务状况是否能够维持你在德国的 生活 • 2张护照照片 • 您的配偶和家属在适用情况下的相 关出生和结婚证书 • 纳入适用的签证管理费

Ü

居留许可

为了让申请人拿到居留许可(使他/ 她在德国有永久居留权),有一些必须 满足的条件: • 申请人必须在德国拥有至少5年的 居留许可 • 必须证明他/她有安全的生活 • 必须提供足够的住宿证据 • 必须具备足够的德语知识 • 必须了解德国社会和法律制度的基 础知识 德国公民福利 • 可免签入境177个国家和地区 • 护照有效期为十年,可以随时进行 更新

65


Citizenship by Investment Spring 2017

Country Spotlight

Greece Country Spotlight

Ü

Greece at a glance

Greece, a full EU Member State, scores high on all major factors taken into consideration when choosing a new country for relocating, such as quality of life, regulated environment, secure living conditions in urban and rural areas, access to efficient services, residence privileges for family members, freedom to travel, among others. Despite its small size, Greece features a particularly diverse natural environment, providing many recreational opportunities. This, combined with a spir-ited lifestyle blending both ancient and modern Mediterranean culture, makes Greece a simply ex-traordinary place to be - and a wonderful place to call home. The birthplace of Western civilisation, Greece’s cultural legacy lives on in modern Greek society. While countless archaeological sites and museums offer visitors and residents a chance to experience Greek history in person, the country’s deep heritage is also felt in the spectacular concert halls, the summer open-air theatres, and the bustling neighbourhood art galleries found throughout Athens and other cities. Greece is today, as it has been for thousands of years, an inspiring place to be. With 300+ days of sunshine per year, the climate in Greece makes living in this Mediterranean destination a year-round joy.

66 66

The country’s stunning topography and existing facilities offer count-less options for recreation and relaxation, such as swimming, sailing, kite surfing, rafting, biking, rock climbing, skiing, golf, spas just to name a few. For after hours entertainment, restaurants, bars, clubs and cultural venues all contribute to a vibrant nightlife. A modern tourism infrastructure is at your disposal for weekend getaways to some of the world’s most beautiful locales. Whatever you choose to do, healthy and joyful living is part of the Greek lifestyle. The Mediterranean diet is a global brand that needs no introduction. There is nowhere on earth better suited for healthy, wholesome eating than Greece. With a rich variety of ingredients and traditional products, such as seafood, olive oil, cheeses and other dairy products, tempting pastries and specialty wines that will satisfy every foodie and thrill every cook. Greece offers a wide variety of international educational options for expatriates, from pre-schools to universities - especially for students seeking studies in English, French and German. Many high schools offer the International Baccalaureate (IB) program and have a agood track record in plac-ing students at prestigious universities, both in Greece and abroad. At the same time, many inter-national universities offer unique educational programs in Greece for undergraduates and gradu-ates alike.

Ü

Politics

The politics of Greece takes place in a parliamentary representative democratic republic. Thus, the Prime Minister of Greece is the head of government, and of system of multi-parties. Passing legis-lation is done in both the government and the Hellenic Parliament. Since 1974 and Greek govern-mentdebt crisis the party system was dominated by the liberal-conservative New Democracy and the social-democratic Panhellenic Socialist Movement. The Judiciary is independent of the execu-tive and the legislature. The Constitution of Greece, which calls Greece a "presidential parliamentary republic", includes extensive specific guarantees of civil liberties and vests the powers of the head of state in a presi-dent elected by parliament. The Greek governmental structure is similar to that found in many other Western democracies, and has been described as a compromise between the French and German models. Legislative power is exercised by Parliament and the President of the Republic. Executive power is exercised by the President of the Republic and the Government. Judicial power is vested in the courts of law, whose decisions are executed in the name of the people.


Citizenship by Investment Spring 2017

The birthplace of Western civilisation, Greece’s cultural legacy lives on in modern Greek society.

Although the President of the Republic has limited political power, as most power lies with the government, his duties include formally appointing the Prime Minister, on whose recommendation he also appoints or dismisses other members of government, he represents the State in its relations to other States, proclaims referendums etc. Greek politics is often described as dynastic, with long-established political families controlling the positions of power. This is certainly true for the Prime Ministers, but there are many Ministers and Members of Parliament with no relation to political families.

Ü

Economy

The economy of Greece is the 51st in the world by purchasing power, and is the 45th largest in the world. The Greek debt crisis, which played out after the financial crisis in 2007-8, the Greek econ-omy struggled to meet its repayment schedule. Negotiations between its creditors led to austerity measures; in a popular referendum in 2015, the Greek public rejected the third round of austerity measures. However, the Greek economy is beginning to recover. In 2016, the Greek economy grew by 1.5%, and Alex Tsipras has recently replaced hardline left ministers with newer recruits who are more willing to cooperate with Greece’s creditors.

Furthermore, the launch of the Golden Visa program in 2013 underlines its commitment to opening the country to foreign investment. Starting in June 2013, the Greek authorities issues 983 Golden Visas. Despite the economic problems that have affected Greece in recent years, it remains a vi-able and popular option for people who wish to relocate to Europe. Indeed, GDP has been expanding at its fastest rate since 2008 – perhaps marking the start of a period of growth.

Ü

Requirements and procedures

Real estate Greece offers the opportunity to invest in a residency permit. To apply for the permit, an applicant must first apply for a national “D” visa in order to gain entry to Greece. The applicant can then buy a property. The property investment can be a single property or multiple properties, as long as the value of the investment is EUR 250,000 plus VAT. A residence permit can be renewed every 5 years, as long as the holder still owns the property in question, or other properties of the same value.

Investment in industry Greece also welcomes investment activity involved in the implementation of the operation of an investment project. Up to ten permits may be issued for an investment project (investors and ex-ecutives) depending on the investment scale. The investment activity may be implemented through the construction of new facilities or business acquisitions, as well as expansion of current activities, provided it has a positive impact on the national economy. In order to qualify for the residency permit, the investment must equal the value of EUR 250,000.

Ü

Benefits

• No obligation to give up current nationality • Can gain European member status in as little as 2 months • Your immediate family (spouse and children) can also gain citizenship • Freedom to travel throughout Europe, and a total of 191 countries worldwide • Ability to apply to European educational institutions

67


GREECE Golden Permanent Residency Program

WHY CHOOSE THE GREEK PROGRAMME?

WHAT IS THE PROCEDURE?

The Greek Permanent Residency Programme is the most attractive investment immigration programme in Europe, because of (a) its lowest necessary investment amount, (b) its unique benefits, (c) its fast procedure, (d) the location and safety of Greece.

The Greek Permanent Residency Programme is the fastest and most flexible programme in Europe. The main investor needs only to provide his/her passport, while the members of the family need to provide a relationship certificate with the main investor. With our help, the investor opens a bank account and concludes all the paperwork and both the investor and his/her family acquire their Permanent Residency Permit in just two weeks.

WHAT IS THE MINIMUM INVESTMENT AMOUNT? The Greek Permanent Residency Programme requires the lowest investment amount in Europe (250.000â‚Ź) plus a minimal cost of expenses (5%). There is a huge amount of available high quality properties (land, houses, residential and commercial apartments) with extremely competitive prices. The investor is allowed to rent the property, so that a significant income can be generated from the investment.

WHAT ARE THE BENEFITS OF THE PROGRAMME? The Greek Programme leads to a Permanent Residence Permit. This means that the investor and his/her family may keep it indefinitely as long as they hold the property. It is the only programme that covers three (3) generations: the investor and his/her spouse, children up to 21 years (extendable to 24 years) and parents from both sides. There is no minimum stay in Greece requirement, not a single day. The investor is not required to keep any funds in any Greek account and is not required to prove the source of his/her funds. The family may freely travel around the EU (26 countries) for 6 months per year. The Greek Permanent Residency may lead to long-term residency and Greek citizenship.

26 Al. Soutsou street, GR-10671 Athens

WHY CHOOSE GREECE? The main reasons are location, environment, safety and lifestyle. Greece benefits from an ideal climate with 300 days per year of sunshine, natural environment, clear blue sky and clean sea waters, quality food, top-rated education, history and culture, unique lifestyle and shopping, short international flight connections with the most important European cities (London in 3.5h, Paris in 2.5h, Rome in 1.5h, Vienna in 2h). Its airports and ports operate as hubs and entrance points to the rest of Europe for people, goods and services. Also Greece is one of the safest countries in Europe with no terrorist threats and one of the lowest crime rates internationally. Acquiring the Greek Permanent Residency is not the end but the discovery of new opportunities and the beginning of a new life. Coming out from a financial crisis, Greece offers unique opportunities for business establishment and development. Also the top-rated international schools and universities will offer your children the chance to benefit from high-class and safe education.

T : +30 210 3600829 | F: +30 210 3600138 | E: info@avglaw.gr


Greece, your home in Europe

AVGLAW: YOUR BEST FRIEND IN GREECE! AVGLaw is your one-stop-shop to acquire the Greek Permanent Residency. AVGLaw is a boutique law firm based in Athens, Greece, specialising in business, commercial, financial and investment law. It aims to operate as a provider of specialised legal services tailored to each client’s needs. Our philosophy exceeds the common depersonalised and technocratic legal advice and is based predominantly on the immediacy of communication and on high efficiency in support of affairs, works and studies in the fields of our expertise. During the last 4 years we have developed our expertise to become No. 1 law firm in Greece regarding Investment Permanent Residence Permits. We provide full services including: visa application assistance, preparation and execution of pre-purchase contracts, opening of bank accounts, welcoming of investors in Greece, organisation of accommodation and hospitality, property and seller due diligence, preparation and execution of final purchase contract, fast-track application and acquisition of Permanent Residency, tax filings and tax payments, property management (renting, housekeeping, bill payments) We cooperate with reputable property sellers and provides problemfree uality properties, while we provide competitive fees without commissions. AVGLaw has been awarded the 2014 Exports Award for the best provision of legal services abroad and the 2017 Award for the Best Financial Services Regulatory Law Firm of the year in Greece.

www.avglaw.gr

26 Al. Soutsou Street, 10671 Athens, Greece www.avglaw.gr

AVGLAW Greece Contact person: Dr Yannis Avgerinos Tel: +30210 3600829 E-mail: yannis@avglaw.gr

AVGLAW China Contact person: Ms FU Churan Tel: +86 18758226155 E-mail: wen@avglaw.gr


Citizenship by Investment Spring 2017

希腊

Country Spotlight

国家聚焦

Ü

希腊概况一览

希腊作为欧盟成员国的一员,投 资者在选择新的移民国家时要考虑到很 多因素,如生活质量,环境规范,城乡 生活条件,服务服务,居住特权,家庭 成员,自由旅行等方面。尽管希腊的国 土面积很小,但它拥有着多样化的自然 环境,为人们提供了许多娱乐机会。这 种融合了古代和现代地中海文化精神的 生活,使希腊成为了一个特别非凡的地 方,也同样是一个美丽的地方。 希腊是西方文明的发源地,在现代 希腊社会仍然延续着以前的传统文化。 无数的考古遗址和博物馆都为游客和当 地居民提供了体验希腊历史的机会,该 国的深厚底蕴也可以通过整个雅典和其 他城市壮观的音乐厅、夏季露天剧场以 及繁华街区艺术画廊来发现和感受。希 腊是今天,但它也以延续数千年,这是 一个鼓舞人心的地方。 希腊每年都有300多天的日照时间, 希腊的气候使得生活在地中海地区的人 们一年四季都能找到欢乐。希腊的惊人 地形和现有设施为娱乐和放松提供了

70 70

无数选项,如游泳、帆船、风筝冲浪、 漂流、自行车、攀岩、滑雪、高尔夫、 温泉——而这仅仅是众多娱乐活动中的 冰山一角。娱乐、餐厅、酒吧、俱乐部 和文化场所的休闲娱乐活动全都是为活 跃的夜生活而准备的。现代旅游基础设 施是在您的处置周末度假时的一些世界 上最美丽的语言环境。无论你选择做什 么,健康快乐的生活方式都是希腊生活 的一部分。

Ü

地中海饮食是一个无需介绍的全球 品牌。地球上没有比希腊更健康的饮食 种类了。希腊拥有丰富的美食和传统食 品,如海鲜、橄榄油、奶酪和其他乳制 品,诱人的糕点和特色葡萄酒,将满足 每一位美食家和厨师的味蕾。

希腊“宪法”将希腊称为“总统议会共 和国”,其中包括对广泛的公民自由的具 体保障,并赋予公民在议会选举中产生 总统的权力。希腊的政府结构与其他许 多西方民主国家相似,并被描述为法国 和德国模式之间的妥协。

希腊提供各种各样的国际教育选 择,适用于从学前到大学的外籍人士, 特别是那些寻求英语、法语和德语教育 的学生。许多高中提供国际文凭(IB)。 同时,许多国际大学在希腊为本科生和 毕业生提供独特的教育计划。

立法权由议会和共和国总统行使。 行政权由总统和政府行使。司法权属于 法院,其决定以人民的名义执行。

政治

希腊的政治体制为议会代表制民主 共和国。因此,希腊首相是政府和多党 制度的首脑。该国立法由政府和希腊议 会共同审理。自1974年以及希腊政府债 务危机以来,党派制度由自由保守的新 民主主义和社会民主的泛希腊社会主义 运动主导。希腊司法机构独立于行政立 法机关。

虽然共和国总统的政治权力有限, 因为政府行使大部分权利,他的职责包 括正式任命总理,建议任命或解雇其他 政府成员,代表国家与其他国家建立友 好关系以及宣布全民投票等。


Citizenship by Investment Spring 2017

希腊是西方文明的 发源地,在现代希 腊社会仍然延续着 以前的传统文化。

希腊政治往往被描述为王朝,长期 以来由各政治家庭控制权力。总理当然 是这样,但有很多部长和国会议员与政 治家庭无关。

Ü

经济

希腊的经济购买力全球排名第51 位,是世界第45大经济体。希腊债务危 机在2007年到2008年的金融危机爆发 后出现,希腊经济目前正在努力在债务 危机中复苏。债权人之间的谈判导致了 经济紧缩措施:在2015年的公民投票 中,希腊公民拒绝了第三轮紧缩措施。 然而,希腊经济已经开始复苏。在2016 年,希腊经济增长了1.5%。 此外,希腊政府2013年推出黄金 签证计划强调其承诺开放国外投资。从 2013年6月起,希腊当局共发放了983份 黄金签证。尽管近年来希腊出现了一系 列的经济问题,但对于希望搬迁到欧洲 的人们来说,希腊仍然是一个可行且受 欢迎的选择。

Ü

要求与程序

房地产 希腊向外国投资者提供获取希腊 投资居留许可证的机会。想要请居留许 可,申请人必须首先申请国家“D”签证以 获得进入希腊的资格。申请人可以通过 购买房产的方式。房地产投资可以是单 一房产也可以是多处房产,只要投资的 价值加上增值税不少于25万欧元即可。 只要持有人仍然拥有相关财产,或其他 具有相同价值的财产,其居留许可可以 每5年更新一次。

Ü

优势

• 不必放弃现有国籍 • 可在短短2个月内获得欧洲居民资格 • 您的直系亲属(配偶和子女)也可

以获得公民身份 • 全欧洲出入境自由,全球191个国家

可免签入境 • 申请欧洲教育机构的能力

工业投资 希腊还欢迎参与投资项目运作的投 资活动。根据投资规模、投资项目(投 资者和高管人员)最多可向投资者签发 十份居留许可证。投资活动可以通过建 设新设施或业务收购来实施,扩大现行 经营活动,只要对国民经济产生积极的 影响就可符号要求。为了符合获取居留 许可,至少要投资25万欧元。

71


Citizenship by Investment Spring 2017

Country Spotlight

Grenada Country Spotlight

Ü

Grenada at a glance

The best things in life come in threes, and the triisland state of Grenada is no exception. Consisting of Grenada, Petite Martinique and Carriacou, the picturesque islands offer plentiful opportunities for both adventure lovers and those seeking rest and relaxation. Due to its lush, fertile landscapes and award winning white sandy beaches, visitors may find themselves wishing that they could extend their stay. Renowned for its high exports of nutmeg and mace, Grenada is sometimes dubbed the “Island of Spice” as it is reputed that travellers can taste a faint flavour in the air. Spices aren’t the only natural bounty that Grenada shares with its guests; cocoa beans, bananas and avocados are also grown in abundance throughout the land. Grenada is famed for its unspoilt scenery. Its natural beauty remains largely untouched by industrialisation – between the cobalt blues of the ocean and the rich greens of its vegetation, the eye is spoilt for choice. It is the perfect getaway destination for those seeking adventure in wildlife, suntans and spas or a romantic break with a partner. With its white sand and invitingly clear waters, the Grand Anse beach is regularly noted as one of the most beautiful in the world.

72 72

For those who enjoy active adventure, a trek to the cascading waters of the Seven Sisters Waterfalls will lead you through the rainforest and to unforgettable memories. Visitors to the island are likely to encounter some of the friendliest people in the Caribbean, as Grenada is renowned for its hospitable attitude toward both tourists and new citizens alike. Grenadian culture is expressed through largely creative means: with music, poetry, pageantry, theatre, dance and sports all celebrating past times. Other means of socialising come in the form of organised celebrations and festivities. Lots of time is dedicated toward cooking, with food another activity that Grenadian people like to share with others. The nation is fully English speaking, so there should be little trouble acclimatising and integrating into the community.

Ü

Citizenship in Grenada

The Grenada Citizenship by Investment Committee is the main Government-appointed body tasked with the responsibility of overseeing the processing of applications for Grenadian Citizenship by Investment.

The Committee assesses applications in accordance with the Grenada Citizenship by Investment Act, after which recommendations are made to the Minister, who makes the final decision to deny, approve or delay granting Grenadian citizenship. At present, citizenship in Grenada through the Grenada Citizenship by Investment Program can be achieved through: 1) A contribution to Grenada’s Natural Transformation Fund or 2) The purchase of pre-approved real estate Contribution to Grenada’s Natural Transformation Fund of a minimum of USD 200,000 The non-refundable contribution to the Natural Transformation Fund is a fastest and more straightforward to obtain the citizenship of Grenada. This option is available for USD 200,000 for a family of up to 4 people. In addition to the contribution , application fees, due diligence fees, and processing fees apply.

Investment of a minimum of USD 350,000 in an approved real estate project Routine applications, once they have passed thorough due diligence checks, are processed within 60 business days and a passport is issued at the same time as the Certificate of Registration.


Citizenship by Investment Spring 2017 The investment is subject to a minimum holding period of three years. This investment does not include Government fees, application fees, due diligence fees, and processing fees.

Minimum Investment The minimum investment required under the CBI Programme is USD 350,000. Families who wish to invest larger amounts in custom private homes or in other businesses should discuss this directly with their relevant approved real estate developer or international marketing agent. The Government is welcoming of investors and generous concessions may be made in special circumstances. The Citizenship by Investment Program in Grenada was conceived for unique global citizens who demand exclusivity and prompt personal service. It has been developed to have some distinct advantages over other citizenship options in the Caribbean – whilst the benefit to Grenada is manifested through inward investment, the creation of sustainable long term new employment opportunities for Grenadians, training and the wider benefit directly and indirectly to the Grenadian economy. The broadening of skills, the creation of jobs and the economic benefits derived from new foreign investment will immeasurably strengthen Grenada. The benefits to the applicant / new investor are as follows: 1) Citizenship of Grenada with its attendant benefits for themselves and their immediate families 2) The opportunity to own freehold prime real estate in an approved project The real estate owned by the investor should produce a modest annual income and may be enjoyed by the investor along with friends and family. It should maintain or enhance its market value. More specifically, the benefits that Grenada’s Programme offers over the citizenship programmes of other Caribbean states include:

Efficiency: The application process is quick. The

... Known as the "Island of Spice" because of the production of nutmeg and mace crops of which Grenada is one of the world's largest exporters.

law mandates that routine applications will be approved within 60 business days of submission and the passport issued together with the Certificate of Registration. The application cannot be approved until after the background checks have been cleared.

Family friendly: By not charging exorbitant application and due diligence fees for spouses and family members, Grenada is an attractive option for international businessmen looking for security and travel options for their families.

Good visa-free travel: The Grenada passport allows visa-free travel to more than 120 countries, including China. Grenadian citizens also have the opportunity to apply for the USA E-2 visa. Zero tax: The island has no income, wealth or inheritance taxes. There is no requirement to visit Grenada in order to qualify for citizenship.

73


Citizenship by Investment Spring 2017

格林纳达

Country Spotlight

国家聚焦

Ü

格林纳达概况一览

这个风景如画的国家由格林纳达、 小马提尼克岛和卡里亚库岛三个岛屿共 同组成,为冒险爱好者和寻求休闲放松 的人们提供了丰富多彩的娱乐项目。由 于其郁郁葱葱令人赏心悦目的绿色景观 和其著名的白色沙滩,游客可能会希望 可以延长他们自己的度假时间。 格林纳达以肉豆蔻以及肉豆蔻干皮 的高出口量而闻名,有时会被人们称为“ 香料岛”,因为据说旅行者在空气中都能 够品尝到微弱的肉豆蔻的味道。香料并 不是格林纳达能够与客人共享的唯一自 然恩赐:可可豆、香蕉和鳄梨也在整个 土地上茂盛生长。 格林纳达还因其未受破坏的风景而 闻名。它的自然美景在很大程度上都未 受工业化的影响——在海洋的蓝色和葱 郁植被的绿色之间,风景美不胜收。它 是那些喜欢观赏野生动物和晒SPA的冒险 者或与一群旅客的浪漫假期的完美度假 地。凭借其白色的沙滩和迷人清澈的海 水,大安斯海滩经常被媒体誉为为世界 上最美丽的海滩之一。对于那些喜欢冒

74 74

险的游客来说,七姐妹瀑布将会为您在 穿过热带雨林时带来一段难忘的回忆。

评估申请资料,最后由部长裁决哪些通 过哪些拒绝或是延迟考察。

来到这个岛屿的游客很可能会遇 到一些非常爱热闹的加勒比人。格拉纳 达以其对游客的好客态度而闻名。格林 纳达文化通过很大程度上的创造性手段 去表达:人们用音乐、诗歌、剧院、戏 剧、舞蹈和体育等艺术形式去纪念历 史,缅怀过去的时代。其他的社会化方 式是以有组织的庆祝活动和节日的形式 出现。格林纳达人把很多时间都致力于 烹饪,举办与食物相关的活动,并喜欢 与人们分享各色美食。

目前,你可以通过以下两种方式获 取格林纳达的国籍:

岛上的居民全部用英语交流,所以 外来人口在新环境中受到的阻力相对较 小,很容易融入当地的文化与生活。

Ü

格林纳达移民

格林纳达投资移民委员会,是由政 府任命成立的部门,主要负责监督审查 投资移民的申请程序。 该委员会参照格林纳达投资移民法

• 向格林纳达的自然转型基金

(Natural Transformation Fund) 捐款 • 购买政府批准下的房地产。 向格林纳达的自然转型基金 (Natural Transformation Fund)捐款 至少200,000美元。向自然转型基金 (Natural Transformation Fund)捐赠不 可退还资金是获取格林纳达国籍最快和 最直接的方式。200,000美元最多可为包 括主申请人在内的四名家庭成员申请公 民资格,且申请费、调查费与程序费已 包括在内。 投资购买至少价值350,000美元的已获 批房产 完成背景调查后一旦常规申请被批 准通过,护照将会在60个工作日内与注 册证书一同签发给申请人。投资者需持


Citizenship by Investment Spring 2017

有已购房产至少三年,该投资资金不包 括政府审批费用、调查费和程序费。 最低投资额 CBI计划的最低投资额为35万美元。 有的家庭可能希望拿更大的资金投资于 定制的私人住宅或是进行其他交易,投 资人可以直接与相关房地产开发商或国 际市场代理商商议。格林纳达政府非常 欢迎外国投资者的到来,也愿意在特定 的环境中与投资者协商作出一定让步。 格林纳达的投资移民项目为独一 无二的世界公民提供个性化又迅速敏捷 的投资移民服务。格林纳达的发展使得 它的投资移民优势超过了加勒比地区的 大部分国家,且格林纳达也感受到了外 部投资为其带来的有益发展,除了就业 率的上升,外部投资直接或间接的广泛 影响着格林纳达的经济向更好的方向发 展,使得整个国家不断地向上发展,越 来越强大。 投资移民格林纳达的优势如下: • 格林纳达的公民权益申请人与其直

系亲属一并享有 • 在已批准的房地产项目上享有永久

保有的权益 投资者拥有的房地产每年应该会为 投资者带来一定的收入,且投资者也可 能会与家人朋友一同享受居住。它应该 保持或提高其市场价值。 更具体的来说,格林纳达移民项目 提供给投资者的好处是远多于加勒比地 区其他国家的: 效率:申请程序快捷高效。法律规 定普通申请应在申请者投递的60个工作 日内处理完毕,完成背景审查工作,发 放护照。

…格林纳达以肉豆 蔻以及肉豆蔻干皮 的高出口量而闻 名,有时会被人们 称为“香料岛”。

家庭:配偶及其他家庭成员不必承 担程序费、调查费,格林纳达对于想要 给自己的家庭一个安全理想的庇护所的 国际商人来说,是一个十分具有吸引力 的选择。 旅行免签入境:允许免签入境超120 个国家,包括中国。格林纳达公民有申 请美国E-2签证的机会。 零税率:该岛无所得税、财产税和 遗产税。 格林纳达对于投资移民申请人没有 居留要求。

75


RC

International is an immigration advisory firm specialising in residence and citizenship solutions. Formerly a legal department, we decided to spin-off the operations into a separate company focusing solely on investment migration. Our origins as a law firm differentiate us from most other companies on the basis that we operate as a practice rather than a business. Subtle as the distinction may be, clients of RC International should expect a more technical and personalised service from our consultants who, oftentimes, also forge long term relationships based on mutual trust and respect. With an ethos of integrity and confidentiality, RC International guides clients through the legislative and regulatory landscape of investment migration, providing the necessary handholding throughout the application process. We are routinely commended for being:

RC INTERNATIONAL CURRENTLY OFFER THE FOLLOWING PROGRAMMES - Malta Individual Investor Programme; - Malta Residence and Visa Programme; - Scheme for Naturalisation of Investors in Cyprus by Exception WHY MALTA? - Strategic location; - 9th strongest passport worldwide; - Visa free travel to over 160 countries; - Politically stable (ranked 2nd safest country in the world); - Economically stable (rated A, A3 and A- by Fitch, Moody’s and S&P Global); - EU and Commonwealth Member State; and

PRACTICAL

- Part of the Schengen Area;

We take the complexity out of residency and citizenship applications. We handle all documentation and act as an effective liaison with the respective immigration departments throughout the period leading up to the successful conclusion of the application process.

- Highly qualified and multilingual labour force; - Low corporate tax rate WHY CYPRUS? - Fastest citizenship by investment processing rate in the EU

OBJECTIVE

- Strategic location;

We provide consultancy on the most suitable residence and citizenship programme in accordance with the unique objectives of each client. We pride ourselves on being honest and transparent in relation to all the qualifications and limitations of the programmes that we offer.

- 17th strongest passport worldwide;

RESPONSIVE The success of our practice depends on our ability to ensure a smooth application process. For this reason, we ensure that our consultants are available to address all your queries in a timely manner. Clients from around the world also rely on RC International for a complete turnkey solution when obtaining second citizenship or international residence. For this reason, we are affiliated with the best realtors, architects, law firms, educational institutions, insurers, investment advisors and brokers who we refer strictly on the basis of their talent, efficiency and reputation. This value-added approach guarantees that you will get the best possible return on your investment through local “word of mouth” insights that are generally unknown to foreign nationals.

- Visa free travel to over 150 countries; - Politically and economically stable; - EU Member State; - Highly qualified and multilingual labour force; - Low corporate tax rate So, whether it is a better lifestyle that you seek, or to improve your business prospects, or to ensure access to the best education, we are here to guide you through this process and to play a part in delivering a better life for you and your family. For further information on RC International and the available programmes feel free to visit www.rcint.com or contact us on info@rcint.com for a free private consultation.


RC

International 是一家移民咨询公司, 专门从事居留与移民解决方案的相关业 务。公司前身是一个法律部门,后决定 专注于投资移民业务并进行独立运营。 而这家律师事务所的前身,已将我们与其他大多数公司在本质 上区分开来,我们是作为业务而非商业交易去经营公司。这其 中微妙的区别可能是,RC International 的客户应该期待我们的 顾问提供更多的技术和个性化服务,他们通常也会在相互信任 与尊重的基础上建立长期的合作关系。 凭借正直与诚信的精神品质,RC International 通过投 资移民的立法和监管环境来指导客户,在整个申请流程中为客 户提供必要的帮助。我们经常被称赞:

有效的 我们采取了复杂的居留和移民申请方式。我们会代替 客户处理所有书面文件,并在整个申请过程圆满结束之前,始 终与各移民部门保持有效联络。

客观的 我们会根据每位客户的不同需求来为其提供最合适的 居留与移民项目的咨询服务。我们一直以来对于我们所提供方 案的相关所有资格与限制的诚实与透明度而感到自豪。

为什么选择马耳他? - 地理位置优越; - 全球第 9 最强护照; -160 多个国家的免签证入境; - 政治稳定(世界排名第二的最安全国家); - 经济稳定(被 Fitch、Moody’s 和 S&P Global 分别评估为 A、 A3 和 A-) - 欧盟和联邦国成员;以及 - 申根区的一部分; - 高素质和多语种的劳动力; - 低企业税率。

为什么是塞浦路斯? - 欧盟地区投资移民计划审批最快的国家; - 地理位置优越; - 全球最强护照排名第 17 位

回应积极 我们之所以能够成功办理业务是因为我们有能够确保 申请程序顺利进行的能力。因此,我们会确保我们的顾问可以 及时回应处理您的所有疑问。 来自世界各地的客户也依靠 RC International 完美的整 体解决方案而成功获得了第二国籍或居留许可。因此,我们还 与最专业的房地产经纪人、建筑师、律师事务所、教育机构、 保险公司、投资顾问和经纪人进行合作,这些合作伙伴都是我 们根据他们的能力、效率和声誉严格挑选出来的。这种增值方 式保证您通过当地口头宣传的通常外国居民所不了解的方式获 得最好的投资回报。

RC International 目前提供以下方案: -

马耳他 个人投资者计划;

-

马耳他 居留与签证计划;

-

投资者塞浦路斯入籍例外方案

-150 多个国家的免签证入境; - 政治和经济稳定; - 欧盟成员国; - 高素质和多语种的劳动力; - 低企业税率。

所以,无论是为追求更好的生活方式,还是寻求更 好的商业业务发展,或是想要接受更优质的教育,我们都将全 力协助您完成这一过程,为您与您的家庭提供更美好的生活。 想了解 RC International 的更多信息可随时登录 www.rcint.com 或通过 info@rcint.com 联系我们进行免费 私人咨询。


Citizenship by Investment Spring 2017

Country Spotlight

Malta Country Spotlight

Ü Quick Facts

World War), making it one of the world's most densely populated countries.

è Capital City: M anama è Population: 1,343,000

The capital of Malta is Valletta, and is the smallest national capital in the European Union. Malta has two official languages: Maltese and English.

è Nominal GDP: USD 7.19 billion è Government: Parliamentary republic è President: Marie Louise Coleiro Preca è Prime Minister: Joseph Muscat è Ethnic groups: 95.17% Maltese, 4.83 % Non-Maltese.

Ü Malta at a Glance Malta is a southern European island nation comprising an archipelago in the Mediterranean Sea. It lies 50 miles south of Italy, 176 miles east of Tunisia, and 207 miles north of Libya. The country covers just over 122 square miles, with a population of just under 450,000 (despite an extensive emigration program since the Second

78 78

Malta's location has historically given it great strategic importance as a naval base and a succession of powers, including the Phoenicians, Romans, Moors, Normans, Sicilians, Spanish, Knights of St. John, French and British, have ruled the island.

Ü Economy Until around 1800, Malta was dependant on cotton, tobacco and its shipyards for exports. However, once it came under British control, the UK had a certain dependency on Maltese Dockyards for support of the British Royal Navy, especially during the Crimean War of 1854. The military base aided various Maltese and British craftsmen and all those who served in the British military during the 1800s.

Currently, Malta is considered an advanced economy... according to the International Monetary Fund (IMF). Malta's major resources are limestone, a favourable geographic location and a productive labour force.


Citizenship by Investment Spring 2017 The 1869 opening of the Suez Canal helped Malta's economy take a significant upturn, with a massive increase in the freight ships that entered the port. Ships stopping at Malta's docks for refuelling helped the Entrepôt trade, which brought additional monetary, trading and industrial benefits to the island. Towards the end of the 19th century, however, the Maltese economy entered a serious decline and, by the 1940s, that decline had morphed into a serious crisis. One factor was the longer range of newer merchant ships that required less frequent refuelling stops. Currently, Malta is considered an advanced economy, together with 32 other countries globally, according to the International Monetary Fund (IMF). Malta's major resources are limestone, a favourable geographic location and a productive labour force. Malta produces only about 20% of its food needs and intake, has limited freshwater supplies because of summer droughts, and has no domestic energy sources, aside from the potential for solar energy from its plentiful sunlight. The economy is dependent on lots of foreign trade, with Malta serving as a freight trans-shipment point: manufacturing - largely electronics and textiles - and a thriving tourism sector. In preparation for its inauguration into the European Union, which it officially joined in May 2004, Malta privatised some state-controlled firms and liberalised certain markets. For instance, the government declared in January 2007 that it was to sell its 40% stake in MaltaPost (the state postal service), to complete a privatisation process which has been ongoing. In 2010, Malta had managed to fully privatise its postal services, as well as telecommunications, shipyards

and shipbuilding. Film production, strangely, is a growing contributing sector to the Maltese economy. The first film ever to be shot in Malta was in 1925 - H. Bruce Woolfe’s Sons of the Sea. Since then, over 100 feature films have been entirely or partially filmed in the country. Malta has served as a ‘double location’ for a wide variety of locations and historic periods including Ancient Greece, Ancient and Modern Rome, Iraq, the Middle East and many more. The government introduced a number of financial incentives for filmmakers in 2005, in a bid to attract more of them to use the island as a location. The current financial incentives to foreign productions currently stand at 25% with an additional 2% if Malta stands in as Malta (rather than as a double), meaning a production can get up to 27% back on its eligible spending incurred in Malta from the government. Malta has taken significant and considerable measures to mark itself out as a global player in the cross-border fund administration industry. Competing alongside countries such as Ireland and Luxembourg, it has a unique blend of both a multi-lingual workforce and strong legal system. Malta has a mixed standing for transparency and a DAW Index score of 6, though both are likely to improve as Malta progressively assumes more comprehensive legislative framework for financial services. Malta has a regulator, namely the MFSA, with a strong business development mindset and outlook. The country has been successful in drawing gaming companies, aircraft and ship registration firms, credit-card issuing banking licences and fund administration. Service providers to these industries, including fiduciary and trustee business, are a core part of the growth

strategy of the island and its citizenship by investment program is well established (see our CBI section for more on Malta’s impact here). Strong headway has been made in implementing EU Financial Services Directives in the country. As a base for alternative asset managers, who must comply with new directives, Malta has attracted a number of key players including IDS, Iconic Funds, Apex Fund Services and TMF/ Customs House. Malta and Tunisia are currently discussing the commercial exploitation of the continental shelf between their countries, particularly for petroleum exploration. These discussions are also undergoing between Malta and Libya for similar arrangements. The two largest commercial banks are Bank of Valletta and HSBC Bank Malta (featured in this publication), both of whom can trace their origins back to the 19th century. The Central Bank of Malta (Bank Centrali ta' Malta) has two key capacities of responsibility: the construction and implementation of monetary policy country-wide and the advancement of a wide-ranging and effective financial system. The bank itself was established by the Central Bank of Malta Act in April 1968 and the Maltese government entered ERM II on 4 May 2005, and adopted EUR as the country's currency in January 2008. FinanceMalta is the quasi-governmental organisation tasked with marketing and enlightening business leaders about Malta’s strengths as a business destination.

79


Citizenship by Investment Spring 2017

The company runs seminars and events around the world highlighting the emerging strength of Malta as a jurisdiction for banking and finance and insurance.

Ü Politics Malta is a parliamentary republic whose parliamentary system and public administration are closely modelled on the UK’s Westminster system. Malta had the second-highest voter turnout globally -and ranked highest for nations without a mandatory voting system in place and enforcement - based on electoral turnout in national lower house elections from 1960 to 1995. The unicameral House of Representatives is elected by direct universal suffrage through a single transferable vote every five years, unless the House is dissolved earlier by the President on the advice of the Prime Minister. The Maltese House of Representatives is made up of 69 members of parliament in total. However, if a party is to win an absolute majority of votes, but does not have a majority of seats, that party is handed additional seats to safeguard a parliamentary majority. The Constitution of Malta provides that the President appoints as Prime Minister the member of the House that is best able to command a governing majority in the House. The President of Malta is appointed for a five-year term by a resolution of the House of Representatives carried by a simple majority. The role of the President as head of state is largely ceremonial and superfluous in some respects. The main political parties are the Nationalist Party - a Christian democratic party - and the Labour Party - a social democratic party. The Labour Party is currently at the helm of the government, with its Prime Minister being Joseph Muscat. The Nationalist Party, with Simon Busuttil as its leader, is thusly in opposition. There are a number of smaller political parties in Malta that presently have little or indeed no

80 80

parliamentary representation.

Ü Tourism Malta is an extremely popular tourist destination, with 1.6 million inbound tourists per year. Three times more tourists visit the country than residents that live there. Tourism infrastructure has increased and improved dramatically over the years and a number of high quality hotels are available on the island, although overdevelopment and the destruction of traditional housing is of a growing concern among natives. An increasing number of Maltese themselves now travel abroad to holiday. In recent years, Malta has promoted itself as a medical tourism destination, and a number of health tourism providers are pushing to develop the industry, however, no Maltese hospital has undergone an independent international healthcare accreditation procedure. Malta is very popular with British medical tourists (and indeed British tourists in general), directing Maltese hospitals towards seeking UK-sourced accreditation, such as the Trent Accreditation Scheme. Dual accreditation with the Americanoriented Joint Commission is necessary if hospitals in Malta wish to compete with the Far East and Latin America for the lucrative market of medical tourists from the United States.

Ü Malta Multiplies Malta has established itself on the World stage and is as prosperous as it ever has been in its history. A thriving tourism sector, a widening and strengthening commercial outlook and a key geographic placement have led to increased trade and investment. Its place as a thoroughfare country for increasing trade and investment between Europe and the GCC may well be unmatched.


Citizenship by Investment Spring 2017

马耳他 国家聚焦

Country Spotlight

Ü 实况速览 è 首都:瓦莱塔 è 人口: 1,343,000 è 名义GDP: 71.9亿美元 è 政府: 议会制共和制 è 总统: 玛丽·路易斯·科勒略·普雷

卡 è 总理: 约瑟夫·穆斯卡特 è 民族: 95.17% 马耳他人, 4.83 % 非马

耳他人

Ü 马耳他概览 马耳他是位于欧洲南部的岛国,由地中 海附近的群岛组成。距意大利南方50英 里,突尼斯以东176英里,利比亚以北 207英里。国土面积超过122平方英里, 人口约45万(尽管移民项目在二战后才

广泛开放),马耳他是世界上人口密集度 最高的国家之一。其首都为瓦莱塔,是欧 盟成员国中面积最小的首都。马耳他有英 语和马耳他语两种官方语言。 马耳他作为一个海军基地,在历史上有着 极其重要的战略地位,并相继被腓尼基 人、罗马人、摩尔人、诺曼第人、西西里 岛人、西班牙人、圣约翰骑士团、法国人 和英国人统治。

Ü 经济 直到18世纪,马耳他的经济主要依赖于 棉花、烟草和与出口相关的造船厂。 后来马耳他处于英国的控制之下,英国对 为英国皇家海军提供支持的马耳他造船厂 具有一定的依赖性,特别是在1854年的 克里米亚战争期间。 18世纪期间,军事基地帮助了大量在英 国军队服役的马耳他人和英国工匠。

近来,马耳他根据国 际货币基金组织的规 定,连同全球另外 32个国家一起,考 虑转型到更先进的经 济体系。马耳他的主 要资源是石灰岩,同 时拥有有利的地理位 置和廉价劳动力。

81


Citizenship by Investment Spring 2017

1869年苏伊士运河开放,停靠在马耳他 港口的货船大规模增加,使得马耳他的 经济显著好转。这些货船停靠在马耳他沿 岸添加燃料,并帮助马耳他进行转口贸 易,为这个国家带来了大量的金钱,当时 欧洲贸易与工业的发展为马耳他带来了巨 大的利益。

部或部分内容在该国拍摄。对于多种多样 的地理位置和历史时期,包括古希腊、古 罗马、现代罗马、伊拉克、中东和更多地 区,马耳他已经成为了一处“双重位置” 。政府在2005推出了一些专门针对电影 制作商的经济激励举措,用以吸引更多的 人来利用该岛的位置拍摄电影。

19世纪末,马耳他经济遭受打击严重衰 退,在19世纪40年代更是经历重大打 击。导致这种局面的其中一个因素是越来 越多的商船不再在马耳他的港口停靠。

马耳他通过深思熟虑采取一系列显著的策 略以标榜自己在跨国基金管理行业已成 为一个作为全球化参与者。与它竞争的 国家,如爱尔兰和卢森堡,它有一个独 特的融合了多语言劳动力和强大的法律制 度的金融环境。马耳他所具有的透明度 和DAW指数为6 ,这两个条件可以帮助 他逐步建立起更全面更成熟的金融服务 法律框架。

进来,马耳他根据国际货币基金组织的规 定,连同全球另外32个国家一起,考虑 转型到更先进的经济体系。马耳他的主要 资源是石灰岩,同时拥有有利的地理位置 和廉价劳动力。马耳他的产出仅仅占所需 食物的20%,淡水资源有限并且国内没 有能源供给,但此地日照充足,太阳能资 源开发潜力大。其经济主要依赖对外贸 易,以航海业为主,以及电子制造业、纺 织业和旅游业。 马耳他将一部分国有企业私有化,并开放 一部分自由市场,来为其加入欧盟做准 备,并于2004年5月份正式加入欧盟组 织。例如,政府在2007年1月份宣布将售 出马耳他邮政(国家邮政管理局)40% 的股份,来完成一直在持续进行的私有 化进程。2010年马耳他彻底完成了邮政 部门同通讯行业、造船业一样的私有化 转变。 令人惊奇的是,电影制作成了一个不断 增长、为马耳他经济作出巨大贡献的部 门。第一部在马耳他拍摄的电影是1925 年的《H. Bruce Woolfe’s Sons of the Sea》。从那时起,超过100部的电影全

82 82

马耳他的监管机构MFSA,具有较强的 业务发展思路和观点。国家在绘画游戏 公司、飞机和轮船注册公司、信用卡发行 银行牌照和基金管理方面取得了巨大成 功。这些行业的服务提供商,包括信托和 受托业务是国家经济战略发展的核心部 分,并且它的投资移民项目也已建立完善 (查看CBI部分了解更多马耳他这一方面 的信息)。 EU金融服务管理在马耳他发展速度强 劲,作为可替代性的必须遵守新管理的资 产经理的基础,马耳他吸引了大量的核心 成员,包括IDS、Iconic Funds、Apex Fund Services和TMF/Customs House。 马耳他与突尼斯目前正在商讨关于两国之 间大陆架的商业开发问题,特别是石油勘 探方面。同时马耳他与利比亚也在商讨相 同的事宜。

马耳他最大的两家商业银行是瓦莱塔银行 (Bank of Valletta)和HSBC银行马耳 他(HSBC Bank Malta),两大银行都 是成立于19世纪。 马耳他中央银行(Bank Ċentrali ta' Malta)有两大主要责任:创建并履行国 家货币政策—逐步建立更有序高效的金融 体系。该银行于1968年四月通过马耳他 中央银行法案建立,马耳他政府2005年 5月4日进入ERM II,并在2008年一月份 将欧元作为本国货币。 准政府机构建立马耳他金融用以对外宣传 使得海外企业家了解马耳他作为一个投 资国的优势以吸引外国投资。该公司在 世界范围内开展研讨会,向各国强调马 耳他作为银行、金融和保险管理的新兴 实力。 }}}


Citizenship by Investment Spring 2017

Ü 政治 马耳他是一个议会制民主共和国,其议会 制度和公共管理模式都是建立在英国国会 体制的民主议会制上的。马耳他的投票率 全球第二高,是无强制投票制度排名最高 的国家,从1960至1995年在全国范围内 进行众议院选举。一院制的众议院是通过 单一可转移投票每五年直接普选一次,除 非总统根据总理的建议提前解散议院。 众议院由69名议会成员组成,然而,如果 一个政党在选举中赢得绝大多数票在议院 中却没有多数席位,则为维护这个政党的 多数席位而添加额外席位。马耳他宪法规 定,总统任命议会多数派获最多支持的议 员担任总理。 马耳他总统由众议院的决议任命,任期五 年。总统作为国家元首很大程度上在某 些方面只是象征并无实权。国家主要政 党是国民党(Nationalist Party)— 一个 基督教民主党派,工党(Malta Labour Party)— 一个社会民主党派。

工党目前的执政党,其总理Joseph Muscat。国民党,以Simon Busuttil为 领袖,是马耳他最大的反对党。在马耳他 还有若干较小的政党,力量比较微弱。

Ü 旅游业 马耳他是国际上非常热门的旅游度假地, 每年来马耳他参观的游客达1.6百万人 次,数量是当地居民的3倍多。马耳他在 这几年中增加了许多旅游公共设施,并 在岛上修建了大量的高质量酒店,另一 方面这些增加的现代设施破坏了当地的传 统建筑,引起了当地人的关心和忧虑。 而本地越来越多的马耳他人在假期选择去 海外度假。

马耳他是非常热门的医疗旅游胜地(通常 接待英国游客),指导马耳他医院寻求来 自英国的认证,如地区认证机构,会是一 个非常明智的决定。如果想要吸引远东和 拉美的游客,马耳他医院可以寻求美国联 合委员会的认证。

Ü 马耳他 附加 马耳他随着经济的发展国家实力的增强如今 在国际上占有一席之地,它的历史也是同样 的灿烂精彩。旅游业的日渐繁荣,商业前景 的拓展扩大,占据欧洲黄金地理位置,共同 促进了马耳他的贸易与投资。马耳他与欧洲 其他国家一样,寻求贸易和投资的发展,而 GCC可能是其他组织难以匹敌的。

近些年马耳他开始努力发展医疗旅游行业 大量的医疗旅游开发商争先恐后的抢占这 一领域,发展这一行业,然而,马耳他当 地医院并没有经过国际独立保健护理认证 机构的认证。

83


Citizenship by Investment Spring 2017

Country Spotlight

Portugal Country Spotlight

Ü Portugal – An Introduction Portugal calls itself home to over 10.5 million of its citizens and can be found on the Iberian Peninsula, bordering Spain and the Atlantic Ocean. The capital city is named Lisbon and has a population of 552,700. The fact that the country faces ocean side has influenced many aspects of its culture – its beautiful beaches prove to be a very popular tourist destination and in fact much of the countries architecture is rooted in its rich history which harkens back to as early as the 1500s when Portugal had a maritime empire. Culturally, Portugal is extremely refined, and features a unique mixture of tradition and modernity which you will struggle to find in any other location. Its breath taking landscape, fine cuisine and even finer wines are the perfect medicine for all holiday goers suffering from the dreariness of everyday life. The climate could be described as mild, but the 3000 hours of sunshine a year and 850kms of beaches that these sun rays visit are great for those looking for an increase in Vitamin D.

84 84

Although Portugal is great for some mindless relaxation, do not mistake it for a country without substance. It’s history is one of ups and downs, as in in the 15th and 16th centuries is grew to become what was the first global empire, becoming one of the world’s major economic, political and military powers and expanding Western influence across the globe. However, as with all great empires, it was met with many setbacks and finally with the destruction of its capital city, Lisbon, in 1755 at the hands of an earthquake, Portugal lost much of its power. Perhaps this history can be reflected in the spirit of the Portugal’s people who are known to celebrate what they have as they know that at any moment, life can throw a curveball and everything can be taken away. There is a real communal sense that one should live for today and it leads to a very pleasant atmosphere which is infectious – it is difficult to worry when you are in the company of Portuguese citizens. A large majority of Portugal’s citizens are Roman Catholic but it is home to a large number of small communities representing different faiths and so it gives off a welcoming impression to all who grace its borders. The official language of

the natives is Portuguese and it derives itself from early Latin. Although if Portuguese is not your first language, you should not fear as according to International English Proficiency Index, Portugal has a high proficiency level in English, proficiency higher than in countries like Italy, France or Greece.

Ü Citizenship by Investment in Portugal Many people, after spending time in Portugal, come to the conclusion that they would like to live there permanently. To these people, there is some good news, citizenship by investment is entirely possible in Portugal, but you will need to invest a minimum of EURO 500,000 in order to qualify for a “golden visa”. Once you have acquired a golden visa, it is then possible to apply to become a citizen of Portugal after six years. In comparison to other some other EU countries, the minimum cost of investment is a little higher, but there are many benefits to Portuguese citizenship, including low tax rates,


Citizenship by Investment Spring 2017

low minimum stay periods and, of course, the benefits of a climate and culture that are in-line with each other – easy going, with hot periods.

Ü Routes to CBI in Portugal è Property Investments:

§ Acquisition of property above EUR 500,000.

§ Creation of a minimum of 10 jobs. It should be noted that only investments effectively made after 8th October 2012 are eligible for the Golden Visa programme. Once issued, the Golden Visa will be valid for an initial period of 1 (one) year and then will be renewed for subsequent periods of 2 (two) years.

§ Transfer of Funds above EUR 1,000,000.

The simplicity of the Golden Visa Programme implies an extremely reduced amount of requirements being asked from the investor. The Golden Visa Programme sets out that the investor must comply with general requirements applicable to all types of qualifying investments and also with the specific requirements of each type of qualifying investment.

§ Transfer of Funds above EUR 350,000 for research activities.

In general, all investors have to comply with the following requirements:

§ Transfer of Funds above EUR 250,000 for artistic or cultural activities.

è Keep the investment for a minimum period of 5 years

-

è Funds for investment should come from abroad

§ Acquisition of property above EUR 350,000 for properties more than 30 years old or located in areas of urban renovation. è Capital Investments:

Transfer of Funds above EUR 500,000 for capitalization of small and medium size companies.

Immigration and the Schengen services è Absence of conviction of relevant crime è Minimum stay in Portugal: 7 (seven) days during the first year and 14 (fourteen) days during each subsequent period of two years

Ü Portugal in Summary While being a more expensive option than some of its neighbours, Portugal offers investors a warm and friendly climate, gorgeous coastlines and vibrant cities in which to seek residence. Diverse, beautiful and culturally arresting, Portugal, in many ways, offers bits of the best of all of Europe.

è Entry in Portugal with a valid Schengen visa è Job creation: è Absence of references in the Portuguese

85


C=94 M=88 Y=43 K=65 C=87 M=46 Y=14 K=1

David Machado Co-Founder and Partner of PTGoldenVisa.com C=1 M=32 Y=96 K=0

The Residence Permit Program launched, back in 2012, by the Portuguese Authorities is positively affecting the property market in Portugal, providing high returns on investment for investors. The Golden Visa Program targets high profile non Europeans investors interested in having a backup plan for their future generations. The Advantages of the Program are unique for investors, allowing them, and their families, to freely travel, work, live and study in all Schengen countries. The Golden Visa allows investors to extend the application to direct family members, with no further investment requirements. The reduced minimum stay obligations within the country – only 7 days in average per year – is another great advantage for those not willing to relocate at the moment. The program is also a fast track to reach citizenship, since after 6 years investors have the right to apply for the Portuguese passport. Awarded as the best Residency Program Globally 2015 and 2016, by the Global Residence Program Index (GRPI), and aimed at attracting overseas investment to Portugal, the Goldenv Visa is a very straightforward, simple and with clear legal rules. To apply for a Golden Visa through real estate investment, foreign nation¬als, either personally or through a company, are required to make an investment that conforms to one of the following conditions: investment in real estate valued at at least €500,000; real estate with more than 30 years construction time with a value of at least €350,000; real estate with a value of at least €400,000 in areas with less than 100 citizens per square kilometre; real estate in areas with less than 100 citizens per square kilometre with a value of at least €280,000. Alternatively, Golden Visa applicants can ob¬tain access to the scheme through investment in the non-real estate sector, that includes: complet¬ing a capital transfer of €1m to a bank operating in Portugal;


Portugal: The Golden Visa Effect Committing €500,000 to invest in Portuguese funds; venture capital or leverage cap¬ital funds; investment that creates 10 permanent jobs in a new company located in Portugal; or do¬nating €250,000 for culture, heritage or arts to a Portuguese institute. So far, 97 percent of the candidates for the Golden Visa programme are applying through investment in Portuguese real estate, primarily due to the great returns investors are getting on the properties in Portugal. Low supply and high demand is generating capital gains for real estate investors up to 12 per cent, every year, especially in the major cities (Lisbon, Oporto and Algarve). The Golden Visa Effect on Property Market: Property has by far been the most attractive investment prospect to users of the Golden Visa programme. Of the total 4578 permits issued, 4314 were on the basis of investment in prop¬erty, 257 related to the transfer of capital and just seven concerned business activity that created 10 or more new jobs. The cumulative total of invest¬ment entering the country as a result is €2.8bn, of which €2.53bn is for investment in property. However, outside the many benefits Portuguese citizenship brings, there are also many benefits to investing in Portugal itself. The boom of short-term rentals is bringing new life to the central cities and more historical neighborhoods. In¬vestors who are candidates to programs like Golden Visa normally look for this kind of refurbished or central city apartments, since they can be short rented to tourists. Generally, a property in a historical area or central Lisbon city, can generate an income of around eight to 12 percent a year, through daily rental basis. The Golden Visa residence permit is just the “icing on the cake” on a Real Estate market full of opportunities for investors. The opportunities are there. Either to develop, refurbish or do property trading. When choosing to invest in properties that can easily generate high return on investment with rentals, investors have also to benefit from limit exposure to market and capitalize their investments with an entry-exit strategy that pays at least 10 percent in every move. These days it is possible to target returns on investments in real estate over 30 percent a year. Portugal represents nowadays a safe harbor and a profitable market for investors. For more information, please visit:

www.PTGoldenVisa.com


Citizenship by Investment Spring 2017

Country Spotlight

葡萄牙 国家聚焦

葡萄牙 简介 葡萄牙拥有超过1050万的人口,位于伊比 利亚半岛,与西班牙接壤,西部和南部是 大西洋海岸。首都是里斯本,有55.27万 人口。葡萄牙近海的一面其文化深受海洋 文明的影响,从这美丽的沙滩可以看出葡 萄牙非常受旅游者的青睐,国家大量的建 筑与西班牙的灿烂历史紧密结合,留心观 察还可以依稀辨认出15世纪当西班牙还是 海上霸主时它们的模样。 西班牙文化显得非常文雅有情趣,传统与 现代文化碰撞交融,在社会的方方面面都 彰显着与众不同的西班牙文化。这里震撼 人心的美景,精美的佳肴,优质的葡萄 酒,都是人们枯燥无味的生活中的一剂 良药。葡萄牙气候温和,但海拔高光照充 足,是非常理想的太阳浴选择地,还可以 补充维生素D,保持身体健康。 葡萄牙不仅是个适宜把自己放空尽情放松 消遣的旅游胜地,它还有一段非常辉煌、

88 88

跌宕起伏的历史。15、16世纪时葡萄牙迅 速崛起成为世界上第一大海上帝国,是当 时主要的政治、经济和军事中心,在全世 界范围内建立起了殖民地。然而,随着更 多西方大国的崛起,葡萄牙遭受到越来越 多的挑战,实力倒退,最后1755年的一场 地震重创首都里斯本,葡萄牙从此失势, 海上地位一落千丈。这段历史大概可以从 熟知此事的葡萄牙人的精神上体现出来, 他们总是热衷于庆祝自己拥有的事物,因 为他们知道没有什么是永恒的,生活就像 一个被抛出的弧线球,任何东西都有可能 随时被拿走。他们都喜欢活在当下,而 这种娱乐欢快的气氛很容易被感染 — 当 你待在一个葡萄牙人的公司时很难忧虑起 来。 大多数的葡萄牙人信奉天主教,但这里 同时又是许许多多不同小宗教团体的聚集 地,葡萄牙人也大多给人一种宽容和善的 印象。葡萄牙的官方语言是起缘于早期拉 丁文葡萄牙语。如果葡萄牙语不是你的

第一语言也不必担心,因为根据国际英文 水平指数,葡萄牙人的平均英语水平非常 高,超过许多国家 ,如意大利、法国和 希腊。 葡萄牙 投资移民 许多人在葡萄牙待过一段时间之后,他们 就会产生想要在这里永久居住的想法。对 于这些人,这里有一些好消息,通过投资 移民葡萄牙是完全有可能的。但你需要向 葡萄牙投资50万欧元才能拿到“黄金签 证”。 一旦你获得了黄金签证,就可以在六年后 申请成为正式的葡萄牙公民。与其他欧洲 国家的投资移民政策相比,葡萄牙的投资 费用相对较高,但它同样会给你带来更多 的好处和便利,包括低税率、短居留期、 温和的气候、迷人的文化和热情友善的居 民。

葡萄牙 投资移民方式


Citizenship by Investment Spring 2017

• 地产投资: - 收购价值超过EUR 500,000的房产。 - 收购价值超过EUR 350,000的房产 房产建造时间超30年或是位于城市改造 地区。 • 资本投资: - 为基金输送资金至少EUR 1,000,000。 - 为基金输送资金至少EUR 350,000 用 于寻找活动。 - 为基金输送资金至少EUR 250,000 用 于艺术和文化活动。 - 为基金输送资金至少EUR 500,000 用 作中小型公司的资本 • 创造就业岗位:

- 创造至少10个就业岗位 应注意的是只有在2012年10月8日后有效 地投资,才有资格参与黄金签证计划。 一旦发行,黄金签证的有效期为1(一) 年,然后需在随后的2(二)年期间续 签。 黄金签证计划的简单性意味着减少了对投 资者大量要求。黄金签证计划规定,投资 者必须符合适用于所有类型投资的一般要 求,也要符合每种投资类型的具体要求。 一般而言,所有投资者需遵守以下要求:

• 在葡萄牙移民和申根服务的信用情况 • 无犯罪证明 • 最低居留要求:第一年在葡萄牙至少居 留7(七)天,每后续两年内至少待14( 十四)天。

葡萄牙 概要 与它邻国的投资项目相比葡萄牙是个相对 较贵的选择,但葡萄牙提供给它的投资者 一个温和宜人的环境,蜿蜒曲折的海岸线 和充满生机的城市。多样、美丽又文雅的 葡萄牙,在许多方面都为你提供全欧洲最 好的待遇。

• 持有投资财产至少5年 • 投资资金应来自于国外 • 持有有效申根签证进入葡萄牙

89


Citizenship by Investment Spring 2017

Country Spotlight

St.Kitts & Nevis Country Spotlight

Ü

About St Kitts & Nevis

St Kitts & Nevis can be found in the northern Leeward Islands of the Caribbean, tucked away and brimming with a beautiful nature and a lengthy and rich cultural history. It has something for everyone, whether your preferred activities are fishing, water sports, golfing, sailing, going for a nice meal or simply relaxing on the sandy, palm fringed beaches. Although small, Nevis is an unspoiled playground with empty beaches that stretch as far as the eye can see. If you are looking for a place to escape the hustle and bustle of everyday Western life and to find some tranquility, Nevis may be the perfect place for you. There’s also ample opportunity to lose yourself in fishing, diving and a number of other water based activities. There are a plethora of wrecks, caves, walls and pristine reefs just waiting to be explored.

Ü Citizenship in St Kitts & Nevis Background The Government of St Kitts & Nevis has introduced extensive legislation to attract financial

90 90

services businesses to the island. The Citizenship by Investment Programme has also been in operation since 1984, allowing foreign investors to acquire citizenship under certain conditions. This makes it the oldest existing citizenship programme in the world and is the most reputable citizenship programme in existence. One can invest in either designated real estate or contribute to the Sugar Industry Diversification Foundation ("SIDF"). St Kitts & Nevis citizenship is highly regarded. As a result, St Kitts & Nevis citizens enjoy a passport with an excellent reputation and very good visa-free travel, including to all of the EU, Hong Kong, Switzerland, and other countries. Accordingly, the St Kitts & Nevis Citizenship by Investment programme is an attractive option if one is looking to acquire a second citizenship through invest-ment without prior residence requirements. The Citizenship Programme of St Kitts & Nevis requires applicants to make an economic contribution to the country. In exchange, they are granted full citizenship. To qualify for citizenship, the applicant must make either an investment of at least USD 400,000 in one of the approved real estate developments in addition to paying Government fees, due diligence fees and taxes, or a contribution to the Sugar Industry Diversification Foundation (SIDF) to the amount of USD 250,000 (for a single applicant). However, this includes all Government fees with the exception of due

diligence fees.

Benefits

When you acquire citizenship under the St Kitts & Nevis Citizenship Programme, you and your family enjoy full citizenship for life, which can be passed on to future generations by descent. As a citizen of St Kitts & Nevis, you have the right to take up residence in St Kitts & Nevis at any time and for any length of time. You will not be taxed on foreign income, capital gains, gift, wealth or inheritance tax so this may complement your current wealth protection and tax planning strategies.

Ü Requirements and Procedures Real Estate Option To qualify for citizenship of St Kitts and Nevis under the real estate option of its Citizenship by In-vestment Programme, the Government requires an investment in designated real estate with a value of at least USD 400,000.


Citizenship by Investment Spring 2017

On approval in principle of an application under the real estate investment option the following fees are payable to the Government of St Kitts and Nevis:

St.Kitts & Nevis is an unspoiled playground with empty beaches that stretch as far as the eye can see.

• USD 50,000.00 for the main applicant. • USD 25,000.00 for the spouse of the main applicant • USD 25,000.00 for each child of the main applicant under the age of 18 • USD 50,000.00 for each qualified dependant of the main applicant above the age of 18 other than spouse • Children over 18 years but below 30 and in a dependency relationship with their parents. In ad-dition, parents and grandparents aged 55 or over must be living with and dependent on the main applicant. Additionally to these fees, real-estate buyers should be aware that there are also purchase costs (mainly compulsory insurance fund contribution and conveyance fees) of approximately 4–5% of the purchase price. Only villas and condominium units from an approved developer will qualify for citizenship.

SIDF Contribution To qualify for citizenship of St Kitts and Nevis under the SIDF option, the Government requires a con-tribution to the St Kitts and Nevis Sugar Industry Diversification Foundation, a public charity. Under this option, there are several alternatives available: 1. Single Applicant: a non-refundable contribution of USD 250,000 is required. 2. Applicant with up to three family members, i.e. one spouse and two dependants irrespective of age: a non-refundable contribution of USD 300,000 is required. 3. Any additional dependent, regardless of age: USD 25,000 In each of these categories, the above amounts include all government fees with exception to due diligence fees. Children aged 30 or under and parents or grandparents aged at least 55 may also be included in the application if they fulfil certain terms.

Required Investment and Fees USD 7,500.00 for due diligence for the main applicant. USD 4,000.00 for due diligence and background check fees for each dependent over 16 years.

91


Citizenship by Investment Spring 2017

圣基茨和尼维斯

Country Spotlight

国家聚焦

Ü

关于圣基茨和尼维斯

圣基茨和尼维斯位于东加勒比海 背风群岛北部,位置隐秘,历史悠久, 自然风景优美。无论你偏爱钓鱼、水上 运动、打高尔夫和帆船运动还是美餐一 顿,或是在沙滩上休闲放松,任何来到 圣基茨和尼维斯的人都能找到属于自己 的乐趣。 尽管面积不大,但尼维斯的自然环 境都还一直保持着它原始的样子,岛上 的美丽沙滩一望无际。如果你想找一个 淳朴宁静的地方逃离现代生活的熙攘喧 闹,洗涤一下心灵,那尼维斯对你而言 就是个完美的选择。 你可以在这里放纵自己去享受玩 乐,沉迷于钓鱼、潜水或其他的众多水 上游戏。这里还有大量的沉船、洞穴、 潜礁壁和原始珊瑚礁等着你去探索。

Ü 背景

92 92

圣基茨和尼维斯的公民

圣基茨和尼维斯政府制定了一系列 的法律政策用以吸引金融服务业务来岛 上发展。制定于1984年并生效至今的投 资移民项目,允许外国投资者在满足一 定条件的基础下取得公民身份。这是目 前世界上现存的使用时间最长,且是公 认的声誉极好的投资移民项目。投资者 需要要么投资被指定的房地产,要么是 向糖业多元化基金(SIDF)捐赠资金。

调查费以外的所有政府费用。

圣基茨和尼维斯的护照相当被国际 所看重,因为至今只有相对少数的护照 被发放。因此圣基茨和尼维斯的护照在 国际上享有极高的声誉,且享受着非常 高的免签入境待遇,包括欧盟各国、加 拿大、香港、瑞士及其他国家。这使得 圣基茨和尼维斯成为了很多想要通过投 资获取第二国籍的投资者的首选之地。

作为圣基茨和尼维斯公民,你与你 的家庭所持有的护照享受超过120个国家 和地区的入境免签待遇,包括欧盟所有 成员国。当然,你可以在圣基茨和尼维 斯当地自由居住,也可以在大多数的加 勒比共同市场的成员国中自由居住,不 限时间。

圣基茨和尼维斯的移民计划制定于 1984年,要求投资者向本国做一些经济 贡献。作为交换,投资者及其亲属可以 取得本国的公民身份。投资要求是,向 政府指定的房地产项目投资至少40万美 元,还要上交政府费用及其它税费;或 是向糖业多元化基金(SIDF)捐赠资金 25万美元(对个人投资者),已包括除

优势 当你通过圣基茨和尼维斯的移民项 目获得国籍后,你和你的家属都成将为 完全的圣基茨和尼维斯公民,将来的后 代也会继续继承你的圣基茨和尼维斯公 民身份。

在圣基茨和尼维斯不必上缴国外所 得税、资本利得税、赠与税、资产税以 及遗产税,所以这大概会填补你目前的 财富保障和税收筹划策略。 如果你目前作为公民所身处的国家 政治不稳定或正在发生动乱,第二国籍 可以作为保护,为你和你的家人提供一 个安全的避风港。


Citizenship by Investment Spring 2017

Ü

要求与程序

房地产选项 为通过投资移民项目下的房地产投 资来获取公民身份,政府要求投资人向 指定的房地产项目投资至少40万美元。 政府原则上审批通过之后,投资者需向 圣基茨和尼维斯政府上缴以下费用:

尽管面积不大,但 圣基茨和尼维斯的 自然环境都还一直 保持着它原始的样 子。

• 主申请人:50,000.00美元 • 配偶:25,000.00美元 • 每个18周岁以下的主申请人的子 女:25,000.00美元 • 每个配偶除外且满18周岁的主申请 人的合格亲属:50,000.00美元 • 主申请人的子女应在18-30周岁之 间,其父母或祖父母应满55周岁且 与申请人一同生活。 此外,房地产买家应注意这里有一 些购买成本(主要是强制保险基金和转 让费),大约是原商品价格的4-5%。 SIDF捐赠 通过SIDF(糖业多元化基金)选项 来获取公民身份,政府要求申请人向基 金捐赠一笔资金,SIDF是一家公共慈善机 构。在这个选项下分为4个不同类别: 1. 单个申请人:捐赠资金250,000 美元 2. 申请人与最多3位家庭成员,即 配偶与2位18周岁以下的子女:捐赠资金 300,000美元 3. 每附加一位家庭成员,年龄不 计:捐赠资金250,000美元 在每个类别中,都已包含除调查费 以外的所有政府费用。主申请人30周岁 或其以下的子女与其满55周岁的父母或 祖父母,若符合特定条件,也可纳入移 民申请。 投资要求与费用 主申请人的调查费:7,500.00美元 每位16周岁以上家属的背景调查费 和程序费:4,000.00美元。

93


Citizenship by Investment Spring 2017

Country Spotlight

Saint Lucia Country Spotlight

è Capital city: Castries

creations. The island hosts a variety of possible activities for its visitors and residents, with world class dining and luxurious spas being just two of the possibilities.

è Population: 185,000

Ü

Ü

Quick Facts

è GDP: $2.083 billion è Government: Parliamentary democracy under constitutional monarchy è Governor-General: Pearlette Louisy è Prime Minister: Allen Chastanet è Ethnic groups: 85.3% Black, 10.9% Mixed, 2.2% Indian, 1.6% other

Ü

St Lucia at a glance

Saint Lucia is a small part of paradise located in the Eastern Caribbean Sea. The varied landscape has something to offer all visitors: from the vast expanses of sandy beaches to the awe inspiring Piton mountains, Saint Lucia makes for a sensational setting. Citizenship in Saint Lucia is the opportunity to escape to a tropical life surrounded by nature’s finest

94 94

Geography

Saint Lucia is located on the boundary between the Eastern Caribbean Sea and the Atlantic Ocean. The island lies northeast of Saint Vincent, northwest of Barbados and to the south of Martinique. The capital city of Saint Lucia is Castries, which houses 60,263 Saint Lucians (32.4% of the population). In total, the island covers a land area of 617 km sq. Saint Lucia is the only country in the world to have been named after a woman. The local climate of the island is tropical. The year typically features a dry season from December until the end of May, and a wet season from June until the end of November. The average daytime temperature is an estimated 29 degrees; as the island is located near to the equator, the temperature does not vary greatly throughout the year. From 1663 until 1979, Saint Lucia was in both French and British control. Between 1667 and 1814, control switched between French and British hands a total of 14 times. Due

Citizenship in Saint Lucia is the opportunity to escape to a tropical life surrounded by nature’s finest creations.


Citizenship by Investment Spring 2017 other qualifying dependants: US$190,000 • Each extra qualifying dependant, of any age: US$25,000

Ü

Real Estate Projects

The Cabinet of Ministers will evaluate proposed real estate projects for the possibility of citizenship. Approved real estate projects can come under two categories: • Luxury branded hotels and resorts • Luxury boutique properties The applicant must enter into a binding purchase and sales agreement for an investment in an approved real estate project. Investments, totalling the agreed purchase price, are deposited in an escrow account managed both by the property developer as well as the Saint Lucia based Citizenship by Investment Unit. • Minimum investment required: US $300,000

Ü

to the development of the sugar industry, Saint Lucia was considered an attractive colony to hold. In 1814, Saint Lucia was firmly under British control until it became an independent state of the Commonwealth of Nations associated with the United Kingdom in 1979. The official language of Saint Lucia is English, however Saint Lucian, Creole and French are considered vernacular languages of the island.

Ü

Politics

Saint Lucia is a two party parliamentary democracy, and a Commonwealth nation. Queen Elizabeth II is the Head of State, and her presence is represented by a Governor-General. The Prime Minister is usually the head of the party that commands a majority in the House of Assembly. There are 17 seats in the House of Assembly, and 11 seats in the second chamber of Parliament, the Senate. As well as being a member of the Commonwealth, Saint Lucia is a member of CARICOM (the Caribbean community) and the Organisation of Eastern Caribbean States. It maintains friendly relations with all of the active major powers in the Caribbean - the United States of America, Canada, France and the United Kingdom.

Ü

Background

Saint Lucia Citizenship-by-Investment Program was founded in 2015 under the regulations of the Citizenship by Investment Bill 2015 making it the newest programme to join the other Citizenship by Investment Programs (CIP) in the Caribbean region. The Saint Lucia Citizenship By Investment Program was launched at the Bay Gardens Beach Resort on December 29th, 2015. The program officially began accepting applications on January 1st, 2016.

Ü

Benefits

• Application, including those with dependents, will be processed within 3 months • No residency requirements • Passport allows for visa-free movement to 100+ countries, including UK, Hong Kong, and 28 EU countries within the Schengen Zone • Application process does not include interview or visit to Saint Lucia • Education and managerial experience are not required • Global income is not taxed

Ü

How to qualify

Enterprise Projects

The Cabinet will evaluate enterprise projects to appear on the approved list for the Citizenship by Investment Programme. Approved enterprise projects come under seven categories: • Specialty Restaurants • Cruise ports and marinas • Agro-processing plants • Pharmaceutical products • Ports, bridges, roads and highways • Research institutions and facilities - Offshore universities Once approved the enterprise project becomes available for further investments from other applicants for citizenship by investment. The following minimum investment is required: Option 1 – A sole applicant.

Those wishing to secure a Saint Lucian passport through Citizenship By Investment Program must be at least 18 years of age, have no criminal record, and be in good health. Furthermore, in order to qualify for Citizenship in Saint Lucia, investors must fulfil one of the four following investment options.

• A minimum investment of US$3,500,000

Ü Saint Lucia National Economic Fund

Ü

Saint Lucia National Economic Fund is a fund established to receive investments of cash from the citizenship program that will be used in the funding of government sponsored projects. The Finance Minister must seek approval from Parliament for the allocation of funds for his chosen purposes. Once an application for citizenship through investment in the Saint Lucia National Economic Fund has been approved, an investment as follows is required: • Single applicant: US$100,000 • Applicants in a couple: US$165,000 • Applicant applying with spouse and up to two

Option 2 – More than one applicant (joint venture). • A minimum investment of US$ 6,000,000 with each applicant contributing no less than US$1,000,000

Government bonds

Citizenship by investment may be made through the purchase of non-interest-bearing Government bonds. These bonds must be registered and remain in the name of the applicant for a five (5) year holding period from the date of first issue and not attract a rate of interest. Once an application for citizenship by means of an investment in government bonds has been approved, the following minimum investment is required: • Sole applicant: US$500,000 • Couple (Applicant and spouse): US$535,000 • Applicant applying with spouse and up to two dependants: US$550,000 • Each extra dependant: US$25,000

95


Citizenship by Investment Spring 2017

圣卢西亚

Country Spotlight

国家聚焦

Ü

要闻速览

民举办各种有趣的活动,比如世界一流 的餐饮和豪华的温泉。

è 首都:卡斯特里 è 人口:185,000

Ü

è 国内生产总值(GDP):20.83亿美元

圣卢西亚位于东加勒比海和大西洋 之间的边界处。该岛位于圣文森特东北 部,巴巴多斯西北部以及马提尼克岛的 南部。圣卢西亚的首都是卡斯特里,人 口数量为60,263(占总人口的32.4%)。 该岛共占地面积617平方公里,是世界上 唯一以女名命名的国家。

è 政府:君主立宪制下的议会民主制 è 总督:Pearlette Louisy è 总理:Allen Chastanet è 族裔群体:黑人85.3%,混血

10.9%,印第安人2.2%,其他1.6%

Ü

圣卢西亚概况一览

圣卢西亚是位于东加勒比海的一个 国家。岛上各种景观都有游客在游览: 从广阔的沙滩到令人鼓舞的派顿山脉, 圣卢西亚的自然环境令人过目难忘。 居住在圣卢西亚的公民被大自然的 得意之作所包围着。该岛为其游客和居

96 96

地理

岛上是典型的热带气候。每年的典 型特征是从十二月至五月底的旱季,以 及六月至十一月底的雨季。白天平均温 度约为29度;由于岛屿位于赤道附近, 所以全年温度并没有很大的变化。 从1663年到1979年,圣卢西亚都在 法国和英国的控制下。在1667年至1814 年间,法国和英国轮流控制权共计14 次。由于糖业的发展,圣卢西亚被认为 是一个具有吸引力的殖民地。1814年, 圣卢西亚一直在英国控制下,直到1979 年才成为独立国家。圣卢西亚的官方语

居住在圣卢西亚的 公民被大自然的得 意之作所包围着。


Citizenship by Investment Spring 2017

Ü

房地产项目

部长内阁将为外国投资者评估拟议 合格的房地产项目。批准的房地产项目 可以分为两类: • 奢侈品牌酒店和度假村 • 豪华精品酒店

申请人必须签署具有约束力的购买 和销售协议,对批准的房地产项目进行 投资。投资总额为约定的购买价格,存 放在由房地产开发商以及圣卢西亚投资 部门公民管理的托管账户中。 • 最低投资金额:30万美元

Ü

企业项目

内阁将对企业项目进行评估,批准 的企业项目可供外国投资者进行项目挑 选。批准的企业项目分为七类:

言是英文,但圣卢西亚语、克里奥尔语 和法语也被岛上居民所使用。

Ü

政治

圣卢西亚是一个两党议会民主制的 英联邦国家。伊丽莎白二世女王是国家 元首,她的存在由总督代表。总理通常 是议会中多数党的领导人。议会共有17 个议席,参议院有11个议席。 圣卢西亚作为英联邦的成员,也是 加勒比共同体和东加勒比国家组织的成 员。它与活跃在加勒比的所有大国都维 持着友好的关系——美国、加拿大、法 国和英国。

Ü

背景

圣卢西亚投资移民计划成立于2015 年,根据“2015年投资移民法案”规定,该 计划是加勒比地区加入其他投资移民计 划(CIP)的最新项目。 圣卢西亚投资移民计划于2015年 12月29日在海湾花园海滩度假村(Bay Gardens Beach Resort)推出并于2016年1 月1日起开始正式接受申请。

Ü

优势

• 无居留要求 • 护照允许在包括英国、香港和28个

欧盟国家在内的超过100个国家免 签证入境 • 申请程序不包括面试或访问圣卢 西亚 • 无教育和管理经验方面的要求 • 全球收入不征税

Ü

专业餐厅 邮轮港口和码头 农业加工厂 药品 港口、桥梁、道路和高速公路 研究机构和设施 海外大学

一经批准,企业项目可以通过投资 来获得其他申请人的进一步投资。需要 以下最低投资额: 选项1 – 单一申请人。 • 最低投资额350万美元

如何取得资格

希望通过投资计划获得圣卢西亚护 照的申请人必须年满18周岁,无犯罪记 录,身体健康。此外,为了符合圣卢西 亚的公民资格,投资者必须选择以下四 种投资方式之一。

Ü

• • • • • • •

圣卢西亚国家经济基金

圣卢西亚国家经济基金接受来自投 资移民计划的资金,将用于政府资助项 目的现金投资。财政部长必须在征得议 会的批准之后,才能为他所选定的目的 分配资金。 一旦通过投资圣卢西亚国民经济基 金申请公民身份,需要投资金额如下:

选项2 - 多个申请人(合资)。 • 每个申请人最少投资600万美元,捐

款不低于100万美元

Ü

政府债券

申请投资移民可以通过购买无息 政府债券的方式进行。这些债券必须注 册,并以申请人的名义自首次发行之日 起五(5)年的持有时间,且无利率。 一旦通过政府债券投资的方式申请 公民身份,以下是最低投资金额: • 单一申请人:50万美元 • 夫妇(申请人和配偶):535,000

美元 • 申请人与配偶和最多两名受扶养人

一起申请:550,000美元 • 单一申请人:10万美元 • 配偶:16.5万美元 • 申请人与配偶和最多两名其他合格

• 每个额外的家属:25,000美元

家属一起申请:19万美元 • 任何年龄的每个额外的家庭成

• 包括受扶养人在内的申请将在3个月 内处理完毕

员:2.5万美元

97


Citizenship by Investment Spring 2017

Will The United States Investment Program (The EB-5 Visa) continue under Donald Trump?

Country Spotlight

! Mona Shah, Esq.

C

ongress created the EB-5 program in 1990 to benefit the U.S. economy by attracting investments from qualified foreign investors. For many years the program did not attract much attention, with Investor immigrants looking more to Canada. In 2005, the regional center program emerged as a real contender. Today EB-5 has become increasingly popular, having brought over $18 billion in investments into the United States. The majority of EB-5 visas come through the Regional Center Program, a program that allows designated entities to pool investments and utilize indirect and induced job creation.

The election of Donald Trump as US President brought about a state of anxiety as to the continuation of the program as Trump’s election campaign was dominate by strong antiimmigration rhetoric. On January 27 2017, just seven days in office, Trump caused mayhem internationally after issuing a highly controversial and unpopular Executive Order banning nationals from Iraq, Syria, Iran, Libya, Somalia, Sudan, and Yemen from entering the United States for 90 days.

98 98

There has been a huge outcry with demonstrations popping up all over the US. A memo signed by 1000 State Department diplomats opposing the temporary ban was sent to the President, while high profile companies, leading lawyers, politicians, actors, foreign leaders, even the US Conference of Catholic Bishops have spoken out against this Order. Two Federal Judges (New York and Seattle) issued Orders against the ban.

Ü What does this mean for Immigrants coming to the US by Investment? Donald Trump is from New York. New York City has been at the forefront of EB-5 investment as at the nadir of the Great Recession, the city was in dire straits and the unemployment rate among construction workers in the New York Metropolitan Area stood at 71%. Where traditional financiers were unable or unwilling

to lend money for major construction projects, EB-5 capital stepped in and plugged the gap, helping to push projects that would have otherwise languished in the pipeline. Mansion Global have already predicted that foreign investors will likely cast a vote of confidence in U.S. real estate properties in the long run. Liam Bailey, head of residential research at Knight Frank, a London-based global real estate consultancy was quoted as saying: “U.S. residential properties, as an asset class, has been favored among the world’s richest, thanks largely to the country’s relatively healthy economic fundamentals and business environment. The outcome of the presidential election will “hardly at all” have an impact on the luxury real estate market.” In addition, as someone who has built a winning campaign on the basis of bringing jobs to the United States, President Trump will think twice about turning his back on a program that has been proven to create and support jobs around the country. According to IIUSA, between FY2010 to FY2013, the EB-5 program


Citizenship by Investment Spring 2017

supported 19,395 and 17,161 jobs in California and New York respectively; and the prosperity has not been limited to rich coastal states either – the program supported 2,547 jobs in Ohio and 2,958 jobs in South Dakota during that same period. Overall, during that period, the program supported an average of 29,300 jobs each year. Moreover, Trump is looking to tear up and end negotiations from free-trade agreements such as the Trans-Pacific Partnership (TPP) and the Transatlantic Trade and Investment Partnership (TTIP). Countries from these agreements are home to companies representing 90% of total inward foreign direct investment into the US. If President Trump is indeed serious about ending these agreements while still bringing investment and economic prosperity to the United States, he is going to need to ensure that foreign investment continues to be welcomed here – which includes retaining the EB-5 program, having brought in $15.4 billion in EB-5 foreign direct investment since 2008.

These foreign students enrolled in American universities are generating billions of dollars in tuition and economic activity here in the U.S. This is just a scintilla of the economic interests America has with the Muslim world – a population estimated at 1.6 billion.

Trump’s own name and brand has been licensed towards one of the large EB-5 projects in the New York Metro area: Trump Bay Street, a 50-story luxury rental apartment building being developed by the President’s son-in law Jared Kushner. This Jersey City project has raised close to a quarter of its $50 million funding from EB-5 investments. This project is not the only one in the EB-5 pipeline either. US Immigration Fund, the EB-5 regional center that was retained to seek investors, also announced a partnership last year to build and develop a Trump-branded golf course in Jupiter, Florida. In addition, as reported by the Wall Street Journal, Trump is lending the Trump name to a 33-story luxury hotel and condominium EB-5 development in downtown Austin .

Although Trump's so called Muslim ban is consistent with the alt-right clash of civilization ideology espoused by Trump's chief strategist, Stephen Bannon, this is not the ideology of the United States: "The Nation which indulges towards another a habitual hatred or a habitual fondness is in some degree a slave. It is a slave to its animosity or to its affection, either of which is sufficient to lead it astray from its duty and its interest." George Washington.

Ü Will Investors from the Middle East and Muslim Countries be welcomed into the US? Trump himself has significant investment in Muslim countries, such as the UAE and Turkey. More importantly, the Middle East are major financiers in the US. Saudi Arabia owns $117 billion of U.S. debt and U.S. officials estimate that Saudi investments in the U.S. are roughly $750 billion. Saudi Arabia and United Arab Emirates purchased approximately 40 billion dollars' worth of American goods in 2015. Figures from the Institute of International Education found there are about 130,000 foreign students from Muslim-majority nations, with Saudi student figures well above any other nation at 61,000 students in 2015.

There are an estimated 6 million Muslims who call America home. Arab and Islamic culture is enriching America and contributing to the unprecedented intercultural fertilization that has produced this great cultural mosaic and immigrant experiment called America. . Arab and Muslim immigrants and refugees who have already come to the United States have prospered - as will the immigrants coming today. American Muslims hold the second-highest level of education among major U.S. religious groups with higher incomes than the median income in the United States.

Ü Congress and the Increasing Popularity of EB-5 As the program continues to gain popularity, EB-5 projects look for investors in new markets. The program is certainly here to stay. President Trump’s willingness to license his name out to the above-mentioned EB-5 projects suggests at a minimum, implicit support for the program. A Trump Administration has also suggested lower taxes and more favorable conditions for foreign investment. “The shock of the result will be replaced by a more nuanced appraisal of the strengths of the U.S. markets—there is so much demand for the U.S. luxury market domestically and internationally, mainly due to the significant outperformance of the U.S. economy compared to just about every other developed world economy,” stated Bailey of Knight Frank. The EB-5 industry and Congress are ready to negotiate durable reform that results in a stronger, more efficient Program. As was stated in a Senate hearing on EB-5 earlier this year, Congress must “mend it, not end it.”

Mona Shah, ESQ: UK born, Mona, a dual licensed attorney, practiced as a Government Prosecutor with the British Crown Prosecution Service, before moving to New York, USA. Mona has over 19 years of experience and extensive knowledge of all facets of U.S. immigration law; her practical expertise ranges from specialist business petitions to complicated, multi-issue federal deportation litigation. Highly proficient and experienced in EB-5 law, Mona was voted one of the top 25 EB-5 attorneys in the US 3 years in a row. Mona is a published author and regularly speaks at seminars worldwide, is interviewed by mainstream news channels and quoted in major newspapers. Mona is a member of the IIUSA’s Leadership Council and a member of the Public Policy Committee and also an adjunct professor at Baruch University, New York City.

Mona Shah & Associates (MSA) Established in 1997 and headquartered in Manhattan, New York, MSA are recognized as Industry leaders and one of the leading law firms in EB-5. MSA is internationally licensed to practice law with an advanced Immigration practice, also specializing in Corporate and Securities & Exchange Commission. With exceptional skills, experience and understanding, the experience and exposure of the firm sets them apart. MSA has been instrumental in the success of numerous EB-5 projects and have actively assisted in bringing millions of dollars of investment money into the US, including for major projects in New York. Mona Shah & Associates is located in the heart of New York City with a satellite office in London. We offer our clients the experience of a large, premiere firm without sacrificing the personal service and cordiality expected of a small firm. Our lawyers work closely with clients to provide highly personalized supports and legal solutions. CONTACT: 232 Madison Ave, Suite 1001, New York, NY 10016 T: 212-233-7473 | E : info@mshahlaw.com

99


Citizenship by Investment Spring 2017

唐纳德·特朗普(Donald Trump) 会继续实施投资计划 (The EB-5 Visa)吗?

Country Spotlight

! Mona Shah, sq.

国国会在1990年创建了EB-5计 划,通过吸引合格的外国投资者的 投资来推动美国经济增长。多年来,这 个计划并没有受到很多关注,在投资移 民项目上人们更偏爱加拿大。2005年, 区域中心计划成为投资计划真正的竞争 者。今天EB-5签证已经越来越受海外投 资者的欢迎,也已经为美国带来了超过 180亿美元的投资。大部分EB-5签证来 自区域中心计划,该计划允许投资者为 指定的实体经济进行投资,并间接利用 和诱导为美国创造新的就业机会。 唐纳德·特朗普(Donald Trump)当 选为美国总统,由于特朗普的竞选活动 受到强大的反移民言辞的控制,导致了 该计划的延续。2017年1月27日,短短 七天的时间里,特朗普在发布了一个非 常具有争议性并且不受欢迎的行政命令 后,禁止来自伊拉克、叙利亚、伊朗、 利比亚、索马里、苏丹和也门的公民进 入美国,为期90天,之后引发了国际混 乱。目前一个巨大的抗议示威游行已遍

100 100

布美国各地。一份由1000名反对此临 时禁令的外交官签署的备忘录已寄给了 总统,而高调的公司、首席律师、政治 家、演员、外国领导人,甚至美国天主 教也都反对这个命令。两名联邦法官 (纽约和西雅图)发出禁令。

这对想通过投资进入美国的移 民意味着什么? 唐纳德·特朗普来自纽约。在美国 经济大衰退的最低点,纽约市一直处于 EB-5签证投资的前列,这个城市陷入 了经济困境,纽约市区的建筑工人失业 率居高不下,高达71%。如果传统的 金融家不能或不愿意为重大建设项目贷 款,EB-5资本就会进入并弥补差距,有 助于推动那些在其他方面将处于枯竭阶 段的项目。Mansion Global已经预测,长 远来说,外国投资者可能会对美国的房 地产投资投出信任的一票。并引用了伦 敦全球房地产咨询公司Knight Frank的住

宅研究主管Liam Bailey所说的那句话: “作为资产级别的美国住宅物业,受到世 界上最富有的居民的青睐,主要得益于 该国相对健康的经济基础和商业环境。 总统选举的结果“几乎不会”对豪华房地产 市场产生影响。” 此外,作为一个在给美国带来就 业机会的基础上建立了一场胜利的竞选 者,特朗普总统会再三考虑放弃一项已 经被证明在全国范围内创造和支持就业 的计划。据IIUSA统计,在2010财年至 2011财年,EB-5计划分别在加州和纽约 分别支持了19,395个和17,161个工作岗 位。这个成功还不仅限于沿海各州,在 同一时期,该计划在俄亥俄州共支持了 2,547个工作岗位和南达科他州的2,958个 工作岗位。总体而言,在此期间该计划 每年平均支持29,300个工作岗位。此外, 特朗普正在寻求解除与跨太平洋伙伴关 系协定(TPP)和跨大西洋贸易与投资伙 伴关系协定(TTIP)等自由贸易协定的关 系。来自这些协议的国家是占美国向外


Citizenship by Investment Spring 2017

国直接投资总额90%的公司所在地区。 如果特朗普总统即将结束这些协议,同 时还带走了投资和经济繁荣,美国确实 会面临严重的问题,他将需要确保外国 投资继续在这里受欢迎-包括保留EB-5项 目,自2008年起该项计划已为美国带来 了154亿美元外国直接投资。 特朗普自己的品牌已被批准为纽约 地铁区的大型EB-5项目之一:Trump Bay Street,一座由总统女婿Jared Kushner所 开发的50层豪华租赁公寓楼。位于泽西 城的这个项目已经筹集了5000万美元来 自EB-5投资的近四分之一的资金。这并 不是EB-5资助的特朗普名下的唯一一个 项目。保留寻求投资者的EB-5区域中心 的美国移民基金去年也宣布建立和发展 位于佛罗里达州的特朗普名下的高尔夫 球场。此外,华尔街日报报道,特朗普 名下位于奥斯汀市中心的33层的豪华酒 店和公寓曾向EB-5借贷。

来自中东和穆斯林国家的投资 者会受到美国的欢迎吗? 特朗普自己在穆斯林国家持有重大 投资项目,如阿联酋和土耳其。更重要 的是,中东是美国的主要资金来源。沙 特阿拉伯拥有1170亿美元的美国债务, 美国官员估计沙特在美国的投资大约为 7,500亿美元。2015年,沙特阿拉伯和阿 拉伯联合酋长国购买了约合400亿美元的 美国商品。 国际教育研究所的数据发现,来自 穆斯林多数国家的外国学生人数约为13 万人,沙特阿拉伯的学生在2015年达到 61,000名,高于其他地区的61,000名。这 些在美国大学录取的外国学生正在为美 国创造数十亿美元的学费。穆斯林学生 这美国的活动仅仅是一个经济利益,是 美国与穆斯林世界的火花——一个人口 估计有16亿的地区。 估计有600万穆斯林将美国称为祖 国。阿拉伯和伊斯兰文化丰富了美国文 化,促成了前所未有的文化交流融合, 一同造就了今天的美利坚合众国。 已经来到美国的阿拉伯和穆斯林移 民以及难民都已在这里安居乐业。今天 移民也还是会源源不断的到来。在美国 的主要宗教团体中,美国穆斯林的教育 程度高于美国的中等收入者。 虽然特朗普所谓的穆斯林禁令与 他的首席策略师斯蒂芬·班农(Stephen Bannon)拥护文明思想的权利冲突一 致,但这并不是美国的意识形态:“一个 国家,如果习于其它国家恶此喜彼,这 个国家便会在某种程度上沦为奴隶;或 为敌意的奴隶,或为友情的奴隶,随便哪 一种都足以将它引离自己的责任和自己

的利益。”乔治华盛顿。

国会和EB-5的日益普及 随着该计划继续受到外国投资者的 欢迎,EB-5项目正在寻找新市场的投资 者。这个项目肯定会被保留下来。特朗 普总统愿意将他的名字授予上述EB-5项 目,这至少暗示了他对该计划的支持。 特朗普政府还建议降低税收和实施其他 更有利于外国投资的条件。“对该结果的 震撼将取而代之的是对美国市场的优势 进行更细致的评估——美国奢侈品市场 在国内和国际上的需求如此之大,主要 是由于美国的经济表现超过了其他发达 国家。”Knight Frank说。 EB-5行业和国会准备商谈持久改 革,从而执行更强大、更有效的计划。 正如今年早些时候参议院在关于EB-5的 听证会上所说,国会必须“修补它,而不 是让它结束”。

Mona (Mehreen) Shah: 出生于英国,是双执照律师, 移居纽约之前在英国皇家检控署从 事工作。 Mona 拥有19年的相关从业经 验,熟悉美国移民法的各个方面。 无论是专业的商业申请还是提起问 题复杂的联邦政府驱逐出境的诉 讼,她凭借个人扎实熟练的专业知 识可以为绝大多数客户排忧解难。 对EB-5法案的高度熟悉精通,使 得她连续3年被选为美国前25名顶 级律师之一。Mona是一名出版作 家,并经常在世界各地的研讨会 上发言,曾受邀主流媒体采访, 并被各大报纸媒体转载。Mona是 美国投资移民协会(IIUSA)公共 政策委员会中的一名成员,还是 纽约市立大学巴鲁克学院(Baruch University)的一名副教授。

Mona Shah & Associates (MSA): 成立于1997年,总部设于纽约 曼哈顿的MSA,是一家具有先进的 移民实践的法律事务所,还专门从 事于企业和证券交易委员会。凭借 卓越的技能、经验和理解,公司的 经验和曝光度远远超出其他律所, MSA在促成众多EB-5项目上都发挥 了重要作用,并积极协助投资者将 数百万美元的投资资金投入美国, 包括在纽约的重大项目中。

Mona Shah & Associates is located in the heart of New York City with a satellite office in London. We offer our clients the experience of a large, premiere firm without sacrificing the personal service and cordiality expected of a small firm. Our lawyers work closely with clients to provide highly personalized supports and legal solutions. CONTACT: 232 Madison Ave, Suite 1001, New York, NY 10016 T: 212-233-7473 | E : info@mshahlaw.com

101


•Industry Leaders 行业领袖 •Renowned attorneys, lecturer and author 著名律师、讲师和作家 •Experienced in US Securities & Corporate law 在美国证券法和公司法方面拥有丰富的经验 •Experienced in US Immigration law 在美国移民法方面拥有丰富的经验

232 Madison Avenue, Suite 1001 New York, NY 10016 Tel: (212) 233-7473 Fax: (212) 233-4877 www.mshahlaw.com


Unit 5, “Hiltongrove N1”, 14 Southgate Rd, London, England. N1 3LY. Tel: +44 207 241 1589 Fax: +44 871 314 0213

Purveyors of Publishing Excellence... issue 7

投资移民

Special Chinese edition Summer 2016

BLS is the is official BLSMedia Media thepublisher officialof the CBI, Trade &of Invest America: publisher theInCBI and

Inside This Issue... Top Ten Countries For Citizenship By Investment 十大投资移民国

Citizenship via Residency 居留移民

The EB-5 Gateway and Europe Europe GCC Trade & GCC

Purchasing Real Estate Abroad 购置海外房产

In Focus ... Canada 加拿大 Liechtenstein 列支敦士登 Hungary 匈牙利

Trade & Investment Guide 2016 Investment Guide 2016

Malta 马耳他 Portugal 葡萄牙 Switzerland 瑞士 Antigua & Barbuda 安提瓜和巴布达 U.S.A 美国 United Kingdom 英国

publications. publications.

www.citizenshipinvestment.org

issue 8

投资移民 issue 8

on inese editi Special Ch 6 Winter 201

Inside This Issue ...

For Top Ten Countries ent Citizenship By Investm

十大投资移民国

– Winter 2016 投资移民

info@blsmedia.co.uk please contact us at:

Purchasing Real Estate

3 Tel: (212) 233-747 7 Fax: (212) 233-487

Abroad

购置海外房产

In Focus ... 加拿大 Canada

nstein 列支敦士登 Liechte

y 匈牙利 Hungar 马耳他 Malta

l 葡萄牙 Portuga 瑞士 Switzerland & Barbuda 安提瓜和巴布达 Antigua 美国 U.S.A m 英国 United Kingdo

Inside This Issu

e...

Top Countries For Citizenship By Investment ‫االوائل للحصول على‬ ‫البادان العشرة‬ ‫عن طريق االستثمار‬ ‫اجلنسية‬ Family Wealth

‫الثروة العائلية‬ BREXIT ‫مقال البريكسيت‬

In Focus ...

Antigua & Barbu da ‫أنتيغوا وبربودا‬ Commonwealth of Dominica ‫كومنولث دومينيكا‬

Cyprus ‫قبرص‬

info@blsmedia.co.uk

Suite 1001 232 Madison Avenue, New York, NY 10016

2016

居留移民

Special Chinese Edition

future, please contact us at: future, publication in the

WINTER

cy

Citizenship via Residen

Citizenship by Investment

To in either Toadvertise advertise inpublication either in the •Industry Leaders 行业领袖 r eys, lecturer and autho •Renowned attorn 家 著名律师、讲师和作 rate law Securities & Corpo US in ed erienc •Exp 验 法方面拥有丰富的经 在美国证券法和公司 Immigration law •Experienced in US 有丰富的经验 在美国移民法方面拥

rg

estment.o www.citizenshipinv

Grenada ‫غرينادا‬ Hungary ‫املجر‬ Liechtenstein ‫ليختنشتاين‬ St. Kitts & Nevis ‫سان كيتس ونيفيس‬ U.S.A ‫الواليات املتحدة األمريكية‬

www.mshahlaw.com

www.citizenshipi nves

tment.org

www.blsmedia.co.uk



Turn static files into dynamic content formats.

Create a flipbook
Issuu converts static files into: digital portfolios, online yearbooks, online catalogs, digital photo albums and more. Sign up and create your flipbook.