🏮 GLS Private Office team wishes you a happy Chinese New Year!
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🐰🎉 May the Yin Water Rabbit bring you and your family abundant health, prosperity, and opportunities!

In the modern world, migration is gaining more and more momentum. Currently, the number of immigrants worldwide exceeds 272 million, which is 3.5% of the world population.

Which countries do immigrants most often choose?
1. 🇺🇸 United States — 50.6 million
2. 🇩🇪 Germany — 15.8 million
3. 🇸🇦 Saudi Arabia — 13.5 million
4. 🇷🇺 Russia — 11.6 million
5. 🇬🇧 United Kingdom — 9.4 million
6. 🇦🇪 United Arab Emirates — 8.7 million
7. 🇫🇷 France — 8.5 million
8. 🇨🇦 Canada — 8.0 million
9. 🇦🇺 Australia — 7.7 million
10. 🇪🇸 Spain — 6.8 million

🌍 A second passport and the status of a Global Citizen make it possible to travel visa-free to more than 100 countries around the world, which significantly saves time and money. You will be able to travel at a time that is convenient for you and in comfortable conditions, without worrying about having to prepare documents and adjust to circumstances.

The status of a Global Citizen is the path to global freedom.

🌍Our excellent network of carefully selected international top specialists in the field of concierge services can help you with such things as:

- Reservation of tickets, tables in a restaurant, booking of hotels on the territory of the airport
- Personal luxury transfer from home to the airport and from the airport to the hotel, as well as to any desired destination
- VIP escort at the airport from the entrance to the very aircraft, assistance in the fast tracks on registration and control points
- Assistance with luggage transportation
- Provision of a comfortable airport departure lounge
- Private jet rental
- Assistance with obtaining any other services at the airport

We only collaborate with top specialist partners to ensure you receive the best professional service. Together we offer the most comprehensive solutions.

🏝 It is well-known that one of the important purposes of Caribbean citizenship by investment programs’ operating is attracting funds for the economic development of the states. Each of the five countries (St Kitts and Nevis, Grenada, Dominica, St Lucia, Antigua and Barbuda) offer a non-refundable dotation to a national economic fund as one of the investment options of the program.

For what goals are attracted investments used in the Caribbean countries?

🇰🇳 St Kitts and Nevis (Sustainable Growth Fund) - transformations in the fields of health, education, tourism, culture, infrastructure construction, reconstruction of residential buildings after natural disasters, financial support of the needy and affected citizens.

🇬🇩 Grenada (National Transformation Fund) – development of tourism and agriculture, renovation of the country's infrastructure (educational institutions, airport, roads), support for projects on the introduction and use of renewable energy sources.

🇩🇲 Dominica (Economic Diversification Fund) – repair and construction of urban infrastructure, employment, support of small businesses, development of agriculture, promotion of socially and environmentally important projects, work to protect against disasters.

🇱🇨 St Lucia (National Economic Fund) – employment of citizens, construction of hotels, tourism development.

🇦🇬 Antigua and Barbuda (National Development Fund) – improvements in tourism, agriculture, extractive industries.

🌎 We at GLS Private Office assist clients with applying for all the Caribbean citizenship by investment programs. We have over 10 years’ experience at the forefront of the industry. We will be happy to assist you with your application.

🇬🇷 The Greek residency by investment program "Golden Visa" is currently one of the most popular in Europe. The increase in the number of visa applications is reported to be amounted to about 260% in the first quarter of 2023.

From 1 August, the government of the country will raise the minimum amount for the purchase of investment real estate for some regions of the country (Santorini, Greater Athens, Thessaloniki, Mykonos, and others) from € 250,000 to € 500,000. In order to participate in the program and apply for a "Golden Visa" to Greece at the current price of € 250,000, investors have to apply by 31 July inclusive and make a deposit of 10% for the property.

Residency by investment in Greece offers the following advantages:
-    Visa-free travel in Schengen zone
-    No requirement to reside in Greece to maintain the Golden visa
-    Residence permit acquired in 30-60 days
-    Attractive tax system
-    The most affordable Residence by investment program in Europe
-    Visa-free trips to more than 150 countries after citizenship acquisition

✉️If you are interested in obtaining a "Golden Visa" for Greece, contact us and we will be happy to help you at every stage of the application process.

🌏 Top news of June:

🇵🇹 Changes to Portugal’s Golden visa

Back in spring, the Portuguese government announced the closure of Portugal’s Golden visa programme. However, technically, the programme continues to exist. The country’s parliament plans to discuss amendments to the law on visa issuance, including the abolition of the purchasing of real estate and transferring funds to a bank deposit options on 19 July, 2023.

🇰🇳 St Kitts and Nevis’ CBI programme discount is ending

At the end of 2022, St Kitts announced a discount for those wishing to apply for citizenship by investment. The contribution amount within the Citizenship by investment program of St Kitts and Nevis is currently $ 125,000 instead of $ 150,000 for a single applicant. At the same time registration is carried out via an accelerated mode (60 days). The offer expires on 30 June 2023.

🇨🇦 Visa-free entry to Canada for citizens of Caribbean countries

On 6 June, 2023, Canada announced the accession of a number of countries to the ETA (electronic travel authorisation) programme. St Kitts and Nevis, St Lucia and Antigua and Barbuda are also among them. The amendment will allow citizens of the mentioned countries to visit Canada without a visa, however, there are some conditions to consider. To receive an ETA, a person needs to have a Canadian visa opened over the past 10 years or a valid non-immigrant American visa.

🇮🇩 Golden visa to Indonesia

Indonesia will launch its investor migration programme, which will make it possible to stay in the country for 5 to 10 years. Applicants will be required to make a contribution to the country (opening a government bank account or purchasing real estate) in the amount of 2 billion Indonesian rupees ($ 135,000).

🇬🇧 Electronic travel authority in the UK

From 2024, citizens of EU member states planning to visit the UK will have to apply for an electronic travel authorisation (ETA). This condition does not apply to Irish citizens.

🇪🇬 Long-term visas to Egypt

Egypt introduces multi visa for a period of 5 years for investors and property owners in the country. The visa is available for registration for $ 700 and gives the opportunity to stay in Egypt for no more than 90 days in a row.

Inheritance of citizenship is one of the ways to obtain citizenship of a country due to kinship with a citizen of that country. Before applying for a second citizenship through inheritance, one should take into account several key points:

1️⃣ Rules and laws. Each country has its own rules and laws regarding the inheritance of citizenship. This method of obtaining citizenship is available only in a number of countries. We advise to carefully study the information and find out what requirements and conditions need to be met, as well as what documents you will need.

2️⃣ Family ties. A person can inherit citizenship only from parents or even from distant relatives, depending on the laws of a particular country. Specify which categories of relatives can pass on a citizenship.

3️⃣Consequences and benefits. Before applying for inheriting citizenship, we recommend studying the consequences and benefits. It is a reasonable idea to learn about the rights and benefits that are granted to citizens of this country, as well as about the policy of multiple citizenship.

Often, the procedure for obtaining citizenship by inheritance is associated with lengthy processes of searching, collecting, and approving documents. In addition, you may need to come to the country of your desired citizenship several times and even pass an exam for knowledge of the national language.

Investment migration is one of the fastest and most reliable ways to obtain a second citizenship. Some states make it possible to give the right to citizenship by inheritance. For example, citizenship by investment of Caribbean countries such as St Kitts and Nevis, Dominica, Grenada, St Lucia, Antigua and Barbuda can be passed on to future generations. If the spouses have children after obtaining citizenship by investment, the children have the right to inherit it.

If you are interested in obtaining citizenship by investment, contact us and we will be happy to offer you the best solution.

🇰🇳 St Kitts and Nevis has a strong reputation as the country with the most reliable and oldest citizenship by investment programme in the world. The programme is in high demand, and the government of St Kitts tends to offer participation in it on special conditions.

The last such discount was supposed to end on 30 June, 2023. However, it was decided to extend its validity until 31 January, 2024.

As part of the special offer, a single applicant acquires the opportunity to apply for alternative citizenship of St Kitts and Nevis by making a contribution of $ 125,000 instead of $ 150,000. The amount of the investment contribution for 2 spouses is $ 150,000 instead of $ 175,000, and the amount for a family with 2 children - $ 170,000 instead of $ 175,000. At the same time the processing time of the application is carried out via an accelerated mode (60 days).

📩 If you would like to take advantage of the discount and apply for St Kitts’ citizenship by investment, contact GLS Private Office, and we will offer you the best solution for your request.

🇻🇺 Vanuatu is the only island state in the Pacific Ocean that offers a citizenship by investment programme.

In March 2023, the government of Vanuatu published a document in which it proposed to introduce a new option under the programme, Investment-Government Bond Option (IGBO) with the minimum investment amount of AUD 150 000 ($ 100,000). The maturity of the investment varies from 2 to 3 years, depending on the amount of investment. Another option available is non-refundable contribution into the Government fund of Vanuatu.

The Schengen countries have currently suspended Vanuatu's visa-free regime. By 3 August, 2024, Vanuatu is required to complete the reform of the citizenship programme in order to restore the visa-free agreement with the Schengen countries.

Benefits of Vanuatu citizenship:
- More than 100 countries visa-free (including the UK and Singapore)
- Ability to get Vanuatu passport in 60 days
- No requirement to visit Vanuatu at any point
- An attractive personal tax environment

📨 If you would like to apply for economic citizenship of Vanuatu, contact GLS Private Office.

5 reasons to choose GLS Private Office 🌏

Top news of July

🇩🇲 Dominica introduces mandatory interviews for applicants

According to the Citizenship by Investment Unit of the Commonwealth of Dominica, from 17 July, 2023, all the applicants participating in the citizenship by investment programme of Dominica over the age of 16 are required to pass an interview in an online format. The applicants will also be required to pay a fee for the interview. The fee amount will be announced at a later stage.

🇦🇬 Antigua and Barbuda citizens are again required to visit the country once every 5 years

In Antigua, a condition re-entered into force under which investors who have obtained or are going to obtain citizenship by investment must visit the islands for 5 days every 5 years. This condition was temporarily abolished during the pandemic.

🇬🇧 The UK introduces a visa regime with Dominica and Vanuatu

The regulation on changing the visa regime has been approved, according to which as of 19 July 2023 citizens of Vanuatu and Dominica require a visa to enter the UK.
There is a transition period for Dominica and Vanuatu nations. Thus, if your flight was bought before 3 PM UK Time on 19 July 2023, you can still travel to the UK without a visa as long as you leave the UK by 16 August 2023.

🇪🇬 Egypt launches the Golden Visa programme

Egypt has presented a programme for obtaining a residency by investment. Applicants can invest in real estate or transfer funds to a bank deposit from $ 50,000 and obtain a residence permit for a period of 1 to 5 years with the possibility of an extension. The period of mandatory stay in the country for investors is not set.

🌍 Stages of obtaining citizenship by investment

🇨🇾 The residency by investment programme of Cyprus gives access to high-quality healthcare and education, provides good business opportunities and does not require to live in the country, although residency holders are required to visit Cyprus at least once every two years.

In May 2023, the following changes in the requirements for those wishing to apply for the Golden Visa to Cyprus came into force:
- Investors who have received permanent residence must confirm annually that their investments have been preserved
- Applicants (including all family members possessing permanent residence) must annually confirm the availability of health insurance
- Every three years, the main applicant, as well as adult members of their family, must provide a new police clearance certificate from the countries of origin and residence
- The amount of the minimum annual income that the investor must confirm has increased from € 30,000 to € 50,000 for the main applicant, from € 5,000 to € 10,000 for each dependant.

Advantages of Cypriot residency by investment:
✔️ More than 170 countries visa-free after obtaining citizenship, including the UK, Canada, EU, Singapore, Hong Kong
✔️ Fast processing of application within 2 months
✔️  Favourable tax regime for residents of Cyprus
✔️  Opportunity to rent the purchased property
✔️ Possibility to live in Cyprus without limitation
✔️  Opportunity to obtain Cyprus citizenship if the necessary conditions are met
✔️ Wide choice of real estate objects for purchase

If you would like to apply for Cyprus residency by investment, contact GLS Private Office, we will be happy to help you with the selection of real estate for purchase, registration and submission of documents for the residency programme of Cyprus.

📩 DM us to get a brochure with the best properties for the Cypriot residency by investment programme.

Top news of August

🇬🇩 Grenada introduces mandatory interviews for applicants

On 1 August, the Government of Grenada announced that from 1 September, 2023, all applicants aged 17 and over participating in the Grenada Citizenship by Investment programme are required to undergo an online interview. It is possible Grenada will follow the example of Dominica and introduce an additional fee for the interview. Further news in this regard is expected to be announced shortly.

🇬🇷 Greece has increased the size of the minimum contribution for investors
Effective 1 August, 2023, the Government of the country has raised the minimum amount for the purchase of investment real estate in 36 regions of the country (Santorini, Greater Athens, Thessaloniki, Mykonos, and others) from € 250,000 to € 500,000 within the residency by investment programme.

🇰🇳 St Kitts and Nevis makes changes to the programme

The Government announced the following updates in terms of its citizenship by investment programme:
- The minimum investment amount under the donation option has been increased from $125,000 to $250,000 for a single applicant, from $150,000 to $300,000 for spouses, and from $170,000 to $350,000 for the main applicant and three family members included in one application
- The minimum investment amount within the option of real estate purchase has been increased from $200,000 to $ 400,000
- The minimum investment amount as per the Public Good Investment option has been increased from $ 175,000 to $ 250,000
- As part of the citizenship registration process, applicants are now required to pass an interview
- From now onwards successful applications for citizenship by investment can receive their passports by visiting St Kitts directly or at one of the authorised diplomatic offices of St Kitts and Nevis around the world.

🇵🇹 Portugal postpones changes to  the residency be investment programme

In July 2023, it became known that the option of purchasing real estate under the Golden Visa of Portugal programme would be abolished. The draft of the updated programme was prepared by the Parliament, but the President
of Portugal sent it for revision, vetoing it. For investors, this news means that the programme will continue to exist until further notice.

​​🎄 As the holidays approach, we find ourselves thinking back to the passing year and the most precious people who have had a major influence on GLS Private Office — our clients. We appreciate our partnership and look forward to providing the best possible service to you in the upcoming year. We wish you and your loved ones strong health, well-being, prosperity and success in everything you do.

Merry Christmas & Happy New Year! 🎁

​​春节快乐! 🐉
The GLS Private Office team wishes you a very happy and fruitful Chinese New Year. May prosperity and luck be always at your door!

​​Dear friends,

We at GLS Private Office would like to extend our heartfelt greetings for Christmas and New Year. 🎄 Together, we have accomplished a lot, and there are even greater achievements ahead. We sincerely thank you for your trust and look forward to continuing our partnership.

Wishing you and your loved ones health, happiness, success and prosperity! 🎉 May every day of the year 2025 be filled with inspiration, exciting events and unique opportunities!