In an annual assessment released by global wealth advisory firm Henley & Partners, European countries continue to dominate the investment migration scene, with Malta and Portugal leading the ranks. The 2024 Global Citizenship Program Index sees Malta retaining its position at the pinnacle for the ninth consecutive year, while Portugal's Golden Residence Permit Program remains the top choice in the Global Residence Program Index.
The indexes, which form part of the comprehensive Investment Migration Programs report, offer an in-depth analysis of the most attractive residence and citizenship by investment programs across the globe. This year's report evaluates 39 programs, showcasing the most significant options out of over a hundred available worldwide, as assessed by an independent panel of experts.
Dr. Christian H. Kaelin, Chairman of Henley & Partners, highlighted the importance of investment migration as a strategic tool for countries to fund crucial social and infrastructure projects, contributing to economic growth and sustainability in a time of global instability.
In the realm of citizenship programs, Malta remains at the forefront with a score of 77 out of 100. Its program allows for citizenship by naturalization in return for economic contributions, following a residency period. Austria and three Caribbean nations - Antigua and Barbuda, Grenada, and St. Lucia - also feature prominently in the rankings.
For residence programs, Portugal claims the top spot with a score of 75, closely followed by Austria and Greece. The Swiss and Italian programs, along with the UK's Innovator Founder Visa and the Canada Start-Up Visa, round out the top rankings, highlighting Europe's strong presence in the sector.
Dr. Juerg Steffen, CEO of Henley & Partners, emphasized the increasing importance of domicile diversification as part of a modern family's security plan, allowing for greater global mobility and economic stability.
The report also notes a continuing trend in U.S. nationals seeking alternative residence and citizenship options, with a record-breaking number of high-net-worth individuals expected to relocate in 2024, surpassing last year's figures and reaching a new high since the pandemic.
For more information, contact Sarah Nicklin, Group Head of PR at Henley & Partners.