Five East Asian economies offer investment-based residency, but each program carries distinct costs, limitations, and long-term settlement prospects. All five are getting more expensive.
Chinese buyers lead with 304 transactions, 41% of the total, followed by Taiwanese nationals at 91 and Singaporeans at 63.
American and Chinese investors lead the surge in New Zealand’s revamped program as “US applicants pursue multi-generational planning,” says Mischa Mannix-Opie.
Armenia unveils a no‑stay, five‑year investor fast track, retires “special passports,” and, as Astghik Pepanyan says, enters “uncharted territory.”
Malaysia roundup: MM2H fraud case, Sabah opens streamlined processing center, and government highlights billions from foreign residents.
The new Business Investor Visa has two investment options, one of which provides a fast track to permanent residency within 12 months.
Hong Kong’s CIES hits HK$52B pipeline, but Stephen Barnes calls it “optics, not economics” for the city’s real economy.
Thailand’s influential ex-PM Thaksin Shinawatra claims a $1 million golden visa could attract $600 billion in investments, but modest uptake of existing pathways tells a different story.
Easy requirements made the Destination Thailand visa popular, but administrative roadblocks may limit its appeal.
Recent policy changes boost Hong Kong’s NCIES applications and approvals as officials project HK$30 billion in inflows by year’s end.
Existing and new Elita Visa holders can save between US$15,500 and US$46,000 per dependent under the limited-time promotion.
Siren Chen said the current six-month DNV attracted an ‘unsatisfactory number of applications,’ prompting the expansion.
Thailand expects crypto tax cuts to drive over $30M in mid-term revenue by stimulating investment and market activity.
The Thai tax proposal lets wealthy residents bring foreign earnings home tax-free if repatriated within two years of generation.
Ministerial takeover accelerated SMM2H: 1,901 approvals in 5 years versus 1,240 in previous 13 years under Immigration control.
CIES applications continue to surge after government’s policy changes, monthly application average now at 85.
The non-dom may be dead in the UK, but Marco Mesina shows its legacy lives on globally from Thailand’s beaches to Singapore’s skyscrapers.
Vanuatu plans to increase CIIP investment thresholds by 15-20%, as single applicant contributions rise from $100,000 to $115,000.
The government has expressed concerns about foreign agents’ influence, and “strongly rejects any arrangement that compromises sovereignty.”
New Zealand’s investor visa starts off with 44 applications, 7 approvals, and at least NZ$260 million in investments in just two weeks.