Exploring the Concept of Global Citizenship and Investment Migration

One of the things we, as humans, cannot choose is the country we are born into as citizens. Many people in the world today are dissatisfied with certain aspects of their home country and choose to travel to different nations, often with the intention of settling in a place that better suits their needs.

The concept of being a Global Citizen should be more accessible to everyone. In today’s globalized world, where the ability to cross international borders plays a crucial role in determining economic opportunities, social status, and even personal safety, the freedom to travel has become particularly valuable. While freedom of travel is one of the fundamental rights declared in the Universal Declaration of Human Rights, international policies have brought some countries closer together while creating distances with others. Consequently, many countries impose restrictions on this freedom through mutual visa requirements.

Across the world, individuals and families are opting for investment migration to improve their lives in terms of business, career, and overall lifestyle opportunities on a global scale. By leveraging their travel freedom and bypassing the constraints imposed by their countries of origin, they seek residence and citizenship in countries that offer greater prospects. Currently, over 100 countries have various forms of investment migration legislation in place. More than ever, individuals and families are considering options for obtaining residence and citizenship through investment as the most effective means of accessing enhanced opportunities.

While critics rightly argue that assigning a monetary value to citizenship carries the risk of devaluing it, the opposite can also be true: Granting citizenship to highly accomplished and respected individuals can underscore its significance.

Almost everyone desires the freedom to live, study, work, and conduct business in a country where they can move freely. Instead of impeding this process, public policies should support these programs, facilitating greater transparency in the new world order, while adhering to the core values of each country. There is no inherent harm in people leaving a place they are dissatisfied with and choosing to settle where they find contentment. In reality, it is that simple.

There is no ethical justification for allocating citizenship solely based on birth, rather than on natural ability or personal contributions. However, due to the comfort and ease it provides, the tradition of assigning citizenship according to birth conditions prevails as a worldwide norm, despite the fact that it fails to align with the concept of citizenship acquisition through investment. It is essential to make this distinction clear, especially in the year 2023.

For these reasons, the concept of global citizenship will gain prominence as education rates increase, particularly among the conscious new generation. In this blog, I aim to provide you with information about countries around the world that offer opportunities for residence and citizenship through investment.

Comparison of Residence Programs

Program	Iso Country Code	General Quality of Nationality Index Score	Minimum Conribution	Processing Time
Portugual	PT	79.0%	EUR 200,000	3-8 months
Italy	IT	80.7%	EUR 250,000	3-4 months
Switzerland	CH	79.8%	CHF 250,000	3-6 months
Greece	GR	77.3%	EUR 250,000	1-2 months
Malta	MT	77.6%	EUR 175,000	4-6 months
Turkey	TR	37.7%	USD 80,000	1-2 months
Singapore	SG	55.1%	SGD 2.5 million	9-12 months
Australia	AU	55.2%	AUD 2.5 million	12 months
New Zealand	NZ	54.8%	NZD 10 million[1]	6-8 months[2]
Spain	ES	80.0%	EUR 500,000	1-6 months
United Kingdom	GB	80.3%	GBP 2 million	2-4 weeks
Canada	CA	55.3%	CAD 150,000	48-56 months
Cyprus	CY	75.3%	EUR 300,000 plus VAT[3]	2-18 months
Ireland	IE	80.2%	EUR 500,000[4]	4-6 months
Dubai (UAE)	AE	50.3%	AED 5 million	3-4 months
Latvia	LV	77.0%	EUR 60,000	1-3 months
U.S.A.	US	70.0%	USD 500,000	33-50 months
South Korea	KR	54.2%	KRW 300 million	> 1 month
Thailand	TH	32.4%	USD 19,000	2-3 months
Panama	PA	43.8%	PAB 500,000[5]	30 days
Mauritius	MU	45.2%	USD 375,000	Varies
Bulgaria	BG	75.0%	EUR 512,000	3-6 months

 

Comparison of Citizenship Programs

Program	Iso Country Code	General Quality of Nationality Index Score	Minimum Conribution	Processing Time
Malta	MT	77.6%	EUR 738,000	14-38 months
Austria	AT	79.7%	EUR 3 million	2-3 years
North Macedonia	MK	39.3%	CHF 200,00	2-5 months
St. Kitts and Nevis	KN	47.5%	USD 150,000	3-6 months[6]
St. Lucia	LC	45.5%	USD 100,000	3-4 months
Antigua and Barbuda	AG	47.7%	USD 100,000	3-4 months
Grenada	GD	45.7%	USD 150,000-200,000[7]	3-4 months
Dominica	DM	43.9%	USD 100,000	3 months
Turkey	TR	37.7%	USD 400,000	4 months
Jordan	JO	26.8%	USD 750,000	3 months
Egypt	EG	25.7%	USD 250,000	6-9 months
Vanuatu	VU	37.1%	USD 130,000	2-3 months
Cambodia	KH	24.6%	USD 250,000	3-6 months

 

Why Turkish Investment Programs Are the Best Options

When considering investment migration programs, the Turkish Citizenship by Investment Program or Residency Program emerges as a standout choice for several reasons.

1. 1. Strategic Location: Turkey serves as a bridge between Europe and Asia, making it a prime location for business opportunities and cultural exchange. Its strategic position offers investors access to both Eastern and Western markets, facilitating international trade and economic growth.

2. 2. Robust Economy: Turkey boasts a diverse and dynamic economy, characterized by sectors such as manufacturing, finance, tourism, and agriculture. The country has demonstrated resilience and stability, even in the face of global economic challenges. Investing in Turkey provides individuals and families with the opportunity to tap into a thriving economy with significant growth potential.

3. 3. Citizenship Benefits: Turkish citizenship offers a range of benefits to investors and their families. These include the right to live, work, and study in Turkey, as well as access to quality healthcare and education systems. Additionally, Turkish citizenship provides visa-free or visa-on-arrival travel to 111 countries, expanding global mobility for individuals and enhancing business opportunities worldwide.

4. 4. Diverse Investment Options: The Turkish Citizenship by Investment Program offers flexibility through various investment options. Investors can choose between real estate investments, capital investments, or job creation opportunities. This diversity allows investors to select the option that aligns best with their financial goals and preferences.

5. 5. Cultural Richness and Quality of Life: Turkey is renowned for its rich history, cultural heritage, and natural beauty. With a vibrant blend of Eastern and Western influences, the country offers a unique and diverse living experience. From bustling cities to breathtaking landscapes, Turkey provides residents with a high quality of life, rich experiences, and a welcoming environment.

Considering these factors, it becomes evident why the Turkish Citizenship by Investment Program or Residency Program stands out as a compelling choice for those seeking a secure investment, enhanced global mobility, and a rewarding lifestyle.

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^[1] For Investor 1; NZD 3 million for Investor 2

^[2] For Investor 1; 9–12 months for Investor 2 

^[3] Where applicable

^[4] Or EUR 400,000 for each of 5 investors

^[5] Or PAB 300,000 for 24 months after Executive decree 722 effected

^[6] For usual route; 45–60 days for Accelerated Application

^[7] USD 150,000 (single applicant) or USD 200,000 (a family of up to four members)

Bibliography for table information: Henley & Partners, Investment Migrations Programs 2022 The Definitive Comparison of the Leading Residence and Citizenship Programs, Zurich/Switzerland, Ideos Publications Ltd., 2022