In recent years, the European Union has increasingly tightened its stance on investment migration programs. From the termination of Malta’s citizenship-by-investment scheme to the overhaul of Portugal’s Golden Visa, the landscape is shifting. As these traditional pathways narrow, Asia emerges as a beacon for investors seeking stability and growth. With its welcoming policies and burgeoning economies, the East offers a compelling alternative for those looking to secure their future through strategic investment.
Europe’s Investment Migration Landscape: A Shifting Tide
The European Court of Justice recently ruled Malta’s citizenship-by-investment program illegal, citing concerns over the commodification of EU citizenship. This decision underscores the EU’s growing skepticism towards investment-based citizenship schemes.
This ruling isn’t an isolated event. Several EU countries have already dismantled their CBI programs under EU pressure:
- Cyprus: Terminated its program in 2020 following scandals and EU scrutiny
- Bulgaria: Abolished its golden passport scheme in April 2022
- Montenegro: Ended its program in December 2022 to align with EU accession goals
Even residency-by-investment programs are being reevaluated:
- Spain: Announced the end of its Golden Visa program this year
- Portugal: Removed real estate and capital transfer options from its Golden Visa, limiting its appeal
These developments indicate a broader EU trend: a move away from investment migration pathways.
Asia’s Welcoming Stance: Opportunities in the Philippines
Contrastingly to the latest developments in the EU, Asia presents a more favorable environment for investment migration. The Philippines, for instance, has introduced the Freeport Area of Bataan Investment Visa (FIV) program, designed to attract foreign investors and expats. This initiative reflects the country’s commitment to welcoming global talent and capital.
Why consider the Philippines?
- Economic Growth: A rapidly developing economy with numerous investment opportunities
- Strategic Location: A gateway to ASEAN markets
- Quality of Life: Affordable luxury living, tropical climate, and rich cultural heritage
- Tax Benefits: No tax on foreign sourced income
- Dual citizenship: The only country in the region that allows dual citizenship
The FIV program offers a stable and secure pathway for investors seeking long-term residency in a welcoming environment. It continues to stand as the cheapest and fastest processing residency by investment program.
Looking for a stable, future-proof investment residency? Start your journey with the Philippines FIV program—built for long-term peace of mind in a region that’s welcoming global investors.
Once your documents are prescreened and you get a preapproval, you can plan for your personal trip to Philippines. Since the beginning of the program and until today, 100% of applications were handled within the promised 5 working days. In this regard, FIV is one of the fastest permanent residency programs worldwide. Few applications were even treated within 3 days only. However, we would encourage our customers to still plan for at least 5 working days stay in the country.
On top, FIV is your fast way to a second citizenship: within 10 years (5 of them you need to spend in the country) you can have your citizenship. Contributing to the Philippines economy (it can be as simple as giving English courses or incorporating and managing your local company, as an example) you get on the fast-track and can be able to get the citizenship within 5 years only, out of which 2,5 years you need to spend in the country itself. Once becoming a citizen of Philippines you can request the payout of your investment.
Until now, the standard policy required that the USD 75,000 investment should be made from the personal account of the main applicant. However, we are pleased to share that it is now possible for the investment to be made from a company account—subject to specific conditions and proper documentation.
According to the receiving bank, funds remitted from a company account may be accepted following a review and approval process. The following documents are required:
From the FIV Applicant and Preferred Share Investor:
- Signed Preferred Share Subscription Agreement
- Copies of two valid government-issued IDs (passport and/or driver’s license)
- Proof of income
From the Remitting Company (on behalf of the applicant):
- Corporate registration documents (e.g., SEC Registration, General Information Sheet, Business Permits, etc.)
- A sponsorship letter from the company supporting the applicant/investor
Please note that while most countries are eligible, the bank will not accept funds from the following jurisdictions due to regulatory restrictions:
Afghanistan, Belarus, China, Cuba, Ethiopia, Guatemala, Iran, Iraq, Lebanon, Libya, Myanmar, North Korea, Russia, Somalia, South Africa, Sudan, Syria, Uganda, Ukraine, Venezuela, Yemen, and any other country currently involved in civil conflict or war.
This does not mean that these nationalities are restricted from applying. The applicants coming from these countries are welcome to apply. But, if they choose to pay from a company account, that company cannot be registered in the above listed countries. We trust this update will allow for greater flexibility and ease for some of you who may prefer to use corporate accounts for their investments.
Do you need more information or do you wish to file your application, feel free to contact us for assistance.
