Publication
6th January 2016
Europe Citizenship Programs
EUROPE CITIZENSHIP PROGRAMS COMPARED – CYPRUS EMERGES AS APPARENT WINNER
Cyprus passport granted in 3 months and no minimum stay required for applicants
Citizenship investment programs have arrived on the market in recent years to offer holders of less desirable passports – citizenships with low visa-free travel access or restrictions on foreign business or financial transaction fluidity, an option to purchase a second citizenship that grants them rights their first passport did not. Many European countries have since jumped on the bandwagon to offer such incentives; hence the crucial question for interested purchasers is which country offers the best Citizenship or Residency Investment Program.
A thorough review involving an analysis of all available programs have brought the conclusion that the Cyprus Passport Program emerges as the winner for a few simple reasons – Efficiency (passports are issued within three months), Practicality (no physical residency required), Simplicity (no language or medical test required), and Generational Longevity (the investment enables all family members to acquire citizenship, including dependents up to age 28).
The price tag for the Cyprus Passport Program is not the cheapest amongst the various offerings, however it offers the best value for money, and demonstrates a propensity for investment returns. As widely reported, there has recently been a discovery of oil and gas in Cyprus. With the promise of the development of a new industry sector in the island country, there is large potential for the economy and property prices to take an upward swing.
“Our team has conducted extensive research into Passport Programs as we see great interest in such products from our investors and clients. We have personally visited Cyprus, met with the developers and lawyers, and have done all our due diligence on this program; hence we can confidently say that this is currently the best Passport Program offered in the market. We have invited Mr. Simos Simillides from Pafilia, the leading property developer in Cyprus, and Mr. Yiannis Papazacharia, an experienced Cypriot lawyer, to jointly host a seminar in Hong Kong to inform investors of this program. We believe that the window for action is small and there is an urgency at hand because such program allocations are limited, and once exhausted, the program will be terminated,” commented Kingston Lai, CEO of the Asia Bankers Club.
The Asia Bankers Club will conduct a seminar on Cyprus Passport Programs on the 30 – 31 January 2016 in The Park Lane Hong Kong, 27/F, Park Lane Rooms IV – V, 310 Gloucester Road, Causeway Bay.
For further information on the Asia Bankers Club and the Cyprus Passport Program, please visit www.asiabankersclub.com or contact us on contact@asiabankersclub.com.
About Asia Bankers Club
The Asia Bankers Club is an investment club for banking and finance professionals in Asia. With a vast member base, the Asia Bankers Club organizes events for its members and provides physical assets for investments, such as properties, fine wines, art, timepieces, and collectables. Our members are from top tier investment, private and consumer banks, asset management companies, private equity firms, hedge funds, and sovereign wealth funds primarily located in key financial centres.
About Pafilia
Founded in 1977, Pafilia is the largest privately owned residential developer in Cyprus, dedicated to delivering the best in concept, design, quality and service. Owner-managed by Mr. Elias Eliades and family, the Pafilia brand is synonymous with quality and has gained a reputation for excellence. Integrity, commitment to excellence, market knowledge and wealth of experience has earned Pafilia its place at the forefront of the property industry and gained it over 10,000 satisfied homeowners.
About Yiannis Papazacharia LLC
Yiannis Papazacharia LLC is a law firm based in Paphos, Cyprus, always committed to excellence and devoted to high standards. Founded by Yiannis Papazacharia in 1988, the firm has associated offices in Limassol, Cyprus and Athens, Greece with associates in many other countries such as China, the United Kingdom and Russia.
About the Cyprus Passport Program
Requirements for Application
- Purchase a residential real estate with a value of €2.5 million (single property or a portfolio of properties)
- Maintain the property for 3 years
- The property may be sold after 3 years, but the investor must always maintain or purchase a property with a value of at least €500,000
Advantages of a Cyprus EU Citizenship
- Unrestricted right to live, work, travel, and study anywhere in the EU
- Visa-free travel to 158 countries
- Free trade within the EU, business access to 500 million EU citizens
- Consular protection at EU embassies
- Education benefits – lower tuition fee, easier admission under the allocation quota for EU citizens
- Access to EU healthcare and welfare benefits
Reference Images:
Above: Minthis Hills, a luxury residential project in Cyprus, provides an option for investors seeking to purchase real estate to satisfy the requirements of the passport program
Above: For exceptional seafront living, for exclusivity, for rarity and for security of investment, ONE is the most sought-after address in Cyprus.