EUROPE IS REOPENING – WHERE’S THE EASIEST COUNTRY TO SETTLE IN?

After a period of “lockdown from the port” from March 2020, a series of European countries, in turn, announced plans to reopen their borders. Many places that were once Covid hotspots have been easing entry restrictions. When Europe reopens, it is time for immigration programs to come into operation as usual.

Therefore, we invite you to join Portico & Bridge in reviewing some potential investment immigration programs in Europe.

Europe is reopening their borders

The infection rate in European countries tended to decrease in April and May. So the EU has started working towards reopening its borders and lifting its entry controls. The European economy is also gradually recovering from the pandemic. Factories in Denmark and Germany also reopened after easing restrictions. Countries like the UK and Spain are almost back to normal. Students also no longer have to wear masks at school. Europe begins to welcome tourists, the first commercial flights after the pandemic have also taken off.

However, for countries that are hot spots of the epidemic, when entering some EU countries, they still have to fulfill the necessary requirements.

Portugal

Portugal continues to ban non-essential travel. For travelers from epidemic areas such as Brazil, South Africa and Nepal, entry is only for essential purposes. Immigrants entering Portugal must undergo a 14-day quarantine.

When citizens present a complete certificate of vaccination at least 14 days before arrival, the quarantine requirement will be exempted. Cases of entry from countries where the epidemiological situation is considered safe, in line with the recommendations of the Council (EU) such as the United States, are allowed to enter Portugal freely.

Malta

Life in Malta is almost back to normal from April 2021. Malta began opening its borders soon after. From 14/07, Malta has been accepting entry from Red List countries – i.e. fully vaccinated countries. Upon entry to Malta, citizens are required to undergo a Covid-19 PCR test in order to be approved.

Latvia

Upon entry to Latvia, citizens aged 11 or older will have to present a Covid-19 test with negative results within the previous 72 hours. Travelers arriving from outside the EU and Schengen areas are still required to take a Covid-19 test.  Visitors will be allowed to enter Latvia after receiving the approved results. After that, citizens continue to perform 14-day isolation with all expenses are self-sufficient.

However, any citizens who have visited countries designated as high risk for Covid-19 in the past 14 days will be denied entry to Latvia.

Immigration program in European countries

The reopening also means that citizens of other countries can continue to apply for visas to settle in European countries. This is an opportunity for investors to own European citizenship easily. The government also creates many conditions for citizens of other countries to come here to immigrate and develop, through the opening of a variety of European investment immigration programs. In addition, applicants and their families can live and enjoy special benefits reserved for EU citizens.

 Malta Permanent Residence Program (MPRP)

This is an investment-based immigration program that is quite suitable with the wishes of the majority of investors today. The Maltese immigration application process is also very clear and the application is approved in only 8 months. The fee to join Malta immigration is only € 500,000. Investors can choose to invest in one of two forms: buying or renting real estate.

All official information of the Government of Malta on the Malta Permanent Residence Program 2021, investors can see HERE.

Portugal Immigration Program (Golden Visa)

The Golden Visa investment immigration Program allows applicants and their families the opportunity to receive a permanent Portuguese residence card. Investors only need a minimum capital of €350,000 to participate in the investment. There are two forms of participation which are investing in real estate or investing in financial funds. Therefore, investors are choosing to participate in the Golden Visa Program more and more. To start a life of settling down with family in a new land, the cost of living in Portugal is also a matter of great concern.

Latvian Investment Immigration Program

Latvia is the country with the most “economic” immigration program compared to other countries in Europe. Latvian immigration program in one of four forms:

• Invest in real estate
• Invest in shares of a company in Latvia
• Invest in a secondary loan in a Latvian bank for 5 years
• Buy government bonds

Conclusion

After a difficult time because of the Covid-19 epidemic situation, all activities have gradually been put back into operation. This is also good news for citizens around the world. The opportunity to settle and immigrate also becomes easier.

To learn more about other immigration programs in Europe, please contact us at Portico & Bridge. With a team of more than 50 professionals worldwide, we are happy to assist you. Call us now at 0909.898.758

At PORTICO & BRIDGE, “Your Children We Care”.