Investment Migration Market Trends

The key drivers behind clients investment migration decisions have shifted somewhat in the 12 months to March 2021 compared to the year to March 2020. The periods largely reflect pre and post Covid interest in Residency and Citizenship by Investment (RCBI) programmes.

La Vida undertook a comparison based on over 30,000 interested applicants for Golden Visas on our website throughout this two year period. The analysis is based on the reasons clients indicate on their enquiry forms when registering their interest.

Firstly enquiries are up significantly year on year and international demand continues on the strong growth path it has seen for at least the last seven years. Looking behind the figures we see shifts in trend that perhaps reflect changing intentions and concerns from the pandemic.

The requirement of a second citizenship remains largely unchanged with 76.7% (up from 75.8%) of potential applicants indicating this as their reason for enquiring on programme options. However the desire for a second residence to live either part time or full time rose significantly. Interest in a second residence for living part time climbed from 26.1% to 34.3% year on year. This is often a driver behind the European Golden Visa programmes such as Greece, Spain and in particular that of Portugal.

Both Business and Education as reasons driving clients interest remained largely static over the comparative periods but one of the key shifts was that of the desire for a second passport for travel purposes. Despite the many restrictions that have hindered travel post-covid most clients, 52.5%, now indicate this as one of the main reasons driving their decision, up from 48.2% in the year to March 2020, pre covid. This reflects many of the conversations our consultants are having with clients wanting options for international travel they can call on in future, whatever shape the world takes once we lift ourselves out of the covid travel lockdowns. Driven by a “never again” approach High Net Worth Investors are looking for options in an increasingly uncertain world.

Investment as a key reason has also seen a rise from 28.9% to 32.2%. Again this reflects investors needs to both diversify geographically their investment base and to derive benefit by putting that investment to good use, usually by utilising governments’ offers of residency and citizenship in return for inward investment into real estate.

La Vida has assisted clients in more than 100 countries around the world offering advice and solutions for residency and citizenship through investment in a choice of 18 programmes. Please contact one of our advisors today for a solution to suit your personal needs.