Affluent Filipinos Eye Permanent Residence Abroad Through Investment Programs

High net worth Filipinos seeking fast-track residence or citizenship in foreign countries are increasingly relying on investment immigration programs to move to Europe, Canada, the USA, Australia, Hong Kong and other nations.

Europe is the preferred destination with nations like Portugal, Monaco, the UK, and Switzerland being preferred by English-speaking citizens of the Philippines. Such investment immigrants seek greater security, a better life, access to quality education, and a liberal tax regime when comparing different options.

Demand is high among entrepreneurs who can afford the minimum investment required by Caribbean nations like St. Kitts and Nevis, Antigua and Barbuda, Grenada, and Dominica, which require investments ranging from $200,000 to $400,000 — in exchange for citizenship and greater visa-free travel privileges. Although costlier, the citizenship by investment programs of Cyprus and Malta are popular as successful applicants can acquire EU