Lisbon was recently ranked the best city for investment and development prospects by PwC for 2019, shooting up the list from 11th place last year. This is thanks in part to its rich and plentiful housing stock, relatively low cost of living and improving infrastructure,...
The American interested in establishing residency or citizenship in Europe has more options today than ever in history, depending on how much time and money you’re looking to spend to achieve the objective. If you have the budget, for example, you could make a 250,000-euro...
The Parliament of the Portuguese Republic has turned down a bill proposed by the opposition parties to abolish the Golden Visa Scheme. The opposition came up with the bill after a report of the anti-corruption organization Transparency International in October 2018.
Changes to the DFSA Collective Investment Funds regime, on which the Dubai Financial Services Authority (“DFSA”) consulted in October last year, will come into force today coinciding with the enactment of the DIFC Companies Law 2018 (“Companies Law”). The DFSA consultation included a wide-ranging set of...
Dubai International Financial Centre (DIFC), the leading international financial hub in the Middle East, Africa and South Asia (MEASA) region, reinforced its contribution to the UAE’s economy and its commitment to driving the future of finance, following strong performance during the first half of 2019....
Dubai has risen up the ranks of the Global Financial Centres Index (GFCI) to No. 8 position, representing its highest ever ranking. The city is the only financial centre within MEASA to appear within the top 10 rankings, placing it alongside other pivotal financial hubs...
The popularity of family offices, the private wealth management advisory firms that have ultra-high-net-worth investors, are helping shape the investment routes that Asia’s ultra-rich take in preserving their wealth for generations. Such is the number of inter-generational transfers during these times as business founders retire....
Family offices have been known to fly under the radar and often not share much about themselves. What they all want to know, however, is what other family offices are doing. For this reason, many reports are always keenly anticipated and the UBS Global Family Office...
Dubai: A number of listed companies in the UAE, particularly banks, have announced their intention to increase foreign ownership limits (FOL), attracting higher portfolio investments into the UAE. nalysts expect the increased foreign investment into domestic banks to offer manifold benefits for the institutions concerned,...
Mashreq, the UAE’s oldest bank, and Emirates NBD, Dubai’s biggest lender by assets, both rolled out online banks for small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) and start-ups as they invest in digital transformation and address challenges faced by new businesses. Mashreq’s NeoBiz is a business account...
Banks and financial institutions in the UAE can use online validation gateway of the Federal Authority for Identity and Citizenship for identification verification of customers when opening their bank accounts. This will eliminate the need for physical checking of the Emirates ID card of individual...
Dubai: Three-fourths of customers trust their banks in the UAE, according to the 2018 Trust Index Survey of UAE Banks Federation (UBF) conducted in collaboration with Kantar, the data consultancy. The results show that 74 per cent of respondents had high trust in the UAE...
The UAE once again has the largest domestic banking sector in the Gulf region, with a 38 per cent share of the region’s total in 2018, according to Gulf Business‘ annual list of the Top 50 biggest GCC banks. In the UAE, bank loans increased by a...
The 2016 vintage in Bordeaux is unique – offering wines that are both age-worthy and accessible. Peter Newton from our Fine Wine team looks at how the wines from this pivotal vintage are drinking now Up until two and a half years ago, the Bordeaux en...
Billionaire wealth grew by 17% to $6 trillion, according to a report released Thursday by $3 trillion money manager UBS and consultancy PwC. And a chunk of that money is going into sports. Billionaires, according to the wide-ranging report, are looking to leave their mark on...
There’s no better way to amass wealth than to have your assets do it for you. In making investments, there are a whole lot of means to invest your money, but have you ever thought of the luxury goods industry? The greater sale of luxury...
Kevin Cogan, an avid Ferrari collector, describes the meticulous restoration of his 250 Europa Vignale hen the genius of a manufacturer meets the skill of a great coachbuilder and the inspiration of a visionary designer, masterpieces are created that can open up new avenues in...
Assets under management (AuM) at Abu Dhabi General Market (ADGM) have surpassed the $25 billion mark according to comments made by its chairman at a recent event in the UAE capital.Assets have grown more than fivefold since 2017 when AuM stood at $4.2 billion said...
DMCC partnered with Dubai FDI to host a forum today under the theme Advancing the Dubai-China Relationship Through Trade, as part of the fifth edition of Dubai Investment Week 2019. DMCC – the world’s flagship Free Zone and Government of Dubai Authority on commodities trade...
New initiatives aim to make Dubai a global art destination. Artists, authors and innovators will soon be able to apply for the UAE’s first long-term cultural visa. The announcement was made by Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid, Vice President and Ruler of Dubai, after a meeting...
The UAE is one of the most popular destinations for expats in the world, and securing permanent residency here is not only attractive but simple as well. Whether it’s lavish Dubai, cosmopolitan Abu Dhabi, culture-crazy Sharjah or any other of the UAE’s seven emirates that...
His Highness Sheikh Maktoum bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Deputy Ruler of Dubai, today announced the launch of the region’s first ‘Virtual Company Licence’. Aligned with the third Article of the 50-Year Charter of His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President...
Inheriting art can be a very educational and meaningful experience, helping you to learn more about your family and about the art world. On the other hand, assessing which pieces you’d like to part with and knowing how to do so can create a world...
John Hanafin, Founder and CEO of Huriya Private expresses his views on securing a second passport with the hope of a better life. Tune in to a candid conversation where John speaks to Dubai Eye 103.8 about how there’s an increase in the number of...
Today’s business world is almost borderless. Where you’re from has little bearing on where you start your company, and international founders set up in almost every corner of the globe. Some corners more than others though. Like these four. If you’re debating where to start...
I frequently have clients asking me about setting up in UAE, but they are unsure if they want a UAE offshore company, or a UAE onshore company, the IBC vs the FZCO. Two very different offerings, but they can also work together for greater benefits....
Make a donation to the government of Vanuatu, and you and your family will have Commonwealth passports in 45 days. Really? Yes, really. A tropical chain of 83 islands nestled in the south Pacific, Vanuatu is a peaceful, vibrant and culturally diverse nation that’s proud...
What is it that’s attracting so many global citizens to Ireland? And how can you join them? Currently, 11.6% of Ireland’s total population are non-Irish nationals – and almost every nation in the world is represented, from Andorra to Zimbabwe; Afghanistan to Zambia. So let’s...
The OECD, or Organisation for Economic Cooperation and Development, based in the 16th arrondissement of Paris is best known for its focus on advancing left-wing economic policies including higher income and corporate taxes, more government bureaucracy and attacking low tax jurisdictions especially in the Caribbean...
Not all passports are created equal so not all passport-holders are treated equally. How often can you feel this impact almost every element of your life? From the holidays you take, to how you conduct business, to the prospects your children enjoy. Let’s look at...
The Knight Frank World Wealth Report 2018 reports the world’s super-wealthy spend over USD 2.4bn on second citizenship each year, with most demand coming from China, the Middle East, and Russia. Immigration amongst high-net-worth individuals is ‘strong and growing’, the report notes. Indeed, some of...
There are many fantastic options for Grenadian citizenship by investment . But Grenada – particularly the Grenadian real estate option – is one of the most popular, even amongst stiff competition. There are ten very good reasons for that. Let’s explore them, and then I’ll...
Fund passporting is expected to provide flexibility to distribute company funds. The UAE will allow flexibility for distribution of domestic funds by asset management companies by allowing passporting of funds under various jurisdictions in the country. Fund passporting is expected to give the asset management...
There are many reasons to choose investing in a new passport, or second citizenship, but one you might not have considered – but should, if you’ve got children – is the opportunity to secure a better education. The right education helps your children build their...
Something may come from nothing. It takes hard work and commitment, and perhaps a little luck – but it can happen. At the end of 2015, there were 350,000 SMEs in the UAE, providing jobs to over 86% of the private sector. They accounted for...
Second citizenship is an expensive luxury, you probably think. Certainly worth consideration, but only when you’re feeling flush. The thing is though, second citizenship-by-investment doesn’t just cost money. It saves you money. Sometimes in triple figures. Here’s how. 1 – Second citizenship can save money on taxes When...
The United Kingdom are well on their way to exit the European Union. As the 29th of March looms large in the near distance, many UK companies find themselves in an unusual situation, and may feel that they are being forced to “choose an option”...
An update on recent proposed changes to the UK’s residency visa programmes and other immigration routes of entry Recently, there has been some confusion regarding the status of the UK’s Tier 1 Investor Visa Programme (IVP). As some of you may know, the Home Office,...
The UAE has been one of the most popular destinations for expats and business people for many years – and that reputation is still growing. This can be partially attributed to the UAE government’s many favourable business & visa initiatives launched earlier this year, but...
Second citizenship is an expensive luxury, you probably think. Certainly worth consideration, but only when you’re feeling flush. The thing is though, second citizenship-by-investment doesn’t just cost money. It saves you money. Sometimes in triple figures. Here’s how. 1 – Second citizenship can save money on taxes When it comes...
There are many fantastic options for second citizenship. But Grenada – particularly the Grenadian real estate option – is one of the most popular, even amongst stiff competition. There are ten very good reasons for that. Let’s explore them, and then I’ll tell you how...
The UAE has been one of the most popular destinations for expats and businesspeople for a while – and that reputation is only growing, thanks to several recent government initiatives. Andrew Staples, Chief Business Reporter for Gulf News, recently wrote a special report on these...
There are many reasons to choose investing in a new passport, or second citizenship, but one you might not have considered – but should, if you’ve got children – is the opportunity to secure a better education. The right education helps your children build their...
Not all passports are created equal so not all passport-holders are treated equally. How often can you feel this impact almost every element of your life? From the holidays you take, to how you conduct business, to the prospects your children enjoy. Let’s look at...
re the cheapest citizenship-by-investment programmes? Let’s review the current investment thresholds so you can decide which best fits your needs. The Caribbean always wins when it comes to costs, so we’ll look at the top three programmes from that region first, then throw in the...
Ask entrepreneurs in the UAE what they most need to upscale their business and the majority are likely to say ‘finance’. Sourcing finance in the early stages of growth is fundamental in taking a company to the next level. It helps business owners to avoid...
A tropical chain of 83 islands nestled in the south Pacific, Vanuatu is a peaceful, vibrant and culturally diverse nation that’s proud to welcome international travellers to its shores. But what exactly do the shores of Vanuatu hold? Not just sandy beaches and sparkling blue...
You know by now that an entrepreneur should be bold, and that thriving in uncertainty and having strong vision are all important parts of the success you desire. History is full of examples of visionaries who blazed trails and demonstrated these traits. But what do...
The UK is on the wish-list for many international investors, thanks to Britain’s thriving business landscape, exceptional education and enviable quality of life. But it needn’t stay relegated to your wish-list. Securing permanent residency in the UK is much easier than you think. The two...
Your business is booming, profit is increasing, your company is growing. It’s an exciting time. So is it now time to look at global markets? Today we examine the practical steps you can take to prepare for the challenges ahead. Signs you’re ready to go...
What is it that’s attracting so many global citizens to Ireland? And how can you join them? Currently, 11.6% of Ireland’s total population are non-Irish nationals – and almost every nation in the world is represented, from Andorra to Zimbabwe; Afghanistan to Zambia. So let’s...
Fear can be a paralysing experience for anybody, and entrepreneurs are not immune. Many would-be business founders actually never take the leap into entrepreneurship, for fear of what might happen. But is fear a barrier to success or a motivator? With the right guidance, potential entrepreneurs can...
Asia is a continent of opposites. As it grows in credibility, builds trust and gains strength on the world stage, so do many of its passports. Yet at the same time, the continent is also home to some of the weakest. In this piece, we’ll...
Managing growth is about more than just the present. Considering and seizing opportunity only as it arises may work for some, but it isn’t enough for the entrepreneur who is seeking genuine, sustainable expansion for their business. Growth can contain an insidious threat that is...
Entrepreneurs are thriving. That’s especially true in the UAE, where there’s a real push to attract the best from all over the world, give them a platform for innovation and disruption, and help them shape the world over the next century. According to MAGNiTT, in...
Dubai retains great lustre and appeal as a foreign direct investment (FDI) location. The most recent figures show clearly that the city has strongly cemented its position among the top global destinations for FDI capital. In 2016, with investors from leading industrial countries such as...
For any company or startup – across any industry – it’s worth considering the benefits of launching in Dubai. And now is a perfect time to consider taking advantage of this world-class innovative business hub. For forward-thinking entrepreneurs, the emirate offers an ideal climate to...
EB-5 vs E2: Sounds like we are comparing fax machines, right? But these two programmes, are two of the best ways to attain residency in the United States. But that’s where similarities end. When considering either of these, it’s vital to understand their exact requirements...
Something may come from nothing. It takes hard work and commitment, but it can happen. At the end of 2015, there were 350,000 SMEs in the UAE, providing jobs to over 86% of the private sector. They accounted for over 60% of the country’s GDP,...
Among many after-effects of the UK’s 2016 referendum decision to leave the European Union, one of the most notable has been an explosion of interest in second citizenship. One survey last year found that 89% of Britons are interested in second citizenship in an EU...
Negotiation in business is an art. And like any form of communication, it’s also a delicate balance – one wrong turn and your objectives and reputation can be jeopardised and damaged. We can all recall failed negotiations and awkward interactions vividly; you may have experienced...
The Knight Frank World Wealth Report 2017 reports the world’s super-wealthy spend over USD 2.4bn on second citizenship each year, with most demand coming from China, the Middle East, and Russia. Immigration amongst high-net-worth individuals is ‘strong and growing’, the report notes. Indeed, some of...
In an enterprise hotbed like the UAE, where new businesses are launching all the time, the term startup can be misleading. Because while all startups are new businesses, not all new businesses are startups. This may seem pedantic but there are some essential differences between...
For entrepreneurs setting up shop in the UAE, there are two basic options; set up in a free zone or in the mainland. Many entrepreneurs establishing a business in the UAE for the first time choose the free zone option for the obvious benefits of...
The European Union is the biggest economy in the world, accounting for one quarter of the world’s wealth (measured by GDP). It’s the leading global importer, exporter and investor and receives the most foreign investment and donates the most aid. Businesses in the EU’s single...
Visa restrictions and lengthy passport queues. Holidays based on where you can go, not where you want to go. Delayed business meetings. Lack of privacy. Extensive customs processes. Or quick, painless travel wherever you want to go. Respect in every country you enter. Freedom without borders. For those lucky...
Who wants to be a billionaire? According to the market-leading Wealth-X billionaire census there are nearly 2,400 billionaires in the world, with combined wealth of USD 7,400bn. It’s a select club. All the billionaires in the world would fit into four Boeing 747s with room...
Easy setup, no tax guaranteed, 100% ownership. Proven draws for the UAE free zones. Why, then, do so many entrepreneurs each year swap the safety of a free zone for speculation on the mainland? Simply put, it’s a logical progression of many a successful business....
“A new digital nation for global citizens, powered by the Republic of Estonia.” That’s the official definition of the Estonian e-Residency programme – a world first, from a country so technologically forward-thinking that it’s nicknamed E-Stonia. As of November 2017, there are nearly 25,000 Estonian...
There are few better places to start a business venture than the UAE. With the advent of major co-working spaces, such as Astrolabs Dubai and Impact Hub Dubai, it’s never been easier to start a new business on a budget here. What’s more, Dubai is...
Angel investors are a great way to secure early financing for your business, giving you the financial jump-start you need to reach the final stages of development and market entry. But many new business owners are at a loss with what to expect from investors. In...
Entrepreneurs across the world are attracted to setting up and running their businesses in the UAE – even those who prefer not to relocate to the Gulf. And it’s easy to understand the appeal. Just three decades ago the Emirates was one of the least...
Some people just seem to have a more relaxed way of life. On your travels do you ever cast envious glances at the business people lingering over coffee in a town square as if they had all the time in the world? How is it...
The US has long been seen as perhaps the ultimate relocation destination. Its prosperous and stable lifestyle, rich and varied culture, and world-class healthcare and education systems are just a few elements that set it apart. But America is not known for providing an easy...
As one of the best oiled and most liberal economic machines in the Middle East and North Africa (MENA) region, and indeed the world, the United Arab Emirates offers advantages in every direction for anyone wishing to set up a company here. This is not...
When setting up in the UAE, entrepreneurs are usually faced with two options. Some choose to set up in one of the nation’s free zones, meanwhile others opt to set up an onshore business – usually to trade with the local UAE market, something which...
The Caribbean is the grandfather of second citizenship. It’s where citizenship-by-investment was born, and remains one of the most popular second citizenship destinations today. But which of the top five Caribbean programmes is best for you? All five deliver citizenship in exchange for investment. All...
Launching new businesses is a popular activity here in the UAE. In Dubai alone, the Department of Economic Development (DED) issued a staggering 21,146 new business licences in 2016. Among these new businesses – and the 125,000+ licence renewals issued every year – the most...
All that glitters might just be gold. Because as of 2013, Spain introduced their ‘golden visa’ law. Put simply, it means non-EU nationals can obtain European residency in only 2-3 months using a fast track process. What do you get in return? Easy movement within...
When setting up in the UAE, entrepreneurs have a number of options. You could choose to set up in one of the many free zones – and take advantage of 0% corporate and personal tax, 100% company ownership, 100% repatriation of capital and profits, no...
What’s the best thing about owning your own business? Is it the prestige of being an entrepreneur? The excitement of trying something completely new? Maybe it’s seeing the word ‘CEO’ on your business card? For many, being your own boss is the thing that really...
Residency and Citizenship-by-Investment Programmes (RIP & CIP) are being offered by an increasing number of countries today. These include the USA, Canada, the UK, Austria, Portugal, Spain, Malta, Cyprus and others. These programmes have been attracting bad publicity over the past few years. Criticism centers...
There have been many positive developments and news items concerning Cyprus recently, so I have summarised them below: 1. The redesigned Citizenship-by-Investment Program The Cabinet in Cyprus decided on the 13th of September on a redesign of the Citizenship-by-Investment Programme. The new CIP abolishes the collective...
There are many reasons to choose investing in a new passport, or second citizenship, but one you might not have considered – but should, if you’ve got children – is the opportunity to secure a better education. The right education helps your children build their...
“John – tell me about Cyprus, is the program as good as I hear?” Why are so many clients asking me about Cyprus? Possibly because it has a fantastic citizenship by investment program, taking less than 90 days to grant Cypriot citizenship, has some incredible...