Real Estate Without Borders
Episode Title: Where a Record Number of Americans Are Seeking Residency
Release Date: June 14, 2025
Host: Real Estate Without Borders
Guest: Basil Moore, Americas Overseer at Henley Partners

1. Introduction and Guest Presentation

The episode kicks off with host Daniel welcoming listeners back to "Real Estate Without Borders" and introducing the guest, Basil Moore, an expert in global residency and citizenship programs. Daniel mentions a previous episode featuring Henley Partners' "Wealthiest Cities Index for 2025" and expresses enthusiasm for delving deeper into current trends with Basil.

Quote:
Daniel [00:00]: "I'm joined here, as always, well, sometimes by the, the wonderful Dave Hutchinson, but we also have a guest here I'm really excited to hear from."

2. Shift in Residency and Citizenship Trends

Basil elaborates on the significant industry transformation over the past decade. Traditionally, citizenship by investment catered to individuals from developing nations seeking better living standards. However, there's now a marked increase in residents from developed countries, particularly the United States, looking for alternative residencies and citizenships as a strategic hedge against geopolitical uncertainties.

Quote:
Basil Moore [01:33]: "Historically our industry was for second third world countries looking to better their life... In the last 10 years, we had a huge shift where now first world countries like Canada, like the United States, like the UK are all looking at alternative residencies and citizenships."

3. Popular Destinations for American Investors

a. Europe: Portugal and Italy

Europe, especially Portugal and Italy, emerges as the top destination for American investors. Portugal's Golden Visa program is particularly favored due to its ability to grant access to all 27 European Union (EU) member countries, facilitating ease of travel and additional residency benefits without the need for relocation.

Quote:
Basil Moore [04:24]: "The country that's having most of the flow right now is actually Portugal... people are starting to realize, well, Portugal program's open."

Conversely, Italy offers a quicker residency acquisition (approximately four months) but requires a longer commitment for citizenship (10 years of residency, language proficiency, and cultural integration).

Quote:
Basil Moore [06:00]: "Italy, to get citizenship by naturalizing, you have to live there, become a tax resident for 10 years... learn Italian, and then you can naturalize as a citizen."

b. Caribbean Islands

The Caribbean remains a popular choice for its proximity to the US and relatively swift citizenship acquisition (around eight months). Countries like St. Kitts and Nevis, Grenada, and Antigua and Barbuda offer dual pathways through real estate investments or economic donations.

Quote:
Basil Moore [05:06]: "People can obtain a citizenship in eight months through either real estate investments or donation through donation."

c. United Arab Emirates (UAE)

The UAE is highlighted as the top destination in terms of net inflows of millionaires, boasting an attractive tax regime and a luxurious lifestyle. The Golden Visa program requires a real estate investment of around $500,000 and offers a path to citizenship for exceptionally talented individuals without the need for substantial financial investment.

Quote:
Basil Moore [26:36]: "On the real estate perspective, around 500k US you can get a golden visa. So they make it still pretty accessible."

4. Economic and Political Factors Driving Migration

Basil discusses how geopolitical tensions, tax reforms, and changing political landscapes in home countries like the US, UK, Canada, and Brazil are major drivers for seeking alternative residencies. For instance, changes in US immigration policy, such as the introduction of a costly "gold card," are prompting a rush among investors to secure their residency beforehand.

Quote:
Basil Moore [13:28]: "We expect this year more people to come to the USA than the UAE... with the EB5... price tag is around 8,800,000 to a million."

5. Specific Programs and Process Details

a. Portugal's Golden Visa

Portugal remains a favored option due to its long-term residency benefits that can be obtained without relocating. Investments can be made through real estate (€500,000) or other avenues, with citizenship achievable after six to seven years.

Quote:
Basil Moore [06:28]: "They can obtain their citizenship after the sixth to seventh year. And then with that citizenship they can live anywhere in the 27 countries in the future."

b. Italy's Residency and Citizenship

Italy offers a faster residency process but requires significant commitment for citizenship, including residency, tax obligations, and language acquisition.

Quote:
Basil Moore [06:00]: "Italy has always Italy and Greece that have very nice, quick residence programs that you can obtain a residency within four months."

c. Caribbean Countries' Options

Caribbean nations offer dual pathways through investments or donations, catering to both high-net-worth individuals and those with moderate wealth.

Quote:
Basil Moore [07:50]: "The Caribbean islands, you can either donate, usually the amount is around 300000 USD... or you can invest in real estate... to obtain a citizenship in eight months."

d. Costa Rica

Costa Rica provides more accessible options for middle-class investors, with real estate investments starting at $150,000 or bank deposits of €60,000 for residency, making it an attractive Plan B.

Quote:
Basil Moore [10:07]: "Costa Rica is a fantastic program for those on a budget looking for a diversification Plan B... US$150,000 to get a residence in Costa Rica, or deposit €60,000 into a bank account."

e. UAE's Golden Visa

Highlights the flexibility and attractiveness of the UAE's Golden Visa program, especially for high-net-worth individuals and global talents, with streamlined processes for notable individuals.

Quote:
Basil Moore [27:08]: "If you are known on the global scale... sometimes you can get nominated to get a visa without an investment."

6. Changing Client Profile: From Ultra-High Net Worth to Middle Class

Basil notes a democratization of residency and citizenship programs, where not only ultra-high-net-worth individuals but also middle-class investors are exploring these options due to increasingly accessible investment thresholds.

Quote:
Basil Moore [08:55]: "Now we're seeing even in the 1 million to 5 million range, starting to inquire on the lower cost options like Costa Rica."

7. Family and Generational Benefits

Citizenship by investment isn't just a personal asset; it extends benefits to families and future generations. Holding an EU passport, for example, allows children to access education and travel freely within the EU, with the possibility of passing citizenship to grandchildren.

Quote:
Basil Moore [10:45]: "It's pretty simple... you just need to demonstrate lineage... as long as it's consistent... can keep on going in perpetuity."

8. Common Misconceptions about Second Citizenship

Basil addresses several misconceptions, including:

• Dual Citizenship Restrictions: While Canada and the US permit dual citizenship, countries like Singapore, India, and Japan do not, requiring renunciation of the original passport.

• Perceived Patriotism Issues: Acquiring a second citizenship is often mistakenly seen as unpatriotic, whereas it's a strategic and legal option for diversification.

• Process Complexity and Availability: Many believe obtaining a second citizenship is prohibitively complex and increasingly restricted, underscoring the importance of acting promptly before programs alter their terms.

Quote:
Basil Moore [20:00]: "People think it's impossible to get citizenship and it's super complex and super difficult... it's a legal program... walk through a stringent due diligence process."

9. Henley Partners’ Role and Services

Henley Partners, with 60 offices worldwide, not only assists clients with securing residency and citizenship but also advises governments on program development to attract foreign investment. They offer comprehensive services, including real estate assistance, concierge services, and education placement, ensuring clients are well-supported throughout the process.

Quote:
Basil Moore [33:18]: "We don't only cover them for that immigration route but we also help them with everything around it. Concierge services, education placement, you name it, it's there."

10. Future Trends and Recommendations

Basil emphasizes the urgency for interested individuals to act swiftly, as many jurisdictions are adjusting their investment thresholds in response to rising demand. He predicts further tightening of programs like Portugal's Golden Visa and anticipates increasing interest in emerging markets such as Abu Dhabi and Saudi Arabia.

Quote:
Basil Moore [23:50]: "Given the demand and the amount of people in the program, you better get in now before they start increasing their thresholds."

11. Closing Remarks

The episode concludes with light-hearted banter, emphasizing the accessibility and benefits of securing alternative residencies and citizenships. Basil encourages listeners to reach out for informational sessions and reassures them of the feasibility of obtaining a second citizenship with professional guidance.

Quote:
Basil Moore [29:48]: "If this is on your mind, if you're concerned, start by getting the information. It might be more accessible than you think."

Key Takeaways:

• Diversification: Americans are increasingly seeking alternative residencies and citizenships as a strategic hedge against geopolitical and economic uncertainties.

• Preferred Destinations: Europe (Portugal and Italy), the Caribbean, and the UAE are top choices, each offering unique benefits and investment pathways.

• Accessibility: While previously dominated by ultra-high-net-worth individuals, middle-class investors are now engaging in these programs due to more accessible investment requirements.

• Family Benefits: Second citizenships provide significant advantages for families, including educational opportunities and travel freedoms for children and grandchildren.

• Action Urgency: Many residency and citizenship programs are tightening their requirements, making it imperative for interested individuals to act promptly.

For more information or to explore residency and citizenship options, listeners are encouraged to contact Basil Moore directly at basil@henleyglobal.com.