RCP News 2017

Residency Bond Program Ltd proudly announces that Laszlo Gaal, mamaging director of the firm is the winner of Finance Monthly’s Global Awards 2017.

Every year Finance Monthly’s Global Awards recognise and commend financial advisers and organisations across the globe who have excelled in their work and have performed at the highest level possible.

When tasked with identifying the most successful individuals and companies from around the globe in order to produce this special awards edition, Finance Monthly’s research team has through careful consideration worked hard to assess nomination entries, and has conducted extensive research involving clients and peers. The end result is an awards publication which contains some of the most successful and trusted advisers and firms operating in today’s complex and dynamic financial and legal sectors.

Laszlo Gaal, managing partner of Residency Bond Program, said: “I am proud to be recognised by Finance Monthly Magasin and thank you for the votes of our clients.”

To view the awards publication please visit the Finance Monthly Winners Edition

If you are looking for a safe and affordable second home option in Europe, you may invest in Latvia. Latvian residence permit allows you:

• Free travel in Europe
• Live and work in a European country

The minimum investment starts from as low as 90,000 euro.

You may get your residence permit within 2 months.

Do not miss this opportunity, see the details of Latvia residence permit.

The world was caught flat-footed when the stories began to appear. A new entrant in the ‘wealth mobility’ market had a novel approach to purchasing passports. Bloomberg, Fortune, Newsweek and many others began splashing it about that for a mere 43 Bitcoin, or BTC, you could buy your way into Vanuatu citizenship.

Samuel Garae, Acting Secretary General of the Vanuatu Citizenship Office, recently has confirmed that last week’s media release saying that Vanuatu Government accepts Bitcoins for citizenship under DSP program, was false. All payments still should be made in US dollars exclusively.

“The Citizenship Office, representing the Citizenship Commission, is presenting to the media and other agencies in Vanuatu, that the Citizenship Office has not got any legal confirmation on any so called Bitcoin payments as stated in the media outlets,” Samuel Garae said.

“The Office of the Citizenship is giving an assurance to all the Citizenship Designated Agents, that all the payments concerning the DSP program will still be in US dollars as prescribed by the Citizenship Regulations,” he added. “Any other arrangement made by any sub-agent will not be considered by the Citizenship Office.”

So we accept US Dollars only and offer the best service and best price.

Some of you around the world may have heard about the devastating hurricane that passed through the Caribbean last week. Antigua was very fortunate to be spared any serious damage as the island was not directly hit.

Our sister island Barbuda which lies 30 miles north, however, took the full force of the storm and the results are catastrophic. All 1,800 residents had to be evacuated after the storm in an unprecedented emergency rescue carried out by the Antigua & Barbuda government together with many private volunteers from Antigua with access to boats, helicopters or small planes. It is empowering as an Antiguan citizen to witness the coming together of all the Antiguan people, including a great number of the international community, to help in any way they can.

Barbuda is one of the world's unique wildlife sanctuaries with its hundreds of rare birds, wild deer, and dedicated fauna, flora and marine conservation areas where visitors come to see nature at its purest and most beautiful. The unusual pink sands of the 17-mile and 11-mile beaches, the incredibly friendly people and small-island traditions that captivate any newcomer to the island will be renewed, but there is much to do to make this possible.

Currently we have 1,800 homeless Barbudans who are in critical need of basic supplies let alone the extensive job of clearing and re-buiding the island. They have been left with only the clothes on their back. We are asking our colleagues and friends to please open their hearts to the plight of Barbuda, even the smallest donation will assist us greatly. Citizens International has donated to the Red Cross and these are the recommended channels:

ABSAR Antigua & Barbuda Search and Rescue

The official Antigua & Barbuda Government Barbuda Relief and Rebuilding Fund

Thank you for your consideration.

A special report from the CBI Index Research Team has ranked twelve countries, including five from the Caribbean, which offer Citizenship By Investment.

The report was published on the website of Professional Wealth Management (PWM). According to its website the PWM is published by the Financial Times and specialises in analysing the growth strategies of private banks and the regional financial centres in which they operate. In the special report published on Wednesday June 28 2017 Dominica came in number one out of the twelve countries in the Index with sixty-three points over seventy for a total of ninety percent.

The CBI Index included St. Kitts and Nevis, Grenada, Antigua and Barbuda, Saint Lucia, Vanuatu, Cyprus, Comoros, Malta, Bulgaria, Austria and Cambodia.

Rank	Country	Score
1	Dominica	90
2	St Kitts and Nevis	88
3	Grenada	85
4	Antigua and Barbuda	78
5	Saint Lucia	76
6	Vanuatu	76
7	Cyprus	67
8	Comoros	66
9	Malta	64
10	Bulgaria	61
11	Austria	54
12	Cambodia	53

Considering the stability and longevity of the programmes in the Caribbean, it is no surprise that the Caribbean jurisdictions ranked in the CBI Index’s top five positions, with Dominica – home to one of the longest-running citizenship by investment programmes, and known for its speedy procedures and affordable entry thresholds – attaining the highest ranking. St Kitts and Nevis took second place due to its reputation for integrity and trust but scored slightly lower due to a higher investment threshold. Grenada, a relatively new programme relaunched in 2013, emerged from an unstable first year to become one of today’s most interesting citizenship by investment options, particularly following the implementation of reforms in 2015. Antigua and Barbuda and Saint Lucia, coming fourth and fifth respectively, completed the picture of a citizenship by investment arena dominated by the Caribbean.

Vanuatu, perhaps surprisingly for a less-known programme, ranked fifth together with Saint Lucia, having obtained consistently high scores under all the Pillars. Cyprus received the best score out of any European nation, distinguishing itself for its attractive travel and residence requirements. Comoros finished in eighth position, bolstered by its inexpensive investment requirements, rapid application turnarounds, and minimal travel and residence requirements – but damaged by its comparative inability to provide citizens with sufficient freedom of movement and a tolerable standard of living.

Residency Bond Program Ltd proudly announces that the firm is among the winners of Corporate Insider’s Business Excellence 2017 Award.

The 2017 Business Excellence awards display recognition of some of the world’s most prestigious companies. The full winner's guide can be found at: http://www.corp-insider.com/business-excellence-2017-awards/   

Arianna Smith, Head of Corporate Awards is simply elated with the stature of this year’s winners. Commenting on the vigorous level of competition this year, Arianna said:   “We were simply overwhelmed with the volume of nominations received for this year’s Business Excellence Awards. The judging panel had no easy task in selecting the winners, and I personally am very proud of each and every winner. It is always delightful to see how firms all over the world have developed and grown. And it is with great confidence to publish the 2017 Business Excellence Award Winners Guide. I look forward to visiting some of the winning firms on my travels in 2018.”

Laszlo Gaal, the managing partner of Residency Bond Program, said: “We are proud to be esteemed by our clients. We are also delighted to be listed among the most prestigious firms.”  

You may choose a lot of country as your second home or future home. Why is Cyprus the best choice in many respects?

Cyprus is for pleasure and joy. However, Cyprus is an attractive location for business as well. Cyprus was listed among the best places to relocate on the Knight Frank Global Lifestyle Review.

Guess, how many days of sunshine are there per year? More than 87% of the days are sunny. With 320 days of sunshine, Cyprus is the fifth on the ranking list.

How many international schools are there? Nine, the same as in Hong Kong. However, the tuition fee is essentially less.

Guess, which country has the lowest cost of living among the countries listed? Yes, Cyprus. Cyprus is even cheaper than Mumbai!

Unfortunately, Cyprus has no Michelin starred restaurant. But you can eat in nice and romantic places.

Cyprus was recently ranked as the 32nd best destination for business, in the 2017 Forbes list. Forbes evaluated 139 countries according to 11 different indicators, including property rights, innovation, taxes, technology, corruption, freedom (personal, trade and financial), red tape, investor protection and stock market performance.

What are the main business advantages of Cyprus? Cyprus has 48 double tax treaties signed with main countries from all over the world; a low corporate tax rate of 12.5 %; OECD-compliance, and last but not least 0% tax on dividends.

So, hurry! Read more about becoming a resident in Cyprus, and becoming a citizen of Cyprus.

The government of the Commonwealth of Dominica has just announced that certain documents are no longer required for the citizenship by investment applications. Of course, documents waiver will not undermine the effectiveness of the due diligence procedure but makes the application process easier and more comfortable.

From 1st May 2017 and onward, till further notice; the following documents are waived for Dominica Citizenship application:

• Bank reference letter
• Personal references
• Immunisation schedule
• Audited financial reports

You are still required to present clear police record, birth and marriage certificates and some other documents when you file your application. Please note, that Bank reference and financial statements for the two most recent years are still required by the government for processing of funds.

Read more about the Dominica Citizenship by Investment Programme.

Our portfolio now includes the most affordable European citizenship option.

The Bulgarian Immigration Program has now been updated enabling foreigners to get Bulgarian permanent residence permit and Bulgarian passport through a government investment scheme.

What are the main benefits for you?

Lifetime European citizenship for the whole family

Bulgaria allows dual citizenship, so you do not need to relinquish your current nationality. Your spouse and all of your descendents (children, grandchildren, etc.) will also get Bulgarian citizenship. All of your family, even your future children may travel, live, study and work within 28 countries of European Union without any restriction.

Visa-free travel

As a citizen of Bulgaria, you may travel visa-free travel to 142 countries in the world.

Cheapest option in Europe

Bulgarian passport is the most affordable option in Europe.

Safe investment

You invest in guaranteed Bulgarian government bonds. Your investment will be refunded after 5 years.

Easy to qualify

No language requirements, medical tests or interviews. You only need to visit Bulgaria once. We give you full support and guidance.

No residency requirement

You are not required to live in Bulgaria prior or during the application, or even after citizenship has been granted.

Let your children study in Europe with no extra fee

The European educational systems offers a wide range of high-quality public and private schools from elementary school to post-graduate PhD programmes. Your children -- as an EU citizen -- will acces to the system and pay the same reduced tution fee as other European students.

Just invest at least 512, 000 euro in government bonds for 5 years, and you and your family will receive Bulgarian residency within 3 months and Bulgarian citizenship within 2 or 5 years depending on your investment.

Read more about the Bulgarian Passport option.

We now offer you Greece Golden Visa Programme. This option might suit you if you say:

• I want to travel in Europe without a visa.
• My budget is limited.
• I want to make a safe investment in a Greek real estate.
• I may live in a country of the European Union.
• I need an easy and fast process.
• I may want to upgrade to citizenship.

Just by a Greek property for at least 250,000 euro and you and your family will receive Greek residency visa within 2 months.

Read more about the Greece Golden Visa Programme.

In its 2016 annual review Resolute Asset Management reports that the Cyprus real estate market is gradually becoming more active partly due to improving local and international economic conditions.

There is also an increasing appetite from foreigners to acquire real estate in Cyprus. This has been seen both in terms of sales involving the exchange of Title Deeds (+41%) and contracts of sale deposited at Land Registry offices (+43%).

Resolute Asset Management identifies a number of favourable and unfavourable factors, which it anticipates will affect the real estate market in the year ahead and concludes its report that the capital value of apartments in centre or touristic area will increase by 5% in 2017.

Source: Cyprus Property News

Our client filed his application on 31st March 2017, and he was the last client of the Hungarian Residency Bond Program.

The Program is closed today and will be closed in the future as well. More exactly, the Program is on hold, but nobody knows the future. The Hungarian residency program was the most popular residency program in Europe. Till the end of 2016 more than 4,700 applicants entered the program together with more than 10,000 family members, and they received their permanent residence permit. The numbers of 2017 are not known, but I guess the final number is close to 6,000.

If you missed the excellent opportunity to get EU residence permit within 2 months, we offer you other great options. You may get a residence visa in Cyprus within 2 months by investing at least 300,000 euro in a Cyprian property. A lot of excellent properties are available in our portfolio.

The other promising option is Malta. Malta offers you an EU residency and consequently free travel in Europe within 3-4 month by investing 250,000 euro in government bonds.

If you are interested in getting a second passport, you may find the best citizenship by investment options here.

Only 2 weeks left to file your application. If you act now, you can get your PR within 2 months.

We do our best that you can still apply.

Act now!

We entered in the last month of the Hungarian program. Only a few days has been left to apply for your permanent residence permit. The Hungarian government will stop accepting new requests on March 31st of 2017. No excuse, no prolongation.

We do our best that you can still apply.

Act now!

We are living in a new world linked to Brexit, President Trump, terror attacks and EU crisis. What will be the “Trump effect” on citizenship by investment programs?

Events of the past few months, and now the Trump presidency, are having a severe impact on the thinking of wealthy people regarding new escape routes, such as second residences and citizenships. People are becoming uncertain and unsatisfied everywhere in the world, even in rich countries. We experience a significant increase in new requests from all around the world. The world is not safe anymore, and the future is quite unpredictable. However, wealthy people are in the lucky position to move forward, seeking to secure a safe future for their children. A second passport or even a second residency is also the key to a second — presumably safe — home.

Your company was extremely successful with the Hungarian residency program. What happened to it?

Hungarian Residency Bond Program was very popular, More than 5000 applicants entered the program, and over ten thousand people (when including family members) have received Hungarian permanent residence permits. The numbers above outperform the success of any other European residency and citizenship programs. However, the Hungarian government will suspend the program on March 31st of 2017 because of the favourable developments in the country’s financing conditions in the last year. I am convinced that the Hungarian Residency Program was the best offer in Europe.

What is your secret?

We do not play the “trusted advisor role”, we just collaborate with our clients. We are well aware that the future of their family is the most important. We work together with our clients aiming to find a solution that satisfies them. They know what they want; we know what is possible, so the result is the best possible solution. Investment is a human relation. If you do not trust the other person, you will not give your money to him or her. The “human factor” is the most important factor in our business. We build trust.

What is the best offer for high-net-worth individuals in 2017?

I think the “oldies” will work well in 2017 as well. I see a great potential in the Caribbean programs. Some new rules and significant changes make it easier to get dual citizenship in this area. The proposed substantial increase of the minimum investment amount required for the EB-5 program and Canada’s focus on bringing more refugees into the country than attracting foreign capital may point investors in the direction of the Caribbean or even Europe.

Dominican Citizenship by Investment Program now recognises children up to 28 years of age as well as parents of applicants over 55 years of age fully-supported by the main applicant.

Since the appointment of Les Khan as the new Chief Executive in September 2016, the Citizenship by Investment Unit of Saint Kitts & Nevis has been completely overhauled and restructured leadership to a more robust due diligence framework, greater transparency and so improved credibility.

Saint Lucia has an intention to become the most innovative and secure program in the region. The recent changes, such as reducing the costs and removing the requirement to declare substantial financial resources, as well as the reintroduction of government bond option, are very straightforward.

Antigua is not Terra Incognita for wealthy people. Celebrities have been choosing this tiny Caribbean island as an investment playground, a place for a second home, or just vacation spot for many years.

What is the best offer in Europe?

For those who are seeking European citizenship and also an excellent investment, I would suggest Cyprus. The government of Cyprus revised the previous citizenship program and made it even more attractive. The minimal individual investment amount has been reduced from 5 million to 2 million euro. In return for a safe and profitable investment into residential properties, you get an EU passport within 3-4 months. The price of real estates we offer increased by 5-10% each year.

See the full interview...

 

Only a few weeks has been left to apply for Hungarian permanent residence permit. The Hungarian government will stop accepting new requests on March 31st of 2017.

We receive many new requests for the Hungarian residency bond program from around the world. The interest in getting a lifelong PR for the whole family has been enormous. We do our best to help you to meet the deadline.

What should you do, if you do not want to miss the best opportunity in Europe?

• Please fill in the request for a quote today
• Send your passport copy
• Cooperate with us to file your application before the deadline.

What if you do not have 300,000 euro?

We can offer a great financing option for a limited time. Instead of paying 360,000 euro, you pay only 185,000 euro one-time payment. (In this case, you will not get back any money after 5 years.)

What if I am not able to collect all the necessary documents in this limited time?

Do not worry, we guide you through the whole process, and we will provide you all the documents required at the time of application. The remaining documents can be filed later on.

I will be not ready until the end of March. Could you extend the deadline?

Unfortunately, we cannot. The deadline is set by the Hungarian government.

What if my application will not be accepted until the deadline? Will I loose my investment?

No, not all. If your application will be filed before 31st March, your application is valid. The Hungarian authority has 30 days to approve your application. Please note, that we have a 100% success rate, all of our clients have been approved, and they received the permanent residence permit.

The Hungarian government will stop accepting requests for Residency Bonds on March 31st of 2017, reported Residency Bond Program Ltd. While applications submitted before that date will still be processed, no new requests for Hungarian permanent residence permit by investment will be accepted after the end of March 2017. The Hungarian Residency Bond Program is the most popular residency by investment program in Europe.

The Hungarian Government Debt Management Agency announced that the government will stop selling residency bonds after March 31st of this year, citing favourable developments in the country’s financing conditions in the last year.

“Selling of residency bonds, played previously an important role, is not required in the future.” wrote the Hungarian Government Debt Management Agency. Residency bonds were sold for more than 1 billion euro in the last 3 years.

The Hungarian Residency Bond Program offers lifelong residence permit for the whole family since 2013. As Hungary is a member state of the European Union (EU) and also a Schengen country, people having Hungarian residence card may freely travel within Schengen zone without visa and border control and may also live and work in Hungary.

Hungary stands out from the crowd with its easy, fast and safe program. Investing of 300,000 euro into government bonds will result in a permanent residence permit within two months for the whole family.

"I am convinced that the Hungarian Residency Program is the best offer in Europe." said Residency Bond Program Ltd's managing director Laszlo Gaal, "The fast track is still open till the end of March 2017.”

Hungarian Residency Bond Program is very popular, More than 4700 applicants entered the program, and almost ten thousand people (including family members) have received Hungarian residence permits. The numbers above outperform the success of other European residency and citizenship programs.

“We find that many people are looking to enhance their lifestyle by travelling or living in Europe. Some of them are willing to invest a considerable amount of money in obtaining European residency or citizenship.” reported Kriszta Tasnadi, client manager of Residency Program Ltd.