A curated feed of developments across investment migration: programme changes, policy news and notable coverage from industry and mainstream media, with our view on what each means for investors. Updated each weekday. Last updated 18 July 2026.
End CBI by June 2028 or risk Schengen access, EU writes to Caribbean states
According to Antigua and Barbuda’s government, the European Commission has written to the five Caribbean citizenship-by-investment states asking them to wind down their programmes by June 2028 or risk losing visa-free access to the Schengen area.
Our view: This is the clearest deadline yet in the EU’s long-running pressure campaign. Existing citizenships are not affected, but anyone considering a Caribbean passport primarily for European mobility should weigh timing carefully and take advice on how the programmes may respond.
New Zealand widens Business Investor Work Visa rules
From 6 July, franchise businesses qualify as acceptable investments, purchases can be made through a New Zealand resident entity, and lawfully earned gifted capital is now an acceptable source of funds.
Our view: A clear loosening after very limited uptake in the visa’s first year. New Zealand is quietly becoming more accessible to business migrants while much of Europe moves the other way.
The tax problems of owning a home abroad
IMI Daily analyses the tax pitfalls that come with buying property in residency and citizenship destinations, from local wealth and property taxes to capital gains and succession exposure.
Our view: Choosing a residency route on visa rules alone is a common and expensive mistake. The tax wrapper around the asset matters as much as the permit, and it differs sharply by country; take cross-border tax advice before committing, not after.
DHS unveils long-awaited EB-5 regulations: USD 1.4m tier and two-year capital rule
The US Department of Homeland Security has published new EB-5 rules, including a USD 1.4 million investment tier, a two-year at-risk capital requirement and a new sanctions regime.
Our view: The most consequential EB-5 change in years. US-bound investors should reassess their timing and structuring with qualified US counsel before committing capital under the new framework.
Saudi cabinet approves foreign property ownership zones in Riyadh, Jeddah and the holy cities
Saudi Arabia’s cabinet has approved designated zones in which foreign nationals may own real estate, including in Riyadh, Jeddah and areas of the holy cities.
Our view: Property liberalisation has historically preceded broader residency openings in the Gulf, as the UAE showed. Investors with GCC exposure should watch how this interacts with Saudi’s Premium Residency.
Portugal golden visa funds draw three times more subscriptions than redemptions
Despite the 2026 nationality law extending the citizenship timeline, Portuguese golden visa investment funds are reporting roughly three new subscriptions for every redemption.
Our view: Demand for the fund route is proving resilient, which matches what we set out in our Portugal Golden Visa guide: the programme’s fundamentals still stand for investors whose horizon is residency first, citizenship second.
UK debates a GBP 5 million investor visa
Reports suggest the UK government is actively debating a new investor visa at around GBP 5 million, with observers putting meaningful odds on it happening.
Our view: A UK re-entry would reshape the European landscape overnight given the depth of demand for London. Nothing to act on yet, but worth tracking closely if the UK is on your shortlist.
Portugal golden visa consortium files Ombudsman complaint for 1,260 clients
A consortium of law firms has lodged a complaint with Portugal’s Ombudsman on behalf of 1,260 golden visa applicants over processing delays and the effect of the nationality law changes.
Our view: Processing friction in Portugal is real and we say so plainly in our guide. Applicants should build realistic timelines into their planning rather than rely on statutory processing periods.
Latvia moves to scrap most golden visa routes; president sends law back
Latvia’s parliament voted to abolish the property, securities and deposit routes from 1 January 2027, adding a EUR 150,000 fund option, before the president returned the law for a second reading in the autumn.
Our view: Latvia has been Europe’s least expensive residency door and that door is now half-closed. Anyone considering it should follow the autumn session; late applications under current rules may still be possible.
How the rich spread the risk
Barron’s reports that wealthy Americans now lead global demand for residency and citizenship options abroad, treating second residencies as portfolio diversification rather than emigration.
Our view: Mainstream confirmation of what the industry data has shown all year: the “Plan B” mindset has gone from niche to normal among high-net-worth families, with the US the largest source market.
Dominica makes in-person visits mandatory for new CBI citizens
Dominica will require successful citizenship-by-investment applicants to collect and renew their passports in person on the island.
Our view: Part of a broader compliance hardening across the Caribbean programmes. A modest practical burden for applicants, and on balance positive for the long-term legitimacy of the programmes.
Is Italy the new tax haven for the global rich?
The BBC examines how Italy’s flat-tax regime for foreign income is drawing wealthy residents from higher-tax countries, to the point that the French government has publicly criticised Rome for luring its taxpayers away.
Our view: Italy has quietly become one of Europe’s most credible destinations for the internationally mobile, pairing the flat tax with an investor visa. When neighbours start complaining, the incentive is working; the question for any individual is whether the numbers work at their income level.
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