# The Recent News

Source: https://www.savoryandpartners.com/news

- [Canada Plans to Replace Start-Up Visa With High Impact Pilot](https://www.savoryandpartners.com/news/canada-start-up-visa-high-impact-pilot) — 2026-09-17: Canada plans to replace its Start-Up Visa Program with a High Impact Start-up Pilot. Explore the proposed focus, application status and pending details.
- [Canada and EU Discuss Live-and-Work Rights for Canadians](https://www.savoryandpartners.com/news/canada-eu-live-work-rights) — 2026-09-17: Canada and the EU are discussing possible live-and-work rights for Canadian citizens. Here’s what the talks could mean and what remains unconfirmed.
- [São Tomé CBI Receives Over 500 Applications in Its First Year](https://www.savoryandpartners.com/news/sao-tome-cbi-receives-548-applications-first-year) — 2026-09-03: São Tomé’s CBI program received 548 applications in its first year, approving 350 and generating over US$9.8 million in contributions.
- [Grenada Delays Its New 30-Day CBI Requirement](https://www.savoryandpartners.com/news/grenada-delays-30-day-cbi-residency-requirement) — 2026-09-01: Grenada has postponed its new 30-day CBI residence requirement until ECCIRA becomes operational and member states agree on a start date.
- [Germany Updates EU Blue Card Salary Requirements for 2026](https://www.savoryandpartners.com/news/germany-eu-blue-card-salary-requirements-2026) — 2026-08-14: Germany has updated its EU Blue Card salary requirements for 2026. See the new €50,700 threshold and reduced €45,934.20 requirement.
- [Dubai Granted 66,000 Golden Visas in H1 2026](https://www.savoryandpartners.com/news/dubai-golden-visa-66000-granted-h1-2026) — 2026-08-03: Dubai granted 66,000 Golden Visas and more than 1 million new residence permits in the first half of 2026, highlighting continued demand despite regional uncertainty and a cooling property market.
- [Vanuatu CBI Revenue Hits Record High Despite Loss of Schengen Access](https://www.savoryandpartners.com/news/vanuatu-cbi-revenue-record-high-2026) — 2026-08-03: Vanuatu's Citizenship by Investment program generated a record US$95.5 million in the first half of 2026, demonstrating continued investor demand despite the loss of Schengen visa-free access.
- [South Korea Officially Launches Digital Nomad Visa](https://www.savoryandpartners.com/news/south-korea-officially-launches-digital-nomad-visa) — 2026-07-16: South Korea has officially launched its Digital Nomad Visa, introducing lower income requirements, a maximum three-year stay, and eligibility for accompanying family members.
- [Portugal Golden Visa Funds Draw 3x More Investments](https://www.savoryandpartners.com/news/portugal-golden-visa-funds-continue-to-attract-strong-investment) — 2026-07-16: Portugal's Golden Visa investment funds recorded €283 million in new subscriptions during the first five months of 2026, despite increased redemptions following recent nationality law changes.
- [Lebanon Proposes New Golden Visa Program](https://www.savoryandpartners.com/news/lebanon-proposes-new-golden-visa-program) — 2026-07-16: Lebanon has proposed a new Golden Visa program requiring a minimum US$500,000 investment, with the draft legislation now awaiting parliamentary approval.
- [Taiwan Extends Digital Nomad Visa to 2 Years](https://www.savoryandpartners.com/news/taiwan-extends-digital-nomad-visa-to-2-years) — 2026-07-16: Taiwan has extended its Digital Nomad Visa to two years, introducing updated income requirements and giving remote workers more time to live and work from the island.
- [Canada Changes Evidence Requirements for Citizenship by Descent](https://www.savoryandpartners.com/news/canada-changes-evidence-requirements-citizenship-by-descent) — 2026-06-29: Canada has introduced new evidence requirements for citizenship-by-descent applications, requiring official documents linking each generation to a Canadian ancestor.
- [Oman Opens Property Ownership to Foreign Buyers](https://www.savoryandpartners.com/news/oman-opens-property-ownership-foreign-buyers) — 2026-06-29: Oman has introduced a new property-linked residency route, allowing eligible foreign property owners to qualify for sponsor-free residence.
- [Lebanon Advances Plans for a New Golden Residency Program](https://www.savoryandpartners.com/news/lebanon-golden-residency-proposal) — 2026-06-29: Lebanon is considering a Golden Residency program requiring a minimum US$500,000 investment. The proposal has cleared committee but still requires parliamentary approval.
- [Grenada Announces Visa-Free Entry for Nigerian Citizens](https://www.savoryandpartners.com/news/grenada-announces-visa-free-entry-for-nigerian-citizens) — 2026-06-17: Grenada has announced visa-free entry for Nigerian citizens, supporting tourism, business, education, and investment travel between the two countries.
- [Ghana Investment Bill Introduces CBI Provision](https://www.savoryandpartners.com/news/ghana-investment-bill-introduces-citizenship-by-investment-provision) — 2026-06-17: Ghana's Parliament has passed an investment bill that introduces a citizenship by investment provision into the country's legislative framework for the first time.
- [Dominica Introduces In Person Visits for New CBI Citizens](https://www.savoryandpartners.com/news/dominica-introduces-in-person-visits-for-new-cbi-citizens) — 2026-06-17: Dominica will require new citizenship by investment applicants to visit the country in person to receive and renew their passports, ending its long-standing remote processing model.
- [Turkey Approves 20-Year Foreign Income Tax Exemption for New Residents](https://www.savoryandpartners.com/news/turkey-foreign-income-tax-exemption) — 2026-06-01: Turkey has approved a 20-year tax exemption on qualifying foreign-source income for new residents, alongside new asset and corporate tax incentives.
- [Dubai Removes Minimum Property Value for Two-Year Investor Visa](https://www.savoryandpartners.com/news/dubai-removes-minimum-property-value-two-year-investor-visa) — 2026-05-21: Dubai removes the AED 750,000 minimum property value requirement for its two-year investor visa, lowering entry barriers for property owners.
- [UK Considers £5 Million Invite-Only Investor Visa](https://www.savoryandpartners.com/news/uk-considers-5-million-invite-only-investor-visa) — 2026-05-21: The UK is reportedly exploring a new £5 million invite-only investor visa with a potential three-year path to permanent residency.
- [Mauritius Launches $1 Million Golden Visa](https://www.savoryandpartners.com/news/mauritius-1m-golden-visa-5-day-processing) — 2026-05-13: Mauritius introduces a $1M Golden Visa targeting 100 applicants yearly, with a fast 5-day processing timeline.
- [Sweden Extends Citizenship Timeline to 8 Years](https://www.savoryandpartners.com/news/sweden-citizenship-8-year-rule-new-requirements) — 2026-05-13: Sweden increases its citizenship timeline to 8 years and introduces language, income, and civics requirements for applicants.
- [Dubai Unifies Golden Visa and Residency Processing](https://www.savoryandpartners.com/news/dubai-unifies-golden-visa-residency-applications) — 2026-05-13: Dubai introduces a unified system for Golden Visa and residency applications, simplifying the process for investors and residents.
- [EB-5 Investment Increase Expected in 2027](https://www.savoryandpartners.com/news/eb5-investment-increase-2027) — 2026-04-29: EB-5 minimum investment amounts are expected to increase from January 2027 due to inflation adjustments. Here is what investors should know.
- [El Salvador Reduces Residency Requirement to 90 Days](https://www.savoryandpartners.com/news/el-salvador-residency-requirement-90-days) — 2026-04-29: El Salvador has reduced its residency stay requirement to just 90 days per year. Here is what the new rule means for investors and entrepreneurs.
- [Türkiye Proposes 20-Year Tax-Free Foreign Income Regime](https://www.savoryandpartners.com/news/turkiye-20-year-tax-free-foreign-income) — 2026-04-29: Türkiye has proposed a 20-year tax exemption on foreign income for new residents. Here is what the new incentive could mean for investors.
- [Dubai Unifies Golden Visa and Property Residency Applications Under GDRFA Platform](https://www.savoryandpartners.com/news/dubai-unifies-golden-visa-property-residency-gdrfa-platform) — 2026-04-22: Dubai has unified Golden Visa, Property Residency, and Retiree Visa applications under a single GDRFA platform. Here is what changes for investors in 2026.
- [EU Introduces Biometric Border Checks for UK Travellers](https://www.savoryandpartners.com/news/uk-travellers-eu-biometric-border-checks-april-2026) — 2026-04-22: From April 2026, UK travellers entering the Schengen Area must complete biometric checks under the EU Entry Exit System. Here is what changes and what to expect.
- [Paraguay Launches Investor Pass for Direct Permanent Residency](https://www.savoryandpartners.com/news/paraguay-investor-pass-direct-permanent-residency) — 2026-04-22: Paraguay has introduced a new Investor Pass offering direct permanent residency through investments starting from $150,000. Here is what changes for investors.
- [Portugal Parliament Approves Citizenship Law Revisions](https://www.savoryandpartners.com/news/portugal-approves-citizenship-law-revisions-7-10-year-naturalisation) — 2026-04-08: Portugal’s parliament approves revisions to the nationality law, confirming citizenship timelines of 7 years for EU and CPLP nationals and 10 years for other applicants.
- [Malaysia’s MM2H Program Generates $983 Million in 2025](https://www.savoryandpartners.com/news/malaysia-mm2h-program-us983-million-2025) — 2026-04-08: Malaysia’s MM2H residency program approved 3,172 applications in 2025, generating nearly US$983 million through deposits, property purchases, and participation fees.
- [Dominica Suspends CBI Applications From Iranian Nationals](https://www.savoryandpartners.com/news/dominica-suspends-cbi-applications-from-iranian-nationals-2026) — 2026-03-25: Dominica has suspended CBI applications from Iranian nationals effective 24 March 2026, with limited exceptions for those fully separated from Iran for 10 years.
- [St. Kitts and Nevis Launches Biometric Passport Modernisation Program](https://www.savoryandpartners.com/news/st-kitts-and-nevis-biometric-passport-modernisation-2026) — 2026-03-24: St. Kitts and Nevis will launch its biometric passport modernisation program on 14 April 2026. Here is what current and future citizens should know.
- [Ghana and St Kitts and Nevis Sign Visa Exemption Agreement for Ordinary Passport Holders](https://www.savoryandpartners.com/news/ghana-st-kitts-nevis-visa-exemption-agreement) — 2026-03-12: Ghana and St Kitts and Nevis have signed a visa exemption agreement allowing visa-free travel for holders of ordinary passports, expanding mobility between the two countries.
- [Türkiye Introduces Same-Day Biometrics for CBI Applicants](https://www.savoryandpartners.com/news/turkiye-same-day-biometrics-citizenship-by-investment) — 2026-03-10: Türkiye has introduced a same-day biometrics procedure for citizenship by investment applicants, allowing residence permit approval and citizenship submission in one visit.
- [Bhutan Launches Blockchain-Backed Digital Nomad Visa](https://www.savoryandpartners.com/news/bhutan-blockchain-digital-nomad-visa) — 2026-03-03: Bhutan Launches World’s First Blockchain-Backed Digital Nomad Visa | Savory & Partners
- [Spain Raises Digital Nomad Visa Income Requirement to €2,849](https://www.savoryandpartners.com/news/spain-digital-nomad-visa-income-requirement-2026) — 2026-02-26: Spain has updated its Digital Nomad Visa income requirement to €2,849 per month following the latest minimum wage adjustment for 2026.
- [Portugal Launches Online Renewal Portal for Golden Visa Holders](https://www.savoryandpartners.com/news/portugal-online-renewal-portal-golden-visa) — 2026-02-24: Portugal has launched an online renewal portal for Golden Visa holders. AIMA confirms renewals must now be submitted digitally, with biometric appointments scheduled only when required.
- [Nauru Introduces 30% Limited-Time Discount for CBI](https://www.savoryandpartners.com/news/nauru-cbi-30-percent-limited-time-discount) — 2026-02-04: Nauru introduces a 30% limited-time discount on its Citizenship by Investment program, lowering total costs for single applicants and families.
- [Qatar Announces Launch of 10-Year Residency Program](https://www.savoryandpartners.com/news/qatar-launches-10-year-residency-program) — 2026-02-03: Qatar announces the launch of a new 10-year residency program, expanding long-term options for entrepreneurs, investors, and skilled professionals.
- [Georgia Plans to Increase Property-Based Investor Visa Threshold](https://www.savoryandpartners.com/news/georgia-property-investor-visa-threshold-150000) — 2026-02-03: Georgia plans to increase the property-based investor visa threshold to $150,000 from March 2026 as part of broader immigration reforms.
- [Saudi Arabia Weighs $30M Net-Worth Track for Premium Residency](https://www.savoryandpartners.com/news/saudi-premium-residency-30m-net-worth-track) — 2026-01-28: Saudi Arabia is considering a $30M net-worth and superyacht track for its Premium Residency program, according to Bloomberg sources.
- [Spain Proposes New Minimum-Wage Increase for 2026](https://www.savoryandpartners.com/news/spain-2026-minimum-wage-digital-nomad-visa) — 2026-01-28: Spain proposes raising the 2026 minimum wage, which would increase income thresholds for the Digital Nomad Visa and other salary-linked residence routes.
- [Antigua and Barbuda Approves Digital Upgrade of Immigration System](https://www.savoryandpartners.com/news/antigua-barbuda-digital-immigration-upgrade) — 2026-01-27: Antigua and Barbuda approves digital upgrades to immigration, introducing e-gates at air and sea ports with biometric screening and ICAO-aligned systems.
- [Grenada Reports 122% Increase in CBI Applications](https://www.savoryandpartners.com/news/grenada-122-percent-increase-cbi-applications) — 2026-01-21: Grenada’s CBI program recorded a 122% increase in applications in Q3 2025, with strong revenues, higher average file values, and real estate leading investments.
- [São Tomé CBI Program Receives 98 Applications Since Launch](https://www.savoryandpartners.com/news/sao-tome-cbi-program-98-applications-since-launch) — 2026-01-21: São Tomé’s CBI program has received 98 applications from 27 nationalities since its launch in September 2025, with approvals underway and processing times averaging 2.5 months.
- [Belarus Advances Investor Citizenship Proposal](https://www.savoryandpartners.com/news/belarus-citizenship-by-investment-proposal) — 2026-01-14: Belarusian lawmakers are reviewing a draft law to allow foreign investors to obtain citizenship under preferential conditions. Details pending parliamentary review.
- [Canada Plans Two New Residency Pathways for 2026](https://www.savoryandpartners.com/news/canada-new-permanent-residency-pathways-2026) — 2026-01-14: Canada plans to launch two new permanent residency pathways in 2026, targeting temporary residents and H-1B visa holders. Details expected in the 2026–2028 period.
- [Paraguay Reports 50% Increase in Residency Applications](https://www.savoryandpartners.com/news/paraguay-50-percent-increase-residency-applications) — 2026-01-14: Paraguay has recorded a 50% increase in residency applications, driven by higher international demand and streamlined migration processes. Official data shows record volumes.
- [St. Kitts and Nevis Introduces Physical Residency Requirement for CBI Program](https://www.savoryandpartners.com/news/st-kitts-nevis-physical-residency-cbi-2026) — 2026-01-07: St. Kitts and Nevis confirms that from 2026, its citizenship-by-investment program will require physical residency and genuine-link criteria. Learn what is changing and when it applies.
- [Greece Proposes Changes to Backdated Golden Visa Permits](https://www.savoryandpartners.com/news/greece-backdated-golden-visa-permits) — 2026-01-07: Greece plans new legislation in January 2026 to address backdated Golden Visa residence permits, simplify renewals, and streamline family reunification procedures.
- [Bulgaria Launches a New Digital Nomad Visa](https://www.savoryandpartners.com/news/bulgaria-launches-new-digital-nomad-visa) — 2025-12-30: Bulgaria has introduced a new Digital Nomad Visa for non-EU professionals, offering a renewable one-year residence permit for remote workers earning at least €31,000 annually.
- [Greece’s Golden Visa Reforms Increase Long-Term Rental Supply](https://www.savoryandpartners.com/news/greece-golden-visa-reforms-increase-long-term-rental-supply) — 2025-12-30: Greece’s updated Golden Visa framework is channeling thousands of properties into the long-term rental market and encouraging redevelopment of vacant commercial spaces in Athens.
- [U.S. Confirms Validity of Existing Visas for Citizens of Antigua and Barbuda, Dominica](https://www.savoryandpartners.com/news/us-confirms-valid-visas-antigua-dominica) — 2025-12-23: The United States confirms that all visas issued to citizens of Antigua and Barbuda and Dominica before December 31, 2025, remain valid for entry under existing terms, with new visa rules to apply from 2026.
- [Canada Suspends Start-Up Visa and Self-Employed Programs](https://www.savoryandpartners.com/news/canada-suspends-startup-visa-program) — 2025-12-22: Canada suspends the Start-Up Visa and Self-Employed Persons programs, with a new entrepreneur immigration system set to launch in 2026.
- [Belize Proposes $500,000 Investor Visa Program](https://www.savoryandpartners.com/news/belize-investor-visa-program) — 2025-12-22: Belize has approved a proposal to introduce a $500,000 Investor Visa, granting permanent residency to foreigners who invest in qualifying commercial ventures.
- [Dominica Removes 5-Year Limit for Adding Children to CBI Applications](https://www.savoryandpartners.com/news/dominica-removes-5-year-limit-adding-children-cbi) — 2025-12-18: Dominica has removed the five-year restriction on adding children to approved Citizenship by Investment applications, offering families greater long-term flexibility.
- [Greece Launches €250,000 Startup Golden Visa](https://www.savoryandpartners.com/news/greece-launches-250k-startup-visa) — 2025-12-17: Greece has launched a new Startup Visa under its Golden Visa framework, allowing non-EU nationals to invest €250,000 in early-stage companies registered in the national startup registry.
- [Trump Launches $1 Million “Gold Card” Visa Program](https://www.savoryandpartners.com/news/trump-launches-gold-card-visa-program) — 2025-12-15: U.S. President Donald Trump introduces the “Gold Card” immigration program, offering fast-tracked U.S. residency and citizenship to investors contributing at least $1 million.
- [Portugal Golden Visa Investors Challenge Citizenship Law](https://www.savoryandpartners.com/news/portugal-golden-visa-investors-challenge-citizenship-law) — 2025-12-10: Portugal’s Golden Visa investors have filed a constitutional challenge against the new 10-year citizenship rule, arguing it violates legal certainty and trust for residents already in the system.
- [Saint Vincent Is Planning a New Citizenship by Investment Program](https://www.savoryandpartners.com/news/saint-vincent-planning-new-citizenship-by-investment-program) — 2025-12-10: Saint Vincent and the Grenadines has confirmed plans to introduce a Citizenship by Investment Program, with the Deputy Prime Minister outlining a multi-agency framework focused on transparency and economic growth.
- [Argentina Opens Tender to Appoint Master Agent for New CBI Program](https://www.savoryandpartners.com/news/argentina-tender-citizenship-by-investment-program) — 2025-12-09: Argentina’s Ministry of Economy has launched a public tender to select a master operator for the country’s first citizenship by investment program, expected to process up to 5,000 applications.
- [Bahrain Lowers Golden Residency Investment Threshold by 35%](https://www.savoryandpartners.com/news/bahrain-cuts-golden-residency-investment-requirement) — 2025-12-03: Bahrain has reduced the minimum investment for its Golden Residency program to $345,000, strengthening its position as an attractive long-term residency and investment destination.
- [China Expands Global Travel Access with Visa-Free Entry and India Reopening](https://www.savoryandpartners.com/news/china-expands-global-travel-access) — 2025-12-03: China adds Sweden to its visa-free policy and extends it for 45 countries until 2026, as India reopens tourist visa services for Chinese nationals and resumes direct flights.
- [Kuwait Approves 15-Year Residency Program for Investors](https://www.savoryandpartners.com/news/kuwait-approves-15-year-investor-residency-program) — 2025-12-03: Kuwait has launched a long-term investor residency program offering 10- and 15-year residence options for real estate and business investors, effective December 23, 2025.
- [Greece Ranks No. 1 in the World for Retirement in 2026](https://www.savoryandpartners.com/news/greece-ranked-best-retirement-destination-2026) — 2025-12-03: Greece has been ranked the world’s top retirement destination for 2026, surpassing Portugal and Spain due to its affordability, healthcare, and accessible residency options.
- [Italy Advances 2026 Proposal for Digital Nomad Tax Incentive](https://www.savoryandpartners.com/news/italy-advances-2026-digital-nomad-tax-incentive) — 2025-11-24: Italy is developing a new tax incentive for digital nomads under its 2026 Budget Plan. The measure would complement the Digital Nomad Visa
- [UK Plans to Introduce 3-Year Settlement Route for High Earners](https://www.savoryandpartners.com/news/uk-3-year-fast-track-ilr-route-high-earners) — 2025-11-24: The UK government plans to introduce a 3-year Indefinite Leave to Remain (ILR) route for high earners earning £125,000+ annually, part of its wider immigration reform to retain global talent.
- [Oman Expands Global Air Network with New Routes Across 3 Continents](https://www.savoryandpartners.com/news/oman-expands-global-air-network-three-continents) — 2025-11-24: Oman is expanding its aviation network with new air routes across Asia, Europe, and Africa, supporting its plan to boost tourism, logistics, and passenger traffic by 2030.
- [Armenia Announces 5-Year Fast-Track Residency Program](https://www.savoryandpartners.com/news/armenia-fast-track-residency-2026) — 2025-11-18: Armenia has announced a new five-year fast-track residency program launching August 1, 2026. The reform introduces a digital-first system offering immediate permanent residence to investors, entrepreneurs, and diaspora Armenians.
- [Oman Launches 10-Year Cultural Visa for Global Artists and Researchers](https://www.savoryandpartners.com/news/oman-cultural-visa-2025) — 2025-11-18: Oman has introduced a new Cultural Visa and Residence program offering 1-, 5-, and 10-year options for artists, researchers, and creative professionals. The initiative supports family inclusion and aims to attract global talent aligned with Oman Vision 2040.
- [Malaysia MM2H Approves 22,000 Residency Applications in 10 Years](https://www.savoryandpartners.com/news/malaysia-mm2h-approves-22000-applications) — 2025-11-18: Malaysia’s MM2H program approved 22,282 residency applications between 2015 and 2024, reflecting renewed investor interest after a post-pandemic slowdown.
- [Latvia Retains “A-” Credit Rating with Stable Outlook](https://www.savoryandpartners.com/news/latvia-credit-rating-fitch-2025) — 2025-11-12: Fitch Ratings has reaffirmed Latvia’s “A-” credit rating with a stable outlook, citing EU and eurozone membership, moderate debt levels, and improving growth prospects.
- [Sierra Leone Expands Citizenship Program for Extended Families and Business Partners](https://www.savoryandpartners.com/news/sierra-leone-citizenship-expansion) — 2025-11-11: Sierra Leone has expanded its Citizenship program to include extended families and business partners under the GO-FOR-GOLD framework. The reform introduces broader eligibility, enhanced due diligence, and greater flexibility for investors.
- [Mozambique Announces 10-Year Investor Visa Program](https://www.savoryandpartners.com/news/mozambique-investor-visa-program-2025) — 2025-11-10: Mozambique has announced a new investor residency program offering 5- and 10-year visas for investments between $500,000 and $5 million. The initiative aims to attract foreign capital, boost tourism, and support economic growth under the African Continental Free Trade Area.
- [UK Considers 20% Exit Tax on HNWIs as Budget Tightens](https://www.savoryandpartners.com/news/uk-20-percent-exit-tax-hnwis-budget-2025) — 2025-11-05: The UK government is weighing a 20% exit tax on unrealized capital gains for individuals relocating abroad, as part of efforts to close a potential £20 billion fiscal gap ahead of the November 26 Budget.
- [France’s Parliament Rejects Wealth Tax Plans Amid Coalition Tensions](https://www.savoryandpartners.com/news/france-wealth-tax-rejection-2025) — 2025-11-03: France’s parliament rejects two wealth tax proposals targeting high-net-worth individuals, passing only a limited corporate levy as political divisions deepen ahead of the 2026 budget.
- [Malaysia MM2H Approves Nearly 6,000 Applicants Under New Reforms](https://www.savoryandpartners.com/news/malaysia-mm2h-approves-6000-applicants-new-reforms) — 2025-11-03: Malaysia has approved nearly 6,000 applicants under its restructured Malaysia My Second Home program, introducing new due diligence, property investment, and security reforms to enhance transparency and attract long-term investors.
- [Qatar Launches $200,000 Property Path to Residency](https://www.savoryandpartners.com/news/qatar-200000-property-residency-path-2025) — 2025-10-28: Qatar has launched a new $200,000 real estate investment option offering one-year renewable residency, alongside its existing $1 million permanent residency route.
- [Vanuatu Strengthens CBI Program with New Amendment Bill](https://www.savoryandpartners.com/news/vanuatu-citizenship-amendment-bill-2025) — 2025-10-28: Vanuatu’s Parliament has passed a landmark Citizenship Amendment Bill to make the country’s Citizenship by Investment Program more independent, transparent, and free from political influence.
- [Saint Lucia Expands U.S. Flight Network for Winter 2025–2026](https://www.savoryandpartners.com/news/saint-lucia-us-flight-network-2025-2026) — 2025-10-27: Saint Lucia will expand its U.S. air connectivity as American Airlines resumes nonstop service from New York–JFK beginning December 20, 2025, operating weekly through the winter season.
- [Türkiye and Oman Announce Mutual Visa Exemption](https://www.savoryandpartners.com/news/turkiye-oman-visa-exemption-2025) — 2025-10-27: Türkiye and Oman have agreed to a mutual visa exemption for their citizens, enhancing travel, trade, investment, and tourism between the two nations following high-level talks in Muscat.
- [Saint Kitts and Nevis Adds Blockchain Verification to CBI Due Diligence](https://www.savoryandpartners.com/news/saint-kitts-nevis-blockchain-verification-due-diligence) — 2025-10-22: Saint Kitts and Nevis has implemented blockchain verification for due diligence reports under its Citizenship by Investment Program, enhancing transparency, data security, and authenticity across all applicant screenings.
- [UAE Introduces Golden Visa for Waqf Philanthropists](https://www.savoryandpartners.com/news/uae-golden-visa-waqf-philanthropists-2025) — 2025-10-21: The UAE has introduced a new Golden Visa category for waqf philanthropists, granting ten-year residency to donors who contribute at least AED 2 million to certified humanitarian or endowment projects.
- [Romania Proposes €400,000 Golden Visa Program](https://www.savoryandpartners.com/news/romania-golden-visa-program-2025) — 2025-10-21: Romania is preparing a €400,000 Residency by Investment Program that would grant non-EU investors a five-year renewable residence permit with no stay requirement, offering routes through bonds, real estate, and investment funds.
- [Spain Ranks World’s No. 1 Destination for Digital Nomads in 2025](https://www.savoryandpartners.com/news/spain-digital-nomad-visa-2025-ranking) — 2025-10-20: Spain has been officially ranked as the best country in the world for digital nomads in 2025, offering a five-year visa, 15% tax rate, and exceptional quality of life under its Digital Nomad Visa program.
- [UAE Expands Golden Visa Program to Offer Emergency Support Overseas](https://www.savoryandpartners.com/news/uae-golden-visa-emergency-support-2025) — 2025-10-15: The UAE now offers Golden Visa holders emergency support overseas, including crisis evacuation, repatriation, and a dedicated hotline, a first for the region.
- [Malta Maintains A Credit Rating with Stable Outlook from Morningstar DBRS](https://www.savoryandpartners.com/news/malta-credit-rating-stable-2025) — 2025-10-14: Morningstar DBRS reaffirms Malta’s A (high) credit rating with a stable outlook, citing strong fundamentals, moderate debt, and balanced fiscal risks.
- [Qatar Announces Residency and Property Titles for $200,000 Real Estate Investments](https://www.savoryandpartners.com/news/qatar-residency-property-titles-2025) — 2025-10-14: Qatar will grant residency visas and property titles within days for real-estate investments starting at $200,000, part of a new initiative to attract foreign investors.
- [Canada Extends Start-Up Visa Processing Time to Over 10 Years](https://www.savoryandpartners.com/news/canada-startup-visa-processing-time-2025) — 2025-10-13: IRCC has updated the processing time for Canada’s Start-Up Visa to more than 10 years, reflecting growing backlogs and limited capacity under current immigration targets.
- [Greece Forecasts Faster Economic Growth in 2026](https://www.savoryandpartners.com/news/greece-economic-growth-forecast-2026) — 2025-10-08: Greece projects 2.4% GDP growth in 2026, supported by higher investment, tax relief measures, and steady consumer spending. Public debt is expected to fall to 137.6% of GDP.
- [Indonesia’s Golden Visa Attracts Nearly $3 Billion Since Launch](https://www.savoryandpartners.com/news/indonesia-golden-visa-investment-2025) — 2025-10-08: Indonesia’s Golden Visa program has drawn close to $3 billion in investments since its launch in July 2024, with over 1,000 visas issued to corporate and individual investors.
- [Americans Lead in Grenada Citizenship by Investment Approvals](https://www.savoryandpartners.com/news/grenada-citizenship-by-investment-approvals-2025) — 2025-10-06: The latest data from Grenada’s Citizenship by Investment program shows a sharp rise in approvals for U.S. nationals in Q2 2025, as the Investment Migration Agency expands its outreach across Africa.
- [Dominica Joins Regional Agreement to Launch Full Free Movement](https://www.savoryandpartners.com/news/dominica-caribbean-free-movement-2025) — 2025-10-06: Dominica, Barbados, Belize, and Saint Vincent and the Grenadines have launched full free movement for their citizens, allowing indefinite stay, work, and residence across all four Caribbean nations.
- [Ajman Golden Visa Investors Lead $112M in Property Valuations After April Reforms](https://www.savoryandpartners.com/news/ajman-golden-visa-property-valuations-2025) — 2025-10-03: Ajman’s property valuations hit $112.7M in August 2025, with 69% linked to Golden Visa applications. The surge follows April’s real estate reforms, making residency-driven investment the emirate’s core market driver.
- [Caribbean Nations to Ratify Regional CBI Regulator in October 2025](https://www.savoryandpartners.com/news/caribbean-cbi-regulator-ratification-2025) — 2025-10-03: Five Eastern Caribbean nations will ratify ECCIRA in October 2025, creating a unified CBI regulator with residency rules, quotas, and regional oversight.
- [Antigua and Barbuda Signs Visa Waiver Agreements with Ghana, Kenya, and Benin](https://www.savoryandpartners.com/news/antigua-barbuda-visa-waiver-2025) — 2025-10-02: Antigua and Barbuda signed visa waiver agreements with Ghana, Kenya, and Benin at the 80th UNGA in New York. The deal expands travel, trade, and cultural ties between Africa and the Caribbean.
- [Nigeria Grants Visa-Free Entry to Saint Kitts and Nevis](https://www.savoryandpartners.com/news/nigeria-visa-free-saint-kitts-nevis) — 2025-10-02: Nigeria has granted visa-free entry to citizens of Saint Kitts and Nevis, the first such agreement with a Caribbean nation, strengthening Afri-Caribbean trade and mobility ties.
- [Botswana Announces a New CBI Program to Launch in 2026](https://www.savoryandpartners.com/news/botswana-new-citizenship-investment-2026) — 2025-09-30: Botswana will launch its first Citizenship by Investment Program in 2026, with contributions starting at $75,000, the world’s most affordable open CBI option.
- [Trump Announces Three-Tier Gold Card Visa Program](https://www.savoryandpartners.com/news/trump-gold-card-program-2025) — 2025-09-24: Trump launches a three-tier Gold Card visa program: $1M for permanent residency, $2M for corporate employee transfers, and $5M Platinum Cards with tax advantages.