Italy has officially increased its special flat tax regime for wealthy new tax residents, raising the annual lump-sum tax to €300,000, effective January 1, 2026, as part of the 2026 Budget Law, which was formally approved on December 30, 2025 and published in the Official Gazette. What Changed in the
Greece plans to introduce legislation in January 2026 to refine how its Golden Visa residence permits are issued, with a focus on fixing backdated permit validity, simplifying renewals and family reunification, and easing a large administrative backlog. Migration and Asylum Minister Thanos Plevris recently outlined the plan in Athens during
New Zealand has enacted a significant policy shift that softens its long-standing foreign buyer ban, creating a targeted pathway for ultra-high-net-worth investors to own luxury property in the country. This move reflects a broader strategy to attract global capital while maintaining protections for its domestic housing market. Targeted Exemption to
Canada is moving to pause new intake under its federal Start-Up Visa (SUV) Program, with Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) set to stop accepting new SUV permanent residence applications at 11:59 p.m. on December 31, 2025—subject to a narrow exception. IRCC framed the decision as part of broader changes
On December 10, 2025, the Trump administration formally opened applications for a new premium U.S. immigration pathway known as the Trump Gold Card, positioning it as an expedited route to lawful permanent residence for high-net-worth foreign nationals. The launch marks a notable development in U.S. immigration policy, introducing a high-cost,
In 2024, Italy introduced a residence permit for non-EU remote workers: the Digital Nomad Visa. This permit allows highly skilled professionals to live in Italy while working online for a foreign employer or for international clients as self-employed individuals. To qualify, applicants must meet certain requirements — including a minimum
On November 30, 2025, Swiss voters decisively rejected a proposal to introduce a 50 percent federal inheritance and gift tax on estates worth more than CHF 50 million. About 78 percent of voters said no, stopping a plan that would have created Switzerland’s first federal inheritance tax. This result keeps
By Larry Cooke, Head of Legal, Binance Africa Foreign direct investment (FDI) continues to be a critical driver of economic growth across Africa. Investors are increasingly discerning, seeking jurisdictions that combine market potential with regulatory clarity, strong governance, and transparent business practices. In the fintech and digital asset arena, these
The Kingdom of Bahrain has slashed the minimum real-estate investment required to obtain its Golden Residency visa from roughly US$530,555 to US$345,000, a 35% reduction. Under the revised terms, foreign nationals who own property in Bahrain worth at least BHD 130,000 (approximately US$345,000) now become eligible for Golden Residency. What
Kuwait has announced a significant update to its residency framework by creating long-term residency options for foreign investors. Under the newly issued Executive Regulations of the Residence of Foreigners Law, qualifying investors can obtain residency permits valid for 10 years or 15 years, depending on the type of investment. This
