Portugal and Malta have become the most popular European residence and citizenship options for South Africans.<\/p>\n
This is according to\u00a0Nigel Barnes, managing partner of emigration consultants Henley & Partners, who said that both options offer opportunities to visit other EU countries.<\/p>\n
“Portugal\u2019s Golden Residence Permit program provides successful applicants visa-free access to Europe\u2019s Schengen area as well as the EU member states,” said\u00a0Barnes. “It is also considered very safe, and has excellent healthcare and education systems.”<\/p>\n
“Successful applicants of the Malta Individual Investor Program also enjoy access to the EU and Malta\u2019s many benefits \u2014 settlement in a safe and stable environment, world-class childcare, education and medical facilities, and an attractive tax regime,” he said.<\/p>\n
Outside of Europe, the Caribbean has also remained a popular choice for South Africans – specifically Grenada, said Barnes.<\/p>\n
This is because it provides visa-free travel to China, Brazil, Hong Kong and Europe\u2019s Schengen area, and is the only Caribbean country with a citizenship-by-investment program that provides the opportunity to apply to live and work in the US through the E-2 Investor Visa, he said.<\/p>\n
“Further, we have also seen wealthy South Africans flocking to Asia for retirement \u2014 and increasingly to Southeast Asia,” said Barnes.<\/p>\n
“Thailand has earned its reputation as one of the most sought-after tourist destinations in Southeast Asia and is also becoming an increasingly attractive option for individuals looking for a second home or retirement destination.<\/p>\n
“Through the Thailand Elite Residence Program, successful applicants have access to exclusive VIP privileges and are granted the right to live in the country for up to 20 years.”<\/p>\n
Read: 8 of the cheapest visa-free countries South Africans can visit in 2017<\/a><\/strong><\/p>\n How many South Africans are actually leaving?<\/strong><\/p>\n “While we have seen an increase in inquiries from South Africa, the majority of citizenship program applicants have no intention to emigrate, but rather to have a \u2018Plan B\u2019 option available, and hedge against future uncertainty,” said Barnes.<\/p>\n “South Africans are interested in an alternative citizenship to increase their global mobility – visa-free access to destinations worldwide – both for travel and business purposes. But, they are also looking for safety and security for their families,” he said.<\/p>\n
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