#schengen visa reform

[sotomato06]

Leaving the US?

Following the events of last night, its likely a lot of you want to leave the United States. I don't blame you and can't say I haven't entertained the same thoughts. So I complied this list of the easiest countries to move to from the United States, and the pros and cons of each nation

Mexico

Mexico is close to the United States, not requiring a flight to get there (though it is recommended if within your price range) The nation allows residency of US citizens for up to 180 days without a visa or permit, allowing plenty of time to apply for the temporary residency visa which is normally valid for 4-5 years. After 5 years of residency, you can apply for permanent citizenship. https://consulmex.sre.gob.mx/leamington/index.php/non-mexicans/visas/115-temporary-resident-visa

Mexico has a much lower cost of living than the USA, with the average Mexican spending around $1000 usd or MEX$20151.55 mxn. Jobs do pay lower, but the cost of living still works out lower than in the United States and the work environment in Mexico is known to be more healthy. Along with the great weather (and food) Mexico is a good choice for Americans trying to escape the country.

 Claudia Sheinbaum, the current president of Mexico was recently sworn in and is a strong advocate for women's rights. She has fought for Abortion rights in Mexico, along with other reproductive rights. She is also a Champion of LGBTQ+ rights and has been fighting to help queer people in Mexico for the majority of her career. She is expanding Mexican welfare and is an environmental advocate. Same-Sex Marriage has been fully legal in Mexico since 2021 and Abortion is not criminalized and preformed in almost all Mexican states. For more information, I suggest the Wikipedia article on Abortion in Mexico, as it is a complicated subject. Although currently, it is ranked around the same as the USA on access across the whole country, Mexican Abortion legislation is moving in the opposite direction to the United State's, as according to the Center for Reproductive Rights, once all of the Mexican states properly reform their laws to comply with the 2023 court ruling, Mexico will be a rank one on Abortion laws, or Abortion available everywhere on request which is expected to be soon. Changing one's legal name and gender is protected under Mexican laws, and the majority of states have anti discrimination laws in place. One state even allows one to change their gender to something other than male or female, recognizing non-binary identities legally.

Portugal

Portugal is a good option for those who have funds to put into leaving. Portugal offers a program for a Golden Visa which can be obtained through owning a certain amount of real estate although there are other ways. This Visa offers the chance at citizenship after holding for only 5 years. https://getgoldenvisa.com/portugal-golden-visa-program

Portugal offers a lot of benefits for retirees as well, so if your grandma also wants to flee the country, Portugal may be the country for her. The weather is good and it is known to be incredibly peaceful and pretty.

Portugal is also in the European Union, meaning citizenship here also means EU citizenship and access to the whole Schengen Zone, allowing a lot of opportunity for education and location, as you don't have to obtain another citizenship to move to another EU nation. Abortion is legal in Portugal as is Same-Sex Marriage and both are protected under the laws of the EU. Trans rights are also protected and a trans person is allowed to change their legal gender without a medical diagnosis.

Ecuador

Ecuador is another option that is good if you aren't looking to leave the Americas. Ecuador allows visa free residency for up to 90 days and grant Permanent resident visas after only 21 months of living with a temporary visa. There are many temporary visa options including an investment one similar to Portugal's and a retiree option. Another option would be the Professional Visa, although that one is more likely to be granted if you have a job lined up and a university degree, it is the only one that does not require a lot of money. Get in touch with an Ecuador embassy here https://travel.state.gov/content/travel/en/consularnotification/ConsularNotificationandAccess/Ecuador.html

Ecuador also has a lower cost of living compared to the United States and the English language and dollar are often used in the country. The weather in Ecuador is an incredibly good feature of the nation as well.

Ecuador does not allow abortion upon request, but they do allow it to save the life of the mother or for other extreme cases involving rape. There are multiple organizations working to change this however and extend these rights to be more like those of Mexico or Argentina. Same-Sex marriage is protected in Ecuador as of 2019 and transgender people are able to change their legal gender without needing to go through gender affirming surgery.

Spain

Spain has an education based program where citizens of Canada and the United States are granted temporary visa's to come and teach English in the nation. You are compensated and only expected to work for 12-16 hours a week. Under this visa, you can find other work and apply for a more permanent professional Visa, which only have to be renewed every few years and leads you on the path to permanent residency. https://www.educacionfpydeportes.gob.es/eeuu/convocatorias-programas/convocatorias-eeuu/nalcap.html

Spain is also a member of the EU and residency here allows access to the Schengen zone of Europe as well. Spain has abortion on request up to 14 weeks and allows emergency abortions when the mother's life could be at risk even after that. Spain also allows same-sex marriage and has trans protection laws in place, with somebody over 16 allowed to change their legal gender, no parent, judge or doctor involved. Spain also has a very relaxed work culture with the maximum allowed work hours a week being 40 and the average worked being 36.

South Korea

South Korea has a very similar program to Spain, where you can live there for up to a year and teach English, although the South Korean program often requires a bachelors degree. Following the stay with the temporary teaching visa, you could apply for a more permanent option. A "resident visa" in South Korea is typically referred to as an "F-5 visa", which signifies a permanent residency permit, allowing foreigners to live and work in the country indefinitely; to qualify, you must meet certain criteria like significant investment in a Korean business, marriage to a Korean citizen, or a long-term stay with exceptional skills in a specific field.  https://www.internations.org/south-korea-expats/guide/visas-work-permits

As of 2021, Abortion is fully legal in the nation and is available upon request, although due to the nature in which it was legalized it is a bit iffy. I would recommend reading further into it. However, although Homosexuality is not criminalized in the country, South Korea has no official recognition of any sort of Marriage or civil unions between same-sex couples and they often face discrimination. So if you are in a same sex relationship, South Korea may not be the place for you.

Australia

Australia is one of the easiest nations for Americans to live in under a temporary Visa, as they have a program called the working holiday program and you can live there up to 3 years under it. However, this program does not lead to permanent residency and you would have to apply for another visa, either a work or family, to move there permanently. https://immi.homeaffairs.gov.au/visas/permanent-resident

Australia allows abortion up to 23 weeks upon request, although specifics do vary between states. Queer rights in Australia rank among the highest in the world, as marriage has been fully legalized since 2017 and they are also a world leader in trans rights. All Australian states allow the changing of one's gender legally and support gender affirming care. Non-discriminations laws are also present in all the states.

Canada

Canada allows American citizens to stay in their country for up to 6 months visa free, although they are not allowed to work without any sort of visa. The easiest way to gain Canadian residency is though the express visa system. This immigration program targets skilled workers than can contribute to three economic fields in Canada. Canadian citizenship is available after five years of residency. https://www.canada.ca/en/immigration-refugees-citizenship/services/immigrate-canada/express-entry/works.html

Cost of living in Canada is slightly higher than in the US, but the benefits are greater with more affordable education and universal healthcare.

Canada is known as one of the best nations for LGBTQ+ people. It was the third nation in the world to legalize same sex marriage. Since June 2017, all places within Canada explicitly within the Canadian Human Rights Act, equal opportunity and/or anti-discrimination legislation prohibit discrimination against gender identity or gender identity or expression. This includes trans rights, who are protected under Canadian law. Abortion is publicly funded and available throughout the entire nation in Canada.

If you live in a red state and aren't interested in leaving the country, but don't want to stay where you are, here's some stats that may help make your decision on where to move to;

States with no abolition ban:

Washington DC, New Jersey, Maryland, Oregon, Vermont, Michigan, Minnesota, Colorado, New Mexico, Alaska

Best states for LGBTQ+ individuals:

New York, Oregon, Minnesota, California, Colorado, Massachusetts, New Hampshire, Vermont, Rhode Island, Connecticut, Maine, Washington DC

Hope this helps whoever may need it.

[stackslip]

The European Union is set to generate millions of euros more from the high rejection rates of visa applications by African visitors with a new increase in non-refundable fees.

Citizens of the 26 member states within Europe’s Schengen area have unhindered borderless access within the area, while most travelers from elsewhere require visas. A 12.5% price hike that takes effect on June 11 increases the cost of a short-term (90 days) visa application to €90.

But while the price hike applies equally to all non-EU residents who require a Schengen visa, it raises the prospect of the bloc making disproportionately more money from its rejection rates for applicants from Africa, analysts say.

Of the €130 million the EU earned in 2023 from rejected visa applications, about 42% of that was from applicants living in Africa, even though the continent accounts for 24% of Schengen visa applications, according to London-based research firm LAGO Collective. Prospective visitors who apply from Ghana, Senegal and Nigeria receive rejection rates of between 40% and 50%, LAGO estimated, based on data from the European Commission’s migration and home affairs office.

“We found a relationship between the GDP of countries and rejection rates for short-term visas,” Marta Foresti, LAGO’s founder, told Semafor Africa. A similar rejection trend in 2024 with the new price would deepen long-standing inequality of outcomes between consumers paying for the same service from high and low-income countries, Foresti said.

While these encourage dangerous attempts to reach Europe across seas and deserts, most African migration is via “regular channels,” the Africa Center for Strategic Studies in Washington DC notes.

Yet Africans applying to visit Europe for short-term stays, such as business engagements or conferences, continue to face a stumbling block.

Average rejection rates for African applicants are generally 10 percentage points higher than the global average, Mehari Taddele Maru, a researcher at the EU-owned European University Institute in Italy, found. Seven of the top ten countries with the highest rejection rates for Schengen visa applications in 2022 were in Africa.

The EU’s more expensive visa and its potentially disproportionate impact on Africans comes as the bloc takes a tougher stance on migration.

New rules approved by the EU Commission in April impose a higher standard for screening non-EU nationals at borders, including the collection of biometric data, and health and security checks. Border fences set up by member states within the Schengen area have become longer in the last decade, stretching from 315 km to 2,048 km as of 2022.

Higher visa prices could be another type of fence, which when combined with high rejection rates, will continue to enrich European consulates at the expense of residents of low income countries who nevertheless have legitimate reasons to be in Europe.

Africa’s high rejection rate is sometimes explained as a consequence of visitors overstaying their visas. But “there is no evidence to suggest that a higher rejection rate leads to a decrease in irregular migration or visa overstays,” Maru argues. In essence, an unexplained bias against Africans is at play.

The costs of rejection to African entrepreneurs, career professionals, artists and other seekers of the EU’s short-term visa calls for a reform of the approval process, Foresti told me. Consulates with high unequal outcomes should review their decision-making to ensure “systematic discrimination” against some countries isn’t an underlying cause.

And should some EU members enforce high rejection for short-term visas to dissuade overstays by residents of particular African countries, more paths to legal migration should be considered, she argued.

[wavevisa001]

Top 5 Schengen Visa Changes by France in 2025: What You Need to Know.

Table of Contents

Introduction: France’s Schengen Visa Reform for 2025

Why France is Introducing Visa Reforms

Overview of Expected Schengen Visa Changes

Key Rules That Could Change Post-Reform

France to Extend Talent Visas for Skilled Workers

Digitalization of the Schengen Visa Process

How This Reform Impacts Foreign Nationals

Conclusion: Stay Prepared for Visa Changes

Top 5 Schengen Visa Changes by France in 2025

France is set to introduce significant changes to its Schengen visa system in 2025. These reforms aim to address irregular migration, enhance security, and modernize visa processing. While certain rules may become stricter, others are expected to offer flexibility for specific categories of foreign nationals. Here’s everything you need to know about the proposed changes.

Why France is Introducing Visa Reforms

The planned reforms are based on the Hermelin Report, which calls for a balanced approach to strengthen border controls and streamline visa processing. The changes aim to tackle irregular migration while promoting France as a hub for academic, cultural, and economic collaboration.

Overview of Expected Schengen Visa Changes

The reforms are designed to bring about both stricter and more flexible rules. France plans to implement the following:

Enhanced security checks for visa applicants.

Improved data sharing with other Schengen member states.

More cooperative measures for partner nations.

Streamlined digital visa processing to modernize the system.

Expansion of talent visa programs for skilled professionals.

Key Rules That Could Change Post-Reform

Below are the expected changes under France’s Schengen visa reform:

Strengthened Security Checks:Visa security protocols will become more robust to ensure thorough background checks on applicants.

Improved Data Sharing:France will enhance collaboration with other Schengen countries, sharing visa applicant data through the Schengen Information System.

Stricter Rules for Irregular Migrants:Foreign nationals from certain countries found to be residing illegally in France will face stricter regulations.

Flexible Rules for Cooperative Countries:Nationals from countries that actively cooperate with France on migration and security issues will benefit from relaxed visa requirements.

Digital Visa Processing:The digitalization of the visa application process will be accelerated to make it more efficient and user-friendly.

France to Extend Talent Visas for Skilled Workers

France is also focusing on extending its talent visa programs. This initiative aims to attract highly skilled professionals in technology, science, arts, and other key sectors, strengthening France’s position as a global economic and cultural leader.

Digitalization of the Schengen Visa Process

One of the most anticipated changes is the fast-tracking of the digital visa process. This will simplify the application procedure, reduce paperwork, and shorten processing times, making it easier for eligible applicants to secure their visas.

How This Reform Impacts Foreign Nationals

For Skilled Workers:Professionals in high-demand sectors will benefit from the expanded talent visa programs.

For Cooperative Nations:Citizens of countries with strong bilateral ties to France may experience more flexible visa policies.

For Irregular Migrants:Those residing illegally in France may face stricter enforcement and deportation measures.

For Students and Academics:Streamlined visa processes will encourage more international students and researchers to choose France.

Conclusion: Stay Prepared for Visa Changes

France’s Schengen visa reform for 2025 is poised to bring about transformative changes, balancing stricter regulations with opportunities for skilled workers and partner nations. If you’re planning to apply for a French Schengen visa, it’s essential to stay updated and ensure your application aligns with the new requirements.

[head-post]

EU delays Entry-Exit System again

The European Union has postponed the introduction of the Entry/Exit System (EES) for non-EU citizens, which was due to be introduced on 10 November, after Germany, France and the Netherlands said the border computer systems were not yet ready, Euronews reports.

The announcement was made by Ylva Johansson, the Commissioner for Home Affairs, at the end of a meeting of EU interior ministers on Thursday where the issue was discussed.

Johansson noted that “there are some concerns about the sustainability of the system.” The EES is a comprehensive reform designed to modernise checks at the EU’s external borders and facilitate information sharing.

Alternatively, she said, the EU could introduce EES in a phased manner, “little by little, step by step, rather than a “Big Bang” at all border crossings at the same time.”

However, such an approach is not foreseen in the current regulation and would require “targeted amendments” to the legal text. In any case, she stressed, gradual implementation would not begin from November 10.

What is an Entry/Exit system?

EES is a comprehensive reform that started back in 2016 and has been repeatedly postponed. Its main aim is to modernise controls at the EU’s external borders and replace the traditional physical stamp in the passport.

It will apply to non-EU nationals travelling to the bloc for the purpose of a visit, holiday or business trip and staying for a total of no more than 90 days within a 180-day period.

Once the system is in place, visitors will be required to present their passports on arrival and have their face photographed and fingerprints scanned electronically. All entries and exits from the passport-free Schengen Area will be recorded.

The collection of biometric data and real-time information sharing is designed to help authorities crack down on those overstaying short-term visas and committing identity fraud.

Germany, France and the Netherlands are not ready

All EU member states except Cyprus and Ireland will take part in the scheme, as well as four Schengen-affiliated countries – Iceland, Liechtenstein, Norway and Switzerland. In Cyprus and Ireland, passports will still be stamped manually. Johansson told reporters, noting that Germany, France and the Netherlands have said they are not ready:

“November 10 is out of the question. I hope we can start as soon as possible, but for now there is no new deadline. It also depends on the legal assessment we will make, and we are working on that right now.”

A spokesman for the German interior ministry said the three countries, which account for 40 per cent of affected passenger traffic, were not ready for EES implementation because “the necessary stability and functionality of the central EES system to be provided by the EU agency EU-Lisa has not yet been implemented.” EU-Lisa is the agency responsible for implementing large-scale IT systems in the EU.

The French Ministry of the Interior has stated that while France is convinced of the usefulness of EES, its implementation must be properly prepared. The Dutch government did not comment on this information.

Read more HERE

[warningsine]

The best thing that can be said about Thailand and Malaysia wanting to join BRICS is that it won’t cost them anything. They won’t gain much, either.

The idea of lumping Brazil, Russia, India, China, and South Africa together began as a thought experiment by Goldman Sachs, a way for the bank to parcel its bond portfolio in the advanced developing world. When the idea was taken up by those countries in the late 2000s, it was only as a gentlemen’s club where participants could gather to bemoan why they were apparently dealt such a bad hand by the U.S.-led international order.

Yet, BRICS isn’t a geopolitical club since most members (China and India, for instance) have conflicting interests. If Saudi Arabia joins, it will be seated next to Iran (a new member), its hegemonic rival in the Middle East. This guarantees that nothing of any importance will be discussed at BRICS summits. (How are you going to have a meaningful conversation on energy, for instance, with all these conflicting interests?)

Moreover, Russia, China, and Iran are now staunchly in the same camp of wanting to tear down the Western order. Brazil, India, and South Africa (plus Egypt and the UAE, two new members) are quite content with that order. So, say goodbye to any meaningful conversations about security at BRICS summits.

Economics is the only thing left that the members might actually discuss properly, but BRICS isn’t an economic club either. In an interview with Chinese media last month, Malaysian Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim seemed convinced that BRICS may one day establish a shared currency that might rival the U.S. dollar. He clearly didn’t listen to the BRICS summit last year when almost the first thing the leaders said was that they don’t want a BRICS currency.

There is the BRICS’ New Development Bank, which has ample funds. But you don’t need to be a BRICS member to access them. Bangladesh and Uruguay are members of the development bank but not the bloc. Moreover, joining BRICS wouldn’t give Thailand or Malaysia much say over how the development bank functions since the founding document says the original five members will always have 55 percent of the total voting power, and almost all of the funds are provided by China.

There’s also BRICS’ Contingent Reserve Arrangement, but, at least for now, Malaysia and Thailand are unlikely to experience short-term balance of payments pressures, and if they did, they are already part of other currency swap arrangements. Moreover, if you’re a reformist-minded leader, like Thai Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin, joining BRICS isn’t even a way of incentivizing your own bureaucracy to implement much-needed structural reforms since there are no structural conditions on membership, hence why Ethiopia, one of the poorest countries in the world, was able to join.

Indonesia took a look at BRICS last year and said, “it’s a no from us.” Argentina said the same after a new president entered office who doesn’t just want to find new means of leeching off others so the country doesn’t have to pay its debts. Saudi Arabia, another country invited to join in 2023, is dragging its feet, well aware that joining might be perceived by the U.S., its security guarantor, as an anti-Western move.

So why do Malaysia and Thailand want to join? There’s probably a good deal of their governments playing up for their local audience. Thitinan Pongsudhirak, someone always worth listening to, argued that this “hasty and misguided move” was intended for domestic consumption, mainly because Srettha has a litany of unfulfilled promises: no progress on joining the OECD; no Schengen visa-free deal; no real progress on a trade deal with the European Union; and major pushback on his government’s “digital wallet” and “Land Bridge” schemes.

“BRICS is thus played to domestic audiences as a deliverable achievement,” Thitinan argued. For Malaysia’s Premier Anwar, it makes some sense politically to appear not to be fully aligned with the West (not least over Gaza) and to have a foot in the same camp where Beijing calls most of the shots.

Indeed, the purpose of joining is to feed into a narrative. It’s apparently about having a louder voice for the “Global South” and within the “Global South.” Thai foreign minister Maris Sangiampongsa spoke about having “a more active role in South-South cooperation.” If you read anything on BRICS, you’ll likely hear something like this: the bloc was created to build a multipolar world order and give a louder voice to the Global South. At the time it was founded, that made some sense. The first summit was in 2009, a moment in time when the Global Financial Crisis was sweeping through the developed world, the U.S. was reeling from failed Middle Eastern wars, and people started taking seriously the cliché about “the West” versus “the Rest.” China hadn’t yet launched its Belt and Road Initiative nor shown the world the true aggressive nature of its rise; Russia was still the world’s friendly oil merchant.

Since then, “The Rest” has mutated into the new buzzword, “the Global South,” a term so malleable it defies definition. However, unlike in the late 2000s, the developed world is now no longer economically sluggish – just look at the U.S. economy – while China is on the precipice of economic collapse on numerous fronts. Russia has shown its true colors. Iran (a member) and Saudi Arabia (a possible member) are locked in a battle for regional supremacy.

Sarang Shidore, director of the Quincy Institute’s Global South Program, argued recently in Foreign Policy that “Southeast Asia’s presence in BRICS strengthens the collective voice on reform of the international system, which Thailand and Malaysia also desire.” The problem with expanding a group like BRICS is that it brings in so many disparate voices that it stops the organization from doing much of anything. Thailand and Malaysia should be now well aware of some of the problems their own region faces because ASEAN doubled in size in the 1990s. Or, when an organization expands, one member steps in, becomes first among equals, and starts dictating policy, which is what Beijing has always wanted from BRICS. But that would make the grouping a mere Chinese vessel. That’s unlikely because BRICS includes members (India and Egypt) who don’t want this to happen.

And, even if BRICS limps along having fewer and fewer meaningful conversations because so many of its members disagree on most things, there’s also the question of what sort of discussions on reforming the international system Malaysia and Thailand would actually want to be part of. Russia wants to enlist as much support (or silence) from developing countries so it can continue its genocidal war in Ukraine – and then potentially onward to Poland and the Baltics. China wants to enlist the support of as many developing countries as possible so it can demand trade concessions from the United States. (China isn’t the articulator of the Global South’s concerns; it wants the Global South to ventriloquize its concerns.) India, a classic non-aligned power, really doesn’t like what China is doing and is investing much less time in BRICS.

[riseconsultancy]

Greece Investor Visa

The Greece Permanent Residence Permit for Investors application process is overseen by the Aliens and Immigration Department of the Decentralised Administrations, and regulated by Articles 8 and 14 of Law 4332/2015, Law 4251/2014 and Joint Ministerial Decision 68019/2015.

Mobility

Access to Schengen Area

Minimum Capital Outlay

€ 252,510

Minimum Criteria

Choice of Real Estate or an Investment Project

Pre-Requisites

Main applicant must be at least 18 years of age

Application Processing Time

3 Months

Physical Presence

One visit required

About Greece

Greece, officially called the Hellenic Republic, is in the Southern and South-eastern part of Europe with a population of approximately 11 million. Its capital is Athens, and the official language spoken is Greek although English is spoken by many of the locals. Greece adopted the euro as its official currency in 2001, meaning that it was one of the first countries to make use of the euro banknotes and coins.

Greece, a full EU Member State, scores high on all major factors taken into consideration when choosing a new country for relocating, such as quality of life, regulated environment, secure living conditions in urban and rural areas, access to efficient services, residence privileges for family members, freedom to travel, among others. The country presents unique investment opportunities through business development models that promote its competitive advantages and investment potential in various sectors of production. Sectors such as ICT, energy, life sciences, export-oriented manufacturing and logistics are sectors which receive favourable consideration in terms of investment opportunities.

With a new vision for development, Greece aims to attract foreign direct investments in infrastructure, manufacturing, energy, tourism, agriculture and other sectors through flexible and fast administrative procedures, and by promoting its natural resources, well-educated human capital and other unique comparative advantages in the broader South-eastern European region.

Benefits of the Greece Permanent Residence Permit for Investors Programme

The Greece Permanent Residence Permit for Investors Programme (GPRP) was launched in 2013 to attract foreign direct investments to Greece and is the lowest entry point for residency in Europe via a real estate purchase. It is also the only European programme offering permanent residency from day one. The Immigration and Social Integration code, 2014 introduced provisions to facilitate the stay of non-EU nationals, who are granted a five-year residency visa, in return for a real estate investment of EUR 250,000. This visa can be acquired under 90 days and is renewable every five years, if the property investment is retained.

The GPRP also offers an investment route. The investment activity may be implemented through the construction of new facilities (greenfield investments) or business acquisitions, restructuring as well as expansion of current activities (brownfield investments), provided that it has a positive impact on the national economy. Residence permits offered to investors and executives can be renewed every five years, as long as they maintain their position in relation to the investment and the investment continues to be active. Furthermore, up to 10 residence permits may be made available for investors and executives, depending on the scale of the investment.

In Greece, a new economy is in the making. In parallel, investment opportunities are abundant and attractive, in a wide variety of sectors. Greece’s massive reform efforts are opening new investment frontiers that reward both first movers and established players. The next decade is set to see sustained growth in tourism, ICT, energy, environmental sciences, food, beverage and agriculture, logistics, and life sciences. An outward-looking economy that is focused on long-term growth means that investors can look forward to highly favourable returns. As a member of the European Union and the Eurozone, Greece continues to be the economic hub of Southeast Europe, an ideal gateway to the Middle East, Western Europe, and North Africa, and an emerging logistics hub for the entire region.

Commitment expectations

To apply for permanent residence through the GPRP, one of the following commitments is required:

Own real estate property in Greece, either personally or through a 100% owned, legal entity based in Greece or another EU member state. This may also include a plot of land or acreage together with the construction of a building. The total minimum value of the investment must be of EUR 250,000; or

A lease agreement for a minimum of 10 years, for hotel accommodations or furnished tourist residences in integrated tourist resorts, including timeshare agreements as per Law 1652/1986 provided the minimum cost of the lease is EUR 250,000; or

A minimum investment of EUR 250,000 in Greece, either personally or through a 100% owned, legal entity based in Greece or another EU member state. Investment activity may include the construction of new facilities (greenfield investments) or business acquisitions, restructuring or expansion of current activities (brownfield investments). Investment projects must have a positive impact on national development and the economy through factors such as job creation, promotion of domestic resources and vertical integration of domestic production, export orientation, innovation and adoption of new technology;

Further to this, the amount of government-related administrative fees is approximately EUR 2,516 for a single main applicant, and an additional EUR 150 for every adult dependent. Minor dependents are exempt from such fees.

Furthermore, if the real estate route is chosen, one may expect additional fees amounting to approximately 8% of the property’s value to cover typical expenses such as notary fees, new ownership registration, residency permit vouchers, insurance, stamp duty, translations, legal fees for the property transfer and residency permit, and legal checks of the property. An additional 3% Property Transfer Tax or 24% VAT, should also be expected based on various parameters.

This means that the total capital outlay for a single applicant through the real estate route, is approximately EUR 280,166 including the investment, government fees, typical expenses for the acquisition of the real estate and Property Transfer Tax. This indicative amount excludes service providers’ professional fees and any other statutory taxes.

The Application Process

The application process typically commences with the signing of a power of attorney with a service provider to facilitate the liaison with the different stakeholders. This is followed by a visit to the Greek Consulate in your place of residence to apply for a visa to enter Greece (visa type C, or type D where appropriate).

Once you enter Greece, you can apply immediately for a residence permit, after all the procedures for the property purchase have been finalized. In any case, you must apply for a residence permit while your visa is valid. Once the application is submitted, the Greek authorities issue a receipt of application, which may be used as a temporary permit prior to residency being granted.

An appointment at the Decentralized Authority will be required, for the purpose of biometric data collection. Approximately, 2 months from submission the authorities are usually able to issue the residence permit.

The Route To Residency

REAL ESTATE — EUR 250,000 invested in real estate anywhere in Greece, either personally or through a sole-ownership legal entity based in Greece or another EU member stateA total of EUR 250,000 lease for a minimum of 10 years for hotel accommodations or furnished tourist residences in integrated tourist resorts

OR

COMMITMENTS EUR 250,000 invested either personally or through a legal entity, provided that the investment project has a positive impact on national development and the economy.OR

ADMINISTRATIVE FEES — EUR 2,000 for residence permit for 5 years for a single main applicant, and EUR 150 for adult dependents. Dependents under 18 years of age are exempt.EUR 500 for the electronic residence permit. and EUR 16 for a single document permit.

If the investment is in real estate, an approximate 8% should be expected, additional to the value of the property. Furthermore, an additional 3% or 24% may be expected in Property Transfer Tax or V.A.T.

INVESTMENT — EUR 250,000 invested either personally or through a legal entity, provided that the investment project has a positive impact on national development and the economy.

CONTRIBUTION — This programme does not require applicants to make a financial contribution to the state.

And Also — There are restrictions on properties located in border regions. Investors affected by the restrictions above, can request the lifting of the ban for the border regions, along with their application, which should clearly state the intended use for the property. If the investment is in a project that has a positive impact on national development and the economy, up to 10 residence permits may be made available for investors and executives, depending on the scale of the investment. A Private health insurance policy will be required for the whole length of stay;

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[beardedmrbean]

Bulgarian head of state President Roumen Radev began on April 20 two days of consultations with the six groups in the 49th National Assembly ahead of handing over the first mandate to seek to form a government.

Radev first met a delegation from GERB-UDF, the largest parliamentary group and thus to be the one to receive the first mandate.

He told the GERB-UDF delegation – headed by Boiko Borissov, present for such consultations for the first time in a number of years – that the largest parliamentary group had the greatest responsibility for forming a government, one that should be formed as quickly as possible and with the broadest possible support in Parliament, amid the conditions of war and crisis.

Radev asked the delegation when he should hand over the first mandate, to which the GERB-UDF group signalled that it did not want Radev to hasten to do so.

GERB-UDF’s Dessislava Atanassova said that the earliest parliamentary committees could start work was at the end of next week or after May 1.

Atanassova said that with the agreement of all other parliamentary groups, as many laws as possible could be considered within two to three weeks.

She named as priority legislation those bills tabled by the caretaker government that were linked to the Recovery and Resilience Plan, accession to the euro zone and to the Schengen visa one, as two bills related to judicial reform.

Borissov, speaking to reporters after the meeting with Radev, repeated his pre-election statement that he would not be the candidate Prime Minister.

He said that a proposed government could be formed very quickly, and half of the GERB-UDF parliamentary group were former cabinet ministers.

Borissov reiterated his stated view that the most stable government would be a coalition between GERB-UDF and Parliament’s second-largest group, We Continue the Change-Democratic Bulgaria. WCC-DB repeatedly has rejected supporting a government nominated by GERB or with GERB participation.

WCC-DB was Radev’s second meeting of the day, where he again raised the question of their view when he should hand over the mandate to seek to form a government.

WCC-DB co-leader Kiril Petkov outlined the priorities in the legislative programme it earlier agreed with GERB-UDF – the ability for the Prosecutor-General to be investigated, the reform of the anti-corruption commission, and legislation linked to accession to the euro zone and Schengen.

WCC-DB’s Nikolai Denkov said that three months would be needed to approve the crucial legislation.

Radev responded that he had taken a “big political risk” in dragging out the mandate-handing process at the time of the 48th National Assembly, saying that he had taken this approach in the hope that passions would be cooled and an elected government would be agreed on.

He said that this approach had produced no result, while no crucial laws were not passed and instead the National Assembly had devoted its time to amending the Electoral Code in a way that resulted in unprecedented chaos in the April elections.

Radev recently signalled that this time around, he would not delay in handling the mandate-handing process.

According to the presidency’s official website, Radev is due to hold talks on April 21 with the remaining four parliamentary groups, in order of size – Vuzrazhdane, the Movement for Rights and Freedoms, the Bulgarian Socialist Party, and ITN.

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Attention! Major reform of the Schengen visa will officially implement in 2020

Recently, the EU Council officially adopted a reform plan for the Schengen visa, the Schengen visa ushered in the biggest reform in a decade, and the new Schengen visa policy will be officially implemented from January 2020!

New reform of the Schengen visa are as follows:

1. The Schengen visa can be applied half a year in advance

From the original three months changed to six months, so that you can avoid the peak tourist time and plan ahead.

2. Uniform the validity period of multiple entry visa

The previous multiple entry visas are issued by each Schengen country, so there will be different validity periods. After the reform, the validity period of multiple entry visas will be unified, which is as short as one year and no longer than five years, and the expiration date will increase as the number of applications increases.

3. Fees for short-term schengen visas will rise

After the reform, the short-term Schengen visa fee will increase from 60 euros to 80 euros, visa fees for minors between the ages of 6 and 12 will increase from 35 Euro to 40 Euro, still free for children under 6 years old.

4. The Schengen visa will be fully electronic

The full realization of the electronic Schengen visa is a major feature of this reform. The most time-consuming and difficult interview session of the Schengen visa has always been a problem. After the reform, governments will be allowed to conduct interviews in a more scientific way, which greatly simplified the application process.

The Turkey passport program

Advantages

1. Short naturalization period;

2. Simple application process;

3. Visa free to 117 countries;

4. No stay requirements*;

5. Allow dual nationality;

6. No custom duty;

7. It is an EU Customs Union country and has signed bilateral trade agreements with many European. Asian and non-peripheral countries which is greatly beneficial to business.

8. One of the most cost-effective naturalization programs on the market.

Requirements:

1. Non-criminal record;

2. Investment requirements* for details, please contact us

WZ&P— leader in residence and citizenship planning of EU for  Non-EU citizens.

Want to know more？Please follow and contact us for more details

E-mail: grace.w@wz-p.com

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Related articles/program: Residence permit and citizenship programs of Europe and America

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Denmark Visa Information

https://ko.ivisa.com/denmark-etias

When you need to view some old photographs, rather with a nostalgic theme, then the best location is Denmark etias.  This is a wonderful little town located in Southern Denmark. The main highlight of seeing this city is its beautiful castle. It was used throughout the Middle Ages as a fortress and now it provides a kind of a cultural haven. In the following article, I'll tell you some fascinating facts about the town.

Denmark etias has a population of about five hundred million citizens and there's a strong link between this town and Copenhagen, Denmark. Many Danish film makers call this city their home since many of its citizens follow their lead in regards to fashion and culture. The Danish authorities made it possible for citizens to live in Denmark without having a visa waiver in order to relish their freedom of choice.

Denmark has recently reformed its own immigration system and taxpayers from Schengen countries are not required to have a visa for a stay up to 3 months. Denmark has turned into a popular tourist destination for citizens of Schengen countries as well as non-Schengen citizens. It has made Denmark a favorite destination for non-Schengen visa seekers, mainly since Danish citizens are very inviting and hospitable.

To apply for a visa, you need to submit an internet application that requires you to fill in basic information such as your name, contact details, employment details, residence etc.. After submitting this form, you will be asked to wait for several weeks until you are informed whether you have been approved or not. There is not any need to worry about the duration because it is quite short. You are able to see Denmark and if you realize that you would like to stay a longer time period, then it is possible to apply to get a visa for another country and apply for a residence permit there.

Denmark has shut its borders with Switzerland and Liechtenstein after a decision made in June 2021. If you're travelling to these countries then you'll first have to acquire a travel authorization that's available in the Danish Ministry of Immigration. This is a 1 time process and you'll be able to get a new one each year. The reason the Danish authorities made this choice was to restrict illegal migration into the nation. A one time waiver to keep inside the nation is also possible so if you would like to stay longer, then you may do so however, your application will probably be refused.

The Schengen Zone is a European visa-free place for citizens of several EU countries. Citizens of Denmark, who maintain a permanent residency permit can live and work at almost any of the Schengen Zone states for a limited time period. Citizens of Denmark have easy access to the rest of Europe with the Eurostar. But, there are several rules and regulations that you need to follow when travelling between the Schengen Zone states. To be able to avoid long queues and to decrease the risk of fraud, then you need to apply for a Denmark visa well beforehand of your departure date.

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How to Enter the Schengen Zone From Hungary

https://es.ivisa.com/hungary-etias

Hungary Etias is a river which joins Hungary, Austria and Italy. This is the longest river in Europe after the Danube. It passes through four states of Central Europe: Romania, Croatia, Slovakia and Slovenia. It forms the boundary between Hungary and Austria. Its course ends in the Lower Austria, in which it is linked with the North Sea by a canal.

This waterway has a mean width of ten kilometers and an estimated span of about 400 km. The most crucial quality of this waterway is that it is in fact a part of the Schengen Area. Over sixty countries are involved in the Schengen area, which comprises all of the states of Austria, Czech Republic, Germany, Bulgaria, Romania, Hungary, Greece, Italy, Spain and the Benelux Countries.  Since the stasis has a substantial impact on the travel scenario in these areas, travelers are usually necessary to apply for visa in order to cross the border. It's worth mentioning the Schengen Area is a open doorway for tourists from all around the world since it features a very pleasant scenery.

To be able to cross the boundary, you need to get the correct visa. In order to do so, you must submit an application to the Hungarian embassy or consulate in advance. This is because the procedure time for obtaining visa within this region is much shorter when compared with the rest of Europe. In order to speed up the process time, it is sensible to use the services of a visa company which is based in Hungary. They have professional employees who can assist you in the entire procedure time.

One of the most obvious differences between the Hungarians and the Europeans is That the currency of the Nation. Whereas the majority of the countries of Europe to allow the residents to utilize the Euro as legal tender, Hungarians rigorously follow the drachm, which is the most traditional currency in Europe. It is worth noting that the Hungarians are a country which has a broad tradition of local currency. Hence, they have the habit of exchanging their national currency for almost any other currency in the whole euro zone.

Among the most essential difference between Hungarians and the citizens of different nations applying for a visa would be that the Hungarians are not permitted to execute any transactions of the foreign currency in their nation. This is regarded as a violation of the principles of the Schengen zone. Hence, the taxpayers of Hungary should meet specific requirements in order to cross the border. These requirements include having the necessary files mentioned in the initial section of the article.

The information about the Hungarian visa requirements was published by the European Union (EU). In the course of the last decade, Hungary has implemented a series of reforms. Among these reforms are the introduction of the EURUSD money, harmonization of this financial system, introduction of a unified currency in the south-central area, and the establishment of the National Bank of Hungary. There are lots of reasons why the Hungarians need to meet visa requirements for tourist goal. These reasons include uncontrolled immigration, the large cost of the imported goods in the country, the threat posed by migration gangs to the country, and also the danger of terrorism. Hungary has become a safe country for tourists, hence it has become a favorite destination among overseas travelers.

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Kids, Work and Moldova Evisa

http://fr.ivisa.com/moldova-e-visa

What You Should Do to Find Out About Moldova Evisa Before You're Left Behind You should apply Vietnam visa online since it's very handy and economical way. Visit Moldova Now has never beena greater time to pay a visit to Moldova, you'll discover excellent restuarants which will not break the bank should you prefer to take your Moldovan women out to dinner each evening. Moldovan brides are found on any Russian dating website.

If you're an immigrant visa applicant you will put in your case number. A valid biometric passport is needed, that ought to be valid for three or more months after the scheduled return. An e-visa is just the electronic type of a typical visa.

Facts, Fiction and Moldova Evisa This being India, it's the actual experience on arrival that's critical, especially since this is a brand-new operation. The tour business will offer you a soft copy and you have to print this as this is also checked by airlines whenever you're flying into Belarus. Many Transnistrian firms aren't legally registered with Moldovan authorities, which might complicate or stop the import or export of products.

Always be certain that you check the visa rules and regulations for the country you're travelling to. EU partnership deals depend on particular reforms. Additionally, you must have been employed outside the usa with the global company continuously for a single year within the 3 years preceding your application for admission into the States.

Top Moldova Evisa Choices Foreign nationals who need to see Moldova might be required to acquire a Moldova visa beforehand. Visas aren't issued on arrival. If this is the case, you aren't going to require a Moldova visa for you in order to travel there for as many as 3 months.

To begin with, check if you want a visa. If a visa is issued, there might be an extra visa issuance reciprocity fee, based on your nationality. You must apply for a standard visa.

The Most Popular Moldova Evisa Furthermore, applicants should have a positive economic and financial reputation, not take part in any schemes for money laundering. Moldova business e-visa If you're a foreign national who plans to pay a visit to Moldova for business purposes, you may apply for a business e-visa. There's no fee for kids under 18.

It's easily available and very hassle-free as long as you submit all your documents in time. All electronic photo submissions have to be taken within the previous few months against an all-white background. You will also need a photo of your passport data page.

You may also avail the service of reputed agencies like Visa Genie to get an e-visa, and everything you have to do is sending the necessary documents for visa processing. You can be asked to supply detailed info on this individual. All info has to be correct and accurate.

Precisely, it's the house of the black people whose cultures are thought to be rich and diverse. If you are concerned about food when visiting Moldova there isn't any need to! Charge cards are accepted in Chisinau, and occasionally in the rest of the nation, but rarely in little villages.

Immigration, residence, and work permits usually will need to get extended annually, but may be issued for as many as five decades. Marriage with person of other race isn't condemned in Moldova and at the identical time most women wouldn't like to possess the exact alternative. Moldova is quite a friendly country where the folks are almost always hospitable to outsiders you will get the very same traits with Moldovan women hunting for marriage.

Top Moldova Evisa Choices Residents of Moldova who don't carry out entrepreneurial activity need to pay tax on income from sources located within the nation, in addition to from sources located outside the nation. For kids under the age of seven years it's valid for four decades. Your children aren't authorized to work in america.

There's no border control between Schengen nations. Like many other African nations, Morocco grants entry to Canadians who don't have visas. To produce this article a thorough write-up, each country is going to be categorized under the continent it belongs to.

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Good news, the Greek government will implement tax reduction measures from 1st January

The Greek government, which has been committed to reducing taxes and stimulating the economy, will implement 16 tax reform policies from 1st January,2020.

Tax reform measures for Greek individuals, families and businesses include:

1. The first tax level is the personal income tax rate for taxpayers with an annual income of less than 10,000 euros was reduced from 22% to 9% ; In addition, the income tax rate for all tax levels were reduced by 1% ;

2. The company's business profit tax has been reduced from the current 28% to 24%, and profits in 2019 will be taxed in 2020;

3. Tax on dividends for fiscal year 2019 reduced from 10% to 5%;

4. Suspension of 24% value-added tax on new property transfers for 3 years, which applies to buildings issued with permits by the end of 2022;

5. Suspension of capital gains tax on real estate transactions for 3 years until the end of 2022;

6. VAT on basic baby products were reduced from 24% to 13%;

7. Adopting new debt service standard for those in arrears with national debts, allowing debt repayment in installments of 24 or 48 months;

8. Exemption from capital gains tax on transfer transactions for companies registered in Greece;

9. Exempt corporate tax on listed companies and solidarity tax on bonds;

10. Encourage individuals who invest at least € 500,000 in Greece to transfer their tax residence;

Greece residence permit program

Advantages

1. The property can be inherited by family members.

2. There is no business background and language requirements*.

3. A family of three generations can apply together.

4. No stay requirements*.

5. Visa-free access in 183 countries including the Schengen countries and the US *.

6. High-quality European education resources.

7. Excellent quality of life and higher welfare.

8. Top level of medical care security.

Requirements

1、Non-criminal record; 2、50,000 euros bank statement ;

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