The residence and citizenship-by-investment industry is facing rising demand from high-net-worth clients, but also growing instability as governments close, restructure, or tighten programs and tax regimes with little warning.
Lasha Azariashvili, Head of Business Development at Immigrant Invest, identified three main business priorities for the year:
- Expanding referral partner networks in the United States, where high-net-worth mobility demand is rising
- Strengthening presence in the European Golden Visa market before more programs close or tighten
- Improving client retention through post-residency advisory
Program instability remains a central risk
A key concern is the unpredictability of government policy. Residence and citizenship programs, as well as special tax regimes, can change quickly.
Portugal’s Non-Habitual Resident regime reform was cited as a major disruption. The broader risk is that clients and advisers may build plans around programs that can be closed, restricted, or restructured with limited notice.
For applicants, this creates a timing risk. A program that appears viable at the start of planning may become less attractive or unavailable before the application is completed.
Demand is shifting by region
The speed of demand growth from the Middle East was described as one of the most surprising market developments of the past year. The growth had been expected, but the scale was larger than anticipated.
The United States is also described as a key market, with rising demand among high-net-worth individuals seeking mobility options.
Europe remains important but less predictable
European Golden Visa programs remain a major focus, but the market is becoming more time-sensitive as more programs face closure or tightening.
This creates a practical issue for applicants: the longer they wait, the greater the risk that a preferred European residence route may change before they can use it.
Compliance has become a competitive advantage
The article emphasizes the growing importance of anti-money laundering and due diligence infrastructure.
Firms that invested early in compliance are now described as being in a much stronger position, while firms that focused mainly on deal volume are facing more pressure or investigation.
The lesson for the industry is that compliance is no longer a secondary function. It is now central to credibility, risk management, and long-term survival.
Post-residency advice is becoming more important
Client retention is increasingly linked to advice after the initial residence approval. This includes ongoing mobility and wealth-structuring needs rather than treating residence planning as a single transaction.
One example involved a family from a high-risk jurisdiction where the father had serious health issues. The family’s Portuguese residency was fast-tracked so the children could access EU healthcare and universities. The case illustrates that residence planning can be driven by healthcare, education, and family security, not only tax or investment objectives.
Practical takeaway
For applicants considering residence or citizenship planning, the main risks are timing, policy change, and compliance scrutiny. Programs can change with little warning, especially in Europe, while stronger due diligence means applicants need clean documentation and realistic expectations.
For advisers, the direction is clear: demand is rising in markets such as the United States and the Middle East, but long-term success depends on compliance, post-residency support, and the ability to adapt quickly when governments change the rules.
Source article: www.imidaily.com
