A new index helps you rank the best residence by investment options based on your business or family’s global access priorities.

By Dominic Volek, Group Head of Private Clients, Henley & Partners

The key metrics driving investment migration decisions are shifting — healthcare, tax, and real estate are new considerations for those looking to relocate their businesses and families. These new priorities prompted Henley & Partners, the global leader in residence and citizenship by investment, to develop a unique analytical tool in collaboration with Deep Knowledge Analytics to help high-net-worth investors rank the most attractive cities for business in countries that also offer residence by investment programs.

The Best Residence by Investment Cities for Business Index showcases 25 leading global cities that are proactively vying to attract international capital and talent. The interactive tool includes 40 parameters and 1,000 data points, enabling you to craft a customized index to guide your strategic relocation decisions.

London Reigns Supreme

In 1st place is financial capital, London, with high scores in education, security, and stability and ranking top for real estate. The UK Investor Immigration Program is one of the world’s most established residence by investment options. A minimum contribution of 2 million pounds will earn you and your dependents the right to live, work, and study anywhere in the U.K.

New York takes 2nd spot, with education, security, and stability as top strengths. It scores highest in the index for education, with access to over 130 tertiary institutions. While the longstanding U.S. EB-5 Immigrant Investor Program is a popular option, investors (from non-E2 Treaty countries) can also gain residence rights in the U.S. by participating in the Grenada, Montenegro, or Turkey citizenship by investment programs and then applying for the E-2 Investor Visa that allows you to live, work, and study in America.

Stable, Secure, Sustainable

Sydney, Singapore, and Zurich are placed 3rd, 4th, and 5th, respectively, with high scores in security, infrastructure, and stability. Sydney takes the overall top spot for security, with Australia offering a range of residence by investment options as well as the Global Talent Independent Program to attract dynamic, highly skilled individuals.

Southeast Asia’s powerhouse, Singapore scores highest in Covid safety, lifestyle, and infrastructure and you could be eligible for citizenship after two years of permanent residence. Zurich is the top performer in healthcare and stability, and you can obtain a residence permit there by paying a lump sum in net annual taxes.

Best For Investment And Lifestyle

Austria and Portugal’s top residence program offerings provide access to Vienna (9th) and Lisbon (14th), both popular cities for multinationals’ headquarters. Vienna’s appeal lies in its highly skilled labor force and high productivity, while Lisbon’s tech sector is flourishing due to Portugal’s business-friendly policies and top talent.

Tax-Friendly And Affordable Wildcards

Latvia’s capital, Riga (17th), offers a pro-business environment with generous tax allowances. Limassol (19th), Cyprus’ cosmopolitan port city and regional financial center, and Athens (20th) also offer attractive tax incentives, excellent infrastructure, and the benefits of EU membership. The Greece Golden Visa program, with a real estate investment of 250,000 euros, is one of the most affordable in Europe.

Vibrant Bangkok (23rd) is a cost-effective gateway to Asia, with Thailand offering several tax breaks for foreign investors. And in 24th position is Port Louis in Mauritius, a politically stable African hub, perfectly positioned between Asia and Europe, with attractive tax incentives. With a real estate investment of $375,000, you could live, work, and retire in this island paradise.

A World of Possibilities

Now is the perfect time to consider your residence by investment program options and the wide range of global cities offering attractive investment opportunities. Industry pioneer Henley & Partners is best placed to guide you on your residence and citizenship options.

  • Visit henleyglobal.com for more information and to arrange a consultation with a specialist client advisor in over 35 offices worldwide.