What’s next for investment migration? 6 experts share their 2025 predictions

Six investment migration leaders share their predictions on future trends, challenges, and opportunities shaping investment migration in 2025.

The investment migration industry is nothing short of transformative. Geopolitical dynamics, economic shifts, and a growing desire for global mobility and Plan B solutions have driven many to explore new frontiers in citizenship and residency planning. As demand for second passports and alternative residencies surge, nations are competing to provide flexible, innovative solutions. 

What comes next for the investment migration industry? We turn to six industry leaders for their predictions.

The urgent demand for a Plan B  

“Looking back over the past year has been incredibly insightful,” says Adalberto Pucca , Head of Business Development at Global Citizen Solutions. “Our industry has seen significant shifts, from the rise of Portuguese investment funds directing FDI into local businesses to changes in Greece’s Golden Visa criteria and the implementation of the Memorandum of Understanding across Caribbean CBI countries. These developments show how investment migration continues to adapt in a changing world.” 

Among this, one thing is certain: Plan B is becoming a necessity.  

“We’ve seen a surge of clients from the U.S. seeking alternative residency options, driven by political instability, economic uncertainty, and the need for greater global mobility. “Securing a Plan B is now a strategic move for flexibility in an unpredictable world.” 

Where are people turning to for Plan B options? According to Pucca, Malta’s Citizenship for Exceptional Services is a favourite due to the island nation offering the fastest path to EU citizenship via direct investment.  

Looking ahead, Pucca predicts continued demand for flexible residency and citizenship programs, along with alternative visas for digital nomads and passive income earners. “Clients planning relocations for 2025 are already laying the groundwork—acquiring visas, buying property, and researching schools. People are preparing for the future, not just reacting to the present.” 

Investment migration as a combined opportunity  

“Investment migration is no longer just about securing residency or citizenship—it’s about unlocking combined opportunities,” says Patricia Casaburi , Global Citizen Solutions’ CEO and thought leader in the field. 

She predicts a rise in blended Plan B strategies.

"People often think Plan B is one solution. But actually, we're seeing more and more clients blending different residency and citizenship strategies together. For example, it's possible to pair a fast-track Caribbean passport with a European or UAE residency permit. People are looking for solutions that offer agility and diversification."

Beyond mobility, investors want programs that align with business expansion, tax optimization, and wealth preservation. 

Countries, too, are adapting. “We’re seeing a race to attract high-skilled talent and entrepreneurs, especially in Asia-focused programs like those in Malaysia and Hong Kong,” Patricia notes. She also highlights the growing appeal of non-domiciled tax incentives, which could become key differentiators for nations competing for active capital. 

Price increases—such as those seen in the Caribbean and the Malta Permanent Residence Programme—are a reality, but Patricia believes demand will remain strong.

“Investors aren’t just looking at cost; they’re assessing long-term value. These programs, when combined strategically, offer unparalleled opportunities."

Relocation visas catering to a global workforce  

The pandemic fundamentally reshaped the workplace, and remote work has now become an integral part of modern professional life. While companies like Uber and Tesla are pushing to bring employees back to traditional office settings, it’s widely agreed that remote work is here to stay. It has not only transformed how we work but also become a valuable tool for businesses to attract and retain top talent. 

This trend has created a unique opportunity for countries to cater to the growing demand for remote workers who want to live and work abroad. Enter the "digital nomad visa"—a program designed to grant individuals legal permission to work remotely while residing in a country other than their own. Some of these visas are tailored specifically for remote workers, while others have evolved from existing visa frameworks. 

Although the specifics vary, the core concept remains consistent: providing a hassle-free residency permit that typically allows stays ranging from six months to five years. These programs fill a legal gap for remote workers seeking extended stays in foreign countries. 

These types of relocation visas targeting digital nomads and retirees have exploded in popularity. Post-pandemic, over 90% of these pathways emerged as governments sought to attract mobile talent. However, the Head of the Research Unit at Global Intelligence Unit, Laura Madrid Sartoretto, PhD , maintains that only programs with substantial infrastructure behind them will endure. 

 “To attract talent and investors, it’s not just about offering visas—you have to also create inclusive, supported communities and ecosystems. Governments that invest in housing, reliable broadband, and cultural integration are setting themselves up for long-term success. From retirees to digital entrepreneurs, these kinds of open-minded individuals are revitalizing local economies.” 

To meet the growing demand in 2025 and beyond, Laura’s recommendation is for governments to focus on streamlining visa processes, investing in infrastructure and public services, mainly affordable housing, and fostering inclusive communities. 

Caribbean CBI programs are as attractive as ever 

The Caribbean has long been the gold standard in citizenship-by-investment programs. Despite the introduction of a regional Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) that temporarily caused processing delays, the region is back on a solid footing. 

 “Caribbean programs remain among the most reliable,” says the Head of the Caribbean CBI Unit at Global Citizen Solutions, Joe Rice . Countries like St. Kitts and Nevis have adapted with forward-thinking reforms. Their Public Benefit Option, for instance, funds local infrastructure while guaranteeing citizenship in 120 to 180 days. “Investors want programs with clear timelines and tangible outcomes,” Joe explains. 

Vanuatu, meanwhile, has carved out a niche by catering to those more interested in tax efficiency and quality of life than visa-free travel. “It’s not all about mobility,” Joe says. “For certain investors, lifestyle and fiscal advantages are just as important.” 

Despite tighter regulations and rising fees, these programs continue to attract investors looking for efficient pathways to second citizenship.

“The Caribbean is showing remarkable resilience—it’s a testament to the region’s ability to adapt and deliver.” 

The trend for Golden Visas accelerating in Eastern Europe  

After years of leading the Golden Visa charge, some of Europe’s traditional powerhouses, like Greece, Portugal, and Spain, have either scaled back or significantly revamped their Golden Visa programs. But other countries are stepping into the gap. 

Hungary, for instance, has reintroduced its own Golden Visa after a long break, now offering ten-year residency for €250,000. Starting in January, investors can access a real estate-based option for €500,000—an attractive opportunity for those on the hunt for affordable yet strategic entry to Europe. “It’s a clear sign that Europe is still competitive, even if the landscape is shifting,” says Jelena Sivčev , Senior Investment Migration Consultant at Global Citizen Solutions. 

Serbia, outside the EU, also offers a competitive edge, including property investments without a minimum requirement.  

“Real estate prices start at €2,000 per square meter in Belgrade. This makes Serbia a great base for investors either looking to set up a second home or a business base. Its low taxes and strong regional connections make Serbia a hidden gem.” 

Latvia is another emerging hotspot. Offering quick approvals and reasonable costs (starting at €50,000 for business investment), it has become a top contender for entrepreneurs wanting an EU base. 

“Latvia is strategically positioned, and its EU membership is a big draw for those looking to expand their business and invest in real estate. Latvia’s program is becoming more and more popular, in part, helped by the fact that the application processing is much quicker and efficient than in some other more popular countries."

The future of investment migration is bright 

“The future looks very promising. People are more mobile than ever before, and every year, the number of people who want to—and can—relocate or secure paper migration increases,” says Christian Henrik Nesheim , founder and chairman of IMI® (Investment Migration Insider).

“Awareness about the market is going mainstream. What started as an industry serving wealthy individuals from middle-income countries has now caught the attention of middle-class people from wealthier nations. Both individuals and the capital they control are becoming increasingly untethered to one location.” 

According to Christian, investment migration is no longer an isolated decision but one that involves physically relocating.  “Physical relocation, rather than ‘paper-migration’, is becoming the norm. It’s tied to the growing number of people who can work and run businesses remotely.” 

Both individuals and the capital they control are increasingly location-independent. More and more countries are discovering investment migration as an excellent source of unencumbered revenue. Demand for investment migration is only going to increase.  

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