In 2013, Europe was undoubtedly a "dark horse" in the immigration market. While traditional immigration countries were tightening their policies, European countries—including Portugal, Spain, Greece, and Cyprus with their real estate investment immigration programs, Hungary with its bond purchase immigration, and Malta with its €650,000 citizenship program—became popular immigration destinations.
Regarding the successive introduction of immigration policies by various European countries, Worldway experts expressed three viewpoints: First, Europe should be viewed as a single entity. From the perspective of choosing an immigration destination, one must first determine whether to go to the United States, Canada, Australia, or Europe. In this sense, multiple European immigration countries can be viewed as one, which is the general direction. After deciding to immigrate to Europe, investors must pay attention to the investment method and the timing of market entry; these two points are crucial.
From the perspective of investment methods, Worldway experts pointed out that whether investing in enterprises, bonds, or real estate, immigration is an economic tool for local governments. For example, the current real estate investment immigration programs launched by Portugal and Spain are intended to save the housing market and drive national economic growth. Investors should follow three principles when choosing an immigration method: first, buy what you are familiar with; second, keep it as controllable as possible; and third, ensure there is an exit mechanism. For Chinese investors, most choose real estate investment immigration, mainly because it aligns with their investment preferences. Compared to the labor risks associated with purchasing enterprises, the uncontrollable factors in buying property are greatly reduced, and properties can be rented out or sold.
From the perspective of market entry timing, as the focus of investment immigration gradually shifts from "immigration" to "investment," investors are more concerned about whether their assets can maintain or increase in value after "immigration." At this point, economic terms such as exchange rates, interest rates, and leverage become factors to consider. Worldway immigration experts tell investors that the timing of property purchase is far more important than other factors. For example, buying property in Hong Kong in 2003 was a guaranteed profit, and buying property in mainland China in 2006 was also profitable. Now is also a good time to immigrate to Europe through property investment. Because the current euro exchange rate and European property prices are at historical lows, as the European economy improves, this type of investment will achieve dual benefits.
