Price of Citizenship

Can you really put a price on citizenship? A few years ago, I would have laughed at such a question. Maybe that’s because I view citizenship as one of the few possessions that you can’t put a price tag on. It’s like asking someone, “how much is your family name worth?” or “how much is your son worth?”

You can’t put a number on it because it’s not for sale.

Perhaps I feel that way about citizenship because like most of you, I’ve paid for it with years of hard military service. But guess what? Citizenship does have a price tag in many countries – including Singapore.

For Sale: Economic Citizenship 

Many countries have “economic citizenship” programs that extend citizenship to foreigners who “invest” or “donate” a considerable sum to the nation – ranging from $130,000 to several million dollars. This is done by investing in property, government-approved funds, founding a new business that hires X number of citizens, locating your expanding company there, etc.

Of course, residency requirements for citizenship vary between nations. Some grant citizenship immediately after an application is approved, while others require a few years residency before they’re granted citizenship.

Donation, investment, expansion – semantics aside, here’s how much money must be paid to get economic citizenship:

1. Singapore – Price: $2,500,000 

What else could I tell you about Singapore that you don’t already know? It’s a global technology and banking hub that’s already being called the “new” Switzerland by investors from around the world. It’s also seen as a prime location for many companies looking to establish a presence in Southeast Asia.

The fast track to Singapore citizenship lies through the Economic Development Board’s Global Investor Program. Through the program, you get instant PR status. And within 2 years you can apply for citizenship.

Benefits of Citizenship:

• Tax Haven: There are no wealth taxes (capital gains, inheritance tax, etc.).
• Visa-Free Travel: Travel to 167 countries worldwide.
• Easier to Buy Property: Citizens notably have fewer restrictions to buying multiple properties in Singapore’s hot property market than PRs and foreigners do.
• VERY Business Friendly Nation: Unlike other nations, you can start a business in only a few days in Singapore, leading many to call it the most business friendly nation in the world.
• Lower Taxes: Taxes for high wealth individuals (20% flat tax) and companies (17% flat tax) are lower than most industrialized nations.

Waiting Time for Citizenship: After waiting up to 3 months for approval to join the Global Investor Program (and $2.5 million dollars), you’ll be awarded PR status. After two years of residency, you can then apply for citizenship.

Residency Requirement: Yes. Upon granting of your PR, you’ll be given a Re-Entry Permit that’s valid for 5 years so you can retain your PR. But you must either set up a business in Singapore with 5 Singaporean employees or you must reside in Singapore at least 6 months out of the year.

Military Service Requirement: No. PRs under the Global Investor Program are exempt from serving NS (what’s up with that?!).

2. The Commonwealth of Dominica – Price: $130,000+ 

Dominica is in many ways like Singapore’s Caribbean little brother. They’re both about the same size, are former Crown colonies of the U.K., have English as an official language, have low crime rates, and are very business friendly.

The biggest differences between the two are that its population is 98.5% smaller (pop. 71K) and most of its land is still “natural” jungle as opposed to “concrete” jungle.

Benefits of Citizenship:

• Tax Haven: No wealth taxes (capital gains, inheritance tax, etc.) or taxes on foreign income.
• Discretion: Dominica will not inform your home country that you’re a citizen. 
• Business Friendly: Dominica’s business friendly policies make it easier to do international business.
• Visa-Free Travel: Travel visa free to over 90 countries.  

Waiting Time for Citizenship:

• Upon approval of your application (can take up to 12 months), citizenship is immediate.

Residency Requirement:

• None. You can maintain citizenship without residing in Dominica.

Military Service Requirement:

• None. But you can volunteer for military service.

3. Belgium – Price: $520,000+ 

Belgium is an increasingly popular location for immigrants looking to get their hands on a valuable EU passport. For businessmen, it’s a great location to reach the European market without paying ridiculous tax rates (and that EU passport is pretty nice too).

To get economic citizenship, you need to either invest in or found a new Belgian company with an office. Unlike some of the other nations on this list, you’ll need to pass a language exam in French, German, or Dutch when applying for citizenship.

Benefits of Citizenship:

• EU Passport: The biggest benefit is that you’ll be able to reside and work ANYWHERE in Europe.
• Business Friendly: Belgium doesn’t impose crushing taxes on business owners.
• Visa-Free Travel: Travel to over 100 countries including all EU member nations.

Waiting Time for Citizenship:

• 3-8 months to get a residence permit plus another 3 years residency before you can apply. You can also get citizenship by right after 7 years of residency.

Residency Requirement:

• None. You can get your residency permit without having to reside full-time in Belgium.

Military Service Requirement:

• None. 

 4. Malta – Price: $1,130,000+ 

Malta is a small, Mediterranean island that shares a lot of similarities with Singapore. It’s a former British territory, a tax haven (something most nations on this list share in common), business friendly, and is an established technology and international banking center.

But an even bigger lure for investors is the ability to get the prized EU Passport quickly and easily through Malta’s Individual Investor Program… for a measly $1,130,000.

Benefits of Citizenship:

• EU Passport: The biggest benefit is that you’ll be able to reside and work ANYWHERE in Europe.
• Tax Haven: No wealth taxes (capital gains, inheritance tax, etc.) or taxes on foreign income.
• Visa-Free Travel: Travel to 163 countries worldwide including all EU nations.

Waiting Time for Citizenship:

• Upon receipt of your “investment” into the Individual Investor Program, citizenship is immediate.

Residency Requirement:

• None. As long as you either buy a Maltese property (min. $390,000+) or pay a minimum of $15,200+ rent on a Maltese property annually. Both properties don’t even need to be inhabited!

Military Service Requirement:

• None.

5. The United States of America – Price: $640,000 + Net Worth of $1,280,000+ 

The United States is still a desirable destination for immigrants and businessmen from around the world despite going through tough economic times. However, it’s still the world’s largest economy (for now), and that makes it an attractive location for new commercial enterprises.

If you have a net worth of $1,280,000+ and make a $640,000 capital investment in a new business to get permanent residency through the EB-5 Immigrant Investor Program. You also must create and sustain 10 jobs within 2 years as a program requirement.

Benefits of Citizenship:

• Easy to Reunite Family: Once you attain citizenship, you can bring over any immediate family members to live with you as permanent residents.
• Visa-Free Travel: Travel to 172 countries worldwide.
• Financial Aid: Citizens are entitled to government financial support for higher education, retirement, and social services.
• Civic Benefits: Citizens can run for political office, get a government job, and benefit from a greater range of civil right and liberties than most other nations.

Waiting Time for Citizenship:  9-12 months for EB-5 Investor Program approval plus another 5 years of continuous residence are needed before you can apply for citizenship.

Residency Requirement: Yes. You must live in the U.S. continuously for 5 years before applying for citizenship. Staying overseas for more than 6 months will void your PR status.

Military Service Requirement: None*.

*Special Note: However, if you join the military once you’ve attained permanent residence, as long as you’ve served (honorably) for at least 1 year, you can apply for citizenship through “naturalization”. This is considered a “fast track” to citizenship.

Ref:  http://sg.finance.yahoo.com/news/think-singapore-citizenship-sacred-guess-160000979.html

Panama named best place to retire

In the 2014 edition of its annual Global Retirement Index, American magazine InternationalLiving.com places Panama at the top of the list of the best places to spend retirement.

Panama is a particularly attractive destination for retirees moving from the US, as the American dollar is the official currency and English is widely understood. But the Central American nation stands out most of all for its pensioner residence program. In addition to offering discounts on real estate loans, entertainment and medical expenses for pensioners, the program simplifies the immigration process for them.

"In the past year, Panama has introduced new visas, which make it easier to gain residence there," notes InternationalLiving.com's executive editor, Jennifer Stevens. She also points out that "the country has made major advances in infrastructure" recently.

A total of 24 countries are listed in the magazine's ranking, which is based on the analysis from its correspondents around the globe. Each destination is evaluated across eight areas with an effect on everyday life, including real estate, climate, cost of living, entertainment and healthcare.

In second place, just behind Panama, Ecuador also emerges as an ideal destination for retirees. The low cost of living, the heavenly climate and the incredible scenery are among the benefits highlighted by the magazine.

One trend emerging from the ranking is the attractiveness of Latin American destinations, which account for 12 of the top 24 places to retire according to InternationalLiving.com. Spain, meanwhile, is listed as the most attractive European destination for retirees, in fifth position overall. The magazine describes the country as "arguably the best bargain in Europe, offering First-World living at a cost that can compete with some Latin-American countries."

The best places to retire according to InternationalLiving.com's Global Retirement Index 2014:

1- Panama
2- Ecuador
3- Malaysia
4- Costa Rica
5- Spain
6- Colombia
7- Mexico
8- Malta
9- Uruguay
10- Thailand
11- Ireland
12- New Zealand
13- Nicaragua
14- Italy
15- Portugal
16- France
17- Philippines
18- Honduras
19- Guatemala
20- Brazil
21- Chile
22- Belize
23- Dominican Republic
24- Cambodia

Ref:  http://sg.finance.yahoo.com/news/panama-named-best-place-retire-164044101.html

Singapore’s passport ranks sixth best to travel with

• 
  Getty Images - Singapore passport ranks sixth as best to travel with.

Singapore’s passport ranks sixth as the best to travel with because it allows holders to access 167 countries without applying for a visa.

The city-state shares the rank with Greece, and stands ahead of South Korea by one spot — the country's citizens have visa-free access to 166 countries.

Neighbouring Malaysia holds the number nine spot with visa-free access to 163 countries.

Three countries share the number one spot and they are Finland, Sweden and United Kingdom while the passport with the least number of countries its citizens can access is Afghanistan. Those holding the Afghanistan passport are only allowed to enter 28 countries without a visa.

The ranking results come from Henley & Partners Visa Restrictions Index, which is a global ranking of countries according to the visa-free access its citizens enjoy.

The ranking shows the international travel freedom of the citizens relative to those in other countries. The ranking also reflects the relations and status of a country within the international community.

Henley & Partners Visa Restrictions Index, which is a global ranking of countries according to the visa-free …Ref:  http://sg.news.yahoo.com/singapore%E2%80%99s-passport-ranks-sixth-best-to-travel-with-135940616.html

Malaysia' Best Island Destinations

• 
  Yahoo! Newsroom Videos/Ewen Boey -

Malaysia is home to more than 800 islands, and each has its own unique personality. As the country’s tourism industry grew, different islands started attracting different types of tourists. The Perhentian Islands and Tioman for instance became a hotspot for backpackers and divers, while Penang and Langkawi drew more families looking for upscale resorts. Depending on what you’re looking for, there is probably an island in Malaysia that has your name written on it.

The Romantic Escape – Pangkor Laut 
Located off the coast of Perak in the northwest of peninsula Malaysia, Pangkor Laut is a private island hideaway with a gorgeous bay and lush jungles – perfect for couples looking for privacy and a romantic ambience. There is only one resort here, Pangkor Laut Resort, so lovebirds feel like they have the entire island to themselves. The many secluded bays, coves and serene beaches here are great for couples looking to spend some quality time alone together. The resort also has a spa village where you can pamper yourselves with Chinese, Malay or Ayurvedic treatments. Pankor Laut can be reached by boat from Marina Island Pangkor in Perak.

The Diver’s Dream – Sipadan
Rising 600 metres from the seabed, off the east coast of Sabah, Sipadan is the only oceanic island in Malaysia, which makes it a perfect spot for diving, snorkeling and observing pelagic marine life. Hard-core divers flock here to see the famous turtle tombs, whale sharks, green and hawksbill turtles, manta rays, barracudas, big-eyed trevally, hammerhead sharks and more. The waters here are good for diving all year round, though the best seasons are from April to December. There are many reasonably priced resorts in the surrounding islands that offer dive courses and rent scuba gear. Most people take a flight to the town of Tawau from Kota Kinabalu or Kuala Lumpur, then take a minivan or taxi to the port town of Semporna. From there, it is a one-hour boat ride to Sipadan.

The Luxury Seeker’s Sojourn – Langkawi
Officially known as the jewel of Kedah, Langkawi is an archipelago of 99 islands in the Andaman Sea. The largest of these is Langkawi Island, which is where you’ll find some of the most luxurious five star beach resorts. The Datai, The Andaman, the Fourseasons, and The Westin all offer guest modern amenities, spas, stunning pools, lavish rooms and sumptuous dining options. You can fly to Langkawi on a Malaysian Airlines flight from Kuala Lumpur or Air Asia, or fly Silk Air direct from Singapore.

The Nature Lover’s Paradise– Redang
Part of a marine park and a conservation site for sea turtles, Redang not only boasts crystal clear waters, white sandy beaches and vibrant marine life, it is also a place with verdant green hills and rainforests that thrive with exotic wildlife. Here, you can go on nature hikes and spot monkeys, squirrels, birds and large monitor lizards. There are a variety of resorts, ranging from budget to luxury to choose from here. You can get a boat from Merang, 30 kilometers north from Kuala Terengganu or catch a Berjaya Air flight from Kuala Lumpur or Singapore to Redang.

The Backpackers Hangout – Tioman
Located just 32 kilometers off the east coast of peninsula Malaysia, in the state of Pahang, Tioman is a densely forested, tropical island with eight rustic villages that are home to cosy resorts and chalets. There are many budget accommodations around the villages of Air Batang, Salang and Tekek, and a younger crowd of backpackers and budget travellers often flock here, giving the place a youthful, party vibe. You can get to Tioman by taking a ferry from Mersing jetty on the mainland.

Ref: http://sg.news.yahoo.com/malaysia--best-island-destinations-091737153.html

Hong Kong Pastry

If anyone is going to Hong Kong, do check out this delicious pastry shop.  There are many delicious food in Hong Kong.  A friend just recently gave us a tin of cookies that melts in the mouth.  It's so yummy that it is worth mentioning here online.

Shop Name:  Jenny Bakery
Telephone:  2577 3789 (Mong Kok), 2780 9123 (Yau Ma Tei), 2813 8568 (???), 2311 8070 (Tsim Sha Tsui), 2524 1988 (Central)
Website:  www.jennybakery.com

Best cruise ships in the world: Cruise Critic

Disney Fantasy Cruise

Travelers at Cruise Critic, an offshoot of online review site TripAdvisor, have given the latest luxury liner from Disney top marks for being the best overall large ship in the world.

In the Cruise Critics Cruisers’ Choice Awards, which counts more than 100,000 reviews on their site, the Disney Fantasy came out on top across five categories, including Best Overall Ship, Best Cabins, Best Entertainment, Best Public Rooms and Best Service.

 Here are the best cruise ships in the world for 2013, according to readers of Cruise Critic:

Best Large Ships
Disney Fantasy: Best Overall Large Ship, Best Cabins, Best Entertainment, Best Public Rooms, Best Service
Disney Dream: Best Shore Excursions
Celebrity Reflection: Best Dining
Allure of the Seas (Royal Caribbean): Best for Fitness, Best for Embarkation
Celebrity Eclipse: Best Value for Money

Best Mid-Sized Ships
Noordam (Holland America): Best Overall Mid-Sized Ship
Marina (Oceania): Best Cabins, Best Dining, Best Public Rooms
Thomson Dream: Best Entertainment, Best Service
Westerdam (Holland America): Best for Fitness, Best Shore Excursions
Norwegian Spirit: Best Value for Money
Celebrity Summit:Best for Embarkation

Best Small Ships
Azamara Quest: Best Overall Small Ship, Best for Fitness, Best for Service
Azamara Journey: Best Value for Money
Crystal Serenity: Best Dining, Best Entertainment
Crystal Symphony: Best Public Rooms
Seabourn Odyssey: Best Cabins
Seven Seas Navigator (Regent): Best Shore Excursions
Wind Surf (Windstar):Best for Embarkation

Best for Families (all ship sizes): Disney Fantasy

Best Destination Cruises
Best Cruise to Alaska: Volendam (Holland America)
Best Cruise to the Bahamas: Disney Dream
Best Cruise to the Caribbean: Disney Fantasy
Best Cruise to the Mediterranean: Riviera (Oceania)
Best from Florida: Disney Fantasy
Best from the Northeast: Norwegian Star
Best from the West Coast  Westerdam (Holland America)

Ref: http://sg.news.yahoo.com/best-cruise-ships-world-cruise-critic-191641775.html

World's best beach hotels

How to explain the difference a beachfront hotel makes? “More than unobstructed views, it’s about the freedom of not having to look both ways to cross the street before feeling sand between your toes,” says Matt Thomson, founder of Wavecation.com, a surfing-focused vacation rental company.

That’s the thrilling sense of liberation that comes with a stay at beachfront hotel properties like Lizard Island Resort in Australia, where your suite’s private terrace overlooks the Great Barrier Reef.  

Travel + Leisure readers were so taken that they voted Lizard Island Resort the No. 3 best beach hotel in the world, as part of our annual World’s Best survey. The top-scoring hotels and resorts all offer a captivating beach setting, and their interiors range from minimalist to cozy and traditional.

No. 1 Southern Ocean Lodge,

(Photo: Courtesy of Southern Ocean Lodge)

Kangaroo Island, Australia

Contemporary in design and green in attitude, this lodge sits on a wildlife-rich island 30 minutes from Adelaide. Each of the 21 suites offers limestone floors, an outdoor terrace, and works by local artisans. (Air conditioning is unnecessary; the property was constructed to take advantage of natural weather patterns.) For a spectacular ocean view from a hand-carved granite bath, book the glass-walled Osprey Pavilion suite, which also features a private plunge spa and sunken lounge.

No. 2 Discovery Shores Boracay,

(Photo: Courtesy of Discovery Shores)

Boracay, Philippines
The 2 1/2-mile stretch known as White Beach is often singled out for having the softest sand in the world—and it’s the setting for this resort and its 88 suites (some with private Jacuzzis). The water’s fine, whether you want to take a dip in the infinity pool or Jet Ski on the Sibuyan Sea. For people-watching, head to the Sandbar, where bartenders stir up lychee- and mango-infused mojitos.

No. 3 Lizard Island Resort,

(Photo: Courtesy of Lizard Island Resort)

Great Barrier Reef, Australia
With 24 beaches fringing the Great Barrier Reef and accommodations for just 40 couples, Lizard Island is in a category all its own. Open-plan suites are done in royal blue, turquoise, and stark white to mimic the Coral Sea below, with hammocks and decks discreetly hidden from view. Count on sunset cruises, torchlit beach dinners, and complimentary gourmet picnic baskets. Book an Anchor Bay Suite for a direct pathway to the beach and daybed sunbathing from a personal veranda.

No. 4 Hotel Santa Caterina,

(Photo: Courtesy of Hotel Santa Caterina)

Amalfi, Italy

Now in its fourth generation of Gambardella family management, this 1904 looker still reigns in Belle Époque splendor. Rooms are spread across the main building, two villas, and a triplet of honeymoon cottages and decorated with local antiques. An elevator descends to a private beach, saltwater pool, fitness center, and thatched-roof pizzeria and fish grill. As you stroll through the secluded terraced gardens and citrus orchards, it’s obvious why Liz Taylor and Richard Burton chose to hide out here.

No. 5 Live Aqua,

(Photo: Courtesy of Live Aqua Cancun)

Cancún, Mexico

For those seeking a calmer Cancún all-inclusive experience, Live Aqua delivers. An outdoor contemplation area uses eucalyptus and lavender aromatherapy to help you de-stress during the day, while mini-Japanese sand garden boxes are left in the room at turndown. All 371 rooms are done in neutral tones and natural materials, so your eyes are drawn straight to the hotel’s eight varying-temperature swimming pools. Book a corner suite for your own private Jacuzzi.

No. 6 Grand Velas All Suites & Spa Resort, 

(Photo: Courtesy of Grand Velas)

Playa del Carmen, Mexico

Located inside an 80-acre mangrove and jungle reserve, this all-inclusive resort spreads across a white-sand beach and has an exotic, faraway feel even though it’s within an easy drive of Playa del Carmen. The resort features both adult-only and family areas, and the 89,000-square-foot spa is one of Mexico’s largest, with 40 treatment rooms, some with hydromassage tubs. After a day of pampering, dine at one of eight restaurants, including Sen Lin for Asian fusion and Cocina de Autor for molecular Mexican Caribbean cuisine.

No. 7 Four Seasons Resort,

(Photo: Don Riddle / Courtesy of Four Seasons)

Hualalai, Big Island, Hawaii

All 228 rooms at this gorgeous, isolated resort are situated in low-rise bungalows with ocean views. The grounds border the dramatic volcanic rock coast with seawater and freshwater swimming pools; an open-air spa teems with tropical vegetation; and yoga, personal training, and a full menu of fitness classes are offered daily. The private 7,100-square-foot oceanfront Jack Nicklaus signature golf course is carved into the underlying black lava, which serves as a occasional bunker.

No. 8 Four Seasons Resort Bora Bora,

(Photo: John Sinal / Courtesy of Four Seasons)

Bora-Bora, French Polynesia

Although overwater bungalows are the most enticing lodgings at the Four Seasons, the hotel has 107 different rooms scattered along the beachside and lagoon of its private motu (small islet). Walls are made of volcanic stone, and thatched-roofed spaces are decorated with teak and merbau-timber furnishings. All have extraordinary views over the turquoise-blue, coral-filled South Pacific, and some offer a glimpse of the majestic black-rock peaks of Mount Otemanu and Mount Pahia.

No. 9 Palazzo Avino,

(Photo: Genivs Loci)

Ravello, Italy

From the gym to the underwater window in the heated pool, sea views abound at this ornate 12th-century palazzo along the Amalfi Coast (formerly known as Palazzo Sasso). For the finest panoramas, head to the rooftop solarium with its twin Jacuzzis. The rooms are layered in 17th- through 19th-century antiques, Vietri tile floors, and Frette and Bulgari appointments. Chef Pino Lavarra’s eclectic/nouvelle-Italian cuisine has garnered two Michelin stars for Rossellinis Restaurant (open April-October).

No. 10 Lodge at Doonbeg,

(Photo: Patrick O'Brien, Kiawah Partners)

County Clare, Ireland

This grand manor is hidden along the Emerald Isle’s remote and rugged Atlantic shores. Inside, a peat-log fireplace illuminates the wood-beamed lobby; goose-feather duvets adorn guest beds; and teapots of piping Irish Breakfast tea are served each morning. Staff will arrange outings to County Clare attractions, from the Cliffs of Moher to St. Tola Goat Cheese farm and the world-renowned Burren Smokehouse. Fancy something more restful? Go for a seaweed scrub at the Clodagh-designed White Horse Spa.

Ref:  http://sg.news.yahoo.com/world-s-best-beach-hotels-060111567.html