EU's Golden Passports – Demand and Remaining Activity Examined in New Report
European Parliament research reveals that citizenship-by-investment schemes in EU member states involved 8,769 people and €7.497 billion between 2011 and 2019. A new, comprehensive report examines what has ended and what remains.
The European Parliament's research arm has released a comprehensive analysis of the demand and impact of so-called golden passports issued by EU member states. Between 2011 and 2019, these citizenship and residency-by-investment schemes attracted a total of 8,769 individuals and gathered €7.497 billion in investments.
The new study, spanning 519 pages and citing 267 sources, delves deeply into the current state of these programs. It aims to clarify which aspects of the activity have concluded and what persists. The report utilizes a detailed reference case to illustrate the complex processes and their consequences.
The issuance of citizenship and residency permits in exchange for investments has sparked debate within the EU, as the arrangements are seen as potentially undermining the Union's security and creating inequality. Consequently, several countries have begun reviewing or restricting these programs.
The report provides detailed information on investor profiles, investment types, and the associated ethical and legal questions. The analysis contributes to a better understanding of the role and significance of investment-based citizenship and residency within the EU.