One can be the first economic power in the world and lack attractiveness in the eyes of some of its nationals. According to a study by Barclays Bank, 47% of Chinese with wealth over $1.5 million plan to move abroad in the next five years. The main reasons invoked by these candidates for emigration are not of a political nature, but concern the education of children and health risks. Read all here.
We roll out the carpet for the red millionaires
Other countries have become prime targets, including the UK and Australia. So
why not look here. To limit the number of applicants a little, the British government has decided to increase the number to 2 million pounds. This is the minimum amount of investment in UK businesses and government bonds for foreigners and their families to qualify for residency. Here again, Chinese nationals are the most likely to apply, ahead of Russians.
It takes three months to process the visa which, if approved, is obtained in three weeks. Although there is a mutual legal assistance agreement between China and Australia, the Chinese leaders have requested that the Disciplinary Commission of the Party be given the opportunity to go and interrogate Chinese nationals on the spot. This even if they benefit from Australian nationality.
Many countries want their share of these rich exiles
But other countries are not left out to attract Chinese investors and residents. Greece, for example, thus grants a permanent visa, for three generations, in return for an investment commitment of 250,000 dollars in real estate. This measure, taken before the new government came to power, was widely publicized in Asia, and particularly in China.
Portugal and Spain have similar programs in place which have granted 750 visas to Chinese families over the past twelve months. Bulgaria, Malta and Cyprus even offer accelerated citizenship, as do St Kitts and Nevis, Antigua or Dominica. In the latter country, China has also concluded a massive investment agreement of 300 million dollars. It is the equivalent of a third of the island's GDP to build a hotel, a new airport and a hospital.