The well-known Pinsent Masons law firm published results of a conducted study indicating that the number of so-called investment visas issued to foreigners in Great Britain has increased from 235 in 2010-2011 to 419 in 2011-2012, that is by as much as 78 percent. In 2012, a record was set by the citizens of Russia: they are leaders in terms of visas granted making 24 percent of the total number of successful applicants (for comparison, the Chinese are behind by 1 percent).
Today, many countries offer citizenship in exchange for investments. For instance, until recently Germany had a law in force guaranteeing German citizenship granting for the purchase of commercial real estate or an operating enterprise with a minimum value of EUR 250 thousand as well as providing employment for five persons. At that, the law did not prohibit acquisition of operating enterprises on credit. As of August 1, 2012 the strict requirements to investment amounts were abolished. Two years ago, the corresponding amendments to the immigration law were made also in Latvia. The effect is obvious: from July 2011 to July 2012 the foreign investors have paid for real estate in the country 2.3 times more than during the previous period, says Martin Hormuth, the PHL owner. Recently, the Bulgarian Parliament also voted for the benefits to investors: soon the wealthy people will be able to gain Bulgarian citizenship under a simplified procedure, whereas according to the latest information the investment amount for that is circa EUR 100 thousand. The same amount of investment, i.e. EUR 100 thousand, ensures granting the right of permanent residence in both Romania and Croatia. Hungary keeps pace too: according to the local parliament idea, citizenship of this country shall be granted to those investing EUR 250 thousand.
“Legislation in all these countries provides for quite a loyal attitude and the permanent residence right to investors”, says Martin Hormuth. “Therefore today wealthy citizens of CIS countries prefer to invest in profitable European projects with a promising business plan – this concerns not real estate only, but also office and trade property, as well as construction of recreational facilities. They come to Europe not only to increase their capital, but also to secure it. Investments in the real estate in countries with a stable economy provide for reliability and safety”.
PHL international company headed by Martin Hormuth is well represented in Eastern Europe. 18 building projects in Berlin have been realized with Mr Hormuth’s direct participation, each of them being a success. Recently, a contract involving a retail trade facility in Germany with a payback period of 10 years has been concluded. Martin Hormuth’s company has been engaged in a number of prestigious projects in Europe including a luxury golf resort in the area of 130 ha in Croatia on the Adriatic Sea coast, a shopping centre in Varna, Bulgaria, and other large-scale projects. Martin Hormuth is a recognized expert in the international market. As an honourable and experienced professional in the field of management and development, Martin was involved in large-scale projects of GTC company headed by Mr Eli Alroy.
Martin Hormuth