HOW DID YOU FALL IN LOVE WITH TRAVELING?

Actually, I was born into a traveling family, and it has occupied the center of my life before it evolved into a lifestyle. Now, I travel for work, leisure, or simply for quality time with my family, whom I travel with almost every month. 

I am grateful for the privilege of loving the work I do. With our motto of “Believe in Travel”, Preferred Hotels & Resorts is about discovering bespoke travel experiences around the world and connecting them with travelers seeking unique lodgings.

WHAT IS YOUR TRAVEL PHILOSOPHY?

To embrace and immerse oneself in diversity and to respect the local people. Travel is the best education in life, so the learning never stops. I’m a student of life and travel is my guidebook.

WHAT DO YOU ALWAYS LOOK FOR IN A HOTEL ROOM?

The foremost aspect is positive energy and the sense of comfort a room creates. The design, touch points, lighting, art, and amenities need to come together to generate an uplifting atmosphere. And so if a room can’t be a soothing living space, everything else becomes irrelevant.

DEFINE AN INDEPENDENT LUXURY HOTEL.

Above all, an independent luxury hotel is an unbound expression of extravagance by way of a unique experience. In fact these are usually storied hotels that embody the destination itself. The Fullerton Hotel Singapore and The Fullerton Bay Hotel Singapore, The Imperial New Delhi and The Siam Hotel in Bangkok are great examples. 

In fact, a different take on luxury hospitality is offered by properties like Montage Hotels & Resorts and The Leela Palaces, Hotels & Resorts, for instance. Certainly, these are new build iconic luxury hotels that embrace a sense of destination to the fullest. 

We also work with more than 230 of the finest spa and wellbeing properties, some of which are recognized as leaders in their field. For example: The Lodge and Spa at Brush Creek Ranch in Saratoga, Wyoming; Bungaraya Island Resort in Kota Kinabalu, Malaysia; and Burg Vital Resort in Lech, Austria. 

WHAT ARE HOTELS YOU ALWAYS GO BACK TO?

Some of my favorites include The Leela Palace Udaipur for its inspiring setting, uplifting décor, and stunning architecture; and The Siam Hotel in Bangkok for the art fusion of history with edgy modernity. Similarly, both properties are members of the Preferred Hotels & Resorts Legend Collection. Lastly, Soneva Fushi in the Maldives is soul stirring and the best place for recalibrating the mind and body.

WHAT IS THE MOST UNIQUE HOTEL YOU’VE STAYED IN?

The Upper House in Hong Kong, which is also a member of the Preferred Hotels & Resorts Legend Collection. In fact, everything is unique, from the sense of arrival to the room layout and design. Designed by Andre Fu, The Upper House’s inspiring spaces are nothing like what we normally see in hotels. 

WHICH NEW HOTELS SHOULD TRAVELERS KNOW ABOUT?

We have exciting launches next year. For instance, Villa Copenhagen in Denmark, opens in late spring, while The Diaoyutai Mansion Frankfurt, will transform the city’s south side in March with a diverse range of fine dining outlets and entertainment facilities; there is also The Fullerton Hotel Sydney, which launched this October in the central business district.

WHAT IS ONE DESTINATION YOU GO BACK TO AGAIN AND AGAIN?

For the love of its earthy serenity and slowness of life, I love traveling to Maldives. Additionally, I experienced several of the destination’s most renowned properties including JA Manafaru, Coco Bodu Hithi, Six Senses Laamu, and Soneva Fushi. 

In fact, my family and I went to the Maldives this Christmas and then back to Dubai soon after to soak up an action-packed week of bright lights and urban festive fervor.

HOW DOES PREFERRED HOTELS & RESORTS ASSIST INDEPENDENT HOTELS?

Our brand is a champion of independent, luxury properties and we provide global reach and credibility. Moreover, we also offer I Prefer Hotel Rewards, the world’s first points-based loyalty program for independent hotels. Certainly I Prefer Hotel Rewards empowers independent hotels to compete with the hotel chains. In addition, it offers points, elite status, special benefits, and room upgrades at more than 700 hotels.

Read more stories about independent luxury hotels in Travelife Magazine.

READ ABOUT ONE OF SPAIN’S BEST NEW HOTELS

The post Top Independent Luxury Hotels Around the World appeared first on TRAVELIFE Magazine.

Banyan Tree Cluster General Manager Aurelio Giraudo discusses how COVID-19 has reshaped his business and his own life. He is currently managing La Cigale Hotel, an Accor property which has remained open during the pandemic, and Banyan Tree Doha At La Cigale Mushaireb which opened its doors during Eid al-Fitr. 

HOW HAS COVID-19 AFFECTED YOUR HOTELS IN QATAR?
2020 was a very challenging year for the hospitality industry. We were amongst the worst hit industry. With all facilities closed by the Qatari government except for room service and takeaway, we experienced a substantial drop in food & beverage revenues. So we needed to focus more on food delivery sales and takeaways. 

Through menu re-engineering, we were able to drive up our takeaway sales. Overall Qatar as a market has grown over the last year due to quarantine demand and sports blocks, especially football. Also, our hotel has been able to sustain its room business by targeting the local market for staycations & daycations, football blocks and quarantine business. The customer mix for our hotel has completely changed during this pandemic time and more focus is now on the local Qatari nationals and residents.

WHAT WAS THE BIGGEST CHALLENGE FOR YOU PROFESSIONALLY IN THIS PANDEMIC?
The safety of associates and guests wellbeing were my top priorities during this pandemic. I ensured that all my associates were well taken care of and that we implemented a work from home culture for the administrative team. We did forecast our business levels to go down in comparison to last year so we took strategic actions to control our costs by cutting down on our expenses. The owners’ return was reduced; however, our owner has supported our vision of prioritizing the wellbeing of our associates and of investing in contactless and touchless experiences for the guests.

DO YOU REMEMBER WHEN AND WHERE YOU WERE WHEN YOU REALIZED THAT COVID-19 WAS MORE THAN JUST A SERIOUS FLU?
 With 40 years of experience in hospitality industry, I did have an opportunity to work in different parts of the world. I was working during SARS time 2002-2004 in Taiwan (SE Asia) & during an Ebola time in Africa 2014-2016 however the kind of impact COVID-19 has had on the entire world, is something we never even dreamt of. I was in a Revenue Strategy meeting when it was announced that Qatar was closing down the airport, so from making strategies at one point, I had to shift my focus to a sustainable recovery plan. Market intelligence and timely decision making have helped us to reduce the impact of this pandemic.

WHAT WERE THE FIRST THINGS YOU DID FOR YOUR HOTEL WHEN YOU LEARNED OF COVID-19?

At the beginning of the pandemic, there were a lot of uncertainties and we had to act fast to ensure first the safety of our associates and to control the risk on the business. The government was approaching hotels to be part of the quarantine business so I proposed the idea to handover one of our hotels i.e. La Cigale Hotel Managed by Accor, for quarantine business. This calculated risk paid off as we managed to secure guaranteed revenues which helped us in running our hotel operations smoothly from 2020.

Later we implemented Qatar Clean, a government initiative program, and All Safe Program, an Accor initiative, that was developed and examined by the Bureau Veritas company for hygiene and prevention standards. In public places there is frequent sterilization of all high touch areas, enhanced room cleaning protocols have been implemented, including additional disinfection of high-touch areas in the room and bathroom areas, enhanced food safety standards and new buffet protocols, training of staff teams on safety and public health.

WHAT WAS THE BEST MOMENT SO FAR DURING THIS PANDEMIC?
The happiest moment for me was when I managed to get my team vaccinated for both hotels. This gave me the strength and belief that together we can fight this pandemic and take care of our guests in a safe working environment. I am thankful to the Qatar government for taking care of its people in difficult times.

ARE YOU HOPEFUL FOR THE FUTURE OF LUXURY TRAVEL?
I can proudly say that luxury travel in form of tourism will return soon to our beautiful country as lots of initiatives have already been put in place by the Qatar government. Qatar will be hosting the FIFA World Cup in 2022 and there are lots of VIP visits already happening in preparation for the World Cup. With the re-opening of borders with GCC Countries i.e. Saudi Arabia, UAE, Bahrain and Egypt, we do foresee a strong growth of business from these markets in the coming months.
The FIFA Tournament Time Demand Model (TTDM)” have forecasted 1.7 million people could visit Qatar during the FIFA dates with approximately 500,000 visitors in the country on the busiest days. So overall very healthy signs of the market.

HAVE YOU BEEN ON A PLANE IN THE LAST 12 MONTHS?
I have not travelled from the time when the restrictions were put in place in Qatar in March 2020. I am passionate about travelling and I do miss those times a lot. Time to time I drive down to the airport, just to get back the feeling of travelling and seeing the people and airplanes. I wish life can return back to normal as soon as it can and I can go home and visit my parents.

WHAT ARE YOUR FAVORITE ROOMS IN YOUR HOTELS?
My favorite room at La Cigale Hotel Managed by Accor is the Royal Suite. Designed with opulent comfort in mind, these exclusive pairs of suites comprise the finest hotel accommodation in Doha, with 650 square meters for the suite. Each features exquisite works of art, accessories and furniture by world’s top designers and brands.

In Banyan Tree Doha Hotel & Residences, without a doubt my vote goes to the Four Bedroom Harmony Sky Residence. Spread over 445 sqm, the top floor of the Residences core and features two bedrooms with king-sized beds, a twin room, a single room, family living room, dining area and a balcony overlooking our verdant garden.

WHAT IS YOUR FAVORITE RESTAURANT IN EACH OF YOUR HOTELS?

My favorite restaurant at La Cigale Hotel Managed by Accor is Sky View. Here guests can experience vibrant nights at our striking indoor double floor or take a glance at the city from our outdoor rooftop section amidst the latest mixes while savoring the most tempting snacks, cocktails and sushi.

In Banyan Tree Doha Hotel & Residences, my favorite restaurant is the Saffron Thai restaurant. It offers guests an authentic experience, with cooking methods passed down through generations and indigenous ingredients in a contemporary and artistic fashion. The staff at Safrron are Thai nationals offering the best Thai cuisine in the city. This restaurant takes me back to memory lane wherein I used to work in Bangkok and every evening I used to go out with colleagues and experience Thai food. It was the best time of my life!

ANY ADVICE FOR OTHER HOTEL GMS ON COPING WITH THIS PANDEMIC ON A PERSONAL LEVEL?
I would say focus on yourself. Develop your skills, spend time in studying, enroll in Harvard and Cornell eLearning courses. Invest time in research and upgrade your overall personality and skills. Reconnect with families, as at times we ignore our families, this is the time to be with them. Stay focused, our industry will bounce back very soon. So, hang on and keep doing the good work. It might be tough right now, but this industry is very resilient and will bounce up sooner than expected.

 WHAT ABOUT AS A HOTEL PROFESSIONAL?
Stay focused, encourage people to think out of the box and come up with ideas. Be flexible and adapt yourself to constantly changing and dynamic market. Motivate your team to create a healthy working environment that delivers exemplary customer services: a vital ingredient in a successful hotel operation.
 
Always share information with your team. It is vital that everyone knows and understands the vision of the company and should be aware and involved in achieving goals. People work better if they feel valued. Practice fairness at all times. Foster good working relationships, not only within the team, but with different stakeholders as well.

Photos courtesy of Banyan Tree Doha at La Cigale Mushaireb and La Cigale Hotel Managed by Accor

The post Turning a pandemic into a positive appeared first on TRAVELIFE Magazine.

COVID-19 has pushed hoteliers and hospitality companies into uncharted territory. However some brands are staying the course. In an exclusive interview with Travelife Magazine, Oakwood Chief Executive Officer Dean Schreiber confirms that his company is on track for global expansion and he has found some silver lining amidst this pandemic.

The new Oakwood Beluxs brand, for instance, is going full steam ahead into China, plans unchanged.

What is Oakwood Beluxs and who is its target market?

Oakwood Beluxs is created for the confident and stylish traveller looking for modern cultural experiences. With an aggressive plan to open 100 properties by 2030, this co- developed product is exclusive to Mainland China’s top 50 cities with the highest gross domestic product (GDP).

Reflecting the ethos of aspiring entrepreneurs and corporate executives, Oakwood Beluxs will be a residential lifestyle choice that serves the emerging needs of aspirational travellers with a global perspective of life, culture and identity.

This new generation of travellers, with a desire for a sustainable, smart and personalized sanctuary, have exacting standards for lifestyle preferences influenced by their international exposure to social values, culture and personal ambitions.

Without compromising on the quality of residential comfort, Oakwood Beluxs will speak to their sense of style, penchant for aesthetics and environmental consciousness. Strategically located in upscale precincts, Oakwood Beluxs will exude artful sophistication rooted with a sense of culture.

The first Oakwood Beluxs will debut in Southern China. More details will be provided shortly.

Talk of expansion is quite rare amidst the pandemic. What made you decide to push through with your Oakwood Beluxs plans when so many other hospitality chains are revisiting their current strategies?

Oakwood has remained relatively resilient in the midst of the current situation over the last few months, being comparatively less sensitive to transient traveller demand. Our entire portfolio remained open with stable occupancy levels through the pandemic, except in locations where we have been governed by local authorities to close temporarily.

With social distancing being the new standard, and hygiene the new benchmark against which we will all be measured, the serviced apartment model ticks all the boxes.

What we have been experiencing is an increase in demand for serviced apartments as the accommodation of choice. Our room sizes offer the perfect work from home solution, allowing for self-catering when needed, yet with the option to be pampered on call. In fact, we just launched Oakwood Apartments PIK Jakarta on 31 March 2020, which is our third property in the Indonesian capital.

The hospitality model that Oakwood operates is a balance of both short and long stays, putting us in a unique position to appeal to a broader market and achieve more stable occupancy rates in general. The strategic alliance with Country Garden Commercial and Culture Tourism Group, part of a Fortune 500 company, in a critical period such as this bears testament to Oakwood’s business viability.

What is it like to be a hotelier/ hospitality chain CEO at a time like this?

During this period when the tourism industry is faced with an existential threat, there has most certainly been ups and downs that we have all had to deal with. Not only have we had to make some really tough decisions, we have also had to deal with numerous challenges personally. Taking a step back to look at the situation holistically, it is somewhat like a perfect storm.

In times like these, how your team responds to the situation is an endorsement of one’s leadership, and I have been very proud of my team’s commitment and resilience. We often read about the heroes this period, but I really count the hospitality teams globally who show up for work each day to care for our guests – amongst these heroes.

What has been your biggest challenge so far with COVID-19 still hanging in the air?

The critical success factor is to maintain the trust and confidence in Oakwood. This applies to all our associates, guests, business partners and the community. We are relentless in our effort to ensure that all our stakeholders are aware of our initiatives to protect their health and safety, protecting our workforce and community relations without compromising on our guests’ comfort.

One of the most rewarding initiatives was “Give With Oakwood”, which was our first global community outreach. More than 80 Oakwood properties across Asia Pacific, the United States of America and United Kingdom rallied to provide meals for the less privileged.

What is your personal forecast for COVID-19 and the travel industry? How will it change the way we travel and check into hotels?

Until travel restrictions are relaxed, we can expect domestic tourism to lead the way to business recovery. I believe that regional, intra-Asia travel will be our focus before long haul demand resumes. With early signs of international flight routes being reinstated, we are confident that Asia will be the hot spot for recovery with Mainland China leading the trend.

Leisure travel will be layered with new requirements and as an industry, we need to respond to that – as we have done at Oakwood to meet these needs. Moving forward, I believe that more leisure travellers will start selecting fewer destinations for extended stays instead of short stays at multiple destinations.

With our self-contained options at Oakwood which provide travellers with the ability to stay longer in a self-catered space, avoid crowded buffet breakfast venues and reduce multiple staff entry into rooms – the luxury of space will definitely be a key offering.

Assurance of a safe and clean space will increasingly take precedence as part of travel considerations. However, with the launch of our global hygiene programme Oakwood Clean360, guests can be assured of a safe venue to work and live in, as we apply our clean standards not just to our public spaces and guest-facing areas, but also to our back-of-house areas – where we may look after both our guests and associates equally.

What is most important for a hotel brand to be able to survive a time like this?

Every hospitality brand is facing similar challenges. Nobody has the model answer to surviving this crisis but the strongest survivors are those who can adapt and respond to market demands. At Oakwood, we recognise that we must remain steadfast in our commitment to guest preferences. This is our basic reason to offer a residential lifestyle to discerning travellers who are seeking a sanctuary to call home instead of a hotel room.

Going back to basics, hospitality job redesign must take place to provide for new work procedures. For example, stringent hygiene and sanitation procedures, digital transformation of guest services as well as contactless guest experiences without compromising service excellence.

All these are equally important, not mutually exclusive.

Any silver linings at all, regarding this pandemic?

Certainly, there is no time like now to be creative. International travel restrictions have forced us to be innovative in generating incremental revenue streams through service innovations and adapting our operating standards to new expectations.

Has COVID-19 affected your Oakwood Beluxs expansion plans in any way?

No it has not. Our commitment to expansion is a plan for the long term which requires us to direct our efforts beyond COVID-19. We are confident that Oakwood Beluxs will be well-poised to take on the increased demand and economic recovery in China.

Asia Pacific

• Mainland China: Beijing, Tonglu, Foshan, Chongli, Nansha
• Australia: Melbourne, Dandenong
• Cambodia: Phnom Penh
• Indonesia: Jakarta
• Japan: Yokohama, Kyoto
• Myanmar: Yangon
• Thailand: Bangkok
• Philippines: Manila
• Vietnam: Ho Chi Minh City

Middle East

Dubai

North America

• Seattle
• Philadelphia
• Raleigh
• Atlanta
• San Francisco

The post Oakwood is bullish on China, expansion plans are on track appeared first on TRAVELIFE Magazine.

Where is Grenada?

Grenada is part of the Commonwealth so it is not to be confused with Granada in Spain. It is a sovereign tri-island nation consisting of the islands of Grenada, Carriacou, and Petite Martinique, located in the Eastern Caribbean Sea. It’s north of Trinidad-and-Tobago, and it’s part of the Lesser Antilles chain of islands. The country has decent airlift and is easily accessible from the United States, Canada and Europe.

Why Grenada for a second passport?

The choice of country for a second (or third) passport is subjective. Grenada is one of that few countries successfully operating a Citizenship-by-Investment Program (CIP) and it enjoys a solid reputation with a robust and effective due diligence process.

Furthermore, the applicant and qualifying family members are not required to reside or to visit Grenada. Once the application is approved and passports are in hand, a Grenadian passport grants access to over 140 countries without a visa, including the United Kingdom, the European Union and China, along with other intrinsic benefits of being a Commonwealth passport holder.

How does one get a Grenada passport?

Grenada’s CIP currently has two options. The applicant can choose which stream they prefer to qualify for. 

The first option is a contribution of at least USD 150,000 for a single applicant, with the amount increasing depending on the family composition. This directly benefits the economy and therefore helps to finance projects in renewable energy, agriculture, infrastructure and tourism.

The second option is an investment into a government-approved real estate project of at least USD 220,000. Tthis amount is fixed, regardless of the family composition, and most investments are into hotels, villas or resorts. 

What is so attractive about Grenada?

Grenada is known as the Spice Island of the Caribbean. It’s a hidden gem offering unspoiled beauty and it’s famous for its aromatic spices and organic chocolate.

For those considering living in Grenada it is considered one of the safest places in the world. It also lies outside of the main hurricane belt. Grenada also boasts of white sandy beaches including the world-famous Grand Anse Beach, breathtaking waterfalls, chocolate factories and rum distilleries, and world-class dive sites. 

The latter includes “Bianca C,” the largest shipwreck in the Caribbean, and the World’s First Underwater Sculpture Park. We currently operate an office in Grenada and can consequently advise and accommodate applicants who wish to make the move. 

Among my clients who actually decided to visit and explore Grenada, I can confirm that every single one of them was pleasantly surprised by the country. Grenada also has one of the best and most highly-praised medical universities in the world. The St. George’s University (SGU) has over 6,000 students from 140 countries and a 93% US residency placement rate for its graduates.

What are the disadvantages of a Grenada passport?

All Citizenship-by-Investment Programs currently operational worldwide come with a cost, so this is a situation not unique to Grenada alone. In addition to the investment amount, the applicant will have to pay professional fees and various government fees.

When it comes to managing our client’s expectations, I am extremely straightforward by disclosing right away that the main benefits of those CIPs are the citizenship and passport acquired through the investment. It is not the other way around. 

Tell us about the Six Senses investment. I understand it’s down to the last few unsold units. Why has it sold so well?

Investing into the new Six Senses La Sagesse Grenada is indeed a qualifying investment under Grenada’s CIP program. A single share of the resort costs USD 220,000. 

From a practical stand-point, it is no secret that real estate developments associated with CIP – both in the Caribbean and in Europe – are often overpriced and in many cases are never actually completed. There are rare exceptions and this project is one of them.

Six Senses, being one of the best hotel brands in the world, has also attracted lifestyle buyers and not only investors interested in the citizenship program. As such the value of this brand – and therefore theinvestment – cannot be underestimated, especially considering that this will be the first Six Senses resort in the region, hence a flagship property. 

Six Senses La Sagesse Grenada is being built by the same developer who completed the internationally-acclaimed Park Hyatt St. Kitts and Kempinski Dominica. So they have an outstanding track record in successfully completing luxury resort projects. At the time of writing this article, there were less than 30 shares left in the whole project. 

What other perks are investors entitled to?

The most obvious benefit is the citizenship and passport of Grenada. The investment itself into Six Senses entitles the investor to dividends currently conservatively estimated at 2-5% per annum paid in USD. There are no yearly maintenance or service fees. The returns will be based on the hotel operation after the project is completed in 2022. 

During the construction, the investor is entitled to a 7-night complimentary stay at the Park Hyatt St. Kitts or Kempinski Dominica each year.

What is the total outlay if I choose the Six Senses investment option?

This will vary depending on the family composition. As a tentative overview, an investor applying alone can expect a total outlay of around USD 325,000 while a family of four would be spending approximately USD 346,000. We will of course provide an exhaustive breakdown to each family based on their unique composition. 

Can you sell your investment?

Yes. However, the law prescribes that investors in the Grenada CIP must hold their investment for at least five years, after which they may sell their investment. For lifestyle investors, there is no holding period. 

Please describe the application process.

When a client inquires about any program with us, we first determine whether the client is likely to qualify or not. At this stage, the client will be required to make an initial deposit as our compliance department performs due diligence checks. This step takes two to three weeks. Once this is completed, we will advise the client whether to move forward or not based on our findings. 

In case we determine that the client should not move forward, we will refund the deposit to the client and their journey ends there. On the other hand, and assuming we determine they are likely to qualify, then we start gathering the prerequisite documents under the proper format, liaise, in the case of Grenada, with our office in Grenada and the Government, and then once the application is ready, we submit the application. 

How long is the whole process?

From the moment we submit an application, it will take an average of two to three months for the Government of Grenada to take a decision on an application. Occasionally we do have applications that may take up to eight months to process due to the complexity of the case or a delay in the submission of documents. However the latter are exceptions.

When do I need to pay the investment?

The investment is paid in two different stages. An initial deposit will be paid upon submission of the citizenship application. Once the application is approved, then the balance should be paid. Grenada will issue the passports shortly afterwards. 

READ MORE ABOUT HOW TO GET A SECOND PASSPORT

Required documentation for a Grenada passport

A tailored and detailed checklist is given to all our clients based on their own situation. 

Personal documentation requirements include but are not limited to:

                • All pages of current passport

                • ID Card

                • Birth Certificate 

                • Marriage Certificate 

                • Passport-sized photos 

                • Police clearance(s) 

                • Diploma of highest education

                • Proof of address

                • Medical report

                • Affidavits of Support for the accompanying dependents 

Professional documentation requirements include:

                • Reference letters from a bank and a professional

                • Bank statements

                • Source of funds documents

What make the Grenada passport unique?

Grenada is one of the very few passports in the world that grants visa-free access to the UK (180 days), all EU countries (90 days), Russia and Mainland China (30 days). In addition, it is the only Caribbean CIP nation that is a USA E-2 treaty country. This means that successful applicants will become eligible to apply for a USA E-2 visa that will enable the investor and family members to establish a business in the United States and to lawfully reside in the United States.

Read more about how to get a second passport in Travelife Magazine.

Harvey Law Group Philippines

Phone +63 998 597 6853
Email
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The post Invest in a hotel and get a second passport appeared first on TRAVELIFE Magazine.

Why Spain for a Golden Visa?

Spain is top of mind for most – if not all – Filipino clients due to the colonial heritage of the Philippines and its intertwined history with Spain. There are several ways to become a Spaniard — you can show evidence of your lineage, marry a Spaniard or legally spend enough time in Spain.

What is a Golden Visa?

However, the Spanish residency-by-investment program (aka Golden Visa) essentially grants a right to legally reside in Spain in exchange for an investment into a property (or properties) worth a minimum of EUR 500,000. 

By extension, a Spanish Golden Visa holder (and all qualifying family members) may opt to work and study in Spain without the need to further secure an additional work or study permits.

The Spanish Golden Visa also offers a certain mobility within other Schengen countries under normal circumstances. Migration and mobility policies do not necessarily apply during the time of COVID19 and other pandemics. 

The Golden Visa is notably popular in the Philippines. It provides a path for Filipinos to obtain citizenship after two years and therefore secure a Spanish passport. However, careful consideration should be given to applicants looking at the Golden Visa as a path to citizenship.

– Samuel Harvey, Director of Business Development

What are the advantages of getting a Golden Visa for Spain, compared to getting one from neighboring Portugal?

The main factors which differentiate the Spanish and Portuguese programs are residency, options for investment and the citizenship path. 

RESIDENCY REQUIREMENTS: SPAIN vs PORTUGAL

Portugal has a residency requirement of roughly a week per year in order to maintain the Golden Visa. Meanwhile Spain doesn’t have a residency requirement. A point for Spain. Click here to contact the Harvey Law Group.

Options for a Golden Visa

Spain in mainly popular for its real estate investment option, whilst Portugal offers multiple investment options for potential investors. A point for Portugal. 

The most popular options among our clients for a Portugal visa include: 

• Minimum investment of EUR 350,000 into an investment fund
• Minimum investment of EUR 350,000 into a qualifying real estate property in need of refurbishment 
• Minimum investment of EUR 500,000 into at least one real estate property
• Commitment of EUR 175,000 into an incubation program under the Start-up Visa program.

Path to Citizenship

Portugal also provides a route to citizenship after five (5) years. On the other hand, for non-colonized countries, Spain is also open for citizenship but only after 10 years. Filipinos and citizens of other countries once colonized by Spain may be able to receive a Spanish passport as early as two years after receiving the first residency visa. 

Once citizenship is secured, according to the latest data from IATA, Spain has a slight advantage regarding its passport strength since it currently provides visa-free access to 188 jurisdictions. Meanwhile Portugal has access to 186 jurisdictions. 

What are the major hurdles for a Golden Visa from Spain?

There is no hurdle in applying for the Golden Visa so to speak. However, there is a note to be made about the misconceptions that several Filipinos have on the differences between what the Golden Visa is, the path to citizenship, and the requirements (and potential impact) of becoming a Spaniard on one’s wealth situation.

The Spanish Golden Visa is fairly straightforward. It has neither residency, language nor test requirements. Renewing this Golden Visa every two to five years is simple and the fees are minimal. As long as the applicant maintains the investment and continues to respect the initial requirements, the Golden Visa can be renewed. Click here to contact the Harvey Law Group.

How do I acquire Spanish citizenship?

The path to citizenship is a different story. To qualify for citizenship in Spain, one must speak Spanish. The applicant must also demonstrate proficiency on Spanish culture and history in Spanish via an examination.

Nationals from non-colonized countries may need to relinquish their former citizenship and application will probably take ten years. Filipinos will need two to three years and they can retain their Filipino citizenship. 

What is the approximate total outlay for a successful Golden Visa from Spain?

There is no ‘one size fits all’ as the total outlay varies depending on the family constitution, as well as the property type and location. If the minimum investment is set at EUR 500,000, the investor should expect to pay an additional EUR 50,000 to 75,000. This is for the various taxes and fees associated with the property.

In addition, there are third party disbursements such as government and application fees, alongside professional legal fees. Total outlay will be a minimum of EUR 575,000 to EUR 600,000. 

How long will the Golden Visa process take?

This varies depending on whether the applicant will (or can) visit Spain or not. Average processing time is between one to four months. I also wish to stress that HLG is still able to process all applications remotely, amidst the current pandemic.

Indeed, all meetings with our counterpart in Spain, the selection and purchase of property, the completion of the Golden Visa application, and even a preselection of schools for their children, can be done remotely and through digital means via our firm.  Click here to contact the Harvey Law Group.

Can everyone apply for a Spanish Golden Visa?

The program is restricted to non-EU/EEA nationals. Also, those with past criminal convictions, unpaid debts to Spanish authorities, and record of illegal entry or stay in Spain cannot apply. Politically Exposed Persons (PEP) also require a thorough and extensive legal assessment.

What happens to the Golden Visa if an investor wants to sell the property?

The Spanish Golden Visa is reliant on the property so an investor cannot sell the property before converting the residency permit into a permanent residency status or citizenship in Spain. Once the investor attains either of those status, he or she may dispose of the property without any impact on their immigrant status in Spain.

Would you recommend the Spanish Golden Visa to your clients?

The Spanish program is popular but all programs have their own set of pros and cons. We base our recommendation on the needs and requirements of applicants. It’s our role as legal advisers to give all information to the applicant, to enable him or her to make an informed decision. 

Why should I choose HLG to help apply for the Spanish Golden Visa? 

Our professional duties are to the client. We have seen many ‘consultants’, ‘advisors’ and other questionable individuals presenting the Golden Visa in Spain as an outright ‘Citizenship-by-Investment Program’ or as an easy process to get citizenship.

This is not a true representation of the program. Hiring a non-professional or failing to consider key factors could result in unfortunate financial losses in addition to a potential immigration ban of up to 10 years. Click here to contact the Harvey Law Group.

“Each client should carefully undertake due diligence on both the investment and the service provider. They should also seek professional opinion on the potential tax exposure in both their current country of residency and in Spain. 

“As a law firm, HLG carries out the necessary due diligence and manages the whole process from start to finish. Our integrity is paramount, and we are prepared to go the extra mile for our clients to make sure the chosen program is the right one for them.” 

Harvey Law Group  (HLG) was founded by Jean-Francois Harvey in 1992. Headquartered in Hong Kong, the firm now has over 20 offices worldwide. It has proven expertise on residency, permanent residency, and citizenship by investment. 

Considered a pioneer in the industry, it has advised countless individuals and families on acquiring a second passport. It has also counselled foreign governments on their immigration laws and regulations. 

READ MORE ABOUT CITIZENSHIP BY INVESTMENT & SECOND PASSPORT OPTIONS AROUND THE WORLD

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WHY APPLY FOR A SECOND PASSPORT?

A second passport acts as a tangible reassurance to our clients at Harvey Law Group that they have the security they need, in case there are ever political uncertainties and economic instabilities in their home countries. In a way, a second passport is like an insurance policy, giving clients peace of mind and a haven to run to in cases of unexpected and unfortunate events.

In addition, passport holders and their qualifying family members gain visa-free status to many countries, along with access to healthcare, education, and other social benefits. Our clients can expand their businesses to key global markets without local partner requirements; as well as undertake more efficient tax and legacy planning. 

WHAT ADVICE WOULD YOU GIVE TO THOSE CONSIDERING APPLYING?

Do your own due diligence. And hire a professional who can offer a comprehensive approach, coupled with extensive knowledge and a track record.

Improvised agents or consultants have misled various clients. In Spain, for example, some agents or consultants promote a citizenship-by-investment program to encourage the purchase of properties. 

However, Spain is actually a residency-by-investment program. As such many of these consultants’ clients bought properties in Spain, expecting a passport in return — even though it will never come. They only learn later on that the process to qualify for Spanish citizenship actually takes years, aside from learning the language and passing a nationality exam.

THE TOP DESTINATIONS IN THE CARIBBEAN

Grenada currently has visa-free access to over 140 countries – including all EU countries, United Kingdom, and China. And applicants do not need to visit the country during or after the application process.

The new Six Senses Resorts & Spa Grenada is also one of the most attractive investment options in the Caribbean. Purchasing a share in the resort entitles the main applicant and all qualifying dependents to Grenada citizenship for life. 

THE MOST UNDERRATED DESTINATIONS

First note: Dominica is different from Dominica Republic. The Commonwealth of Dominica is dubbed as the “Nature Island” and it offers many outdoor attractions. Clients can secure a Dominica citizenship by donating a minimum amount to an infrastructure fund. This fund will be used to build or renovate roads, hospitals, schools or airports. Applicants may also invest a minimum amount into a designated real estate development instead. 

The Harvey Law Group  (HLG) was founded by Jean-Francois Harvey in 1992. Headquartered in Hong Kong, the firm now has over 20 offices worldwide. It has proven expertise on residency, permanent residency, and citizenship by investment.

Considered a pioneer in the industry, it has advised countless individuals and families on acquiring a second passport. It has also counselled foreign governments on their immigration laws and regulations. 

The post A second passport for a better quality life appeared first on TRAVELIFE Magazine.

WHEN IS THE BEST TIME TO GO TO FRANCE?

It depends on what travelers want to do. France is very popular because of its diverse landscape and climate. Brittany has the Atlantic climate; Provence and the French Riviera are sunny; the northwest is cool and green; the Alps feel like Switzerland; and the Basque region in the southwest has Spanish influences.

There’s a mix of everything in a relatively small territory. Skiing would be between December and April when it is snowing in the Alps. The nice period is between April and October, although July and August are peak months so tourist spots tend to get crowded.

But once you leave the famous monuments, the streets are empty. Curious travelers will have the space to discover lesser-known places. It’s nice to lose your way and discover small streets.

WHERE SHOULD TOURISTS GO AROUND PARIS?

There are the unavoidable spots. You have to see the Eiffel Tower, the Louvre, and the Champs Elysées. If you have more time, explore the “normal” places where Parisians live.

Most travelers remain on the right bank of the Seine with the tourist attractions, but the left bank has a different atmosphere with neighborhoods like Saint Germain, the Latin Quarter, and Montparnasse. This is where you will feel the atmosphere of daily life in Paris.

WHAT ARE THE MOST BREATHTAKING CASTLES IN FRANCE?

Versailles is the biggest castle in the world and it is an extremely beautiful building, with gardens designed by André Le Nôtre, the most famous landscape architect at that time.

There are many royal castles by the river Loire built between the Renaissance period and the 18th century. Chambord and Chenonceau are the famous ones, but there are also smaller yet equally beautiful castles with fewer crowds.

“Versailles is the biggest castle in the world and it is an extremely beautiful building, with gardens designed by André Le Nôtre, the most famous landscape architect at that time.“Nicolas Galey, Ambassador of France

Then there are medieval castles in Normandy, a disputed region between France and England during the Hundred Years War. The castles are a result of that war, and date back from the 11th to 13th centuries, although some are not in very good shape. There are beautiful views from the top of the castles since they are situated in strategic points to monitor the region.

WHERE SHOULD TRAVELERS GO FOR A RELAXING GETAWAY?

There are many resorts along the Atlantic Ocean coasts for thalassotherapy. They come with special diet plans, various baths, saunas, and massages — all to put you back in good shape. You immediately feel better after staying for a few days.

There are also remote hotels all over France, sometimes in the middle of a park or garden, with special labels to ensure that you won’t be disturbed by noises of planes or cars.

WHAT ARE YOUR FAVORITE MUSEUMS?

Visit Musée Guimet and Musée Cernuschi. These are small museums with private collections featuring artifacts from Asia. Another is the Museum of Decorative Arts, which is now hosted in the Louvre Museum.

They display small and well-crafted everyday items. The artisanship stems from a French approach called l’art de vivre (art of living), in which objects are created with practicality and quality in mind.

WHERE IS THE MOST PICTURESQUE PLACE IN FRANCE?

Tourists already know this, but the glass pyramid of the Louvre is very picturesque, especially at night when it is illuminated from within. You can also find photogenic spots along the Seine when you ride the Bateaux Mouches.

In Parc de Volcans (Volcano Park), there is a mountainous region called Massif Central with volcanoes that have been extinct for millions of years. They still retain the volcanic shape, but don’t expect to see any lava. Brittany is also very picturesque with its dark forests and medieval forts.

WHAT ARE OBSCURE FASHION BOUTIQUES TRAVELERS MUST VISIT?

The notion of “total look” is something French people dislike. They show their personalities by matching clothes from different shops. They don’t only like buying from big names you can find everywhere.

Many Parisians like shopping in designer boutiques with only one branch, since you can buy distinct pieces found only in that shop. These are common in the Latin Quarter and Montparnasse.

The notion of “total look” is something French people dislike. They show their personalities by matching clothes from different shops. They don’t only like buying from big names you can find everywhere.

WHERE SHOULD TRAVELERS GO TO LISTEN TO LOCAL MUSIC?

There are lots of jazz bars in the Bastille, particularly behind the Bastille Square, together with the inexpensive ethnic restaurants. There is a place called Bel Canto on the right bank, with waiters who are music students learning to sing opera. Some will stop serving to start singing classical Italian or German opera.

HOW WOULD YOU DESCRIBE FRENCH CUISINE?

France has a great variety of cuisine. Our chefs are like football stars or movie stars; they are very celebrated. But we also want to establish French cuisine as something affordable.

The luxurious reputation for French cuisine is flattering but it can be counterproductive at times. I would advise tourists to focus on the thousands of unknown restaurants in France where you can have excellent and inexpensive meals.

WHICH PARTICULAR DISHES SHOULD TRAVELERS TRY?

We have very good jambon de bayonne (smoked ham) and saucisson (salami). Choucroute is a dish from Alsace made of sausages and cabbages and it’s eaten with lots of mustard; the equivalent in Toulouse is called cassoulet. France is also the country of oysters because of its proximity to the Atlantic.

WHAT ARE YOUR FAVORITE DESSERTS?

I really like vacherin, which is a meringue with custard and ice cream. Smaller patisseries often make sorbet, a healthier, water-based ice cream. Berthillon is a small but famous luxury ice cream shop in Paris. It has very good ice cream that people queue for.

L’Epicerie du Bon Marché is a food market that sells a wide range of food products from all over France and from around the world. It is across the street from the first modern department store called Le Bon Marché.

Bread is a kind of a religion in France. For breakfast, we have brown “country bread” that you can toast. If you go to a French bakery, you will see all the different kinds with raisins and different grains.

WHAT DO YOU RECOMMEND TRAVELERS TO BRING HOME?

Bouquinistes sells books along the Seine riverbanks during weekends, as well as old postcards, vinyl records, maps, and posters. Provence has fragrant herbs called herbes de Provence (herbs of Provence) that can last for three months.

Alsace creates a fragrant white alcohol called Eau De Vie, made with Mirabelle plums or pears; and this is rarely exported.

WHAT IS THE BEST WAY TO END A TRIP IN FRANCE?

You can plan your next trip. But I would have a nice meal in a restaurant along the banks of the River Seine. They are not particularly for tourists, but they have great views, especially in the evenings.

DESCRIBE FRANCE IN THREE WORDS.

Quality, because we like things of quality with good details. Tradition, since France is an old country rich with history. Innovation, since we are known for brilliant scientists and engineers.

For instance, Gustave Eiffel calculated the measurements for the Eiffel Tower by hand. If I had a fourth word, it would be Culture, because this is evident all around our country.

The post France as a dream destination appeared first on TRAVELIFE Magazine.

THE BEST WAY TO EXPLORE JOBURG is by hop-on, hop-off bus. Buy a ticket for the day so that you can use it as many times as you want. You can hop off and spend as much time at an attraction then hop on again when the bus is scheduled to come around. This gives you the opportunity to decide which landmarks you want to explore at your own pace.

THE BEST WAY TO START A DAY is “from the top.” Joburg is the brunch capital of the world and it has rooftop restaurants and hotels that offer brunch. And because it’s a flat and big industrial city, you can see the whole of Johannesburg over breakfast. It’s so beautiful. You won’t believe you’re in such a big city that’s just so green and peaceful.

ANOTHER GOOD SPOT TO ADMIRE THE JOBURG SKYLINE is from the decks of Sandton Sun.

ONE LOCAL ACTIVITY I NEVER MISS is the bungee jump in Joburg. It’s only 100 meters but it’s in the middle of the city. You jump off a water tower. After I did it the first time, I had such an adrenaline high. I got a sense of empowerment, I said to myself, “I made such a good decision.” That’s the kind of city Joburg is – it’s got so much color and vibrancy. It’s loud and has a very continental Africa feel to it. It’s very “in your face.”

TRENDY JOHANNESBURG

THE MOST UNUSUAL PLACE TO SEE is Maboneng which they call “The Inner City Revival Project.” They’ve revived this area after all the big businesses moved out. Entrepreneurs and young designers are given access to markets here. Even if you’ve only got four or five clothing items, you can put these on a rail that has your name.

Maboneng has everything from clothes, shoes, and handbags to furniture and household items. There are also restaurants and food stalls as well.

It’s the greatest place to shop in Johannesburg because of all these unique things nobody else has. It has a cool temperament because the interior design is interesting, and there’s good food and music spilling out.

TOURISTS SHOULD ALSO NOT MISS little-known Liliesleaf Farm in northern Johannesburg for a bit of history and mystery. The farm was secretly used by African National Congress activists in the 1960s. It’s where many prominent African National Congress leaders were arrested. Today it’s a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

FOR AN UNFORGETTABLE NIGHT OUT, go to Teatro where international performances are showcased in its massive theaters. Or to the Back O’ the Moon in the Gold Reef City. This is one of the best jazz clubs.

AFTER A LONG DAY, I LIKE TO UNWIND AT the Four Seasons in Westcliff which is up on the hill in Joburg. When you sit at the Four Seasons, you actually look over the Joburg Zoo.

CULTURE CLUB

I LIKE LISTENING TO LIVE MUSICAL PERFORMANCES at Tanz Café. It has an electric atmosphere every night. Its gig guide features the South Africa’s best musical talent. This venue has hosted artists such as Jesse Clegg, Arno Carstens, and Civil Twilight.

AFTER TOURING THE TRADITIONAL ART MUSEUMS, I TELL MY FRIENDS TO GO TO the Johannesburg Art Gallery in Joubert Park. It is the largest gallery on the subcontinent with a collection larger than that of the Iziko South African National Art Gallery in Cape Town.

I book an early morning meditative session in the garden of Satyagraha House in Orchards TO CONNECT WITH MY INNER SELF.

The MOST STRIKING ARCHITECTURE IN JOBURG IS CIRCA on Jellicoe in Rosebank, a gallery renowned for featuring the works of top South African artists like Dylan Lewis and Zwelethu Mthethwa.

INSIDER INFORMATION

MY SECRET SPOT FOR A PICNIC IN JOBURG  is across the road from the Johannesburg Zoo. It’s right next to the lake, on one of the massive lawns. It’s really quiet, but since you’ve got the zoo literally in front of you. You can hear the animals from a distance. On weekends, amateur artists, sculptors, and painters display and sell their works there.

The Johannesburg Botanical Gardens is also an inspiring mix of open spaces. It includes marshlands, grasslands, trees, and cultivated gardens. It’s the world’s biggest man-made forest, with over 10 million trees.

MY FAVORITE BOUTIQUE HOTEL is 10 Bompas Hotel, because all the rooms look different and special. Even their menu changes daily as they only serve what’s in season.

WHERE TO GO OUTSIDE JOHANNESBURG

Maropeng is the site of the Cradle of Humankind. This is where you’ll discover the bones of our ancestors. It’s the place where we all come from. If you want an anthropological adventure, you can actually go to the caves themselves. It’s still an active dig, so visitors put on hard hats and everything to go further.

At the Maropeng Visitor’s Center, there are interactive exhibits and programs for kids that show the animals that lived in each particular period. They’ve taken paleoanthropoligism and made it into a science. It’s such a special way of explaining where we come from. Kids will also learn how much damage we’ve done to the earth and how we need to be careful and change the way we do certain things. They’ve taken
science and made it human.

WHAT TO EAT IN JOBURG

One must indulge in boerewors. This is a traditional South African sausage made from beef mixed with either pork or lamb and a
mixture of spices. Also, traditional Joburg street food is a must try. It’s healthy, fresh, and yummy.

For a traditional meal, don’t miss going to an African restaurant like Moyo. Or you can try a traditional Soweto township restaurant. Or, better yet, get yourself invited to a braai (barbecue).

WHAT’S THE BEST SOUVENIR A VISITOR MUST BRING HOME FROM SOUTH AFRICA?

Sidewalk art made from recycled items. You can get these at the Art Market in Zoo Lake, full of stunning local artifacts and craft work.

Read more about traveling around Africa in Travelife Magazine.

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HOW DID YOU FALL IN LOVE WITH TRAVELING?

15 years ago, I was a student and I did not have a lot of money for traveling. So I found the best deal ever: working as a Mini-Club animator for Club Med during my school holidays. It was a great chance to make new friends, discover cultures, and earn money. Above all, it gave me independence. A few years later, I founded a luxury magazine, which gave me the chance to explore and write about exclusive travel destinations and luxury hotels worldwide.

HOW HAS TRAVELING CHANGED YOUR LIFE?

It completely changed my way of thinking. My first travels were a bit chaotic and mostly based on improvisation. That pushed me to become resourceful and independent – two assets you need when you are an entrepreneur. Traveling always inspires me. When I am abroad, I think differently. I am more open and relaxed to discovering new ideas.

WHAT KIND OF TRAVELER ARE YOU?

It depends if I travel with family or friends. When I travel with my wife and my three-year old boy, I am looking for comfort and rest. When I escape with friends, I am more adventurous.

WHAT IS YOUR TYPICAL TRAVEL ITINERARY?

I prefer improvising. I always try to rent a car when I travel, rather than using public transport. When I escape, I love to forget the time and space constraints that are present in our daily lives.

WHAT ARE YOUR TRAVEL ESSENTIALS?

My watch, my alliance ring, my earphones, and a lip balm. When I travel alone, it is mainly for business, so I also bring a sharp suit, a white shirt, a knit tie, my laptop, and my smartphone. When I travel with my family, it is more complicated. My wife loves fashion and she always brings tons of clothes, shoes, and beauty products for her and our son. It is always a big point of discussion between us because she packs the suitcases but I’m the one who carries them.

DESCRIBE THE PERFECT HOLIDAY FOR YOUR FAMILY.

Perfect family holidays combine leisure for parents – sports, spa, cultural tours, and fine food – with a real entertainment program for children. And a family trip is one of the best occasions to reconnect with. An unforgettable trip starts when you turn off your mobile phone and you open yourself to people you meet and places you discover.

Enjoy the moment and recognize the chance you have. loved ones. I always find balance between being together and enjoying individual moments. That’s the reason we never put our child at the kids-club during holidays. We love quality moments with him during excursions and meals. My wife and I are sport addicts so we always choose a place that offers sport lessons and is equipped with a gym and a swimming pool.

WHAT’S ONE LUXURY HOTEL YOU AND YOUR FAMILY ALWAYS GO BACK TO?

Every year we go to the Hôtel Royal in Evian, France. This five-star kid-friendly hotel located between the Alps and the Lake Geneva is a piece of paradise found in the heart of nature. It offers activities throughout the year, such as skiing and ice skating in the winter and golf and mountain biking in the summer. And it gives the perfect balance between family atmosphere and luxury services.

We also have an emotional connection with this hotel, because after my wife gave birth, she and our baby went there to enjoy a Mother-Baby spa cure. The therapists take care of a young mother’s well-being and teach her the essential gestures to massage her baby. That was an extraordinary moment for my wife and our child.

DEFINE THE ULTIMATE LUXURY HOTEL FOR FAMILIES.

The perfect luxury hotel dedicated to families is not necessarily ostentatious. It must be considered as a peaceful place where the staff pays attention to every detail, for both parents and children. When you become a parent, you see life with new eyes. Spacious rooms (or even better – connecting rooms) and kids amenities and menus are primary. Above all, the feeling of being safe becomes more important than ever.

WHY SHOULD FAMILIES CONSIDER FAMILY-FRIENDLY LUXURY HOTELS?

It is the best way to avoid making compromises between the desires of parents and the happiness of children. I am not saying that a child needs to spend holidays in a luxury hotel to be happy. When I was young, I went camping with my parents and I was the happiest boy.

But in retrospect, I realized that this type of holiday was not really a vacation for my parents. They prepared the caravan, drove hours by car, went to the supermarket, prepared food, and washed dishes. It was very tiring for them. Now that luxury travel is more accessible, it is time to enjoy it.

WHICH DESTINATIONS ARE IDEAL FOR FAMILIES WITH YOUNG CHILDREN?

Every destination in the world is perfect for family travel, as long as your accommodation is equipped to host young children. Cities like Paris and New York are not immediately considered as kidfriendly destinations. But if your hotel offers family-friendly services such as stroller loans, baby equipment, toys and games, and babysitting service, believe me, you will enjoy your stay.

HOW CAN WE HAVE A FUN AND HASSLE-FREE TRIP?

Prepare your family stay. This step takes a lot of time. That’s why we created the quality label Little Guest. It facilitates the choice of your family stay, following a user-friendly interface and anticipating all the questions, wants and needs of the parents.

WHERE DO YOU GO BACK TO AGAIN AND AGAIN?

New York City. This is where I organized a surprise trip to ask my wife for marriage seven years ago, under the starry sky of the Brooklyn Bridge. We discovered the Big Apple a few years back and it was a real love story between this city and us. Since then, I have returned many times. There’s always something new and it has an incredible energy. The same goes for Ibiza, which is why we try to go every year. Not to party in the nightclubs, but to enjoy the beautiful natural UNESCO sites and the wind of lightness inherited from the hippie period.

WHICH CITY IS MOST MEMORABLE TO YOU?

When I went to Beijing for the first time, I felt like I arrived on another planet. It was strange because even though there were many people in the street, I felt alone since even the taxi drivers do not speak English.

TELL US ABOUT A TRAVEL EXPERIENCE THAT MAKES YOU LAUGH UNTIL THIS DAY.

To top off my boyhood, my best friends and I rented a van to visit the West Coast of the United States. We finished our trip in Las Vegas where we partied all night long – until we lost one of our friends. We were very worried, but a few hours later, in the early morning, a security guard from the hotel came and brought back our friend, who had drunk too much. Two hours later, we were boarding for a 12-hour flight. With his hangover and our jokes, he had the worst flight of his life.

Read more about globetrotters and their adventures in Travelife Magazine.

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The quickest and most painless way for visa-free entry to the EU is to apply for a second passport from Cyprus and from countries in the Caribbean. Nationalities from these countries enjoy visa-free access to the EU.

WHY SHOULD FREQUENT TRAVELLERS GET A SECOND PASSPORT?

I can think of two compelling reasons to avail of such flexibility.

GLOBAL MOBILITY

A second passport can grant visa-free access to up to 180 countries including Canada, New Zealand, United Kingdom, and the European Union (EU) and Schengen Zone.

No more waiting in line and money spent on visas and fixers. This will give applicants and their families a lifetime of traveling with ease.

HEALTHCARE & EDUCATION

Applicants and their families will be considered full citizens, eligible for all the benefits of that country. Passport holders of Cyprus or Malta, for example, can live and work in all other EU countries.

The second passport can also be extended to qualifying dependents such as children, parents, and spouse. In some countries, this can even extend to siblings.

Future generations can also be covered by the second passport. Children born after nationality was granted can also qualify for citizenship in certain countries.

IS THERE AN EASY ROUTE TO A SECOND PASSPORT? 

The fastest and most convenient way to secure a second passport is through the investment immigration programs. Less than 10 countries currently offer citizenship programs and the concept remains the same although the process varies slightly per country.

Basically, the applicant donates or invests into designated businesses, funds, real estate properties, or projects in exchange for a full citizenship. This full citizenship can extend to the family as well. The investment usually needs to remain into the country for a specific number of years; then the investment can be withdrawn but the citizenship is kept.  

In contrast, the traditional immigration route for the United States and Canada is often a long and time-consuming process. Applicants are also required to spend a significant amount of time there.

WHAT ARE THE EASIEST COUNTRIES TO ACQUIRE CITIZENSHIP FROM? 

St. Kitts & Nevis, as well as Dominica are Commonwealth countries with low taxes. They also have strong passports that grant access to the EU, and they have relatively quick processing periods. Both have well-run programs.

On the other hand, the most valued country would be Cyprus since EU passport holders have the right to live, settle, study, work and do business anywhere in the EU. This has added significance for businesspersons since they can now conduct business within the EU even without the need of a local partner. 

There are several attractive options and we recommend specific countries based on the exact needs and interests of our clients.

HOW CAN THE HARVEY LAW GROUP HELP TRAVELERS ACQUIRE THIS SECOND PASSPORT?

Each country has its own set of designated investment streams recognized under their citizenship-by-investment program. However, investors cannot apply by themselves. They must hire a registered and recognized agent, consultant, or law firm.

Our firm is duly registered and recognized by each governing body. So we can facilitate the application hassle-free from A to Z. We assist from our first meeting with the client to the receipt of the Certificate of Naturalization and the passports on their behalf.

All the processing, documentation gathering, certifications and even the fingerprints can be done in our office. The entire process is private, confidential, and done by qualified professionals.

The Harvey Law Group  (HLG) was founded by Jean-Francois Harvey in 1992. Headquartered in Hong Kong, the firm now has over 20 offices worldwide. It has proven expertise on residency, permanent residency, and citizenship by investment.

Considered a pioneer in the industry, it has advised countless individuals and families on acquiring a second passport. It has also counselled foreign governments on their immigration laws and regulations. 

HLG team ensures professional legal representation, thus providing extra security for clients. The team also offers corporate services and cross-border transactions to entrepreneurs and corporations looking to expand overseas.

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