As highlighted in a report by the international tourism media ftnnews.com, the global “citizenship and residency by investment” market has entered a phase of spectacular growth, exceeding $30 billion in annual value in 2024 and maintaining a growth rate of 12% annually. Over 80 countries around the world now offer investment migration programs, which are evolving into tools of tourism and economic diplomacy, linking the international mobility of people with investments in real estate, culture and tourism infrastructure.
At this point, it should be emphasized that, according to the publication, Malta, Portugal and the United Arab Emirates are leading the market, taking advantage of the stability and quality of life. Malta alone issued over 1,000 investment passports in 2024, while Caribbean programs have attracted over 25,000 investors and investments exceeding $1.5 billion.
Technology and sustainability are changing the game. The application of artificial intelligence and blockchain in verification and identification processes drastically reduces times, while ESG (Environment, Society, Governance) criteria are now mandatory. Investments must have a green or social footprint, from renewable energy projects to social development programs.
At the same time, the tourism industry is dynamically entering the field, collaborating with international consulting firms to create comprehensive “investment destination tours” packages. In Portugal, Malta and the UAE, prospective investors participate in targeted familiarization trips, get to know destinations, meet institutional representatives and evaluate installation prospects. The experience combines luxurious hospitality, investment information and cultural familiarization, making the process more experiential and attractive.
As ftnnews.com reports, the new profile of applicants includes large families and young entrepreneurs seeking quality of life, access to advanced health and education systems, as well as a safe environment for the future. Investment migration is thus transformed into a family security strategy, directly linked to wellness tourism and cultural experience.
The European Union, for its part, is tightening the regulatory framework for “golden visa” and citizenship by investment programs, demanding transparency, control of the origin of funds and social reciprocity. However, markets that combine tourist attractiveness, digital infrastructure and institutional credibility maintain their primacy.
The $ 30 billion market, as ftnnews.com highlights, no longer concerns only wealthy investors, but is emerging as a new global development ecosystem, where tourism, cultural identity and economic mobility are intertwined in a single, modern narrative of international cooperation.
