The increased global demand for residence and citizenship-by-investment programs, particularly among wealthy investors, highlights the desire to overcome limitations posed by single jurisdictions in the wake of COVID-19. Recognizing this, Deep Knowledge Analytics and Henley & Partners have collaborated to create the Investment Migration Programs Health Risk Assessment.

Source: Henley & Partners website. Illustration for the Investment Migration Programs Health Risk Assessment.

This digital publication provides a detailed analysis, interactive tools, and unique perspectives on the efficiency of countries offering these programs during the pandemic, and their potential as future havens for longevity.

Using over 4,000 data points and 140 parameters, the Investment Migration Programs Health Risk Assessment evaluates the economic, social, and health stability of 31 countries offering residence- and/or citizenship-by-investment programs. It also examines their strengths, weaknesses, opportunities, and threats in navigating the global health and economic crisis caused by COVID-19.

Dr. Juerg Steffen, CEO of Henley & Partners, believes this report is a valuable tool for those considering investment migration. It helps them maximize value and mitigate risk concerning their living, working, studying, and investment locations. He notes that the global disruption caused by the pandemic has made access to healthcare a primary concern, particularly for high-net-worth individuals.

Dmitry Kaminskiy, Co-founder and Managing Partner of Deep Knowledge Group, agrees. He emphasizes the growing significance of “health as the new wealth” among global investors. This paradigm shift prioritizes health as the most valuable asset class, leading to increased migration to regions focused on well-being.

Kaminskiy predicts a future where current tax havens transform into longevity and healthtech hubs. Individuals, investors, and businesses will prioritize relocating to regions that are progressive in longevity.

The report identifies Canada as the top-performing investment migration destination out of the 31 countries and territories studied, based on health management and risk preparedness. New Zealand secures second place, followed closely by Australia. The UAE ranks sixth, surpassing Singapore in seventh and Hong Kong in eighth. Turkey shares the eleventh spot with Ireland.

Dr. Parag Khanna, Founder and Managing Partner of FutureMap, believes many nations can learn from the pandemic and enhance their health security while implementing reforms to attract future investor migrants. He suggests that investment migration programs may expand rather than decline, citing how countries adapted visa policies during the pandemic, allowing transitions from tourist to nomad, nomad to entrepreneur, and entrepreneur to resident.

Kevin Bürchler, Head of Key Accounts at the Swiss Insurance Partners Medical Family Office, stresses the need for access to multiple healthcare systems, regardless of their individual quality. He highlights investment migration programs as a way to secure residence in countries with high-ranking risk management and healthcare systems, thereby improving access to quality healthcare and potentially increasing longevity.

Former US Ambassador to the Asian Development Bank and Managing Director of advisory firm RiverPeak Group, Curtis S. Chin, explains the growing appeal of the Asia-Pacific region for entrepreneurs and investors seeking to diversify their domiciles. He attributes this to the region’s long-term economic opportunities and quality of life, despite current border closures and slower vaccination rollouts.

The UAE demonstrates the highest emergency preparedness score among the 31 countries. Turkey benefits from its impressive government efficiency score, ranking second highest among all citizenship-by-investment countries.

Dr. Robert Mogielnicki, a Resident Scholar at the Arab Gulf States Institute in Washington, notes the easing of regional tensions in the Middle East. Governments are shifting towards cooperation, using resources to compete for regional influence in the post-pandemic world. He cites the UAE as an example, with both federal and emirate governments implementing long-term visa schemes and pathways to citizenship to attract and retain skilled expatriates essential for economic growth.

Kaminskiy anticipates a future dominated by small, technologically advanced nations that selectively offer citizenship to individuals, companies, and investors. This exchange grants access to advanced healthcare, life insurance, and various technology-driven ecosystems in exchange for contributions to longevity-related advancements.

Dr. Steffen concludes that participating in residence- and citizenship-by-investment programs can be seen as an investment in physical and financial longevity. These programs can provide a secure path to health security in alternative locations if needed. Investing in these programs equips investors and their families with a broader range of options, including healthcare.