October Digest: Europe Tightens, Processing Delays Surge, and New Pathways Emerge
Investment migration is shifting fast, longer timelines in Portugal, rising taxes in Italy, decade-long waits in Canada, and new opportunities in Eastern Europe and the Caribbean. October delivered clear signals: major destinations are tightening pathways, while smaller and emerging markets are stepping forward with new incentives. Here are the month’s five most important developments for global investors.
1. Portugal Approves Extending Citizenship to 7–10 Years
Portugal’s Parliament has officially voted to lengthen the naturalization timeline from the former 5-year route to a 7–10 year pathway. This marks the country’s strongest tightening since the Golden Visa restructuring in 2023. Portugal remains attractive for lifestyle and EU mobility, but it is no longer a fast track to citizenship.
Investor Insight:
Investors who prioritized Portugal for a short citizenship timeline may redirect to Turkey or Caribbean CBI programs for faster results. This shift could reshape demand across the EU market as timelines become the new competitive differentiator.
2. Italy Considers Raising Flat Tax to €300,000
Italy’s Parliament is reviewing a proposal to triple the annual flat tax for high-net-worth residents, from €100,000 to €300,000. If passed, Italy would move into the ultra-luxury tier of European tax residency, positioning itself closer to Switzerland-level exclusivity.
Investor Insight:
Those who secure residency before the new rate takes effect may retain the current €100,000 structure, creating a window of advantage for early movers. Demand may surge before reforms are finalized.
3. Canada’s Start-Up Visa Now Faces 10-Year Wait Times
Processing times for Canada’s Start-Up Visa have stretched to nearly a decade due to overwhelming demand and system congestion. For entrepreneurs, this removes Canada from the category of “practical relocation,” turning the program into a long-term bet rather than a migration strategy.
Investor Insight:
Founders looking for faster entry are already pivoting to the UAE and Singapore’s entrepreneur visas, where timelines are measured in months, not years.
4. Dominica Joins New Free Movement Pact
Dominica has signed a mobility agreement with Antigua & Barbuda, St. Lucia, and Grenada (three non-CBI states), granting citizens the right to freely live, travel, and work among the member islands. This adds real relocation value on top of existing visa-free access to 140+ countries.
Investor Insight:
Dominica is becoming more than a passport, it is evolving into a regional mobility hub. For investors prioritizing family relocation or Caribbean business presence, this adds a strategic advantage.
5. Romania Proposes €400,000 Golden Visa Program
Romania has introduced a proposal to launch a Golden Visa that grants long-term EU residency for an investment starting at €400,000. As Western Europe tightens immigration pathways, Eastern Europe is stepping in with accessible pricing and long-term residency options.
Investor Insight:
While Latvia remains the most affordable EU option, Romania could emerge as a competitive alternative for those seeking a balance of cost, stability, and residency rights.
Summary
October marked a month of tightening rules and shifting advantages in global migration: Portugal is slowing its citizenship pathway, Italy is positioning itself as a premium tax residency, Canada’s delays are pushing founders elsewhere, Dominica is expanding regional mobility, and Romania is preparing a new EU entry point at competitive pricing.
For investors, the message is clear: timelines are getting longer, costs are rising, and the most attractive routes are now being secured by early movers, not late followers.
Secure Your Next Move
At DMC Global, we help visionary families and entrepreneurs stay ahead of changing policies and capture the best mobility, tax, and residency opportunities before they shift. Whether you’re evaluating EU residency, a Caribbean citizenship, or strategic relocation to the UAE or Singapore, our advisory team is here to guide you.
👉 Contact us today for a private consultation and discover how these updates can shape your global future.
