Luxembourg Plans to abolish its Golden Visa Program

by Residency & Citizenship

Luxembourg is set to abolish its Golden visa scheme, launched in 2017. It offers Luxembourg residency to non-EU nationals who have invested min. 500,000 EUR in local businesses. A new draft law before parliament argues that the program has failed to deliver meaningful results, with only nine permits granted in seven years. Authorities have concluded that the administrative burden of maintaining the system outweighs its benefits, especially under tightened EU regulations.

The scheme’s limited uptake highlights its shortcomings. While initial applicants came from Australia and China, subsequent years saw only a few successful permits, and most recent applications from Russia, Israel, India and China were refused. Critics emphasized the difficulties of enforcing compliance and ensuring transparency, with EU assessments pointing to gaps in oversight and limited evidence of real economic impact.

Despite closing this path, Luxembourg underlines that non-EU nationals remain welcome mostly through the traditional self-employed residence permit route for regulated professions, e.g. doctors, lawyers etc. However, some policymakers suggest the country should instead prioritize foreign entrepreneurs by enabling simpler company formation and their easier access to banking. 

Interested to know whether the new draft law will indeed become the new law? Stay tuned as Luxembourg and whole Europe reshape its residency and citizenship rules. With 25+ years of international expertise, we navigate investors toward secure, compliant opportunities. Reach out to us for a private consultation at +44 20 3974 1244 or office@vasilpartners.com.

Why Wyoming (USA) has become a Premier Wealth Hub

by International Law and Advisory

Wyoming has established itself as a premier wealth hub by offering significant tax advantages alongside a strong trust laws and exclusive real estate opportunities. 

NO TAX 

As one of nine U.S. states without a state income tax, Wyoming went one step further by constitutionally prohibiting income taxation, thus offering unmatched long-term certainty. Combined with no capital gains tax, no tax on out-of-state retirement income, no state estate or inheritance tax and generally pro-business environment, these policies position Wyoming as one of the most tax-efficient states in the USA.

100-year TRUSTS

Moreover, 100-year Wyoming Dynasty Trusts laws allow families to hold real estate and other appreciating assets free from state income, estate and inheritance taxes for up to a century, thus enable wealth preservation across generations by passing land to heirs with a minimal tax burden.  

This creates a quiet migration of high-net-worth individuals (HNWI) from Silicon Valley tech founders to Wall St hedge fund managers, seeking Wyoming’s tax efficiency, privacy and legacy ownership of American West.  

PREMIUM REAL ESTATES

Wyoming has a disproportionately high share of properties priced above $5 million compared to neighbouring states. The state’s luxury property market is concentrated in Teton County, particularly the Jackson Hole area, where the median listing price far exceeds the state average. Its longstanding appeal to affluent buyers is reinforced by its recreational amenities, celebrity presence and tightly controlled land availability.

Approximately 97% of Teton County’s land is federally protected, with most of the remaining privately held land also subject to restrictions. This limited development potential contributes to elevated property values and sustained demand at the highest price tiers. Although Wyoming ranks highly in ultra-luxury listings, it sees less activity in the mid-luxury segment, reflecting a market tailored to the financial profiles of the ultra-wealthy. For these buyers, Wyoming offers a rare combination of financial efficiency, exclusivity and natural beauty.

Considering Wyoming as your premier wealth hub? With over 25+ years of international experience, we specialize in providing tailored investment and estate planning solutions for HNWIs. From navigating Wyoming’s favourable tax structures to identifying exclusive real estate opportunities, our team offers strategic guidance to help you preserve and grow your wealth. For a private consultation, reach out to us at +44 20 3974 1244 or office@vasilpartners.com.