Funding a Portugal Golden Visa

Portugal has jumped in popularity. The European nation has inarguably been one of the most popular golden visa programs to pursue. While buying a house no longer gets one residency, thousands are still choosing to make the country their home. 

For folk from the United States, there is an opportunity to use 401K and Retirement funds to actually fund a golden visa to Portugal. What are the options or alternatives to using retirement funds for folk from other countries? Are there any tax benefits? 

Mona and Rebecca sit down with Tiago Gali Macdeo to discuss funding options as well as to why Portugal continues to draw so many applicants from the United States and around the world. What challenges can one expect to face? And does the country really live up to all that hype? 

Are you considering immigration to the US through an investment? Investing via Trump’s Gold Card over an EB-5 Investment?  This podcast episode is for you. This podcast episode offers a focused discussion on the Gold Card and EB-5 investment options, highlighting key differences and considerations for potential investors. Hosts Mona and Rebecca are joined by Radhika Chopra, an experienced advisor from InvestAmerica, a firm with a strong track record in EB-5 project selection, having assisted over 700 families and raised over $400 million in capital.

While the podcast revolves around the fundamental differences between the two tracks, as the Gold Card involves a non-refundable donation, EB-5 investments offer the potential for a return of capital, along with interest. However, this potential return comes with a greater need for thorough due diligence, the importance of enlisting qualified financial advisors and specialized due diligence firms to assess project viability. Radhika discusses and highlights the complexities involved in evaluating EB-5 projects, from understanding market dynamics to navigating regulatory hurdles.

Beyond the financial aspects, the discussion addresses the challenges investors face in understanding the U.S. landscape, navigating cultural differences, and establishing direct lines of communication with developers. The episode underscores the importance of looking beyond regional centers and engaging directly with developers to gain a comprehensive understanding of the project's potential and risks.

This episode serves as a valuable resource for anyone considering investment as a pathway to US immigration, providing insights into the key factors that can lead to a successful and informed investment decision.

A Realistic Look at Trump’s Latest Proclamation on the Gold Card

It’s alive–almost! After over six months of relative silence, Trump’s proposed “gold card” has finally started to show some movement. However, the executive order issued on September 19, 2025, has raised even more questions. What’s the difference between a gold card and a platinum card? How would you apply? Is the 90-day deadline even feasible to get it off the ground? And what does the Gold Card mean for EB-5? Mona and Rebecca break down what we know so far, including how the card competes with existing USCIS programs, how it compares to golden visas in other nations, and what we can expect to see in the next few months.

Is Russia on your radar for investment or relocation? Prepare to have your perceptions challenged! This podcast dives deep into the often-misunderstood landscape of Russia, moving beyond the headlines to explore the lifestyle, culture, and surprising economic opportunities it presents.

Join us as we welcome Ilja Belobragin, a seasoned expert with over 20 years of international experience. Ilja sheds light on why Russia remains an intriguing option, offering actionable advice for those seriously considering a move.

This episode tackles head-on the initial doubts and concerns surrounding Russia, providing honest answers to the questions listeners are likely thinking. We delve into political climate, sanctions, and the overall economic situation.

Discover niche industries and sectors in Russia that are particularly attractive to foreign investors and professionals right now. Explore the aspects of Russian culture and lifestyle that appeal to newcomers.

How does the cost of living in major Russian cities compare to other popular expat destinations? And what are the requirements for visas and residency?

We dispel common misconceptions about Russia, offering insights into cultural nuances that newcomers should be aware of to integrate successfully.

Russia isn't for everyone, but it offers unique opportunities and a different perspective. Tune in for this fresh perspective.

Are you a recent citizen of a CBI nation eyeing the U.S. or considering investment opportunities in the Caribbean? Then you need to tune in! The US has launched a pilot program requiring certain visa applicants to post bonds of up to $15,000, signaling that citizens of CBI nations may be the next target under the Trump administration’s expanding immigration policies.

Mona and Rebecca, along with their guest, Patrick Peters from the Montreal based CBI company ClientReferrals dissect the latest barrier to traveling into the US for certain folk.   Is the recent pilot program requiring visa applicants to post bonds up to $15,000 a targeted hurdle, or simply a sign of a broader shift? We'll unpack the details, the concerns, and the implications for those seeking to enter the U.S.

But that's not all! The conversation shifts to the sunny shores of St. Kitts & Nevis, where innovative strategies are underway to boost the island's economy. Mona, Rebecca and Patrick take an exclusive look at the Public Benefit Option (PBO) under the Citizenship by Investment (CBI) program. Discover how a $250,000 contribution can unlock citizenship while fueling economic growth and supporting vital projects like affordable housing.

Patrick illuminates how the Government of St. Kitts & Nevis, through the National Housing Corporation, is leveraging these funds to create housing solutions for its citizens. Is the PBO a win-win, offering investors a path to citizenship while driving positive change in the Caribbean? Or are there hidden complexities to consider?

From steering potential travel barriers to exploring impactful investment opportunities, this episode of Global Investment Voice delivers the insights you need to stay informed and make savvy decisions. Don't miss out – listen now!

In this episode, Mona and Rebecca tackle the tough and unpleasant topic of bankruptcy within EB-5 investment projects, sparked by recent news of a high-profile EB-5 project bankruptcy in Utah. The hosts discuss the inherent risks of EB-5 investments, address common misconceptions about bankruptcy (including the differences between Chapter 7 and Chapter 11), and explore how bankruptcy can impact EB-5 investors at various stages of the process. Real-world examples—including the South Dakota Meat Market project—highlight both the challenges and the potential paths forward for investors. The episode also offers practical advice on what investors can do if their project faces bankruptcy, the importance of due diligence, and why bankruptcy isn’t always the end of the road for EB-5 participants.

The European Court of Justice shocked RCBI industry earlier this year, with their ruling against Malta's popular CBI program. They appeared to call out golden visas at their core when compelling Malta to end theirs.  The ECJ accused the CBI program of essentially commercializing nationality (and by extension European Union citizenship). They called it "transactional," and lacked a "genuine link" to the country. In response, Malta has been tackling ideas of ways someone can formally prove themselves worthy of citizenship, without being accused of just performing a transaction.  

How does one show a genuine link to a country they've fallen in love with, but were not born in? In what way does someone audition to be a citizen? And what kind of citizen does a nation need? Malta has been fast-tracking their Citizenship by Merit program with answers to these questions. Dr. James Muscat Azzopardi sits down with Mona and Rebecca to discuss what one will now have to do to become Maltese.

Imagine this: you've waited patiently for years, navigating the labyrinth that is the EB-5 visa process. You've completed all the necessary paperwork, made your investment, and followed every guideline to the letter. You're on the cusp of a new chapter in the United States. But what was supposed to be a support is now suddenly blocking you in that final stretch. That hurdle is Escrow. 

Tune in as we unpack the responsibilities of escrow management, the implications of long delays, and the potential benefits and drawbacks of using escrow in EB-5 investments. Whether you're an investor, developer, or immigration attorney, don’t let escrow be the main deterrent of a good project. Join us for a lively discussion that promises to illuminate the dance between investment and immigration!

The “Big Beautiful Act” promises to have a large impact across the board on the lives of American citizens. However, will this new tax legislation encourage high net worth individuals to move to the US?   For years, the biggest deterrent for HNW Individuals coming to the United States has been the nation’s Tax Laws. Have the changes made in the Act made America a more attractive place to do business and invest in? Especially with the new looming threat of Tariffs. What has made America an attractive place for business in the past? What will it look like in the future–post-BBA, with Trump at the helm? Mona sits down with Global Tax Expert David Lesperance to discuss all this and more!

In this episode, we delve into the recent developments in the Caribbean's Citizenship by Investment (CBI) programs, focusing on St. Kitts and Nevis' groundbreaking reforms. Prime Minister Terrance Drew has announced the introduction of mandatory residency requirements and enhanced biometric verification systems for CBI applicants. These measures aim to strengthen the integrity and transparency of the program, aligning with international standards and addressing concerns that have led to potential travel bans under U.S. immigration policies.

The proposed reforms include a mandatory physical presence period for all CBI applicants, marking a significant shift from the previous model that did not require residency. Additionally, the implementation of advanced biometric verification, such as fingerprinting and facial recognition, is set to bolster security and due diligence processes.

Industry veteran Sam Bayat joins us to provide his expert analysis on these proposed changes. He discusses the potential impact of the residency requirements on the attractiveness of CBI programs in the Caribbean, considering factors like investor preferences and regional competitiveness. Bayat also explores how these reforms might influence the future landscape of economic citizenship in the region.

Tune in to gain a comprehensive understanding of the evolving CBI landscape in the Caribbean and the strategic responses of island nations to international pressures.