Kosovo's Passport Gets a Little Stronger

PLUS: Deep dive of Latin America's citizenship routes

Author

Sovereign Mind
January 05, 2024

Good morning, global opportunists! 

Happy New Year! All it takes to be where you want in life is to be just 1% better everyday. Welcome to the third article from The Sovereign Atlas! Every Friday we publish quick updates that benefit your global sovereignty lifestyle. 

Here’s what we’ve got this week:

  • Kosovo Secures Schengen Access 🇽🇰

  • Argentina Breaks Up with BRICS 🙅‍♂️

  • Latin America’s Open Door 🇨🇱 🇦🇷 🇲🇽

  • Germany’s Immigration Shift for 2024 🇩🇪

Let’s go!

UPDATE

Kosovo has ushered in a new era of freedom for its citizens, with visa-free travel in the EU's Schengen Area now a reality. Starting January 1, Kosovars can travel sans visa within the zone for up to 90 days per half-year. This milestone marks Kosovo as the final Western Balkans country to secure this waiver.

A Victory Towards Greater Freedom: President Vjosa Osmani echoed this sentiment, hailing the beginning of 2024 as a dawn of 'movement freedom.' Kosovo's journey to this point wasn't smooth, with delays from EU countries like France and the Netherlands.

The broader implications of this development are significant. Besides enhancing travel freedom for Kosovo's 1.8 million people, the waiver is expected to accelerate Kosovo's integration into the EU and other countries.

Previously, Kosovars had visa-free access to only 14 countries. This expansion into the Schengen zone opens a world of opportunities. Spain is the only country not allowing Kosovars visa free access in the EU.

UPDATE

In a turn of foreign policy, Argentina, under its new President Javier Milei, has opted out of joining BRICS. The announcement came via a letter addressed to the BRICS leaders, marking a significant shift from the country's previous stance.

🌎 A Shift in Direction: Milei, a self-described "anarcho-capitalist", diverges from his predecessor's endorsement of the alliance. The move reflects Milei's push for deregulation, contrasting the nation's history of strong state intervention in the economy.

🤝 Fostering Bilateral Ties: Despite declining full membership in BRICS, Milei expressed interest in strengthening bilateral relations with each of the BRICS nations, proposing increased trade and investment flows.

🌐 Global Implications: This decision underscores Argentina's realignment in global politics, with Milei advocating closer ties with the "free nations of the West," particularly the U.S. and Israel, while distancing from countries he labels as "communist".

💬 Milei's Diplomatic Overture: His letter to the BRICS leaders suggests a nuanced approach, balancing his ideological stance with pragmatic diplomacy. Argentina's position on the global stage is now set for a new course, reflecting the changing dynamics under Milei's administration.

UPDATE

Latin America emerges as a beacon of opportunity for those seeking new citizenship, boasting the world’s most accessible policies. Here's a quick dive into why these citizenships are appealing and the varied timeframes for acquiring them across 21 countries.

🌎 Visa-Free Travel & More: Key draws include strong passports offering extensive visa-free travel, with 16 countries providing access to over 100 countries. Chile leads with U.S. visa-free travel as well. Additionally, the MERCOSUR Residency Agreement among nine nations facilitates free movement, living, and working rights, akin to the EU's provisions.

🏛️ Geopolitical Stability: The region's self-sufficiency in food and fuel, coupled with distance from global military conflicts, positions it as a safe haven in times of worldwide instability.

🕒 Naturalization Nuances: Under ordinary conditions, naturalization periods vary - Argentina, the Dominican Republic, and Peru offer the shortest at 2 years, while Venezuela requires the longest at 10 years. Marrying a local can expedite this process significantly in many countries, with Argentina, the Dominican Republic, and Honduras allowing immediate application.

🔍 Diverse Scenarios: The timelines differ based on various circumstances, including marriage to a citizen, parenthood of a citizen, or coming from a "preferential" country. In many cases, these conditions can dramatically shorten the residency requirements.

Latin America's open-door policy to citizenship starkly contrasts with the stringent norms of Europe and Asia, making it an increasingly attractive destination for those seeking new nationalities.

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UPDATE

2024 is set to be a landmark year for immigration in Germany, with significant changes aimed at attracting skilled workers and simplifying the immigration process.

🔓 Easier Qualification Recognition: Starting March 1st, foreign qualifications will be more swiftly recognized. Skilled workers can live and work in Germany for up to three years while their qualifications are processed, even if they haven't begun the process yet.

🛂 Faster Permanent Residence: Skilled workers can now obtain permanent residence in as little as 21 months, a reduction from the previous four-year requirement.

👪 Relaxed Family Reunification: Skilled workers and Blue Card holders arriving after March 1st can bring their parents and in-laws to Germany. The requirement for proving sufficient living space for dependent children or spouses is also removed.

MARKET REVIEW OF THE WEEK

İzmir, Turkey 🇹🇷

Izmir, a jewel on Turkey's Aegean coast, is making waves in the real estate market. September 2023 saw 5,476 housing sales in Izmir, a 5.3% share of Turkey's market.

Izmir's Unique Appeal

With a population of 3 million and growing, Izmir is Turkey's third-largest economy, boasting diverse industries. It's not just a tourist hotspot like Antalya or Bodrum; Izmir's economic stability comes from its varied sectors.

Why Investors are Eyeing Izmir

  • Strategic Location: More than just a city, Izmir is a gateway to attractions like Çeşme and Ephesus, enhancing its tourist appeal.

  • Diverse Market: From local tourists to digital nomads and medical tourists, Izmir's target market is varied, unlike Antalya's focus on mass tourism.

  • Value for Money: Real estate in Izmir offers more bang for your buck compared to Istanbul, with higher quality properties available at similar prices.

  • Stable Market: Izmir's real estate market remains stable, thanks to its diversified economy, not solely relying on tourism.

  • Stringent Building Regulations: Ensuring safety and sustainability, Izmir's building standards are high, including earthquake-resistant measures.

  • Airbnb Potential: The local Airbnb market is ripe for investment, with less saturation and a variety of tourist types.

BOOK OF THE WEEK

The Sovereign Individual posits a future where the digital revolution fundamentally changes society, eclipsing the transformations of the agricultural and industrial eras. Information technology is rapidly reshaping communication, ushering in a globally connected, efficient world where traditional state structures are becoming less relevant. People are increasingly forming communities through decentralized digital platforms, moving away from government reliance.

As a result, the book foresees a reduced role for governments, with new forms of self-governance emerging through digital currencies and networks. This shift also heralds a global society that values efficiency, morality, and non-violence, pivoting away from traditional institutions towards communities united by shared ethics and sustainable practices. The Sovereign Individual envisions a future where technology not only alters our way of life but also redefines the very fabric of societal organization and governance.

THAT’S ALL FOR THIS WEEK

Thank you for your support, I’ll see you next Friday with more global updates.

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