Good morning, global opportunists! 

Welcome to the 12th 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:

• US Passport Barely Ranks In The Top 50 🇺🇸

• Did You Know These 4 Countries Have CBI Programs? 👀

• 6 Million+ Can Get Portuguese Citizenship 🇵🇹

• EU Citizenship Demand Continues 🇪🇺

Let’s go!

UPDATE

US Passport Ranking Drops

The Henley & Partners Standard: Countries like France, Germany, and Japan lead the pack, offering their citizens access to 194 destinations without needing a visa. The U.S., though a bit behind, still boasts a strong position with 189 visa-free locales.

Nomad Capitalist's Broader Perspective: However, Nomad Capitalist's comprehensive analysis brings a richer dimension to evaluating passport desirability, considering not just visa-free access but also taxation, global reputation, dual citizenship policies, and personal freedom.

2024's Passport Elite: In their latest evaluation, Switzerland clinches the top spot, celebrated for its high liberty levels and the respect its travelers command worldwide. Ireland and Portugal follow closely, praised for their favorable visa scores, welcoming attitude towards expatriates, and advantageous tax regimes. Interestingly, the United States finds itself further down the list, its position hampered by stringent tax policies that impact Americans worldwide.

UPDATE

CBI’s You Didn’t Know Exist

While popular Citizenship by Investment Programs (CIPs) grab headlines, there's intrigue surrounding the lesser-known ones from Bangladesh, Pakistan, Samoa, and Seychelles. Each offers unique pathways to citizenship, often overlooked due to stringent investment criteria, limited passport power, or regional obscurity.

Why the Silence? These programs don't get the limelight, largely because of their high investment thresholds, restrictive conditions, and the modest travel freedom they confer. They represent untapped potential that could, with strategic enhancements, attract more global investors.

UPDATE

Millions Eligible For Portuguese Citizenship

An estimated 6 million individuals globally could unlock Portuguese citizenship thanks to their grandparents. This revelation underscores the vast reach of Portugal's diaspora, influenced by historical migration patterns.

EU Perks Await: Securing Portuguese citizenship isn't just about heritage; it's a ticket to the European Union, offering benefits like visa-free travel and an elevated standard of living. For those with Portuguese grandparents, the journey to citizenship is paved with a rich cultural legacy and the promise of global mobility.

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UPDATE

Rising Tide of EU Citizenship

The European Union witnessed a significant 20% surge in citizenship grants to third-country nationals, translating to approximately 163,000 additional individuals embracing new nationalities, predominantly in Italy, Spain, and Germany. These three nations alone accounted for more than half of the EU's total citizenship assignments, underscoring their role as prime destinations for new citizens.

Leaders of the Pack: Italy led the charge with a striking increase, granting citizenship to over 213,700 people, a notable rise from the previous year. Spain and Germany followed closely, showcasing their openness and appeal to third-country nationals seeking new beginnings.

Varied Landscape: While some Member States expanded their embrace, others retracted. France, the Netherlands, and Portugal granted fewer citizenships compared to the previous year, with Portugal seeing an 8% decline, reflecting the diverse approaches and circumstances across the EU.

MARKET REVIEW OF THE WEEK

Cebu City, Philippines 🇵🇭

Over recent years, Cebu's real estate landscape has been flourishing, with prices steadily ascending thanks to robust economic expansion, a surge of foreign investment, and a growing middle class. The allure of Cebu, with its strategic location and burgeoning status as a tourist haven, has magnetized both residential and commercial investors, driving up the demand for urban condos and business properties.

Unwavering Stability Amidst Adversity: Despite global economic shocks like the 2008 crisis and recent pandemic-related downturns, Cebu's real estate market has displayed remarkable resilience. Instead of plummeting, property prices have held steady or increased, underpinned by the diversified local economy and continuous demand from both local and international buyers.

Future Outlook: Bright and Promising: Looking ahead, the real estate sector in Cebu is expected to stay on its upward trajectory, propelled by the booming BPO industry, escalating tourism, and infrastructural enhancements like the Mactan-Cebu International Airport expansion. However, it's wise to stay alert to potential downturn triggers, such as political instability or economic downturns, which could sway market dynamics.

BOOK OF THE WEEK

Rich Dad, Poor Dad

Rich Dad Poor Dad by Robert Kiyosaki is a book that contrasts two different perspectives on money and investing. The "Rich Dad" is Kiyosaki's friend's father, who is a successful entrepreneur and investor, teaching Kiyosaki valuable lessons on how the wealthy attain financial freedom. The "Poor Dad," Kiyosaki's own father, is an educated man with a stable job but holds traditional views on work and money, emphasizing the importance of a conventional education and a steady job. The book illustrates how each father's approach to money and investment influences Kiyosaki's financial beliefs and decisions.

The core message of the book revolves around the importance of financial education, investing, and entrepreneurial spirit. Kiyosaki advocates for the significance of financial literacy, encouraging readers to break free from the conventional "rat race" and to pursue financial independence through investing, real estate, owning businesses, and using finance-savvy intelligence. He emphasizes that making money work for you, rather than working for money, is a key to wealth. The book challenges conventional wisdom on money, urging readers to take control of their financial education and to think independently about wealth and success.

THAT’S ALL FOR THIS WEEK

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