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The Moldova Citizenship-by-Investment (MCBI) program — the latest and most exciting new investment migration opportunity in Europe — has been launched at the 12th Global Residence and Citizenship Conference in Dubai. Hosted by Henley & Partners, this annual event attracts over 400 delegates from more than 40 countries and is the largest and most important conference focused on investment migration.
Earlier this year, Henley & Partners — in partnership with its consortium partner, the Moldovan Investment Company — won the public tender to assist the Government of the Republic of Moldova in designing, implementing, and internationally promoting the much-anticipated MCBI program, which is now officially accepting applications. The firm has over 20 years of experience working with governments in North America, the Caribbean, Europe, and Asia in this capacity.
Dr. Christian H. Kälin, Group Chairman of Henley & Partners, says of the Moldova program: “The launch of this prestigious new European program is a milestone for all of us in the investment migration community, because it speaks to the growing relevance and value of our industry. The MCBI program offers investors a foothold in Europe and access to one of the fastest growing commercial hubs in the region, while also giving Moldova the chance to attract much-needed foreign direct investment and a set of highly qualified and carefully vetted new citizens.”
Speaking at the launch, His Excellency Chiril Gaburici, the Minister of Economy and Infrastructure for the Government of Moldova, provided insight into the program’s origins: “The MCBI program has been specifically developed with the Moldovan people in mind. Our country has come a very long way over the past few years, and many of our most important industries are today thriving and growing. Now, in order to take the next step forward in our economic development, and also support the social wellbeing of all Moldovans, we need to welcome innovative new ways of generating capital. The MCBI program is part of this future-focused approach.”
The MCBI program requires applicants to make a defined economic contribution to the country through its Public Investment Fund. In exchange, and subject to a stringent vetting and due diligence process, applicants and their families are granted full citizenship rights that are transferrable without restrictions to future generations. They also gain a passport that facilitates travel access to 122 destinations around the world, including Russia, Turkey, and the countries in Europe’s Schengen Area. The Moldovan passport is in fact one of the highest historical climbers on the Henley Passport Index, having ascended an impressive 20 places since 2008. The Moldova Government is working hard to continue this upward trend and has already signed several visa-waiver agreements with foreign countries this year, further boosting the Moldovan passport.
Marco Gantenbein, Henley & Partners’ Managing Partner in Dubai and Head of Middle East, elaborates on the program offering: “The attractiveness of the MCBI program lies in the country’s unique geographic position at the crossroads of Europe, the Middle East, and Asia and its robust passport strength, combined with the genuine affordability and accessibility of the program. Moldova is a high-growth, high-potential European country, with strong economic and diplomatic ties with the EU, and many individuals around the world want to be part of its current and future successes. Certainly, Henley & Partners is proud to be a partner to this remarkable nation, whose citizenship-by-investment program is set to redefine the European investment migration landscape.”
Dubai is a fitting backdrop for the official launch of the Moldova program, with the UAE and Moldova recently agreeing to strengthen economic ties by setting up a joint economic committee. According to Gantenbein, “Improved bilateral relations between these two countries is a positive step in the direction of enhanced global cooperation.”