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Now citizens of Nauru are required to obtain visas for travel and transit to the United Kingdom. Those who received Electronic Travel Authorisations (ETAs) before 15:00 GMT on 9 December will benefit from a 6-week grace period, provided they arrive in the UK no later than 15:00 GMT on 20 January 2026. According to the […]

On December 4, the Vanuatu Consulate in Dubai hosted the opening of a new biometric enrollment center. The Astons team had the honour of attending the official ceremony, alongside government ministers, the Director of the Citizenship by Investment Program, and the Consul General of Vanuatu in the UAE, Andrew Leong. Recently, the Vanuatu Immigration Department […]

Last week, the Astons office in Dubai hosted a series of individual meetings with investors to discuss real-estate investment opportunities in Greece and review current development projects. The event was attended by Nasos Fousias, Head of Sales at Zafido — one of the largest developers in Athens, Piraeus, and the Athenian Riviera. Astons and Zafido […]

A recently adopted Portuguese citizenship law introducing new naturalisation timelines has been sent to the Constitutional Court — initiated by the Socialist Party. On October 24, Parliament approved amendments setting 7 years for EU and CPLP nationals and 10 years for all others. The law protects citizenship applications already submitted but does not apply to […]

In the UK, there is active discussion about introducing a capital gains tax for wealthy citizens leaving the country as part of the 2025 Budget. The new tax, which could reach 20%, would apply to assets such as stocks and bonds remaining in the UK after departure. The measure aims to retain capital within the […]

In today’s world of increasing regulatory scrutiny and global uncertainty, investors are looking for solutions that provide both security and flexibility. Combining São Tomé and Príncipe citizenship with a Greek Golden Visa offers a powerful dual advantage: a second passport granting international mobility, alongside official EU residency with visa-free access across the Schengen Zone. Advantages: […]

After lengthy discussions, the minimum naturalisation period in Portugal will be set at 10 years for citizens of most countries and 7 years for citizens of Portuguese-speaking countries and EU member states. What other options were discussed? On October 17, the Social Democratic Party (PSD) proposed reducing the periods to 5 years for citizens of […]

Recently, the European Parliament approved a new mechanism allowing the suspension of visa-free travel. While this does not mean an immediate end to Schengen visa-free access for any country, it creates a legal foundation for such action in the future. Under the new rules, the presence of a citizenship-by-investment (CBI) program will be one of […]

Romania is preparing to introduce its own Golden Visa program, requiring a minimum investment of €400,000. According to the draft law, investors will be able to choose from four qualifying options: purchasing government bonds, real estate, shares in Romanian companies, or investing in funds approved by the Financial Supervisory Authority (ASF). Applicants will undergo strict […]

According to Greece’s Ministry of Finance, revenues from property sale transactions dropped by nearly 5% in the first seven months of 2025, while the number of intra-family property transfers rose by 11%. Amid rising real estate prices and a potential revision of the tax base, many property owners are choosing to transfer assets in advance. […]

Astons has been officially accredited as a licensed government agent for the Sao Tome and Principe Citizenship by Investment Program. This authorisation allows us to promote the program, process applications, and assist clients at every stage of obtaining citizenship and a passport. Key Terms of the New Program Contribution: $90,000 for a single applicant (total […]

Housing prices in Athens continue to rise steadily, confirming the city’s strong investment potential. According to data from Spitogatos, in the third quarter of 2025, property prices in central Athens increased by 27.4%, while in rapidly developing districts such as Drapetsona, Perama, and Peristeri, growth ranged from 22% to 26%. Across Greece, prices rose by […]