Investments abroad.
I've long wanted to protect my money from unforeseen situations, and the only way to do this is by investing it abroad.
Investing abroad not only gives me confidence in the future but also allows me to obtain a residence permit. However, after researching the matter, any illusions about its simplicity have vanished.
Currently, there are numerous ways to invest abroad – opening bank accounts, buying real estate, purchasing an established business, buying stocks or other securities.
Let's start with the simplest options:
1. Opening a bank account - in the Baltic countries, this can be done even without being present in person, but in Europe, you'll most likely have to travel in person. The initial deposit amount ranges from 300 to 10,000 euros, and sometimes confirmation of the legitimacy of the transferred amounts is required. However, amounts over 100,000 euros are most often involved.
This method is suitable for storing funds, not for earning, as interest on deposits in foreign banks rarely exceeds 3-4% per annum.
Opening an account does not grant residency, but it can be an additional argument in favor of your solvency when applying for visas. An exception is visa options for financially independent citizens.
2. Purchasing company shares A stockbroker is used for the purchase . However, you don't purchase actual ownership rights, but only virtual shares, but you earn from the increase in value, just as you would with real securities.
Just don't risk it by using leverage ; its maximum value for long-term stock trading should not exceed 1:5.
The second method is much more complicated. With it, purchases are made through companies listed on real stock exchanges or specialized law firms. Only in the latter case do you obtain the right to actual ownership of paper shares.
Only in the latter case, when applying for a residence permit, can you claim to have invested in the economy of the country of your choice.
Guaranteeing a stable profit in this case is quite difficult, as the stock price can rise as well as fall.
3. Real estate is a very interesting option, but you need to be creative in your approach.
The cheaper the apartment or house, the less likely you are to make money on it. A low price often indicates that the investment is in an inconvenient location or requires renovations, and may also incur high maintenance costs.
Currently, investing in foreign real estate is indeed profitable, but you should buy housing that is located in prestigious areas, is easily rented out, and does not require additional investment.
On average, you can earn 4 to 8 percent annual net income from rentals.
Purchasing real estate does not grant permanent residency, but visa applications require you to indicate your place of residence, which is where owning foreign real estate can be helpful.
4. Business - those interested are usually offered a small hotel or restaurant; less commonly, a store, or sometimes offers for agricultural land.
There are also a ton of pitfalls here, and the question immediately arises: Why is the owner selling such a profitable business? Most often, the answer is quite simple: it's not profitable, the café doesn't have customers, tourists rarely stay at the hotel, etc.
Therefore, you should only buy if you have a clear development plan, for example, buying a hotel and opening your own travel agency in Russia, then sending clients on vacation. Otherwise, no one will fully manage your business, no matter what realtors or intermediaries assure you.
Regarding a residence permit, this is one of the best options: by purchasing an established business, you gain the opportunity to reside in the country, since you need to manage the business.
Having reviewed all the available options on the internet, I concluded that for now, an account in a foreign bank will be sufficient; more complex options require personal presence in the country chosen for investment .
