RESEARCH BRIEFS

Why the Mobility Industry Needs a Revolution

This report introduces a new framework designed to simplify and democratize access global mobility.

The Overview

The global immigration industry is plagued by complexities that prevent many individuals from moving abroad, accessing new opportunities and safeguarding their future by obtaining Mobility Assets. The processes for acquiring Mobility Assets - documents and resources that enable one to live, work, study, and retire in other countries - are confusing, expensive, and lack transparency from start to finish.

This report introduces a new framework designed to simplify and democratize access global mobility. By focusing on standardized terminology and the GlobalPassport Mobility Asset Index (GPAM Index), we propose a clearer, more accessible pathway for individuals to navigate the immigration landscape effectively.

The Problem

The challenges in the immigration industry stem from several key issues:

  • Complexity and Confusion: The process of acquiring Mobility Assets is overwhelming due to unclear requirements, extensive paperwork, and limited guidance.
  • High Costs: Immigration attorneys are expensive and therefore out of reach of the masses, leaving many to navigate the process alone which can lead to costly mistakes and application refusal.
  • Fragmented Information: Immigration attorneys purposefully scatter their knowledge to increase reliance on their expertise. Governmental bodies don’t have the time, resources or motivation to provide reliable guidance for application candidates. And, due to the ever-changing nature of Mobility Assets, information online is generally outdated and unreliable.
  • Lack of Transparency: The opacity of the application process itself adds to the uncertainty, ultimately discouraging individuals from pursuing their mobility goals.

These barriers create significant hurdles for those seeking to move across borders and limit access to opportunities and global freedom.

The Terminology

To overcome these barriers, it is essential to establish clear, standardized terminology to talk about global mobility in a way that makes sense.

  • Global Mobility: The ability to move across international borders and successfully live, work, study, and retire in different countries.
  • Mobility Asset: A resource or document that facilitates the ability to travel, live or do business in a new country.
  • Vital Records: Key documents needed for Mobility Asset applications, such as birth certificates, proof of income, and identification.
  • Passive Involvement: Refers to when the applicant meets the necessary criteria for a Mobility Asset without further action.
  • Active Involvement: Refers to when the applicant must undertake additional commitments to meet the necessary criteria for a Mobility Asset, such as starting a business or maintaining a specific income level.
  • Anchor Ancestor: The ancestor whose nationality forms the basis of an Ancestry Background Mobility Asset application.
  • Primary Applicant: The main person applying for a Mobility Asset.
  • Secondary Applicants: Family members or partners included in a Primary Applicant’s Mobility Asset application, who may or may not be eligible for the Mobility Asset themselves.
  • Eligibility: Legal right to apply for citizenship by descent, based on factors like ancestral lineage and birth dates.
  • Viability: The practical ability to obtain citizenship by descent, considering specific consulate requirements and documentation quality.
  • Ancestry Background Mobility Assets: Mobility Assets based on family ties or ancestral roots.
  • Qualifications Background Mobility Assets: Mobility Assets based on personal qualifications or professional achievements.
  • Financial Background Mobility Assets: Mobility Assets based on income (usually passive income) or investments.

This standardized terminology provides a clear framework for understanding and navigating the global mobility landscape.

The GPAM Index

The GlobalPassport™ Mobility Asset Index is a definitive benchmark of residency and citizenships solutions spanning over 50 countries. Essential for international residency aspirants, the GPAM Index offers a clear comparison of RBI, digital nomad, passive income and ancestry-based citizenship and residency programs.

GPAM Index Key Indicators:

  • Cost: This indicator evaluates solely the filing fee or application cost associated with the program, providing a clear understanding of the initial financial commitment required. This is crucial as it determines the financial barrier to entry for potential applicants.
  • Speed: This metric assesses the overall efficiency of the process, recognizing that processing time and adjudication quality may not always correlate. This parameter considers potential system efficiencies and inefficiencies.
  • Program Stability: This indicator analyzes the longevity of the program, with the assumption that longer-standing programs have more stable and predictable adjudication standards. A stable program provides reassurance to applicants that their investment and effort won't be wasted due to sudden policy changes or program termination.
  • Residency Requirements: This metric examines the conditions imposed on applicants regarding their physical presence and travel requirements both before and after the granting of citizenship or residency. This parameter is an average of three weighted sub-factors.
  • Online Submission: This indicator rates the digital accessibility of the application process, favoring programs with user-friendly online platforms. In our digital age, the ease of application can significantly impact the overall experience and accessibility of the program, especially for international applicants.
  • Time to Citizenship: This metric measures the duration required to transition from residency to full citizenship, if applicable. Understanding this timeline is crucial for long-term planning.
  • Residency Privileges Length: This indicator evaluates the duration of residency rights granted, with higher scores for longer-term or permanent residency options. This factor is vital for those who value flexibility in their global mobility.

The Exit Index

The GlobalPassport™ Exit Index (or the Balaji Index, as it’s known at GlobalPassport™) is a benchmarking tool that quantifies how difficult it is to emigrate from a country. The Exit Index is crucial for anyone who has or who aims to obtain citizenship in another country, particularly if they are considering or must consider renouncing their own citizenship.

Exit Index Key Indicators:

  • Dual Citizenship Allowance: This indicator evaluates a country's stance on dual citizenship, ranging from full prohibition to unrestricted allowance. It provides insight into how flexible or restrictive a nation is regarding its citizens holding multiple nationalities. The assessment relies on comprehensive data from authoritative sources such as the Global Citizenship Observatory (GLOBALCIT) and country-specific immigration departments, ensuring a well-rounded and accurate representation of each nation's policies.
  • Renunciation Possibility: This factor assesses whether citizenship renunciation is legally possible and under what conditions. It examines the legal framework surrounding the process of giving up one's citizenship, considering any restrictions or prerequisites that may exist. The analysis draws from reliable sources including the U.S. Department of State's Country Reports and national citizenship laws, offering a thorough understanding of the legal landscape for citizenship renunciation in different countries.
  • Difficulty Level: This indicator measures the complexity of the renunciation process, including paperwork, interviews, and other requirements. It provides a clear picture of how challenging it may be for an individual to navigate the bureaucratic procedures involved in giving up their citizenship. The assessment leverages insights from law firms specializing in immigration, such as Henley & Partners, as well as real-world experiences shared on expat forums and resources like InterNations, offering a blend of expert knowledge and practical perspectives.
  • Processing Time: This metric evaluates the efficiency of the renunciation process, from application to official approval. It gives potential ex-pats an idea of how long they might need to wait before their renunciation is finalized. The data is sourced from official government immigration websites and international immigration law databases like the EUDO Citizenship Observatory, ensuring up-to-date and reliable information on processing times across different countries.
  • Cost to Renounce Citizenship: This indicator analyzes the financial burden of renouncing citizenship, including all associated fees. It provides a comprehensive overview of the monetary investment required to complete the renunciation process. The assessment draws from official government fee schedules and insights from international tax advisory firms such as KPMG and Deloitte, offering a detailed and accurate picture of the costs involved in different jurisdictions.
  • Exit Tax: This factor assesses any tax implications or financial obligations imposed on individuals renouncing their citizenship. It examines whether countries require departing citizens to settle tax liabilities or pay specific exit taxes before allowing renunciation. The analysis relies on authoritative sources such as PwC's Worldwide Tax Summaries and the OECD tax database, providing a thorough understanding of the potential financial consequences of citizenship renunciation.
  • Re-acquisition Policy: This indicator examines the possibility and ease of regaining citizenship after renunciation. It explores whether countries offer pathways for former citizens to reclaim their nationality and, if so, what conditions apply. The assessment is based on careful analysis of national citizenship laws, offering insight into the long-term implications of renunciation and the flexibility of different countries in welcoming back former citizens.

The Implementation

The terminology we have created around mobility assets is designed to aid communication, increase efficiency between companies and countries, and allow individuals to understand immigration processed more easily.

The GPAM and Exit Indexes are free to access for anyone around the world, and are available for immediate implementation into work streams on all levels, right down to individuals who can use they to guide them through the process of expanding their portfolio and increasing their global mobility opportunities.

By adopting this structured approach, individuals can navigate the complexities of global mobility with greater ease and success, breaking down the barriers that have long hindered international movement.

The work we are doing in the industry is fundamental to the development of the GlobalPassport™ app, which is revolutionizing the way people view, choose and apply for their Mobility Assets. Read more about the app here.