London, United Kingdom--(Newsfile Corp. - January 29, 2026) - As geopolitical tensions reshape the global landscape, high-net-worth individuals are fundamentally rethinking their approach to citizenship and residency planning, according to CS Global Partners' newly released Investment Migration Watch 2026 report.

The comprehensive analysis reveals that while uncertainty dominates headlines in 2026, informed investors are finding exceptional opportunities to secure their families' futures through strategic Citizenship by Investment (CBI) and Residency by Investment (RBI) programmes.

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Safety and security become top priority

"The world feels more uncertain in 2026 than in recent memory," notes the report. Recent geopolitical events, including heightened tensions in multiple regions and rising anti-migration sentiment across Europe, have fundamentally altered how HNWIs approach legacy planning and wealth protection.

The shift represents a transformation in investor psychology. Rather than viewing investment migration programmes purely through the lens of travel convenience or tax optimisation, sophisticated investors now recognise these tools as essential components of comprehensive wealth structuring and multigenerational planning.

"Secure jurisdictions with strong governance frameworks are no longer simply desirable - they've become strategic necessities," the report states.

Caribbean leadership sets global standards

A landmark development highlighted in the report is the establishment of the Eastern Caribbean Citizenship by Investment Regulatory Authority (ECCIRA), bringing unprecedented coordination to Caribbean CBI programmes.

Participating countries, St. Kitts and Nevis, Dominica, Antigua and Barbuda, Grenada, and Saint Lucia, are working collectively to strengthen programme standards and enhance due diligence frameworks.

St. Kitts and Nevis continues to set the industry standard, leveraging over four decades of CBI experience to adapt proactively to evolving global expectations.

Regulatory reform drives quality

Despite mounting pressure from the United States and European Union, increased regulatory scrutiny has led to meaningful reform rather than merely creating obstacles.

Higher regulatory standards have accelerated the adoption of stronger governance and more robust oversight throughout the sector, ultimately benefiting serious investors seeking reliable, reputable programmes.

New destinations expand options

The report forecasts significant expansion of the investment migration universe in 2026, with several countries expected to launch new CBI and RBI programmes, including Argentina, Botswana, Sierra Leone, and St. Vincent and the Grenadines.

Traditional destinations haven't lost their appeal. Greece and Portugal remain highly popular European options, while Dubai, Italy, Singapore, and Switzerland attract HNWIs seeking sophisticated wealth structuring capabilities alongside lifestyle benefits.

Educated investors focus on long-term value

"What unites these diverse destinations is a fundamental shift in the HNWI mindset," the report concludes. "Today's investors are considerably more educated about their options, focusing on long-term value rather than simply identifying the cheapest or fastest route to a second passport or residency permit."

The Investment Migration Watch 2026 report draws on data from CS Global Partners' World Citizenship Index, which evaluates citizenship across 188 countries through five key motivators: Safety and Security, Quality of Life, Economic Opportunity, Global Mobility, and Financial Freedom.

Download the full report here.

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About CS Global Partners

Founded in 2012 and headquartered in Mayfair, London, CS Global Partners is a distinguished consultancy specialising in bespoke citizenship and residency solutions. The firm partners with governments worldwide to design and implement successful CBI and RBI programmes that attract responsible foreign investment and drive sustainable economic development.

For media enquiries, interview requests, or to download the full Investment Migration Watch 2026 report, please contact: 

-ENDS-

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