Mauritius is located in the South-West Indian Ocean, making it an attractive gateway between Africa and Asia. With a population of 1.3 million, Mauritius has an estimated GDP growth rate of 3.8%, boasting one of the fastest-growing economies in Africa, backed by social and political stability. Successive governments have continued to show a commitment to a market-driven economy and encourage foreign investments. It is ranked first on the Ibrahim Index of African Governance 2020 and 13th on the World Bank’s Ease of Doing Business 2020 ranking. General Considerations for doing business in Mauritius Entity Set up in MauritiusMauritius Global Business Company (GBC) The Mauritius Global Business Company is an entity type which generally exists for foreign-controlled entities who intend to set up operations in Mauritius. In 2016, Mauritius agreed to the global BEPS agreement which relates to tax evasion, regulation etc. This introduced an amendment to the Mauritian laws which provides that all non-resident-controlled entities in Mauritius will be required to obtain a Global Business License if they wish to conduct business operations in the country. The benefits of this company include expanding your consumer market and an abundance of employees.  Minimum shareholders – 1 Minimum capital USD 1 Minimum 2 directors (Residing in Mauritius) Local corporate bank account Mauritius Authorized Company The Mauritius Authorised company is one whose operations and business control/management exist outside of the country. This entity is regarded as a non-resident for tax reasons. Authorised entities will not be allowed to operate in the banking sector, provide trusteeship services, manage Collective Investment Schemes or provide registered office facilities to corporations. They are allowed to operate in investment and property holdings, IT, international trade, marketing etc.  Minimum shareholders – 1 Minimum capital USD 1 Minimum 1 director (Can be foreign national) Local corporate bank account Mauritius Limited Liability Partnership The limited liability partnership consists of characteristics of both corporations and partnerships. This entity type consists of 2 or more partners whose personal liability is limited only to the amount each individual partner invested into the entity. This means that if the business is unsuccessful, creditors may not be allowed to attach any personal assets which belong to the partners. Some advantages of establishing a limited liability partnership are that it allows for increased capital investment, and less risk as it is spread between partners, individual skills and expertise and it is a flexible business type.The preferred partnership structure is usually the LLP since it bears the features of a partnership but also provides the comfort that the liabilities of the partners are limited to the extent of their contributions to the LLP. However, the choice between an LP and LLP will also hinge on the type of activities which it will be conducting.Minimum capital of USD 1 per partner Minimum two partners (both can be foreigners) It should have a resident manager Mauritius Limited Liability Company The LLC is a type of business entity that is similar to a partnership, however, its unique structure safeguards the owners from incurring any personal liability for the debts of the entity. LLCs do not pay direct tax on profits, instead, they pass profits to members who are subsequently taxed individually. There is a restriction that banks and insurance entities cannot be LLCs however any other individual/entity can. The regulation varies by State. Setting up an LLC will offer protection for owners from personal liability and it provides flexibility for investors. It is fairly easy to set up as well.Minimum shareholders – 1 Minimum capital USD 1 Minimum 1 director (Residing in Mauritius) Annual filing is mandatory  TrustsA trust is an arrangement for holding and administering property, where the beneficial owner (known as the settlor) creates the trust and transfers property or legal rights to a trustee. In turn, the trustee has a fiduciary obligation to hold or deal with the property for or on behalf of the beneficiaries in accordance with the trust objectives (known as a beneficiaries trust) or for certain purposes (known as a purpose trust).A trust can have up to four trustees, one of whom must be a qualified trustee (i.e. a management company or a person resident in Mauritius and authorised by the FSC to provide trusteeship services). The deed creating the trust must be in writing. A trust is liable to tax its chargeable income. Trusts are commonly used to preserve family assets and are substantially free from taxation.Mauritius Tax Landscape  The Mauritius economy relies heavily on tourism, exports and financial services. In recent years the country has been on an uptrend, and it is classified as an Upper-Middle Income economy. The tax landscape has been drastically changed due to the pandemic and other social and political factors which have affected the economy. The government has introduced new tax measures such as laws and guidelines to combat these changes.There have been various measures introduced due to the changes in the tax landscape. One of the most significant changes is the reforms in the global business sector. There is a new Global Business Licence (GBL) replacing the old licence from 2019 forwards, The tax exemption which entities received under the previous licence (GBC1) is abolished. The country has also introduced a new regulation which entities can benefit from. Companies that operate in deep sea exploration and make use of deep ocean water for air conditioning services, and facilities will be tax-exempt for the next 8 years. There is also a reduced tax rate granted to entities that are exporting goods. This rate of 3% is applied to exported goods. Corporate Tax  This refers to the additional taxes which businesses are required to pay based on their operations and certain government requirements. Companies are taxed based on their operations as well as any relevant tax laws. Some examples of corporate taxes which may apply to your business will include payroll taxes, stamp duty taxes, social security contributions (made by the employer), transfer tax, and digital services tax along with any other additional taxes which apply based on operations (e.g. environmental tax).  The employer's contribution to the social security fund (CSG) will be determined by the employee's salary. The contribution tax rate ranges between 3%, 4.5%, 6%, and 9%. There are additional contributions consisting of 2.5% (National Solidarity Fund) and 2.5% (Human Resource Development Council Levy).  The stamp duty amount ranges between MUR 25-1000 and is applied to every document which is registered/inscripted.  There is an additional campement site tax imposed on owners of campement sites in specific zones (MUR 2-6 per square metre). Customs and excise taxThis is a tax charged on any products and services which are imported and exported in Mauritius. There is a distinction between customs and excise duties. Excise duties refer to the tax which is imposed by the government on certain goods for their production licensing and sale. The excise duties apply to products which are locally manufactured whereas customs are charged on goods which are imported into the country. Customs and Excise duties are usually charged on luxury products, non-essential items (cosmetics or electrical equipment) as well as products which are consumed daily (alcohol, tobacco etc.) Excise duties are applied to spirits, vehicles, and petroleum products.  Customs duties are applied to items imported into Mauritius. The rate applied is stipulated in the Customs Tariff Act.   Pay As You Earn Pay As You Earn (PAYE) is a system whereby employers are required to withhold tax from the emoluments of employees chargeable to tax at the time the emoluments are received by or made available to the employees. To arrive at an employee’s chargeable income, an individual is entitled to deduct from his or her net income the appropriate Income Exemption Threshold based on the number of dependents of the employee, or other reliefs.Exemptions and ReliefsThe following reliefs or exemptions may be claimed by an employee under the tax laws of Mauritius:• exemption in respect of a dependent child pursuing an undergraduate course;• deduction for household employees; • interest relief on a secured housing loan;• relief for medical insurance premiums or contributions;• solar energy investment allowance;• rainwater harvesting investment allowance; and• deduction for contribution to the COVID-19 Solidarity Fund.Other information   There has also been a new law passed (BEPS agreement) by members of G7, G20 and OECD, which sees a new minimum tax rate of 15% for corporations conducting their business in specific countries. The agreement aims to firstly, tax foreign nationals who have highly profitable businesses subjected to pay tax in the country in which they have their operations (under Pillar one). Secondly, there is an introduction of a new standard corporate tax of 15% for bigger organizations and companies (annual revenue exceeds 750 billion euros) operating their business activities overseas (under Pillar two). The agreement is aimed at being introduced before 2023. The agreement is to stop tax avoidance.Mauritius is presently a party to around 44 tax treaties, including with Botswana, Congo, France, Germany, Italy, Lesotho, Luxembourg, Madagascar, Mozambique, Namibia, Rwanda, South Africa, Swaziland, the United Kingdom, Zimbabwe and Uganda. In addition, a series of treaties are under negotiation.Mauritius Legal LandscapeMauritius has a ‘hybrid’ or ‘mixed’ legal system, inherited from its colonisation by the French and the British. The constitution of Mauritius is based on the Westminster model, while the substantive law (civil rights, property law, contract law) are French-derived and procedural laws are English based. Modern business laws such as company, insolvency and financial services law are modelled on the Anglo- Saxon jurisdictions.The government has recently enacted several pieces of legislation that have widely affected the corporate and financial sectors. National Payment Systems (Authorisation and Licensing) Regulations 2021.The Bank of Mauritius (BoM) has recently issued the National Payment Systems (Authorisation and Licensing) Regulations 2021 (Regulations), which were made operational as of 1 June 2021.The Regulations were issued two years after the promulgation of the National Payment Systems Act 2018 (NPS Act) in January 2019.The NPS Act sets the framework for the regulation, oversight and supervision of payment systems in Mauritius, and sparked the launching of the new National Payment System branded as MauCAS (Mauritius Central Automated Switch) by the BoM in August 2019. In a nutshell, the Regulations provide for the authorisation process of operators of payment systems, clearing systems or settlement systems, the licensing of payment service providers, the form and manner for applying for an authorisation or a licence, and the applicable fee for obtaining an authorisation or licence.Immigration Paths in MauritiusNon-Mauritian citizens can choose to work, invest, live or retire in Mauritius through the relevant permits, namely, Mauritius Business Visa, MAURITIUS WORK PERMIT (OCCUPATION PERMIT), the Permanent Residence Permit, the SELF-EMPLOYED MAURITIUS OCCUPATION PERMITand the Digital Nomad visa.  Additionally, non-citizens and ex-pats are allowed to acquire residential property in Mauritius under schemes approved and managed by the Economic Development Board such as the Integrated Resort Scheme (IRS), the Real Estate Scheme (RES), the Property Development Scheme (PDS), the Smart City Scheme and Ground +2 apartments.Mauritius Business Visa It doesn’t take too long to obtain a Mauritius business visa. The process is in place to enable a businessman to institute the company. Business visas are non-immigrant visas for persons who wish to enter Mauritius temporarily for business. Depending on the purpose of the visit, as well as the timeframe visitors are planning to stay, this visa may suit your needs. This visa is only applicable for 90 days per 180 days (short-term visa).Permitted Activities Various activities are permitted when granted a business visa. These include:Conferences Seminars Training courses or activities Meetings Procedure The application for the Mauritian business visa is as follows:You need to fill out the necessary application forms available online, and initiate a case with Centuro for assistance. The required documents must be completed and submitted to the relevant government authorities. An average of five working days is required for processing applications and for a visa to be issued, provided all relevant documents are submitted. Timelines A business visa will take roughly three to five working days for processing applications and for a visa to be issued, provided all relevant documents are submitted.MAURITIUS WORK PERMIT (OCCUPATION PERMIT) To be eligible for a work permit in Mauritius, the applicant should be between 20 and 60 years old. Exceptions to this requirement may be made for workers with specific expertise. Foreign nationals will need a Residence Permit as well as a Work Permit to be employed in Mauritius legally.This type of permit enables non-citizens to reside or retire or open their own business in Mauritius and has also been extended from three to 10 years.  Occupation permits issued in Mauritius should not be confused with work permits. An occupation permit is a combined work and residence permit that allows foreign nationals to live and work in Mauritius. However, this permit is only available to applicants who fall under one of three subcategories:sponsored professionals investors and self-employed workers. There are many types of visas available to citizens of foreign nations who wish to enter Mauritius. However, any individuals who plan to seek gainful employment in the country will need one of the following:Work Permit Occupation Permit Certificate of Exemption Most employees will need a Work Permit as well as a Residence Permit.ProcedureForeign nationals will need a Residence Permit as well as a Work Permit to be employed in Mauritius legally. Because both permits are necessary, applicants may fill out a common form for both permits. The form can be found on the website of the Ministry of Labour, Industrial Relations, Employment, and Training. Applicants should note that applications must be submitted online through the e-Work Permit Portal.PERMANENT RESIDENCE PERMIT It is a special category visa designed to attract foreign investment. The permanent residence permit is issued for ten years and is renewable, subject to the company having achieved a gross income of at least MUR4 million (approx. USD100,000) annually, as from the third year of registration. The holder is entitled to work and live. Here are the two essential conditions to hold the Mauritius permanent residence permit:An investor with an occupation permit and a turnover of his/ her company exceeds 45 million Mauritian Rupees during any consecutive period of 3 years. An investor desirous to invest at least US Dollar 500,000 in business activity stimulated by the Government of Mauritius, including Agriculture, Tourism, Banking, IT and Financials. SELF-EMPLOYED MAURITIUS OCCUPATION PERMITTo be eligible for this visa, you must work for yourself in a one-person business. Only people working in the service sector are eligible. The visa is valid for ten years. It is renewable if you can show that your business is successful. To do this, you’ll need to show you made at least MUR 800,000 (around USD$20,000) per year. The first two years are excluded, as the government recognizes that it takes time to start up a business.DIGITAL NOMAD VISA The Mauritius Digital Nomad Visa (Mauritius Premium Travel Visa) allows remote workers to live on the beautiful island of Mauritius. This visa is valid for one year but is renewable. If you intend to stay in Mauritius for 6 months or less then you are granted a Tourist visa. If you intend on staying for 12 months, then you need a Premium Visa also known as Digital Nomad Visa.Procedure To apply for the visa, firstly you need to check if you meet all the requirements, then head to the official EBD Mauritius Website and complete the form. It takes about 48 hours to process the application. Initiate a case for assistance.  Documents Required Proof of Work: Your main place of business and source of income must be outside of the country. The government does not want you to compete or enter the Mauritius Labor Market. Proof of Funds: Bank statement showing that you make a minimum of (R23,000 | USD 1500) per month. If you have dependents under the age of 24 this is an additional (R7,500 | USD 500) per head. Negative Covid Test: a certificate of a negative COVID – 19 PCR test administered between 5 and 7 days before the date of boarding at the last point of embarkation. Flights: a valid return air ticket to and from Mauritius Accommodation: Where you’ll stay during your mandatory 14 days of quarantine and post-quarantine. Travel Insurance for Mauritius: Use travel insurance while visiting Mauritius so you are covered for theft and medical expenses. There are a lot of fun things to do in Mauritius, and it’s best to have peace of mind while driving, hiking, and trying some of the best food in the world. Timelines  It may take between 3 to 7 days for the application to be processedIncentives for Doing Business in MauritiusMauritius offers numerous grants and incentives to investors, domestic and foreign alike. The noteworthy ones are set forth below:  Tax exemptions for entities in certain zones As Mauritius has many export processing zones investors can take advantage of various incentives such as:exemption from corporate tax for up to 10 years exemption of customs duties on certain products Minimal regulation on foreign exchangeMauritius is also preferred as it is high on confidentiality allows unrestricted repatriation of profits has no controls on foreign exchange Tax incentives on CIT and withholding tax exemptionsSetting up a global business company in Mauritius is helpful as it offers 3% corporate tax on global earnings Absence of withholding tax on interest and dividends It can provide services to local customers Corporate tax exemption for IP development entitiesMauritius has favourable terms for several industries as it offers An 8-year exemption from corporate taxes for companies engaged in the development of IP Peer-to-peer lending businesses as well as e-commerce businesses can get up to a 5-year exemption from corporate taxes Access to a large African consumer market The location of Mauritius is perfect for a business focused on African markets.Low corruption levelsLow levels of corruption and low tax make Mauritius an ideal country to set up a business.Ease of Doing Business Mauritius is one of the most business-friendly countries on the African Continent. It has a strong framework for international business –  with free trade agreements in place (SADC, COMESA, CECPA, AfCFTA, Mauritius-China FTA), 29 Investment Promotion and Protection Agreements, and 45 tax treaties. There is: No exchange control; no restriction on repatriation of profits/dividends,  No tax on dividends and capital gains tax Friendly Country Mauritius has a diverse ex-pat community with an English & French-speaking population. It is also the safest country in Africa with a stable political, economic, and tropical stability climate. The country ranks 1st in Africa and 13th globally for Ease of Doing Business (World Bank’s 2020 report); the happiest country in Africa (World Happiness Report). There are daily flights to the world’s major international airports and state-of-the-art private hospitals and international schoolsConclusionWe have the local knowledge to help you navigate all these processes. Whether you want to set up in Mauritius or just want to streamline your Mauritian operations, contact us for guidance, support, and expert advice or register for Centuro Connect now to discover more information that will simplify the process of establishing entities.

All over the world, countries are facing the impacts and effects of climate change. Natural disasters such as fires, floods and earthquakes are inevitable – and their frequency and intensity continue to increase with the growing impacts of climate change. As a result, governments are taking action to incentivise organisations to reduce their impact on climate change and drive sustainability. In a ground-breaking move heralding the future of low-carbon aviation, the U.K. government has awarded Virgin Atlantic funding to operate the world’s first-ever net-zero transatlantic flight.Taking off in 2023, this flight will operate from London to New York using exclusively Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF), powered by Trent 1000 engines by Rolls-Royce. This collaborative project comes as a result of the shared vision of both companies to reduce carbon emissions and their commitment to sustainability. In the larger context, the use of SAF will potentially boom the wider SAF industry creating thousands of UK jobs while supporting the delivery of net zero aviation emissions by 2050.At our Global Expansion Conference 2022, the message was clear: The role of innovation and disruptive technologies in attaining a clean Net Zero is paramount. This was iterated by our keynote speakers, Mike Azlen (Founder and CEO, Carbon Cap Management) and Caroline Gorski (CEO - R² Factory, Rolls-Royce) who presented extensively on the concept of carbon cap and building digital sustainable ecosystems, respectively. Little did we know, we were helping make history!  Trailblazing Net-Zero Emissions FlightsVirgin Atlantic, who are no strangers to pioneering new technologies, have been investing in sustainable aviation fuels since 2008. They have aimed to make their flights as carbon neutral as possible by offsetting any remaining carbon emissions through verified carbon offsetting schemes such as tree planting or renewable energy projects since 2009. Now, they are taking another step forward in their journey towards sustainability with this exciting new project.Rolls-Royce, who is known for producing some of the most efficient engines in the world, will be providing the power for this historic flight. The Trent 1000 engine delivers exceptional fuel efficiency and environmental performance. It has been optimised specifically to power the transatlantic flight, applying the latest technology whilst drawing on the experience of previous generations of Trent engines.Watch Caroline Gorski explain how Rolls Royce builds, engages and delivers a stronger ecosystem through collaboration and innovation internationally. Delivering the first net-zero transatlantic flight will help in further exploring how operational efficiency improvements, flight optimisation and carbon removals can contribute to achieving net-zero flights – not just in the UK, but for the global aviation industry. Doing our part for a Sustainable Future of BusinessOrganisations have a crucial role to play in protecting the environment and reducing their Carbon footprint. Within the business context, sustainability is defined as managing environmental, social, and governance issues and is extremely important in various areas, such as new product development, reputation building, and overall corporate strategy.  The 2030 United Nations Sustainable Development Goals are often a good starting point for companies looking to improve their sustainability practices and reduce their Carbon footprint.Expanding companies who are looking to enter new markets should consider the physical risks that climate change could pose for them depending on the locations they are considering as well as the regulatory environment and policies that may impact your expansion.Currently, many countries offer sustainability incentives for companies that are investing in green and climate-friendly initiatives. Because of the relevance of ESG regulations on expanding businesses and the sustainability progress that is important to the ethos of Centuro Global, we are inviting key speakers to our Centuro Global Expansion Conference 2023 to speak about new challenges, changes, and improvements.Governments that offer incentives for green and climate-friendly initiatives.Education is an important tool in this and receiving expert advice can help to achieve optimal outcomes in the actions taken. To spread awareness, we’ve recapped some key takeaways from the “FUTUREPROOF YOUR BUSINESS TO PROGRESS SUSTAINABLE DEVELOPMENT IN 2022 AND BEYOND” Keynote address by Mike Azlen at Centuro GEC 2022.1.  Globally, we’re emitting 40 billion tonnes of Carbon/year - about 150 million tonnes of emissions/day.2.  The number of emissions for 1 passenger’s air travel from London to New York is about 2 tonnes of CO23.   At our current run rate, we have a mere 8 years before we reach the 1.5-degree increase threshold set by The Paris Agreement.Watch Mike Azlen discuss the role of innovation and disruptive technologies in the fight against global warming, and the efforts of COP 26, the UN SDGs, and Business & Industry on our journey to a clean Net Zero.ConclusionThis revolutionary project between Virgin Atlantic and its partners has set a bold precedent for other airlines around the world and signals a strong collaboration between government and industry. It also serves as an inspiring example of what can be achieved with collaboration when there’s a shared goal of making air travel greener and more sustainable for everyone. The world’s first Net Zero Transatlantic Flight will pave the way for future generations of green air travel that will benefit us all in the long run. We can’t wait to get on board!  

Here at Centuro Global, we take pride in connecting to people and networks. We’re a technology platform that is led by human expertise – and our network of experts and clients globally inspires us to help solve the various challenges of global expansion. Connecting with our network is therefore crucial, as their insights and knowledge are helping to solve some of the international business challenges companies are facing today. Our team has a wide background of expertise, and after attending many conferences across multiple industries; we are thrilled to have launched the world’s first Global Expansion Conference. In 2022, we brought together our global network as well as thought leaders, corporate clients, rapidly growing companies, influential government bodies and investors to discuss the future of global business and the challenges the world is expected to face over the next decade.  In 2023 we will be hosting Centuro GEC 2023, this time with a focus on the Future of Work and Cross-Border Compliance Challenges. We aim to make this memorable and impactful, and with so many exciting things in store for all attendees, here are a few specific reasons why you should register to be a part of the Global Expansion Conference 2023 in London.  1. Flexibility of Learning Formats  The varied structure of Centuro GEC 2023 will allow attendees to experience professional development in many different formats. We’ve invited a curated list of experts from a variety of industries and backgrounds to speak and host workshops.  The objective is to inform delegates of different and new perspectives, enabling you to see possibilities for the future that will change and improve the way you do business.Delegate participation is at the heart of Centuro GEC 2023. Our panel discussions, fireside chats and interactive masterclass formats will ensure dynamic discussion and interactions with other delegates, as well as provide ample opportunities to pose questions to all expert panel of speakers. Finally, if you miss a session you wanted to attend or didn’t catch a keynote speech, all the sessions will be available on-demand after the conference concludes. There will also be an entire library of conference highlights available in our gallery.Watch Centuro GEC 2022 Highlights2. Sessions designed to help you take action We know that a lot of the time, professionals don’t always have time to attend a conference purely “on spec”, with vague ideas of what they’re going to get and what we can be employed. We have thoroughly researched international business trends and identified the most relevant hot topics in each industry, allowing us to put together an agenda specific to your industry function and tie it into the global expansion perspective.We’re excited for all attendees to enjoy the sessions we have planned. The conference will include over 15 sessions that speak to the theme of “Global Expansion: A New Frontier.” Centuro GEC 2023 will feature demonstrations of a variety of the latest disruptive technologies appealing to the various facets of our delegates.  With applicable knowledge, insights, tools, advice and takeaways being the focus of all the sessions, you will leave the conference feeling enlightened and educated to benchmark your company’s systems and processes.Look back at our 2022 roster of keynote speakers, experienced business leaders and Centuro Global Network experts HERE3. Useful and Informative Networking opportunities With a cap on the number of delegates, Centuro GEC 2023 will be exclusive, and candid. Delegates will feel at ease in a room full of peers and meet just about everyone over two days whilst appreciating our Sponsors and Partners, who will be on hand for advice. We will also incorporate a social element into the conference’s programme. From breakfast networking and lunches to a prestigious dinner, Centuro GEC 2023 will balance engaging sessions with the opportunity to reconnect with your colleagues in the industry. The prestigious Centuro Global INT-X Awards 2023 and the associated gala dinner will be a high point – get together with other executives in the sector and celebrate the teams and organisations that have made a difference in the past year.We invite you to join us and take advantage of the many networking sessions, and one-on-one meetups to catch up, get inspiration and ideas, and do business. If you attended last year’s conference, you know how much energy and participation there was in the chats and exchanges, and we look forward to more of that in 2023.Catch some highlights from Centuro GEC2022 below4. A Signature Agenda  Centuro GEC 2022 provided delegates with a toolkit for accelerating the future of business, focusing on thought leadership, AI, and Sustainability to enhance delegates’ effectiveness and success in their organisations. Next year, Centuro GEC2023 will feature insights from the brightest minds in tech and business, strategies for a better future of work, and forge a compliant way for doing business across borders. The remote work revolution, current market and economic challenges continue to transform the way we live and work. With more employees working from anywhere, it is becoming harder for companies to manage compliance on a global scale. The war on talent has also complicated how companies hire, manage and retain talent globally. This carries complications, with immigration, tax and varying local and international laws.Regulatory compliance is now at the heart of every organisation’s operation. In that regard, the Conference’s agenda is created in collaboration with some of the most influential business leaders across the globe who will identify and address any changes or shifts that are underway. This will help keep you well-positioned should any sweeping changes come to pass.  In this regard, the conference will also feature government officials and policymakers discussing best practices and emerging themes with firsthand insights into fully understanding bureaucratic global laws and legislations.While we build the 2023 agenda, explore last year`s agenda built upon research that addressed the most critical trends and priorities for top senior business executives and their teams HERE.5. Bringing people together to create a once-in-a-lifetime experience  In spending time at a good event location, you can extract a positive experience that can stay with you. Travelling, in general, broadens the mind but attending a well-organised conference in a quality location can overall be a relaxing and enriching experience. This is especially in the case of Centuro GEC 2023’s venue - Hilton London Syon Park.On the grounds of a 200-year-old estate, the Hilton Syon Park feels like a Country Escape, despite being only 15 minutes away from London Heathrow airport. The venue is part of the “Travel Sustainable” Programme and has taken steps to reduce waste, energy & greenhouse gases as well as water consumption, whilst celebrating nature and giving back to the local community.We work hard in the Global Expansion Industry, with the responsibility of ensuring the various needs of what is required for expanding into new markets globally. It’s a rewarding experience to delve into the rich theory and practice of our industry in a relaxed yet dedicated environment. Think of it as an opportunity to get back from the day-to-day routine, and take stock of the issues that are at hand.*Centuro Global has reserved a limited number of hotel rooms at special hotel rates for registered attendees. Reservations will open in the coming months. Please check back for more details. Not registered yet? You’ll need to register for the conference before you can book your hotel room. Register Now6. Bringing it All Together – Get Inspired! Centuro GEC isn’t just about learning and networking, though both are important. The conference is also about making an impact, accelerating change and being inspired! We at Centuro Global want every Centuro GEC 2023 delegate to walk away feeling invigorated and encouraged.Don’t take our word for it, here is a range of perspectives from experts who have spent plenty of time on the “front line” at Centuro GEC 2022. And with King Charles III’s coronation happening just a few days later, you never know who else you might bump into at Centuro GEC2023!Conclusion These are just 6 of the reasons we’re excited about Centuro GEC 2023, but there are many more. Register today to join us on 3-4 May 2023—we look forward to seeing you there!

If you're an international student studying in the United Kingdom, obtaining a work permit has just become a lot easier. The UK government has announced changes to the eligibility criteria for their Skilled Worker Visa. International students who are already in the UK and wish to stay there and switch over to a skilled worker visa can now do so. The new rules also allow applicants to apply for a skilled worker visa without having to complete their degree.A Skilled Worker visa allows you to travel to, reside in the UK and undertake an eligible job with an approved employer. This category of visa is only available to those companies that hold a valid UK sponsor license and have allocations to issue certificates of sponsorships to candidates. A skilled worker visa was typically only available to overseas employees as well as new hires who met the relevant eligibility requirements. However, it is now also available to international students who wish to study in the UK.To qualify for a Skilled Worker visa, you must:Work for a UK employer that's been approved by the Home Office and has a sponsor licenseHave a 'certificate of sponsorship' from your employer with information about the role you've been offered in the UKDo a job that's on the list of eligible occupationsBe paid a minimum salary - how much depends on the type of work you doYou must meet all of the following requirements to qualify for a Skilled Worker visa:Your job is eligible for this visaYou'll be paid the minimum salary or the "going rate" for the type of work you'll be doing - whichever is higherYou'll be working for a UK employer that's been approved by the Home OfficeSalary requirements: You'll usually need to be paid at least £25,600 per year unless the "going rate" for your job is higher than this.You must have a job offer from an approved UK employer before applying for a Skilled Worker visa. Approved employers are also known as sponsors because they are sponsoring you to come to or stay in the UK. If you already have a job offer from an approved employer Your employer (also known as your sponsor) will check that you meet the eligibility requirements. They'll give you a 'certificate of sponsorship' to prove this. You must apply for your visa within three months of getting your certificate of sponsorship.English LanguageThere are a number of immigration routes with an English language requirement for applicants. This may be to support integration and/ or to demonstrate they have the English language ability needed for that particular route. The level of English language ability required is set as appropriate for each relevant route based on the Common European Framework of Reference for languages. For example, students at the degree level must demonstrate their ability at level B2 (A-Level or equivalent) and skilled workers B1 (AS-Level or equivalent). The ways an applicant can show they meet the English language requirement are:Being a national of a majority English-speaking country.Having an academic degree taught in English.Passing a secure English language test.Having shown they meet the required level in a previous successful immigration application. In some routes, there are additional ways of meeting the English language requirement. We will not make any changes to these route-specific provisions:Skilled workers who are sponsored as a doctor, dentists, nurses or midwives can rely on the assessment of their professional body as proof of their English language ability.Students who are studying a course at a degree level or above at a UK Higher Education provider with a track record of compliance can meet the English requirement if their sponsor assesses their ability. The UK’s Points-Based Immigration System 15Students who are applying to complete a short-term study abroad programme in the UK, as part of a course equivalent to a UK degree being studied at a Higher Education Institution in the USA do not need to prove their English language ability. We will also extend the list of majority English-speaking countries to include Ireland (so applicants who are neither British nor Irish citizens and who have studied at Irish universities can rely on their qualifications to show they have met the English language requirement) and Malta.International students can apply for this visa while they are studying. They must have an offer of employment from an approved employer to accompany their application but can switch over to the visa once it has been approved. This new visa route is expected to help students ease their living costs, by being able to support themselves whilst studying.What is the UK Skilled Worker Visa?For many international students studying in the UK, this is a faster and more affordable route to a work permit in the UK. The Skilled Worker visa is a long-term employment visa that allows applicants to remain and work in the UK for up to five years. This visa, which replaced the previous Tier 2 (general) work visa, was redesigned to allow for a lower threshold of salary threshold and to remove the resident labour market test. The skilled worker visa is valid for up to five years. Applicants can decide whether they wish to extend their visa or apply for indefinite leave to remain or British citizenship.Timeline to receiving the skilled worker visaIf applicants meet all of the requirements for a work permit, the average processing time is currently up to 11 weeks. This timeline may be extended or reduced depending on the capacity of the home office.What other visa routes should applicants consider if they do not meet the eligibility requirements?If you're temporarily wanting to enter the UK, try the Permitted Paid Engagement visa route. Depending on your nationality, this visa may apply to you. Some nationalities will not need to apply for this visa. Please contact us to find out if you are eligible.Candidates may apply for a Permitted Paid Engagement Visa if a company has invited them as an expert in their profession to work on certain projects or tasks. You may stay in the UK for up to 1 month. Permitted Paid Engagement visas are usually issued when:A UK-based organisation or client has invited certain individualsCandidates come to the UK to do specific paid work without having to be sponsored under the points-based visa system Other eligibility requirements are met. EligibilityIndividuals may be able to visit the UK for paid engagements if they have been invited as an expert in a particular profession. The general rule is that in order to be eligible for the visa the person must demonstrate they are:Invited by a UK-based organisation or clientWant to come to the UK to do specific paid work without having to be sponsored under the points-based visa systemMeet the other eligibility requirements listed below.A visa is only required for those who need a visa to enter the UK. Check here for further requirements.You must show that:You're 18 or overYou're visiting the UK for no more than one monthYou've been formally invited and paid by a UK-based organisation to attend an event or other permitted engagementYou'll leave the UK at the end of your visitYou will not live in the UK for extended periods through frequent or successive visits, or make the UK your main homeYou're able to support yourself during your trip (or have funding from someone else to support you)You're able to pay for your return or onward journey (or have a budget from someone else to pay for the trip)You have proof of any business or other activities you want to do in the UK, as allowed by the Visitor RulesPermitted ActivitiesA person can be invited by a UK-based organisation or client to:Be a student examiner or assessorTake part in selection panels as a highly qualified academic if you’re invited by an education, arts or research organisationGive lectures at a higher education institution, as long as it’s not a part-time or full-time roleExamine UK-based pilots so they meet the standards of the country you come from if you’re invited by an approved UK training organisation regulated by the UK Civil Aviation AuthorityProvide advocacy in a particular area of lawTake part in arts, entertainment or sporting activities including broadcastingTake part in fashion modelling assignmentsA person can also do minor activities related to their work or business overseas, such as attending meetings.The below activities are not permitted under this visa category:Do pay work unrelated to your main job or area of expertise at home, other than what’s allowed by your visaExtend this visa or switch to another visaLive in the UK for extended periodsGet public funds (benefits)StudyMarry or register a civil partnership, or give notice of marriage or civil partnershipBring family members (‘dependants’) - they must apply separatelyDocuments RequiredIn order to process your visa, please ensure you have prepared the following documents. Once prepared, we can assist you in initiating a case.A current passport or other valid travel documents - your passport must have a blank page for your visaA formal invitation from a UK-based organisation or the client you'll be paid byProof that the paid engagement relates to your expertise, qualifications, and main job in your home country, for example, a letter from your employer on company headed paper, detailing your role, salary and length of employmentBusiness registration documents or recent invoices that confirm ongoing self-employmentPrevious travel documents/passports, which show previous travel *confirmation of legal residenceFinancial documents that show that you have sufficient funds available. These must clearly show that you have access to the funds, such as bank statements, proof of earnings (payslips, salary statement)You'll need to provide an invitation letter showing why you're carrying out the engagement and how long it's for from a relevant UK-based organisation, such as:a Higher Education institutionan organisation in the creative arts or entertainment industriesa sports organisation, agent or broadcastera research organisationan aviation training organisation regulated by the United Kingdom Civil Aviation Authoritya client, if you are a lawyerYou will be required to provide evidence of professional status in your home country or expertise, depending on the engagement.Start-up visaThis visa category is for those people who have an innovative idea and wish to set up a new technology business in the UK with the potential to innovate or disrupt. The requirements are stringent, and the expectation is that your business must be something that’s different from anything else on the market.EligibilityYou must be endorsed by an authorised body that is either:a UK higher education institutiona business organisation with a history of supporting UK entrepreneursYou must be able to show that your business idea is:a new idea - you cannot join a business that is already tradinginnovative - you must have an original business idea which is different from anything else on the marketviable - it has the potential for growthDocuments RequiredA valid passport or other documents that shows your identity and nationalityBank statements showing you've had at least £1270 in savings in your bank account for 28 consecutive days before you applyProof that you meet the English language requirement:passing a Secure English Language Test (SELT) from an approved providerhaving a GCSE, A level, Scottish National Qualification level 4 or 5, Scottish Higher or Advanced Higher in English
, gained through study undertaken in a UK school when you were under 18having a degree-level academic qualification that was taught in English - if you studied abroad, you'll need to apply for confirmation through UK NARIC that your qualification is equivalent to a UK bachelor's degree, master's degree or PhDYour tuberculosis test results if you're from a country where you have to take the test.TimelinesOnce you've applied, proved your identity and provided your documents, you'll usually get a decision within three weeks.In conclusion, there are many other visa types that may be relevant depending on the experience of each candidate and the company they are looking to work for in the United Kingdom. For more information on these, or for assistance with your application, please do not hesitate to contact us.

Around the world, many employees have found themselves impacted by recent layoffs. Following a backlash across news outlets about how the change has made many people vulnerable, some companies are reconsidering their duty of care and have offered to help with immigration assistance to any employees working in the location under a work permit or visa. In most cases, individuals are granted a certain grace period, in which they are permitted to stay in the country for a certain timeframe before their immigration status changes. This grace period typically provides those impacted to find another job, or figure out their next move. However, in most cases, the reality is that many employees find themselves in the difficult position of needing to determine their immigration status and consider the next steps. We recommend speaking to an immigration expert for professional advice.Country ExpectationsUSAThe immigration system in the USA is one of the most complicated in the world. Whilst most categories have caps on the annual approved applications per year, other categories, such as the H1-B and the Diversity Visa (green card), are also based on a lottery system. Coupled with long wait times for appointments and difficult processes to switch visa types, the question of how to stay in the US after a layoff might be a priority for some, though it’s not a new problem. Whilst some organisations determine what degree of support they will offer recently laid-off staff in the US, immigration experts have taken to forums to provide details to outline possible extensions to the standard 60-day grace period and outline other routes, including routes to long-term settlement.CanadaSimilarly, layoffs for many of these companies have also had an impact on employees in Canada, with more than 3,500 people recorded as being made redundant since March 2022.  Advice on how to navigate immigration challenges ranges from temporarily transferring to a study permit to establishing a business to obtain a work permit.EuropeFor those impacted by the layoffs within Europe, it’s worth noting that EU Blue card holders have a 3-month grace period to find a new role, or risk having their EU Blue Card withdrawn. However, recent changes to the EU Blue Card process, mean that changing employers or relocating to another EU member state is easier for some candidates. Highly-skilled workers are now able to change employers and location under their EU Blue Card if they have been in the country for 1 year in some cases, and up to 2 years in other cases. However, for those who recently received a blue card, or are in one of the member states under a different permit type, the process may be more complicated and risky.ConclusionIn the global mobility industry, providing immigration and tax assistance after the termination of any kind has long been considered best practice to ensure compliance for the organisation as well as support employees. Across the world, there are a number of options available to help re-settle employees after a lay-off and to ensure adherence with local legislation.Centuro Global can help provide advice on what visa options may be available to you depending on your current location, and can also help in your application once you have figured out your next step. Please do not hesitate to contact us should you require any assistance.

The Kingdom of Saudi Arabia has launched an initiative called the Regional Headquarters Program (RHQ) to encourage multinational businesses to establish an official presence in Saudi Arabia. The purpose is to support, manage and provide strategic direction to branches, subsidiaries and affiliates operating in the region. What does this mean for companies that currently have their headquarters in another region? What opportunities does the regional headquarters programme provide to foreign companies?This article provides a brief overview of the Saudi Arabia RHQ program.What is the Saudi Arabia RHQ program?In an effort to increase foreign investment in Saudi Arabia, especially in the capital of Riyadh city, authorities have initiated a program which is designed to provide benefits to companies investing in operating their regional headquarters out of Saudi Arabia. It will also limit the capabilities of companies that do not choose to invest in this program.From 1 January 2024, international businesses without regional headquarters in Saudi Arabia may not be able to contract with agencies or institutions, nor have access to funds owned by the Saudi government. Companies who wish to apply for a business license to conduct business in KSA can do so and will benefit from several exemptions and fee waivers.Some believe this initiative is a move to compete with surrounding hotspot business cities in the Middle East such as Dubai whilst others suggest that the RHQ program forms part of the Kingdom’s efforts to diversify its economy away from crude oil, as per its Vision 2030 agenda, spearheaded by Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman.Saudi government officials explain that the new policy is targeted at limiting the economic leakage and transfer of expertise, in an effort to increase spending efficiency, guarantee that primary government-bought goods and services originate from the Kingdom, and create employment for its youth.What are the incentives of the Saudi RHQ program?The policy comes with generalised incentives which include:Tax benefits, including a 50-year tax holidayImmigration concessions, such as a waiver to the quota system in Saudi nationals' employment10-year exemption from the “Saudization” regimeSpousal work permits and the age of dependents extended to 25 years oldWaiver of professional accreditation rulesVisa limit exemption and issuance accelerationEnd-to-end services (business, personal, and concierge)King Abdullah Financial District special economic zone with additional incentives (estimated Q1 2022)Government tendering after 2024Currently, Riyadh the Capital of Saudi is estimated to be home to less than five per cent of regional headquarters in the Gulf, despite having the largest local economy, population, and natural oil deposits. Whilst the program provides many benefits and opportunities, some questions remain as to what constitutes a regional headquarters and if it only applies to companies doing business with the government as well as those in the private sector.Our recent Centuro GEC 2022 event had an impressive lineup of panellists touching on Saudi Arabia’s significant reforms. The discussion touched on ways to foster growth, diversification, and ample opportunities for foreign investors and companies to boost private sector participation. Watch the full panel session below.What is the process for relocating to Riyadh?To apply for an RHQ License, businesses must provide the following documents:- Proof of legal presence in at least two different countries- Annual audited financial statements for the last fiscal year preceding the application date- The business development plan for the RHQBusinesses must also be prepared to commit to their RHQ delivering all the mandatory licensing activities outlined in terms of the RHQ Program, including a detailed business plan (including budget), Financial Reporting and Strategic coordination.So far, the launch of the RHQ programme has already had some success. Dozens of multinational companies have signed and are applying for licences to move their regional headquarters to Riyadh. These companies operate across diverse sectors including technology, F&B, consulting, and construction. Either way, Program RHQ is likely to have significant economic consequences on the Gulf region and will help to accelerate a foreign investment race between Saudi Arabia and the UAE, as both compete to attract foreign firms.Centuro Global has extensive corporate structuring experience to guide and assist foreign companies who intend to establish their RHQ in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. Don't hesitate to get in touch with us with any queries. We would be delighted to assist with the regulatory applications to obtain the RHQ License.Discover Centuro Connect. It is the ultimate tool for understanding Market Entry options, HR, Immigration, Legal Requirements, Tax & Accounting, and much more.

The Fifa world cup 2022 kicks off on Sunday, and many travellers will be preparing for their visit to Qatar. If you're planning to enter Qatar, or if you're there to cheer on your favourite team, there are a few important things to consider ahead of your trip. This article intends to highlight some travel tips for entering Qatar during the Fifa World Cup 2022.What to expect at the Qatar world cup 2022From fan zones to the Hayyaa Card, many fans will already be aware of what to expect when they enter Qatar for the Fifa world cup. However, for those who haven't yet looked at the entry requirements, we wanted to provide a brief summary below.What do travellers need to enter Qatar for the Fifa World Cup?Travellers are required to present their Hayya Card upon arrival, as well as will need to hold a valid passport in order to enter Qatar. According to the United Kingdom Government Authorities, British travellers are required to present a negative COVID-19 test result, via a PCR or rapid antigen test. It is also a requirement that all accommodation is booked in advance before travellers depart for Qatar. Travellers are encouraged to research the requirements relevant to which specific country they are departing from. For questions specifically related to immigration, we'd be happy to help. Please email hello@centuroglobal.com for assistance, or visit the official Qatar government website here.What is a Hayya Card?A Hayya card is a form of fan ID which is a requirement in order to attend the country any time between November 2022 up until the 23rd of December 2022. This is an entry requirement, even for travellers who are not attending the Fifa World Cup. To apply, visit the Hayya Portal, where main ticket holders can apply for specific access on behalf of family members or friends for example. There is a lot of detailed information about the Hayya card and the requirements for travellers. Travellers are encouraged to visit the official FAQ page here should they require more information.What are some of the main things to consider?Many attendees planning to visit Qatar have questions concerning emergency medical treatment, public transport as well as whether they may be able to drink alcohol. The UK government have put together 6 top tips for fans attending the tournament. They strongly encourage all travellers to get travel insurance. This will help to reduce the risk of high medical bills in case individuals require medical assistance. This insurance should cover all destinations, relevant medical needs as well as planned activities.It is also highly encouraged that fans are aware of the dos and don'ts concerning how to behave in Qatar. The laws and customs in Qatar are very different to those in the UK, and those in many other countries. Fans are encouraged to behave in a respectful manner and to follow the laws and guidelines set out by the Qatari Government. The rules and the availability for the consumption of alcohol are very different to most previous world cups. Limited alcohol consumption will be permitted, within specific zones and areas set out by the Qatari Government. According to an article by DW, Qatar's Supreme Committee is organizing the tournament has stated that "Alcohol is not part of Qatari culture but hospitality is, and so those fans who wish to consume alcohol during the World Cup in Qatar will be able to do so".There are expected to be fan zones surrounding the stadiums which will allow ticketholders to consume beer, however, this will be limited to before and after the games and beer cannot be taken into the stadiums themselves or onto the streets.Read the 6 tips outlined by the UK government here. We hope that all travellers who attend the Fifa World Cup 2022 have a wonderful visit and that the country they choose to cheer on has much success.

The only thing better than attending events? Experiencing it with your team. There is simply too much happening at any given time for one person alone to see and do — the more reason to attend with your team. Autumn is particularly busy in the event world but as we counted, between the team, we attended four events, all quite distinct from each other.Here is what we picked up, wearing versatile hats as delegates, exhibitors, and tech lovers.On The Future of Tech and Powerful Inspirational Stories: Web Summit 2022 Web Summit 2022 brought together more than 70,000 people – attendees, startups, speakers, media, investors, and everyone interested in tech. At this year’s Web Summit, there were 26 content tracks and 17 stages where every tech topic you can think of was discussed.  Here are some Key takeaways from the Centuro team who attended:Most companies are on an international expansion journey. Ranging from startups looking to hire remote workers, to larger companies with investment or large organic growth expanding to access new markets and clients from around the world.  The war for talent is real! A lot of companies are trying to solve this problem by offering more outsourced solutions. Or fit for purpose, integrated SaaS solutions.    Global payment providers are on the rise.  Governments are actively trying to attract growing start-ups to their country, through scale-up programs. The top ones are Hong Kong, the UK, Lithuania, Poland, Austria, and the USA.  Staying Ahead of Changes in Global Mobility: Worldwide ERC The 2022 Worldwide ERC® Global Workforce Symposium’s atmosphere reflected both the reinvigorated aspirations that the industry was waiting for after 3 years since the last event. Emily Stewart reports on how the Worldwide ERC’s global summit series stays ahead of changes in global mobility. In the sustainability forum, there was a lot of positivity around ESG changes in mobility. Whilst most of the conversation was dominated by the household goods shipping sector, opportunities for creative, sustainable solutions remain for the other global mobility provisions in the policy suite. Will the Metaverse remove the need for Global Mobility in the future? The sentiment around the room was that in-person people mobility will continue to exist, as individuals still want the experience of living in new environments and cultures. However, developments in the Metaverse may be used to enhance and improve some of the more emotionally challenging aspects of global mobility. Diversity, Equity and Inclusion are (unsurprisingly) experienced differently by different organizations. However, the resounding sentiment was that to date global mobility teams have been reactive in addressing DE&I needs to support individuals and their families when relocating. With many companies reviewing their policies, adapting their tone, and considering associated DE&I support needs from single requests, the hope is that going forward the GM function will become a proactive, strategic partner. Reconnecting with The International Legal Community: IBA Annual Conference 2022 The International Bar Association (IBA) Annual Conference is the leading conference for legal professionals worldwide to meet, share knowledge, build contacts and develop business. It serves to advance the development of international law and its role in business and society to provide members with world-class professional development opportunities to enable them to deliver outstanding legal services. While the Covid-19 pandemic led to predictions of a permanent decline in business travel, the queues of delegates lining up to enter the vast Miami Beach Convention Centre suggested international lawyers are more than happy to be back on the in-person conference circuit after a two-year break.Our CEO, Zain Ali, had the opportunity to meet and network in person with several legal members of the Centuro Global network as well as meet many new faces, alongside attending various sessions at the conference. With around 6,000 people attending from around the globe, the conference and associated networking events provided a valuable opportunity to connect and re-connect with people, give insights into the global legal landscape and the opportunities it presents for an international market, as well as exchange knowledge and trends from many jurisdictions, both new and well-known.Un Reunion de Global HR Leaders: Unleash Paris 2022 Finally, our Head of Global Alliances, Simon Ward, and Zain attended the world’s largest HR Tech conference, Unleash, in Paris. Bringing together global HR leaders, this was a showcase of the next wave of breakthrough technologies and global innovators changing the future of work. The team managed to connect with a number of our existing partners and clients as well as meet some great new innovators to add to the ever-growing Centuro Global community!Conclusion And that sums up the events we attended. While we won’t have weeks where we attend four events, we will be out and about in the coming weeks and months so be on the lookout for team Centuro Global. We also have our own events including the Centuro Global Expansion Conference 2023.Register today with your team and build lasting relationships with professionals in the global expansion community. Gain access to exclusive networking sessions, INT-X Awards ceremony, masterclasses, and much more. Click HERE for more information and to grab your tickets now! 

What is humanity’s top priority? Where are we as individuals in terms of our development? What do we value? What levels of consciousness do we mainly operate from?  Recently, the Future Investment Initiative (FII) Institute surveyed 130,000 people in more than 13 countries in collaboration with Ipsos. The survey comes at a critical time, discussing the highest priority for each segment of society as the world goes through extraordinary social, economic and geopolitical changes.From social to environmental to identity crises, people listed their fears and worries for the survey to rank. The social crisis, embodied in the rising costs of living, increasing social inequalities, and lack of social mobilities, came first with 50% of responders saying that is their top priority.  A close second for 40% of responders was environmental crises, from climate change to loss of biodiversity to water, air and soil pollution. In third place, 10% of responders stated that their top worry was an identity crisis linked to the difficulties of migrant integration, loss of traditional values and so on.  The survey also had another interesting finding where 70% of people in high-income countries were revealed to be pessimistic about the future while 70% of people in emerging countries were optimistic about it. Thus, it could be concluded that optimism and GDP growth in the past five years are correlated—which indicates that world leaders can achieve progress and improve the outlook of their citizens by attending to their priorities. The survey highlighted one specific pessimistic finding about work, which is that 54% of citizens believed that they are unable to save for their future.The survey, thus, provides a critical guide for policy and decision-makers everywhere, revealing the priorities of people of all ages, nationalities, and socio-economic standing.  The results were showcased and presented to leaders, policymakers, CEOs, Nobel Prize laureates, students, volunteers, academics, athletes, investors, and more at the Priority Summit in New York on the 22nd of September, 2022.Explore The Full Priority Survey HERE.About Centuro GlobalCenturo Global is the world’s first market network designed to help companies expand internationally via a SaaS platform. A dynamic combination of real-life, real-time advice and a broad digital knowledge base empowers a company’s leadership and its people to take global growth into their own hands. The overarching aim of the platform is to allow businesses to expand into new territories in a seamless and compliant way while bringing down costs and breaking down barriers for less-established companies. Learn more HERE.

Not long ago if you were Romanian you could find yourself in some circumstances or circles where it was better to keep your nationality to yourself.Lately, and by that I mean in the last few years and perhaps more frequently and constantly in the last few months, it seems that Romanian citizenship is becoming more interesting and valuable.Recently, people based all over the world, have suddenly realized that their ancestors are actually from a country called Romania and on researching this country they have discovered that for quite a while this place has been considered a land of interesting business opportunities and that this country is actually a member of the European Union thereby presenting some other advantages.These arguments and maybe other more personal reasons have made the individuals decide that they wish to apply for Romanian citizenship with the ultimate goal of further obtaining a Romanian passport.How To Acquire A Romanian CompanyLittle do they know that the procedure of getting citizenship based on ancestry although lengthy is not that difficult if you can organize and produce the documentation that is required by the authorities. The documentation required refers to birth certificate, marriage and death certificate for all your relatives that connect you to the ancestor that once held Romanian citizenship. Romanian language knowledge is not required to complete this process of becoming a citizen nor are you forced to choose a domicile in Romania.Romanian citizenship if you are a citizen of a non-EU country can in return bring you benefits such as being able to travel, live and work within the EU taking advantage of the free movement applicable inside the Union, can give you the possibility of buying land in Romania or Europe or even benefiting from state grants that are currently available for businesses that are owned by Romanians living abroad.What is even more interesting is that when analysing each of these cases recently I have noticed that most of these applicants are descendants of Romanians that fled the country either during the second world war as they risked being persecuted because of their Jewish roots or after the end of the war during the communist regime era when for various reasons they risked being persecuted.After Brexit, some British people discovered that their roots might be an escape from the travel changes and other challenges coming with the new status.The Advantages Of Establishing A Business In RomaniaMore recently, and by that I mean in the last seven months, the phenomenon has intensified with Ukrainian refugees coming to Romania to flee the war in their country and discovering that their ancestors have been born in areas that at that time were Romanian. This gives them leverage compared to other Ukrainian refugees who will only be able to remain in Romania for as long as the Romanian authorities will be willing to offer them protection since they will be able to obtain citizenship and obtain the same status as all the other Romanians regardless of where they live.For the first group if they can produce documents to show their ancestry and that their ancestors were born in areas that at that time belonged to Romania then they will be able to obtain Romanian citizenship and benefit from all rights as Romanians.In light of current events of the last months, requests have been received from the Russians as well. They also might qualify if they have relatives that were born in areas that at some point in time were part of the Romanian territories.Global Immigration Support For UkraineAlthough it is a good thing that finally Romania receives credit for all that it can offer and becomes attractive, one must notice that all these cases have one thing in common which is, war and repressive governments produce mass dislocation, family disintegration and uprooting.For more information from a legal perspective please contact one of our team of specialists at hello@centuroglobal.com