For many South Asian families, securing access to top universities abroad is a lifelong aspiration. However, visa restrictions, limited scholarships, and complex admission processes often make this dream challenging—especially as many South Asian passports rank low in global mobility. As a result, wealthy families from India, Pakistan, and Bangladesh are increasingly turning to residency and citizenship by investment to enhance their global access and secure lifestyle and educational benefits for future generations.
The rise of investment migration among South Asia’s wealthy
India’s wealth has surged by 85% between 2013 and 2023, creating a new wave of high-net-worth individuals (HNWIs), yet at the same time, India’s ranking on the Henley Passport Index dropped from 80th to 82nd in 2023, with visa-free access to only 58 destinations. Most of the HNWIs are now looking at other strategic opportunities, and India is expected to lose 4,300 millionaires in 2024, only slightly lower than the 5,100 departures recorded in 2023.
Similarly, Pakistan’s wealthy elite are shifting their assets abroad. A recent report revealed that Pakistani nationals owned over 23,000 properties in the UAE as of 2022, valued at $10 billion. With property prices in the UAE rising by 25%, these assets are now worth an estimated $12.5 billion or more. Pakistani millionaires have also relocated businesses to the UAE and other countries, although official figures on migration remain unclear.
Why dual citizenship matters for education
Considering this trend, it comes as no surprise that South Asia’s affluent families are prioritising citizenship and residency by investment as a strategic solution for their children. By securing a second passport or residency in key destinations, they gain access to world-class education and greater freedom of movement, ensuring a secure future for the next generation. This is especially helpful as many Western nations with ageing populations face a talent gap, making foreign graduates an attractive prospect for their economies.
Indian students form the second-largest group of international students worldwide after China, with 1.5 million studying abroad. Countries such as Australia, Canada, the UK, and the U.S. remain top choices among South Asian students, but their education migration programs are increasingly competitive.
However, visa restrictions remain a significant hurdle. For instance, the U.S. issues only 85,000 H-1B work visas annually, with over 300,000 applicants competing. This means nearly 70% of Indian students in the U.S. must leave the country after graduation unless they secure employer sponsorship. For those who can afford to invest $800,000, the EB-5 Visa offers a more secure path to remain in the U.S., with green cards issued in under three years, allowing graduates to enter the workforce before completing their degrees.
The shift from North America to Europe
South Asian students are increasingly choosing Europe over the US and Canada due to its affordable education, strong post-study work opportunities, and streamlined permanent residency pathways. Europe’s globally recognized institutions, high-quality education, and lower tuition fees further enhance its appeal. Furthermore, many European institutions do not require IELTS, making the application process more accessible. Industry-aligned curricula, a wide range of English-taught programs, and numerous scholarships like Erasmus Mundus further strengthen Europe’s appeal as an academic destination.
Beyond education, Europe’s student-friendly policies and the Schengen visa advantage provide greater mobility and career prospects. Unlike the US and Canada, where visa restrictions and competitive immigration policies often create uncertainties, many European countries offer clearer pathways to permanent residency, making it easier for students to settle long-term. The ability to travel across 29 Schengen countries enhances professional networking and job opportunities beyond their host country. These factors make Europe an increasingly attractive destination for South Asian students seeking quality education, financial viability, and long-term career stability.
Benefits of investor programs for students
As a result, affluent South Asian families are increasingly investing in second passports and residency to unlock Europe’s educational and career opportunities. Holding a second citizenship and European residency provides several key advantages including visa-free or visa-on-arrival access to top education hubs in Europe, easing student mobility.
Citizens of EU countries or nations with reciprocal agreements can qualify for reduced tuition, making international education more affordable. Dual citizens often become eligible for government-funded scholarships unavailable to international students. Lastly, citizenship or residency in an EU or globally connected nation improves post-graduation employment and settlement prospects, offering long-term career stability.
Popular investment programs for Education Benefits
For South Asian families looking to enhance their children’s educational prospects, several investment-friendly nations offer programs with significant advantages:
Portugal Golden Visa
Malta Citizenship
Grenada Citizenship
St. Kitts and Nevis Citizenship
USA EB-5
Take the next step
Investing in a second citizenship or residency is a powerful way to build your legacy and secure a future filled with opportunities. If you want to provide your child with the best education and global prospects, now is the time to explore your options and invest in a brighter tomorrow.
Contact our experts at Citizenship Invest today to know more.
