MONEY MASTER

  What’s Changing Capital Requirement : Minimum investment to rise  6x to ¥30m (US$203k)  from current  ¥5m . Employment : Must hire  at least 1 staff member . Eligibility Checks : Applicants to undergo  education & experience reviews . Business Plans : Mandatory vetting before approval. Permit Duration : Still up to  5 years . Context Program popularity has grown:  41k visa holders in 2024  vs.  27k in 2020 . Japan has sought to attract entrepreneurs but with  mixed success . Immigration agency says new rules will ensure  “appropriate acceptance”  and align with  international standards . Implementation : Expected  mid-October 2025 , pending public feedback. Implications Foreign Entrepreneurs : Higher barriers to entry — favors  serious, well-capitalized applicants . Startups/SMEs : Could discourage smaller-scale ventures, especially in services. Policy Signal : Balancing need for innovation with  ...

New Zealand has revamped its Active Investor Plus visa, removing key barriers to attract foreign capital. Early signs suggest strong interest from the US, Europe, and Asia—positioning the country as a rare safe haven in a fragmented global landscape. Policy Shift: A Strategic Reset New Zealand is reopening its doors to affluent investors with a redesigned  Active Investor Plus visa , aimed at: Reviving foreign direct investment  post-recession. Funding infrastructure and growth initiatives . Enhancing the country’s appeal as a geopolitical safe haven . Key updates to the visa: English-language requirement removed . Minimum stay period reduced . Investment categories streamlined . Minimum thresholds lowered . Two investment tracks are now available: Growth Path : NZ$5 million in high-risk assets; 21-day stay over 3 years. Balanced Path : NZ$10 million in diversified assets; 105-day stay over 5 years (reducible with higher investment). Investor Response: Global Interest Rising I...

Switzerland and the European Union (EU) have reached a landmark agreement to secure Switzerland’s continued access to the EU's single market, marking the end of a prolonged negotiation period following the breakdown in relations in 2021. The agreement aims to solidify economic and political ties after years of uncertainty and lays the groundwork for smoother bilateral cooperation. Key Features of the Agreement Safeguard Clause on Immigration: A reworked safeguard clause allows Switzerland to address unexpected challenges stemming from free movement of people, addressing domestic concerns without breaching the EU’s foundational principles. Financial Contributions: Transition Period (up to 2030): Switzerland will contribute  130 million francs  annually. From 2030 to 2036: Contributions increase to  350 million francs ($391 million)  annually. Sectoral Cooperation: The accord includes agreements on science funding, rail transport, and electricity. Swiss businesses had ...