DUBLIN, IRELAND / HONG KONG / VANCOUVER, CANADA — Ireland’s controversial Immigrant Investor Programme (IIP), widely known as the “golden visa” scheme, has officially closed its doors, leaving thousands of high-net-worth individuals—primarily Chinese nationals—searching for alternative second citizenship and residency solutions.
Amicus International Consulting, a global leader in legal second passports and identity transformation, has provided secure, lawful, and confidential alternatives.
Ireland Ends Golden Visa Scheme Dominated by Chinese Investors
The Irish government confirmed that the Immigrant Investor Programme, launched in 2012 to attract foreign direct investment, has been terminated following an official government review of its “appropriateness.”
The closure, effective immediately, ends a pathway that has granted residency to non-EU nationals with personal wealth exceeding US$2.1 million in exchange for investments in Irish enterprises, real estate funds, or philanthropic donations.
By June 23, 2024, the program had received 1,547 approved applications, of which a staggering 1,458 (94%) originated from mainland China. This underlines how the scheme had become almost entirely dominated by Chinese elites.
The Irish Department of Justice cited a reassessment of “cultural, social, and economic impacts,” alongside pressure from the European Commission, as central factors in the program’s closure. Allegations of misuse, concerns about transparency, and the evolving global stance on investor-based residency programs contributed to the review.
Rising Demand for Secure Alternatives Among Chinese Nationals
This development has left a sudden void for thousands of mid-process Chinese nationals, or those planning to pursue the IIP. Amicus International Consulting, renowned for assisting clients with legal second passports, identity change, and offshore financial freedom, has seen inquiries since the announcement.
“We understand the urgency and concern that many high-net-worth Chinese nationals are now facing,” said a spokesperson for Amicus International. “We’re offering tailored solutions that comply with international law and ensure long-term asset security, privacy, and global mobility.”
Amicus provides comprehensive services that include:
- Second passport and citizenship programs in the Caribbean, Europe, and select Asian jurisdictions.
- New legal identities backed by court-ordered name changes and legal frameworks.
- Tax identification numbers and bank-compliant documentation for seamless offshore integration.
- Relocation and residency planning for families seeking education, healthcare, and lifestyle freedom abroad.
Case Study: Investor Displaced by Ireland’s Golden Visa Closure Finds Solution in Grenada
In March 2025, a 52-year-old tech entrepreneur from Hangzhou began preparing a €1 million investment in an Irish enterprise under the IIP. When the program abruptly shut down, he contacted Amicus International Consulting. Within weeks, Amicus transitioned him to the Grenada Citizenship by Investment Program, securing a second passport within 90 days.
The Grenadian passport granted him visa-free travel to 145 countries, including the EU Schengen Zone and the United Kingdom. Furthermore, it enabled his children to apply for the E-2 investor visa to the United States—a significant secondary benefit not offered by the IIP.
“Ireland was our first choice, but the closure blindsided us. Amicus guided us through every legal step and found a better option that even included U.S. access,” the investor shared.
Global Scrutiny on Golden Visa Programs: An Emerging Trend
Ireland’s decision mirrors similar moves across the European Union:
- Portugal revised its golden visa regulations in 2023, limiting urban real estate options.
- Greece raised investment thresholds in key regions, citing over-tourism and housing crises.
- The U.K. scrapped its Tier 1 Investor Visa in 2022 following allegations of misuse linked to Russian oligarchs.
Amicus International notes that these shifts often affect Chinese nationals, given China’s capital controls, travel restrictions, and increasing pressure on outbound investment.
“We’re witnessing a seismic shift in how nations view wealth-for-residency models,” said the Amicus spokesperson. “What’s vital now is having legal, well-vetted options. That’s where our services prove indispensable.”
Amicus International: A Legal Lifeline for the Global Elite
Amicus International has built a reputation as a confidential advisor to high-net-worth individuals, celebrities, political dissidents, and privacy seekers worldwide. With decades of experience and global partnerships, Amicus specializes in:
- Second passports from over 12 jurisdictions.
- Name change and identity transformation that stand up to international scrutiny.
- Tax-neutral and banking-compliant residency solutions.
For Chinese nationals affected by the IIP shutdown, Amicus recommends acting quickly and discreetly to explore options. At the same time, programs in Grenada, Dominica, Antigua and Barbuda, and Vanuatu remain open and favourable.
Additional Case Studies Highlighting Real Solutions
Case Study 2: Family of Three Leaves Beijing for Caribbean Life
A pharmaceutical executive and his family were midway through Ireland’s golden visa process when it closed. Fearing stagnation and travel uncertainty, they contacted Amicus International. Amicus facilitated Dominica citizenship through a donation path. The family relocated to Roseau, Dominica, and now enjoys:
- Tax-free offshore asset management.
- Commonwealth benefits for education.
- Unrestricted travel across Europe and Asia.
Case Study 3: Mainland CEO Secures EU Access via Malta Citizenship by Descent
Another client, the son of a Maltese emigrant who had returned to China during the Cultural Revolution, was guided by Amicus in reclaiming ancestral citizenship. Though more complex, the Maltese passport offers EU-wide rights and long-term intergenerational benefits. This method involved no investment—only legal heritage documentation.
A Cautionary Note: The Risks of Illegitimate Services
Amicus International warns against black-market passport schemes or fraudulent facilitators posing as legitimate service providers. Following Ireland’s policy change, reports of fake agents offering backdoor access to defunct visa programs have surfaced.
“Any document not traceable to a sovereign government or official agency is a legal liability. Clients risk arrest, asset forfeiture, and travel bans,” the company stated.
Amicus insists on legal, government-approved pathways and performs full due diligence on each client.
A New Era in Citizenship Planning
The era of golden visas with limited scrutiny is fading. Governments are under increasing pressure to vet applicants, close loopholes, and reinforce public trust in immigration systems.
However, the world still holds open doors for those who act decisively and wisely.
“At Amicus International, we don’t just help clients move—we help them move smart,” said the spokesperson.
📞 Contact Information
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Email: info@amicusint.ca
Website: www.amicusint.ca
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About Amicus International Consulting
Amicus International is a global consultancy firm specializing in lawful identity transformation, second citizenship, asset protection, and privacy solutions. Focusing on discretion, legality, and strategic relocation, Amicus empowers clients to navigate geopolitical risk, censorship, financial restrictions, and personal security concerns with confidence.