Zlata Erlach
Head of the Austrian office
Zlata helped to choose a program for more than 400 investors’ families who obtained residence permits in EU countries. Zlata is closely working with programs of the Caribbean countries and Vanuatu. More than 500 families obtained citizenship with Zlata’s help. All the investors who worked with Zlata obtained second passports or residence permits.

Work experience
In the field of investment migration 10 years
Education
The Plekhanov Russian University of Economics 1991
Participation in industry events
Publications
Stories of investors,
who obtain citizenship or residence permit

Case studies

Case studies

Case studies

Case studies

Case studies
Questions and problems,
answers and solutions to which Zlata Erlach knows

Vanuatu citizenship: why it might be the smartest move this year
The country has one of the fastest citizenship by investment programs, with approvals in 2+ months, and one of the most affordable, starting with $130,000 for a single applicant. Vanuatu passport holders enjoy visa-free access to around 100 countries, a zero-tax regime and the option to establish International Business Companies exempt from tax for up to 20 years. Common questions about Vanuatu’s citizenship program were discussed with Zlata Erlach, Head of the Austrian office at Immigrant Invest.
Citizenship

Hungarian passport: visa-free access to 170+ countries in 2026
One of the significant advantages of holding a Hungarian passport is the ability to travel to numerous countries without the need for a visa. As of February 2026, Hungary citizens have visa-free or visa-on-arrival access to 171 countries and territories. This global mobility places the Hungarian passport at 33rd place in the world in the Immigrant Invest Freedom of Travel ranking. This article provides a comprehensive list of visa-free countries and the duration of stay allowed for Hungarian passport holders.
Citizenship

UAE residence by investment for Americans: requirements for the Dubai Golden Visa
UAE Golden Visa, sometimes called Dubai Golden Visa, allows holders to reside in the UAE for 5 or 10 years. The minimum expense to obtain a Golden Visa to the UAE is $136,000 if owning a project. Foreigners pay $545,000 if they make a public investment or buy real estate. Property prices in the UAE are 70% lower than in the US. Americans can enjoy the benefits this country provides. Tax optimization, low crime rate, stable economy, professional opportunities, and high healthcare attract expats worldwide. With all of this, the cost of living is 50% lower than in the US. This article explains what is required to obtain a UAE Golden Visa.
Residence permit

Grenada Island facts: nature, lifestyle, and investment potential
Grenada is an island nation in the Caribbean. The country's economy is developing through tourism services, agriculture and investments from the citizenship program. Cosmopolitans acquire Grenadian citizenship to travel freely to 146 countries, including the Schengen area, UK, China and Singapore. We will tell you where Grenada is located, how the local population lives, how much it costs to relax on the islands and what to see in the country.
Living abroad

All paths to Hungary citizenship: from naturalisation to investment
Hungarian citizenship provides the right to work and reside in any EU country, access to high-quality healthcare and education, and the freedom to travel without visas to more than 170 countries worldwide. This makes the Hungarian passport one of the most desirable. Explore all the ways to obtain Hungarian citizenship, from investment programs to options like naturalisation, repatriation, marriage or family ties. Each path has its characteristics, requirements, and steps that must be completed to become a full citizen of the country.
Citizenship

Moving to Hungary in 2026: first-hand relocation guide for expats
Over a decade, Hungary witnessed a remarkable surge in its immigrant population, soaring by an impressive 52%. Foreign nationals are drawn to the nation for its renowned high quality of life, competitive cost of living, and diverse cultural legacy. Read on to learn about different ways of moving to Hungary as a foreign citizen.
Living abroad

Hungary residence permit: how to relocate to this affordable EU country in 2026
The path to Hungary permanent residency lies only through a temporary residence permit. A foreigner must live in the country for at least 3 years to qualify for permanent residency. Starting in July 2024, a Hungary Golden Visa is available for wealthy foreigners. For a minimum investment of €250,000, they can become temporary residents for 10 years. In this article, we talk about all the ways to obtain a residence permit in Hungary and the advantages of living in one of the world's safest and most affordable countries.
Residence permit

How to get a residence permit in Austria as a financially independent person: updated for 2026
One way to move to Austria is to obtain a residence permit for financially independent people. It is suitable for those who do not plan to work in the country. This path assumes that the applicant has personal savings or income received outside the country. How to get a residence permit card for financially independent people, how long it will take and what conditions must be met will be explained in the article.
Residence permit

St Kitts and Nevis citizenship cost for investors in 2026
The minimum requirement under the St Kitts and Nevis citizenship by investment program is $250,000 for a non-refundable contribution and $325,000 for real estate purchase. Obtaining period is at least 6 months. St Kitts and Nevis passport cost depends on the chosen investment option and the number of family members included in the application. The total expenses for a single applicant, including investment and fees, start at $260,661.
Citizenship

Hungary Golden Visa in 2026: how to get investment-based residency
Thinking about living in Europe long-term? Hungary's Golden Visa program is back as of 2024, offering you two clear paths to secure a residence permit: invest in a local real estate fund or make a charitable donation to a Hungarian university. To get started, you’ll need to invest at least €250,000 to qualify for the decade-long residency.
Residence permit

How to get a Hungarian residence permit: updated 2026 guide
The Hungary residence permit is a way to enjoy the perks of living in the EU, like getting a prestigious education and high-quality healthcare. The most common reasons for foreigners to move to Hungary are employment, university enrollment, marriage, and investment. Each option has its benefits and limitations.
Residence permit

7 advantages of having a Hungary residence permit in 2026
Hungary offers more than 20 ways to obtain a residence permit. Investors, digital nomads, entrepreneurs, students, and researchers may become residents. The residence permit is issued for one to ten years. Hungarian residents can live in the European Union, travel across the Schengen Area visa-free, and obtain permanent residency and citizenship. However, residency has peculiarities you want to be aware of before moving to Hungary.
Residence permit

How to obtain Dominica citizenship by investment: full 2026 guide
Dominica citizenship can be obtained in various ways; the fastest, however, is by investment. To participate, a foreigner needs to invest at least $200,000 in a state fund or in real estate. An investor may include family members in the application. Dominica investment citizenship is issued within 6 months and opens visa-free travel to 145 countries.
Citizenship

Hungarian real estate market: what it costs and how to buy in 2026
Hungarian real estate attracts investors from all over the world. Citizens of China, Germany, Israel, Russia, and Turkey purchase most properties. To buy real estate in Hungary, a foreigner has to get permission issued by the Land Registry; this can be done only with the help of a lawyer who accompanies the deal. Property owners can qualify for a Hungary residence permit if they meet other requirements.
Real estate

How to get Swiss citizenship: requirements, process, and timeline
Obtaining Swiss citizenship is difficult. To get a passport, the applicant must permanently live in the country, speak and write fluently in one of the official languages, know the history and traditions, participate in public life, and comply with the laws. We explain the requirements for Swiss citizenship, how long you need to live in the country and who can get a passport faster than others.
Citizenship

Caribbean passports by investment: how to choose the best one for your goals
Five Caribbean countries offer citizenship by investment programs: Antigua and Barbuda, Dominica, Grenada, St Lucia, and St Kitts and Nevis. To apply for citizenship, a foreigner makes a charitable donation, buys property, or invests in business in the chosen country. The minimum investment amount for one applicant starts at $200,000, depending on the program. When applying with the family, the threshold increases. Find answers to questions that may arise when choosing a Caribbean country for citizenship in the interview with Zlata Erlach, an investment migration expert and the head of Austrian Office at Immigrant Invest.
Citizenship

UAE citizenship explained: 4 smart ways to qualify as an investor
In 2021, the UAE began to offer more citizenship opportunities for foreigners. The goal is to attract investors, healthcare professionals, scientists, and exceptional talents, improving the state’s economy. Those investing in property can obtain UAE citizenship by exceptional merit and keep their first passport. A Property Investor Residence Visa, which allows investors to reside and run businesses in the UAE, optimise taxes, and access other benefits, can be the first step to a second passport.
Citizenship

Hungary investment guide: smart ways to tap into CEE growth
Hungary is an appealing destination for foreign investors thanks to its central European location, skilled workforce, low corporate tax rates, and generous government support — especially in high-tech and automotive industries. In 2025, Hungary boasts Central-Eastern Europe’s second-highest FDI-to-GDP ratio. The country continues to draw major investment, particularly from Asia, in sectors like electric vehicles and battery production. Read on to explore investment opportunities and find out what to expect as a foreign investor in Hungary.
Business

8 updated options to get a UAE Residence Visa: from work to investment
The UAE offers different ways to obtain a residence visa, catering to different needs and circumstances. These include: 1. Investing in real estate. 1. Establishing a business. 1. Working for a UAE company. 1. Retiring in the UAE. 1. Enrolling in a university. 1. Getting a freelance visa. 1. Being a talented professional. 1. Being a close family member of UAE citizens or residents. UAE residents can live, work and study in the state for as long as their visa is valid. Let’s explore the different ways to become a resident of Dubai or one of the other emirates.
Residence permit

Cost of living in the UAE in 2026: Dubai, Abu Dhabi, and real price insights
The UAE is a place where you can admire the cityscape from the top of a skyscraper and hear a dune singing its song on the same day. Being a cultural and tech hub, the UAE offers high living standards for $980, or AED 3,600, per month for one person and $3,400, or AED 12,500 for a family of four, excluding rent. Let’s discuss the cost of living in the three most popular cities in the country.
Living abroad

Switzerland immigration: 13 new questions answered before you move
Obtaining a residence permit in order to move to Switzerland is difficult. It is easier for wealthy people to immigrate to the country: they can obtain a residence permit in return for payment of a special tax of €415,000. The application for a Swiss residence permit can include your spouse and children under 18 years of age. In this article we answer frequently asked questions on how to move to Switzerland and what you need to know about a Swiss residence permit and citizenship.
Living abroad

How to apply for a Hungary Schengen visa: all steps explained
Over 8.7 million foreign tourists visited Hungary during 2024. The country’s tourism sector has surpassed its pre-pandemic records and is ready to welcome more visitors. Most foreign nationals must obtain a Schengen visa to stay in Hungary for up to 90 days. In this article, find out who needs to acquire this visa, where and how you can apply, and what documents to prepare.
Travelling

Residence permit in Austria: easy way to become an EU resident without employment
Immigration to Austria is a guaranteed stable future. Therefore, many are interested in the possibility of obtaining a residence permit and subsequent citizenship as Austria is one of the most developed countries in Europe. There are many ways to get a residence permit in Austria. Naturally, it is not easy to get into a country with such a high level of development. However, it is possible. We will tell you in this publication what conditions must be met for this and in what ways you can apply for an Austrian residence permit by investment.
Residence permit

UAE Golden Visa benefits in 2026: 11 reasons investors choose Dubai
As of October 3, 2022, a 10-year Golden UAE visa is now available for investors. One of the ways to obtain it is by investing $545,000 in real estate. The UAE Golden Visa gives foreigners the right to live in the country for ten years with the possibility of renewing it. The applicants can bring family members and domestic helpers with them. Let’s look at all the Golden Visa benefits for both investors buying property in Dubai and foreign talents.
Residence permit

How to obtain a residence permit in Austria: insider tips for a smooth move
Immigration to the Republic of Austria is becoming more and more popular every year. Over the past five years, the number of people interested in obtaining a residence permit in Austria has tripled.
Residence permit

Hungary dual citizenship rules: all requirements explained
Holding citizenship in multiple countries opens up additional opportunities for work, business, and education by granting rights in more than one country. Hungary permits dual citizenship, especially encouraging those of Hungarian descent to reclaim their nationality. While Hungary does not offer citizenship directly by investment, it does provide residency through the Golden Visa Program, which can potentially lead to citizenship after a longer period of residency and naturalisation.
Citizenship

UAE Golden Visa for programmers: how tech talent can qualify fast
The UAE Digital Economy Strategy, approved by the UAE Cabinet in 2022, aims to attract 100,000 coders to the country to empower the UAE’s digital workforce. The goal of this strategy is to increase non-oil GDP from 11.7% to 20% by 2031. This is the reason why the UAE has launched the Golden Visa program for IT specialists. In this article, we focus on the Golden Visa for IT professionals: who can receive it, what documents are needed, pros and cons of this type of visa, and a step-by-step procedure for obtaining it.
Residence permit

How to get a UAE Golden Visa: updated process and requirements
First, it is almost impossible to get UAE citizenship, even though 80% of residents are foreigners. But there are some ways to get a legal opportunity to live and work in the UAE, including the Golden Visa. The UAE Golden Visa is an alternative name for the program giving two- or ten-year residence permits for investors, entrepreneurs, or talented and demanded specialists. Here are some nuances and let’s observe them.
Residence permit

Business in the UAE: how to open a company and get a visa in Dubai
Doing business in the UAE is one of the best ways to get a residence visa there. The minimum investment for obtaining it is $136,000. The country offers convenient conditions for business development: most companies are exempt from corporate tax, VAT is 15%, and a business can be registered remotely and even in a virtual commercial city. Entrepreneurs who open a company in the UAE can obtain a residence visa for 5 or 10 years.
Business

How to open a UAE bank account as a foreigner: updated process
Foreigners with residence permits can open any bank account in the UAE. The process is relatively simple and can be done entirely online. Non-residents have to come to the bank in person, prove their compliance with the strict requirements of anti-money laundering legislation and provide more documents, including: - a passport copy; - bank statements from the country of residence; - utility bills indicating the payer and the address; - written explanation of the purpose of account opening.
Banks

How to get a UAE work visa: required documents and full process
Getting employed or relocating to the UAE as a remote worker entails many benefits like paying zero taxes on your professional income, participating in international projects and gaining access to banking services and quality healthcare. To start or develop a successful career in the Emirates, one needs a work permit and a residence visa. The good news is that it’s the employer’s task to apply for all necessary permits. The bad news is that you still have to collect all the required documents and pass a medical examination in the UAE. Getting a work visa usually takes about two months and AED 3,300, or $900. Learn more about the process details and benefits for expats.
Residence permit

How a digital nomad can get Hungary’s White Card and residence permit
Remote workers can receive a Hungary White Card, which serves as an equivalent to a residence permit for digital nomads. It is issued to individuals earning at least €3,000 per month, less than the requirement for Digital Nomad Visas to Portugal or Malta. The residence permit is issued for 12 months and can be extended once for an additional similar period. It grants the right to live in one of the most affordable European Union countries and travel to Schengen countries without a visa.
Residence permit

UAE healthcare for foreigners: is it good and how does it work?
The UAE healthcare system is ranked in the top-50 in the world. Average life expectancy in the UAE is 80 years — only 4 years less than in Japan and Switzerland, which are world leaders in terms of life expectancy. Let us discuss how the healthcare system in the UAE works, how much medical services cost and who needs health insurance.
Healthcare

Dubai long-term business visa: how investors can apply in 2026
Dubai is one of the world’s top destinations for doing business. Zero income tax attracts entrepreneurs from all over the world to obtain long-term business visas and operate a company in the UAE. Regular visas are granted to those who run a mainland or onshore company in the Emirates. Golden Visas require approval from a startup incubator or an investment of at least 2 million dirhams. Keep reading to learn the options for obtaining a business visa and decide which one to choose.
Residence permit
which Zlata Erlach comments

5 changes in São Tomé and Príncipe investors should know about
In January 2026, São Tomé and Príncipe introduced new rules for applicants seeking a passport by investment. The government has simplified the procedure. Investment requirements remain unchanged: an investor must make a contribution of at least $90,000 to the National Transformation Fund. Zlata Erlach, Director of the Austrian office of Immigrant Invest, commented on the updates.

Hungary red-lighted Golden Visas by real estate investment. Here's why
Hungary will not issue Golden Visas for real estate purchases. Investors had expected Hungary to start accepting residence permit applications by property investment in January 2025. Here is an overview of why this long-awaited option was cancelled and a breakdown of the remaining ways to secure a Golden Visa in Hungary.

Hungary approves the first fund under the Golden Visa Program. What does it mean for investors?
The Hungarian government has issued the first licence to a real estate investment fund, four months after the launch of the Golden Visa Program. Hungary will soon start processing residency applications from investors.

New Dubai Golden Visa rules: what has changed for investors?
Dubai eased the rules for a 10-year Golden Visa in January 2024. The minimum down payment has decreased from 50 to 20%, while investors have an opportunity to purchase property at any construction stage. Learn about the current requirements for acquiring a Golden Visa in the UAE.

$25,000 off a Saint Kitts and Nevis passport and other changes to the citizenship program in 2023
Saint Kitts and Nevis Citizenship by Investment Unit has notified licensed agents of the investment program changes. Saint Kitts and Nevis has also established a Citizenship by Investment Board of Governors. It will be responsible for the program's development and advise the Prime Minister.

Vanuatu Citizenship by Investment: program results from January to June 2022
The Citizenship by Investment program brought $40,5 million to Vanuatu from January to June. The program's financial results are lower than in 2020 and 2021. The income was affected by the decision of the European Council: up until May 2023, there will be a temporary ban on visa-free entry to the Schengen countries with a Vanuatu passport. We explain why foreigners continue to receive a Vanuatu passport by investment.

Foreigners are buying more and more residential property in Turkey
35,383 residential properties were bought by foreigners in Turkey from January to June 2022. This is 72.7% more than in the same period last year. We tell you how many apartments and houses were sold in total and why foreigners invest in Turkish real estate.

How many passports did Grenada issue to investors in early 2022
The Citizenship Program Department of Grenada reviewed 164 applications from investors in January, February and March 2022. This is 30% more than in 2021. Demand for Grenada citizenship has been growing for the fifth year in a row. We tell how many investors received a passport and what they invested in.

How Many Investors Received Citizenship of Grenada in 2021
566 investors have applied for Grenada citizenship in 2021. This is 30% more than in 2020. We explain why the demand for Grenada citizenship has been growing for the fifth year in a row, how much the country has earned from the program, and how many passports it has issued for investment.

St Kitts And Nevis Passport With A $45,000 Discount For The Whole Family
The St Kitts and Nevis citizenship programme special offer ends. Until 31 December, investors can save $45,000 if they join the programme as a family of up to four people. Here's how to take advantage of the discount and get a St Kitts and Nevis passport in 2021.

50% Discount On St Lucia Passport To Expire In A Month And A Half
Saint Lucia is a small state in the Caribbean. The country operates an investment citizenship programme. Until 31 December, investors can get a St Lucia passport at a $250,000 discount. We tell you why investors choose St Lucian citizenship and what to invest in to take advantage of the special offer.

St Lucia Will Stop Accepting Citizenship Payments From 21 Countries
Applicants for St. Lucian citizenship will not be able to pay for participation in the program from accounts held in blacklisted countries. Banks in St Lucia will also begin to vet investors: a fee will be charged for the vetting.
Guides about investing in real estate,
Selling real estate to non-EU citizens is prohibited in Slovenia. A legal entity can buy real estate if it’s a Slovenian company.
€2,809
Average price per 1 m²
2,2%
Average price growth per quarter






