Golden Visa Centrale Unveils Greek Golden Visa Program, Offering Filipinos Prime Investment Opportunities

MANILA, Philippines, 30 January 2024 – Golden Visa Centrale (GVC), a leading international property marketing consultancy specializing in residency by investment, has announced its latest offering tailored for Filipino investors looking for opportunities in Greece through its new Greek Golden Visa program. 

“Residency-by-investment programs have been getting traction for investors across the world, including the Philippines. These programs not only grant investors and their families the freedom to travel, to study, to work, but also offer opportunities for wealth diversification,” said Vicky Luis, President and Founder of GVC. 

 

Golden Visa is a residency-by-investment program that allows individuals and their families to obtain foreign residency or citizenship by meeting a minimum investment requirement indicated by the country’s government. It offers benefits like unrestricted travel and potential tax advantages. It is estimated that more than 130,000 people have obtained golden visas similar programs in European countries including Portugal, Greece, Italy, and Spain. Over 60 countries globally offer golden visa programs, with European countries including Portugal, Spain, and Greece being some of the most popular. 

GVC, established in 2019, successfully processed and facilitated hundreds of golden visa applications across various European countries and the U.S.

“Since 2019, we have seen the number of golden visa applications coming from the Philippines increase by at least 30% year-on-year, underscoring a growing trend of Filipinos seeking international residency and investment opportunities. We are excited to bring the Greek Golden Visa program to Filipino investors. This is a program perfect for those looking for profitable investments or those who want to live in one of the most beautiful places in the world,” Luis added.

Greek Golden Visa program

The Greek Golden Visa program which began in 2013, granted 31,000 golden visas in 2022, contributing €2.3 billion into the Greek economy. With an initial investment of  €250,000, the program offers Filipinos an opportunity to invest in the vibrant city of Patra, the third-largest in Greece and a thriving university hub, located on the Pelopponese peninsula. The investment comes with a host of compelling benefits, annual income, including a five-year permanent residence visa, the possibility of reunification for up to three generations of family members, the convenience of remote application, visa-free travel within Schengen countries, one of the fastest processing times, and a no stay requirement.

“The program's appeal lies in its combination of a vibrant living experience and a reasonable investment threshold, making it a good choice for those seeking affordable and desirable residency opportunities,” explained Luis. "The Greek Golden Visa program, along with our other offerings, reflects our mission to offer clients the freedom to enjoy beautiful landscapes while actively contributing to the economic development of cities and countries worldwide."

Learn more about the Greek Golden Visa program by joining Golden Visa Centrale’s events on February 7, 5:30 p.m., Manila House, Taguig City; February 8, 11 a.m., Manila Polo Club, Makati City; and February 9, 9 a.m., Shangri-La at the Fort Horizon Lounge, Taguig City. Register your attendance by visiting bit.ly/GVC-Greece. For more information on GVC’s other offerings, visit https://goldenvisacentral.com/ or the GVC Facebook page.

Services at Qatar Visa Center: What you need to know before you visit Qatar

With some 250,000 Filipinos working in Qatar, the Gulf country remains one of the more popular destinations for Overseas Filipino Workers. Filipinos going to Qatar for work, must obtain a work visa (VRN) through their sponsor in Qatar and subsequently complete their biometric enrollment, undergo medical examinations and sign their work contracts by visiting the Qatar Visa Center in Manila, before traveling to Qatar.

Qatar Visa Centers (QVC) are operated under the mandate of the Ministry of Interior (MoI). These centers only handle administrative and non-judgmental aspects, including biometric enrollment and medical services following the requirements of the Ministry of Interior, state of Qatar.

If you’re looking to work in Qatar or are curious about the visa process, here’s a short list of Frequently Asked Questions you may use as a guide in your application process.

What is the role of Qatar Visa Center?

Qatar Visa Centers are operated under the mandate of the Ministry of Interior, the State of Qatar, Qatar Visa Centers only handle the administrative and non-judgmental aspects of the biometric enrollment and medical services as per the directives and requirements defined by MoI.  

What are the services that Qatar Visa Center offers?

Qatar Visa Center services include facial image capture, iris scan, finger roll, thumbprints, palm scan, medical check-ups covering X-rays, blood checks, eye tests, vaccinations, doctor examinations, and consultations.

What is the referral process? Why do applicants need to visit partner hospitals/ labs?

Medical examinations and referrals are part of the visa process and depending on the initial visa medical examination, some applicants (Lounge/VIP included) may need to undergo paid/unpaid medical investigations following protocols set by the Qatar Ministry of Health (MoH). Applicants requiring these advanced medical investigations are referred to as Medical Referrals and such investigations are referred to as Medical Referral Tests.

Some applicants may be asked to repeat tests such as X-Rays or do further tests for several reasons and will need to visit an approved external lab or hospital. These facilities are accredited by the Philippine Department of Health and are able to conduct the required tests.

These re-tests will require applicants to revisit the center and complete the process at no additional cost to the applicant. Usually revisits only take a day, however, in special cases, several revisits may be required as medical approvals depend on a lot of factors including the applicant’s current health status, guidelines, and protocols defined by the Qatar authorities.

What are the types of Medical Referrals?

1. Additional X-ray images - Applicants may be required to revisit the Qatar Medical Center (QMC) for additional X-ray images based on MoH instructions.

2. Additional lab tests - If additional lab tests are required, then blood samples are sent to external labs for further testing.

3. External Specialist tests - Applicants may be referred to specialists at approved hospitals for further tests based on MoH guidelines (may require the collection of referral letter/ document submission)

What are the reasons for an applicant’s medical status to remain pending?

As a visa-processing center, Qatar Visa Center submits the medical test reports directly to Qatar authorities. It usually takes 10-15 business days to determine whether the applicant is FIT or UNFIT to work in Qatar. In certain cases, the respective Qatar Authorities may take longer for additional investigations which may delay the declaration of results. Applicants may track the progress of their visa application conveniently through the Track Application or Status Check section by visiting our website.

If your visa application status shows "under process" for longer than the usual processing time, you can contact QVC customer service for assistance. They will be able to provide you with more information on the status of your application and advise you on what steps to take next. As a reminder, the Qatar Visa Center and the Qatar Medical Center are not involved in the decision-making process when it comes to visa applications.

What should I do if I cannot reach QVC's call center?

If you cannot reach QVC's call center, you may contact them via email at info@qatarmedicalcenter.com or info.mnl@qatarvisacenter.com, or use the chat option available on the website www.qatarvisacenter.com. 

Do applicants need to pay for advanced medical tests?

Yes, applicants may need to pay for advanced medical tests conducted at approved external hospitals or labs and will receive a receipt for the payment. Blood samples may be collected at the center and sent to external labs to ensure security and prevent fraud. Please note that the QVC does not offer expedited processing or guaranteed approval for a fee.

What is the Qatar Visa Center lounge service? 

Our Lounges at the Qatar Visa Centers are designed for patrons who wish for more personalized service in an enhanced atmosphere. The Lounge service entitles the applicant to a one-to-one service with a dedicated staff member ensuring a prioritized biometric enrolment and medical test. To access our Lounge service, kindly inform our reception on the day of your appointment.

The Lounge service at the Qatar Visa Centers is optional and does not affect or guarantee a faster visa or medical processing by the Ministry of Interior, the State of Qatar.

Learn more about the Qatar Visa Center and how to process your visa application by visiting www.qatarvisacenter.com.

Visa Application Volume from Philippines touches 91% of Pre-Pandemic Levels in 2022

MANILA, PHILIPPINES-Visa applications from Philippines nearly touched the pre-pandemic levels in 2022 driven by pent-up demand, opening of international borders, and eased COVID-related protocols. According to VFS Global, the visa application volume from Philippines reached 91% of the 2019 pre-pandemic levels in 2022. 

When compared with 2021, visa application volume grew by 44% in 2022. 

“We saw a healthy demand from Philippines in 2022 with steady volumes witnessed until December. We are confident that the travel momentum will grow even further in 2023 and hence it is advisable for applicants including students, to apply for their visas in advance to avoid last-minute surprises,” said Kaushik Ghosh, Head – Australasia, VFS Global.

Major destinations for visa applicants from Philippines include Australia, Canada, France, Germany, Saudi Arabia, Netherlands, and United Kingdom (in alphabetical order).

Another defining trend noticed in travellers’ behaviour was wider adoption of personalised service which began since the pandemic. Premium optional services such as Visa At Your Doorstep (VAYD) that enables travellers to book the entire visa experience at a location of their choice, witnessed around 2x growth over the pre-pandemic levels in 2022. When compared with 2021, VAYD saw a 42% rise in 2022. VFS Global offers VAYD for 10 client governments in Philippines – Austria, Belgium, Croatia, Czech Republic, Denmark, France, Germany, Malta, Switzerland, and UK.

“Health considerations continue to be a key determining factor in the new normal, with a large and growing section of travellers becoming conscious about health and safety. As a result, we see an increasing number of travellers opt of such services that provide a seamless visa experience and prioritise safe travel,” added Ghosh.

Peak Season Travel Guide

#ApplyinAdvance

It is recommended to apply for visas as early as booking flights and stay. Most countries accept visa applications up to 90 days (3 months) before your date of travel. According to the revised Schengen Visa Code, effective 09th February 2020, you can apply for a Schengen visa up to 6 months before your date of travel. Particularly this year with higher demand and limited appointment slots available, we urge applicants to apply for their visa as early as possible.

#DoNotFallForFraud

Visa applicants are advised to beware of fraudulent entities who charge fees from customers for scheduling appointments or providing any other services using VFS Global’s name or independently. We do not charge any payment for scheduling appointments. For any assistance, feel free to reach out to one of our staff or send an email to communications@vfsglobal.com

Enjoy our optional value-added services for a seamless visa experience such as:

• Premium Lounge: Quick, safe, comfortable – get a personalised visa submission experience.

• Form-filling assistance: Allow our expert staff to assist you in completing your visa application on phone or at a visa application centre

• Courier Service: We deliver your passport and documents. It’s quick, safe, and convenient. 

• SMS Alerts: Stay updated on the progress of your visa application.

For more information, visit https://www.vfsglobal.com/en/individuals/solutions.html.

About VFS Global 

VFS Global is the world's largest outsourcing and technology services specialist for governments and diplomatic missions. VFS Global is the trusted partner of 67 client governments, operating a global network with more than 3,400 Application Centres in 145 countries. The company has processed over 257 million applications since its inception in 2001. The company manages non-judgmental and administrative tasks related to applications for visa, passport, and consular services for its client governments, enabling them to focus entirely on the critical assessment task. VFS Global has its headquarters in Zurich/Switzerland and Dubai/United Arab Emirates.

VFS Global is majority-owned by funds managed by Blackstone, the world’s largest alternative asset manager. Blackstone seeks to create positive economic impact and long-term value for their investors, the companies in which they invest, and the communities in which they work. Blackstone’s USD 915 billion in assets under management include investment vehicles focused on private equity, real estate, public debt and equity, infrastructure, life sciences, growth equity, opportunistic, non-investment grade credit, real assets, and secondary funds, all on a global basis.

The Swiss-based Kuoni and Hugentobler Foundation and EQT, a global investment organisation, headquartered in Stockholm/Sweden, hold minority stakes in VFS Global.

Kimstore Empowers 'Kimmunity' with Newer, Wider Choices, Better Services

Online gadget store is taking a giant leap in 2023 with the launch of Thrive 2023+1 initiative to empower and put more energy into the most critical member of its Kimmunity - its customers.

Kimstore's Thrive 2023+1 offers the Kimmunity newer and wider choices, better services, and giving back more to its members.

"That's why we are partnering with more brands to give customers a wider range of choices," said Kim 'Ninang Kim' Lato, the founder, and CEO of Kimstore.

Newer and wider choices
From the very start, Kimstore's catalog was what the customers asked for—looking for a camera, a smartphone, or a laptop? Any gadget needs Ninang Kim can get it for you! As the company grew, so did its range of products.

Kimstore is about providing choices and giving its customers what they need. Kimstore's customers must be able to choose between the most expensive option and an unreliable knock-off. "We want to give our customers a right choice at the right price," Ninang Kim added.

Can't afford the top-of-the-line? There's no need to deprive yourself. In Ninang Kim's 2023+1, there will be an alternative at the best value. Your choice matters most, from your smartphone or handheld gaming console to decking out your home. With this, the store will strengthen its strategic partnerships with the different known brands in the country, such as Apple, Samsung, Oppo, Vivo, Huawei, Xiaomi, and Realme, among others, Lato added.

She continued, "It's not just more brands we're partnering with within 2023. We are also looking to collaborate with our customers' favorite content creators, big and small. Influencers and content creators are vital in learning more about our Kimmunity. We want to work with the best: from established voices to up-and-comers. We are rolling out an improved affiliate program to support tastemakers and trendsetters and make them a part of the bigger picture. With this, we would like you to look forward as we launch our newest Kimstore affiliate program to build better brand awareness."

Better service
Let us make gift-giving even easier for you.

For the first time, Kimstore will start selling its products. The decision came after Ninang Kim heard countless stories about how the store has become part of special personal moments by providing the perfect gifts, and the store wants to add to that with Kimstore Gift Cards.

According to Lato, they are partnering up with more financial institutions to give their customers their choice of payment plans and payment methods. We're continuing to strive for a seamless cart-to-checkout process. Kimstore will introduce more payment options like Buy Now Pay Later, exclusive Cash-on-Delivery offers, GCash, PayMaya, QR PH, Visa, Mastercard, and GrabPay, among others.

"In 2022, we started Kimxpress for better delivery to our customers. With Kimxpress, we can better service same-day deliveries and with better quality, lessening customer complaints about packaging quality and turnaround times," she said.

Kimstore's customers in Metro Manila have enjoyed this service for the past year, bringing more joy to their shopping experience. But Ninang Kim wants to distribute this joy nationwide, starting with Metro Visayas and Metro Mindanao through its Kimstore Partner Stores by partnering with top consumer electronics stores as our partner hubs in these areas. It's time to give Visayas and Mindanao the whole Kimstore experience, Ninang Kim said as she aims to bring Kimstore closer to home. With Kimstore partner hubs nationwide, the store will be able to cut delivery time by as much as days, especially to the provinces.

Lato explained they have been testing and streamlining the new Kimstore website, which is the beginning of creating a more cohesive shopping experience. The next phase is also one of their biggest leaps in 2023. Kimstore is coming to iOS and Android with the Kimstore App.

"You asked for it, and we heard you! Mobile users have been dominating our Kimmunity, and we made it our mission to make the Kimstore experience easier to access," Lato added.

With the Kimstore App, Kimstore will be able to provide its Kimmunity with the rewards programs they deserve. Many of its customers have been with us since day one, and many more have made Kimstore their go-to online shopping partner, especially for premium electronics. Kimstore is ready to give back what is due to them in return for years of support, Ninang Kim boasts.

Giving back more to the Kimmunity
As eCommerce grows in the country, so does Kimstore's part in nation-building. Thriving in 2023 will be a massive undertaking that will mean more job opportunities, competitive skills, and a bigger economic contribution.

Ninang Kim said it is working with the public sector to help create the best possible policy for growth and innovation and address pain points such as digital infrastructure, privacy, and data security. The fruit of this cooperation between the government and the eCommerce industry will also help shape programs that will empower MSMEs, enabling them to compete beyond borders and claim the country's stake globally.

In Thrive 2023+1, Kismstore is starting in its backyard. Ninang Kim has long been active in her advocacy of mentorship and inspiring entrepreneurs, especially women and the youth. This advocacy is a priority inside and outside the Kimstore Group of Companies.

Kimstore has established and refined its internal career ladders, personal development, and advancement programs. The next step is to continue improving them and getting more people involved, fan the fires of ambition within Kimstore.

Ninang Kim's drive to mentor and give back to the community continues outside the company. Through Go Negosyo, Digital Pilipinas, other organizations, and her venture to reach more entrepreneurs seeking help and inspiration. These are Kimstore's steps in CSR and advocacy. In the coming years, our goal is to grow and be enough to support other women-led advocacies significantly.

Y2Kim Sale
Of course, no Kimstore Anniversary will be complete without a blowout! The Kimmunity is getting the biggest treat this year: a brand-new iPhone 14! From November 16 to 30, 2022, anyone with a minimum single checkout of ₱999 at Kimstore.com automatically earns an entry to the giveaway. Kimstore customers can earn additional entries by watching our Anniversary Kickoff Facebook streams.

That's not all. It is also treating the Kimmunity to ₱16 deals, from skincare bundles, health products, audio accessories, and even a Samsung Galaxy Tab A7 Lite. It's up for grabs.

Loyal customers will enjoy a price drop for the Kimstore catalog: phones, VR gaming consoles, lifestyle products, and more. Ninang Kim said she wants to make the Kimstore Anniversary the perfect time for holiday shopping, even for businesses looking for holiday giveaways with large order bundles.

Still Hungry at 16
Kimstore is showing no signs of slowing down on its 16th Anniversary. Kimstore has grown despite the pandemic, and we are bringing that momentum to the new normal, reinvigorated and refreshed. It is the expressed desire of Ninang Kim to assert and reiterate the core of Kimstore - to continue giving value to our customers and her stakeholders.

"We are excited to break new ground and grow more than ever. Thrive 2023+1 will be a breakthrough year of exceeding targets and pushing the boundaries. So be our +1, take this journey with us, and let us thrive together," Ninang Kim added.

Visa’s Olympic Games Tokyo 2020 campaign for Shopee launches in the Philippines

MANILA, The Philippines, July 2021 – Visa, Worldwide Sponsor of the Olympic Games, today announced the launch of their Olympic Games Tokyo 2020 campaign in the Philippines. The promotion will run from July 20 to August 8.From July 20 to 23, all Visa cardholders, including credit, debit and prepaid cardholders in the Philippines will be entitled to participate in the campaign by spending a minimum of 2,000 Philippine pesos on their Visa cards at all local merchants on Shopee. 

This will entitle Filipino Visa cardholders to a discount of 200 Philippine pesos and stand a chance to win Visa Olympic Games Tokyo 2020 themed merchandise such as tote bags and organizers. In addition, Shopee users also have a chance to win these prizes by answering Olympic Games related trivia questions during Visa’s segments on Shopee Live’s official account from July 19-23 at 5pm (PHT). 

From August 6 to 8, Visa cardholders in the Philippines can also receive a discount of 150 Philippine pesos with a minimum spend of 1,500 Philippine pesos at any local merchant on Shopee. 

“As a proud sponsor of the Olympic Games Tokyo 2020, we are pleased to run this campaign for Visa cardholders when they spend online at Shopee. Our joint activation with Shopee proudly features our Team Visa athlete from the Philippines, Carlos Yulo, who is representing the country in gymnastics. It’s our honour at Visa to support Carlos in his quest to showcase his talents on the world stage and bring glory to our home country.  We are also excited to offer our Visa cardholders in the Philippines the chance to win limited edition Visa Olympic Games Tokyo 2020 themed merchandise and want to ensure that every time our valued cardholders pay using Visa, they can enjoy a full suite of rewards and benefits that transform their payment experiences,” said Dan Wolbert, Visa Country Manager for the Philippines.

“We are thrilled to partner with Visa to create more rewarding experiences for our shoppers. This campaign allows our users to take part in the Olympic Games Tokyo 2020 festivities from the safety of their homes, rally together to support athletes representing our country, and drive the growth of the Philippine economy by supporting local sellers,” said Martin Yu, Director at Shopee Philippines.

About Visa Inc.

Visa Inc. (NYSE: V) is the world’s leader in digital payments. Our mission is to connect the world through the most innovative, reliable and secure payment network - enabling individuals, businesses and economies to thrive. Our advanced global processing network, VisaNet, provides secure and reliable payments around the world, and is capable of handling more than 65,000 transaction messages a second. The company’s relentless focus on innovation is a catalyst for the rapid growth of digital commerce on any device for 

everyone, everywhere. As the world moves from analog to digital, Visa is applying our brand, products, people, network and scale to reshape the future of commerce. For more information, visit www.visa.com.ph

About Shopee

Shopee is the leading e-commerce platform in Southeast Asia & Taiwan. Shopee connects shoppers, brands, and sellers across Asia and other fast-growing markets, empowering anyone to buy and sell anywhere and at any time. 

 

Shopee offers an easy, secure, and engaging experience that is enjoyed by millions of people daily. It offers a wide product assortment, supported by integrated payments and logistics, as well as popular entertainment features tailored for each market. Shopee is also a key contributor to the region’s digital economy with a firm commitment to helping brands and entrepreneurs succeed in e-commerce.

 

Shopee is a part of Sea Limited (NYSE:SE), a leading global consumer internet company. In addition to Shopee, Sea’s other core businesses include its digital entertainment arm, Garena, and digital financial services arm, SeaMoney. Sea’s mission is to better the lives of consumers and small businesses with technology.