What the Run Philosophy Means for HNWIs in China and Beyond

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RIF Trust on Running Away From it All

RIF Trust CEO Mimoun Assraoui likes to keep up to date with the latest ideas and theories, and one that has caught his eye recently is the run philosophy. “When I heard about the run philosophy, it reminded me of the push and pull forces that shape our decisions,” he lays out.

“There are factors that push, drive us away from a region or country. In turn, there are factors that pull, impel us towards a region or country.”

Our CEO concludes that once we understand the need to run after being pushed and pulled, there are 2 major options to consider. “Essentially, you can opt for Residency by Investment. The alternative is Citizenship by Investment.”

What Is the Run Philosophy?

The run philosophy is also known as runxue. You can trace its arrival in the zeitgest to the pandemic. Essentially, young educated and moneyed Chinese nationals hatched an escape plan as lockdowns became ever more repressive.

When you feel shackled, you more keenly feel that you need to stretch your wings. You favor flight over fight as the former delivers immediate benefits. The alternative is battling to change a status quo that could prove to be an impossible task.

Interestingly, whilst both sexes in China are drawn to the run philosophy, it’s increasingly being seen as a feminist movement. The traditional hierarchy of Chinese society is one many young females from the country view mired in misogynism. These Chinese female HNWIs seek a more liberated base.

Another interpretation of runxue is that it’s a celebration of independent thought. Chinese intellectuals are fleeing the Communist rat race. The artistic community feel freer on foreign shores, establishing creative enclaves that wouldn’t be possible on Chinese soil with access to literature that would be out of bounds in their home country.

Who Else Might Want to Want a Run For it

Donald Trump’s return to the White House is expected to have a similar effect in the US. Political commentators forecast a liberal exodus as Trump and his official number 2 and unofficial second in command, JD Vance and Elon Musk, threaten the very notion of democracy. There are concerns that education is going to become more restrictive with book bans coming into place.

Democrats fret about how Trump’s appointment of judges may give the courts a Republican bias. Women are also anxious about their reproductive rights. There is a general sense that a new puritanism will prevail, a fog that threatens to choke progressive thought.

Perhaps the most overriding concern is the looming fear of the implementation of Project 2025. This magnum opus of the Conservative, with a big c, Heritage Foundation is a blueprint that wants to turn the clock back. It’s very much a Make America Great Again manifesto.

Residency by Investment Boltholes

Whether you’re Chinese, American, or feeling disenfranchised in your home country, there are various new residency getaway options.  Canada, for example, has a fine liberal tradition. For that reason, you should look into securing a Canada Start-up Visa.

Europe is another progressive heartland despite the rise in populism. A Greek Golden Visa can see you settle in the birthplace of democracy. The Malta Permanent Residence Programme (MPRP) is attractive to disillusioned Americans because English is an official language in the country as well as Maltese.

If you want to sidestep extremism, the more moderate Iberian peninsula is a recommended destination. The Residency by Investment program is the Portuguese Golden Visa. On the other side of the Iberian border, the Spanish Golden Visa is available.

Citizenship by Investment Escape Routes

If another pandemic came, where would you want to be locked down? Crowded cities tick less boxes than tropical islands. This is why Caribbean citizenship is so appealing, with Antigua and Barbuda Citizenship by Investment, Dominica Citizenship by Investment, Grenada Citizenship by Investment, St Kitts and Nevis Citizenship by Investment, and St Lucia Citizenship by Investment programs to choose from.

For Americans, these countries are ideal as there are no language requirements to fulfil to claim citizenship. English is an official language. The same is true in Malta, as we have already established, where Maltese Exceptional Investor Naturalization (MEIN) guarantees a Maltese passport.

Another passport to paradise is assured in Oceania. This is through the Vanuatu Citizenship by Investment program. At $130,000, this is the lowest-priced second citizenship and you can obtain a Vanuatu passport within 2 to three months of applying to the program.

Turning the Run Philosophy Into Practice

It’s one thing to think about the run philosophy and another to actually practice it. You can contemplate a new life in a less stifling environment. To turn your pipe dream into fact, you’re going to have to apply for a new residency or second citizenship program.

The romance of switching your base to another country can mean you don’t keep your feet on the ground. To achieve your objectives, you will need to balance your ambitions with reality. For example, you cannot apply for Residency or Citizenship by Investment directly.

Instead your application must go through a trusted intermediary. One such company is RIF Trust. We can give you clear and actionable advice that is rooted in common sense.

Our goal is to match you and your family’s specific needs with the right program. We want to ensure that you meet the requirements. Also the benefits of the program must make you SMILE.

If a program does not boost your family’s Security, Mobility, Insurance, Lifestyle, and Education, it’s not the correct program. Our experienced staff will suggest the best-fit programs. We want to give you all the details so you can make the most informed decision about your future.

We are here to listen to you and discover your particular circumstances before delivering tailormade advice. This is why you should consult a Residency and Citizenship by Investment expert like RIF Trust.  So, contact us now, and we’ll show you how to apply for a new residency or second citizenship today without any further delay.