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7 Neutral Nations That Stay Out of Conflict, and How to Move There · IMI Podcasts

• 0:00
  SPEAKER_00: In an era of heightened geopolitical tensions and a new global order in the making, a small group of nations continues to maintain policies of active neutrality, steering clear of military entanglements while pursuing diplomatic engagement and making few enemies in the process.
• 0:17
  SPEAKER_00: From Switzerland's centuries-old stance to Costa Rica's demilitarized model, these countries offer not only stability, but also pathways for foreign residents seeking safe harbor in uncertain times.
• 0:30
  SPEAKER_00: The nations listed below have maintained neutrality through decades of turbulence.
• 0:35
  SPEAKER_00: Though history shows that diplomatic non-alignment doesn't always guarantee immunity from entanglement in global conflicts.
• 0:42
  SPEAKER_00: Strategic interests of major powers can override diplomatic stances, as seen when Nazi Germany invaded neutral Belgium, the Netherlands, and Denmark in 1940, despite their non-aligned positions.
• 0:56
  SPEAKER_00: As such, the jurisdictions listed below shouldn't be conflated with ones that are naturally protected from conflict zones by geographic shielding and self-sufficienty rather than by diplomatic neutrality.
• 1:09
  SPEAKER_00: For these, see our feature on where to go if World War III breaks out.
• 1:14
  SPEAKER_00: With that caveat in mind, the following nations stand out for long maintaining their non-aligned status and navigating murky geopolitical waters with notable success, and each offers viable pathways to residency or citizenship.
• 1:30
  SPEAKER_00: Switzerland's neutrality represents the world's oldest continuous policy of military non-alignment, formally established by the Treaty of Paris in 1815.
• 1:40
  SPEAKER_00: The Swiss approach rests on principles outlined at The Hague: non-participation in wars, non-alliance, non-provision of troops or weapons to warring parties, and non-granting of transition rights, as articulated by President Ignazio Kasis at the 2022 World Economic Forum.
• 2:00
  SPEAKER_00: Yet Switzerland's neutrality has evolved.
• 2:03
  SPEAKER_00: After Russia's invasion of Ukraine in February 2022, the country adopted EU sanctions and froze Russian assets, prompting observers to question whether this marked a departure from tradition.
• 2:16
  SPEAKER_00: Swiss authorities maintain that economic measures fall within their political room for maneuver in response to what they term a serious violation of fundamental international law norms, while military neutrality remains intact.
• 2:31
  SPEAKER_00: Residency Options.
• 2:33
  SPEAKER_00: EU citizens need only demonstrate financial means.
• 2:37
  SPEAKER_00: Non-EU nationals can pursue the Swiss independent means visa, or those with substantial wealth can access the Swiss lump sum tax program.
• 2:47
  SPEAKER_00: This allows wealthy immigrants to pay based on expenditure 100,000 to 400,000 Swiss francs annually rather than income.
• 2:56
  SPEAKER_00: Path to citizenship opens up after 10 years of continuous residence.
• 3:01
  SPEAKER_00: Liechtenstein has maintained a policy of permanent, unarmed neutrality since 1868, when it disbanded its 80-man army.
• 3:10
  SPEAKER_00: Following the dissolution of the German Confederation that year, the Principality declared its permanent neutrality and has avoided military conflicts for over a century and a half since.
• 3:21
  SPEAKER_00: Geopolitically aligned with Switzerland, which manages its foreign affairs and customs, Liechtenstein remained neutral throughout both world wars.
• 3:30
  SPEAKER_00: Despite being surrounded by Axis powers during World War II, the country maintained its neutrality, although it faced significant economic pressure.
• 3:40
  SPEAKER_00: Since 1919, Liechtenstein has entrusted its foreign representation and consular protection to Switzerland, which shares a common customs and monetary union with it.
• 3:51
  SPEAKER_00: While neutral, Liechtenstein is a member of the United Nations since 1990, the European Economic Area, and the Schengen area, allowing for economic integration without political alignment.
• 4:05
  SPEAKER_00: It is not a member of the UN Security Council or NATO, and has no military forces.
• 4:12
  SPEAKER_00: Residency Options.
• 4:13
  SPEAKER_00: The Liechtenstein Independent Means Visa is quota-based, requires substantial financial resources, and prohibits employment.
• 4:22
  SPEAKER_00: It provides access to a 12.5% flat tax on local income.
• 4:27
  SPEAKER_00: Citizenship requires 30 years of residence, potentially 10 with permission from local authorities.
• 4:34
  SPEAKER_00: Austria adopted permanent neutrality by constitutional law on October 26, 1955, following the Austrian State Treaty.
• 4:43
  SPEAKER_00: The policy prohibits joining military alliances or hosting foreign military bases.
• 4:49
  SPEAKER_00: After Austria joined the EU in 1995, its neutrality evolved into what observers call differential neutrality.
• 4:57
  SPEAKER_00: Military non-alignment combined with participation in EU foreign policy and peacekeeping missions.
• 5:04
  SPEAKER_00: Despite debates following Russia's 2022 invasion of Ukraine, a significant majority of Austrians continue supporting neutrality, viewing their country as a bridge between East and West.
• 5:17
  SPEAKER_00: Vienna reinforces this diplomatic stance by hosting major international organizations, including the UN, IAEA, and OPEC.
• 5:30
  SPEAKER_00: Residency Options The Austria Settlement Permit, or Independent Means Visa, requires 24,000 euros annual income for individuals plus accommodation and health insurance.
• 5:42
  SPEAKER_00: The self-employed residence permit is available to applicants with€100,000 plus in investments that create jobs.
• 5:50
  SPEAKER_00: Permanent residence after five years with B1 German, citizenship after 10 years, 6 with B2 German.
• 5:58
  SPEAKER_00: Nestled in the Pyrenees, Andorra has maintained active neutrality for centuries, avoiding involvement in major 20th century conflicts, including both world wars.
• 6:09
  SPEAKER_00: The microstate's neutral status stems from a unique 700-year-old co-principality system established in 1278 and solidified by its 1993 constitution, whereby the President of France and the Bishop of Urgel in Spain jointly serve as heads of state.
• 6:27
  SPEAKER_00: Andorra maintained its neutrality during the Spanish Civil War and World War II, serving as a refuge and a key smuggling route.
• 6:35
  SPEAKER_00: The country maintains no standing army, relying on its neighbors for protection while operating a small volunteer police force.
• 6:43
  SPEAKER_00: Since 1993, Andorra has gained full international recognition as a sovereign state, joining the UN and Council of Europe while maintaining its neutral stance.
• 6:54
  SPEAKER_00: Though not an EU member, it uses the Euro and maintains special EU relations.
• 7:01
  SPEAKER_00: Residency Options.
• 7:03
  SPEAKER_00: The Andorra Residence.
• 7:05
  SPEAKER_00: Without lucrative activity requires a 50,000 euro fee, plus either a 1 million euro investment or 400,000 euro in the housing fund, granting two-year renewable permits, permanent residency after seven years, citizenship requires 20 years, and Catalan proficiency.
• 7:26
  SPEAKER_00: As U.S.
• 7:27
  SPEAKER_00: warships move toward Iran and President Trump warns of imminent military action, the Persian Gulf faces its most acute crisis in years.
• 7:36
  SPEAKER_00: Trump announced that very big, powerful ships are heading toward Iran, while Iranian Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei warned that any American attack would trigger a regional war.
• 7:49
  SPEAKER_00: In this volatile environment, one Gulf state stands apart.
• 7:53
  SPEAKER_00: Oman has maintained peaceful relations with all sides, positioning itself as the region's essential mediator for decades.
• 8:01
  SPEAKER_00: While Saudi Arabia rejected allowing its airspace to be used for military operations against Iran, and Qatar's foreign minister traveled to Tehran to discuss de-escalation, Oman's role runs deeper.
• 8:14
  SPEAKER_00: The Sultanate has spent decades cultivating exactly this moment of relevance.
• 8:19
  SPEAKER_00: International media has long described Oman as the Switzerland of the Middle East, and the comparison holds.
• 8:26
  SPEAKER_00: This balanced approach reflects a foreign policy grounded in pragmatism, facilitating dialogue between disputing parties, refraining from military intervention, and maintaining balanced relations with competing regional powers.
• 8:41
  SPEAKER_00: Oman's geographic position, controlling the southern coast of the Strait of Hormuz, through which roughly 21% of global petroleum liquids pass, reinforces its interest in regional stability.
• 8:55
  SPEAKER_00: Residency Options.
• 8:57
  SPEAKER_00: The Oman investor.
• 8:59
  SPEAKER_00: Residency requires an 200,000 Omany reels, or 520,000 US dollars investment and grants a 10-year renewable permit.
• 9:10
  SPEAKER_00: No citizenship pathway available.
• 9:12
  SPEAKER_00: Mauritius pursues active, non-aligned neutrality in international affairs, prioritizing diplomatic dialogue and regional cooperation within Africa and the Indian Ocean.
• 9:25
  SPEAKER_00: Its stance emphasizes sovereignty, demonstrated by the Chagos deal, democratic stability and neutrality in global conflicts, to maintain its reputation as a safe and neutral economic partner.
• 9:39
  SPEAKER_00: Residency Options.
• 9:41
  SPEAKER_00: The Mauritius Investor Visa Program grants immediate permanent residency upon a$375,000 real estate investment, while the retirement visa for over 50s requires a monthly remittance of$1,500.
• 9:57
  SPEAKER_00: Citizenship after five to seven years.
• 10:00
  SPEAKER_00: Costa Rica holds a unique status as a permanently demilitarized neutral nation.
• 10:05
  SPEAKER_00: Following the 1948 abolition of its military, the country officially proclaimed permanent unarmed neutrality on November 17, 1983.
• 10:16
  SPEAKER_00: The 1949 Constitution prohibits a permanent army, forming the bedrock of this stance.
• 10:23
  SPEAKER_00: Costa Rica relies on international law, regional collective security mechanisms, and diplomacy rather than military force.
• 10:31
  SPEAKER_00: Costa Rica retains the right to self-defense in the event of aggression and participates in treaties such as the Inter-American Treaty of Reciprocal Assistance.
• 10:41
  SPEAKER_00: Yet the country has faced scrutiny over its neutrality during regional conflicts, particularly the 1980s Nicaraguan crisis, and faces contemporary security challenges from transnational crime.
• 10:55
  SPEAKER_00: Residency options The Costa Rica Pensionado Visa requires a$1,000 monthly pension, while the Rentista Visa requires a$2,500 monthly income or a$60,000 deposit.
• 11:09
  SPEAKER_00: The investor visa requires a$150,000 investment, permanent residency after three years, citizenship after seven years with Spanish proficiency.
• 11:21
  SPEAKER_00: This episode first appeared as an article by Mustafa Daily on IMIDaily.com.
• 11:28
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• 11:36
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