Citizenship by Investment

Citizenship by Investment Programs

In some cases, you may need to apply for citizenship programs from countries other than your native nation. This might be because of family reunification or to develop your business. Or else, you may find a reason to leave your country and start a new life in another destination. Citizenship by investment programs offers some ways to relocate, and after completing some requirements and eligibility assessments, you may be able to get citizenship in your desired country. 

In addition, while some countries with citizenship by investment (CBI) programs let you hold dual citizenship, some may not. So, it is important to evaluate the details of programs according to your needs and expectations.

Here are some of the leading programs of the countries that offer citizenship by investment. Foreign investment and global talent also add to these countries’ economic growth, supporting applicants and their families in obtaining new citizenship in a second country. Each has some similarities and, at the same time, some unique benefits. See how these countries grant citizenship in return for investors’ contributions to the country.

Antigua and Barbuda Citizenship by Investment Program

If you become eligible for citizenship by investment program in Antigua and Barbuda, you can access over 153 countries worldwide. You will be able to travel to visa-free access to destinations like the United Kingdom, countries in the Schengen area, Singapore, and Hong Kong. Living in the Caribbeans is your option as well, whether you are a businessperson or a family in search of a second home. 

To apply, you will need to pass all the steps to apply for this program and invest in one of the options Antigua and Barbuda has, which are;

• The National Development Fund
• Real Estate Investment
• Business Investment
• The University of the West Indies Fund

Obtaining your Antigua and Barbuda citizenship may take three to six months for due diligence checks and application processing time.

Malta Citizenship by Investment Program

One of the reasons why Malta is an ideal country for a second home is that you will the view of the Mediterranean Sea, where the country is situated. Besides climatic conditions, the advantages of applying for Malta citizenship by investment (MEIN) program include the opportunity to flourish in the business world.

Foreign investors who are also looking to relocate to Malta can do business in Europe and benefit from the program in the long run. The visa-free travel includes 26 Schengen visa countries, plus the USA and Canada. You may need to wait for 12 months to complete the naturalization process.

St. Kitts and Nevis Citizenship by Investment Program

Living in a tropical gateway, dual-island nation, St. Kitts and Navis offer citizenship and investment programs, providing investors global mobility, financial privacy, and lucrative investment options.

St. Kitts and Nevis are in the Carribean, and the citizenship program is differentiated by simplicity and speed. Investment options include government-endorsed real estate and sustainable island state contribution (SISC). 

You do not have to wait for years or so. For acquiring St Kitts citizenship by investment, you will just need to wait a few months.

St. Lucia Citizenship by Investment Program

St. Lucia is an attractive citizenship by investment program as the investment cost starts from $200,000 for a donation or other flexible options in real estate and enterprise. The completion of the citizenship application process may take around six months or less. 

Here are St Lucia CBI options:

• Real Estate Investment
• Enterprise Investment
• National Economic Fund Donation
• Investment in the Government Bonds

Dominica Citizenship by Investment Program

Dominica Citizenship by Investment program, as an investor, you can have visa-free or visa-on-arrival travel to more than 144 destinations. You may include your family, and there is citizenship by descent available for future generations as well. 

Investment opportunities include economic development funds and real estate development. Dominica’s citizenship by investment program application may take three months to proceed and be fully completed.

Why Do Countries Offer Citizenship by Investment?

Citizenship by Investment (CBI) Programs are offered by countries to attract international talent and foreign investment, both of which can result in sustained growth in the economy. Through these programs, investors receive citizenship in return for making substantial contributions to the progress of society, the culture, or the economy.

Economic Citizenship and Regulations

Many nations utilize economic citizenship in the world, commonly referred to as citizenship by investment (CBI). It is a legal process that grants citizenship to foreign nationals in exchange for their significant contributions and merits to the welfare of the country. The benefits and qualifying requirements of each country’s citizenship-by-investment program vary, as do the financial requirements and character tests that foreign investors must pass.

Second Passport Benefits

Having two passports allows you to visit more countries throughout the world without the need for a visa. In addition, it increases your global mobility. You can also live, work, and invest with greater freedom.

Advantages of Second Citizenship for Investors

Gaining dual citizenship provides investors with a host of financial advantages, including better interest rates, reliable banking choices, advantageous exchange rates, and more. It also gives access to a better quality of life and fresh business opportunities.

Obtaining a Passport by Investment: How is the Timing?

Getting a passport through an investment program, for example through a Golden Visa program, takes different amounts of time. For instance, obtaining citizenship through well-known investment programs like Portugal’s Golden Visa can take up to five years. Nonetheless, a few countries can give citizenship in a matter of months, such as Dominica, Saint Lucia, Saint Kitts & Nevis, Grenada, and Turkey.

Family Members in Citizenship Programs

Most states have rules that allow children to inherit dual and second citizenship. Various citizenship by investment schemes provide investors and their families the opportunity to earn second citizenship overseas.

Citizenship by Investment Requirements

To obtain citizenship by investment, the principal applicant must meet one of the program’s investment requirements as well as certain qualifications, such as being at least 18 years old, having a clean criminal background, proper health insurance, and not being of a black-listed nationality.

Frequently Asked Questions

What citizenship by investment programs grants European citizenship?

EU Citizenship by investment is available in four European countries: Malta, Bulgaria, Montenegro, and Cyprus (pending). A number of European countries, including Greece, Ireland, Portugal, Spain, and the United Kingdom, provide investment-based residence programs.

Which country offers the fastest citizenship by investment?

With approvals taking just 40 days, Vanuatu, a country in Oceania, boasts the fastest citizenship by investment program in the world.

What is the cheapest citizenship by investment program?

With a minimum investment of $200,000-$250,000, Antigua & Barbuda, Saint Lucia, and Dominica provide the most economical citizenship by investment options.

Which countries grant citizenship by investment if you buy a property?

Many countries allow citizens or permanent residents to obtain citizenship through real estate investments. Spain and Greece are some of those.

How many family members can be added to my application for citizenship by investment?

Spouses and dependent children under the age of eighteen may be included in your citizenship application.

Are there any tax implications to obtain citizenship by investment?

If you move to your citizenship and cease to be a resident of your home country, obtaining citizenship may have an impact on your tax burden, including capital gains, inheritance tax, and residency status.

Is it possible to apply for a USA citizenship by investment program?

In the USA, there isn’t a direct citizenship by investment program. On the other hand, individuals can apply for a green card and permanent residency under the US EB5 program. After five years of residency, they can apply to become a citizen of the United States.

What are 20 countries currently offering residency or citizenship by investment?

Currently, global citizenship by investment programs are available in 11 countries, offering a direct path to citizenship by investment: Austria, Antigua and Barbuda, Dominica, Egypt, Grenada, Jordan, Malta, North Macedonia, St. Kitts and Nevis, St. Lucia, and Türkiye. In addition, there are several countries that offer residency by investment programs, including Portugal, Spain, Greece, Ireland, the United Kingdom, and the United States.

Who can obtain a passport by investment?

To qualify for citizenship and a passport by investment, the primary applicant must fulfill one of the program’s investment requirements. They must be at least 18 years old, have a clean criminal record, hold adequate health insurance, and not be from a black-listed nationality.

How many passports can you have?

Many countries let you get a second passport in addition to your native country. The number of passports you can have depends on the laws of the countries involved. Some countries allow dual citizenship, and others may not. In theory, you could have as many passports as you have citizenships. However, in reality, it is better to check the latest regulations of the countries involved.