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What is Citizenship by Investment?

Citizenship by investment programs provide families with the privilege of acquiring an alternative citizenship, which in turn gives them the right to travel freely to various destinations and to settle in another country. Over 100 countries in the world have some form of investment migration legislation in place. Of these, about 30 residence and/or citizenship by investment programs are running successfully.

More than ever before, individuals are pursuing citizenship options as the most effective way to access previously unimagined opportunities.

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Why Citizenship by Investment?

The date of an important business trip is approaching, and you find out that you need a visa. You have to fill out a long form (possibly listing every country you have visited over the past five or even ten years). You may need to travel to a consulate or embassy for an interview. The visa may cost as much as your airline ticket and you may have to send your passport to the consulate or embassy and not receive it back for two–three weeks. You begin to question whether you really need to go on this trip, and you forget about bringing your family along as you would not want them to go through the same procedure as well.                  

Due to political circumstances, citizens of many countries find it difficult to travel abroad and are confronted with visa restrictions each time they want to enter a foreign country. On the other hand, nationals whose passports usually allow them easy access to most countries may still need to obtain a visa to travel to some countries or find it impossible to obtain visas due to temporary travel restrictions during trade sanctions and other geopolitical disturbances. They may also be significantly exposed to terrorist threats or other forms of hostility due to their nationality. Moreover, although you may well be granted the required visa, this is always a very tiresome procedure, during which the passport on which the visa is stamped is not available, and this can be a significant factor in delaying your travels.

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The Benefits of an Alternative Passport

If for some reason you cannot get or renew a passport in your home country due to political instability or civil war for example, the right to another passport can be extremely useful. Even if you simply lose your passport, it may take some time until you can get a replacement and having an alternative passport may be crucial. Or as in the example above, if you require a visa and have to send your passport to a foreign embassy or consulate for processing, you cannot travel overseas during that processing time — unless you have an alternative passport. 

Personal security

Most importantly perhaps, citizenship and a passport, particularly from a small, peaceful country, can even save your life when traveling and in times of political unrest, civil war, terrorism, or other delicate situations. For good reasons, many international businesspeople from major countries and important persons who are active worldwide consider an alternative passport as the best life insurance money can buy. 

Investment in the future

In an unsettled, ever-changing world, acquiring an alternative citizenship is a wise decision and an investment for the future. Your citizenship of choice is for life, your spouse and children can be included, and there is often no need to give up your present nationality while you enjoy the benefits of a legal second passport. You should, however, check the laws of your current country (or countries) of citizenship to ensure that you are in a position to legally acquire an additional nationality.

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What countries offer Citizenship by Investment?

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Antigua and Barbuda

The Antigua and Barbuda Citizenship by Investment Program offers an excellent solution for high-net-worth families seeking access to the European and Caribbean markets, as well as visa-free access to key Asian financial centres.​

  • MINIMUM INVESTMENT - USD 100,000

  • PROCESSING TIME - 3 to 4 MONTHS

  • KEY RESIDENCY BENEFIT - Visa Free Travel to Antigua and Barbuda, Hong Kong, Russia, Singapore, the UK, and Europe’s Schengen Area

Discover Citizenship by Investment in Antigua and Barbuda

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Dominica

The Dominica Citizenship by Investment Program requires making an economic contribution to the country. In exchange, applicants and their families are granted full citizenship.​

  • MINIMUM INVESTMENT - USD 100,000

  • PROCESSING TIME - 3 MONTHS

  • KEY RESIDENCY BENEFIT - Visa Free Travel to to 144 destinations worldwide

Discover Citizenship by Investment in Dominica

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Grenada

Grenada is a beautiful country consisting of seven islands in the Caribbean, of which it is the largest. Famous for its post-card natural beauty, pristine beaches, breath-taking waterfalls and tropical landscapes – it’s no surprise, tourism takes pride of the place among the country’s top industries.​

  • MINIMUM INVESTMENT - USD 150,000

  • PROCESSING TIME - 3 to 4 MONTHS

  • KEY RESIDENCY BENEFIT - Visa Free Travel to Grenada, China, Russia, Singapore, the UK, and Europe’s Schengen Area, amongst others

Discover Citizenship by Investment in Grenada

 

Malta

Malta’s Granting of Citizenship for Exceptional Services by Direct Investment Regulations (S.L. 188.06), under the Maltese Citizenship Act Cap. 188, LN437 of 2020, allow for the granting of citizenship by a certificate of naturalization to foreign individuals and their families who contribute to the country’s economic development.​

  • MINIMUM INVESTMENT - EUR 738,000

  • PROCESSING TIME - 12 MONTHS

  • KEY RESIDENCY BENEFIT - Visa Free Travel to Malta

Discover Citizenship by Investment in Malta

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St. Kitts and Nevis

St. Kitts and Nevis is a dual-island Caribbean destination offering pristine beaches and tropical landscapes. Its culture is diverse, with African, British, Caribbean, and French influences. It is an attractive location for owning a second home in the Caribbean, enjoying good air links to Europe and North America.​

  • MINIMUM INVESTMENT - USD 125,000

  • PROCESSING TIME - 3 to 6 MONTHS

  • KEY RESIDENCY BENEFIT - Visa Free Travel to St. Kitts and Nevis, Hong Kong, Russia, Singapore, the UK, and Europe’s Schengen Area, among others

Discover Citizenship by Investment in St. Kitts and Nevis

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St. Lucia

St. Lucia lies in the eastern Caribbean Sea, northwest of Barbados and south of Martinique. A volcanic island mostly covered in rainforest, it is famous for its twin peaks — the Pitons — and its magical beaches. St. Lucia is a member of the Commonwealth and CARICOM and has excellent air links to Europe and North America.​

  • MINIMUM INVESTMENT - USD 100,000

  • PROCESSING TIME - 4 MONTHS

  • KEY RESIDENCY BENEFIT - Visa Free Travel to St. Lucia, Hong Kong, Singapore, the UK, and Europe’s Schengen Area, among others

Discover Citizenship by Investment in St. Lucia

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Vanuatu

The Vanuatu citizenship-by-investment programme is the only program operating in the Asia Pacific region. This program requires a financial contribution of at least USD 130,000 to the national development fund.​

  • MINIMUM INVESTMENT - USD 130,000

  • PROCESSING TIME - 2 MONTHS

  • KEY RESIDENCY BENEFIT - Visa Free Travel to over 100+ countries throughout Asia, Americas, Africa, Middle-east, Oceania and the Caribbean.

Discover Citizenship by Investment in Vanuatu

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