Citizenship by Investment

What Is Citizenship?

Citizenship confers certain rights on an individual based on their relationship with a nation-state and include the right to work, own property and vote.  In return, the citizen undertakes to abide by the laws and customs of the state.  Citizenship units people from different backgrounds under a common identity.

Most people acquire their citizenship by traditional means; by birth or by marriage.  But people can also choose naturalization.  In this process, a person who lives in a country for a specific amount of time can apply to be a full citizen.

Since 1984, another way of gaining citizenship in a country has been to invest in it according to the needs set out by their respective Governments.

What Is Citizenship by Investment?

Citizenship by investment allows an individual to apply to become a citizen of a country and obtain all the associated rights and responsibilities by investing in the country in specific ways.  These sorts of programs are a faster way of gaining legal citizen status than normal immigration methods which means that an investor can do so quickly and easily with the minimum of disruption to their day to day life. The program often confers a second citizenship.

Reasons for Investing in a Second Citizenship

In a 2017 Second Citizenship Survey it was found that 89% of people wanted to own another passport and more than 34% had already looked at investing as a way to do so.  The reasons for this vary but many want to gain second citizenship for reasons of personal safety or to increase their ability to travel globally.

With citizenship by investment, an applicant can become a citizen for life in a new country, holding a new passport with many options for visa-free travel and it only takes around 3 months.  High net worth individuals find that investing in citizenship offers them new and lucrative opportunities on the world stage.

Security

If one’s home country is politically unstable or there is violent unrest then holding a passport from another country can mean the difference between life and death.  The ability to move to a stable part of the world makes many investors see second citizenship as an insurance policy and a means to escape with their family.

Global Mobility

Some passports offer more mobility than others.  For example, in Pakistan passports will allow visa-free travel to only 40 countries.  A passport from Cyprus, on the other hand, allows entry into 164 countries with no visa.  This means a lot less form filling, standing in queues and trying to navigate the bureaucracy around visa laws and saving this time is priceless to those who travel globally for business.

Business

By taking part in citizenship by investment programs business people can access new opportunities to invest as well as enjoy better freedom of movement.

Tax Management

Dual citizenship can give important tax advantages particularly when some countries have no capital gains tax or don’t tax income earned abroad. These rules mean that investors can more easily and effectively manage their wealth.

Family

The main applicant’s family can also gain citizen through these programs which can lead to a better future for their spouse and children.  Second citizenship can bring access to better health care, education and general improvements in quality of life.

Education

Second citizenship can open up world-class educational opportunities for applicants and their families.  Becoming a citizen means access to reduced fees and a better overall standard of education to open up more opportunities for success.

What Do Countries Gain From Citizenship by Investment Programs?

Most countries who offer this scheme are in great need of direct investment and use the funds to develop real estate, business and create jobs.  The programs also make sure that the country can attract the talent and expertise they may be lacking.

Which Countries Offer Citizenship by Investment Programs?

CIPs are offered by many countries worldwide and their numbers are increasing all the time as countries are increasingly drawn to the benefits they receive from immigrant investors.

What Are the Requirements for Obtaining a Second Passport?

Every country has its own unique rules and regulations for applying to its CIP. Some countries may require health certification, others may not. However, there are some requirements that all countries have in common. These include:

  • The applicant(s) must have a clean criminal record
  • The source of the investment funds must be clear and legal
  • The investor must put money into one of the options approved by the Government.

To gain a second passport the applicant must fulfill all of the criteria set out by the host country.

History of Citizenship and Passports

Passports were first mentioned in around 450BC when people would often carry letters of safe conduct asking for passage.

In the Roman Empire, there were different types of citizenship which were specified in a Certificate of Citizenship.

In England, traveling papers had become the norm by 1540 under the auspices of the Privy Council. These were often known as passports but were not used to prove identity until 1858.

Before World War I a passport was not needed for international travel.

1920 saw a merger of traveling documentation and identity and the League of Nations adopted a standard format for the document.

In 1862 Switzerland allowed residency by investment although it was not an official scheme.  The first modern program started in 1984.

Citizenship by Investment

A selection of alternative residency and citizenship investment programmes to consider.

Malta

From €350,000 + costs
Real Estate investment
European Residency
EU Schengen Zone Travel
Apply Citizenship 5 years

Montenegro

€2,150,000 Investment
Real Estate
European Citizenship
Live, Work, Study in Europe

Cyprus

From $150,000 Donation
Real Estate Option
Citizenship & Passport
Visa Free Travel 151 countries

Moldova

From €350,000 + costs
Real Estate investment
European Residency
EU Schengen Zone Travel
Apply Citizenship 5 years

Austria

€2,150,000 Investment
Real Estate
European Citizenship
Live, Work, Study in Europe

Bulgaria

From $150,000 Donation
Real Estate Option
Citizenship & Passport
Visa Free Travel 151 countries

Turkey

From €350,000 + costs
Real Estate investment
European Residency
EU Schengen Zone Travel
Apply Citizenship 5 years

Jordan

€2,150,000 Investment
Real Estate
European Citizenship
Live, Work, Study in Europe

Vanuatu

From $150,000 Donation
Real Estate Option
Citizenship & Passport
Visa Free Travel 151 countries

Saint Lucia

From €350,000 + costs
Real Estate investment
European Residency
EU Schengen Zone Travel
Apply Citizenship 5 years

Saint Kitts & Nevis

€2,150,000 Investment
Real Estate
European Citizenship
Live, Work, Study in Europe

Grenada

From $150,000 Donation
Real Estate Option
Citizenship & Passport
Visa Free Travel 151 countries

Dominica

From €350,000 + costs
Real Estate investment
European Residency
EU Schengen Zone Travel
Apply Citizenship 5 years

Antigua & Barbuda

From $150,000 Donation
Real Estate Option
Citizenship & Passport
Visa Free Travel 151 countries

SELECTED PROPERTIES INVESTMENTS

Horizon Villas $ 1,400,000.00

Horizon Villas

$ 1,400,000.00

Horizon Villas are located on the north east coast of Koh Samui, in a gated development just outside the delightful town of Choengmon. Only 10…

3840 sq ft 3 beds 3 baths
3840 sq ft 3 beds 3 baths

Jungle Bay Villas Spa $ 500,000.00

Jungle Bay Villas Spa

$ 500,000.00

Jungle Bay is a very successful Spa Resort that is quite popular in the American market. The resort is in the process of completing 120…

1 bed 1 bath
1 bed 1 bath

Culebra is the first building to be developed at Kawana Bay. 21 spacious studios, all with views over Grand Anse Bay towards St. George’s, were…

3 beds 2 baths
3 beds 2 baths

Westerhall Estate $ 6,750,000.00

Westerhall Estate

$ 6,750,000.00

This beauty is located in WesterHall Estate in the Parish of St. David on the beautiful Island of Grenada. The property consists of approximately 3.5…

3.5 acres 5 beds 4 baths
3.5 acres 5 beds 4 baths

Fisherman’s Cabanas 5 Star Hotel Resort development is approved by the government of St. Kitts & Nevis for the Citizenship By Investment Programme. The project…

5 beds 4 baths
5 beds 4 baths

Butlers Estate Resorts $ 500,000.00

Butlers Estate Resorts

$ 500,000.00

Butler’s Estate Resort & Residences is set on majestic gently sloping coastal terrain, capturing stunning ocean views and the frolicking surf as it caresses the…

2 beds 2 baths
2 beds 2 baths

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