Residence permit and citizenship by investment. We compare the TOP 10 most popular countries by passport programs: Spain, Greece, Bulgaria, Montenegro, Thailand, Israel, Cyprus, Portugal, Turkey, Georgia

What is citizenship by investment

Citizenship by investment - obtaining citizenship of a specific state for injecting finance into development - buying real estate, securities, starting your own business or creating free jobs.

Citizenship by investment is called citizenship by investment. Knowledge of the national language or residence in the country for a certain age is not a prerequisite for obtaining a passport.

Citizenship by investment in 2021 is issued in a simplified manner and in the shortest possible time.

About the rating

Representatives not only of Henley&Partners took part in compiling the rating. Representatives of such large analytical companies as Thomson Reuters, Knight Frank, Baker & McKenzie, etc. were involved in the data analysis. In addition, the opinions of major political figures and investors from various countries were taken into account.

Each of the listed analysts assessed the “competitors” on a 10-point scale according to various criteria:

• timing and quality of document review;
• transparency of the procedure;
• state reputation;
• number of countries open for visa-free entry;
• tax rates and benefits;
• total expenses;
• time required to obtain a passport;
• the need to visit and live in the country;
• the possibility of moving to other states;
• requirements for the applicant (for example, according to qualification level).

In the end, all points were summed up.

As Henley & Partners note, the results of this study will be most interesting to the following categories of people:

• choosing an alternative place to live or obtain a second residence;
• individual bankers, lawyers and investors;
• representatives of the authorities of those countries in which a system of issuing residence permits or citizenship in exchange for investments is being developed.
• At the same time, there are significant differences between the issuance of a residence permit and a citizen’s passport.

The residence permit is characterized by:

• There is no need to renounce your native passport and/or obtain citizenship of another country.
• Possibility of permanent or temporary stay on the territory of the state, as well as visiting the state of visa-free entry without obtaining visa documents.
• It is possible to obtain a temporary (with the possibility of extension) or permanent residence permit.

Citizenship is characterized by:

• Indefiniteness. This status remains until the end of life and is inherited.
• Equal rights with indigenous people - the right to live, work, study, and participate in the political life of the country.
• Opportunity to visit and work in countries with which special agreements have been concluded.
• The programs of some countries (for example, Germany and Austria) do not provide for dual citizenship. Therefore, before receiving their passport, it is necessary to renounce their native citizenship.

Statistics of investment immigration in the world

You can obtain citizenship by investment in the shortest possible time. Each state independently sets the deadline for obtaining a passport and the cost. A Grenada passport can be obtained in 60 days and for 15,000 in European currency. Citizenship of Grenada gives the right to free movement within the Schengen area.

Every year the UN compiles a statistical report on migration in the world. Over the past year, the total number of international migrants exceeds 270 million. This is more than 3.5% of the world population. The majority of migrants belong to the working population. The total cost of citizenship by investment exceeded $3.5 billion.

To obtain citizenship by investment, you need to “inject” a certain amount of money into the state’s economy. Russians are concerned about 2 important aspects:

• freedom of movement;
• tax relief.

Most states that offer citizenship by investment offer a highly rated passport. Having such documents, you can move freely without a visa to more than 100 countries of the world. Tax benefits and concessions are also provided. Each power has its own investment program, which provides certain preferences.

Income of states from the sale of citizenship throughout history

For the sale of citizenship in exchange for investment, countries receive a certain income. In the table below you can get detailed information on the income of countries over the entire history of citizenship by investment programs:

The governments of countries have the right to independently decide where to send the income received from the sale of citizenship for investment 2021. Countries use this money to pay off current debts, to restore the economy after natural disasters and other current needs.

Citizenship in the Caribbean

Most Caribbean programs are very investor friendly. The requirements there are minimal; there are no conditions for living in the country and knowing the language. You can buy a passport and citizenship in the Caribbean for a contribution to a government fund. Or buy real estate and obtain citizenship. Some countries also offer other options: for example, you can invest in Covid bonds in Saint Lucia or invest in the University of the West Indies Foundation in Antigua and Barbuda. Citizenship by investment in the Caribbean means many tax benefits, freedom of movement around the globe and safety for you and your family in the midst of the coronavirus pandemic. Caribbean states recognize dual citizenship, which allows you to buy a second passport for investment rather than change it.

What does a second passport give for investment to Russians?

Obtaining citizenship by investing in a country provides certain advantages. Any Russian can obtain a second citizenship, with the exception of civil servants and politicians. There are countries that do not allow second citizenship. If you receive a Montenegrin passport, you will have to refuse the Russian one.

A second passport opens up some prospects for its owner:

• visa-free entry to more than 100 countries of the world - you can move freely around Europe, entry into the USA from some countries is also free;
• you can obtain citizenship for all family members at once; this is a great opportunity to open your own business;
• having rights like other citizens of a given country;
• You can freely go to another country if the need arises.

Second citizenship is not equivalent to dual citizenship. Russians can obtain the right to dual citizenship only in Tajikistan. Russia has concluded a corresponding agreement with this state.

Conditions for obtaining citizenship by investment: ranking of countries

How to obtain citizenship of another country by investment? It is necessary to fulfill a number of conditions that differ in different countries - you need to invest a certain amount of money in the country's economy, the investor must meet certain requirements. The time frame for obtaining a second passport also differs.

Austria

If desired and possible, obtain permanent residence in Austria for investment under the following conditions:

• the contribution to the country’s economy is 10 million in European currency;
• Your passport will be ready as soon as possible.

There is no need to live in the country. The law provides for the possibility of issuing an Austrian passport to a person for services to Austria.

Antigua and Barbuda

Citizenship of Antigua and Barbuda can be obtained within 3-4 months after fulfilling the following conditions:

• the amount of gratuitous donation for the development of the country is 250 thousand in US currency;
• Over the course of five years, you need to invest another 400 thousand US dollars - in the construction of real estate or other projects that will have primary economic significance at the time of the contribution.

Advantages of a passport from this country located in the Caribbean:

• conditions of complete confidentiality;
• membership in the CARICOM union of nations;
• the possibility of opening a visa for multiple visits to the United States in a simplified manner.

Bulgaria

Conditions for obtaining Bulgarian citizenship:

• contribution to government bonds – 512 thousand in EU currency;
• It will be possible to apply for Bulgarian citizenship in 5 years.

Money is contributed to purchase a portfolio of government bonds. Investment period – 5 years. After this period, the investor will be returned their full original cost, the interest will go to the development of the state. If you immediately double the contribution for the purchase of bonds, you can obtain citizenship in 2 years.

Vanuatu

Vanuatu has developed an Immigration Capital Investment Plan. According to it, you can obtain citizenship if:

• a one-time deposit of 260 thousand dollars - for this money the applicant himself, his spouse and one minor child can receive a passport;
• if there is another minor, the contribution will be increased by $19,250;
• if the dependent is between 18 and 21 years of age, the fee increases to $44,250.

UK Citizenship by Investment

To obtain a UK passport, you need to obtain a special visa - Tier 1 (investor). It is issued if a person has at least 2 million pounds sterling in his account (no earlier than 3 months before submitting documents for a visa).

When an investor applies for a visa, they will have to pay £1,623. You can enter the country with this amount of funds for 3 years and 4 months, and then apply for citizenship.

If you have 10 million pounds in your account, then you can apply for permanent residence in 2 years, if you have 5 million pounds, then in 3 years.

Grenada

The amount of a one-time one-time contribution to the National Transformation Fund of Grenada is 200 thousand in US currency. An alternative to the contribution is the purchase of real estate, the cost of which is at least 220 thousand dollars. The right to a purchased object cannot be alienated within 5 years after obtaining citizenship.

Dominica

Dominica has a passport-by-investment program since 1991. The minimum investment amount is 100 thousand US dollars, and the passport will be ready within a year. An alternative to the contribution is the purchase of real estate. The cost of the purchased property must be more than $200,000. It cannot be sold for 5 years after receiving a country passport.

A Dominica passport gives you the right to visa-free entry into 135 countries around the world, including the Schengen area and the UK. There is no need to learn the national language, know the peculiarities of Caribbean culture, or live in the country permanently.

Egypt

To obtain an Egyptian passport, you need to deposit 400 thousand dollars in national currency. Then apply. It will be reviewed personally by the head of state. He can accept the request or refuse.

If your application for citizenship of the Republic is denied, you can get your money back by withdrawing it from your account. If the application is approved, the money will not be returned.

Jordan

Since 2021, the country has been operating 5 investment programs for obtaining Jordanian citizenship. A migrant with his own capital can become a participant in any of them. The essence of the programs is as follows:

• Option 1. You need to make an interest-free deposit of 1.5 million in US currency. The investment period is 10 years, you cannot leave the program.
• Option 2. Buy treasury notes for 1 million dollars for 10 years. Interest on them will be accrued in accordance with the conditions of the country's Central Bank.
• Option 3. Buy shares of Jordanian companies for the same amount – $1.5 million.
• Option 4. Invest at least 1 million in US currency in the development of small and medium-sized businesses. Money cannot be withdrawn from the program for 5 subsequent years.
• Option 5. You can independently organize an investment project and register it under Jordanian law. If the project is opened in the capital (Amman), then the investment amount must be at least 2 million dollars, if in another locality, then at least 1.5 million in American currency. The project must operate successfully within three years and provide employment to at least 20 people.

If there is no opportunity or desire to participate in investment programs, you can buy real estate. The cost of the object must be at least 282 thousand US dollars. The purchase price must be confirmed by the national Department of Lands and Surveys. The right to an asset cannot be alienated for the next 10 years.

Cambodia

It is the only power in Asia that offers migrants citizenship in return for injecting funds into the country's economy. There are 2 types of immigration programs to choose from:

• invest 1 billion in national currency (approximately 250 thousand dollars in American) in a fund that is aimed at restoring and developing the country’s economy;
• invest at least 6 billion Cambodian riel in projects that are approved by the Government of the country.

But you must know the national language and history of the state. You cannot obtain Cambodian citizenship without passing the exam. You also need to register at your place of residence. If a migrant voluntarily donates an amount exceeding the limit for one of the investment programs, these conditions may not be met.

Canadian Citizenship by Investment

The program does not work across the country, but Quebec (the capital of the country) has its own rules. To become a participant in the program in the capital, you need:

• have at least 2 million Canadian dollars in your account;
• confirm that the fortune was acquired legally, without criminal schemes.

You must fulfill one more of 2 conditions - have at least 2 years of management experience or have your own business in the country for at least 5 years.

An alternative to investment programs - a visitor and his family receive the right to permanent residence in Canada if they invest 1.2 million Canadian dollars in projects that are approved by the Government of the country. If you have lived at least 3 years in the territory of the state over the past 5 years, then you have a legal right to receive a passport.

Cyprus

As of November 1, 2020, Cyprus has canceled the program for obtaining citizenship for injecting funds into the business and economy of the country. Before this date, it was required to invest at least 2 million euros in business or real estate on the island. If money was poured into business, then it was necessary to provide Cypriot citizens with work within 9 jobs.

Malta

There are several conditions that a visitor must fulfill to obtain Maltese citizenship. This:

• invest at least 500 thousand € for a period of 5 years - 350,000 will be invested in real estate, and 150,000 in securities;
• At the same time, you need to make a contribution to a special fund for the development of Malta up to 650 thousand euros. The contribution is free of charge. Money is charged for the main one applicant. If he is not entering alone, then he will have to pay additionally - 25 thousand in European currency for a spouse and a child under 18 years old, 50 thousand euros for a dependent who is not married and for parents over 55 years old.

Moldova

Investment programs have been running since 2021. You can invest money in one of 2 areas:

• at least 100,00 euros on a long-term basis to the state Public Investment Fund;
• at least 250 thousand in the currency of European countries to one of the areas of strategic development of the state.

Portugal residence permit for real estate investment

Migrants with their own capital were offered to receive a “Golden Residence Permit.” To do this, you can become a participant in one of 3 investment programs:

• invest 1 million euros or more in any sector of the economy;
• buy real estate in any district of the country for an amount of at least 500,000 in European currency;
• open your own business and provide Portuguese citizens with at least 10 jobs.

Amendments were made in 2015. Now you can get a Golden Visa if you meet one of the following conditions:

• Invest 350 thousand euros or more in real estate, the “age” of which exceeds 30 years. The facility must be located in urban recovery areas. The money will be used for repairs and reconstruction of housing.
• Invest 350 thousand € in research projects. They should be implemented in state research institutes;
• Invest a minimum of 250,000 in EU currency in the development of the art industry or in the development of art.
• Buy shares of investment funds worth at least 0.5 million euros.

6 years after the migrant receives the Golden Visa, he can apply for citizenship.

Saint Kitts and Nevis

It is enough to contribute $150 thousand to the Sustainable Growth Fund. If a migrant does not come alone, then for each family member you need to contribute an additional 25,000 in US currency. There is an offer until the end of 2021 - for a family of 4 people you need to pay the same 150 thousand in US currency.

An alternative to this program is to invest from 200 to 400 thousand dollars in any real estate project that is approved by the Government of the country. You must own it for at least 7 years. The period for issuing a passport is 3-4 months, the validity period is 10 years, then extended.

Saint Lucia

Several programs are available to investors according to the list:

• purchase of government bonds in the amount of at least $0.5 million;
• investment of at least 100,000 in US currency in the National Economic Fund;
• investments in real estate - at least 300,000 in US currency;
• investment in state enterprises – at least $3.5 million.

Until the end of this year, 2021, another program is available - investing at least 250 thousand in US currency in bonds that were issued specifically to combat COVID-19.

US Citizenship by Investment

The program has been operating in the country since 1990. From 2021, the general requirements for a visitor and members of his family are as follows:

• you can create a new enterprise, provide 10 American jobs, the enterprise must operate successfully within 2 years;
• invest in a new commercial enterprise or an existing one - at least $1.8 million or $0.9 million, respectively.

The investor must prove that his capital was obtained legally. He must also take an active part in the management of a new or existing company. The investor is immediately granted a residence permit. After 5 years, he receives permanent residence, and after another 10 years, citizenship.

Montenegro

To obtain Montenegrin citizenship, you must simultaneously:

• invest at least 250 thousand euros in real estate;
• donate 100,000 in European currency to a special fund.

To obtain Montenegrin citizenship you will have to renounce Russian citizenship.

Türkiye

You must purchase real estate worth at least 250,000 in US currency. The right cannot be alienated within 2 subsequent years. After the authorized body verifies the actual value of the purchased property, the foreigner and his family members will receive full Turkish citizenship.

Citizenship by investment programs in different countries

Not all states “sell” passports. Such programs are practiced by countries that are not particularly attractive to investors.

Antigua and Barbuda

Rich people love to visit this Caribbean state. During the holiday season, the waters here are teeming with expensive yachts. The program for investors has been running here since 2013.

Ways to obtain citizenship:

• contribute $100 thousand to the state development fund;
• buy housing from 200 thousand dollars for 5 years;
• invest in a business project from 400 thousand dollars for 5 years.

The passport is valid only for 5 years - then it has to be changed. Then the validity period increases to 10 years. With an Antigua passport, an investor receives visa-free access to almost one hundred and fifty countries of the world, including the Shengni zone. But this document does not give the right to permanent residence in European countries.

Vanuatu

This state is the only one in Oceania that provides citizenship for invested funds.

Conditions of the subsidy programs (VCP) and development support programs (DSP):

• contribute 150 thousand dollars for one person and from 200 thousand dollars for a family with 2 children;
• a state fee is charged for each applicant in the amount of 80 thousand dollars.

A passport is issued in 1.5-3 months. There has been international concern about Vanuatu accepting cryptocurrency deposits, but authorities have denied the claims. The disadvantage of Vanuatu citizenship is the low authority of this country’s passport, but it gives access to Schengen and Hong Kong.

Grenada

The advantage of a passport from this country is the right to apply for a non-immigrant visa to the United States E-2.

How to get a passport:

• contribute $150 thousand to the state fund;
• buy housing at a price of 220 thousand dollars for 5 years.

Processing time is 3 months. There is no requirement to visit or live in the country. No renunciation of 1st citizenship is required. The passport provides visa-free travel to 142 countries, including China, the UK and the Schengen area.

Dominica

In this country, the program for providing a second citizenship to investors has been in effect since 1991. It is considered one of the most transparent in the world.

Conditions for obtaining citizenship:

• invest $100 thousand in the state fund;
• buy a home priced at $200,000 or more, and not sell it for at least 3 years.

Registration of a passport takes 3 months. It opens access to almost one hundred and fifty countries of the world. To receive the document, you do not have to live in the country, and once you have issued it, you can live in the Caribbean as long as you like.

Egypt

In Egypt, a citizenship program was launched in 2019. An Egyptian passport allows visa-free access to only 49 countries.

Conditions for obtaining citizenship:

• invest $160 thousand in a business with a total value of $400 thousand;
• make a free contribution to the state treasury of 250 thousand dollars;
• invest in property from 500 thousand dollars (you can buy it from the state, legal entity or individual);
• Deposit at 0% an amount of 750 thousand dollars (for 5 years) or 1 million dollars (for 3 years).

Jordan

This country has been supporting an investor program since 2021, and in 2019 the requirements for investors have already been reduced.

How to get a Jordanian passport:

• deposit $1 million in a Jordan bank at 0% interest for 3 years;
• buy government bonds for $1 million for 3 years;
• invest money in small/medium businesses from $750 thousand for 3 years;
• invest $1.5 million in business for 3 years and create 20 jobs (outside the capital - $1 million).

A Jordanian passport allows visa-free access to 51 countries.

Cyprus

To obtain Cypriot citizenship, an investor must first deposit at least 75 thousand dollars into the state fund, and only then choose one of the methods listed below.

Ways to obtain a Cypriot passport:

• buy housing from $1.5 million (any, without government approval);
• buy or create a business from $2 million;
• buy bonds in the amount of $2 million or more, debt securities or securities of Cypriot companies;
• any investment option from $2 million.

The registration process takes 6-8 months. To obtain Cypriot citizenship, you must visit the island.

Malta

The program was launched in 2014. A Maltese passport allows visa-free access to all Schengen countries, as well as the USA, UK, Canada and Australia.

Malta offers options for obtaining citizenship:

• rent housing for 5 years with an expense of 16 thousand dollars annually;
• buy real estate (any) for an amount of 350 thousand dollars with the right to resell after 5 years.

At the same time, the investor must make a contribution of 650 thousand dollars to the country’s development fund. Plus buy bonds for 150 thousand dollars for 5 years.

The main difference between the Maltese program is that the investor must register as a resident of Malta for 1 year before receiving citizenship.

Moldova

This country has launched a program to support investors by obtaining citizenship in 2021. The condition for obtaining a Moldavian passport for investment is to contribute 135-190 thousand dollars free of charge to the state fund (the amount depends on the number of family members).

The passport is issued within three months. And this can be done remotely. The received document opens visa-free travel to approximately 120 countries.

Saint Kitts and Nevis

The passport of this island country opens visa-free travel to 138 countries.

Conditions:

• make a contribution of at least $150 thousand to the Sustainable Growth Fund;
• buy housing from 200 thousand dollars for 7 years.

Registration of a passport takes from 3 to 6 months. The process can be speeded up if you pay extra for urgency, then the document will be received in 1-2 months.

In the state of Saint Kitts and Nevis, 16.5 thousand investors have received citizenship since 1984.

Saint Lucia

In this Caribbean country, the program for investors has been operating since 2021.

Ways to obtain citizenship:

• contribute $100,000 to the National Economic Fund;
• buy housing at a price of 300 thousand dollars for a period of 5 years;
• will buy interest-free government bonds for 500 thousand dollars for 5 years;
• invest $1 million in a commercial project approved by the authorities and creating at least 6 jobs.

The registration process lasts 3 months. There is no requirement to renounce your first citizenship. The passport provides access to 145 countries of the world, including the Schengen zone.

Montenegro

The program is open from 2021. The scheme has a limit of only 2,000 applicants and their family members. The duration of the program is 3 years.

Possibilities for obtaining Montenegrin citizenship:

• invest 250/450 thousand dollars in real estate in the north of the country or in Podgorica/on the coast;
• when buying real estate, you need to contribute an additional 100 thousand dollars to the state development fund;
• invest at least $2 million in agriculture and open 10 jobs;
• invest $3.5 million or more in the fishing industry and create 20 jobs.

It takes six months to issue a passport. The document opens visa-free travel to 124 destinations.

Türkiye

Turkey relatively recently launched a program for granting citizenship to investors - starting in 2021. At first, the fees and investments were so high that there were few people willing to take advantage of the program. In 2021, Turkish authorities lowered the cost of citizenship.

Ways to obtain a Turkish passport:

• buy any real estate at a price of 250 thousand dollars (it does not need to be coordinated and approved by the authorities);
• deposit half a million dollars into a Turkish bank or buy government bonds for the same amount;
• contribute half a million dollars for a stake in a real estate investment trust or venture capital fund;
• create a business with 50 jobs.

Registration lasts 2-3 months. A Turkish passport opens up visa-free access to 111 countries, but entry into the Schengen zone, Canada and the UK is only for Turks with visas.

What other countries offer citizenship by investment?

You can also become a citizen for investing in the economy:

• USA. Deposit from half a million dollars. Knowledge of English, law and American history.
• Austria. Here, investment immigration has been in effect since 1985. The disadvantage of the program is the opaqueness of the conditions. The experience of investors shows that we are talking about amounts of about $3 million.
• Portugal. You need to invest more than a million dollars, invest a large amount in investment funds, or create 10 jobs or more. The passport gives access to Schengen.
• Cambodia. Donate $250,000 or invest $1.5 million in government-approved projects.
• Bulgaria. You can invest about half a million dollars in government securities or a million dollars in a business. A passport opens the way to visa-free travel to EU countries.
• Hungary. Investments in government bonds - about 350 thousand dollars. Plus a one-time administrative fee of about 70 thousand dollars.

How to compare alternative citizenship programs

To obtain citizenship by investment, programs are compared according to various parameters. It is necessary to choose a state that not only offers a loyal investment policy, but also provides advantages for free entry into other favorable countries.

In addition to the investment contribution amounts, other indicators are subject to comparison. This:

• Country reputation. How attractive is the state to foreign investors, whether money is invested in economic development or not.
• The standard of living of the local population - the value of citizenship of a particular state depends on how attractive the policy is, as well as the manner in which human rights and freedoms are respected.
• Freedom of movement – ​​does citizenship of a given country give the right to freely move to other countries. Russians are also considering the possibility of freely visiting the United States and Schengen countries.
• Requirements for investors - the higher they are, the lower the level of “attractiveness”.
• Possibility of return on investment - with or without interest.
• The need for compulsory residence in the country - how much time will you have to spend in the country in order to keep your passport.
• Other factors that influence immigration on an individual basis.

But the main indicator for comparison remains the amount of the investment contribution. In the table below you can see a comparative analysis of this indicator in ascending order from the list.

The table shows that the most attractive countries are the Caribbean countries.

European citizenship by investment

The easiest way to obtain EU citizenship is to purchase real estate in Europe with a residence permit and obtain European citizenship through investment. This method will require significant material investments, but will bring tangible benefits. Programs in most countries offer options for combined expenses for residential real estate, government bonds, and financing of charitable foundations.

To obtain a European citizen passport by investment, you will need qualified legal support. Assistance in obtaining citizenship and residence permits in Europe (Cyprus, Malta), the Caribbean (Grenada, Dominica, Saint Kitts and Nevis, Antigua and Barbuda) is the main focus of our work.

Quotas for issuing citizenship by investment

Some states have quotas for obtaining citizenship for investing in the development of the country. Once the quota ends, the visitor will not be able to become a participant in the program. Those interested should carefully monitor this point. Only the Caribbean countries have not introduced quotas and do not plan to.

In the table below you can see the number of available places for migrants who want to invest money in the development of the country.

As soon as the total or annual number of quotas ends, a visitor will not be able to pour money into the country and obtain citizenship. In some countries (Cyprus), the government allocates quotas for visiting investors every year.

Which country should you choose?

The choice is only up to the private investor and his future plans for life. If confidentiality is needed, then choose the Caribbean countries. Another advantage is the relatively low investment fee.

If the priority is visiting and further immigration to the countries of the Schengen Commonwealth or the USA, then you need to make a choice in favor of a state that provides visa-free entry to these countries.

Comparative analysis of the attractiveness of countries according to various criteria:

• Dominica and Saint Lucia have the lowest investment fees for single migrants;
• Antigua is the cheapest program for family migrants;
• Vanautu – the fastest passport production time is 1.5 months;
• St. Kitts - provides visa-free access to most countries of the world;
• Grenada, Turkey, and Montenegro have entered into an agreement with the United States; by becoming a citizen of one of these states, you can apply for a non-immigrant visa to America.

Saint Kitts and Nevis

Investment amount: 400,000 USD or 24,800,000 + 11 thousand dollars or 682,000 for administrative fees. Total 25.48 million rubles. In this case, the investor will have the right to resell only 5 years from the date of purchase.

Application review period: from 3 months to six months.

Interesting fact! Citizens of Saint Kitts and Nevis can easily obtain a US visa for up to 10 years.

Very favorable conditions for obtaining citizenship in Saint Kitts and Nevis

Why you shouldn't confuse citizenship with golden visas

Some countries offer golden visas to private investors. They imply permanent legal residence in the country, but not citizenship. Issued when purchasing real estate in the state. The most popular countries are Greece and Germany.

If migrants who do not seek to obtain citizenship, but want to reside in the state legally. They buy real estate and are given a “golden visa.” But you can move freely only within the Schengen Union. A Golden Visa is not a passport. Therefore, to travel you need a foreign passport or other document allowing entry into another state.

Can stateless persons apply for citizenship by investment?

There are people who do not have citizenship, but have enough capital to “buy” themselves a passport from another country. Only 4 powers issue national passports to migrants who do not have citizenship of any state in the world. This:

• Vanuatu;
• Cyprus;
• Dominica;
• Antigua.

Türkiye wants to adopt a program to grant citizenship to visitors who do not have it. But these are payments for the next year or two.

Stateless people do not have the same rights as other residents of the country. They cannot receive free medical care, send their children to schools and kindergartens, or get a normal job. There are about 12 million such people in the world. Having received citizenship through an infusion of funds from the state, they receive the benefits of this state and can enjoy its benefits for free.

The concept of “citizenship by investment”

The conceptual promotion of the idea of ​​obtaining citizenship by investment began in the 80s of the last century. The start of this trend took place in the island country.

In 1984 in Saint Kitts and Nevis, covering an area of ​​about 260 square meters. km, a law was passed allowing foreign citizens, having made a certain contribution to the country’s economy, to become its citizens. It was this document that became a precedent that gave impetus to a new approach to the development of national economies.

In the world, according to UN estimates, about 12 million people have no citizenship at all. This infringes on their rights and prevents them from enjoying social benefits. Only a few countries in the world offer citizenship by investment for this category of people.

States in which stateless persons can obtain it for investment:

• Antigua;
• Türkiye;
• Vanuatu;
• Cyprus;
• Dominica.

It is not entirely clear how persons “disadvantaged in their rights” receive capital, which is then invested in the economies of different states. Most likely, the authorities of countries that attract investors do not want to focus attention on this issue. As they say, “money has no smell.”

Myths about citizenship by investment

There are several myths that need to be dispelled. This:

1. Only diplomatic passports are given for investments. This is wrong! Regular passports are issued for injecting funds into the economy and business of the state. Diplomatic cards are issued only in accordance with the Vienna Convention.
2. Only persons who received money illegally launder it through citizenship schemes, thereby obtaining a passport of the state and freedom of movement around the world. Every investor, regardless of which country he pours his money into, undergoes a thorough check of his reliability. If the risk of criminal schemes is high, the application for investment is rejected. In reality, 99% of private investors are trustworthy citizens who want to obtain passports from the country in which they are investing.
3. Investors are not verified; passports for investments are given to everyone. It has already been written above that each applicant for investment undergoes a thorough check. Not only the legality of the funds received is checked, but also personal life.

How to protect yourself from scammers

To become a legal citizen of a particular state, you need to follow several rules.

1. Until the investor receives a Letter of Approval from the Government of the country, there is no need to fully pay for the property or make a full investment payment. The period for obtaining approval is 2-3 months from the date of application. If cooperation with a country is carried out through intermediaries, then in case of refusal, you will only need to pay for their services.
2. Contributions or donations are made exclusively to the bank account of the Government of the country. You cannot give money to third parties. In the payment document, the applicant, and not a third party, must act as the payer.
3. You cannot invest money in real estate projects that have not been reviewed or approved by the country's authorities. The official website of the government of any decent state has a list of approved projects. You can only pour money into them; only such investments give the right to citizenship. Pouring funds into unauthorized projects does not give you the right to receive a passport.

Some states issue passports with a limited validity period. You need to pay close attention to this. To renew, you will need to meet a number of conditions.