Always wondered what Citizenship by Investment means? It is a method of obtaining citizenship of a country through investments in specific industries approved by the government. These include real estate and economic contribution through donation.
The process involves due diligence at various levels, funds source verification, criminal record check and several other things.
List of countries offering Citizenship by Investment
It’s vital for investors looking to obtain citizenship in another country to know where they can maximize their investments. Here are countries where investments provide a profitable return along with citizenship:
#1 Malta
The Maltese Citizenship by Naturalisation for Exceptional Services by Direct Investment comes along with the benefit of travelling visa-free to over 180 countries. The programme is ideal for talented, high-net-worth individuals who can contribute to the economic growth of Malta.
#2 Antigua and Barbuda
Antigua and Barbuda have one of the most competitive Citizenship by Investment programmes in the Caribbean. Their passport provides visa-free or visa-on-arrival access to 151 destinations. The nation is an attractive place to own a second home, with excellent air links to North America and Europe.
#3 Austria
Austria also offers Citizenship by Investment to foreign nationals, but the programme is quite different from other countries’ offers. Notably, Austria doesn’t have any passive investor visa programme, meaning applicants must actively invest in the Austrian economy. Investing in government bonds or real estate does not offer a golden visa.
Benefits include visa-free or visa-on-arrival travel to 189 destinations, including Canada, Hong Kong, the rest of the EU and Europe’s Schengen Area.
#4 Dominica
Dominica’s Citizenship by Investment has two options: Investing in real estate or a minimum of $100,000 of economic contribution through donation. This citizenship allows visa-free or visa-on-arrival travel to 143 destinations, including Europe’s Schengen Area, Hong Kong and Singapore. It also does not mandate a minimum stay.
#5 Grenada
Grenada’s passport offers visa-free access to over 130 countries, including China and Russia. Applicants may invest $150,000 as a donation or $220,000 in a government-approved real estate project and maintain the property investment for five years or more.
#6 St. Kitts and Nevis
Saint Kitts and Nevis Citizenship by Investment is one of the oldest programmes in the world. It is best for those who can invest at least $150,000, similar to Grenada’s programme. With the passport issued in this country, you can travel visa-free or visa-on-arrival to 157 destinations. Again, this country requires no minimum stay.
#7 St. Lucia
St. Lucia’s Citizenship by Investment programme started in January 2016. Applicants may make a minimum donation to the government, purchase real estate, or invest in government bonds. Visa-free or visa-on-arrival travel applies to 146 destinations, and residence or visitation is not required.
#8 Montenegro
Montenegro grants full citizenship to investors who can invest at least €350,000 in the country’s economy through real estate and economic contribution. The passport provides visa-free or visa-on-arrival access to 124 destinations, including Europe’s Schengen Area, Russia and Turkey.
#9 Portugal
Portugal is one of the oldest countries in Europe. Investors may apply for the Golden Resident Permit Programme, which grants successful applicants residency in the country, unlike other direct Citizenship by Investment programmes. Portugal allows investors to obtain citizenship without having to live in Portugal.
Now that you know some of the countries that offer Citizenship by Investment programmes, it is time for you to get a deeper understanding of the processes and benefits. Get in touch with us today and we will help you!
