Citizenship by investment (CBI) is a legal process that allows individuals to acquire citizenship of a country by making a qualifying investment in that country, which often includes contributions to a country's development fund, real estate investment, job creation, or other economic activities.
A Golden Visa program is a type of residence by investment initiative offered by various countries to attract foreign investors, entrepreneurs, and high-net-worth individuals. The program allows individuals and their families to obtain legal and permanent residency status in a country by making a significant investment or meeting specific criteria set by the host country. Holders of a golden visa are allowed to travel to certain countries without having to go through customs and immigration checkpoints.
For yourself, your business, and your family
Acquiring a second citizenship or residence makes you part of a broader, interconnected world community. Travelling will be much easier, many borders will fall and your safety will increase.
Travel to all the most reputable, safe and interesting countries without the need for a special visa and corresponding waiting periods. Your new passport is sufficient. Explore the world!
Expand your investment horizon through new opportunities that have been closed to you before. Potentially resell your property investment for profit or acquire more real estate for rental income. Become more flexible in your asset allocation.
Local tax specialists make sure that your financial setup incorporates applicable double taxation treaties and that you allocate proper resources to tax-advantaged instruments. Increase your financial safety and security.
A second citizenship or residence can facilitate the opening of bank and custody accounts not only in the host country but also in other big financial centers. We also support you in this process.
Studying abroad is a great opportunity for your children. It will improve their curriculum vitae and resume and improve job and internship prospects. They gain hands-on field experience and broaden their professional network.
Here's the list of the countries offering citizenship by investment programs across the globe:
Caribbean:
Europe:
Asia:
Oceania:
Follow these steps to obtain your Golden Visa:
To apply for citizenship by investment, follow these steps:
To apply for citizenship by investment, follow these steps:
A golden visa offers a multitude of benefits, primarily granting the holder and their family the right to reside, work, and possibly become citizens of the host country in the future. These programs significantly improve global mobility, allowing for easier access to various regions without the need for visa applications. It also opens doors to local educational institutions, from public schools to universities, and ensures access to healthcare services on par with citizens. The golden visa programs might come with attractive fiscal incentives, such as reduced tax rates and exemptions, which provide financial advantages. Beyond these benefits investing to secure a golden visa can yield significant financial returns. For instance, investments in real estate present a dual opportunity: a stable asset and the prospect of capital appreciation and rental income.
In the Caribbean there are 5 countries offering citizenship by investment:
If you're considering obtaining citizenship in Europe through investment, you have 3 options:
The duration for Golden Visa approval differs widely depending on the country. For instance, in Portugal, obtaining temporary residence status through the Golden Visa residency by investment program typically takes between 3 to 6 months.
Through a significant contribution to the economy of the host country, investors and their families can become citizens of that country. These contributions typically involve investments in real estate, businesses, government bonds, or national funds. This method is much faster compared to traditional immigration processes, allowing investors to bypass the usual lengthy and complex residency requirements.
Citizenship comes with inherent rights and represents a permanent status that can be passed down to future generations, offering lifelong security and belonging to a country. Citizens have a broad range of rights and are not required to renew their status.
On the other hand, residency refers to the right to live in a particular country, either temporarily or permanently. Residents may have permission to work and access some services but don't have all the rights of citizens, such as voting in national elections. While obtaining residency can be a pathway to citizenship in some cases, it might involve fulfilling additional requirements.
This distinction highlights the deeper commitment and integration into society that citizenship entails, as opposed to the more conditional and potentially temporary nature of residency.
Eligibility for citizenship by investment or a golden visa program varies by country, with each having its own set of key criteria to be met. Typically, you must be of legal adult age, usually over 18 years, and possess a clean criminal record. You’re also required to prove the lawful source of your investment funds. The investment itself must be substantial and directed into government-approved sectors like real estate, business ventures, or other designated programs. It's also important to consider the laws of your country of origin and any specific requirements that the program may have.
To determine your eligibility for citizenship by investment or golden visa program, we offer a complimentary initial consultation. Our experts will assess your needs and circumstances to provide a detailed and tailored response.