Investment citizenship: advantages, programs, comparison

How to obtain citizenship of another country through investments?

Do you want to become a citizen of another country without going through complicated immigration procedures? Second citizenship opens up many opportunities for you and your family and helps protect your investments.

Cyprus:

• Citizenship from 2,150,000 € in 6 months

Turkey:

• Citizenship when purchasing real estate for $400,000 in 3 months

Egypt:

• Citizenship for investment and real estate from $250,000 for 6 months

Malta:

• Investments of €700,000, obtaining citizenship in 15 months.

Bulgaria:

• Investments starting from €512,000, with a waiting period of 24 months.

Other countries:

• Antigua and Barbuda, Saint Lucia, Dominica: citizenship for $100,000 in 3 months, 2 months, and 4 months respectively.
• Grenada, Montenegro, Vanuatu, Saint Kitts and Nevis also offer citizenship through investment and real estate.

Many successful people today have two passports, which helps them in business and everyday life. Having dual citizenship opens up new horizons and opportunities for growth and development.

The citizenship by investment program in Bulgaria

The Citizenship by Investment Program in Bulgaria was launched in 2009 and is available to investors from non-European Union countries. for investors from non-EU countries. There were two options for investment: 1 million leva in government securities or BGN 2 million in business projects. Initially, investors received temporary residence, which could later be converted into full citizenship. After 5 5 years after the investment, the funds could be returned, while keeping the national passport.

Advantages of Bulgarian citizenship

Despite Bulgaria's lack of membership in the Schengen Area, the Bulgarian passport allows for free movement within the European Union without the need for a visa, as well as the ability to stay in Canada for up to six months without visa restrictions. Additionally, Bulgaria permits dual citizenship, which is an added advantage for investors.

Issues with the program and its suspension

However, the citizenship by investment program in Bulgaria did not become particularly popular. Around 2017, there were no interested parties, and in 2018, there was only one application for participation. Due to the low activity, the authorities decided to suspend the program in 2019.

Criticism of the European Commission

The European Commission has expressed criticism regarding citizenship by investment programs, believing that they contribute to money laundering, corruption, and tax evasion. In January 2019, the EU voiced its dissatisfaction not only with Bulgaria but also with Cyprus and Malta. This led to stricter regulations, increased oversight, and the freezing of programs.

Conclusions and consequences

Such changes have impacted not only Europe but also other countries offering similar programs. They are striving for increased transparency and readiness for international cooperation. As a result, legal investors focused on compliance with the law benefit by obtaining citizenship in a country with a high level of safety and reputation.

Vanuatu citizenship programs

Vanuatu offers two programs, the Vanuatu Subsidy Program (VCP) and the Development Support Program (DSP). Development Support Program (DSP). The first program grants full citizenship and the second grants honorary citizenship. Required grant contributions ranging from $150,000 for a single applicant to $200,000 for a family with two children.

Critique and advantages of programs

Despite criticism from local residents and the international community, obtaining Vanuatu citizenship opens doors to Schengen Area countries, Hong Kong, and provides the opportunity to retain one's original citizenship.

Obtaining Grenadian citizenship

Another attractive option for citizenship is Grenada, a kingdom in the Caribbean. More than 1,600 foreigners have already taken advantage of the opportunity to acquire Grenada citizenship, presented by two options - donation to the National Transformation Fund (NTF) from $150 thousand or purchasing real estate in a government project for $350k or more.

Opportunities after obtaining citizenship

Obtaining citizenship in West Grenada provides the opportunity to apply for a non-immigrant E-2 visa in the USA. The pros and cons of these programs are similar to those of other countries in the region: a low entry threshold, quick processing, visa-free access, and distance from Russia, but there is also the threat of hurricanes in the area.

The "Citizenship by Investment" program in Dominica

Launched in 1991, it has undergone several changes and is considered one of the most transparent in the world, attracting international investors. It is estimated that between 6,000 and 10,000 people already hold local passports.

Obtaining Dominica Citizenship:

• Make a non-refundable contribution to the government fund of $100,000 or purchase real estate for $200,000.
• Real estate should be held for at least 5 years.
• The Dominican passport provides visa-free access to 135 countries around the world.

Investment program of Jordan

Launched in 2018, accepted around 200 applications by April 2019. Investors have access to a variety of options - from investing in businesses to investing in projects.

Conditions for obtaining Jordanian citizenship:

• Creating 20 jobs and maintaining them for three years.
• Jordanian citizens have visa-free access to only 50 countries, which is significantly fewer than in other programs.

Citizenship by Investment Program in Cambodia

It offers investment in the country's economy or the purchase of real estate for obtaining citizenship, which, according to the government, contributes to economic growth and attracts investments.

Conditions for obtaining Cambodian citizenship:

• An investment of $250,000 in the economy or the purchase of real estate starting from $200,000.
• This program is also aimed at developing the country's economy.

Thus, citizenship-by-investment programs provide a unique opportunity to Citizenship by Investment programs provide a unique opportunity to obtain a second citizenship, provide visa-free access to many countries, and may be attractive to businessmen and those seeking a secure future for themselves and their families. businessmen and those seeking a secure future for themselves and their families.

Southeast Asia

Cambodia is a unique Asian country that offers the opportunity to obtain investment citizenship. There are several options available for foreigners. One of them is to make a donation of 1 billion Cambodian riels (approximately $250,000) for the development of the country's economy. Another option is to invest at least 6 billion riels ($1.5 million) in government-approved projects. However, there are certain challenges for Russian-speaking candidates, as knowledge of Cambodia's history and language is required.

Advantages of citizenship

• Visa-free entry:By obtaining Cambodian citizenship, you open yourself to the possibility of visa-free entry to many Asian countries and get rid of restrictions in the real estate market.
• Statistics:Since the launch of the program, 1,068 foreigners have become citizens of Cambodia, mainly from China and South Korea.

Program in Cyprus

Cyprus is an EU member country offering a Citizenship by Investment program. Launched in 2013, it has attracted a large number of investors, mainly from Russia. In order to participate, it is necessary to invest at least €2,000,000 in the country's economy.

Malta: MIIP investment program

Malta, as a member of the European Union and the Schengen Area, has been implementing an impressive investment program, the MIIP (Malta Individual Investor Programme), since 2014. This program has not only gained popularity but has also received approval from the European Commission. However, this program has its limitations in the form of a quota of 1,800 applications, which may be filled as early as 2019-2020. Investors wishing to participate in the program must make a non-refundable contribution of €650,000 to the Malta National and Social Development Fund, as well as purchase government bonds for a term of 5 years for an amount starting from €150,000, and buy or rent property for 5 years starting from €350,000 or €16,000 per year.

Advantages of the program:

• Citizenship of Malta and visa-free entry to 160 countries around the world
• Moving for permanent residence to any country in the European Union

Moldova: Citizenship by Investment Program

In 2018, the Eastern European Republic of Moldova also implemented its "Citizenship by Investment" program. Foreigners were offered the opportunity to make a non-refundable contribution to the state fund ranging from €135,000 to €190,000, depending on the number of family members. Although the program was suspended in June 2019, it is expected to be resumed with certain conditions.

Saint Kitts and Nevis: Pioneers of Investment Immigration

The Caribbean countries of St. Kitts and Nevis became pioneers of investment immigration, as it was here that the first "Citizenship by Investment" program was launched in 1984. Since then, more than 16,500 investors have acquired economic citizenship of this Caribbean nation, choosing between a donation to the government fund starting at $150,000 and purchasing real estate starting at $400,000.

Advantages of the program:

• Quick passport issuance in 3-6 months
• Visa-free travel to many countries around the world and other benefits

Caribbean Barrier: A Path to 130 Visa-Free Countries

Interest in the "Citizenship by Investment" program in the Caribbean, launched in 2016 and popularized in recent years, is growing among investors. Russians now account for 3% of all approved applications.

Choice for investors

Investors can choose one of four options to obtain Caribbean citizenship. The options include a donation to the National Economic Fund ($100,000), investment in real estate ($300,000), investments in government bonds, or business projects ($3.5 million).

Advantages and disadvantages

Benefits of the program include free entry to 130 countries worldwide, fast passport issuance (3-5 months) and a low entry threshold. However, the limited number of government projects in the real estate sector real estate and the risk of earthquakes in the region can be disadvantages.

Montenegro: a new player in "Citizenship by Investment"

Montenegro, aiming to join the European Union and the Schengen Area, launched a program in 2018. Foreigners are invited to invest in approved development projects, with real estate prices starting from €250,000.

Expectations and the Future

Although the program in Montenegro is not currently accepting applications for practice, it is expected to start operating in 2020. The cost of the local passport may change after the country joins the European Union.

Travel without visas

The Montenegrin passport allows travel to 122 countries without a visa, but it does not grant the right to reside or work in the European Union. After joining the EU, the value of the passport may change.

Southwest Asia

Throughout 2018, significant changes in Turkey's legislation regarding citizenship acquisition attracted the attention of the global community. Turkish authorities lowered the threshold for investors, resulting in the number of economic citizens rapidly approaching the mark of 1,000 in a year.

Conditions for acquiring Turkish citizenship:

• Real Estate Acquisition:from $250,000
• Investing in local production or business:$500 thousand
• Placing a deposit in a Turkish bank:$500 thousand
• Creation of 50 jobs.

To maintain citizenship, the investments must remain for a minimum of three years.

Advantages of Turkish citizenship:

Despite the fact that the Turkish passport does not offer advantages such as visa-free travel, it allows residents to live in the country year-round and enjoy all social benefits. This is particularly relevant for citizens of countries with unstable situations, such as Iran, Iraq, Yemen, Afghanistan, and Syria. The greatest interest in Turkish citizenship comes from local investors, but there is also demand from citizens of Russia, Ukraine, and Kazakhstan.

Comparison of investment citizenship programs:

If you are considering obtaining citizenship through investment, it is worth paying attention to the following to the loyal conditions also offered by the Caribbean countries. Here you will find low requirements for investment requirements and fast citizenship terms. In addition, these countries are more lenient towards criminal records and security checks than European countries.

Minimum amounts required for obtaining citizenship in various countries:

• Antigua and Barbuda: from $100,000
• Dominica: from $100,000
• St. Lucia: from $100 thousand.
• Vanuatu: from $150,000
• Grenada: from $150,000
• Saint Kitts and Nevis: from $150,000
• Cambodia: from $250,000
• Turkey: from $250 thousand.
• Malta: from €880,000
• Jordan: from $1 million
• Cyprus: from €2 million
• Austria: from €10 million

In conclusion, it can be said that investment citizenship provides unique opportunities to obtain a second citizenship or passport of another country in exchange for investment in its economy. opportunities to obtain a second citizenship or passport of another country in exchange for investment in its economy. Such programs allow for freedom of movement, easier access to international business, education, and medical services. and medical services. Each country has its own requirements and conditions, and the choice of a particular program of investment citizenship program depends on the individual needs and capabilities of each investor. At the same time, It is important to carefully consider all aspects of the program, including financial obligations, timelines for obtaining citizenship, and visa opportunities, in order to ensure that all aspects of the program are considered. citizenship and visa opportunities in order to make an informed decision.