Some countries around the world will give you citizenship if you provide an investment plan, to join their program and move there. It sounds like something that people don’t usually expect to be possible, but the truth is that there are so many of them that are providing citizenship programs to those who are ready to invest there. It’s also known as citizenship by investment program, and if you want to learn more about it, you need to search by that keywords.
Some countries are offering direct routes, and others have longer procedures until you get the documents and start your business there. In some cases, the person may obtain a sponsorship license, which is quite similar, but you need to have someone in the country there to confirm about you, so you can get that license. By doing that, they are allowed to hire you, as a part of the program for sponsorship. You can find more information about that on https://imperiallegal.com/sponsorship-licence/.
It’s so good to know all the options you have, so you can choose which country do you prefer more, and where do you want to start your new life, alone or together with your loved ones.
However, if you are interested in the citizenship you will receive based on your initiative to invest and contribute to the economy, then you should focus on one of the following countries:
1. St Kitts and Nevis
This is a relatively new country, which has been independent since 1984, but which has one of the most advanced citizenship programs by investment. Their terms are easy and clear, in addition to the plan you have in mind, you must follow their terms, but also choose whether to apply through the program with a non-refundable contribution in the amount of 150,000 USD or buy real estate at a certain value, where you will live with your family. In the first case, this investment is for a family of up to four members, with a surcharge of more than that. In the latter case, the more expensive the property, the shorter the period when you can put it up for sale yourself.
Citizenship of St Kitts and Nevis comes with benefits, such as the opportunity for your children to inherit it, as well as your grandchildren, but also the opportunity to obtain a passport so you can travel to over 150 countries around the world.
2. Vanuatu
The passport you will receive in Vanuatu covers the entire Commonwealth. This is a very popular destination, and the application process is really easy and sometimes less than a month is enough until your application is approved. Depending on where you come from, you are entering a different citizenship program. For example, you can be part of a Development Support Program that applies to all countries, but the Honorary Citizenship Contribution Program is only for China and Hong Kong. For both, the minimum investment is $ 130,000. The difference between St Kitts and Nevis is that it grows for each additional family member who comes with you.
3. St. Lucia
St Lucia’s investment program is from 2016. There are several options, one of which is to invest in real estate development for at least $ 300,000 over a period of five years. The other is a $ 3.5 million investment, along with an approved job creation project. You can also apply as a partner, but that investment is higher. Although the minimum investment and approval time are higher than the previous two examples listed, and there are additional costs, St Lucia citizenship also offers some benefits.
Thus, in addition to living in a beautiful country, you will be able to travel to over 140 destinations without any problems. It is convenient that you can include your children in the application if they are not older than 31, siblings under 18, or parents who are at least 56 years old.
4. Malta
Malta’s program is the most popular among European citizens, as it also has an EU passport. Cyprus has a similar program, but Malta is more attractive because it is cheaper and ideal for those who want to start a business in a European country. First, you need to invest 150,000 euros and buy or rent real estate. You have to be well informed about all the conditions and the process can take time, but during that time you can work there as a foreigner and save money for when you get citizenship.
What do you get plus? You live in a country in the Mediterranean that is both parts of the European Union and the British Commonwealth. In addition, the beaches around are beautiful, and there are locations that are unique and you cannot find similar anywhere.
5. Montenegro
It is a Balkan country that is in the process of its European integration process to become part of the European Union. But they are part of the biometric regime, which means you have no restrictions, except for the UK, Ireland, and of course the US. They have a really light tax system, while the real estate market offers a lot, at affordable prices.
Many decide to join investment programs in Montenegro right now, while the conditions for obtaining citizenship are easy. It is believed that the moment they join the European Union, these things will change, but the passport will have a much greater value than now.
Conclusion
Moving abroad so that you can grow your business and international communication channels is one of the ideas worth considering. There are several countries where it is worth joining an investment citizenship program. In addition to business opportunities, you also get more powerful passports than those in your home country, so you will not have long procedures and obstacles on your business trips and meetings. Of course, keep in mind that some things are going slower at the moment, due to the current situation with Covid-19. So, get informed and be very quick, because some of these programs are limited.