Some investors inquire about the simplest nations to obtain citizenship in. The allure is simple to grasp. Investors can improve their quality of life and cultural understanding while making an investment. Furthermore, being a global citizen offers up more financial prospects. As a result, while popular citizenship investment programmes are not new, they have received significant attention in the previous 10 years.
There are now various types of citizenship application processes in use across the world, with varying qualifying criteria and requirements. Citizenship by birth and citizenship by descent are examples of this. This is referred to as jus sanguinis. Naturalisation is another way for foreign persons to become citizens of another country. After marriage and residency, several nations offer citizenship to foreign spouses of its residents.
Investors, on the other hand, are considering citizenship by investment, in which they purchase citizenship by making large financial contributions to the country’s economy.
Citizenship in the Easiest Countries
Citizenship by investment (CBI) permits people to obtain citizenship or permanent residency in other nations by making significant financial investments. Individuals can receive citizenship or resident status in the destination country in exchange for particular monetary contributions, such as investing in real estate, government bonds, enterprises, or other economic development projects.
In recent years, citizenship choices have grown in popularity. Several governments make them available in order to attract foreign direct investment, develop their economies, and generate new commercial possibilities. Global mobility, business prospects, quality of life, and tax advantages are among the perks. Individuals may benefit from tax breaks, such as reduced tax rates or exemptions from taxes on overseas income and capital gains. Furthermore, applicants gain from access to education and healthcare, and certain passports make travel easier due to visa perks.
The qualifications, application methods, and investment choices for each country’s citizenship programme are unique. Furthermore, some nations have limits on dual citizenship, forcing applicants to relinquish their present citizenship in order to become citizens.
Before making any financial commitments, prospective applicants should perform complete research, obtain expert counsel from competent immigration consultants or attorneys, and carefully consider the benefits and drawbacks.
Concerning Dual Citizenship
Dual citizenship, also known as dual nationality or multiple citizenship, refers to a person who is a citizen of two or more nations at the same time. This implies the individual has the benefits of dual citizenship in both nations. However, not all nations allow citizens to hold dual citizenship, and the regulations differ from one country to the next.
Birthright (being born in a country that grants citizenship based on birth), descent (having parents from different countries), marriage to a foreign citizen, naturalisation in another country, or specific citizenship programmes offered by certain countries are all ways to obtain dual citizenship. Some nations do not recognise dual citizenship and may compel persons to renounce citizenship in order to purchase citizenship in that country. This is something to consider.
Typical Citizenship Investment Needs
Investment requirements differ from nation to country. Each country has its own set of rules and laws.
Minimum Investment Amount: Each programme has a certain amount that candidates must contribute in order to be eligible for citizenship. The sums invested vary greatly between nations and investment alternatives. Applicants must occasionally provide proof of a monthly income received legitimately from authorised sources.
Due Diligence and Application: Most programmes need candidates to go through a due diligence procedure. Applicants pay non-refundable application fees to cover the costs of application processing.
Residency or Physical Presence: Some programmes require candidates to spend a certain amount of time in the nation before to or after attaining citizenship. Many programmes, however, do not have rigorous residence or physical presence requirements.
Language Levels and Health Insurance: Some nations require candidates to demonstrate basic language skills as well as cultural, historical, and legal understanding. Some programmes require participants to get private health insurance coverage for themselves and their dependents.
Dependent Family Members: Many programmes enable candidates to list their spouse, children, and, in certain cases, parents or grandparents as dependent family members. The application will be assessed by the appropriate government officials. The processing period varies, although certain programmes provide accelerated processing alternatives.
Portugal
The “Golden Visa” programme in Portugal allows foreign investors to obtain residency in Portugal and, eventually, apply for Portuguese citizenship, which will also lead to European citizenship. Applicants must be non-EU/EEA/Swiss nationals with no felony convictions.
They make small investments in residential or commercial property in Portugal. The minimal value varies based on the age and location of the property. Alternatively, they move large sums of money into Portuguese bank accounts or invest in Portuguese companies or enterprises. By starting a firm, they can also create employment that pay the national income wage in Portugal.
Lisbon skyline with the Sao Jorge Castle
Applicants apply to the Portuguese Immigration and Borders Service (SEF) or their home country’s Portuguese consulate. Proof of finances, property records, and other supporting information should be included in the application. If your application is successful, you will be awarded temporary residence permits in Portugal to live and work. The first residency permit is usually good for one year and is renewable.
After the first time, you can extend your resident visa for two years if you satisfy the program’s conditions. Apply for permanent residency after five years. If you fulfil the Portuguese language and integration criteria, you can apply for Portuguese citizenship after six years of holding a Golden Visa (five years of temporary and one year of permanent residency). Successful candidates will become Portuguese citizens, and you may be entitled for a Portuguese passport and all of its privileges.
Spain
Spain does not provide direct avenues to citizenship. Instead, under their programme, investors may get temporary residence cards that might lead to long-term or permanent residency in Spain. They seek for citizenship and a passport after 10 years.
Depending on the area, the minimum investment in residential property ranges from €500,000 to €1 million. The application can be made in Spain or at the Spanish consulate in the applicant’s place of origin.
Granada’s cityscape. Spain’s Andalusia
The investor will be issued a one-year temporary residence status, allowing them to live and work in Spain. If the property is not sold, the temporary residency permit can be renewed for another two years.
Malta
Individuals can get a Maltese passport and citizenship by a combination of financial donations under the “Malta Individual Investor Programme” (MIIP).
The MIIP accepts non-EU nationals who satisfy specified qualifying criteria, such as excellent health and adequate financial resources. Applicants can either pay to the Development and Social Fund (NDSF) or purchase a property and hold it for five years. Minimum amounts differ based on area and property type.
Applicants must submit detailed applications, including supporting documentation, tax payments, and investment evidence, as well as pass due diligence examinations. Applicants and qualified dependents are granted Maltese residence if their petitions are approved. After completing all criteria, including property maintenance, apply for Maltese citizenship.
If the citizenship application is approved, the candidates and their dependents will become Maltese citizens. This involves getting a Maltese passport and taking use of the perks and rights that come with Maltese citizenship. In addition to property investments and financial commitments, candidates may be needed to satisfy other requirements such as language competency and demonstrating real ties to Malta.
Antigua and Barbuda
Antigua and Barbuda are twin Caribbean island countries in the Caribbean. Citizens can travel visa-free to over 150 countries and territories, including the European Schengen Area, the United Kingdom, Hong Kong, and many more popular business and leisure destinations. Individuals can travel, reside, and work in any country that acknowledges their citizenship as citizens, allowing them more global mobility and access to worldwide opportunities.
The CIP (citizenship investment programme) application covers immediate family members such as spouses, dependent children, parents, and grandparents. Furthermore, the CIP does not need applicants to reside in the nation, making this country appealing to individuals who do not intend to migrate immediately.
Antigua and Barbuda provides appealing tax advantages to its inhabitants, including no wealth, inheritance, gift, or capital gains taxes. Contributions to Development Funds or investing in government-approved property developments are two CIP investment options that contribute to the nation’s infrastructure and economy.
St. Kitts and Nevis
Since its inception in 1984, the St. Kitts and Nevis Citizenship by Investment (CBI) programme has attracted hundreds of overseas investors seeking Caribbean citizenship. Through qualified financial donations, people and their families can get citizenship and a second passport. Applicants can choose to make SGF donations to different national development initiatives such as infrastructure, healthcare, education, and tourism.
However, applicants can also invest in authorised property projects, such as luxury resorts or high-end residences, for a period of five years, with minimum sums established by the government. Applicants may include dependant children and parents aged 55 and up in their application.
St. Kitts and Nevis recognises and enables dual citizenship, allowing investors to keep their original nationality while obtaining citizenship, and there is no necessity for candidates to live there. They do not levy personal income, wealth, gift, or inheritance taxes, making this a tax-friendly location.
Turkey
The Turkish citizenship by real estate programme allows international investors to get Turkish citizenship by purchasing property in Turkey. This programme was launched in 2018 in order to attract foreign direct investment and stimulate the country’s housing sector.
The programme welcomes foreign citizens over the age of 18 who fulfil certain financial and legal prerequisites. An applicant must purchase property in Turkey worth at least USD 400,000 to qualify. Because the government seeks to restructure the city’s real estate sector, the majority of government-approved properties under the programme are in Istanbul.
Turkey’s cost of living compared to the United States
The Ministry of Environment and Urbanisation must approve the investment. After making the investment, the candidate applies to the Directorate General of Migration Management for Turkish citizenship. The applicant must present evidence of investment as well as other necessary papers, such as a valid passport, application form, and other supporting materials.
The candidate and family members, such as spouses and minor children, are eligible for Turkish citizenship. Dual citizenship is permitted in Turkey, thus individuals can keep their original nationality while also obtaining Turkish citizenship.
Canada
There are no direct real estate investment programmes in Canada that allow persons to get citizenship purely via financial investments. Canada, on the other hand, offers permanent residency through a variety of programmes, which leads to Canadian citizenship through the standard naturalisation procedure.
The start-up visa programme is designed for entrepreneurs who have new company ideas that will help the Canadian economy. Applicants must have the backing of specified organisations to be eligible. Other requirements include linguistic proficiency and adequate settlement cash.
The Quebec Immigrant Investor Programme is aimed for high-net-worth people who invest large sums in government-approved investments for set periods of time. Applicants who are successful obtain a Quebec Selection Certificate (CSQ), which leads to permanent residency in Quebec.
Provincial Nominee Programmes (PNPs) provide avenues to permanent residency for investors and entrepreneurs who want to create or engage in firms in a particular province. The Express Entry system, on the other hand, is a points-based immigration system that processes applications for three federal economic immigration programmes:
- FSWP (Federal Skilled Worker Programme),
- FSTP (Federal Skilled Trades Programme)
- CEC stands for Canadian Experience Class.
Age, education, job experience, language, and flexibility all get points. Assume an applicant obtains an ITA through Express Entry and successfully applies for permanent residency. In such situation, they can finally get Canadian citizenship through naturalisation.
After becoming a permanent resident, an individual must fulfil specified residency and physical presence criteria before becoming eligible for Canadian citizenship through the usual naturalisation procedure. Before applying for citizenship, permanent residents must have lived in Canada for at least 1,095 days (three years) in the previous five years.
Ireland
The “Ireland Immigrant Investor Programme” (IIP) permits high-net-worth individuals and families to gain residency in Ireland through qualified financial investments. While the IIP does not provide immediate citizenship, it does provide residence, which leads to Irish citizenship.
Non-EEA (European Economic Area) citizens having a net worth of at least €2 million are eligible for Ireland’s Immigrant Investor Programme. Applicants must have a strong reputation and commit to make qualified investments in Ireland. They can invest at least €1 million in an established or new Irish firm that produces or retains employment for Irish residents, or they can invest at least €1 million in an authorised fund controlled by Ireland’s Central Bank that focuses on Irish enterprises.
Alternatively, make a generous commitment of at least €500,000 to public programmes in Ireland’s arts, sports, health, culture, or education, or invest at least €2 million in any Irish REIT listed on the Irish Stock Exchange.
Documents and investment proof must be submitted to the Irish Naturalisation and Immigration Service (INIS) for examination. A letter of approval is provided if the proposal is approved. Applicants and family members obtain first residence permits after being granted. They can live, work, and study in Ireland with this permission.
Typically, the initial residency permit is good for two years. Following the first time, investors can renew every two years as long as they follow the program’s standards. They are eligible for long-term or permanent residence in Ireland after five years of continuous stay. After obtaining long-term residency and meeting the qualifying requirements, an investor can apply for Irish citizenship.
Grenada
Grenada’s Programme, which began in 2013, provides a variety of investment alternatives for individuals pursuing citizenship. The most obvious option is the National Transformation Fund (NTF), where applicants donate to different economic and development projects in Grenada. The National Transformation Fund option often has a lower minimum sum than the property and commercial alternatives. After making the appropriate investment, candidates apply for Grenadian citizenship through a licenced local agency or authorised representative. Grenadian citizenship is granted to applicants and qualified family members, including spouses, children, and dependent parents.
St. Lucia
The programme, which was established in 2015, invites foreign direct investment in order to support economic growth. For candidates seeking citizenship in St. Lucia, the CIP provides many possibilities. Applicants contribute to the National Economic Fund, which supports infrastructure, healthcare, and education programmes in St. Lucia. Alternatively, invest in real estate or government-approved business initiatives that create employment and contribute to the growth of St. Lucia. This alternative necessitates a larger investment.
Dominica
The programme, which began in 1993, provides candidates seeking citizenship with simple and fast procedures. Applicants must either invest in the Economic Diversification Fund Contribution (EDF), which supports a variety of public and private sector programmes in Dominica, including as education, healthcare, and infrastructure, or they must be a Dominica resident. There is also the possibility of investing in real estate. Following the completion of the specified investment, candidates apply for Dominican citizenship through licenced local agencies or authorised representatives. The application will be reviewed by the Dominica Investment Unit (CBIU).
What is the simplest EU nation to obtain citizenship in?
Obtaining citizenship in European countries is complicated and time-consuming, and the procedures differ from one country to the next. While there is no one “easiest” EU nation to obtain citizenship from, certain European countries may have simpler and shorter naturalisation processes than others. In most EU nations, the normal path to citizenship is through residency, which often entails legal and continuous presence, language competency, integration requirements, and satisfying particular prerequisites.
Malta: Through financial contributions and other conditions, individuals can get citizenship through Malta’s Programme (MIIP). The programme is quick to process and does not need actual residency in Malta.
Portugal: Portugal’s programme offers eligible investors the opportunity to gain residence and eventually citizenship.
Cyprus: Cyprus provides a Citizenship Programme through qualifying investments in real estate and other choices.
Greece: Greece’s programme is similar to Portugal’s in that it allows individuals to purchase residence through qualified investments such as real estate.
Spain: Spain’s programme grants residence to investors who make qualified investments, with the goal of ultimately granting long-term residency or citizenship.
What are the costs of Citizenship by Investment programmes?
Citizenship investment programmes vary greatly in price. various countries have various minimum investment amounts, application fees, and other expenditures.
St. Kitts and Nevis: Gifts to the Sustainable Growth Fund begin at $250,000, while property gifts begin at $400,000.
Dominica: The Economic Diversification Fund (EDF) option starts at $100,000, while a property starts at $200,000.
Antigua and Barbuda: The CIP begins at $100,000 for gifts to the National Development Fund or $200,000 for property.
Grenada: Donations for National Transformation begin at $150,000, while housing begins at $220,000.
Cyprus: The real estate option starts at €2 million. This might be a single property or many properties.
Malta: The Malta Individual Investor Programme (MIIP) begins with NDSF payments of €650,000 or $700,000 for real estate.
Portugal: The programme in Portugal begins at €350,000 for homes in low-density regions and €500,000 for other property possibilities.
Finally, purchasing citizenship has become more available in several nations in recent years. This procedure offers appealing possibilities for people seeking a new place to call home. It provides faster and easier ways to learn about foreign cultures and start a new life.
Overall, the governments of nations such as Portugal, Dominica, and Antigua and Barbuda make it simpler for individuals to become global citizens and build a better and brighter future for all engaged. As a result, if you are seeking for the simplest nations to get citizenship and would want to speak with an agent, please contact us right away. Alternatively, you may browse our property portfolio, which has investment homes for sale all around the world.
