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FAQs - Frequently Asked Questions
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What is Citizenship by Investment?
Citizenship is a form of legal status in a sovereign country. Citizenship allows individuals to benefit from certain rights and are required to fulfil certain responsibilities in the sovereign country.
Citizenship by Investment is acquiring citizenship in another country by making a donation or a investment.
What is Residency by Investment?
Residency is another form of legal status in a sovereign country. Residency is typically granted on a temporary or permanent basis.
As a resident, you are not entitled to the full spectrum of benefits from citizenship such as voting or holding public office.
Obligations such as allegiance to the state and military service to the country are not typically required by a resident.
Residency by Investment requires an individual to invest in government bonds, real estate or a business.
What is the main difference between Citizenship by Investment and Residency by Investment?
The main difference between residency and citizenship holders is the inability to hold a passport of the country as a resident.
With residency, there are limitations such as the inability to vote or hold public office positions.
The long term aim of a resident would be to ultimately acquire citizenship in their country of residence.
In certain residency programmes, citizenship can be achieved after 2 years of residency.
What are the benefits of citizenship by investment? Why apply for 2nd citizenship?
Second citizenship is a wealth planning tool designed to protect wealth, provide greater visa-free travel access and improve the education prospects of young family members. Families worldwide are increasingly looking for backup options should they need to relocate to protect themselves from political instability or future pandemics.
Click here to read more about the benefits of second citizenship
Why is Citizenship by investment preferred to residency by investment?
- Citizenship by Investment programmes do not require any language requirements, whereas most residency programmes require applicants to satisfy language tests before residency can be granted.
- Citizenship can be acquired within 6 months through Citizenship by Investment programmes whereas Residency programmes require at least 2 years of residency before applicants can qualify for citizenship.
- A residency programme typically requires an applicant to travel to the country in question to submit biometrics and in order to open a bank account. Citizenship by Investment applications, on the other hand, can be completed entirely online.
- Citizenship is granted for life and is automatically passed down to future children, providing instant security and protection for children born in politically unstable countries.
- Instant visa-free access to over 140 countries is granted by Citizenship by Investment. Residency programmes do not enhance your visa-free travel access in the short run.
What countries offer citizenship by investment?
The following countries offer Citizenship by Investment Programmes:
- Antigua and Barbuda
- Dominica
- Grenada
- St Kitts and Nevis
- St Lucia
- Turkey
What countries offer residency by investment?
The following countries offer Residency by Investment Programmes:
- Malta
- Portugal
- United Kingdom
- Spain
How much does Citizenship by Investment cost?
The cost of Citizenship by Investment is dependent upon the number of family members applying and the cost varies depending on the chosen citizenship programme. As a general overview, government donations start from $200,000.
What are the advantages of investing in real estate through citizenship by investment?
Donations are the more affordable method in gaining citizenship however investments are still a popular option.
The citizenship by investment industry offers a number of real estate opportunities. The team at AIM Capital has handpicked a range of investment opportunities for the programme, varying from hotel investment shares, freehold apartments and freehold villas. Applicants for the programme must invest in government approved projects in order to qualify for citizenship. The real estate projects in the citizenship by investment market are all regulated by government authorities and all developments are strictly regulated in order to ensure all projects are sustainable in the long run in terms of value, build structure and long-term rental income.
- An investor can resell their investment after a 5-year period through Citizenship by Investment.
- Applicants can benefit from the lifestyle of a second home.
- Large family citizenship applicants may find it more affordable to choose real estate investments.
- Real estate investment can also be the best route to second citizenship for applicants from unstable regions or countries offering such applicants the option to reside in another country whenever required.
- From a tax or wealth planning perspective, it is always advisable to invest in real estate. It is important to have a mailing address in a country of second citizenship in order to prove domicile status in a respective country whenever required by foreign authorities.
- Owning a home in the country of second citizenship makes it easier to open a bank account and demonstrates close ties with the respective country.
Who can apply for citizenship by investment?
Some governments do not accept citizenship applications from certain nationalities due to security reasons.
Governments work with international due diligence agencies and law enforcement to ensure the vetting process of applicants remain strict and efficient. This prevents criminals from acquiring second citizenships.
General requirements for citizenship by investment are the following:
1. Applicants must not have a criminal record or be under investigation for a criminal offence.
2. Applicant should not have been rejected for a visa from a country which has a visa-free travel agreement with the country offering citizenship. All visa rejections must be disclosed.
3. Applicant cannot provide any false documentation or information in the application forms.
5. Applicant must be able to demonstrate their ability to finance the investment at the approval stage and prove how their wealth has been accumulated.
Is citizenship by investment legal?
Gaining a Citizenship by Investment is a completely legal process. These citizenship schemes have been around for over 30 years and have ben incorporated into each respective country's legal framework.
Citizenship by investment Programmes continue to go from strength to strength every year. Governments prioritise the importance of a strong due diligence process in order to protect the national security of their country and the value of their country’s passport.