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citizenship programmes
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Citizenship by Investment (CBI) gives you a second passport and dual citizenship. With the best CBI programmes, you can invest in a secure, stable country and, then, fast-track your path to a new nationality.
Enjoy benefits like visa-free travel and a higher standard of living. Invest in a new citizenship today and secure a better future for you and your family.
The RIF Trust team has global experts in over 12 countries. We can advise in 14 languages. Let us help you find the perfect investment migration solution.
The RIF Trust team has global experts in over 12 countries. We can advise in 14 languages. Let us help you find the perfect investment migration solution.
A second passport is the best Plan B for these complicated times. Having a second citizenship provides your escape route to a safe haven along with your family and wealth.
With a second passport, you increase your options for top-tier education in better schools. You'll also improve your family's career opportunities.
With a second passport in hand, you make international travel easier. The best CBI programmes offer a second passport with a greater access to visa-free destinations.
A second passport takes you closer to superior healthcare services, luxury living locations, and regions with a higher quality of life. Live your best life thanks to RIF Trust.
The concept of citizenship has been around for years, as ancient Greek states like Athens pioneered the idea of granting citizenship. Citizens in Athens had the right to own property, run for political office, vote on administrative affairs, and, also, fully contribute to the economy.
Citizens now have full rights within their country, but their status comes with responsibilities such as avoiding any criminal conduct, contributing to the economy, and, what’s more, respecting the rights of other citizens.
Many consider getting multiple citizenships a complex process because most of the routes to becoming a dual citizen are quite long or demand specific requirements. Here are the main routes to acquiring a second citizenship:
The idea of CBI also stems from ancient times, and the Roman Republic was the first nation to develop it into a route to citizenship. Those who contributed to the Roman economy under specific requirements were granted citizenship and all the rights that came with it, and the concept still holds true today.
Many countries now offer what is referred to as a CBI programme, which is a route to obtaining a citizenship certificate and passport of a nation through contributing to the economy. The idea is that by investing in a country, you have fulfilled part of your duty as a citizen and hence should be considered one. Your other responsibilities are avoiding criminal activities and, also, respecting the laws and the rights of other citizens. Due diligence is applied by these CBI countries.
The Grenada, Malta, St Lucia, and Türkiye Citizenship by Investment programmes include the rights to vote in an election. Their passports can also ease travel to the likes of European Union countries and the United States.
Economic citizenship is extremely beneficial to the countries granting citizenship, as it provides their governments with significant sums of unencumbered foreign direct investment funds to help develop the nation.
The Commonwealth of Dominica, for example, uses funds from its CBI Programme to create affordable housing for its residents. The programme also funds the development of the country’s international airport. This a project that will positively affect residents’ lifestyle and the nation’s economy as well.
CBI programmes differ from one country to the next, but the most common types of investment options usually fall into 5 main categories, which are:
Many countries grant citizenship to those who donate a minimum amount to a country’s economy. The donation option is usually the simplest and cheapest route to obtain citizenship, as, in some countries, the required amount starts at as low as $100,000. However, donations, by definition, mean that investors do not get their money back.
Donations are usually made to official funds, which the government uses to develop the country. In some cases, a government may create an ad hoc fund to combat a capital crisis or natural disasters, such as the St Kitts and Nevis Hurricane Relief Fund, which was a temporary route to citizenship with a lesser donation than the then normal Sustainable Growth Fund due to the country having to quickly rebuild after a devastating hurricane season.
Investing in real estate is one of the most popular routes to obtaining citizenship. Most countries have a real estate option, and many of them allow you to choose between either buying actual property or shares in luxury resorts.
Real-estate investments are cost-effective in the long run, as investors can resell their properties after a specific holding period set by the government. Investors can even profit from the property during the holding period by either renting it out or receiving dividends. The real-estate option is also attractive for larger families.
A couple of countries give investors the option to buy government bonds or securities to obtain citizenship. Government bonds are considered a safer option but do not yield much profit.
Private securities, on the other hand, are higher risk but can achieve a higher return on investment.
This option is unique to Malta’s CBI Programme and requires you to invest in more than just one route. You’ll need to invest in real estate as well as donate to the government.
A few countries offer you the chance to apply for citizenship through establishing a business. Some countries require you to invest a specific amount of capital in their business, while others grant citizenship based on the number of jobs a certain business has created and maintained for a set amount of years.
Many countries around the world offer their own version of a CBI programme aka Citizenship by Investment programs. A number of nations have a route to economic citizenship. The premise remains the same, but the requirements and processing differ from one country to the next.
However, generally, anyone who wants to apply must:
Malta and Antigua and Barbuda are unique in requiring physical residency. No other CBI nation makes its economic citizens reside there. So, permanent residence is not required in Dominica, Grenada, St Kitts and Nevis, St Lucia, Türkiye, or Vanuatu.
At RIF Trust, we have extensive experience in the fields of residency and citizenship. We help governments to set up and optimize investment migration programmes. These are also known as golden visa programmes. We are industry leaders. Additionally, we excel in country branding and strategic marketing communications.
Find out moreRIF Trust advises on Residency by Investment programmes in the world's premier destinations. We're the leading authority on social mobility and citizenship opportunities. Switch residency to a favourable country or increase your number of residencies as well.
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