COUNTRIES |
PASSPORT DELIVERY |
INVESTMENT |
DONATION |
CHILDREN’S AND PARENTS’ AGE |
VISA FREE COUNTRIES |
LENGTH OF PERMANENT RESIDENCY |
PHYSICAL STAYp/year |
America & United Kingdom PROGRAMMES | |||||||
USA | 6 years | $900,000 | - | 21 | - | 2+3 years | 6 months |
UK | 4-6 years | £2 million* -
£10 million |
- | 18 | - | 5 years | 6 months/ year |
CANADA
The Quebec Investor Residency Program is temporarily closed |
5 years
|
CAD 1.2 million
|
CAD 350,000
|
22
|
-
|
5 years
|
730 days
|
EUROPEAN CITIZENSHIP | |||||||
GERMANY (EU residence program which leads to citizenship) | 8 years | €350,000 | - | <18 | 26 | 3+2 years | 1 day/ 6 months |
GREECE (EU residence program which leads to citizenship) | 7 years | €250,000 | - | <21 | 26 | 5 years | 1 visit |
PORTUGAL (EU residence program which leads to citizenship) | 5 years | €280,000 | - | <28 / > 65 | 26 | 1+2+2 years | 7 days/ year |
MONTENEGRO | 4-6 months |
€250,000 + €100,000 €450,000 |
- | 123 | - | 1 visit | |
MALTA | 13 months | €150,000 + €650,000 | < 26 / > 55 | 184 | - | 3 weeks | |
CYPRUS | 6 months | €2 million + €150,000 | 28 | 175 | - | 1 visit | |
CARIBBEAN CITIZENSHIP | |||||||
GRENADA | 3 months | $220,000 | $150,000 | < 30/ > 55 | 143 | - | no |
ANTIGUA | 4 months | $200,000 | $100,000 | < 28 / > 58 | 151 | - |
5 days / 5 years |
ST LUCIA | 3 months | $300,000 | $100,000 | < 25 / > 65 | 146 | - | no |
DOMINICA | 3 months | $220,000 | $100,000 | < 30 / > 55 | 140 | - | no |
ST KITTS & NEVIS | 3 months | $200,000 | $150,000 | < 30/ > 55 | 155 | - | no |
Middle Eastern CITIZENSHIP | |||||||
TURKEY | 5 months | $250,000 | - | <18 | 112 | - | no |
is a country of South and Southeast Europe on the coast of the Balkans. It borders Bosnia-Herzegovina to the northwest, Serbia to the northeast, Kosovo to the east,
Albania to the southeast,the Adriatic Sea to the southwest, and Croatia to the west. Montenegro has an area of 13,812 square kilometers and a population of 620,079.
Location - The Montenegro citizenship program was recently launched on 3rd October 2019. It has an annual quota limitation of only 2,000 applications. This program is a simple and fast process of buying second citizenship by buying local property and a donation. The newly approved scheme offers the following prime benefits:
Fast procedure. Residency within 3 weeks and approval of citizenship within six months.
Dependents under 18 years of age are also granted citizenship with main applicants.
No language requirements.
No obligation to relinquish current nationality.
NATO Member.
Candidate country for future expansion of the EU, expected by 2025.
E-2 Treaty Program signed between Montenegro and the United States which allows citizens of Montenegro to reside and work in the U.S. under an E-2 Investor Visa.
Global mobility with access to 116 nations visa-free.
Next country in line for European membership
BASIC Requirements
Real Estate & Donation Option a) Real estate investment from €250,000 in an undeveloped region as well as €100,000 government contribution, which makes €350,000 the total capital amount required
Real Estate & Donation Option b) Real estate investment from €450,000 in a developed region as well as €100,000 government contribution, which makes €550,000 the total capital amount required.
Conclusion - In less than 6 months, for just under €70,000 per family of five, an applicant family can afford to buy a luxurious property in Montenegro, benefit from the monthly rent, travel to 116 visa-free, benefit from E2 investor treaty to the UK and take their vacations in a beautiful country. For more information about Property values and information in Montenegro please see our recent article.
Location - The Portugal Golden Visa program has proven to be the most popular scheme in Europe with investors attracted to its flexibility and benefits.
Launched in 2012 the investor visa program has been actively promoted internationally by the Portuguese government. The process is split by installments. The investment according to the requirements shall grant the family “a residency permit” for a family including dependent children. The Golden visa Resident Permit can be renewed every two years - on condition that the applicants spend two weeks in Portugal every two years on vacation and build ties to the country. The Golden visa needs extending three times, at the 2-year mark, at the 4-year mark, and finally at the 5-year mark when you can finally request citizenship. The long-standing and highly reputed GOLDEN VISA PROGRAM offers the following prime benefits:
A very attractive option that enables a family to apply for permanent residency and citizenship after 5 years.
Portugal allows Dual citizenship
You can include your spouse and children under the age of 18, or over the age of 18 as long as they are full-time students
You can benefit from VISA free travel to 186 countries
The Golden Visa or Portuguese residency card permits the applicants to travel through the Schengen area. They are not free to work or reside, but this allows them to travel according to regulations and you will not need to apply for a Schengen visa separately.
The Portuguese passport is a full member of the European Union, permitting you to benefit from Free Movement in all 27 European states and freely live, reside, work or study in any country in Europe.
There is no need to live in Portugal.
The applicants are required to travel to Portugal on a two-week vacation once 2 years to enjoy a holiday, see a football game, go enjoy the surfing on the beaches and renew the “Golden Visa”.
The citizenship is based upon having purchased a property and owning this property for 5 years through the golden visa program.
You are required to start to make ties to Portugal, like a membership to a football club or registration to a local Church.
You are required after 5 years to sit a language test and show that you can speak basic Portuguese.
BASIC Requirements
Real Estate Option a) An investment of €500,000 in real estate in Portugal will gain a residency permit for a family including dependent children. Based on recent changes in the Law - the Golden Visa will no longer be available through investment in real estate property in major cities like Lisbon and Porto. Real estate property acquisition will be dispersed to regions of Azores and Madeira.
Real Estate Option b) It is possible to obtain the golden visa through a reduced investment of €350,000 into real estate requiring renovation. Such projects need to be approved by SEF as qualifying for the reduced investment amount and it is critical to ensure the right project and legal advice is obtained before embarking on such investment. La Vida has experience of many applications and projects for the €350,000 reduced initiative since its introduction. This option may be removed soon based on a rise in capital investment in Portugal and escape from the financial crisis in 2008.
Investment Option a) €350,000 to invest in a fund - The list of funds that are available changes - 3 options - a)Funds specifically designed for Golden Visa investors - accepting €350,000 investments, typically low to medium risk profile and accordingly low to medium expected returns; b) Traditional venture capital (VC) funds. Typically, invested in early-stage tech companies with global potential. c) Traditional private equity (PE) funds. Typically, invested in more traditional markets and/or financial instruments, sometimes with a focus on yearly dividends. Sometimes higher minimum investments than €350,000, fund length of 10+ years, often medium to high risk, with expected rewards accordingly.
Corporate Option a) setting up a Portuguese company with 10 employees and investing €150,000.
Conclusion - In 5 years, for just under $70,000 USD per family of five, an applicant family can afford to buy a luxurious property in Portugal, benefit from the monthly rent, travel to 186 visa-free and have the right to live, work and travel for unlimited time to 27 European countries.
Officially called the Republic of Cyprus, it is an island country in the Eastern Mediterranean that belongs to EUROPE and is the fastest and securest path to receive a EUROPEAN passport with all rights and eligibility of Free movement within Europe and Schengen.
Location - The long-standing and highly reputed Cypriot Citizenship by Investment Program offers the following prime benefits:
Approval of the citizenship application within approximately nine months;
No language requirements.
Applicants can include their parents into the main application and qualify for citizenship too, as long as the parents also own a house valued at €500,000 + VAT or own a share of €500,000 in residential property of the main applicant.
You do not have to be married and can be cohabiting couple
Low tax rates and free trade within the EU.
Freedom of movement within all 28 countries in Europe eligibility to live, work, and study in Europe.
Excellent education system as well as first-rate health care.
Very easy to fly to and spend a nice summer holiday
Warm weather all year round
BASIC Requirements
Donation of €75,000 to the Research and Innovation Foundation and the Cyprus Land Development Corporation
PLUS one of the following
Real Estate Option a) Applicants may invest at least €2,0 million for the purchase or construction of buildings or for the construction of other land development projects including residential or commercial developments, developments in the tourism sector, or other infrastructure projects; or
Business Option a) Purchase or Establishment or Participation in Cypriot Companies or Businesses - Applicants may invest at least €2,0 million for the purchase or participation in companies or organizations established and operating in the Republic of Cyprus. Proof of physical presence in Cyprus is required, with the employment of at least 5 (five) Cypriot citizens, or citizens of any EU member state. Plus a residential property purchased for at least (e)500,000; or
Investment Fund Option a) Investment in Alternative Investment Funds or Financial Assets of Cypriot Companies or Organizations -Applicants may invest in units of at least €2,0 million in Alternative Investment Funds or Registered Alternative Investment Funds or financial assets of Cypriot companies or Cypriot organizations that are licensed by Cyprus Securities and Exchange Commission. Plus a residential property purchased for at least (e)500,000; or
Combination Investment Option a) Applicants may invest in a combination of the above options. The combination of investments must total at least €2 million. Plus a residential property purchased for at least (e)500,000
** In all cases listed in Part A, the applicant must possess a permanent privately-owned residence in the Republic of Cyprus, the purchase price of which must be at least €500.000, plus V.A.T.
Location - Turkey is situated in Western Asia sharing borders with Europe and the Balkans. The recently developed Turkish Citizenship by Investment Program offers the following prime benefits:
Speedy Citizenship Processing taking between 2 and 4 months
Purchase of Property entails free rental income tax and the option to resell your property in three years
Fast Relocation Route To the United States through the E2 Treaty investor program for Turkey citizens
Fast relocation Route to the United Kingdom via the Turkish businessman treaty
Permits the main applicant with his spouses, children under 18 years old, and disabled children of any age.
The citizenship can be obtained from outside Turkey and no residency is required at all.
Turkish passport allows visa-free or visa on arrival access to 110 destinations including Singapore, Japan, Qatar, and South Korea.
BASIC Requirements
Real Estate Option a) Minimum $250,000 investment in any real estate in Turkey - Real Estate can be sold after 3 years to any subsequent buyer for citizenship.
Until the 31st of May, we have secured for our clients qualifying Turkish real estate with the following highlights:
Move-In Ready Apartments for only $250,000 USD
30% Return On Investment
Buy-Back Guarantee After Three Years
VAT Exemption
Financial DEPOSIT Option a) $500,000 USD should be deposited to a leading Turkish bank and maintained for three years. This is a very attractive and confident method for investors. For further confidence, the investment funds can be in US Dollar currency and will not lower any value by changing currencies.
Conclusion - For just under $50,000 USD a family of four can afford St Lucia Citizenship that will permit them visa-free travel to 135 countries worldwide
Location - Island located in the Caribbean Sea north of Trinidad and Tobago. Citizenship from Saint Lucia provides you, the investor, and your applicable dependent family members up to the age of 25, as well as parents over 65 years of age, with the advantages of Lifetime Citizenship.
The Saint Lucia Citizenship by Investment Program offers the following prime benefits:
Fast processing within three months.
Inclusion of dependent children under 25.
Inclusion of dependent parents above 65 who are currently residing with the applicant.
Inclusion of mentally or physically challenged dependent children and/or parents.
No physical residency requirements.
No requirement to travel to Saint Lucia during the application process.
No interview, education, or managerial experience required.
Visa-free travel to more than 100 countries, including the Schengen Zone, the U.K., and Hong Kong.
No tax on worldwide income.
BASIC Requirements
Real Estate Option a) Minimum $300,000 USD investment in approved real estate projects - Real Estate can be sold after 5 years to any subsequent buyer for citizenship.
Government Bonds Option a) The COVID-19 Relief Bond option is available until December 31, 2020. $250,000 for a family up to four. A single applicant is required to hold the non-interest-bearing bonds for five years, a married couple for six, and a family of four is seven years. The holding period for a couple or a family can be reduced to five years if they increase the bond purchase to $300,000.
Investment setting up an Eligible Business or Investment program Option a) Minimum $3,500,000 investment in approved enterprise project and creation of no less than 3 permanent jobs (Approved enterprise projects must fall under one of the following categories: speciality restaurants, cruise ports, and marinas, agro-processing plants, pharmaceutical products, ports, bridges, roads and highways, research institutions and facilities, or offshore universities)
Financial Donation Option a) St. Lucia National Economic Fund- $100,000 single applicant, $140,000 USD applicant and spouse, $150,000 applicant + spouse and up to 2 other qualifying dependents, $25,000 p/d.
Conclusion - For just under $50,000 USD a family of four can afford St Lucia Citizenship that will permit them visa-free travel to 135 countries worldwide.
* Fees do not include Government or legal consultation fees
Location - two Caribbean islands split between the Caribbean Sea and the North Atlantic Ocean, east-southeast of Puerto Rico
The Antigua & Barbuda Citizenship by Investment Program offers the following prime benefits:
Application processing within three to four months.
Inclusion of dependent children up to the age of 28 and dependent parents or grandparents over 58.
No requirement to travel to Antigua & Barbuda during the application process.
No interview, education, or managerial experience required.
Visa-free travel to more than 100 countries, including the Schengen zone, the U.K., Hong Kong, Singapore and more.
No tax on worldwide income
BASIC Requirements
Real Estate Option a) Full Ownership: $400,000 USD investment qualifies 1 main applicant with dependents*;
Real Estate Option b) $200,000 USD investment qualifies the main applicant with dependents applying together. At this price point, it will be fractional ownership. *RE can be resold in 5 years under CB;
Financial Donation Option a) National Development Fund Donation - 1 main applicant, spouse, and 2 dependent children: $100,000 USD NDF Investment*;
Financial Donation Option b)University of the West Indies Fund Donation - 1 main applicant, spouse, and 2 dependent children: $150,000 USD - Entitles one family member to one-year tuition at the University of the West Indies.
Investment setting up an Eligible Business) A minimum investment of $1,500,000 USD directly into an eligible business
Conclusion - For just over $25,000 USD a family of four can afford Antigua & Barbuda citizenship that will permit them visa-free travel to 135 countries worldwide.
* Fees do not include Government or legal consultation fees
Location - Island in the Caribbean Sea, about one-third of the way from Puerto Rico to Trinidad and Tobago
Saint Kitts & Nevis Citizenship by Investment Program offers the following prime benefits:
As one of the longest-established programs of its kind, the St. Kitts & Nevis Citizenship by Investment Program offers applicants a host of unique benefits:
Fast processing within four months.
Accelerated Application Process – approval within 60 days;
Inclusion of dependent children under 30 and dependent parents or grandparents over 55.
No physical residency requirements.
No requirement to travel to St. Kitts & Nevis during the application process.
No interview, education, or managerial experience required.
Visa-free travel to more than 135 countries, including Schengen member states, the U.K., Hong Kong, Singapore and more.
No tax on worldwide income.
St. Kitts & Nevis recognize dual citizenship, so investors can still benefit from their current passports.
BASIC Requirement
Real Estate Option a) Five-year hold period - Applicants may purchase government-approved property valued at a minimum of $400,000 USD, or purchase shares valued at the same minimum amount in a real estate development. The investment must be maintained for a minimum of five years.
Real Estate Option B) Seven-year hold period - Applicants can make an investment of $200,000 USD in a government-approved luxury resort. The investment must be maintained for a minimum of seven years.
Financial Donation Option) Hurricane Relief Fund's new Sustainable Growth Fund is open for donations with the following thresholds:
* $150,000 USD Single applicant
* $25,000 USD Spouse
* $10,000 USD Per additional dependent in addition to Due diligence fees
Conclusion - For just over $50,000 USD a family of four can afford Saint Kitts & Nevis citizenship that will permit them visa-free travel to 145 countries worldwide.
* Fees do not include Government or legal consultation fees
Location - Caribbean island between the Caribbean Sea and the North Atlantic Ocean, north of Trinidad and Tobago.
The Grenadian Citizenship by Investment Program offers the following prime benefits:
Fast processing within four months.
Inclusion of dependent children under 30 or children with physically or mentally challenged living with and fully supported by the main applicant.
Inclusion of dependent parents.
Inclusion of a sibling of the main applicant who is at least eighteen years of age, and single with no children.
No physical residency requirements.
No requirement to travel to Grenada during the application process.
No interview, education, or management experience required.
Visa-free travel to over 125 countries, including Europe’s Schengen zone.
E-2 Visa Program signed between Grenada and the United States allows citizens of Grenada to operate a substantial business in the U.S. and reside therein.
No tax on worldwide income.
BASIC Requirement
Real Estate Option) Applicants must invest a minimum of $220,000 USD which must be maintained for a minimum of four years. This reduced investment amount means our valued investors take on less risk. The minimum amount includes the main applicant, main applicant’s spouse, and two qualifying dependents. An extra $25,000 is required for each additional dependent. Note that where an application includes an eligible parent not exceeding the age of fifty-five years, an additional contribution of $50,000 USD will be required to be made with the post-approval contribution. Where an application includes an eligible sibling, an additional contribution of $75,000 USD will be required to be made with the post-approval contribution
Financial Donation Option) Applicants may donate a minimum of $150,000 USD to Grenada’s National Transformation Fund. The minimum amount covers the main applicant only. For a family of up to four people, the requirement is set at US$200,000 USD. An application including a parent younger than 55 years requires an additional contribution of $50,000 USD. An application including a single sibling requires an additional contribution of $75,000 USD.
Conclusion - For $50,000 USD per person - a family of four can afford a second passport within 4 months*
* Fees do not include Government or legal consultation fees