Worth billions of dollars, the citizenship-by-investment industry is unlike any other. As of 2024, approximately twelve nations offer their passports to international applicants. Yet, getting a second country’s passport is not as simple as shopping for food. This matter is a bit more complex. With years of experience assisting clients in obtaining CBI, the Offshore Pro Group team is here to answer the most common questions people have about it.
With a second, third, or nth passport in your pocket, you are free to do lots of things that other not-so-lucky guys can’t:
cross political borders with ease
enjoy less strict fiscal rules
be exempt from military service obligations
open bank accounts in other countries
establish businesses overseas
investment outside your home nation.
No doubt, these freedoms significantly increase your global mobility and financial opportunities.
The quickest and simplest method to obtain foreign citizenship is through investment. By investing in a second passport, you will soon reach your goal, typically without public disclosure.
Please note that with lots of CIPs available today, you should thoroughly research them first because each comes with its own benefits and drawbacks. It’s important to choose a program that matches your needs and budget to a tee. Careful planning is vital for lots of things, citizenship by investment choices included. We hope our answers to common questions will help you get ready.
Is second citizenship through investment within my financial reach?
Contrary to popular belief, golden passports aren’t just for the ultra-rich. Many can afford them, with options like Caribbean citizenship starting at USD 100,000.
The Caribbean generally provides different ways to citizenship, from donations to real estate investment. You can even recoup your investment over time while retaining citizenship.
Starting a business there could also lead to profit and a new passport. Some nations offer unique paths, such as investing in local films.
Needless to say, a second passport comes with new opportunities for travel, banking, and tax benefits and may potentially lead to financial gains beyond the initial investment.
Does it take long to get a second citizenship and passport?
The time it takes to get a second passport varies by country. Usually, it’s a few months, about 3 to 6, but there are exceptions. For instance, getting your CBI in Malta might last up to 3 years. If you’re willing to invest more, you could cut that down to 1 year.
Sometimes, people only think about getting a new passport when things go bad in their home country, like a tough political change or losing easy travel to a country they need for work.
Don’t make the same mistake, and remember that it’s better to plan early. If you’re in a rush for a second passport, it’s almost always tough. The quickest option is Vanuatu’s economic citizenship, which takes about six weeks. In the Caribbean, the procedure lasts at least three months, sometimes longer.
What is the required stay in my second citizenship state?
If you’re getting a second passport to move abroad, you might not worry about travel requirements. Still, many seek it for better travel and banking options without leaving their home country. For such individuals, knowing if they need to visit their new country is crucial, especially if it’s as far as the Caribbean from Europe or Asia.
Mostly, you don’t need to spend time in your new country. Antigua and Barbuda is the exception, asking you to stay for five days within the first five years. Other Caribbean nations like St Kitts and Nevis, St Lucia, Dominica, or Grenada have no such rule, and you don’t need to visit at all.
So, you can usually get your new citizenship without traveling to the chosen country, except for Antigua and Barbuda, and jurisdictions like Malta or Turkey, where at least one visit is necessary.
Does law permit dual citizenship?
One common question is about the legality of dual citizenship. The short answer is it’s legal if your home country’s laws allow it. Even in jurisdictions like China that outlaw this opportunity people still purchase citizenship of, say, Grenada or Vanuatu that have separate programs for Chinese citizens.
Most countries offering CBI opportunities keep it confidential, so if a Chinese person gets a Grenadian passport, it’s not reported back to China. Plus, China’s large population means the government isn’t too concerned if some citizens move away.
If your country strictly forbids dual citizenship, you could opt for legal residency instead, which isn’t prohibited anywhere. The option offers benefits like tax reductions, especially in Caribbean nations.
What might cause a foreign investor to be denied second citizenship?
For second citizenship, you need enough money and a clean police record. Some countries require a spotless legal record, while others check the last decade. Other factors matter as well. For example, Malta looks closely at your military service history.
Caribbean passports allow easy travel to many places. However, please note that if you’ve been denied a visa to any of these countries, you might not get citizenship unless you successfully reapply.
Due diligence in Europe, especially Malta, is strict due to the corresponding EU rules. However, a Maltese passport offers many benefits, like visa-free travel and access to EU services.
Ultimately, you need a clean legal record and must fulfill all information requests from immigration authorities to get your second passport.
With multiple CIPs available globally, you have every chance to pick the one that will suit your needs. This will make travel easier for you, plus you will have more banking choices. You will also be able to pick where you want to live. Say, with a passport from any CARICOM country, you can reside and work anywhere in the Caribbean.
These schemes are great for families because adding family members doesn’t cost much.
Get your new passport with Offshore Pro Group
Admittedly, acquiring citizenship of a foreign country may seem tough. This is why expert assistance is invaluable to achieve your goal. At Offshore Pro Group, we’ve already helped many people worldwide receive a new passport. Would you like to get yours without the unnecessary hassle and expenses? Right now is the time! Contact our consultants, tell them your story, and get the help you need!
