Citizen: A person who is a legal member of a country, and who can exercise rights and perform duties by virtue of that membership. While the concept of citizenship differs in many countries, a citizenship usually provides the holder the right to a passport, to leave and return to the nation and the right to live and work there. How to become a legal citizen: There are various different routes to becoming a legal citizen, depending on the sovereign nation’s nationality law. This includes: Citizenship by birth or jus sanguinis Birth-right citizenship or jus soli Citizenship by marriage or jus matrimonii Naturalisation Citizenship by investment In today’s increasingly globalised world, it has become common for citizens to have ties to more than one nation with many considering themselves to be a ‘citizen of the world’.
Holding multiple citizenship: Whether a person can hold more than one citizenship depends on each country. Some countries, like the United States and Canada, allow their citizens to, while some countries do not allow this, for example India and China. Under Indian Nationality Law, a citizen can lose their Indian nationality if naturalised in another nation. Similarly, China does not recognise dual citizenship. However, all Caribbean citizenship by investment countries do allow their citizens to hold multiple citizenship. The rising age of dual citizenship: In recent decades, dual citizenship has become increasingly normalised with more countries allowing their citizens to hold multiple nationalities. Many nations have begun recognising the benefits of dual citizenship especially those that have a large diaspora outside its borders. A dual citizenship can also offer the holder a level of safety and security particularly in times of crisis. Whether its political instability or social unrest, a second passport can operate as a useful Plan B that enables the holder to make quick decisions to protect their future.
Benefits of citizenship: Citizenship comes with various rights, for example, the right to live and work in a country, possess property there and vote. In many cases, citizens are entitled to social services including basic education and healthcare. Citizens may also apply for a passport; this passport allows them to travel to countries with which their country of origin has signed the relevant treaties. It is difficult for a person to lose their citizenship and citizenship can be passed down to one’s descendants. However, there are also responsibilities and duties attached to being a citizen which include upholding the law and, in some countries, this may include military participation. Benefits of dual citizenship: There are many benefits to dual citizenship including increased travel freedom to key global markets, and alternative business prospects.
Citizenship by investment: Citizenship by Investment means obtaining citizenship of a country through a significant investment in that country, as specified in that country’s laws and regulations. The concept of citizenship by investment was first developed in St Kitts and Nevis, officially known as the Federation of St Christopher and Nevis when it was enshrined in the Section 35 in its Citizenship Act of 1984. Steps to qualify for citizenship: In order to qualify for citizenship, an applicant must undergo a multi-tiered vetting procedure that utilises both local and third-party agencies. Once an applicant is successful, citizenship is legally granted and the process of applying for a second passport can begin. Benefits of dual citizenship: Since 1984, the initiative has been adopted in many countries across the globe. The programme is seen as an effective way of raising capital for the host nation’s economy whilst also offering applicants an attractive investment opportunity and the dual citizenship benefits that come with it. This includes: Access to key business hubs The right to live, work and study in the country The invaluable option of passing down citizenship by descent.
Citizenship by investment: Citizenship by Investment Programmes result in a successful applicant gaining citizenship of a country. This generally does not require an applicant to spend any time in that country. Residence by investment: Residence by Investment Programmes, however, result in successful applicant gaining residence of a country. That is the right to live and work in a country. Residency can easily be taken away if a person fails to fulfil certain conditions. Often there are minimal physical presence requirements attached to a person’s ability to retain their residence rights. It is worth nothing that a person obtaining citizenship of a country does not necessarily mean they have obtained residence of a country because residence requires physical presence in a country. The most popular Residency by Investment Programmes are those of Singapore, Portugal and Greece and are commonly referred to as Golden Visa programmes.
Generally not. Tax status is almost always dependent on physical presence in a country. An exception to this is the United States where citizens pay tax even when they spend no time in the country. Citizenship-based taxation Known as citizenship-based taxation, the US is one of two countries in the world that taxes its citizens no matter where they live. Those that hold an American citizenship are thus required to file yearly federal tax returns even if they are a resident of another nation. This has led many Americans with dual citizenship to renounce their US citizenship to avoid the double tax.
There are five countries in the Caribbean that have developed Citizenship by Investment (CBI) Programmes, namely: Antigua and Barbuda Dominica Grenada St Kitts and Nevis Saint Lucia The Caribbean is a well-established region within the CBI industry. The and longest-standing programme derived from St Kitts and Nevis in 1984. The region also offers some of the most affordable and family-inclusive options on the market, enabling investors to include a wide array of dependants in an application. Also Read: Best places to invest in the Caribbean
How to apply? It depends on the country you choose but most countries require that you apply through an authorised agent who has been approved by the government of that country. Authorised agents are familiar with the country’s citizenship by investment programme and they can guide you through the citizenship process. Authorised Agents A list of all authorised agents is available on each country’s citizenship by investment website. All Caribbean citizenship by investment countries require that you apply through an authorised agent. Sub Agent This is different to a sub-agent, which acts as a bridge between the applicant and the authorised agent. Sub-agents work with the authorised agent to remain up to date with the latest programme requirements and often will be the first filter in a multi-layered process of due diligence checks. The Process Once undergoing the application process, the applicant is then subject to due diligence checks in order to ensure that only those of high moral character become citizens of the nation. They will also then need to make their qualifying investment which differs for each nation. For example, in the Caribbean, the citizenship by investment fee can range from $100,000 to $200,000, excluding additional fees.
Family Eligibility All main applicants for citizenship, but not their accompanying family members, must be over the age of 18. Everyone, including family members, must be able to show that they are of good character which means that they are reputable individuals who have no criminal record and have a clean source of funds. All family members must also be able to show that they are in good health. Additional requirements for Antigua and Barbuda Although most Caribbean countries do not require applicants to travel to or reside in their country in order to obtain second citizenship – Antigua and Barbuda does. Applicants for citizenship in Antigua and Barbuda must travel to the country in order to take the oath of allegiance and they must meet a physical residence requirement of at least five days within five years of receiving that citizenship. Children, however, do not need to fulfil this requirement until they turn 18 years old. Further, no prior business experience needs to be demonstrated in order to obtain citizenship by investment in a Caribbean country. Additionally, no Caribbean jurisdiction that offers citizenship by investment requires applicants to take any language or cultural tests to qualify for citizenship.
No, but all of your forms must be completed in English. Additionally, any documents submitted as part of a citizenship by investment application must be in English or must be translated into English by a certified translator. For those choosing to reside on the islands, the most spoken language in the Caribbean is English. The only requirements for Caribbean citizenship by investment programmes are that the applicant is of legal age, has no criminal record and can make the qualifying investment. However, there may be additional requirements depending on the country that you are applying for.
Interview Although there is no mandatory interview requirement, in rare cases it is possible that a government may require you to attend an interview in order to explain certain elements of your application. Second Passport Only once becoming a citizen can the process for applying for a second passport begin. This process is entirely separate to the citizenship by investment application. In Dominica, for example, the process requires several documents including a certificate of naturalisation which is given to the applicant once they are approved as citizens.
Due Diligence All applicants for citizenship by investment must undergo stringent due diligence checks. Where such checks cannot be completed because of instability in an applicant’s country of origin or because of an uncooperating or unreliable government, Caribbean countries bar applications altogether. Excluded Nationalities In Antigua and Barbuda, for example, citizens of Afghanistan, Iran, North Korea, Somalia, Sudan, Yemen, Russia and Belarus are restricted from applying to the programme unless they migrated before the age of majority or they have maintained permanent residence outside of a restricted country for 10 or more years and maintain no economic ties to the country.
Investment Options It varies, but all Caribbean countries offer the option to make a direct contribution to the government or invest in government-approved real estate. Direct contributions are usually made to a fund such as the Sustainable Growth Fund in St Kitts and Nevis and are non-refundable. Usually, these funds are then channelled into national development projects. For example, in Dominica, the Economic Diversification Fund was used to fund important socio-economic initiatives including constructing weather-resistant housing and a geothermal plant. Real Estate Real estate investments must be made in property that has been pre-selected by the government such as hotels and resorts. They come in the form of a purchase and sale agreement between that applicant and the owner of the real estate property. Under the real estate arm, applicants are required to pay a government fee to the relevant government. All citizenship by investment countries in the Caribbean, require investors in real estate to hold that property for a minimum period ranging from three to seven years depending on the country. Antigua and Barbuda and St Lucia Antigua and Barbuda and St Lucia, however, offer more options than a direct contribution or investment in real estate. In Antigua and Barbuda, for example, investors can choose to make an independent or joint investment in a business or donate to the University of the West Indies fund. In St Lucia, investors can invest in an enterprise or purchase government bonds. The type of investment that an applicant chooses depends on their specific needs and requirements. CS Global Partners helps its clients make informed decisions that take this into consideration.
Most Caribbean countries will only require you to make the investment once you have received an ‘approval in principle’. That is when you have passed the government’s stringent due diligence checks and have received a letter indicating that you can become a citizen. Once you have completed the citizenship by investment application process, the applicant also receives a citizenship certificate and can thus begin their second passport application.
Affordable options The answer depends on how many people you are applying with. However, for a single applicant, the most affordable option is a contribution of US$100,000 to the Dominican government or a contribution of $100,000 to St Lucia’s National Economic Fund. Although Antigua and Barbuda only requires a contribution of US$100,000 to its National Development Fund it also levies a US$30,000 government processing fee. Most citizenship by investment programme also include due diligence fees and processing fees. The overall affordable cost to obtain second citizenship, including additional fees, is Dominica and St Lucia. Acquiring a Caribbean second citizenship is one of the most affordable routes within the industry, the programmes also offer the most family-friendly options.
Cost of second citizenship The overall cost of a second citizenship ultimately depends on the country’s programme. Citizenship by investment fees can vary, even in the Caribbean. Every Caribbean country charges due diligence fees to cover the cost of performing high level due diligence on each applicant. Main applicants usually pay $7,500 for due diligence whereas the fees for family members are lower and in most cases no fee is levied for children under the age of 16. Some, but not all, Caribbean countries charge processing fees and application fees and some include bank transaction fees and VAT. Grenada Vs Antigua & Barbuda Grenada is the only country to levy fees on spouses even when they are not included in a citizenship by investment application. Payment of a government fee is required by all applicants who choose the real estate investment route. However, Antigua and Barbuda charges government processing fees on both direct contributions and real estate investments. In Antigua and Barbuda, 10% of these fees are due upon submission and are non-refundable.
Length of process Because citizenship by investment programmes offer citizenship and not residence, successful applicants can skip the five to six year minimum residence that other investment immigration routes generally require. In the Caribbean, the entire process from submission of an application to receipt of approval in principle takes from between three to six months. St Kitts and Nevis St Kitts and Nevis offers a more costly 60 day accelerated application process. For main applicants, the accelerated application process costs $25,000 including due diligence fees which would normally cost the main applicant $7,500. Granted that an applicant can successfully pass the due diligence checks, St Kitts and Nevis has the world’s quickest citizenship timeline – as ranked by the annual CBI Index.
To obtain a second passport you must first become a citizen. The citizenship by investment process ends with you receiving a certificate of registration or naturalisation. You or your representative must then take your certificate of registration or naturalisation along with other documents such as your birth certificate to the relevant passport office or embassy in order to begin your second passport process. This whole process takes around one week.
Passport Validity Most citizenship by investment countries issue adult ordinary passports that are valid for a period of ten years. However, for children under 16, a passport must be renewed in five years, as is the case in Dominica. Antigua & Barbuda In Antigua and Barbuda, however, applicants for citizenship by investment are issued passports that are valid for a period of five years and will only be renewed if the applicant can demonstrate that they have fulfilled the oath of allegiance and residence requirements associated with the Antigua and Barbuda Citizenship by Investment Programme.
Citizenship Citizenship entrusts an individual with a number of rights and liberties which include voting and access to social services like healthcare and education. It is also offers a sense of belonging and identity and a shared kinship amongst others that also hold the same citizenship. The importance of citizenship The importance of citizenship also lies in the protection the state extends to its nationals. Those who do not hold any citizenship are considered stateless which means they have access to limited freedoms as they do not possess any identity documents. This means being unable to rent a home or to even travel beyond borders.
A citizen is an individual legally recognised as a subject of a nation. Citizenship refers to the status that is conferred to a citizen that enables them to enjoy its rights and privileges. For example, a citizen of the United Kingdom would have British citizenship.
Different types of citizenship Citizenship can be granted in several different scenarios including from birth, naturalisation, marriage or through specific investment programmes. Jus soli Known as birth-right citizenship, refers to the process of granting citizenship to an individual at birth. Roughly, more than 30 countries around the world recognise this form of citizenship including the United States. Jus sanguinis This is the most common form of citizenship and is determined by an individuals parents. This means that if one parent is born within a country, a child is usually eligible for citizenship of that nation too. The Latin phrase translates to “right of blood”. Jus matrimonii This bestows citizenship through marriage. However, rules may differ depending on the country on how long a couple must be married before an individual can acquire citizenship. Naturalisation This is another common route to gaining citizenship. Non-citizens who have been in a country long enough or those who apply through legal means like asylum can gain citizenship but may be subjected to taking a test. This can come in the form of language, history or cultural tests. Citizenship by Investment A number of countries also offer citizenship to those who make an investment into its economy, the process only accepts those who can demonstrate a clean source of funds and can pass the necessary security checks. Concept of citizenship The concept of citizenship has evolved since its inception with many individuals now choosing to hold multiple citizenships to reflect the many countries they may have a connection to. However, while some countries recognise and allow their citizens to hold dual citizenship, there are many countries that require you to renounce your citizenship if taking up a new one.
What is dual citizenship? Dual citizenship is when an individual holds the citizenship of two countries and is recognised as a citizen under the laws of both. While there are many countries that allow its citizens to hold dual citizenship, there are also many that do not. For example, countries like India and China forbid holding dual citizenship. Also Read: Difference between citizenship and residency Multiple citizenships Depending on the country, individuals can sometimes hold more than two citizenships making them eligible to enjoy the rights of those nations which usually include the right to live and work there. However, it is important to check the laws before receiving an additional citizenship as it could lead to your former citizenship being revoked.
Citizenship, residency and golden visas are all ways you can live in a country without being born there. They are not the same thing but they do have a lot of similarities. Read our article on Investor Programmes, Economic Citizenship and Golden Visa to learn more about the difference between them.
Citizenship is considered a human right and usually a permanent status. As part of international law, everyone has the right to a nationality and no one should be deprived of one. While citizenship does not expire, it can be revoked in a number of different scenarios. This can depend on the country’s laws but can include committing an act of terrorism or treason. On the other hand, your passport may expire – usually after 10 years and will need to be renewed with the relevant authorities.
While the United Nations states that citizenship is a human right, not everyone is legally recognised as a citizen of any country. There is a large demographic of people globally that are stateless which makes it difficult for them to access basic services. However, the UN’s 1954 and 1961 convention on statelessness has aimed to combat that by ensuring that stateless people still enjoy a minimum of civil liberties such as education and housing whilst attempting to reduce the number of stateless people over time.
Citizenship can only be revoked in the rarest of circumstances, this usually involves if the individual obtained citizenship under fraudulent means. If you obtained your citizenship through marriage, you are entitled to that citizenship even after a divorce.
Applying for citizenship by investment can be a complication process. Therefore applications must be completed through a licensed agent and can not be submitted by the applicant themselves. Agents act as a bridge between the applicant and the respective Citizenship by Investment Units. By utilising an agent, applicants ensure a smoother and more efficient process as well as support on acquiring the right documents. If applications are submitted incorrectly, citizenship can be denied.
No agent nor applicant has the ability to speed up an application, this is entirely reliant on the relevant Citizenship by Investment Unit. Most Caribbean countries take around 3 months to process an application. However, St Kitts and Nevis is the only nation that offers a fast track route that enables applicants to obtain citizenship within 45-60 days. This usually depends on if the applicant can successfully pass the due diligence stage without any complications.
Once an application is denied, you cannot re-apply. However, due to the investment stage being later in the process, this means that an applicant does not lose any money if not approved. Although, the same cannot be said for any due diligence, processing or government fees that have been paid upfront.
Unfortunately, if you have a criminal record you will not be accepted under any Citizenship by Investment Programme. This is because many of these programmes require applicants to be of good character. This doesn’t apply to minor infringements, for example involving traffic violations, as applications may still be approved.
Citizenship refers to the ability to live, work and study in a nation. It may also include other duties such as the right to vote. Citizenship is usually a lifelong status and is only revoked in the rarest of circumstances. Residency is less permanent than citizenship and offers fewer rights. Residency programmes usually require individuals to be in the country for a set amount of time to retain residency. Unlike citizenship, residency can expire and must then be renewed. A passport is a travel document that can prove one’s citizenship status. Birth certificates or naturalisation certificates can also be used to prove this. There are different types of passports and for some versions, such as diplomatic or service passports, the holder does not have to be a citizen of said country.
Depending on the programme, applicants may or may not be allowed to add family members to an application. Caribbean Citizenship by Investment Programmes usually permit applicants to add family members once receiving citizenship, but the cost varies country to country. Dominica has one of the most family-friendly structures enabling applicants to add a wide-range of dependants including new-borns, new spouses, pre-existing spouses, siblings, parents and grandparents.
Citizenship is a legal status given to a person when recognised under a nation’s laws. This usually gives an individual the right to live and work in a country as well as the ability to vote and access social services such as healthcare or education. Depending on the nation, citizens may have specific duties they must follow, this could mean paying certain taxes or participating in compulsory military service. For example, in South Korea, men between the ages of 18 to 28 are expected to enlist in the military. Other countries with mandatory military service are Singapore, Greece, Moldova and Russia. Also Read: The Different Types of Citizenship
