While there are many citizenship by investment (CBI) programmes available, it’s important to know that some are more respected in the industry than others. We round up the most reputable CBI programmes available to possible investors and high-net-worth individuals (HNWIs).
What makes one CBI programme better than another? It’s important to keep in mind that a CBI programme is both beneficial for the country and the investor. Thus, it’s imperative that due diligence checks are done to ensure that the country is accepting individuals who are of high calibre and good standing. Additionally, investors want to know that the country they are applying for second citizenship is beneficial to them. They are seeking somewhere that is economically stable, safe and an all-round enjoyable place to travel to or even live. Let’s take a look at some of the most reputable CBI programmes available today.
How are CBI programmes rated?
Longevity, popularity, stability, reputation, and adaptability contribute to the certainty of CBI programmes. What we’ve seen over the years is that countries with robust due diligence processes maintain a high reputation in the industry.
CBI programmes all around the world are ranked by The CBI Index, published by the Financial Times’ Professional Wealth Management magazine. It is a comprehensive ranking system that compares active CBI programmes. The index uses nine pillars to essentially rank each programme.
The nine pillars of the CBI Index focus on specific features of each programme, namely:
- Freedom of Movement
- Standard of Living
- Minimum Investment Outlay
- Mandatory Travel or Residence
- Citizenship Timeline
- Ease of Processing
- Due Diligence
- Family
- Certainty of Product
These nine pillars allow possible investors and HNWIs to easily assess which programme would be best suited for them and their individual priorities.
The quality of a programme relies heavily on its due diligence checks
Due diligence is a comprehensive term to describe a sequence of investigative processes that identify, validate and verify information about an individual applying to a CBI programme. These processes and checks are vital to ensuring that only the best quality individuals join the country’s population and keep the integrity of the programme intact.
While all nine pillars are important when it comes to comparing and ultimately, ranking CBI programmes, due diligence tops the list almost every single time. People want to know that the country they are investing in is filled with like-minded individuals with good intentions.
CEO of CS Global Partners, Micha Emmett, says:
“Caribbean nations are some of the most transparent in terms of reporting on their due diligence processes which has positively impacted their brand and reputation in the international market.”
“We have been doing on-going work to help countries realise the importance of protecting and enhancing not only their reputation in the international community but also ensuring that their citizens and applicants know that they are investing in reputable and trusted brands for their businesses and families,” she added.
Also Read: Due diligence tops the list in maintaining CBI integrity
How can I ensure that I’m dealing with a reputable CBI programme?
Unfortunately, fraudulent CBI programmes are all too common. As a result, it can be hard for would-be applicants to determine whether or not their programme of choice is legitimate. That’s why we’ve put together this guide on how to identify legal citizenship by investment programmes, which highlights some key questions which can help you identify legal citizenship programmes.
Partnering with an investment migration industry expert can give you great reassurance that you are making the correct informed decisions regarding your second citizenship. CS Global Partners has been successfully empowering individuals with sustainable solutions for over a decade. With our expert guidance, we can help you navigate the path to building a brighter future for yourself and your family through second citizenship.
Most reputable CBI programmes
Here are the most popular citizenship by investment programmes currently available worldwide. It is worth noting that the Caribbean still offers the most affordable and recommended options in the industry.
- Antigua and Barbuda
- Dominica
- Grenada
- St Kitts and Nevis
- Saint Lucia
- Malta
- Turkey
To learn more about each country, it’s benefits and it’s CBI programme, click on our resource: Best Citizenship by Investment Countries of 2023.
Top three CBI programmes as per The CBI Index
Joint first place – Dominica
Number one for six consecutive years, Dominica beat 11 other nations with active citizenship by investment programmes and scored full marks in the areas of Minimum Outlay, Mandatory travel, Ease of Processing, Due Diligence, Family and Certainty of Product.
Known for being absolutely beautiful with lush forests and springs, Dominica is also the most affordable CBI programme for a single individual.
Also Read: Dominica one of the most beautiful places in the world!
Joint first place – St Kitts and Nevis
For the second year running, St Kitts and Nevis joined Dominica in 2022 in equal first place overall as the highest ranked programmes in the CBI Index.
St Kitts and Nevis boasts a trusted, 39-year old CBI programme and is a great choice for large families with several family members.
Also Read: St Kitts and Nevis one of the safest islands in the Caribbean!
Third – Saint Lucia
Saint Lucia ranked third place in the 2022 CBI index.
It’s one of the most popular tourist destinations in the Caribbean and has no requirement for permanent residency.
Also Read: Saint Lucia fast becoming ideal Citizenship by Investment location
The 2022 CBI Index predicts that, over 125,000 millionaires will look to relocate to more secure and attractive destinations around the world in 2023. Subsequently, this trend is expected to continue and increase to 2030.
Reasons that HNWIs and investors are seeking alternative citizenship options include:
- Political fragmentation
- Instability, and
- social polarisation.
The CBI Index is the world’s most definitive guide on CBI and is published by PWM Magazine, a publication from the Financial Times in collaboration with CS Global Partners.
You can download the full report here.