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The Difference Between RBI, CBI, Golden Visas, and Golden Passports

There is a lot of confusion and misunderstanding regarding citizenship options, differences between various residency programmes and golden visa schemes. This post will clarify the differences between the most popular kinds of citizenship.

What is CBI?

Citizenship by investment (CBI) programmes allow vetted applicants to gain second citizenship by investing in a country. 

What is RBI?

Residency by investment (RBI) programmes offer successful applicants the right to live and sometimes work in a country after investing in that country. While the standard route to the residency of a country is to be physically present in that country for an extended period of time, for example, by living and working there, RBI programmes allow you to gain residence rights through the making of an investment. In contrast to CBI programmes, there is a high concentration of RBI programmes in the European Union, commonly referred to as golden visa schemes in the media. You can find the list of some of the most popular RBI programmes here.

The Difference Between CBI and RBI

The key difference between CBI and RBI is that CBI programmes offer investors citizenship,  in most cases,  without needing to go through a period of residence and only within a few months of applying if the requirements have been met. Meanwhile, RBI programmes only  offer residence to investors,  namely the right to live (and sometimes work) in a country. RBI programmes often implement mandatory physical presence requirements for specific periods of time for investors to maintain residence rights. Another major difference between the two is the addition of dependants to an application. Many CBI programmes, especially in the Caribbean, allow the main applicant to add their immediate family members like a spouse and children and extended family members such as parents, grandparents, and siblings. RBI or golden visa programmes can be more limiting, generally restricting dependants to immediate family members such as spouses and minor children. One exception is Portugal, which also allows dependent adult children, parents, siblings, and the spouse’s family.

Requirements for Obtaining RBI (a ‘Golden Visa’)

The eligibility requirements for RBI are different from country to country, but in general, you will have to prove the following:

That you are over the age of 18
That you own the money intended for investment
That you are of good repute
That you can sustain yourself and family members for the period of time you intend to live there

Requirements for Obtaining CBI (a ‘Golden Passport’)

The eligibility requirements for CBI also differ in different jurisdictions, but in general, you will have to prove the following:

That you are over the age of 18
That you own the money intended for investment
That the money was acquired legally
That you have no history of criminal records
That you are free from serious contagious diseases

Residency and Citizenship through CS Global Partners

CS Global Partners facilitates the acquisition of residency and citizenship through investment. We make what looks like a difficult option hassle-free. With clients worldwide, we seek to understand your reasons and find the best solution for your needs. In an increasingly global yet uncertain world, second residency and citizenship have seen a surge in demand. Today’s ‘golden visas’ and second citizenships have become an essential requirement for many high-net-worth families. Let us help you achieve your goals. Contact us for a free consultation

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The Difference Between RBI, CBI, Golden Visas, and Golden Passports

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