The 21st Century presents stark, multifaceted geopolitical challenges, from environmental catastrophe to political upheaval, to financial turmoil. Dual citizenship cannot solve these problems by itself, but it can help global citizens meet these problems head on.

Dual citizenship offers a plan B for individuals who want better educational, health, political or economic outcomes. If you are a future-facing individual focused on creating a better life for yourself and your family, dual citizenship can be a safe option for you.

While it’s an issue that many destinations are attempting to address, few need protecting as much as the Caribbean. The tourist-packed tropics boast some of the most beautiful landscapes in the world, but due to their heavy footfall are some of the most vulnerable. Thankfully, governments and tour operators are now collaborating to establish ecotourism-focused initiatives and resorts.

Whether you are contemplating a move for personal reasons or pursuing international business opportunities, understanding the intricacies of residency regulations and legal processes is paramount. In this realm, our government advisory in residency services are your trusted compass. Our offering includes insights into applications, compliance with local laws, and the path to securing citizenship.

Join us as we navigate the complex terrain of residency, ensuring a seamless transition into a new chapter of life or business.

What is Residency by Investment?

Residency by investment (RBI), also known as a golden residency or investor residency programmes, are a legal pathway that allow individuals to obtain residency in a foreign country. This can be achieved by making a significant financial investment in that country’s economy.

This concept is primarily aimed at attracting foreign investors who can contribute to a nation’s economic growth and development.

RBI programmes can be an attractive option for individuals looking to establish a foothold in a foreign country for personal, business, or financial reasons.

Key elements of Residency by Investment:

Financial Investment

Individuals are required to make a substantial financial commitment in the host country.

This investment can take various forms, such as purchasing real estate, donating to a designated fund, or investing in local businesses.

Residency Grant

In exchange for the investment, the host country grants the investor and often their immediate family members the right to reside within its borders for a specified period.

This residency is usually temporary but can be extended or even lead to permanent residency or citizenship in some cases.

No Active Business Involvement

In most cases, residency by investment does not require individuals to actively manage a business in the host country.

Instead, the investment itself serves as the basis for obtaining residency.

Varied Requirements

The specific requirements and investment amounts vary widely from one country to another.

Some countries have lower investment thresholds but may require a more extended period of investment or have other conditions.

Who can apply for Residency by Investment?

Residency by investment programmes vary from one country to another, and the eligibility criteria can differ significantly. However, here are some common factors that typically determine who can apply for residency by investment:

Financial Qualifications

Applicants are usually required to have a certain level of financial means to participate in these programmes.

This can include minimum investment amounts, fees, and the ability to cover associated costs.

Clean Criminal Record

Most countries conducting residency by investment check applicants for criminal records.

Individuals with serious criminal convictions may be disqualified.

Health Requirements

Some countries may require applicants to meet specific health criteria, such as demonstrating that they do not have contagious diseases.

Source of Funds

Applicants often need to provide documentation proving the legal source of their investment funds.

This is to ensure that the money comes from legitimate sources and is not associated with illegal activities.

Investment Type

Different programmes have varying investment options, such as real estate investment, job creation, government bonds, or donations to specific funds.

Eligibility may depend on the chosen investment route.

Investment Duration

Some programmes require applicants to maintain their investment for a specified period to maintain their residency status.

This period can range from a few years to several years.

Age and Family Dependents

Some programmes allow the inclusion of family members, such as spouses, children, and sometimes parents.

Other programmes may require separate investments for each family member.

Language Proficiency

A few countries may require applicants to demonstrate proficiency in the country’s official language as part of the application process.

Intent to Reside

While not always a requirement, some programmes may require applicants to express a genuine intent to reside or spend a certain amount of time in the host country.

Legal Status

Applicants must typically have legal entry and stay in the country during the application process.

Benefits of Residency by Investment

RBI programmes offer several benefits to investors seeking to establish themselves in a foreign country.

These benefits can vary depending on the specific programme and the host country, but here are some common advantages:

Diverse Lifestyle

RBI enables individuals and families to experience a new culture, language, and way of life, fostering personal growth and enrichment.

Family Reunification

Many programmes extend residency benefits to immediate family members. This allows families to live together in a foreign country without the need for separate applications.

Global mobility

Many RBI programmes provide travel access to a wide range of countries, allowing investors and their families to travel internationally with ease.

Stability and Security

RBI in a politically stable and economically developed country can provide a sense of security and access to a stable legal system. This can be especially valuable for families and businesses.

Business Opportunities

Access to a new market for business expansion or investment opportunities can be a significant advantage, especially for entrepreneurs and investors looking to diversify their portfolios.

Education

Residency often grants access to quality education institutions, making it an attractive option for families looking to provide their children with a world-class education.

Healthcare

Many countries with RBI programmes offer high-quality healthcare services, ensuring access to top-notch medical care for the investor and their family.

Tax Benefit

Some countries with these programmes offer favourable tax regimes, including reduced income tax rates or tax exemptions, which can be advantageous for investors and high-net-worth individuals.

Property Ownership

Real estate investment is a common route to residency. This allows investors to own property in an attractive location and potentially benefit from property appreciation.

Retirement Planning

RBI can be an attractive option for retirees looking to spend their retirement years in a desirable location with access to quality healthcare and a favourable climate.

Path to Citizenship

In some cases, RBI can serve as a steppingstone to obtaining full citizenship in the host country, providing individuals with the rights and privileges of a citizen. As the leading government advisory in residency, we can assist you with the process from start to finish.

Countries that offer Residency by Investment

RBI programmes are offered by various countries around the world. Each Programme has its own set of requirements, benefits, and investment options.

US

The EB-5 Immigrant Investor Programme grants conditional residency to investors who create jobs by investing in new commercial enterprises in the US.

The most efficient way to acquire permanent resident (‘green card’) status in the US is via the US Immigrant Investor Programme.

Approved applicants will receive conditional green cards for a period of roughly 18 to 24 months after the application is successful.

The conditions on the green card are then removed at the end of the two years upon demonstrating to US immigration authorities that the jobs were in fact created or maintained.

The transition does not affect what the green card holder can do in the US.

Greece

Greece offers a Golden Residency programme that allows investors to acquire residency through real estate investments. Established in 2014, is an affordable option for non-EU, EEA, or Swiss nationals to gain access to Europe.

This programme allows investors and their families to obtain permanent residence status in Greece while maintaining other residences.

It offers the freedom to live, conduct business, study, and travel within the Schengen Area.

The programme is known for Greece’s Mediterranean climate, cosmopolitan cities, and warm hospitality.

Permanent residence status is renewable every five years under this programme.

Italy

Italy’s Investor RBI programme offers residency to applicants who make a qualifying investment in the country.

Investment options

• €2 million in Italian government bonds.
• €500,000 in a limited company incorporated and operating in Italy.
• €250,000 in an Italian innovative start-up company.
• €1 million in a philanthropic initiative.

Applicants can choose one of these options to qualify for the visa, but combination investments are not allowed.

The investment can be made from either an individual or a company account.

Monaco

Monaco, located on the French Riviera, is a glamorous principality known for its extreme wealth and opulence. Those looking to obtain residency in Monaco are required to deposit money in a Monaco bank and obtaining a letter of evidence from that bank.

There is no specific minimum deposit required by the government, as sufficiency is determined by the Monaco bank.

On average, applicants deposit around €500,000, although the amount can be considerably higher.

Portugal

Portugal offers the Golden Residence Permit programme, which allows investors to choose one of two investment options.

• Capital Transfer: Making a capital transfer of a specific amount into Portugal, which can be used for various investment purposes.
• Job Creation: Creating jobs in Portugal by investing in a business or project, resulting in employment opportunities for Portuguese citizens.

Singapore

The Global Investor Programme (GIP) in Singapore offers residency to high-net-worth individuals who invest in the country.

There are three investment options:

1. Investment in a Business Entity: Applicants can invest a minimum of SGD 2.5 million in either a new business entity or the expansion of an existing business operation.
2. Approved Government Fund: Applicants can invest a minimum of SGD 2.5 million in a GIP-approved fund that invests in Singapore-based companies.
3. Singapore-Based Single Family Office: Applicants can invest a minimum of SGD 2.5 million in a new or existing Singapore-based single family office with Assets Under Management (AUM) of at least SGD 200 million.

Each investment option has specific application processes and requirements that must be fulfilled as part of the GIP programme.

Spain

Spain has a similar programme to Portugal’s programme. Spain’s Golden Residence Permit Programme offers several investment options:

• Public Debt Securities: Requires a minimum investment of €1 million in public debt securities. Hold period is five years.
• Stocks and Shares: Involves investing a minimum of €1 million in Spanish company stocks and shares. Hold period is five years.
• Spanish Investment Funds: Requires a minimum investment of €1 million in Spanish investment funds, close-end investment funds, or venture capital funds. Hold period is at least 5 years.
• Bank Deposit: Involves a bank deposit of €1 million in a Spanish financial institution. Hold period is the same as the validity of residence.
• Real Estate: Requires a minimum investment of €500,000 in real estate property. Hold period is the same as the validity of residence.
• Business Project: Involves a minimum investment of €1 million in a business project that creates jobs, has socio-economic impact, or contributes to innovation.

The hold period is the same as the validity of residence.

Each option has its investment amount, type, and certification requirements, with different hold periods and validity of residence for each.

Switzerland

Switzerland, with its 26 cantons, is a highly desirable country for business activities. Unlike typical residence by investment programmes, Switzerland doesn’t have one.

Non-EU/EFTA nationals who are not working in Switzerland can obtain a Swiss residence permit by agreeing to pay a minimum net annual tax.

The required tax amount typically ranges from CHF 250,000 to CHF 1,000,000, depending on individual circumstances and the specific canton of residence.

CS Global Partners – Government Advisory in Residency

We are the leading authority in government advisory for residency programmes, specialising in assisting governments in developing, promoting, and enhancing their programmes. At CS Global Partners, we work closely with government institutions, professional bodies, investment bankers, law firms, and trusted advisors to educate and promote these programmes.

In the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic and more recent economic challenges, CS Global Partners continues to play a pivotal role in helping governments restructure their programmes. Restructuring stimulates economic recovery, growth, and sustainability.

As a one-stop RBI service provider, CS Global Partners offers a range of services. These services include consultation, a guided application process, and the provision of promotional marketing materials.

Overall, we serve as a vital partner in helping governments strengthen and protect their residency by investment programmes while fostering economic growth and global accessibility.

Citizenship by Investment

CS Global Partners are also trusted advisors to governments and top professional advisors globally, providing valuable insights and resources to unlock foreign investments and promote the features and benefits of Citizenship by Investment programmes.

Further Reading:

Depending on the country, the process to receive CBI will vary.

CBI was created and implemented first by St Kitts and Nevis in 1984, in the country’s Citizenship Act of 1984. Since then, many countries have followed in the country’s footsteps, particularly in the Caribbean. This is why the Caribbean is known as the ‘cradle of CBI.’

Also Read: Citizenship by Investment Due Diligence

The definition of foreign direct investment is the act of acquiring a large stake in a foreign company or project. For example, a business could decide to buy a foreign company in order to expand operations to a new location. This can be a good investment for a party that is interested in establishing a lasting interest in another country.

Also Read: Best places to invest in the Caribbean 

Gorgeous beaches, fantastic cuisine and the idyllic island lifestyle are some of the reasons why the Caribbean attracts people from all over the globe. But is it suitable for children? Certainly! The Eastern Caribbean nation of Saint Lucia offers the delights of island-life coupled with a family-friendly lifestyle.

Here’s what to do as a family in Saint Lucia…

Let’s explore some of the exhilarating activities that draw thrill-seekers from all over the world to this incredible Caribbean island.

Also Read: St Kitts and Nevis one of the safest islands in the Caribbean! 

Unfortunately, fraudulent CBI programmes are all too common. It can be hard for would-be applicants to determine whether or not their programme of choice is legitimate. This guide highlights some key questions which can help you identify legal citizenship by investment programmes.

We look at what makes the country’s property sector so popular, and offer guidance for those looking to invest in St Kitts and Nevis real estate themselves.