What is the citizenship by investment programme?

In a nutshell, the Citizenship by Investment Programme (CIP) is an opportunity for individuals to legally obtain a new citizenship and passport quickly and hassle free. Applicants may either make a donation directly to a government fund or invest in government approved real estate projects. The funds are used to benefit local projects and programmes, build and create jobs, and stabilize the local economies of once struggling nations. Economic citizenship programmes are a fast track way for investors to obtain citizenship allowing greater visa-free travel options, a broader array of investment opportunities, and gain personal security and privacy, all while investing in a country’s future. Aside from the obvious travel benefits, whatever the motivation may be, holding a second passport is a smart choice. There are countries all over the world that offer economic citizenship programmes. Here we focus on the West Indies series of islands. Each jurisdiction in the Caribbean offers a different programme and investment amount.

“The West Indies is an exciting place to live, visit, and explore. The citizenship through investment programmes offered here are very attractive to anyone wishing to add travel, investment, security, and privacy options to their lives,” Robert Martin of NTL Trust.

TRAVEL FREEDOM

For those who love to explore the world, travel may be limited by your home country’s current and past international relationships, work and travel visas may be difficult to obtain in time for vacation plans. With careful choice of an adopted country, visa-free travel to most of the world is available.

INVESTMENT OPPORTUNITIES

Many regimes restrict investments and business opportunities available to their citizens. Some individuals find that they cannot invest, bank, or participate in certain markets (foreign exchange or precious metals) without major government babysitting and restrictive limitations.A new citizenship can alleviate the above-mentioned obstacles, opening new revenue streams and often lowering tax profiles.

SECURITY-PEACE OF MIND

Safety also pays a major role in the decision to acquire another citizenship. Perhaps your assets are targeted, or worse, your family persecuted for being financially successful. All the money in world is worth nothing if you and your family aren’t secure at home. The majority of people who obtain citizenship by investment do not renounce their home passport, their homelands, or their day-to-day life: they have simply added options to make travel easier.

FEDERATIONS OF ST. KITTS & NEVIS

The two-island nation of St. Kitts & Nevis citizenship initiative, established in 1984, is the oldest and one of the most successful CIPs. It has helped create one of the largest economic middle classes in the Caribbean.The SKN Program offers two options to qualify for citizenship, through a charitable donation to the Sugar Industry Diversification Foundation (S.I.D.F.) or the acquisition of authorized real estate.

The S.I.D.F. donations range from US$250k for an individual to US$300k for a family of four, and more for larger families. Due Diligence and professional agent fees apply but other government processing fees are included.

Investment into authorized, real estate requires a minimum value of US$400k. Developments offer full and fractional options; professional agent fees and government processing fees also apply; the total investment for a family of four is around US$600k. The property must be kept for a minimum of five years, at which time it can be sold on the open market, with the new buyer also qualifying for citizenship.Economic citizenship in the Federation of St. Kitts & Nevis is a solid and established option for today’s world citizens.

ANTIGUA & BARBUDA

In March 2013, the Senate of Antigua and Barbuda voted to establish a Citizenship by Investment Programme to spur growth in the islands. Antigua has long been an international hub for the West Indies. With some of the best beaches in the Caribbean it already has a fairly robust tourism foundation.

Almost identical to neighboring St. Kitts and Nevis, the options for qualifying are through a contribution of US200k to the National Development Fund or investment in authorized real estate of US$400K. Antigua & Barbuda also offers an option to invest in a private business, with a minimum investment amount of US$1.5m. The associated due diligence, processing, and legal fees also apply. Antigua & Barbuda is the only Caribbean CIP to offer visa-free travel to Canada.Travel to the island is not necessary to receive citizenship, however the new citizen is required to visit the islands for a minimum of 5 days over the first five years or risk forfeiture.Antigua & Barbuda have taken the foundation of a successful program and attempted to improve on it, upping the ante in the budding competitive CIP market in the Eastern Caribbean.

THE СOMMONWEALTH OF DOMINICA

Dominica has been the most economical choice for the CIP, offering an incredible passport and citizenship at a value price. The island is one of the most beautiful places in this world. Currently an individual can apply with US$100k, while a family of four qualifies with US$200k donation to the Government Fund plus due diligence and processing fees.Dominica launched a real estate option with a minimum investment of US$200k plus processing fees of US$25-50k per individual. A family of four can qualify for around US$340,800, fees included. Without question, Dominica is a solid option for many who are considering a seconds passport.

GRENADA

The Island of Spice, Grenada’s Citizenship by Investment Programme offers one of the fastest processing times in 2-3 months. There are two options available to qualify for citizenship: a donation of US$200k for a single applicant into the National Transformation Fund. The second option available is an investment into government-approved real estate with a minimum investment of US$350k. A family of 4 or 5 can apply for citizenship for less than US$450k. Processing, due diligence, and government fees apply. Grenada is quickly establishing itself as a viable option for CIP investors.

ST. LUCIA

Accepting applications January 2016, St. Lucia is the youngest Caribbean island to offer fresh, new Citizenship by Investment Programmes.

St. Lucia offers four options to qualify for citizenship. A donation to the National Economic Fund of US$200k for an individual to US$450k for a family of six will qualify. An investment of US$300k into approved real estate, an investment of US$3m into an approved business, or US$500k into government bonds will also qualify a single applicant. Additional fees apply or each scheme.

NTL Trust, headquartered in the Caribbean since 1994, works extensively with clients and the local governments to provide unparalleled service to investors wishing to obtain a second citizenship and passport. The firm offers personalized service, secure and compliant cross-boarder corporate and fiduciary wealth management solutions, designed specifically to help clients and professionals reach their goals and ensure the best possible outcomes in the application processes. Global Footprint for Global Planning.