Q: What are some of the reasons these citizenship by investment programs are attracting so many international investors?
A: International business executives, investors, and important persons who are active worldwide consider an alternative citizenship and passport a powerful tool for international tax planning and a safety net should the living conditions at home become unbearable.
Applicants realize that a Caribbean citizenship provides several benefits, including:
• Visa free travel to over 100 countries, including the UK, Canada,
and Europe
• Retirement in a safe country with a warm climate
• A better education for the applicant’s children
• Children and grand children gain visa free travel and the right to live, work, or study in many countries
• A better quality of life for the family, including better healthcare and an unpolluted environment
• Relatively low real estate prices
• Personal security
• Tax advantages
• Freedom associated with having multiple passports
• Retirement in a safe country with a warm climate
• A better education for the applicant’s children
• Children and grand children gain visa free travel and the right to live, work, or study in many countries
• A better quality of life for the family, including better healthcare and an unpolluted environment
• Relatively low real estate prices
• Personal security
• Tax advantages
• Freedom associated with having multiple passports
If you seek European residency or citizenship (the EU passport), please visit our website at www.Malta-Citizenship.info.
Q: What is the minimum investment to obtain the citizenship and passport of a Caribbean country, such as Antigua & Barbuda, St. Kitts & Nevis, Grenada, Dominica, or St. Lucia?
A: There are several investment options available, including:
Antigua and Barbuda
Option #A: An investment of at least US$ 325,000 in an approved Antigua real estate project to be held for a minimum of five years, OR
Option #B: An investment of at least US$ 400,000 directly into an eligible business, OR
Option #C: A non-refundable contribution (donation) in the amount of at least US$ 230,000 to the country's National Development Fund.
St. Kitts and Nevis
Option #A: An investment of at least US$ 400,000 in an approved St. Kitts real estate project to be held for a minimum of five years, OR
Option #B: A non-refundable contribution (donation) in the amount of at least US$ 250,000 to the country's SIDF Fund.
Grenada
Option #A: A non-refundable contribution (donation) to the National Transformation Fund of US$ 200,000 (single applicant), OR
Option #B: An investment in Government-approved projects, which includes real estate developments such as villas and resorts, in the minimum amount of US$ 270,000.
Dominica
Option #A: A non-refundable contribution (donation) to the Economic Diversification Fund of US$ 200,000 (single applicant), OR
Option #B: An investment in Government-approved real estate of at least US$ 275,000.
St. Lucia
Option #A: A non-refundable contribution (donation) to the National Economic Fund of US$ 200,000 (single applicant, higher for families), OR
Option #B: An investment of at least US$ 300,000 into bonds, holding period of at least 5 years, OR
Option #C: An investment of at least US$ 300,000 directly into an approved real estate development to be held for at least five years,
NOTE: The above listed options exclude processing fees. Please contact
us for a complete quotation that includes all fees.Option #A: An investment of at least US$ 325,000 in an approved Antigua real estate project to be held for a minimum of five years, OR
Option #B: An investment of at least US$ 400,000 directly into an eligible business, OR
Option #C: A non-refundable contribution (donation) in the amount of at least US$ 230,000 to the country's National Development Fund.
St. Kitts and Nevis
Option #A: An investment of at least US$ 400,000 in an approved St. Kitts real estate project to be held for a minimum of five years, OR
Option #B: A non-refundable contribution (donation) in the amount of at least US$ 250,000 to the country's SIDF Fund.
Grenada
Option #A: A non-refundable contribution (donation) to the National Transformation Fund of US$ 200,000 (single applicant), OR
Option #B: An investment in Government-approved projects, which includes real estate developments such as villas and resorts, in the minimum amount of US$ 270,000.
Dominica
Option #A: A non-refundable contribution (donation) to the Economic Diversification Fund of US$ 200,000 (single applicant), OR
Option #B: An investment in Government-approved real estate of at least US$ 275,000.
St. Lucia
Option #A: A non-refundable contribution (donation) to the National Economic Fund of US$ 200,000 (single applicant, higher for families), OR
Option #B: An investment of at least US$ 300,000 into bonds, holding period of at least 5 years, OR
Option #C: An investment of at least US$ 300,000 directly into an approved real estate development to be held for at least five years,
Q: Can I include my family in my application?
A: Yes. The investment options of all Caribbean countries allow for dependents. ‘Dependent’ usually refers to: (1) children under the age of 18, (2) children between the age of 18 and 25 who are full-time students and financially dependent on the main applicant, and (3) parents or grandparents over the age of 65 years old, if they are living with or fully supported by the main applicant.
Q: Will a Caribbean citizenship automatically grant me European citizenship?
A: No, because the Caribbean countries are not members of the EU. However, holders of a passport issued by a Caribbean nation enjoy visa free travel for up to 90 days to many countries, including the European Union, specifically all European countries of the Schengen area.
If you are interested in European residency or citizenship please review the programs offered by Malta.
Q: Will a Caribbean citizenship automatically grant me visa-free travel to the United States?
A: No, because the Caribbean countries are not members of the United States visa waiver program. If you are interested in US residency or citizenship please review the United States EB-5 program.
Q: Will my citizenship expire?
A: No. When you acquire citizenship under a Caribbean citizenship program, you and your family enjoy full citizenship for life, which can be passed on to future generations by descent.
Q: How long does it take to get the citizenship and passport? What is the process?
A: Typically, the full process of obtaining citizenship will take between five to six months (Antigua & Barbuda), 90 days to ten months (St. Kitts & Nevis), or three to four months (Grenada, Dominica, St. Lucia). Upon request, a complete set of required forms as well as an application guide with detailed explanations regarding all forms and documents will be prepared and sent to you by courier.
Q: Do the Caribbean programs allow me to keep my original citizenship?
A: Yes. There are no restrictions on dual citizenship in Antigua & Barbuda or St. Kitts & Nevis. The acquisition of citizenship is not reported to other countries.
Q: How will new citizens be taxed?
A: Residents of Antigua and Barbuda benefit from no capital gains tax or estate taxes. Income taxes are progressive, ranging from 10% to 25% on taxable income. Citizens of Antigua and Barbuda are not taxed on their worldwide income but only on income sourced within Antigua and Barbuda.
Residents of St. Kitts & Nevis enjoy no direct personal taxes whatsoever. Even if citizens reside on the islands, they will not be subject to personal income tax, estate duty, inheritance or succession taxes, gift taxes or net worth tax.
Similar regulations apply to other Caribbean nations of Grenada, Dominica, and St. Lucia.
Q: Can you help me find a real estate agent in the Caribbean?
A: Yes. We would be happy to help you find your ideal residential and/or commercial real estate property. Our associated real estate firms can send you a comprehensive overview of the available properties and can advise on the best options depending on your individual situation and requirements. Popular investment choices include residential real estate, such as a second home or vacation property, or commercial real estate for income generation purposes.
Q: What are the major differences among the various immigration by investment programs?
A: The Bulgaria Citizenship by Investment Program offers several investment options starting from EUR 257,000 plus fees for Bulgaria (EU) citizenship and passport after 5 years in residency status.The Cyprus Residency by Investment Program offers options from EUR 300,000 for Cyprus (EU) permanent residency. Residents may apply for citizenship after 7 years in residency status.
The Greece Golden Visa allows non-EU applicants to file for Greece (EU) residency by way of a EUR 400,000 - 800,000 investment in local real estate. The investor may file for Greek citizenship after 7 years of living in Greece at a minimum of 183 days per year.
The Malta Naturalisation for Exceptional Services by Direct Investment regulation provides the applicant with Malta (EU) residency and citizenship for an investment in the amount of EUR 600,000 (36 months residency option) or EUR 750,000 (12 months residency option). Additional are a philanthropic donation, a property purchase or rental, and fees. For applicants who are only seeking Malta (tax) residency or Schengen travel benefits, options start at an annual recurring expense of EUR 15,000 plus property and fees.
The Monaco Residency / Citizenship Program offers Monaco residency to applicants who can prove sufficient accommodations and financial self-sufficiency. The applicant may file for Monaco citizenship after 10 years of permanent residency.
The Portugal Golden Visa Residence Permit Program offers Portugal (EU) permanent residency for a property investment starting from EUR 280,000. Investors may apply for Portugal citizenship after 5 years in residency status.
The Spain Golden Visa offers Spain (EU) residency for a EUR 500,000 minimum investment in real estate, or a EUR 1 Million Euro asset transfer, or a 2 Million Euro securities investment, or the creation of a new government-approved business project. The investor may file for citizenship after 10 years in residency status.
Outside of the EU, citizenship by investment programs include those offered by Canada, the United States of America, and the Caribbean nations of Antigua & Barbuda, St. Kitts & Nevis, Grenada, Dominica, and St. Lucia:
Canada offers several residency by investment options, leading to citizenship if desired, starting at CAD 200,000.
The United States EB-5 Program leads to permanent residency status and citizenship in the United States for a minimum investment of USD 900,000 in a commercial enterprise in the U.S. that generates at least 10 jobs for Americans. After 5 years as a permanent resident the investor may apply for U.S. citizenship.
The Caribbean nations of Antigua & Barbuda, St. Kitts & Nevis, Grenada, Dominica, and St. Lucia offer citizenship programs requiring a non-refundable donation of at least USD 200,000.
Q: What does "Schengen Area" mean?
A: The citizenship of a Caribbean country allows you to travel for up to 90 days without a visa across the "Schengen Area" of the European Union. The Schengen Area is a group of 26 European countries that have abolished passport and immigration controls at their common borders. It functions as a single country for international travel purposes, with a common visa policy. Source: Wikipedia
Please contact us for a detailed cost estimate or confidential consultation. Our associated attorneys are ready to assist you with attaining your investment objectives and answer any questions you might have about the Caribbean Residency / Citizenship by Investment programs.