Citizenship & Residency Requirements and Processes

• Is name change allowed?
  Some countries allow an applicant to change his and his family’s name, and some do not.

• Do I have to attend an interview?
  Depending on which program the investor chooses, an interview might be mandatory.

• Are there any restrictions on who can apply?
  Some Citizenship & Residency by Investment Programs apply restrictions based on the applicant’s current citizenship. Most countries will not accept candidates who have been refused a visa in a country to which they would gain visa-free travel.

• Is there a maximum number of dependents allowed?
  There is no limit on the number of dependents who can apply with the main applicant.

• Are there any minimum educational requirements?
  No, there is no education requirement.

• Can someone transfer the funds on my behalf for my citizenship or residency?
  Some Citizenship and Residency by Investment Programs will allow someone else to transfer the funds on the investor’s behalf. However, certain procedures must be followed to meet bank requirements.

• Are there countries that allow me to add my children as dependents if they are 27 years old?
  Some Citizenship by Investment Programs allow the investor’s children to apply as long as they are full-time students.

• Can I apply for citizenship or residency (or my family) if I don’t have a passport?
  All programs require a valid passport. However, there can be exceptions in cases of extreme hardship.

• Can I apply for citizenship or residency (or my family) if I don’t have a birth certificate?
  All programs require a birth certificate. However, exceptions might apply depending on your personal history.

Special Cases and Exceptions

• Is there a program that recognizes same-sex marriages?
  Many programs define “spouse” as a partner of the opposite sex. Some residence by investment programs, such as the Canadian and US programs, accept same-sex marriages.

• Is it possible to speed up the application process?
  There is currently a fast-track option in St. Kitts, where additional fees apply. The best way to assure a speedy process is by submitting a well-prepared and complete application.

• What happens if a dependent child turns 18 during the application process?
  If the file has been submitted before the child turns 18, there won’t be any consequences.

• Which programs allow me to include my parents in the application?
  Most Citizenship or Residency by Investment Programs allow parents to be included, though some age restrictions apply.

• If I acquire a Caribbean citizenship, how will I be taxed?
  If a Caribbean citizen does not live in the Caribbean, there will be no tax consequences. It’s important to review the tax systems of specific countries if you’re interested in residency.

• Can the applicant pass on his citizenship to his grandchildren (third generation)?
  In some islands, such as St. Kitts and Nevis, citizenship is passed on from generation to generation. In St. Lucia, this is not the case.

• After being granted citizenship, what happens if the main applicant has a baby?
  The applicant must apply for the newborn to obtain citizenship and pay applicable fees.

• With respect to the Quebec Immigrant Investor Program, does an investor have any preferential treatment if he/she speaks French?
  Yes, French-speaking applicants are not subject to the program cap and may submit an application at any time during the year, with priority processing.

Program Timelines and Benefits

• How long does it take to get the Cyprus citizenship and passport?
  The entire process typically takes six months.

• When obtaining a Caribbean citizenship, for how many years is a passport valid?

  • Antigua and Barbuda: 5 years
  • Dominica: 10 years
  • Grenada: 5 years
  • St. Kitts and Nevis: 10 years
  • St. Lucia: 5 years

• How does Grenada being a part of the Commonwealth of Nations help an investor?
  Being a citizen of a Commonwealth member brings benefits such as easier travel across member states, protection by member states’ embassies and commissions, and eligibility for certain sporting activities like the Commonwealth Games.

Other Citizenship & Residency Investment Program Considerations

• What are the requirements to apply for the Quebec Immigrant Investor Program (Canada)?

  • Have at least $1,600,000 CAN in net assets obtained legally.
  • Have experience in management.
  • Intend to settle in Québec and invest $800,000 CAN with an authorized financial intermediary.

• Will the Cyprus citizenship automatically grant an investor European citizenship?
  Yes, Cyprus is a member of the European Union, granting European citizenship.

• If an investor opts for a Golden Visa (Portugal), can it also apply to family members?
  Yes, the investor’s family, including children, spouse, and dependents, can apply for a resident permit.

• When can an investor be eligible for permanent residency in Portugal via the Golden Visa scheme?
  The investor and family are eligible for permanent residency after 5 years and Portuguese citizenship after 6 years.

Economic Citizenship Programs

• What is an economic citizenship?
  Citizenship by Investment programs enable individuals to acquire citizenship by making a substantial financial contribution to a country.

• What happens to the financial contribution (donation)?
  The contribution usually helps infrastructure development or economic growth in the country of investment.

• Does an economic citizenship grant you a particular/special status?
  No, obtaining citizenship via a Citizenship by Investment program does not grant special status.

• Do I have the same rights as citizens born in that country?
  Yes, you enjoy the same rights and privileges.

Dual Citizenship and Confidentiality

• In order to apply to a Citizenship by Investment program, do I have to renounce my citizenship?
  No, Citizenship by Investment programs allow for dual citizenship.

• Is the process of obtaining my second passport confidential?
  Yes, the entire process is confidential.

• Do I have to speak the country’s language in order to apply for a second passport?
  No, there is no language requirement for countries such as Dominica, Grenada, St. Kitts, or Cyprus.

• Can my new citizenship be revoked?
  For most programs, passports cannot be revoked unless the new citizens have committed acts that could bring disrepute to the country.