Investment citizenship programs have existed for 40 years. And it has all started at St. Kitts and Nevis, Caribbean region. This is such a “classic” of alternative citizenship – Caribbean citizenship. The idea was initially as follows: investments in the country are attracted directly from private investors, this money goes to the development of infrastructure and other projects useful for the local economy, and the investor himself receives citizenship for such special merits.
Thus, the state retains a certain independence from some international funds/banks, where it could be credited in order to implement its development projects. And the investor obtains Caribbean citizenship for himself and the family, which gives the right to a visa-free visit to the UK (180 days a year without a visa, since the country is a member of the Commonwealth of Nations), as well as since 2009, citizens of St. Kitts and Nevis have the right visa-free entry into the EU (90 days every six months).
So, we may see that since their foundation Caribbean Citizenship by investment programs were holding the spirit of freedom and independence from the outside world. And that make a lot in common with the main idea of cryptocurrency. And if you feel like you should have options, we highly recommend to have a closer look to the opportunity of obtaining Caribbean citizenship.
How do the authorities consider applications for investment citizenship?
The state gives licenses to agents who promote the program in different countries, as well as gives licenses to local agents to companies that further prepare a package of documents from investors and submit applications, communicate with investors to clarify some questions about the documents, and accompany the process until its completion.
Actually, Apex Capital Partners, one of these companies, with offices in different countries, including the Caribbean and Montenegro. How are the checks going? At the consultation stage, we communicate with the client, do a preliminary check of his profile in order to assess the risks of whether something may prevent them from passing the checks. But after submitting documents for consideration, the authorities of the CIP founding country of the program send them to pass due diligence from independent international contractors.
Caribbean citizenship by investment is allowed in Antigua & Barbuda, Dominica, Grenada, Saint Lucia, and Saint Kitts & Nevis.
Acquiring a second passport in Caribbean countries has many benefits. Some of them are listed below:
- Application for Caribbean countries’ citizenship by investment takes 120 days at the max.
- One application is enough for including investor with children and spouse, their parents and grandparents, siblings. But you even may apply for yourself only. That’s up to investor.
- Free visa travel to over 100 countries.
- Caribbean industry shows major trends of transparency, security, and experience that you will need to succeed as an investor.
Briefly about the investment options: you may choose either a non-refundable contribution to the state fund, or an investment in an authorized development project (hotel). St. Lucia has unique option – investment in state bonds with a full return investment after a set period, this proposal is relevant only until the end of 2022.
