Maybe you would like after all that stress to take a long vacation in Europe? Despite progress in improving the epidemiological situation in many countries, travelling around the world is still limited for those who do not have documents that entitle them to long stays in other countries. This is the second (alternative) citizenship by investment or Permanent Residency (Golden Visa, for example). How realistic is it to obtain a second citizenship this year? To expand your business and personal travel options.
Montenegrin CIP
One of the trends of 2021 is Montenegro’s citizenship by investment program. According to the announcement of local authorities, it works only until the end of this year. You need to invest in real estate, but you can only choose from hotel-type projects under construction authorized by the state. A minimum investment of 250,000 euros for northern projects and 450,000 euros for southern projects is a rule. It is important for the investor that, according to the contracts, in southern projects it will be possible to either live or rent through a management company. Whereas in the north there will be a limit on residence for the owner.
In addition to investing in real estate, there is a contribution of 100,000 euros to the state fund of Montenegro. The decision on the application is made in 3-6 months. The most important advantage is that you immediately get citizenship, not a permanent residency. To the investor, spouse, children. Now with a Montenegrin passport you can live there, travel around the EU (90 days every six months). And by 2025, Montenegro should become part of the EU, then it will already be possible to live, study, work in any EU country.
Caribbean Citizenship by investment
One of the most effective and cost-effective ways to deal with the issue of second citizenship is the Caribbean Citizenship for Investment programs: Saint Kitts, Saint Lucia, Dominica. We recommend this option to those who want to obtain a second citizenship for visa-free entry into the EU (90 days every six months), the UK, as well as issuing a long-term tourist visa to the USA (for 10 years) according to a simplified scheme. Caribbean citizenship is issued for investments completely remotely. The application process takes about 6 months. Together with the main applicant, several generations of relatives, even grandparents, sisters and brothers, can be entered at once (there are certain conditions). A unique offer is valid until the end of 2021 for the registration of citizenship of Saint Lucia. A passport of this country can be obtained for a returnable investment. That is a Contribution to state bonds in the amount of $250 000 (depends on the number of family members in the application).
Malta
The new program of Malta is called MEIN — it is naturalization through contribution to the economy. In fact, this is the only current program that directly leads to the citizenship of the EU country. We recall that the Cyprus alternative program has been discontinued. After obtaining citizenship of Malta, it will be possible to live, study and work in Malta. Or in any other EU country. And also take advantage of visa-free entry to 183 countries of the world, including the USA and the UK. The statement can include the spouse, children under 29 years old, parents, grandparents. Moreover, at the first steps of the process, the investor and family receive Permanent Residency within a month and will be able to enjoy the summer season in Malta.
However, the path to Maltese citizenship by investment will be long and will take at least 14-16 months, the key investment is a non-refundable contribution to the fund in the amount of 750,000 euros. At the same time, you will need to either purchase or rent real estate at the stage of registration of housing and communal services. The rental rate must be at least €16,000/year. And it will also be necessary to make a contribution to a charity fund in the amount of €10 000 to the one or several organizations based in Malta.
Please note that these investment amounts do not include government fees and services for legal registration of participation in citizenship by investment programs.
