High net-worth people with a Tier C passport with poor acceptability have limited opportunities for travel and business expansion. This scenario depicts the need for a second citizenship that empowers them to travel to their favouritedestination without the need for a visa. Citizenship by investment in real estate was the mainstream across the globe, especially among countries from Europe and the Caribbean countries.
However, 2023 was a chaotic year where immigration policies were under strict rules and we observed many countries either increase the minimum investment threshold, end the real estate stream, or make other changes. Let’s explore the best places to invest in real estate and get a second citizenship.
Why do People consider a Second Citizenship?
You may have questions about why people seek a second citizenship. The answer differs from person to person, however, the aim is clear, to get a strong passport to bypass traveling restrictions. The leading causes include personal security, improving traveling opportunities, business expansion, avoiding political, religious, or social persecution or it could be any other cause. Buying real estate to obtain second citizenship is the most successful and straightforward path that comes with a multitude of benefits for investors.
Best Places to Invest in Real Estate and Get Second Citizenship
After the changes by various countries to their investment programs leading to citizenship, residency, or Golden Visa Schemes, you need to know the updated list of best places for real estate investment to get a second citizenship. Here is the list with relevant information:
1. St Kitts and Nevis
2. Malta
3. Dominica
4. Greece
5. Grenada
6. Antigua and Barbuda
1. St. Kitts and Nevis – A Haven for Family Migration
St. Kitts and Nevis citizenship by investment program is one of the earliest options launched in 1984 to welcome foreign direct investment and investors get a powerful passport with improved global mobility. Real estate investment in St. Kitts and Nevis allows not only individuals but their family members to get a second passport and travel to 150+ countries visa-free. The political and economic stability attracts investors to enjoy rental income or live with family and provide world class health care and education facilities to children.
Overview of St. Kitts and Nevis Citizenship by Investment in Real Estate
St. Kitts and Nevis real estate investment opportunities for investors include beachside luxury resorts, beachside apartments, and hotel suits. Real estate investment offers great value and return, while the tax incentives further draw the attention of investors. The growing tourism industry is also driving investment in real estate where you can earn 2 to 5% rental income as well. with a $400,000 investment in real estate, you become eligible for St. Kitts and Nevis Passport. The investment holding period is 7 years and you can sell or retain the property after that period. As per Wikipedia, the St. Kitts and Nevis passport offers visa-free travel to 154 countries including the UK, Schengen states, Ireland, Singapore, Hong Kong, and others.
2. Malta Real Estate Investment for Citizenship
If you want a passport that can help you get a visa to all important countries, then the Malta passport is the one to consider. Malta passport holders can travel visa-free to Schengen countries, Hong Kong, UK, and UAE while Russia permits eVisa to Malta citizens. You need eTA (electronic Travel Authorization) for Canada and the USA. China is the only important country where you need to apply for a visa. Malta citizens can travel to 175+ countries visa-free.
Malta Real Estate Investment Requirements for Citizenship
Malta real estate investment leading to citizenship is a pathway to a powerful passport. If you have been in Malta for 12 months, you need to invest €750,000, while people residing in Malta for 36 months, the investment requirement is €600,000. Adding a family member requires €50,000 additional investment.
3. Dominica Real Estate Investment for Citizenship
Dominica’s real estate investment stream is a fast-track citizenship program that requires an investment of $200,000 to obtain a Dominica passport. Investment in real estate is not only a way to enjoy rental income, but to get a second passport and improve your global mobility. Dominica citizenship permits visa-free traveling to 135+ countries. The visa-free list includes Schengen countries, China, Hong Kong, and Singapore, and easy access to the US investor visa.
Family Inclusion and Tax Benefits
Dominica citizenship by real estate investment permits to include family members. This includes spouses, children with an age limit of 30, and parents with the age of 65 or more. Dominica is one of the favorite countries for business persons due to its tax-friendly approach. There is no tax on personal income, wealth, inheritance, capital gains, or tax on wealth. That’s why high-net-worth people prefer to obtain Dominica citizenship by investment program.
4. Greece Citizenship by Real Estate Investment
The recent updates for Greece citizenship by real estate investment require €250,000 investment for Zone C, €400,000 for Zone B, and €800,000 for Zone A. Zone A includes the prime locations of Greece including Athens, areas from Attica, Thessaloniki, Mykonos, and Santorini. Zone B areas include suburbs of Athens, such as Piraeus, Erakas, Ekali, and Markopoulo. Zone C areas include municipalities that are less attractive but are the most affordable option for investors in terms of affordability.
Greece Golden Visa Program for Family Inclusion
Greece Golden Visa program leading to citizenship by real estate investment permits inclusion of family members including married spouses, children under 21, and parents of both main applicant and spouse.
5. Grenada Citizenship by Real Estate Investment
Grenada citizenship by real estate investment starts from $220,000 investment and you can get a Grenada passport in 4 to 6 months. Grenada citizens can travel to 140 countries without fear of being denied entry. You need not book an embassy appointment, wait for a visa decision, and after approval, book a flight and hotel room. You need to hold your investment for 5 years and can earn rental income or live on your own. After 5 years, you are free to either retain the property or sell it.
Grenada Citizenship for Family Members
Grenada citizenship by real estate investment stream allows inclusion of family members including spouse, children, parents, and even grandparents. Granada passport is mainly used as a pathway to an E-2 USA visa that permits live and work in the USA. You can also get easy access to the USA visitor or B-1 or B-2 visa.
6. Antigua and Barbuda Citizenship by Real Estate Investment
Antigua and Barbuda citizenship by real estate investment stream is one of the cheapest options. You only need to invest $100,000 to buy real estate in government-approved projects. Antigua and Barbuda citizenship is one of the few countries eligible for visa-free travel to the UK, Schengen countries, South American countries, Singapore, South Korea, and Hong Kong.
Why to Invest in Antigua and Barbuda Real Estate
When you invest in the real estate sector of Antigua and Barbuda, your main aim is to get a second passport for easy mobility. High net-worth people love to have the freedom to travel to safeguard their interests. Americans are especially interested in second citizenship options as they have to pay high taxes on their global income. Further, people from China, Russia, Brazil, and Asia are on top who consider Antigua and Barbuda as their option for a second citizenship. The country permits dual citizenship and thus you need not renounce your home country’s citizenship. Here are the reasons you should invest in Antigua and Barbuda Real Estate:
- Get a Second Passport
- Property Appreciation with 3-5% annual growth
- 4-5% rental income per Annum
·Visa-free access to 150+ countries
From the above list of countries, the choice to choose a country depends on personal choices, budget, suitability, and other factors. The list includes countries that are offering direct citizenship by investment and also includes countries where you first need to meet the residency requirements and then qualify for citizenship. Caribbean countries are more affordable and offer passports within 3 to 12 months maximum. Whereas the European countries require residency leading to citizenship. Considering the differences, Caribbean countries are the best places to invest in real estate and get second citizenship quickly. The prices mentioned above are latest by April 2024, while readers must consider the recent MoU signed by 4 Caribbean countries to increase the minimum price threshold to $200,000. The price increase will be implemented by 30th June 2024.
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