Popular questions
What are the best citizenship by investment countries in Europe?
- Malta is currently the only European country with a true citizenship by investment program.
- Several others offer residency programs leading to citizenship after meeting certain requirements. These include Portugal, Greece, Turkey, Montenegro, Austria, and North Macedonia.
Here’s a breakdown of some options:
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Malta Citizenship by Investment: Considered the best due to its benefits and ease of application. However, it has high investment requirements.
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Portugal Golden Visa: Offers a path to citizenship through a €500,000 investment in specific areas. Important to note: Portugal recently ended its real estate option for the Golden Visa program in 2024.
Additional Considerations:
- Residency Requirements: Most European residency programs require you to spend a certain amount of time per year in the country.
- Investment Options: These programs offer various investment options like real estate, venture capital funds, or government bonds.
Are you allowed to hold dual citizenship?
Yes, South Africa allows dual citizenship, but with a condition. Here’s what you need to know:
- Apply to retain South African citizenship first: If you’re 18 or older, you must get permission to hold onto your South African citizenship before applying for another country’s citizenship. This is done through the Department of Home Affairs. Not doing this could lead to automatic loss of your South African citizenship.
- Minors are exempt: Children under 18 acquiring a foreign citizenship before their 18th birthday automatically retain South African citizenship. However, if they want another foreign citizenship after turning 18, they’ll need to apply to retain South African citizenship just like adults.
What should I do if my application is rejected?
Unfortunately, the process for acquiring a second passport depends on the specific country offering citizenship. There’s no guarantee your application will be successful, and rejection reasons can vary.
Here are some general steps in case of rejection:
- Understand the reason: The rejection notice should provide details on why your application was denied.
- Review requirements: Carefully examine the citizenship requirements of the country you applied to. Ensure you meet all the criteria.
- Seek help: Consult an immigration lawyer who specializes in the specific country’s citizenship process. They can advise on potential reasons for rejection and guide you on how to improve your application for resubmission.
Eligibility & Requirements
What is the minimum investment amount for a CBI program?
This varies significantly by country. Some programs start as low as $100,000 USD, while others require millions.
What types of investments qualify for CBI programs?
Options often include real estate, government bonds, contributions to a national development fund, or investment in local businesses.
Do CBI programs require me to live in the country?
Residency requirements vary. Some programs have no residency requirement, while others require spending a certain amount of time per year in the country (e.g., 2 days, 2 weeks).
Do I need to speak the local language to qualify for a CBI program?
Language requirements differ. Some programs have no language test, while others might require basic proficiency.
Are there medical examinations required for a CBI program application?
Most programs require a medical exam for the main applicant and sometimes dependents to ensure good health.
Processing Timeframes
How long does it typically take to get citizenship through a CBI program?
Processing times vary by country, but it can range from a few months to a year or more.
What are the application fees and government charges associated with a CBI program?
Beyond the investment amount, expect additional costs like application fees, due diligence checks, and professional fees.
What kind of background checks are conducted?
Expect thorough due diligence checks on your source of funds, criminal history, and potential security risks.
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