The Top Five Countries for Dual Citizenship

What are the top five nations for obtaining a second passport? This is a question that necessitates a consideration of the costs, application procedures, and advantages of the nations concerned. On similar topics, a number of papers have been written. One article, for example, lists 12 nations where a person can purchase a second passport. Another article lists the five cheapest nations to relocate to if you wish to leave the United States. Another section highlights “paradise nations” where you might wish to live and work. These articles, on the other hand, are mostly on travel, particularly for women.

Let’s say you’re serious about leaving America, or at the very least getting a second passport, and you’d need more specific information, narrowed down to the nations that are actually the greatest for acquiring second citizenship through investing. Take a look at the five nations mentioned below if that’s the case.

St. Kitts and Nevis is the first country that requires particular attention. This country has the world’s oldest citizenship by investment program. It grants citizenship to investors in as little as 60 days after they file an application. Currently, there are two investing categories. A $150,000 US gift to a Sustainable Growth Fund for a person or a family of up to four people, or Purchase a $200,000 U.S. property for seven years or a $400,000 U.S. After paying processing fees for five years, a candidate and any family members will be awarded full citizenship.

St. Kitts and Nevis passports are well-known across the world and allow its visa-free holder to travel to 156 countries across the world, including the European Union, the United Kingdom, Russia, and virtually all of South America. More information about the program in St. Kitts and Nevis may be found here.

Malta is a third country that stands out from the rest. It is a primarily English-speaking country in southern Europe with good economic opportunities and a lovely environment. Malta is one of Europe’s most creative countries, having a favorable tax climate. While it also grants residency, its Citizenship by Investment program is the major draw. Citizenship applicants must physically dwell in the nation for at least 12 months before applying. Malta claims to have the hardest due diligence in the world, requiring an examination of an investor’s whole portfolio. As a result, a highly exclusive clientele rewards those who achieve the greatest level of remuneration.

Individual investors interested in Citizenship by Investment must: a) donate 650,000 euros to a government national development fund, b) invest 150,000 euros in government-approved stocks or bonds, and c) purchase real estate for a minimum of 350,000 euros for five years, or enter a five-year rental lease of property with a rent of at least 16,000 euros per year, whichever comes first. New Maltese citizens have unrestricted freedom of movement across the European Union and the Schengen Area, as well as visa-free or on-arrival entry to 184 countries worldwide.

Grenada awards citizenship after only three months of application. A personal visit is not required. The ability to add siblings, parents, and grandparents of the primary applicant or their spouse in the application is a crucial feature. There are two possibilities:

  • The applicant must contribute at least $150,000 to Grenada’s National Transformation Fund. A contribution of $200,000 US for a family of four would be a good investment.
  • Another appealing alternative is to spend $220,000 on a local real estate project as a co-owner for five years, which compares well to what other nations need in exchange for citizenship.

A Grenada passport entitles holders to visa-free or visa-on-arrival entry to 143 countries, including China, Hong Kong, Singapore, Russia, and the United Kingdom, as well as the Schengen Area of Europe. Another unique feature for holders of a Grenadian passport is that it may be used as a bridge to an American E-2 investor work visa, allowing them to enter the United States. Here’s where you can learn more about Grenada.

New Zealand is one of the best country for immigrants in the world. Its investment program comprises two types of investments:

  • A minimum investment of NZ$10 million over a three-year period is required.
  • A minimum investment of NZ$3 million over a period of at least four years is required.

You receive your money back at the end of the term in either case, and you may maintain your residency, which leads to citizenship after five years. New Zealand is a signatory to the Trans-Tasman Agreement with Australia, which allows for free movement inside the union’s boundaries.

Furthermore, New Zealand is now negotiating a new free trade deal with the United Kingdom, which will include mutual freedom of movement for both Brits and New Zealanders. Both nations are also members of CANZUK, a proposed geopolitical union that will encompass Australia and Canada. When signed, holders of a New Zealand passport would be able to live and work in Canada, Australia, and the United Kingdom without requiring a visa, which would be a fantastic opportunity. There are five nations from which to pick. One of these options may be ideal for you, depending on your requirements.

While Portugal does not have a citizenship by investment scheme, it does have a popular golden visa residency program that can lead to citizenship. An applicant and dependents are awarded five-year residence permits after making an investment, allowing them to freely live, work, and re-enter Portugal. Another benefit of obtaining a residence card is that it allows you to travel freely, visa-free entry to the Schengen Area.

Portugal is a country with a lot of history, culture, and delicious food. Residents benefit from a pleasant temperature, a secure environment, and pleasant neighbors. The country has a well-developed financial system and an open attitude toward technology.

There are a number of ways to obtain a golden visa. The golden visa can be obtained in any of the following ways:

  • Deposit a minimum of 1 million euros in an authorized account.
  • Make/Create 10 new jobs.
  • Invest in real estate, ranging from as little as 280,000 euros for refurbishment to as much as 400,000 euros in low-density regions.
  • Pick between donating 350,000 euros to research, 250,000 euros to art initiatives, or at least 350,000 euros to a specific investment venture capital fund if you choose the capital investment path.
  • Invest 350,000 euros in a Portuguese firm that will create five permanent employment over a three-year period.

Portugal has been quite liberal and approachable when it comes to doing financial due diligence on golden visa applicants, which is just another reason to consider Portugal as a top candidate for a second passport. The country permits dual citizenship; thus, after 5 years of residency, an individual can apply for Portuguese citizenship. A Portuguese passport enables the bearer to travel to 185 countries across the world, as well as the right to free movement inside the European Union.