FAQ about Citizenship and Residency by Investment

Looking to achieve dual citizenship or residency through investment, but unsure where to start? If so,you've come to the right place. At Offshore Circle, we understand that the investment process can becomplicated and overwhelming, so we've compiled all the information you need in one convenientlocation.

Our team of experts has years of experience and knowledge of various programs, providing you with clear and concise answers to your most pressing inquiries. Whether you're interested in expanding your business, traveling more freely, or securing a better future for your loved ones, we're here to guide you every step of the way.

General FAQS

What is the difference between citizenship, residency and a passport?

Citizenship refers to a legal status that gives an individual certain rights and privileges within a particular country. A passport is an official document issued by a government to their citizens that verifies the identity and nationality of the holder and allows them to travel internationally.

Residency is an individual's stay in a particular location or country while having the right to work or live there without necessarily having citizenship rights.

Is it better to be a permanent resident or citizen?

When deciding whether to become a permanent resident or citizen, it is important to consider factors such as your long-term goals and what benefits you are looking for such as having a Plan B, tax benefits, investment opportunities and lifestyle.

What rights do permanent residents have vs citizens?

Permanent residents generally have many of the same rights as citizens, including the ability to live and work in the country, access to education and healthcare, and legal protections. However, citizenship offers additional benefits such as the right to vote, run for public office, access to certain jobs and government benefits, and the ability to travel without restrictions.

Which program is the most suitable for me?

Determining the most suitable citizenship or residency by investment program for you depends on a variety of factors, including your personal preferences, investment budget, and long-term goals.

Eligibility FAQS

Am I eligible for second citizenship and passport or residency?

Eligibility for a second citizenship or residency depends on various factors such as the individual’s country of origin, their desired destination, their personal circumstances, and the immigration policies of the country they are interested in. Each program sets its own requirements such as meeting their due diligence requirements and making a qualifying investment.

Who can apply for citizenship or residency?

Many programs set forth their own set of requirements and individuals and/or families who meet the eligibility criteria may proceed with their application submission

Are there any country restrictions on who can apply?

Some countries are banned from applying for citizenship or residency by investment programs due to various reasons, such as security concerns, political instability, or human rights violations. The specific countries that are banned can vary depending on the immigration policies of the country offering the investment program.

Are there any medical requirements to apply?

Some countries may have specific medical requirements for individuals applying for investment programs. For example, some countries may also have restrictions on individuals with certain medical conditions, such as infectious diseases.

What are the requirements to apply for a citizenship or residency by investment program?

The requirements for applying for citizenship or residency by investment programs can vary depending on the country offering the program. However, some common requirements include providing a completed application with required personal documentation, making an investment, attending an interview and biometric appointment.

On what grounds could my citizenship or residency by investment application be denied?

Citizenship or residency by investment applications can be denied for various reasons including failure to meet the eligibility requirements, providing false information, security concerns, immigration violations, or health issues.

Can you apply with a criminal record?

Some countries may deny an application for citizenship or residency by investment if the applicant has a criminal record or has been involved in any illegal activities. However, some countries may consider applications from individuals with a criminal record on a case-by-case basis.

Who is considered a dependent under one application?

The definition of a dependent can vary depending on the country offering the citizenship or residency by investment program. Generally, a dependent is a family member of the main applicant including spouse, children and parents. Some programs may allow for siblings though there are additional criteria that must be met.

What is the maximum amount of dependents allowed per one main applicant?

There is currently no maximum imposed as long as each dependent meets the eligibility criteria.

What are the requirements to add family members after acquiring citizenship or residency?

The requirements to add family members after acquiring citizenship or residency through an investment program can vary depending on the country offering the program including meeting the eligibility criteria, providing supporting documentation and paying applicable fees.

Does the program recognize same-sex marriage?

In some countries, same-sex marriage is recognized and legally allowed, which means that same-sex couples may be able to include their partners in their citizenship or residency by investment applications as spouses.

In other countries, same-sex marriage may not be recognized or legal, which could mean that same-sex couples are not able to include their partners as spouses in their applications.

What happens if my application for citizenship or residency is rejected?

If your application for citizenship or residency by investment is rejected, the specific process for appealing the decision and the likelihood of success will depend on the country offering the program and the reasons for the rejection.

In some cases, the rejection may be due to issues that can be resolved through further documentation or explanation. In this case, you may be able to reapply or appeal the decision.

In other cases, the rejection may be due to more serious issues such as criminal history or failure to meet the eligibility criteria for the program. In this case, you may not be able to reapply or appeal the decision.

Do I need to visit or reside in the country?

Some countries require applicants to make an initial visit to the country to complete an interview, provide biometric data, or sign documents related to the investment. In some cases, this visit may be waived or conducted remotely.

Other countries may require applicants to spend a certain amount of time in the country each year as a condition of maintaining their citizenship or residency status.

Citizenship by Investment FAQS

What is citizenship by investment?

Citizenship by investment is a process in which an individual can obtain citizenship in a foreign country by making a qualifying investment in that country. This investment can take the form of a non-refundable donation to the government, purchase of real estate, or investment in a local business. In exchange for the investment, the individual is granted citizenship with the associated benefits including visa-free travel, access to healthcare and education, and potential tax benefits.

What are the benefits of second citizenship?

The benefits of second citizenship may include visa-free travel to a larger number of countries, access to better healthcare and education systems, increased business opportunities, potential tax benefits, and the ability to live and work in multiple countries without restrictions. It can also provide a sense of security and a backup plan in case of political instability or economic turmoil in one’s home country.

Do I need to renounce my current nationality?

In most cases, obtaining a second passport through a citizenship by investment program does not require renouncing your current nationality. However, it is important to research the laws and regulations of both the country of current citizenship and the country offering the citizenship by investment program to confirm that dual citizenship is allowed. Some countries may require you to renounce your current nationality before granting citizenship, while others may allow dual citizenship.

Is the application process confidential?

Citizenship by investment programs are usually private and confidential, and the personal information you provide as part of the application process is generally kept confidential. However, each program has its own policies regarding confidentiality, so it is important to research the specific program you are interested in and review their policies regarding privacy and confidentiality.

Which countries offer citizenship by investment?

Several countries offer citizenship by investment programs, including but not limited to: Antigua & Barbuda, Dominica, Grenada, St Kitts & Nevis, St Lucia, Vanuatu, Malta and Turkey.

How much does it cost to apply for citizenship by investment?

The cost to apply for citizenship by investment varies depending on the country and the specific program. The investment requirements can range from a hundred thousand dollars to a million dollars. Additionally, some programs require additional fees, such as application fees, due diligence fees, and processing fees.

What are the investment routes to apply for citizenship by investment?

The investment routes for citizenship by investment programs vary by country, but generally involve a monetary contribution to the country’s government or an investment in qualifying assets, such as real estate, business or government bonds.

What is citizenship by donation?

Citizenship by donation is a type of citizenship by investment program where an individual can obtain citizenship by making a significant monetary contribution to the country’s government fund or a specific project, typically non-refundable. The donated funds are used for national development projects, such as infrastructure, education, or healthcare.

If the property is part of an operational hotel, will I still be able to use the property myself?

In most cases, citizenship by investment properties that are part of operational hotels come with a usage agreement that allows for a certain number of days of personal use. However, the specifics of the usage agreement may vary depending on the program and the property, so it’s important to review the terms carefully before investing.

Can I sell the real estate investment?

Yes, you can sell the real estate investment made as part of a citizenship by investment program after the set period defined by the specific program.

What is the most affordable investment option available in the Caribbean?

The most affordable citizenship by investment option available in the Caribbean may vary depending on the investment route as well as the number of applicants included. While other Caribbean countries offer competitive pricing, Dominica’s program is currently the most affordable for a single applicant and Antigua & Barbuda for a family of 3 or more.

What countries will I be able to visit visa-free with my Caribbean passport?

The Caribbean passports are highly coveted as they provide visa-free access to over 130 countries, including the EU, UK, and Singapore. Additionally, applicants are granted the flexibility to live, work, and study in their new country of citizenship as well as any member country of the CARICOM.

Which countries are members of CARICOM?

CARICOM (Caribbean Community) is a regional organization that includes 15 member states and 5 associate member states. The 15 full members are Antigua & Barbuda, The Bahamas, Barbados, Belize, Dominica, Grenada, Guyana, Haiti, Jamaica, Montserrat, St Kitts & Nevis, St Lucia, St Vincent and & Grenadines, Suriname, and Trinidad & Tobago. The 5 associate members are Anguilla, Bermuda, British Virgin Islands, Cayman Islands, and Turks & Caicos Islands.

Are there any residency requirements?

Out of the Caribbean citizenship by investment programs, Antigua & Barbuda is the only country that requires a physical presence of 5 days within the country, to be met within the first 5 years of obtaining citizenship. Turkey does not impose any physical presence requirements whereas Malta’s citizenship by investment program requires applicants to show strong ties and close connections to Malta, including spending a significant amount of time in Malta.

Is name change allowed in the new passport?

Citizenship by investment programs generally do not offer a name change as part of the program. However, once you become a citizen of the new country, you may be able to legally change your name according to the laws and procedures of that country.

How many years is the passport valid for?

The validity of a passport issued through citizenship by investment programs varies depending on the country that issues it. Generally, passports are valid for 5-10 years, and some countries may offer the option to renew the passport after it expires. It’s important to note that the validity of a passport is not linked to the duration of the citizenship obtained through investment.

Residency by Investment FAQS

What is a second residency?

A second residency refers to obtaining legal residency status, whether temporary or permanent in a country in addition to one’s original country of citizenship. This can be achieved through various means such as investment, employment, family ties, or other qualifying criteria.

What is residency by investment?

Residency by investment is a program offered by some countries that allows foreign investors and their families to obtain legal residency or permanent residency status in exchange for a significant investment in the country’s economy. The investment can take various forms, such as buying property, creating jobs, or investing in a local business.

What are the benefits of second residency?

The benefits of second residency can vary depending on the individual’s circumstances and the country they choose, but some potential benefits include access to better healthcare and education, increased personal and financial security, expanded business opportunities, and greater freedom to travel or live abroad. Additionally, some countries offer tax incentives or other financial advantages to foreign residents.

What rights are acquired through residency?

The rights acquired through residency can vary depending on the country and the specific type of residency obtained. However, some common rights and privileges that may be granted through residency include the ability to legally reside and work in the country, access to healthcare and education, the ability to open bank accounts and obtain credit, the ability to own property, and the right to travel more freely. Additionally, some countries may offer additional rights or privileges to foreign residents, such as tax incentives or the ability to eventually obtain citizenship.

Which countries offer residency by investment?

Many countries around the world offer residency by investment programs to foreign investors, including the United States, Canada, Greece, Cyprus, Malta, and several other nations. These programs typically require a significant investment in the country’s economy in exchange for legal residency or permanent residency status.

What are the disadvantages of permanent residency?

The disadvantages of permanent residency can vary depending on the country and individual circumstances, but some potential drawbacks include the requirement to pay taxes and comply with immigration laws, potential limitations on the ability to vote or participate in certain government programs, and the possibility of losing residency status if certain requirements are not met. Additionally, permanent residency may not provide the same benefits and protections as citizenship, such as the ability to obtain a passport or vote in national elections.

What are the investment routes to apply for residency by investment?

The investment routes to apply for residency by investment can vary depending on the country, but some common examples include investing in real estate, starting or investing in a local business, making a direct investment in the country’s economy, or investing in government bonds. The investment requirements and eligibility criteria may also vary depending on the program.

Can I purchase more than one property to qualify for residency by investment?

In some cases, it may be possible to purchase multiple properties to meet the investment requirements, while in other cases, the program may require that the investment be made in a single property or business.

Can I apply for a loan or mortgage to purchase property?

Typically, the residency by investment programs require the source of funds for the investment to originate from outside the country. It may be possible to use a loan or mortgage from a country other than the specified program of for funds above the minimum set required investment.

What countries will I be able to visit visa-free with my residency card?

The visa-free travel for residency card holders varies depending on the specific country and the nature of the residency program. In general, residency cards allow individuals to live and work in a country for an extended period, but residency card holders typically do not enjoy the same visa-free travel benefits as citizens. However, some residency programs offer visa-free travel or visa-on-arrival privileges to certain countries. The exact list of countries will depend on the specific residency program and the citizenship of the individual.

Does residency lead to citizenship?

In some cases, residency can lead to citizenship, but it depends on the specific country’s citizenship and immigration laws. In many countries, permanent residency is a prerequisite for eligibility to apply for citizenship through naturalization. However, permanent residency alone does not guarantee citizenship, as there are usually additional requirements, such as a minimum period of residence, language proficiency, and passing a citizenship test.

FAQS About the Application Process

How long does it take to get my citizenship or residency approved?

The processing time for citizenship or residency by investment applications can vary depending on the country and the type of investment. In general, it can take anywhere from a few months to over a year to get an application approved. Some programs offer expedited processing for an additional fee.

Are there any other fees that I need to be aware of?

Yes, each program has a set of applicable fees ranging from application fees, due diligence fees to resident cards or passports fees. These fees will vary according to the country and the chosen investment program.

Can I submit the application myself?

The citizenship by investment programs in the Caribbean, as well as Malta, require a local authorized agent to submit the applications on behalf of the applicant. Therefore, you would not be able to submit the application yourself in those programs.

However, other programs may allow applicants to submit their applications themselves. In those cases, it is still highly recommended to work with an experienced immigration attorney or reputable immigration agency that specializes in investment-based immigration to ensure that your application is completed accurately and efficiently.

When is my investment due?

The timing of the investment required for citizenship or residency by investment can vary depending on the program and the country. In some programs, such as citizenship by investment in the Caribbean, the investment is typically due after application pre-approval. This means that you would need to submit your application and wait for it to be reviewed and pre-approved before making your investment.

In some other programs, the investment is required to be made prior to the application submission. This means that you would need to make the investment upfront and provide proof of the investment as part of your application.

Is the source of investment funds investigated?

Yes, the source of investment funds is often investigated as part of the application process for citizenship and residency by investment programs. This is because the programs are designed to attract foreign investment to the country, but they also want to ensure that the funds being invested are legitimate and not the result of illegal activities such as money laundering, terrorism financing, or other criminal activities.

The level of scrutiny and investigation may vary depending on the program and the country. Some programs may require extensive documentation and verification of the source of funds, such as bank statements, tax returns, and other financial records. In some cases, applicants may need to provide a detailed explanation of how they obtained the funds being invested.

Do I have to attend an interview?

Some programs may require an interview as part of the application process, while others may not. For example, the citizenship by investment programs in the Caribbean currently do not require interviews. However, it’s important to note that this may change in the future and applicants should always check the most up-to-date requirements.

Residency programs in Europe, on the other hand, typically require an in-person biometrics appointment within the country.

Overall, the specific interview requirements for citizenship and residency by investment programs can vary widely depending on the program and the country.

What documents do I need to prepare for application?

The specific documents required for a citizenship or residency application vary depending on the country and your individual circumstances. However, common documents include your passport, photo IDs, birth certificate, marriage certificate, police clearance certificate, proof of employment or income, and medical records.

Can I submit my application in my native language?

You may be required to submit your application in the official language of the country you are applying to. All translations must be made by a certified translator.

What is a police clearance certificate?

A police clearance certificate is a document issued by a law enforcement agency or government authority that confirms whether or not a person has a criminal record. The certificate may also be known as a criminal record check, police check, or background check.

Do I need to apostille my documents?

Some countries require that certain documents, such as birth certificates or police reports, be apostilled, while others do not. An apostille is a certification that authenticates the origin of a document, and is issued by a designated authority in the country where the document was issued.

FAQS about Taxes

Will I be considered a tax resident in my new place of citizenship or residency?

Whether or not you will be considered a tax resident in your new place of citizenship or residency depends on the tax laws of the country and your specific circumstances. Typically, a country may consider you a tax resident if you spend more than 183 days in the country within a fiscal year.

Do I need to pay taxes in the country I am obtaining citizenship or residency from?

The answer to this question depends on the tax laws of the country offering the citizenship or residency program and the individual’s specific circumstances. Some countries may require residents or citizens to pay taxes on all income earned worldwide, regardless of where the income is generated. This means that if you obtain citizenship or residency in a country that has this tax system, you may be required to pay taxes on your income earned in your home country or other countries.

Other countries may have territorial tax systems, which means that residents or citizens are only required to pay taxes on income earned within the country’s borders.

What are the tax benefits of obtaining a second citizenship or residency?

The tax benefits of obtaining a second citizenship or residency can vary depending on the country offering the program and the individual’s specific circumstances, such as their home country’s tax laws and their personal financial situation.

Many countries may offer tax incentives or more favorable tax rates to residents or citizens who invest in the country’s economy. This could include reduced or waived taxes on foreign income, capital gains, or inheritance.

However, it is important to note that obtaining a second citizenship or residency does not necessarily exempt an individual from their tax obligations in their home country. Many countries have laws and agreements in place to prevent citizens from avoiding taxes by obtaining a second citizenship or residency.