Citizenship by investment Programmes are the new insurance policy of the 21st century for businesspersons and international families

Micha-Rose said: “Citizenship by investment programmes are becoming increasingly popular among businesspersons and international families because they truly are the insurance policy of the 21st century.” The advantages are clear – flexibility, mobility, and the freedom to live and work in an increasingly global environment.”

Q1) Your views on Global residency and citizenship?

The citizenship by investment market is growing rapidly, especially among businesspersons and high net worth individuals (HNWIs) looking for smart and innovative ways to ensure their safety and protect their personal wealth. With unprecedented global uncertainty, their needs to diversify one’s residency and citizenship has become necessary to guarantee the future safety of one’s family.

Q2) What are the recent political and economic impacts on migration towards your prospective countries?

Recent world events such as Brexit and the 2016 US election results have had a tremendous impact on migration all over the globe. Individuals around the world are becoming increasingly concerned about their physical and financial security which is why we are witnessing a boost in migration trends pertaining to second citizenship options. Specifically, our clients are choosing the Caribbean citizenship by investment programmes. The efficiency and speed of the Caribbean programmes are remarkable – often offering successful applicants citizenship in a matter of months, without any residence, language, or interview requirements. Furthermore, the Caribbean is one of the safest regions in the world. This is likely why it is fast becoming the most popular destination for citizenship planning.

Q3) What are your predictions about residency and citizenship trends in 2017 and 2018?

We can only imagine that demand for alternative in residency and citizenship will continue to increase in 2017 and 2018. For entrepreneurs and investors from Europe, the Middle East, and Africa (EMEA), citizenship by investment is appealing because it presents the opportunity to build assets across two or more nations, and to thereby diversify their wealth.

Q4) What are your thoughts on Dual citizenship as a strategy for global upward mobility?

Free movement is being limited in many parts of the world right now, and countries are now considering the adoption of more restrictive immigration policies. In the face of such barriers, dual citizenship is an important tool for protecting mobility and remaining global.

Q5) which are your two top programmes? Kindly explain investment range, period and processing formalities in brief

Since the inception of citizenship by investment in 1984, the Caribbean has been on the cutting edge of the industry. The St Kitts and Nevis Citizenship by Investment Programme, the world’s first-ever citizenship by investment programme, has a longstanding reputation for trustworthiness and excellence, and is a prime example of the Caribbean’s leadership role. The Programme underwent a period of recalibration over the past year, and now presents exclusive features, such as its 60-day ‘Accelerated Application Process’ (AAP) and online application management system to deliver greater efficiency. The minimum investments in St Kitts and Nevis start at US$250 000.

As a long runner in citizenship by investment, Dominica gives the investor much to engage in. The country has provided the perfect conditions for eco-tourism and its Citizenship by Investment Programme fosters investments in sustainable projects sponsored by high-end brands and eco-luxury resorts. Investors can obtain citizenship of Dominica with a US$100 000 donation.

Grenada is also an important player in the citizenship by investment arena, offering a 60-business day turnaround. Grenadians have unique eligibility rights vis-à-vis other nations, such as China, which offers Grenadians visa-free travel. The minimum contributions under this citizenship by investment Programme start at US$ 200 000 for a family of four people.

Q6) What would be your advice on individual wealth planning in terms of investments in citizenship and migration?

It is important to speak to trusted advisors to ensure that the programme you wish to invest in will be suitable for you and your family.

When deciding on a citizenship programme, you need to engage with trusted advisors that will provide guidance on the legality of the programme, the ease and speed of application processing, residence requirements, and coverage – that is to say, which family members and loved ones can be included in the application.

First, the programme must be enshrined in the laws of a nation. Ease and speed of application processing are especially important for those who do not have the time to wait for a second citizenship. Certain countries offer processing times of 3 months or less, without sacrificing strict checks on applicants.

Residence requirements can also be significant obstacles to individuals, particularly if their job or business makes it necessary for them to be constantly travelling. It is essential that they learn whether a programme imposes any residence requirements before or after citizenship, or, instead, whether they dispose of these requirements altogether.

Finally, coverage is key to the ability of a programme to cater to specific families. Applicants usually wish to obtain citizenship not only for themselves, but also for their loved ones. It is thus essential to find out whether a programme allows one’s spouse, children, parents, or grandparents to apply together. Different rules may apply according to the age of the family member, and it is therefore important to be familiar with the age limitations for each category. It is also often the case that family members must show that they depend on the main applicant, for example, because they are students whose finances are fully taken care of by their parents.

Q9) Kindly let us know about the comparison of investment in real estate with bonds, donations and other investment programmes?

The Caribbean citizenship by investment options typically offer two investment options – a contribution to a national development fund or an investment in a Government-approved real estate project. There has traditionally been a tendency for applicants to choose the latter. However, our clients are increasingly drawn to the idea of investing in a national fund as this provides a more simple and straightforward route to citizenship. The fund option is also more convenient as you don’t have to worry about maintaining property on the other side of the world. Moreover, investors choosing to donate to a national fund say that this is a rewarding experience as they feel they are given the chance to contribute to the betterment of their new home.

Q10) As per the recent statistics which all nationalities prefer a second passport or a dual citizenship

Since last year Brexit and a number of other socio political events, second citizenship has become a priority for most individuals regardless of where they are originally from.

Q11) what would be the reasons the families from UAE are looking forward for a migration?

For clients from the UAE, a successful migration strategy includes one that is likely to yield profitable returns – for investment, and for the future of their family. Overall, the Caribbean is an enticing region to high net worth families, businesspersons, and world travellers. It is here that freedom, physical safety, asset development, and greater mobility are guaranteed – making the region the first-choice destination for wealth and citizenship planning.

Q12) How you are targeting UAE investors and families?

To provide opportunities for the UAE investors, International Real Estate & Investment Show (IREIS 2017) is expanding the second edition of Citizenship Expo to the MENA region to promote worldwide Immigration, Residency & Citizenship Programs and is set to run from 2 - 4 November 2017 at ADNEC, Abu Dhabi.

CS Global, as a main Sponsor of Residency and Citizenship by Investment Exhibition helps thousands of people to get ahead in life across different countries, primarily focusing Caribbean countries including St Kitts and Nevis, Dominica (the Commonwealth) and Grenada). Highly experienced immigration consultants will assist dual citizenship aspirants in the complex decision-making, documentation and application processes for a second citizenship and residency options. We also have designed an International Conference to provide knowledge on specific country investment programs and to discuss directly with the government entities on different programs. The upcoming 9thedition of the International Real Estate & Investment Show is expected to draw the participation of more than 125 exhibitors from 30 countries, as well as over 15,000 investors and real estate brokers. Drawing the participation of 92 exhibitors from 24 countries and 8,521 investors from 73 nationalities, IREIS 2016 edition created sales volumes of over US$180 million. For more information, please visit www.CitizenshipExpo.com

Micha-Rose Emmett,

Group Managing Director,

CS Global Partners