Real Estate Investor Magazine South Africa March/April 2019 | Page 59

WEALTH MANAGEMENT
countries like Malta for example. You can open bank accounts
and can send your children to top schools. For example, with
an EU citizenship such as Malta, your children have access to
universities in Europe at EU rates, rather than the substantially
higher foreign student rates. 
To enjoy the maximum benefits of a European ‘citizenship
by investment’ program, you generally need around R15 million
to get into the Euro Zone, and residency programs start from
as low as R2.5 million. The Caribbean programs start at around
R1.5 million, but generally have the benefit that you can exit
your investment after a period and still retain citizenship.
RECOMMENDED PROGRAMS INCLUDE:
Eurozone
Portugal
Starts from EUR500,000 into property (can be from
EUR350  000 subject to certain criteria). Does not provide
instant citizenship, but rather residency although you are not
required to actually live there. After six years citizenship can be
granted, however this is still open for debate. Regular visits are
required for renewals as well as a language test. An attractive
option though as a route to EU residence and visa-free travel to
all the Schengen countries.
Malta
Requires Government contribution (donation) from EUR
650 000, in addition to an investment of EUR 150 000 into
Government bonds (held for 5 years), as well as a property
component (can choose between renting and buying). Program
starts from around EUR 1 million for a family of 4 Citizenship
takes just over twelve months (residency period) during which
time at least +_21 days should be spent in Malta. There are
no language requirements. Attractive option to gain entry to
EU residence (within first 6-8 weeks) and then citizenship and
travel to EU and USA. Malta is currently voted as no. 7 on the
list of best passports to have. 
Cyprus
Starts at EUR300,000 into property for residence, but EUR2.5
million for citizenship. Offers fast and straightforward route
to residence in 2 to 4 months. Offers access and travel to EU.

CARIBBEAN
Grenada
Starts at USD 200  000 donation or USD350,000 into
property. Citizenship in 4-6 months. The only Caribbean
country with visa-free travel to China and access to the US via
the E-2 treaty ‘Investor Visa’, which allows you to establish a
business and reside in the US. Visa-free travel to 140 countries
incl. UK, China and Schengen region. Property is owned full
title, fully managed and rented, and can be sold after 3 years
(and keep citizenship).
Antigua and Barbuda
Starts at USD 100  000 donation or USD200,000 into
property. Citizenship and passport in 4-6 months. Visa-free
travel to 134 countries including UK and Schengen countries.
Incredibly beautiful country, stunning beaches and fabulous
properties. 
St Kitts and Nevis
Starts at USD 150,000 donation or USD 200,000 into
property. Recognised for well-known offshore banking
sector and a tourist hotspot. Visa-free travel to 149 countries
including UK and Schengen countries. Citizenship in 6-9
months.
Dominica (Commonwealth)
Starts at USD 100 000 donation or USD220,000 into property.
One of the cheapest programs and also voted one of the
best programs due to how it’s managed by the Government.
Citizenship in 3-5 months. Visa-free travel to 135 countries
including UK and Schengen countries.
Finally, she says, property growth rates vary according to
the area and property type, and each programme comes with
different conditions and requirements. It is therefore best
to work with an experienced SA specialist to ensure you are
equipped with accurate country, property and investment
information and data.
SOURCE: 40 Global: World Residence & Citizenship
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SA Real Estate Investor Magazine MARCH/APRIL 2019
57