Real Estate Investor Magazine South Africa Real Estate Investor Magazine - July 2017 | Page 54

RESIDENCY BY INVESTMENT
Demystifying Second Citizenships
Best Investment Options
BY MICHA-ROSE EMMETT
T
he rise in regulatory restrictions, economic
challenges, and political uncertainty in
various countries has always been affecting the
lives of businesspersons and their families. More than
ever, the search for security and stability, as well as the
promise of a better future, attracts many to the option
of second citizenship. Indeed, over the past few years
there has been a surge of wealthy businesspersons
seeking intelligent citizenship solutions™.
A solution for everyone
The Caribbean citizenship-by-investment model was
created as a flexible alternative to time-consuming
residence or minimum-stay requirements, with the
goal of providing efficient and quick citizenship
solutions to businesspersons with demanding
schedules. These economic citizenship programmes
are straightforward as they provide two investment
routes to apply for citizenship: an investment in a
government fund for local economic development; or
an investment in pre-approved real estate.
The former has proved to be the more practical
solution for investors willing to take steps towards
second citizenship, as applications are processed
rapidly once a single contribution to the government
fund is made. The latter, on the other hand, requires
communication with several third party agents,
such as real estate developers and local real estate
authorities, and mandates that investors hold their
acquired real estate property for three to five years.
Currently, there are five active citizenship-by-
investment programmes in the region, of which three
particularly stand out.
The St Kitts and Nevis Citizenship by
Investment Programme
This is the pioneer of economic citizenship, having
run for 33 years. Unsurprisingly, the country has
established itself as a leader and innovator in the
citizenship by investment market. It offers the
‘Platinum Standard’ of citizenship-by-investment.
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JULY 2017 SA Real Estate Investor
With a minimum investment starting at US$250,000
and a new fast-track option to secure delivery of
passports within 60 days of submitting a successful
application, the St Kitts and Nevis Citizenship
Programme is ideal for busy businesspersons and their
families.
Dominica’s Citizenship by Investment Programme
Established over 20 years ago, this programme
has earned a reputation for being one of the most
transparent programmes of its kind. It is also the
most affordable citizenship by investment option
for single applicants, incentivising applications from
entrepreneurs seeking to improve their business
opportunities.
The Grenada CBI Programme
Designed with family unity in mind, this programme
provides an effective solution for large households.
Grenadian citizens can enjoy wide access to the
world through visa-free travel to China. Citizens of
Grenada can also apply for residence under the United
States’ E-2 Visa Programme, allowing them to invest
in one of the world’s strongest economies.
REST ASSURED
“Caribbean 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.”
Learn more about these programmes on the following websites:
St Kitts and Nevis