108 UGLOBAL IMMIGRATION MAGAZINE
Why did you choose St . Kitts to gain a passport when there are so many other options available ?
Ten years ago , the only other option ( available to Russians like me ) was Dominica , and with all respect , Dominica citizenship program is another league . I invested in real estate ( in St . Kitts ). I bought a five-bedroom house for $ 400,000 and , honestly , I feel it was a pretty good investment with a steady return . You don ’ t have so many options of that kind on the market right now .
Russians can have dual citizenship so I ’ m having two passports . My parents are too old to apply now , but the rest of my family got citizenship at the same moment I did .
How long was the process to acquire the second citizenship / passport for yourself and your family members ?
I got approved in three months , no delays and no red tape . St . Kitts CIU ( Citizenship-by-Investment Unit ) was , and still is , very reliable , in terms of due diligence time . They had some delays when the new prime minister was elected and the unit had to be restructured , but that was the only moment I can think of .
How would you describe your experience working with the firm you hired to acquire your second citizenship ?
They were very helpful . I ’ ve got complete guidelines how to prepare my documents , translate and notarize it . Usually , if the agent is giving you complete guidelines filing your petition , it is really easy . Stacey Ann Aberdeen of Aberdeen Law helped me a lot when I was getting my citizenship .
Can you describe the feeling when you got your second citizenship ? What did that mean for you ?
Oh , I was super happy . My problems were solved . Next week , I established my new international company , that is still a core of my business . I forgot about all this visa applications for European and UK visas . I was finally free to do what I wanted .
What advice would you offer to other foreigners like you who are looking to acquire a second citizenship ?
With so many options on the table at the moment , my only advice would be to study all of them and never rush the process . I would also suggest to look for a well-established agent with a good reputation .
Tell us about your life and your plans for the future ?
I am 44 right now so my plan is to work hard for the next six years and retire early to enjoy my kids and a little bit of this world .