Many countries around the world offer investment programs through which one can obtain citizenship and a passport. It is possible to choose between direct citizenship programs or residency programs that lead to citizenship. In this article, you will learn about both options.
Direct citizenship programs through investment
Some countries grant direct citizenship through specific investment programs. Some of these countries include:
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Caribbean Nations
Caribbean passports rank high globally according to the Reach Immigration Passport Index, allowing investors to obtain second citizenship within 3-6 months through investment in programs offered by countries such as Saint Lucia,Dominica,St. Kitts and Nevis,Grenada,Antigua and Barbuda. The investment options available in these countries include:
- Financial Contribution
A non-refundable financial contribution starting from $200,000 USD.
- Real Estate Investment
By purchasing a share in a government-approved real estate project with a value of at least $200,000 USD.
- Government Bonds
The minimum required investment starts from $300,000 USD.
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Turkey
The Turkish Citizenship Program through Investment offers investors and their families the opportunity to obtain Turkish citizenship within 3-6 months through real estate investment in any city in Turkey, with a minimum amount of $400,000 USD.
According to the Reach Immigration Passport Index, Turkey’s passport is ranked 45th globally, allowing visa-free access to 114 destinations worldwide.
Residency programs leading to citizenship through investment
Some countries offer residency programs that can qualify investors for citizenship and passport after actual residency and specific conditions. Some of these countries include:
- Cyprus
The Permanent Residency Program in Cyprus is a program directed towards anyone who wishes to relocate and live in Cyprus by investing in real estate through one of the following options:
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- Fast-Track Option
This option’s procedures are completed within 6-9 months in exchange for purchasing a real estate amount starting from 300,000 euros or more. It is mandatory to retain the ownership of the real estate for life to maintain the validity of permanent residency in Cyprus. - Regular Option
In this option, the duration of the procedures is longer than in the fast-track option in exchange for purchasing a real estate amount at less than 300,000 euros. The process extends for no less than 3 years (other conditions apply).
- Fast-Track Option
According to the Passport Index, Cyprus Passport is ranked 12th globally, allowing visa-free access to 178 destinations.
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Greece
Through the Golden Visa Program in Greece, which starts with an amount of 250,000 Euros, one can obtain Greek citizenship and passport after obtaining residency and meeting specific conditions. This program features:
- Freedom of movement within all Schengen countries without the need for a visa.
- The inclusion of family members.
- Benefiting from social advantages and educational rights.
- Achieving returns on investment through the rental of purchased property.
The Greek passport is ranked 5th globally, allowing visa-free access to 187 destinations.
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Canada
Through the Canada Startup Visa, one can obtain permanent residency that qualifies for Canadian citizenship and a Canadian passport. This program offers the following benefits:
- Permanent residency for approved applicants and their families.
- Inclusion of spouse and dependent children under 22 years old.
- Residency anywhere in Canada (except Quebec).
- The possibility of obtaining a work permit while waiting for permanent residency.
- Access to healthcare and free education for children, with low tuition fees for adults.
- Eligibility to apply for Canadian citizenship after 3 years of actual residency in Canada.
The Canadian passport is ranked 7th globally, allowing visa-free access to 185 destinations.
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Portugal
Reach offers more than one option for residency in Portugal, which is characterized by the possibility of qualifying the applicant to obtain Portuguese citizenship and passport after 5 years (conditions apply), and these programs are:
1 – Portugal Golden Visa Program – Investment Funds
2 – Portugal Residency Program D7
3- Portugal Residency Program D8
According to the Reach Immigration Index, the Portuguese passport allows its holders freedom of movement and access to 188 global destinations without a visa, and this is a great opportunity for investors to benefit from many benefits.
If you are interested in obtaining citizenship through investment or residency leading to citizenship through investment, you can contact us to book a free consultation by clicking the link here.
