Citizenship

Antigua and Barbuda Citizenship by Investment Program

QUICK FACTS

Twin island nation state in the Eastern Caribbean
One of the Caribbean’s most prosperous nations
Major language: English
Area: 442 sq km
Population: 95,000
GDP: USD 2.4 bil
GDP per capita: USD 26,300
Tourism continues to dominate the economy of Antigua and Barbuda, accounting for 60% of GDP and 40% of investment

Passport of Antigua and Barbuda allows visa free access to over 150 countries, including the UK, Schengen countries, Hong Kong and Singapore. Being a citizen of Antigua and Barbuda, one can profit from zero tax on worldwide income.

Amount

There are two main ways of acquiring the citizenship:

– Contribution to the National Development Fund (NDF) of USD 100,000 for a family of 1-4; USD 125,000 for family of 5 or more;

– Investment in Real Estate projects pre-approved by the Government of at least USD 400,000, to be held for at least 5 years. Alternatively, two related parties can make a joint investment, with each applicant investing a minimum of USD 200,000 in order to qualify.

Investment in Government pre-approved business, either independently or as a joint investment. If as independent investment: at least USD 1,500,000. Alternatively, as a joint investment where each person invests min. USD 400,000 (with a total investment min USD 5,000,000).

A contribution to the University of the West Indies Fund. Only permitted for families of at least six members, USD 150,000 (this includes government processing fees for a family of six).

The above-mentioned fees (except contribution to the University, which includes processing fees) do not include the following additional administrative fees: Processing fee USD 30,000 (for a family of 1-4) plus USD 15,000 for any additional person; Due diligence fee of USD 7,500 for principal applicant, USD 7,500 for a spouse (there is no due diligence fee for children under 12 years old; USD 2,000 for children aged 12-17 and USD 4,000 per dependent 18 and over); USD 300 passport fee per person; USD 17,500 for licensed agent fee. Overall – additional USD 63,700 for a family of 4 with children under 12 years old.

Timeframe

The passport is acquired in approximately 3 – 4 months.

Due diligence

Moderate due diligence process.

Main benefits

Visa free access to over 150 countries (Schengen area, the UK, Singapore and Hong Kong);
Personal security (comfort and security in the event of political and social upheavals);
Single investment covers an entire family of 4;
Zero tax on the internationally earned income and solid asset protection laws;
Ranked as number one program in the Caribbean region and number four worldwide;
No language test;
Negligible minimal stay requirement (5 days over 5 years).

Potential disadvantages

Citizenship is not open to the nationals of Afghanistan, North Korea, Somalia, Yemen and Sudan, Iran and Iraq unless they satisfy very strict conditions.

Grenada Citizenship by Investment

The Grenada Citizenship by Investment program was launched in 2013. The Grenada passport offers visa-free access to over 140 countries and an unprecedented opportunity to obtain US Green Card. The investment in real estate is as low as USD 220,000 and could be resold after 5 years. The investment covers the entire family and citizenship is passed down through generations.

Additionally, the USA offers a simplified procedure of employment after obtaining a diploma in Grenada.

Requirements

Contribution to the National Transformation Fund of USD 150,000 (single applicant) or USD 200,000 (main applicant with a spouse or a family of four);

Investment of USD 220,000 in Government pre-approved tourism accommodation in Grenada (must be kept for a minimum of 5 years).
An investment in pre-approved real estate: USD 350,000
Grenada is a part of E-2 Visa program which allows the Grenadian citizens to move to the USA through a simplified procedure (business investment). Dependents could be included in E-2 application (with the right to work and study in the USA).

Timeframe

The applicant obtains the Grenada passport in approximately 3 months.

Bulgaria Citizenship by Investment Program

QUICK FACTS

Country in the Easter Balkans
Joined the EU in 2007, currently the country already enjoys all the benefits of being a full-fledged EU member
Area: 110,000sqm
Population: 7.1 mil
Major Language: Bulgarian
GDP: USD 69 bil (2020)
GDP per capita: USD 9,964 (2020)
The country offers favorable investment regime and flat corporate income taxes

Full-fledged EU Citizenship program with a full access to the EU and EEA countries.

Amount

There are two main ways of acquiring Bulgarian passport:

– Full Investment

EUR 1,024,000 investment in Exchange Traded Funds, Alternative Investment Funds and Real Estate Investment Trusts (the investment has to be held for 5 years from naturalization)
Time to Permanent Residency – 6 months
Time to Citizenship – 18 months

– Reduced Investment

EUR 512,000 investment in Exchange Traded Funds, Alternative Investment Funds and Real Estate Investment Trusts (the investment has to be held for 5 years from naturalization)
Time to Permanent Residency – 6 months
Time to Citizenship – 5 years

– Financed Investment
EUR 290,000 – non-refundable fee including all administrative and state fees. This option became possible thanks to the financing offered by the Swiss bank based in Luxembourg that invests EUR 1,024,000 on behalf of the applicant; thus, a part of EUR 290,000 is also used to pay off the interest on the loan.

The Full Investment option does include the total administrative and service fee of EUR 40,000.

Due diligence

Moderate due diligence process.

Main benefits

Ability to live, work and travel in the EU and EEA states;
10% income and corporate tax and free trade with the rest of EU;
The investment covers the immediate family (spouse and dependent children under the age of 18, conditions apply);
The full investment can be liquidated after 5 years;
No language test;
Negligible minimal stay requirement (only one visit to Bulgaria just for a day).

Potential disadvantages

Currently the holders of the Bulgarian passports do not have a visa free access to the USA – the Bulgarian citizens should apply for a 10-year US visa (through a simplified procedure).

Saint Kitts and Nevis Citizenship by Investment Program

QUICK FACTS

Two-island West Indian nation located in the Caribbean Sea, smallest sovereign state in the Americas
Major language: English
Area: 261 sq km
Population: 53, 490
GDP: USD 0.87 bln (2020)
GDP per capita: USD 15,246 (2020)
St Kitts and Nevis is famous as a banking and taxshelter haven

St Kitts and Nevis program is the oldest existing CBI program. The passport of this Caribbean state allows visa-free access to 156 countries, including the Schengen area, Singapore, Hong Kong, UK, Russia. There is no residency requirement.

Amount

There are two main ways of acquiring citizenship:

– Contribution to the Government Sustainable Growth Fund – USD 150,000 for a single applicant or main applicant and spouse; USD 190,000 for a family of four; USD 10,000 for each additional dependent.

– Investment in pre-approved real estate of minimum USD 400,000 to be held for a t least 5 years or joint investment of two or more applicants providing each invests at least USD 200,000 in real estate worth minimum USD 400,000, to be held for at least 7 years.

Timeframe

The passport in acquired in approximately 3 months. However, there is a fast-track procedure of 2 months where a higher government fee applies.

Due diligence

Moderate due diligence.

Main benefits

Visa-free access to 156 countries, including the Schengen zone, Singapore, Hong Kong, UK and Russia;
No residency requirement;
Applicable to the entire family;
Attractive tax regime;
Possibility of fast-track process of just two months;
Citizenship valid for life and transferrable to the descendants.

Potential disadvantages

In the past, St Kitts and Nevis program had a notorious reputation, however its image today has significantly improved.

Citizenship in Malta

Are you interested in establishing citizenship in a politically stable, tax-friendly country with a prosperous economy and great opportunities and conditions for investment? Then the sun-soaked shores of Malta are ideal for you!

Integritas can save you the hassle of paperwork. We will provide you with professional advice and submit application forms on your behalf.

Read below to find out how Integritas can help you attain citizenship in one of the most highly desired countries in the world with one of the most reputable passports.

What are the benefits of acquiring a Maltese passport?

Becoming a Maltese citizen grants you the following advantages:

Citizenship in a well-respected, economically, and politically stable European country.
Eligibility may also extend to the applicant’s dependents including spouses or partners in a relationship, children up to the age of 28, parents and grandparents under specific terms.
Maltese citizenship that is inherited by descendants, even if born outside of Malta, which includes the right to live, work, and study in any of the EU countries, as well as Switzerland, Liechtenstein, Norway and Iceland.
Visa-free travel to over 184 countries in the world, including the UK, USA, and Canada.
A high standard of living.
Top educational opportunities. Malta has an array of private and public schools to choose. Your children can also attend the University of Malta for free, and receive a stipend.
Free healthcare in state-of-the-art facilities.
Stability and security. Malta has one of the lowest crime rates in all of Europe and has been a member of EU since 2004.

Dual Passports: Retain Your Previous Citizenship

Malta has a Citizenship programme, the Maltese Citizenship for Exceptional Services by Direct Investment, launched in November 2020.

Will I have any Responsibilities after becoming a Maltese Citizen?

Every individual who acquires citizenship will be expected to act within the boundaries of the Constitution of Malta and Maltese laws and act in the best interest of the State. If such individual decides to be registered for tax purposes in Malta, taxes would also need to be paid on an annual basis. Obtaining the Maltese citizenship does not mean one will be taxed in Malta. The taxation depends on the country of tax residency.

The Constitution of Malta requires all citizens to exercise their civil rights by exercising voting rights. This however is only valid if the individual has been a resident of Malta for six months preceding the eighteen months period prior to an election.

Why Maltese Citizenship for Exceptional Services by Direct Investment (CBE) is the way to go

The Maltese Citizenship for Exceptional Services by Direct Investment (CBE), is the easiest way attain Maltese citizenship. Within approximately 12 or 36 months (depending on chosen option), you can receive your Maltese passport, with all the benefits that are attached.

When you complete the first part of the application for the CBE, the residence application stage, you will attain your Schengen Residence status. This status is valid until issue of passport.

The Maltese Citizenship by Direct Investment program provides an individual with an opportunity to become a Maltese citizen after making an investment in Malta as per the requirements of the Regulations.

The eligibility criteria for Maltese Citizenship for Exceptional Services by Direct Investment (CBE) is very well defined, and Integritas’ seasoned experts are ready to guide you through the process.

Interested in learning about your current residency entitlement or eligibility for permanent Maltese residency? Contact us today at Integritas for more detailed information!

Other Ways of Obtaining Maltese Citizenship

Other Means of acquiring the Maltese Citizenship are Citizenship by Birth, by Marriage, or by Naturalization.