Immigration Law | Business Law
Citizenship by Investment Program
Embarking on the journey towards global citizenship opens up a world of
possibilities. With the guidance of expert
immigration lawyers, you can explore a range of global
citizenship by investment programs that provide an avenue to obtain
a second passport.
These programs allow individuals to secure citizenship in another country
by making a qualifying investment. Whether you seek enhanced travel
privileges, access to better education and healthcare systems, or the
ability to expand your business globally, citizenship by investment
programs offer a pathway to achieve these goals.
Our team of experienced US visa attorneys is here to provide you with
comprehensive guidance and assistance throughout the process. Join us as
we delve into the realm of global citizenship and uncover the
opportunities that await you.
What are citizenship by investment programs?
Citizenship by investment (CBI) programs, also known as economic
citizenship or investor immigration programs, are initiatives offered by
certain countries to grant citizenship and a second passport to
individuals who make a substantial financial investment in their economy.
These programs provide an opportunity for individuals and families to
acquire citizenship in a relatively expedited manner compared to
traditional immigration processes. By making a qualifying investment in
areas such as real estate,
business, or government bonds, applicants can obtain citizenship and enjoy the
associated benefits, including visa-free travel, expanded business
prospects, access to quality education and healthcare systems, and the
ability to live and work in the country of their choice.
Citizenship by investment programs vary in terms of investment
requirements, processing times, and the rights and privileges granted to
citizens, making it essential for potential applicants to thoroughly
research and evaluate the available options before making a decision.
The Benefits of Citizenship by Investment Programs
Becoming a citizen by investment requires a significant financial commitment, but it is a popular path to citizenship in many countries around the world. The requirements to obtain a second passport vary from one country to another, but there are several potential benefits and common reasons people pursue citizenship through investment.
Mobility in Times of Unrest or Turmoil
Having a valid passport for a second country can make it significantly easier to travel when you want or need to do so. That’s particularly true if your current passport was issued by a country which imposes burdensome travel restrictions on its citizens or whose passports are considered “weak” relative to other countries.
Holding valid passports in two countries provides peace of mind and the freedom to travel quickly if socioeconomic conditions are less than favorable or if either country experiences political unrest or instability. When conditions change for the better and when you are ready to do so, your passport will make it easy to return.
Potential Business Growth
For business owners and entrepreneurs, choosing to invest in another country in order to obtain citizenship could help you expand your market share immediately without having to meet the sometimes-onerous requirements that are applicable to non-citizen or foreign investor business owners.
With additional opportunities to increase the sales of products and services by establishing operations on the ground, business owners can also positively impact their new communities, employ local talent and realize new operational efficiencies.
Tax Considerations
Pursuing a citizenship by investment program may also result in tax savings. For business owners, the fees and expenses related to the investment may qualify as deductible business expenses, resulting in lower tax liability for the year in which the investment is made. In addition, the target country for citizenship may offer more attractive tax rates than your home country. This can be a strategic way to improve tax efficiency while enjoying all the other benefits that come from being a citizen in a second country.
Investment Diversification and Currency Rates
Choosing to invest in real estate, a business or making other investments in a new country are other ways you can increase investment diversification, thereby reducing risk while creating and taking advantage of new opportunities to grow your assets.
Beyond diversification, investors may also realize benefits related to the currency rates and buying power of their chosen citizenship by investment countries. In many cases, investors find their purchasing power is better in their new countries, helping extend their income and making their investment returns more valuable.
Access Benefits Only Available to Citizens
When you get citizenship by investment, you are unlocking an array of potential benefits that are available only to citizens of your chosen country. These may include benefits such as health care, education and more. Access to expanded benefit options can improve quality of life for you and your family, making your investment even more valuable.
Opportunities for You and Your Family Members
Your investor visa application could also allow you to include your immediate family members. This means that all of you could have the amazing opportunities that come with living in another country, including an enhanced view of the world, the chance to learn another language, and the proximity to forge lifelong connections with people whose social and cultural backgrounds may look different from your own.
Ultimately, becoming a citizen of another country through a financial investment can be personally and professionally rewarding. Contact Davies & Associates to learn more today.
Comprehensive List of citizenship by investment programs by countries:
Citizenship by Investment categorized by country, type, investment amount, and expected time for visa:
Country |
Type |
Investment Amount |
Expected Visa Time |
United States |
EB-5 Visa Program |
$1.8 million (or $900,000 in targeted employment areas) |
Approximately 24-30 months |
Canada |
Quebec Immigrant Investor Program |
CAD $1.2 million |
Approximately 12-44 months |
United Kingdom |
Tier 1 Investor Visa |
£2 million |
Approximately 8-12 weeks |
Australia |
Significant Investor Visa |
AUD $5 million |
Approximately 12-15 months |
Malta |
Malta Individual Investor Program |
€650,000 (plus additional fees) |
Approximately 12-14 months |
Cyprus |
Cyprus Citizenship by Investment Program |
€2 million |
Approximately 6 months |
Grenada |
Grenada Citizenship by Investment Program |
$150,000 (or $220,000 for a family of four) |
Approximately 4-6 months |
St. Kitts and Nevis |
St. Kitts and Nevis Citizenship by Investment Program |
$150,000 (or $195,000 for a family of four) |
Approximately 3-6 months |
Please note that the investment amounts and expected visa times are approximate and subject to change. It's essential to consult with an immigration lawyer or the respective program authorities for the most up-to-date and accurate information.
Frequently asked questions regarding citizenship by investment:
Which country gives the fastest citizenship by investment?
The specific timeframes for obtaining citizenship through investment programs can vary depending on multiple factors, including the country's processing times, eligibility requirements, and the efficiency of their systems. While several countries offer relatively fast citizenship by investment programs, St. Kitts and Nevis is often considered one of the fastest, with an estimated processing time of approximately 3-6 months.
What is the best country to buy citizenship in?
Determining the "best" country to buy citizenship in through investment depends on individual preferences and specific circumstances. Different countries offer unique benefits and advantages, such as visa-free travel, business opportunities, quality of life, tax advantages, and more. Some popular options for citizenship by investment include St. Kitts and Nevis, Malta, Cyprus, Portugal, and Dominica. It is crucial to carefully consider your personal goals and requirements before deciding which country's citizenship program aligns best with your needs.
Contact Davies & Associates Offices in United States
Check all of our locations around the world.
Company location
New York Office
1 World Trade Center,Suite 8500 New York, NY 10007
Map and Driving Directions
New York Office
200 E69th Street, 2N,New York , NY 10022
Map and Driving Directions
California Office
555 Anton Blvd Suite 150, Costa Mesa, CA 92626
Map and Driving Directions
Los Angeles Office
601 South Figueroa Street Suite 4050 Los Angeles, CA 90017
Map and Driving Directions
Chicago Office
155 N. Upper Wacker Dr. Suite 4250 Chicago, IL 60606
Map and Driving Directions
Miami Office
80 S.W. 8th St Suite 2000 Miami, FL 33130
Map and Driving Directions
Atlanta Office
1075 Peachtree Street NE Suite 3650 Atlanta, GA 30309
Map and Driving Directions
Telephone number
New York Office
+1 212 537 9196
Fax: +1 949 396-1371
New York Office
+1 212 537-9196
Fax: +1 949 396-1371
California Office
+1 (949) 620 1811
Fax: +1 949 396-1371
Chicago Office
+1 312 261 8560
Fax: +1 949 396-1371
Miami Office
+1 305 423 7163
Fax: +1 949 396-1371
Contact us by email
Looking to acquire an Citizenship by Investment Visa?
We are known for our creative solutions that obtain "impossible" visas, we solve the most complex immigration problems for businesses, investors, individuals, and families.
Citizenship by Investment Visa Immigration lawyer near meSeveral lawyers told me I would not be able to get a TN visa. Two weeks after contacting Davies & Associates I was working in New York, visa in hand.
Individual seeking 'Impossible' TN VisaD&A was very detail-oriented and was very thorough in what they did” L1 Visa Client. There was a lot of work on my case and worked on it 24/7 and was very patient answering all my questions.
E2 Visa ClientMy case felt complex but D&A managed the whole process carefully and helped me move seamlessly from one stage to the next.
E2 + CBI ClientD&A was my guiding light through the entire EB5 Process.
EB5 Visa ClientI would definitely be a big advocate for the rest of my life for anyone wanting to explore the Grenada Citizenship by Investment Programme leading to the E2 Visa. The most important thing is a good team behind you.. with Davies & Associates you’re in safe hands… you need someone who can give you all the support at the ground level and, again, you are well take care of by D&A. The people are really warm, very helpful and quite openminded when it comes to business… Not to mention as a passport it’s great from a travel perspective…It’s just 4/5 hours from New York.
Grenada CBI + E2 Visa ClientThe entire process of getting an EB5 visa is handled in a professional way by Mark Davies and his team. EB5 is a wonderful option for anyone considering moving to the United States if you have the means. I was hoping to use the H1B route for my children, but it became unreliable and so I looked to the EB5 Visa instead. It is great for anyone who has the resources. Mark gives you the first meetings himself which gives you great comfort. Both Mark and Sanjay are abundantly available and I even had the pleasure of hosting them at my house.
Parent of 2 EB5 Visa HoldersI'm in a process of extending my L1 visa. I submitted a few questions regarding my case and he contacted me back almost immediately both by e-mail and telephone. Unlike other attorneys I met before, he gave me the impression of knowing from the top of his head what kind of visa I have, and what actions had to be taken to extend it. He is very thorough and clear regarding the process and what to expect in terms of timelines and issues that may arise. He is constantly in contact, so you definitely know he's working on your case.
L1B Visa HolderMark Davies is a joy to work with. His extensive knowledge, speedy response and attentive service took away all my fears of dealing with immigration and visa applications. He is very generous with his time in explaining every step along the way and I have already and will in the future recommend him to anybody who is looking for an immigration lawyer.
E2 Visa for Small Professional Business With International OfficesDavies & Associates assisted us with an immigration emergency involving my brother's fiancée who was outside the United States. They assisted us in an highly professional manner, working with the relevant US embassy, US immigration and the governments of two other countries. As a result of their efforts the individual involved is now working in the United States. While their knowledge of the law is exemplary what really distinguishes this firm and attorney Davies from any other firm we have worked with is their dedication to customer service and their unrivaled level of professionalism.
Complex Fiancée Visa Need Involving Multiple International JurisdictionsSeveral lawyers told me I would not be able to get a TN visa. Two weeks after contacting Davies & Associates I was working in New York, visa in hand. I have recommended this firm to several friends and colleagues, they do an excellent job every time.
Individual Seeking 'Impossible' TN VisaI was qualified as a physician in a foreign country. Being on a J1 visa I was facing having to leave the United States and return to my home country. Davies & Associates secured one of only 30 J1 visa waivers available in my State, allowing me to work for a US hospital and remain in the United States.
Doctor Seeking J1 Visa WaiverI am very satisfied with the services Mark Davies has provided me. He has a very extensive knowledge in immigration laws and has a thorough approach to any case.
U Visa Applicant, A Victim of CrimeLooking to relocate or having trouble with a visa applicaton?
We are known for our creative solutions that obtain "impossible" visas, we solve the most complex immigration problems for business, investors, individuals and families.
Request Free Consultation