Six Efficient Investment Migration Routes to an Additional Citizenship

By Charles Ugboma, Client Advisor, Henley & Partners

Appetite for investment migration in Africa has been growing steadily, and Nigeria is the largest market in terms of enquiries received by Henley & Partners in 2022. Education opportunities, world-class healthcare, strong global family ties, and securing an attractive retirement destination are just a few of the reasons that interest in citizenship by investment is on the rise. In return for making a significant contribution to a host country of your choice, this has become one of the safest ways to secure your family and your business interests well into the future.

We have compiled a summary of programs offering an additional citizenship in four months or less, as featured in the 2022 Global Citizenship Program Index.

St. Kitts and Nevis – The only fast-track route in the Caribbean

Having recently bolstered its governance and due diligence processes to protect investors, St. Kitts and Nevis has positioned itself as a frontrunner for citizenship by investment opportunities. Citizenship can usually be acquired in three to six months, but St. Kitts and Nevis also offers the region’s only accelerated application option, enabling a processing time of 45 to 60 days. Applicants either make a minimum contribution of at least USD 150,000 or invest in real estate options starting from USD 200,000.

Dominica – Safe and secure

Dominica offers a time to citizenship of three months, no residence requirements, a friendly population, and an almost non-existent crime rate. Applicants can choose between a minimum contribution of USD 100,000 or approved real estate valued at a minimum of USD 200,000.

Grenada – Only Caribbean program with E-2 Investor Treaty with USA

Citizens of Grenada are eligible to apply for a USA non-immigrant visa thanks to Grenada being the only Caribbean country with a citizenship by investment program that holds an E-2 Investor Visa Treaty with the USA. For a minimum contribution of USD 150,000, investors gain free movement to China, Russia, Singapore, the UK, Europe’s Schengen Area, and many more in three to four months.

Antigua and Barbuda – One of the most competitive programs in the region

Antigua and Barbuda also has a time to citizenship of three to four months and offers an excellent choice for high-net-worth families who wish to take advantage of real estate or business development opportunities. You can acquire citizenship by making a contribution of USD 100,000 or investing in several other options including real estate worth a minimum of USD 200,000.

St. Lucia – Attractive for business owners

St. Lucia has favorable legislation that incentivizes companies to move their headquarters to the island. A minimum contribution of USD 100,000 can secure citizenship in three to four months. Another attractive option is investment in government bonds with a minimum value of USD 250,000 under St. Lucia’s limited offer Covid-19 Relief Bond, valid until 31 December 2022.

Turkey – Burgeoning transcontinental business hub

For those seeking citizenship of a European country, Turkey is an excellent choice with a time to citizenship of approximately four months. A major hub uniquely straddling Europe and Asia, the country’s citizenship opens up eligibility for an E-2 Investor Visa in the USA for a five-year renewable period. The minimum contribution is a real estate investment of at least USD 250,000 but there are reports that soon the minimum is likely to increase.

Wealthy Nigerian investors place a particularly high value on family and leaving a lasting legacy for the benefit of future generations. These programs enable investors to include family members in their applications, and some allow qualifying siblings, parents, and grandparents as well, making them an ideal mechanism for protecting loved ones.

For more information, please reach out to Henley & Partners, the pioneering firm and global leader in residence and citizenship by investment.