With global mobility becoming increasingly restricted, high net worth individuals are looking for the best passport by investment programs to gain visa-free access. There are many citizenship and residence by investment schemes worldwide that offer passports or residence permits in exchange for a substantial investment. The Caribbean islands, including Antigua and Barbuda, St. Kitts and Nevis, Grenada, and St. Lucia have some of the most popular citizenship by investment programs. In Europe, countries like Portugal, Greece, and Malta enable investors to acquire residency rights and eventually a passport through golden visa programs. Each CBI and RBI program has its own unique benefits, requirements and timeframes. This article will provide an overview of some of the best passport investment programs available in 2023 for high net worth individuals looking to boost their global mobility.
The Antigua and Barbuda Passport Offers Visa-Free Access to Over 150 Countries
The Antigua and Barbuda citizenship by investment program, created in 2013, offers multiple investment options including a one-time contribution to the National Development Fund starting at $100,000 for a single applicant. After making the qualifying investment and passing stringent vetting procedures, investors and their families can acquire Antiguan citizenship within 3-4 months. The Antigua and Barbuda passport provides visa-free travel to over 150 countries including the UK, EU Schengen area and Canada. The program has no residency requirements and citizens can pass their citizenship down through descent.
The St. Kitts and Nevis Passport Comes With Tax Benefits
The St. Kitts and Nevis citizenship by investment program is the oldest in the world, established in 1984. Investors can choose between making a one-time contribution to the Sustainable Growth Fund of $150,000 for a single applicant, or investing $200,000 in real estate. St. Kitts and Nevis also offers an accelerated application process that can approve citizenship within 60 days for an additional fee. The St. Kitts and Nevis passport enables visa-free travel to over 150 destinations. Citizens benefit from tax advantages as St. Kitts and Nevis has no income, inheritance or gift tax.
The Portugal Golden Visa Leads To EU Citizenship Rights
Portugal launched its golden visa program in 2012. The most popular investment option is to invest €350,000 in real estate. After five years of temporary residency, investors and their family can apply for permanent residency and eventually citizenship. This grants the right to live and work throughout the EU. The Portugal golden visa is one of the quickest routes to EU citizenship, with flexible residency requirements. Investors can also make capital investments starting at €350,000 in Portuguese companies to qualify for the visa.
Malta Offers EU Citizenship Within 12-14 Months
Malta has one of the world’s most popular citizenship by investment programs which grants visa-free access to 183 destinations. Investors can obtain Maltese citizenship by a one-time contribution of €650,000 to the National Development Fund, or by investing at least €350,000 in real estate. The program has an accelerated application option which can reduce the standard processing time from 18 months to just 12 months. Malta also has strong economic and political stability as an EU member state. Investors who obtain Maltese citizenship can live, work and study anywhere in the EU.
Citizenship and residency by investment programs provide a pathway for high net worth individuals to acquire residence or citizenship rights in foreign countries through investment. Some of the top options in 2023 include Antigua and Barbuda, St. Kitts and Nevis, Portugal, and Malta. Each program comes with its own set of benefits, while investors must carefully evaluate the investment and residency obligations.