Global Citizenship & Investment Immigration

Expert Legal Services for Citizenship and Residency by Investment

Our specialist immigration solicitors guide high net worth individuals and investors through citizenship and residency by investment programs worldwide. With established expertise in investment immigration, we provide comprehensive legal support from initial consultation through to successful acquisition of your second passport or residency. Contact us today: 0203 909 8399 | Book a Consultation

What Is Citizenship by Investment?

Citizenship by investment (CBI) programs offer legitimate pathways to acquiring second nationality through economic contributions to host countries. These government-approved programs provide faster alternatives to traditional immigration routes, typically completing within 2-6 months without requiring you to relocate or disrupt your current lifestyle. Each program offers unique benefits including visa-free travel, business opportunities, and enhanced global mobility.

Why Consider Investment Immigration?

High net worth individuals pursue second citizenship for:

Enhanced global mobility and visa-free travel
Political and economic security
International business opportunities
Tax optimization strategies
Educational access for children
Lifestyle and retirement planning

Our Investment Immigration Services

Comprehensive Legal Support

Program selection and eligibility assessment
Due diligence preparation and management
Investment structuring and compliance
Application preparation and submission
Government liaison and communication
Post-approval support and passport acquisition

Specialized Advisory Services

Multi-jurisdictional tax planning
Real estate investment guidance
Family inclusion strategies
Wealth protection structures
Business migration planning
Diplomatic relationship considerations

Types of Investment Programs

Citizenship Programs

Direct citizenship through investment
Fast-track naturalization options
Economic contribution programs
Real estate investment pathways
Business investment routes

Residency Programs

Golden visa programs
Investor residence permits
Retirement residence options
Business residence schemes
Path to citizenship programs

Key Program Benefits

Global Mobility: Visa-free access to multiple countries
Business Expansion: New market access and opportunities
Family Security: Citizenship for spouse and children
Asset Protection: Diversified wealth preservation
Education Access: World-class schools and universities
Tax Efficiency: Legitimate optimization strategies

Our Investment Immigration Process

Initial Consultation

Assess your objectives and requirements
Review program options
Discuss investment preferences
Evaluate eligibility
Provide strategic recommendations

Program Selection

Compare suitable programs
Analyze investment requirements
Consider processing times
Review travel benefits
Assess tax implications

Application Management

Document preparation and review
Due diligence coordination
Government submission
Progress monitoring
Issue resolution

Post-Approval Support

Passport acquisition
Residency formalities
Tax planning implementation
Ongoing compliance
Renewal assistance

Why Choose Connaught Law

Established expertise in investment immigration
Direct relationships with government programs
Comprehensive due diligence support
Multi-jurisdictional capabilities
Discrete and confidential service

Our Global Network

Licensed agents in multiple jurisdictions
Partnerships with local counsel
Real estate and investment advisors
International tax specialists
Banking and financial partners

Client Profile

High net worth individuals
International investors
Business owners and entrepreneurs
Family offices
Corporate executives
Professionals seeking mobility

Next Steps

Begin your journey to global citizenship with expert legal guidance. Our investment immigration team provides tailored solutions for your citizenship and residency objectives, ensuring compliance while maximizing program benefits. Call 0203 909 8399 or Book Online for a confidential consultation.

European Citizenship & Residency Programs

Secure European citizenship or residency through strategic investment programs. Our expert team guides you through Portugal's Golden Visa, Malta's citizenship program, and other EU opportunities offering visa-free Schengen access.

European Citizenship & Residency Programs

Europe offers some of the world’s most attractive investment immigration programs, providing pathways to EU citizenship or residency. These programs grant access to the Schengen Area’s 26 countries, world-class healthcare, education systems, and business opportunities across the European Union.

Key European Programs

Popular investment routes include:

Portugal Golden Visa – €280,000 minimum
Malta Citizenship – €600,000+ contribution
Greece Golden Visa – €250,000 property
Cyprus Residency – €300,000 investment
Spain Golden Visa – €500,000 real estate
Italy Investor Visa – €250,000 bonds

Portugal Golden Visa

Investment Options: Real estate (€280,000-500,000), fund investment (€500,000), job creation, or capital transfer
Residency Requirement: Only 7 days per year minimum stay required
Path to Citizenship: Eligible for Portuguese passport after 5 years
Family Inclusion: Spouse, children, and dependent parents included
Key Benefits: Full Schengen access, path to EU citizenship, favorable tax regime

Malta Individual Investor Program

Direct Citizenship: EU passport in 12-36 months
Investment Requirements: Government contribution (€600,000-750,000), property purchase/rental, bonds
Residence Period: 12 or 36 months depending on contribution level
Due Diligence: Rigorous four-tier vetting process
Global Access: Visa-free travel to 180+ destinations

Greece Golden Visa

Lowest Investment: €250,000 real estate purchase
Fast Processing: Residency within 2-3 months
No Residence Requirement: No minimum stay obligation
Family Coverage: Three generations can be included
Permanent Residency: Renewable every 5 years with property retention

Benefits of European Programs

Freedom of movement within Schengen Area
Access to European education systems
Business opportunities across EU
World-class healthcare access
Political and economic stability
Cultural and lifestyle advantages

Our European Program Services

Program comparison and selection
Investment structuring advice
Property search and due diligence
Legal documentation preparation
Government application management
Post-approval residency support

Considerations for European Programs

Investment holding periods vary by country
Language requirements for citizenship
Tax implications of EU residency
Minimum stay requirements differ
Processing times range from 2-36 months
Due diligence standards are stringent

Caribbean Citizenship Programs

Fast-track citizenship in paradise with Caribbean passport programs. Obtain a second passport in 3-6 months through government-approved investments starting from $100,000, with visa-free access to 140+ countries.

Caribbean Citizenship Programs

The Caribbean region offers the world’s most established and efficient citizenship by investment programs. These government-sanctioned programs provide direct routes to second citizenship, typically processing within 3-6 months, with minimal physical presence requirements and competitive investment thresholds.

Leading Caribbean Programs

Established citizenship programs include:

St. Kitts & Nevis – Oldest program (est. 1984)
Dominica – Most affordable option
Antigua & Barbuda – Family-friendly program
Grenada – USA E-2 treaty access
St. Lucia – Flexible investment options

St. Kitts & Nevis

Investment Options: Sustainable Growth Fund ($150,000) or real estate ($200,000+)
Processing Time: 3-6 months accelerated process available
Global Access: Visa-free travel to 156 destinations including UK, Schengen
Due Diligence: Comprehensive background checks by international firms
Family Inclusion: Spouse, children under 31, parents over 65

Dominica

Most Affordable: Economic Diversification Fund from $100,000
Real Estate Option: $200,000 minimum investment
Processing Speed: 3-4 months average
Travel Benefits: 140+ visa-free destinations
No Visit Required: Entire process can be completed remotely

Grenada

Unique Benefit: USA E-2 investor visa treaty access
Investment Options: National Transformation Fund ($150,000) or real estate ($220,000)
China Access: Visa-free travel to China for business
Family Coverage: Includes siblings and extended family options
Education Benefits: Access to US and UK education systems

Investment Routes Available

Government Funds: Non-refundable contributions to national development funds
Real Estate: Approved property developments with 3-7 year holding periods
Business Investment: Active business ventures in some programs
Government Bonds: Limited availability in select jurisdictions
Hybrid Options: Combination of fund contributions and investments

Key Program Benefits

Lifetime citizenship with hereditary rights
No residence requirements pre or post-citizenship
English-speaking jurisdictions
Stable democratic governments
Tax optimization opportunities
Privacy and confidentiality

Application Process

Initial eligibility assessment
Investment selection and structuring
Document preparation and notarization
Due diligence clearance
Government processing and approval
Oath ceremony and passport issuance

Due Diligence Standards

International criminal database checks
Financial source of funds verification
Professional reference validation
Medical examinations (basic)
Biometric data collection
Continuous monitoring systems

Our Caribbean Program Expertise

Authorized agent relationships
Government liaison services
Investment option analysis
Family application strategies
Expedited processing where available
Post-citizenship support services

Other Global Programs

Explore citizenship and residency opportunities beyond Europe and the Caribbean. From UK Tier 1 Investor visas to emerging programs in Asia and the Pacific, we guide you through diverse global immigration options.

Other Global Programs

Beyond European and Caribbean offerings, numerous countries provide attractive citizenship and residency by investment programs. These include established schemes in developed nations and emerging opportunities in strategic locations worldwide, each offering unique advantages for international investors.

United Kingdom – Tier 1 Investor

Investment Threshold: £2 million minimum in UK government bonds or companies
Residency Timeline: Settlement (ILR) after 5 years; citizenship after 6 years
Accelerated Options: £5 million (3 years) or £10 million (2 years) for faster settlement
Family Inclusion: Spouse and children under 18
Key Requirements: 180 days/year UK presence, English language proficiency

Turkey – Citizenship by Investment

Real Estate Option: $400,000 property purchase with 3-year hold
Alternative Routes: Bank deposit ($500,000) or business investment
Processing Time: 3-6 months for citizenship
Dual Citizenship: Permitted with most countries
Strategic Benefits: E-2 treaty with USA, transcontinental location

Vanuatu – Development Support Program

Contribution Amount: $130,000 for single applicant
Fastest Processing: 30-60 days for citizenship
Pacific Advantage: Visa-free access to UK, EU, Russia
No Residence Requirement: No visit needed before or after
Family Program: Competitive rates for family applications

United Arab Emirates – Golden Visa

Investment Options: Real estate (AED 2 million), business, or special talents
Visa Duration: 5 or 10-year renewable residency
Family Coverage: Spouse and children included
Tax Benefits: Zero personal income tax environment
Business Hub: Access to Middle East and Asian markets

Montenegro – Citizenship Program

Investment Structure: €100,000 government fund plus €250,000-450,000 real estate
EU Candidate Status: Potential future EU membership
Processing Timeline: 3-6 months
Location Benefits: Adriatic coastline, NATO member
Program Limit: Capped at 2,000 applicants

Australia – Significant Investor Visa

Investment Required: AUD 5 million in complying investments
Pathway to Citizenship: Permanent residency after 4 years
Residence Requirement: 40 days per year
Investment Mix: Venture capital, managed funds, bonds
English Requirement: Basic English for citizenship

New Zealand – Investor Visas

Investor 1: NZD 10 million over 3 years
Investor 2: NZD 3 million over 4 years with English requirement
Quality of Life: Consistently ranked top globally
Pathway Options: Permanent residency leading to citizenship
Business Opportunities: Access to Pacific Rim markets

Emerging Programs

Jordan: Investment zones and special economic areas
Egypt: Bank deposit and real estate options
North Macedonia: Business investment program
Moldova: Discontinued but may reopen
Cambodia: Investment and donation options

Program Selection Factors

Geographic diversification needs
Business expansion opportunities
Tax optimization potential
Educational access for children
Healthcare system quality
Political stability and rule of law

Our Global Program Services

Comprehensive program comparison
Jurisdiction risk assessment
Investment structuring guidance
Multi-program applications
Ongoing compliance support
Exit strategy planning

Investment Options & Requirements

Understanding investment structures and requirements across citizenship programs. From real estate and government bonds to business ventures and donations, we guide you through options that align with your financial goals.

Investment Options & Requirements

Citizenship and residency by investment programs offer various investment routes, each with specific requirements, holding periods, and exit strategies. Understanding these options is crucial for selecting the most suitable program that aligns with your financial objectives and risk tolerance.

Real Estate Investments

Property investment remains the most popular route:

Minimum Thresholds: Range from $200,000 (Caribbean) to €2 million (Cyprus)
Holding Periods: Typically 3-7 years before resale permitted
Property Types: Approved developments, residential, commercial, or tourism projects
Rental Income: Many programs allow rental returns during holding period
Exit Strategies: Resale to other applicants or open market after required period

Government Funds & Donations

Non-refundable contributions to state funds:

Amounts: $100,000 (Dominica) to €750,000 (Malta)
Purpose: National development, infrastructure, or economic diversification
Processing: Often fastest route with simpler due diligence
Family Rates: Additional fees for dependents
No Return: Contributions are not recoverable

Government Bonds

Secure investment options include:

Investment Range: €250,000 to £2 million depending on country
Interest Rates: Typically low or zero-interest bearing
Holding Period: Usually 5 years before redemption
Capital Protection: Government-backed security
Liquidity: Limited during mandatory holding period

Business Investments

Active business participation options:

Minimum Capital: Varies from $150,000 to several million
Business Types: New ventures, existing companies, or job creation
Employment Requirements: Often must create local jobs
Active Management: Some programs require operational involvement
Success Metrics: May need to demonstrate business viability

Investment Funds

Managed fund options available in some jurisdictions:

Professional Management: Diversified portfolio approach
Risk Profiles: Various options from conservative to growth
Liquidity Terms: Redemption restrictions during program period
Performance: Market-linked returns possible
Regulatory Oversight: Licensed fund managers required

Mixed Investment Structures

Combination approaches include:

Part donation, part investment (Malta, Montenegro)
Real estate plus government contribution
Business investment with job creation
Bond purchase plus property rental
Phased investment commitments

Due Diligence Requirements

Standard requirements across programs:

Source of Funds: Detailed wealth origin documentation
Background Checks: Criminal, financial, and reputational screening
Financial Proof: Bank statements, tax returns, business records
Professional References: Banker, lawyer, accountant attestations
Medical Clearance: Basic health checks, no contagious diseases

Associated Costs Beyond Investment

Additional expenses typically include:

Government processing fees: $25,000-150,000
Due diligence fees: $5,000-15,000 per applicant
Legal and professional fees: $20,000-50,000
Document preparation and translation
Travel for biometrics or oath ceremonies

Tax Considerations

Investment structuring must consider:

Capital gains implications on exit
Income tax on investment returns
Wealth tax in certain jurisdictions
Estate planning considerations
Double taxation treaties

Risk Mitigation Strategies

Protecting your investment through:

Proper due diligence on developers
Escrow arrangements for funds
Insurance coverage where available
Legal guarantees and warranties
Exit strategy planning from outset

Application Process & Timeline

Navigate the citizenship application journey from initial consultation to passport in hand. Our streamlined process ensures efficient preparation, submission, and approval within typical timeframes of 3-12 months.

Application Process & Timeline

The citizenship by investment application process follows structured steps from initial consultation through to passport issuance. While specific requirements vary by jurisdiction, most programs follow similar procedures with processing times ranging from 3-12 months depending on the country and complexity of the application.

Initial Consultation & Assessment

The journey begins with comprehensive evaluation:

Eligibility Review: Assessment of personal circumstances and qualifications
Program Selection: Matching objectives with suitable jurisdictions
Investment Planning: Determining optimal investment structure
Family Inclusion: Identifying eligible dependents
Timeline Setting: Establishing realistic expectations

Document Preparation Phase

Critical documentation requirements include:

Birth and marriage certificates
Valid passports for all applicants
Police clearance certificates
Medical examination reports
Financial statements and tax returns
Professional reference letters

Source of Funds Documentation

Proving legitimate wealth origin through:

Bank statements (typically 12 months)
Investment portfolio records
Business ownership documents
Property sale agreements
Inheritance documentation
Employment and income verification

Due Diligence Process

Background Investigations: International criminal database checks
Financial Screening: Anti-money laundering verification
Reputational Assessment: Media and public record searches
Professional Verification: Authentication of provided references
Biometric Collection: Fingerprints and photographs where required

Government Submission & Review

Official processing stages:

Application submission through authorized agents
Initial government review and feedback
Additional information requests (if any)
Investment confirmation requirements
Final approval decision

Investment Execution

Upon provisional approval:

Investment funds transfer instructions
Property purchase completion
Government bond subscriptions
Donation confirmations
Investment certificate issuance

Citizenship Formalities

Final steps to citizenship:

Oath of allegiance ceremony (where required)
Citizenship certificate issuance
Passport application submission
Biometric data collection
Passport collection arrangements

Typical Processing Timelines

Caribbean Programs: 3-6 months average
European Programs: 6-24 months depending on country
Vanuatu: 30-60 days (fastest globally)
Turkey: 3-6 months
Malta: 12-14 months minimum

Factors Affecting Timeline

Processing speed influenced by:

Complexity of source of funds
Number of dependents included
Document authentication requirements
Due diligence findings
Government workload and efficiency
Investment type selected

Post-Approval Services

Ongoing support includes:

Passport renewal assistance
Tax residency planning
Family member additions
Investment exit strategies
Citizenship maintenance requirements
Second program applications

Quality Assurance

Ensuring successful outcomes through:

Meticulous document preparation
Regular government liaison
Proactive issue resolution
Transparent communication
Compliance monitoring
Appeal procedures if needed

Global Citizenship & Investment Immigration

Expert Legal Services for Citizenship and Residency by Investment

What Is Citizenship by Investment?

Why Consider Investment Immigration?

Our Investment Immigration Services

Comprehensive Legal Support

Specialized Advisory Services

Types of Investment Programs

Citizenship Programs

Residency Programs

Key Program Benefits

Our Investment Immigration Process

Initial Consultation

Program Selection

Application Management

Post-Approval Support

Why Choose Connaught Law

Our Global Network

Client Profile

Next Steps

INVESTMENT IMMIGRATION PROGRAMS

European Citizenship & Residency Programs

Key European Programs

Portugal Golden Visa

Malta Individual Investor Program

Greece Golden Visa

Benefits of European Programs

Our European Program Services

Considerations for European Programs

Caribbean Citizenship Programs

Leading Caribbean Programs

St. Kitts & Nevis

Dominica

Grenada

Investment Routes Available

Key Program Benefits

Application Process

Due Diligence Standards

Our Caribbean Program Expertise

Other Global Programs

United Kingdom – Tier 1 Investor

Turkey – Citizenship by Investment

Vanuatu – Development Support Program

United Arab Emirates – Golden Visa

Montenegro – Citizenship Program

Australia – Significant Investor Visa

New Zealand – Investor Visas

Emerging Programs

Program Selection Factors

Our Global Program Services

Investment Options & Requirements

Real Estate Investments

Government Funds & Donations

Government Bonds

Business Investments

Investment Funds

Mixed Investment Structures

Due Diligence Requirements

Associated Costs Beyond Investment

Tax Considerations

Risk Mitigation Strategies

Application Process & Timeline

Initial Consultation & Assessment

Document Preparation Phase

Source of Funds Documentation

Due Diligence Process

Government Submission & Review

Investment Execution

Citizenship Formalities

Typical Processing Timelines

Factors Affecting Timeline

Post-Approval Services

Quality Assurance