Welcome to our Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) page. Our experts at Global Citizen Solutions can provide tailored solutions and guide you through the process with transparency and clarity.
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Second Passport and Enhanced Mobility
What is a second passport?
A second passport is a travel document that will allow you to reside as a citizen of the nation, where you are afforded the same rights due to your new nationality. Many countries recognize dual or multi-nationality, which means both passports are recognized by the country.
What is the value of having a second passport as a Plan B?
Having a second passport as a Plan B can be beneficial for a number of reasons. In addition to providing additional security and options for living and working abroad, it can also serve as an insurance policy in times of political unrest, economic instability, or other crisis in your home country. It also provides greater flexibility for international travel and improves global mobility, including potential visa-free travel to certain countries and enhanced business opportunities.
Is having a second passport legal?
Yes, dual or multiple citizenship is legal in many countries. However, the laws regarding multiple citizenship vary from country to country, and not all countries allow their citizens to hold citizenship in another country. It’s important to consult with a legal expert to understand the laws of both your home country and the country you’re considering for second citizenship.
Does having a second passport affect my original citizenship?
Having a second passport does not generally affect your original citizenship, but it depends on the laws of your home country and the country where you are securing second citizenship. Some countries allow dual citizenship, while others do not. It’s important to understand the laws in place in both countries before applying for second citizenship.
Can a second passport provide additional investment opportunities?
Yes, holding a second passport often provides additional investment opportunities. Some countries offer attractive investment environments, including favorable tax laws, a strong economy, and political stability. These factors can make it more attractive for individuals to invest in these countries, and having a second passport can make it easier to take advantage of these opportunities.
How can a second passport help with tax purposes?
A passport allows you to have the right to reside in a place. With it, you may declare tax residency in the location. While the tax benefits of a second passport vary depending on the country, some individuals may be able to use second citizenship to legally reduce their tax liability. For example, some countries do not tax foreign income or have favorable tax treaties with other countries. However, tax laws are complex and vary by country, and you should consult with a tax advisor or lawyer to understand potential tax implications.
Can a second passport assist in asset management?
Yes, having a second passport can help with asset management. It can provide more options for investment, real estate ownership, and banking. It can also allow for the diversification of your assets and potentially provide some level of protection from political or economic instability in your home country.
How can my family benefit from a second passport?
A second passport provides invaluable advantages to family members, such as in Antigua and Barbuda. It grants freedom of movement, enabling your family to access better healthcare and education opportunities, and during crises, it offers security through relocation options. Financially, it opens doors to attractive investments, favorable tax treatments, and improved real estate planning. Moreover, immediate family members may be eligible to gain citizenship, depending on the legislation in place, which will vary from country to country.
What is the process of obtaining a passport through Citizenship by Investment?
To obtain a passport through a citizenship by investment (CBI) program, you will need to make an investment into a country’s economy, such as in real estate or a development fund. Each country has specific requirements and investment options for its CBI program, and the process may be easier and quicker than you would first assume.
The process involves submitting an application, providing personal information, passing a background check, and demonstrating the source of funds. Some countries may require an interview or oath of allegiance. Processing times vary but can range from a few months to a few years. It’s advisable to work with a reputable agency or legal expert for guidance and a smoother application experience.
What are the benefits of a second citizenship/passport?
Acquiring a second citizenship/passport brings numerous benefits, such as greater freedom to travel globally, broader business prospects, heightened personal safety, enhanced privacy, improved access to education and healthcare, flexible lifestyle choices, and advantageous real estate planning options.
Can I have dual/multiple citizenship?
Citizenship by investment allows individuals to hold two citizenships (or even more) and is legal in many countries. While you can secure citizenship through birth, naturalization, or investment, it is important to ensure that you are legally allowed to do so. For example, some countries state that you will need to relinquish your previous citizenship to acquire a new one. You should ensure you check the rules and regulations in both your home country and the country where you want to acquire citizenship.
What does visa-free travel mean?
Visa-free travel is when you are permitted to cross certain borders without a visa. Citizenship by investment programs can mean you are entitled to visa-free travel in specific areas. For example, having a European passport can grant you visa-free travel within the Schengen Zone. Global Citizen Solutions Enhanced Mobility Index can assist you in determining visa-free travel benefits for each country.
Citizenship by Investment
What is citizenship by investment?
Citizenship by Investment – also referred to as economic citizenship – is a process where individuals can obtain a second citizenship and passport by investing in the economy of the host country.
Which countries offer citizenship by investment programs?
Several countries offer CBI programs, including but not limited to St. Kitts and Nevis, Dominica, Grenada, Antigua and Barbuda, St Lucia, Malta, Turkey, and others.
What types of investments are required for citizenship by investment?
The nature of the investment can vary from country to country. It may involve making a donation to a national development fund, investing in real estate, or investing in business ventures in the host country.
How long does the citizenship by investment process take?
The duration of the citizenship by investment process varies depending on the country and its specific requirements. Typically, it can take several months to over a year. Factors such as application and documentation preparation, due diligence checks, investment requirements, government processing, and citizenship ceremonies can influence the timeline. It is essential to research the specific program and consult with experts for accurate information on processing times.
What is the fastest CBI available?
Vanuatu, a country in the Pacific Ocean, has what is likely to be the world’s fastest Citizenship by Investment program: If approved, an applicant can receive citizenship in as little as a month.
Do I need to reside in the country once I am a citizen?
While you will have the right to reside in the country, you do not necessarily need to live there once you secure citizenship.
What are the benefits of citizenship by investment programs?
There ar a range of advantages to citizenship by investment programs, including the right to live in the host country and access its social security, healthcare, and education opportunities. Many CBI programs allow your family to be included in the application and provide a fast route to second citizenship, unlocking increased mobility, financial freedoms, and security.
Do I need to file my application in person for the citizenship program I am applying for?
It depends. For many programs, you can start your application fully remotely. In most Caribbean programs, you can gain citizenship without visiting the island, with the exception of Antigua and Barbuda, which requires the applicant to spend five days in the first five years in the country.
For other programs, you will need to visit and spend more time in the country.
Residency by Investment
What is residency by investment?
Residency by Investment is a process where an individual obtains the right to live, work, and study in a country by investing a significant sum of money in its economy. Often after a specified time of living in the country, you can then apply for permanent residence and/or citizenship.
What types of investments are required for residency by investment?
The investments required for residency by investment programs vary from country to country. These may include purchasing real estate, investing in business, or making a substantial donation to a national fund.
What is a Golden Visa?
A Golden Visa is a type of residency by investment program that grants residency rights to individuals who make significant financial investments in the host country. These rights often include the freedom to live, work, and study in the country.
What are the benefits of residency by investment?
Benefits of residency by investment programs can include the right to live and work in the host country, access to the country’s healthcare and education systems, potential tax advantages, and new business and personal opportunities. There is often the option to apply for citizenship after a specified time period.
Does residency by investment lead to citizenship?
In many cases, residency by investment can lead to citizenship, but this varies depending on the legislation of the specific country. You will often, but not always, be required to adhere to certain requirements, such as completing a language test (such as in Greece or Portugal), having knowledge of the country’s customs, and having a clean criminal record.
Which countries offer Golden Visa programs?
Several countries offer Golden Visa programs, including Portugal, Spain, Greece, and others in the European Union.
What are the requirements for obtaining a Golden Visa?
The specific requirements can vary by country, but generally, they require a significant financial investment. This could be in the form of a real estate purchase, job creation, or a donation to a national development fund. There are many programs in Europe where you can secure a Golden Visa.
Can I take my spouse with me on a Golden Visa?
Yes, with most Golden Visa programs, such as the Portugal Golden Visa, you can bring your spouse, children, parents, and sometimes even grandparents with you if you apply for a Golden Visa.
Can I take my children with me on a Golden Visa?
Yes, most Golden Visa programs allow you to take your children with you, including the Portugal Golden Visa. Depending on the country, there are sometimes restrictions depending on the age of the child, whether they are in full-time education, or if they are dependent on you.
What is the difference between a citizenship by residency program (CBI) and a residency by investment (RBI) program?
The main difference between CBI and residency by investment programs lies in the outcome they offer. CBI programs provide a direct path to citizenship, allowing individuals to become full-fledged citizens of a country. In contrast, residency by investment programs offer temporary or permanent residency rights but do not automatically lead to citizenship. Residency by investment can, however, lead to citizenship by naturalization.
Other Ways to Get Citizenship and Residency
What are the other ways of obtaining citizenship in another country?
You can acquire citizenship through birth, marriage, naturalization, or investment. You will want to determine which option is best suited to your needs. It’s important to speak with a legal expert to understand the laws of both your home country and the country you’re seeking second citizenship.
What are the other ways of obtaining residency in another country?
There are usually several options to secure residency in another country, such as through a work visa, entrepreneurship visa, or retirement visa. For example, in Portugal, options include the D7 Visa, perfect for retirees, and the Digital Nomad Visa, the perfect option for remote workers. Note that each country will have its own residency requirements.
Can I get citizenship through marriage?
Yes, in many countries, you can secure citizenship through marriage, such as in Italy. To secure citizenship in some countries, you will also need to have resided for a time in the country in which you are looking to acquire citizenship. It’s important to note that each country will have its own requirements.
Can I get citizenship through descent?
Several nations grant citizenship by descent to foreign individuals who can prove their lineage of ancestry in that nation. For example, suppose one of your parents or grandparents is a citizen of a particular country, and you have the birth certificates to prove it. In that case, you could apply for citizenship in that respective nation through descent.
Can I get citizenship through naturalization?
While this will depend on the country’s legislation, in many countries, it is possible to secure citizenship through naturalization after legally residing in the country for a specified number of years. There may be additional requirements, such as passing a language test and understanding the country’s history and customs, for example.
Why work with Global Citizen Solution
Why should I use Global Citizens Solutions rather than applying by myself?
In many programs, the only way applicants can apply is through Registered Authorised Agents like us. For others, applicants can apply independently. However, note that investors can encounter many difficulties when applying for citizenship or residency, which is why it is beneficial to have an expert on hand who can support you throughout the complex application process.
Here are the key reasons to work with Global Citizen Solutions:
- Global approach by local experts. We are corporate members of the Investment Migration Council, with local expertise in all five Caribbean CBI programs.
- 100 percent approval rate. We have never had a case rejected and will offer you an initial, free-of-charge, due diligence assessment before signing any contract.
- Independent service and full transparency. We will present to you all the investment options available, and all expenses will be discussed in advance, with no hidden fees.
- An all-encompassing solution. A multidisciplinary team of immigration lawyers, investment specialists, and tax experts will take into consideration all your and your family’s mobility, tax, and lifestyle needs.
- Confidential service and secure data management. All private data is stored within a GDPR-compliant database on a secure SSL-encrypted server.
Is Global Citizen Solutions a member of the Investor Migration Council?
Yes, Global Citizen Solutions partners are members of the Investment Migration Council (IMC). Headquartered in Geneva, the IMC is the leading association for investor migration and citizenship-by-investment. Its mission is to bring together leading stakeholders in the field and to give the industry visibility.
Does Global Citizen Solutions adhere to a Code of Professional Conduct?
Yes, to IMC´s Code of Ethics and Professional Conduct. The main components of the code include: Integrity and ethical practice, competence, objectivity, honesty, confidentiality, conflicts of interest, disciplinary rules and procedures, regulatory compliance and continuing professional development.
Is Global Citizen Solutions concerned about Data Integrity?
Regarding the confidentiality of your personal information, all data is stored within a GDPR-compliant database on a secure SSL-encrypted server, meaning that your data is completely secure with us. We have a Data Protection and Information Officer to ensure data integrity.
Does Global Citizen Solutions have a 100% success rate?
Global Citizen Solutions have never had a case rejected and will offer you an initial, free-of-charge, due diligence assessment before signing any contract.
Does Global Citizen Solutions have a Passport Index?
Yes, the Global Passport Index by Global Citizen Solutions measures the value of a passport based on three standalone indexes: Enhanced Mobility Index, Investment Index, and Quality of Life Index. This provides a holistic and comprehensive way to measure the true value of a passport, which is useful for investors and expats that are seeking second citizenship or more information about a passport’s value.
Can I pay for your services from an international bank account?
Yes, you can pay from any bank account that allows you to make international transfers. We also accept payment via PayPal or credit card.
Do you accept Crypto?
Companies like Global Citizen Solutions permit payment of legal fees in cryptocurrencies like Bitcoin, USDC, and USDT. Crypto payments for Portugal Golden Visa services are processed through the portal, Coingate.
Can I carry out the investments in crypto?
It depends. Global Citizen Solution can introduce the client to a cryptocurrency broker who can assist with the conversion from crypto to fiat for the investment to be made.
What is tax residence?
A tax residence is any country where you are legally required to pay taxes. This is different from a second residence, which simply ensures that you can legally reside in a country.
