Citizenship by investment

What is citizenship by investment?

Citizenship by Investment (CBI) programs give individuals and their families full citizenship and a second passport in exchange for a significant investment—like real estate, donations, or business—without needing long-term residency.

How is CBI different from residency by investment?

Residency-by-Investment grants the right to live in a country, while CBI grants full citizenship rights like voting and a passport, often with little or no physical stay required.

Which countries offer Citizenship by Investment programs?

Trusted programs exist in Antigua & Barbuda, Dominica, Grenada, St. Kitts & Nevis, St. Lucia, Türkiye, and Vanuatu, with varying benefits like visa-free travel, tax perks, and fast processing.

What types of investments are required?

Typical options include real estate, government fund donations, business investments, or bonds—minimum thresholds range from around USD 130,000 up to USD 400,000 or more depending on the country.

How long does the process take?

It depends: Caribbean programs take 3–12 months; Türkiye takes 3–6 months; and Vanuatu can process applications in just 1–2 months.

Can my family be included in the application?

Yes—spouses, dependent children, and sometimes parents or siblings can be added to your application, depending on the program’s guidelines.

Are there due diligence checks?

Absolutely. All CBI programs include background, source-of-funds checks, and sometimes interviews to ensure applicants meet legal and security standards.

What tax implications are there?

Many CBI countries offer favorable tax regimes (like no income or capital gains tax), but you should consult a tax advisor for your specific situation. }

Is dual citizenship allowed?

Yes, most CBI countries allow dual citizenship. You can usually retain your existing nationality unless your home country requires renunciation.

Can children born after I gain citizenship also become citizens?

Yes—many countries include minor children born after citizenship is granted, though application and fees may apply.}

Is name change included in the application?

Some countries allow a legal name change during the CBI process, while others don’t—so this requires checking program specifics.

Can my citizenship be revoked?

In rare cases—such as fraud, misrepresentation, or violation of program terms—citizenship can be revoked.

When did CBI programs start?

The first modern CBI program began in St. Kitts & Nevis in 1984. Since then, many countries have launched similar pathways.}

Which CBI programs are fastest and most affordable?

Vanuatu is fastest at 1–2 months (USD 130K), and Dominica is among the most cost-effective Caribbean options (around USD 200K).

Why work with Harvey Law Group for CBI?

With 30+ years of experience, HLG’s lawyers are experts in vetting programs, handling legal and tax matters, and developing personalized strategies to meet your global mobility goals.

What is the first step with Harvey Law Group?

Contact HLG for a confidential consultation. They’ll review your profile, match the right program, and guide you through each step—from application to passport issuance.