In this sophisticated era, the programmes which allow high-worth investors to have citizenship in exchange for a financial contribution to the country’s government are getting popular. For the last ten years, investors all over the globe have been considering choosing the economic citizenship programmes as a plan B, which provides wealth planning and diversification of portfolio.Â
These programmes are extraordinary and unique, which the majority of the investors cannot find. Many governments offer these types of programmes throughout the world, but Caribbean states like Dominica, St. Kitts and Nevis, and Saint Lucia have emerged as the greatest in the world since they provide innumerable lucrative perks to investors and candidates.
The Dominica, St. Kitts and Nevis, and Saint Lucia CBI Program offer advantages, such as favourable opportunities to plan and distribute one’s wealth, to extend citizenship to family members, as well as taking advantage of the available benefits that come with living in a modern, diverse country.
 These nations were ranked first in the CBI Index, which was released by Professional Wealth Management (PWM) Magazine of the Financial Times, for offering the aforementioned advantages. A thorough rating system that assesses operational citizenship by investment (CBI) programmes across the world is called the CBI Index.Â
The programmes are extensively assessed, and their effectiveness is then ranked. Nine pillars that are thought to be the top goals for investors looking to apply for economic citizenship are the foundation on which this study is reviewed. The nine pillars are as follows: Ease of Processing, Standard of Living, Minimum Investment Outlay, Mandatory Travel or Residence, Citizenship Timeline, Family, and Product Certainty.
Every year in August, the PWM Magazine releases the Index, and for the past five years in a row, Dominica has held the top spot. There are rumours that Dominica may once again take the top spot this year since the nation has been making enough progress for its citizens and provides plenty of opportunities for investors to grow their enterprises.
The factors why Dominica can secure the top position?Â
- Low-cost CBI for investors and their families
- New biometric passports increasing security measuresÂ
- Strong real estate market encouraging hotel investment Â
- Due diligence inspections
- Prudent use of CBI monies for sustainable development
CITIZENSHIP BY INVESTMENT PROGRAMME
In the previous year’s annual report, Dominica and St. Kitts, and Nevis tied for first place. St. Kitts and Nevis have never previously held the top rank. The CBI Unit and an international independent third party business execute background investigations and make sure that an honest and reliable investor is awarded alternate citizenship under both nations’ due-diligence procedures, which earned them first place. In order to tackle the problems, Dominica and St. Kitts & Nevis have been providing alternate citizenship for the past 20 years.
Dominica: The small Caribbean nation is regarded as the world’s oldest, safest, and most secure alternative citizenship programme, giving citizenship to the investor(s) since 1993. The Caribbean nation offers citizenship in return for a sizeable financial contribution to the improvement and growth of the nation’s infrastructure. Dominica’s economy has grown, and it is now better able to compete in the global market thanks to the programme.
Economic Diversification Fund (EDF) and Real Estate Investment Option are the two investment choices that allow investors to qualify for alternate citizenship.
The Economic Diversification Fund, or EDF for short, allows investors to contribute to the nation’s social and economic advancement. The construction of bridges, roads, homes, schools, healthcare facilities, and hospitals has all benefited from the utilisation of this financial choice. EDF offers investments starting at USD $100,000.
A government-approved real estate property must be purchased if the investor(s) intend to participate under the Real Estate Investment Option. The first investment is USD $200,000.
St. Kitts and Nevis: The twin-island Federation was founded as the first Citizenship by Investment Program in the world in 1984. The programme is the longest-running and most well-known CBI Program. The Citizenship by Investment Program is well-known across the world since it grants citizenship to honourable people and their families after a thorough and effective due diligence procedure. St. Kitts and Nevis Citizenship by Investment programme are dedicated to responsibly providing benefits and opportunities to both investors and citizens while also advancing the social and economic well-being of the Federation.
A candidate may submit an application for alternate citizenship via the Sustainable Growth Fund, often known as Fund Option. SGF, which was introduced in 2018, is regarded as the most straightforward and economical method of applying for alternative citizenship. The money made is put to good use, helping to enhance local entrepreneurship, tourism, social aid, and infrastructure. The first investment is $150,000 USD.
