We are leaders in the field of Global Citizenship and have the right option for you.
Our world is now more interconnected than ever before. This presents many big challenges but opportunities also arise for “global citizens”, i.e. individuals who understand the complexity of our interconnected world by knowing their social, ethical and political responsibilities and by way of displaying leadership and teamwork and generating profits through innovation and entrepreneurship.
Such aims are best achieved through a multiplicity of citizenships. To this end, in addition to the UK, we offer services in relation to the acquisition of citizenship of countries such as Brazil, Cyprus, Ireland, Malta, Portugal and the USA. Some details follow below.
In the UK, so-called Tier 1 “golden visas” for visas investors and entrepreneurs serve as an avenue to settlement and a British passport. The London property market is of particular interest to foreign investors. Equally, opportunities present themselves by gaining British citizenship by simply investing in government bonds which pay a return and are a convenient vehicle to obtaining British citizenship and confer all the benefits of world class health care and education systems and a secure and stable business environment.
Cyprus: Citizenship by Investment
The sunny Mediterranean island of Cyprus is strategically located for business with Asia, Africa and Europe. The acquisition of the citizenship of Cyprus by investment is an astute choice as it opens the door to a world of visas without the obligation to relinquish your original nationality.
Subject to some requirements, the Cypriot Government offers citizenship by investment to persons investing more than €2 million in real estate. Citizenship culminates in the right to live, work and study in all EU 27 member states. Applications are approved within three months making the process of the fastest ways to acquire global citizenship. Attractions include:
• EU citizenship and the right to live, work, and study in all EU 27 states and the UK
• The security of the European social and legal system
• Visa-free travel to 158 countries around the world
• The flexibility of no fixed residence requirement
Malta: Citizenship by Investment
The acquisition of dual citizenship in Malta by virtue of property investment is the perfect choice for investors. Applications must be made through the Malta Individual Investor Programme using an approved agent. A Maltese investment visa opens the door to Asia, Africa and Europe for aspiring global citizens. Upon gaining citizenship you will have:
• The right to live, work and study in any of the EU 27 countries, the UK and Switzerland
• Visa-free travel to 167 countries, including the EU and Canada
• The opportunity to join an elite club to which only highly respectable applicants are admitted
Portugal: Citizenship by Investment
Portugal is a beautiful country with an endless coastline and excellent weather. Reasonably priced property is easily accessible in the country and Portuguese citizenship comes with all the benefits of European Union membership. Unlock the beauty of Portugal with its charming countryside and vibrant beaches and simultaneously obtain its citizenship through investment.
For property investments you will need to acquire property above €500,000 or acquisition of property above €350,000 for properties more than 30 years old or located in areas of urban renovation.
• For capital investments your will need to transfer funds above €1 million
• For research activities you will need to transfer funds above €350,000
• For artistic or cultural activities you will need to transfer funds above €250,000
• For capitalisation of small and medium size companies you will need to transfer funds above €500,000
• You will need to create 10 jobs
Ireland: Citizenship by Investment
In Ireland, the immigrant investment program gives a unique opportunity for new residents to explore the investment environment. Ireland has an investor friendly economic platform which promotes Foreign Direct Investment (FDI). Over time, FDI has become significant in Ireland’s economic growth. Through a national initiative, Irish citizenship by investment has been encouraged and supported.
• Ireland is an attractive investment hub in light of the fact that Irish citizenship can be achieved
• Unlike most countries, Ireland’s tax regime is structured so as to attract business to the country
• Corporation tax is charged at 12.5% and a 25% tax credit is given towards research and development
• In addition to these tax incentives, the government has a zero tax rate on foreign dividends and withholding tax exemptions
Applicants can also invest either in a single Irish enterprise or a mixture of enterprises. These investments through the Irish enterprises must not fall below €1 million per investment. These investments contribute towards employment creation and funding of both running businesses and business start-ups. For the individual to be considered as a resident, the investment must not only be made for a minimum of three years but must also be made in the name of the applicant.
Individuals who own venture capital firms are also given consideration as long as such venture capital firms provide funding to business start-ups in Ireland. Another enterprise investment that the guidelines on immigration investor program allow is direct investment through shares of Irish companies listed on the Irish Stock exchange.
An applicant does have an option of investing in existing or new businesses in Ireland. In such a case, the applicant is to furnish a fully audited recent report of the business if it is a going concern. In relation to a new business, the applicant must submit a comprehensive business plan. The business plan should detail among many items the investment made by the applicant. Since the aim of the business investment is to help create employment, the business plan should clearly outline how this will be done through the funds injected.
Apart from the above mainstream investments, other investments can also be considered in the application of Irish residency under the Immigrant Investor Program. An example of such investments is one that is made in the property market. If the applicants have a residential property in Ireland where they intend to live in but not rent – that too can be considered in the acquisition of citizenship.
The investment in property must amount to €1 million and above for it to be enlisted for consideration. Investment in property that is directly or indirectly linked to either enterprise development or any social benefit to the republic of Ireland can also qualify under the Immigrant Investor Program.
Caribbean: Citizenship by Investment
In the Caribbean we offer bespoke citizenship services in relation to Antigua and Barbuda, Dominica, Grenada and St Kitts and Nevis.
Citizenship by investment to Antigua and Barbuda offers visa-free travel to more than 140 destinations, including Canada. Similarly, Dominican citizenship by investment comes with no residency requirements whatsoever. In relation to income, wealth or inheritance taxes there are no requirements and a Dominican passport permits visa-free travel to more than 135 countries. Of course, the same is also true for Grenada.
St Kitts and Nevis is the smallest state in the Americas. As in the case of Dominica and Grenada, no residency requirements exist. Similarly, there are no requirements on income, wealth or inheritance taxes. The citizenship of St Kitts and Nevis permits visa-free travel to more than 150 countries including the European Union and the UK and facilitates for long-term visas to the USA.