Citizenship by Investment

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What Is Citizenship by Investment?

Citizenship by Investment (CBI) programs allow individuals to legally acquire citizenship in another country by making a significant financial investment. These programs are designed to attract high-net-worth individuals seeking benefits such as global mobility, financial security, and enhanced business opportunities.

Typically, investments include real estate purchases, contributions to national development funds, or investments in approved businesses. Countries offering these programs ensure thorough due diligence to maintain the integrity of their systems.

Long-term benefits of citizenship by investment compared to traditional mmigration

  • Instant Global Mobility: Enjoy immediate, enhanced travel freedom.
  • Expanded Business Horizons: Unlock new markets and diversify investments.
  • Dual Citizenship: Maximize legal and financial flexibility.
  • Access to Stability: Gain residency in politically stable countries with top-tier healthcare and education.

Risks associated with citizenship by investment programs

At Alpen Partners International, we specialize in navigating the complexities of Citizenship by Investment (CBI) programs, ensuring that you maximize the benefits while minimizing the risks. Our expert team conducts thorough due diligence, assessing the stability of the host country’s economy, political environment, and investment quality. We meticulously evaluate real estate and business opportunities to ensure they meet your return expectations.

Offshore investment with an added perk

Are you looking for your retirement destination? Maybe you just want a passport that allows more visa-free travel. You could also be seeking offshore investments with added perks. Gaining residency through citizenship by investment is one of the most popular ways to expatriate. Countries worldwide offer programs that allow individuals to invest in real estate, the job market, reforestation, and more. In exchange, investors gain residency and often citizenship. Use this freedom to escape high taxes, find a retirement haven, or travel the world with a second passport through citizenship by investment.

Expatriating

Expatriating offers significant financial and cultural advantages. Relocating to countries like Switzerland, Monaco, Dubai, or Singapore provides benefits like low taxes, safety, and investor-friendly environments. For retirement, expatriation can be a lucrative step, offering lower living costs, tax breaks, and a higher quality of life. At Alpen Partners International, we specialize in crafting retirement plans that maximize savings and investments, allowing retirees to enjoy a comfortable and active lifestyle abroad, often at a fraction of the cost compared to popular retirement destinations back home.

Why you need alternative citizenship

Alternative citizenship offers unparalleled benefits for individuals and families. Here are the key reasons why obtaining a second passport might be the right decision for you:

Expand Global Mobility

  • Visa-free or visa-on-arrival access to 100+ countries.
  • Simplified travel for business and leisure.
  • Avoid delays and restrictions with stronger passport options.

Optimize Tax Efficiency

  • Access to tax-friendly jurisdictions with no global income tax.
  • Potential savings on inheritance, wealth, and capital gains taxes.
  • Tailored solutions for international investors and business owners.

Enhance Security

  • Political and economic instability in your home country?
  • Alternative citizenship provides a secure escape route.
  • Peace of mind for personal safety and asset protection.

 

European citizenship by investment

How to become a citizen of Monaco?

Choosing a low-cost jurisdiction as your offshore investment destination is ideal. Monaco has been seen as such for years. The country ultimately did away with income tax way back in 1869. This makes Monaco Europe’s only sovereign zero-tax jurisdiction. Monaco’s residency-by-investment program allows individuals to gain citizenship by placing a €500,000 deposit into a bank account in Monaco.  The residency visa application can typically take roughly three months to complete and often is accompanied by several compliance and due diligence tests. In the application, individuals will provide proof of lease or purchase agreement and sufficient funds to live in Monaco. If a resident is looking to get citizenship, they will have to reside in the country for at least ten years and must renounce any sovereign nationality.

How to get Switzerland citizenship?

As one of the most sought-after countries to live in, many are happy to hear there is a residency-by-investment program in Switzerland. With Swiss residency, investors are offered visa-free travel within Europe, privacy and freedom, and a picturesque destination for wealthy retirees and families. To attract wealthy foreign investment, the Swiss government has opened residence permits for wealthy individuals and qualified workforce. To qualify, an investor must prove they have at least USD 1 million at their disposal before applying. The investor can gain the residency permit by either creating a Swiss company or paying a lump sum taxation (LST) fee that can be as low as USD 170,000 or CHF 150,000. After twelve years of continuous residence, the investor can begin the naturalization process. During this time, the individual will have to show integration with the Swiss society and way of life and proof of good character. Switzerland also allows for dual citizenship, so the applicants will not have to renounce their current nationality.

Portugal’s golden visa

On October 6th, 2023, Portugal’s “Mais Habitação Law” revamped the Golden Visa program by removing real estate as an investment option. The program now focuses on venture capital, job creation, and cultural investments. Existing Golden Visa holders retain their rights. New options include €500,000+ in non-real estate funds or €250,000+ in cultural support. The government also plans to revive the “Non-Habitual Resident” scheme with tax breaks for skilled workers. These changes aim to redirect investment towards broader economic and cultural benefits.

 

Other citizenship by investment

How to get Dubai (UAE) citizenship?

The United Arab Emirates is one of the wealthiest countries in the world, with an economy based on oil reserves. With the seventh-highest GDP per capita, there’s no question why wealthy individuals would want to seek residency, especially in the city of Dubai, an emerging business center and tourist hotspot. Like Portugal, Dubai also offers a Golden Visa. For those looking to earn the investor visa, which grants temporary residence to the holder, the investor must deposit 10,000 AED or 20,000 AED with the UAE government. A real estate investment of at least 1 million AED (around USD 270,000) will also suffice.

Applicants will also have to prove sufficient funds to live in the country. The residence lasts for up to three years, but if the investor invests at least 10 million AED, the residence lasts ten years. During this time, investors can start their own business or begin investing in an existing one and individuals to work and live in the country.

How to get UK citizenship?

The United Kingdom is a beautiful, multicultural nation with high standards for education, healthcare, and business. The UK offers a non-domiciled (non-dom) residence for foreigners living in the country. This means the resident will be considered a tax resident; their domicile remains in their home country. With non-dom status, residence in the UK is indefinite.  The Tier 1 Investor Visa grants investors residency through an investment of £2 million. This residency lasts for three years and four months. After this time, they can apply to extend the time a further two years. After six years, the resident can apply for citizenship.

How to get Costa Rica citizenship?

Many expats, both retirees and investors, choose to seek second-residency love in Costa Rica. Though there have been a few more restrictions over the years, for the most part, anyone with a $2,500 monthly income can be a resident of the country. You’ll come for the easy residency but stay for the beaches, jungles, and landscape. The residency by investment program requires investors to place $200,000 into real estate, a construction project, or any other approved investment. After making the investment, individuals must also pass a background check.

How to get Panama citizenship?

Panama is one of the most affordable residencies an investor can receive from a top 50 country. As a United States, United Kingdom, or European Union citizen, residency is easy and affordable through Panama’s Friendly Nations Reforestation Visa Program. With a $40,000 investment in an approved reforestation program, the investor and their family acquire residency. This residency becomes permanent after five years. If the investor places $80,000, they can earn permanent status after one year. Citizenship cannot directly be earned through this program, but after five years, the investor and their family can apply for citizenship and a passport.

How to get Cyprus citizenship?

A two-million-euro investment in Cyprus real estate, government bonds, a bank deposit in a local bank, or investment in a new company will gain you quick and easy citizenship into this EU country. The investor must also own a 500,000 euro home in Cyprus as a residence. It’s the government’s way of ensuring those earning citizenship aren’t doing so just for the passport. The applicant must make the investment prior to beginning the application process.

How to get Canadian citizenship?

Globally, Canada is admired as one of the easiest countries to start a business in. Therefore many investors seek residency through investment. With Canadian residency, an applicant can grant $800,000 to the Canadian government that will act as an interest-free loan that will be paid back after five years. This will grant you an immediate permanent Canadian residency. After three to five years, the investor can apply for full Canadian citizenship.

Are you trying to find an international investment that will not only achieve your financial goals but gain you international freedom? Contact the expert team at Alpen Partners International. Our skilled advisors will assist you every step of the way of your expatriation journey. While we made it sound easy, there can be several legal and financial obstacles that can get in the way. Our experts use a hands-on approach to ensure your success. For more information on seeking residency abroad, contact Alpen Partners International below!

With our guidance, you can confidently invest in a program, knowing that your Citizenship by Investment is secure and your interests are fully protected.

Explore how citizenship by investment can transform your life and provide unmatched global opportunities. Alpen Partners International is here to guide you through the process.

Contact us today.

All investments involve certain risks. All investments carry the potential for financial loss, including the loss of the principal amount invested. Past performance should not be viewed as an indicator of future results.

Market conditions and broader economic factors can significantly impact the value of investments. Investments in international markets are subject to additional risks, such as currency exchange fluctuations, political or economic instability, and variations in accounting practices. Alternative investments, including but not limited to hedge funds, private equity, and real estate, may be illiquid, speculative, and are not suitable for all investors. The above information should be considered before making any investment decisions. All posts and publications are for your information only and are not intended as an offer, promotion, or solicitation to buy or sell any financial instrument or perform any other financial transactions. All information and opinions expressed in posts and publications reflect our current views as of the date of the publication and may be liable to change without notice.

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