Frequently Asked Questions

Citizenship by investment (CBI) programs allow individuals to acquire a second citizenship and passport through a direct financial contribution to a sovereign nation. These are legal, government-approved programs that grant full citizenship rights, including a passport, without requiring prior residency. Programs exist across the Caribbean, Europe, and beyond, with investments ranging from $90,000 to several million dollars.

Citizenship by Investment (CBI) grants immediate citizenship and a passport. Residency by Investment (RBI), often called Golden Visa programs, grants legal residency that may lead to citizenship through naturalization after a period of years. CBI is faster but typically more expensive; RBI offers access to larger economies like the EU but requires patience for eventual citizenship.

A second passport provides geographic diversification, visa-free travel access, a Plan B for political or economic instability, tax optimization opportunities, enhanced banking access, and legacy planning for future generations. For globally mobile individuals, it is increasingly considered essential infrastructure rather than a luxury.

The optimal program depends on your priorities: speed, cost, passport strength, tax implications, lifestyle preferences, and long-term objectives. A strategic advisory engagement begins with a comprehensive mobility audit to identify the programs best aligned with your specific situation.

Typical requirements include valid passport, birth certificate, marriage certificate (if applicable), police clearance certificates, proof of funds and source of wealth, bank statements, professional references, medical certificate, and passport photos. Requirements vary by program, and we prepare every document to exact government specifications.

Due diligence is the background verification process conducted by governments to ensure applicants have clean criminal records, legitimate source of funds, and no connections to sanctioned individuals or entities. It is a critical step that protects program integrity and your investment.

Requirements vary by program. Caribbean CBI programs can often be completed entirely remotely. European Golden Visas typically require at least one visit for biometrics. Singapore's GIP requires interviews. We provide detailed guidance for each program's specific requirements.

You must show that investment funds come from legitimate sources: employment income, business profits, investments, inheritance, property sales, and similar. Documentation typically includes tax returns, business financial statements, investment account statements, and a narrative explaining wealth accumulation.

A territorial tax system only taxes income earned within that country's borders. Foreign-source income, including investments, business income, and capital gains from outside the country, is not taxed. Panama, UAE, and several other jurisdictions operate territorial systems, making them attractive for globally mobile individuals.

Citizenship alone does not change your tax residency. However, relocating your tax residence to a country with favorable treatment can significantly reduce your global tax burden. Countries like the UAE (0% income tax), Panama (territorial system), and Italy (EUR 100K flat tax on foreign income) offer substantial advantages.

US citizens are taxed on worldwide income regardless of where they live or hold citizenship. However, a second citizenship provides options: the ability to establish tax residency in favorable jurisdictions using foreign earned income exclusions, foreign tax credits, and strategic structuring.

Recovery depends on the program. Government donations are non-refundable. Real estate investments can typically be sold after a holding period (3-7 years depending on jurisdiction). Fund investments may be redeemed after the lock-up period. We provide detailed ROI analysis for each option.

Investment migration involves significant financial and legal implications. We provide expert program selection, pre-screening to avoid rejection, meticulous document preparation, government liaison, investment structuring advice, and ongoing support. Our experience eliminates costly errors and delays.

We maintain a near-perfect approval rate because we conduct thorough pre-screening before accepting clients. We only proceed with applications when we are confident of approval. If we identify potential issues, we address them before filing.

We offer three engagement tiers: Advisory (strategy and roadmap), Vanguard (full-service execution), and Legacy (multi-generational planning). We provide transparent fee schedules during the initial consultation with no hidden costs.