Uncertainty over the direction in which Donald Trump is about to take America is expected to result in a spike in wealthy U.S. citizens looking for alternative residence and citizenship.
Investment immigration is a thriving industry in the Caribbean and Europe, with multiple options for high net worth candidates looking for back-up passports, or a way of accessing the European Union or the U.S.
Now it appears Americans themselves could become key candidates for programs, some of which can provide a second passport in just a few months provided all the requirements are met.
As Americans crashed the Canadian government immigration website during Trump’s surge to victory on Tuesday night, there was also a spike in interest for the world’s investment programs. The last time such a spike was seen came when George W. Bush won re-election 12 years ago in 2004.
Back then, there were only a limited number of investment programs available, concentrated in Caribbean countries whose passports offer visa-free access to the likes of the U.S. and the E.U.
However, in 2016 the options are certainly more wide-ranging, mainly because countries formed programs to help pull their economies out of trouble during the global financial crisis.
Here are a few examples:
Citizenship-by-Investment Programs
1. Cyprus
Foreigners can access Cypriot citizenship for €2.5 million, which includes investment of €2 million and real estate purchase of €500,000. Benefits include visa-free access to the European Union’s Schengen zone. For more information, click here.
2. Malta
Citizenship in Malta can be access for in the region of €1 million, once the various requirements have been met. Again, the key benefit is Schengen zone access. Click here for more information.
3. St Kitts & Nevis
A $400,000 investment is required to get a St Kitts & Nevis passport. The original citizenship-by-investment program has undergone an overhaul recently. Comes with visa-free Schengen access, plus U.K. and Ireland. More information here.
4. Dominica
The cheapest program currently available, awarding citizenship in return for a $100,000 investment. No Schengen zone access, but does come with visa-free U.K. access. More information here.
Permanent Residence-by-Investment Programs
These programs have are well established, in Tier One nations where investment requirements are high and stipulations onerous, to others which are less so. Here are four of them, but there are many more.
1. Portugal
For investment of €500,000 in real estate, you can get residency in Portugal. This gives access to the Schengen zone and the U.K. and Ireland. More information here.
2. United Kingdom
Direct residency in the U.K. can be attained through investments of £2 million, £5 million or £10 million. Each threshold comes with different requirements. There is also a path to citizenship, although it is many years down the line. More information here.
3. Canada
Access to Canada comes via the Quebec Immigrant Investor Program, initially established in 1986. The program requires an $800,000 investment and a minimum net worth of $1.6 million. More information here.
4. Malta
Maltese residence is available for no minimum investment, although you must own a property on the island. There are minimum income requirements, and you must physically reside in the country for 183 days in a year. More information here.
For more information on immigration through investment, click here.
Further reading