Author’s Note 2/27/23: Changes have been made to various Golden Visa and citizenship-by-investment programs since this story was published in July 2020. For the most up-to-date information, contact an expert in residency and citizenship.
After the 2016 presidential election, so many people were dreaming about moving out of the US that Canada’s immigration website crashed. Now, the idea of becoming an expat is getting hot again. According to a recent YouGov survey, 31% of Americans say they are interested in bolting if their candidate isn’t elected in the upcoming November elections. Tom Hanks and Rita Wilson recently made headlines when they became honorary Greek citizens and received second passports. And with the coronavirus pandemic restricting travel for US citizens and the power of the US passport on the decline, it’s no surprise that many Americans are investigating how they can buy a second passport, whether it’s to seek shelter in another country or just to be able to travel more freely.
Some countries like Barbados and Estonia are luring remote workers with the promise of extended residency programs, which allow you to live and work there for a specified amount of time. But when it comes to obtaining an actual passport, it’s typically more complicated than you’d expect. It can often take up to five years of living in a place to become a resident. (If Hanks and Wilson had taken the normal route to Greek citizenship, they would have had to invest several hundred thousand dollars in real estate and live in the country for seven years.) Many countries also require you to renounce your US citizenship.
Here’s the good news: There are also countries around the world that welcome Americans—for a price—with citizen by investment programs that grant residency and a second passport. And thanks to the coronavirus pandemic, a handful of Caribbean islands are making it even easier (and cheaper) than ever to obtain a second passport.
“Demand for these programs is accelerating, just as the supply has grown globally,” says Dr. Juerg Steffen, CEO of Henley & Partners, a company that helps people obtain citizenship in other countries. “Increasingly, nations and wealthy individuals see investment migration as more than a competitive advantage. Today, it is viewed as an absolute requirement in a volatile world.”
If the idea of moving abroad is truly calling your name, here are some of the best places where you can obtain citizenship and a few of the top-line details about what it will take to secure that coveted second passport.
Places to Get Caribbean Citizenship
St. Kitts & Nevis
This pair of lush islands has one of the strongest passports in the Caribbean, allowing visa-free travel to more than 100 countries, including Italy and the United Kingdom. Now St. Kitts & Nevis is offering a 23% discount on citizenship through the end of 2020. With a $150,000 contribution to the country’s “Sustainable Growth Fund” and a minimum real estate investment of $200,000, a family of four can obtain passports. The contribution is usually $195,000.
St. Lucia
The island of St. Lucia started offering residency to foreigners in 2015, and according to Nestor Alfred, CEO of the St. Lucia Citizenship by Investment Program, about 700 people have obtained passports since then. In May, the price to obtain citizenship was cut in half thanks to new “Covid-19 Relief” bonds: Through the end of 2020, it’ll cost $250,000 for an individual and $300,000 for a family of four. With a St. Lucia passport, you can get visa-free or visa-on-arrival access to 146 global destinations.
Antigua and Barbuda
Another twin-island nation, Antigua and Barbuda welcomes foreigners who want to live the Caribbean dream and is making it less expensive to get a passport here. A $100,000 donation to the country’s development fund, plus a real estate investment, will secure passports for a family of four, and the government recently made it cheaper to add more children. A passport here will get you visa-free access to 151 destinations.
Dominica
The tiny Caribbean island of Dominica also welcomes foreigners to its beautiful shores and is considered to be one of the best countries for citizenship by investment, since citizenship is extended to your spouse, dependent children and dependent parents or grandparents and can also be passed on to future generations. Applicants need to either make a contribution to the Economic Diversification Fund or invest in luxury and sustainable hotels and resorts.
Grenada
With a passport from Grenada, you can get visa-free access to many countries, including China. There are two different ways to obtain citizenship, including a $150,000 contribution to the country's National Transformation Fund via the Grenadian Citizenship-by-Investment Program or by buying approved real estate with a minimum value of $350,000
Portugal has become a hot spot for people looking to quit their jobs and move abroad. In order to get a Portugal passport, you need to participate in the Golden Visa program, which has several ways to qualify, including making a donation to Portuguese art and culture, investing in a business, starting a business or by buying real estate. Fun fact: To become a citizen, you’ll need to take a Portuguese history test.
Malta
Malta’s Individual Investor Program is one of the most popular citizenship schemes. To get Maltese citizenship it’ll cost you approximately $1.1 million through a combination of donations and real estate holdings. In return, you have the right to live and work in Malta or throughout the EU. You’ll also get visa-free access to 183 place around the world.
Cyprus
The Cyprus Investment Program doesn’t come cheap: You’ll need to spend about $2.5 million between donations and real estate investments, but in exchange you’ll be able to travel visa-free to 174 destinations worldwide.
Austria
Austria has one of the world’s strongest passports, giving its holders visa-free access to 187 destinations worldwide, plus the right to live in all EU member countries. But it’s not cheap: You’ll need to make a minimum investment of about $3.5 million.
If it was good enough for the Lord of the Rings, it’s good enough for you. New Zealand has made headlines with wealthy expats like Paypal co-founder Peter Thiel buying their way to citizenship. But it doesn’t come cheap. There are two different ways to get citizenship in New Zealand by investment, starting with an investment of at least $2 million over a four-year period.
Turkey
With a real estate investment of $250,000, you can buy your way into Turkey’s Citizenship-by-Investment Program, which secures a Turkish passport that will give you citizenship in this gorgeous country plus visa-free or visa-on-arrival access to 111 destinations around the globe.
Vanuatu
Who wouldn’t want to live in the South Pacific? The archipelago of Vanuatu—about 1,000 miles east of Australia—has a Development Support Program that requires a non-refundable donation to the islands of $180,000 for a family of four. In return, you’ll get a passport that will secure visa-free travel to 116 countries, plus the opportunity to call this island paradise your new home.
Editor’s Note 7/29/20: The news about Tom Hanks and Rita Wilson receiving Greek passports was added to this story after publication. Details about Turkish citizenship were also updated.
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Among the best second nationalities in the world to hold are: Japan: One of the world's strongest citizenships is officially Japan's; however, the country doesn't have a citizenship by investment programme, nor does it recognise dual citizenship, making a Japanese passport extremely difficult to get hold of.
Among the best second nationalities in the world to hold are: Japan: One of the world's strongest citizenships is officially Japan's; however, the country doesn't have a citizenship by investment programme, nor does it recognise dual citizenship, making a Japanese passport extremely difficult to get hold of.
Can US citizens get a second passport? Yes, Americans can get a second passport. You can be a dual citizen in Portugal, Spain, Malta, the UK, Dominica, and others if you have a valid US passport. This is subject to change, depending on the country's policies.
Many countries offer CBI schemes, but few offer the perfect combination of a low investment threshold, a high-ranking passport, and a quick pathway to citizenship. According to Forbes, the five best countries offering CBI are St.Kitts and Nevis, Grenada, Malta, Portugal, and New Zealand.
There are multiple ways Americans can qualify for a second citizenship, including via marriage, birth, or citizenship by investment, a concept known as Golden Visa. In addition to having two passports from different countries, Americans can also simultaneously hold two U.S. passports.
Japan (193 countries) If you're looking for a country with great travel options, then you can't go wrong with Japan. The Japanese passport is ranked as the most powerful in the world, allow visa-free access to 193 countries.
The USA allows its citizens to have as many passports as they need. They are not required to renounce their American citizenship. However, other countries can demand a person to renounce their US citizenship. The US citizens can have dual citizenship with 62 countries, including the UK, Canada and Australia.
An Antigua and Barbuda passport offers you visa-free travel in 151 nations across the world. Antigua and Barbuda is one of the easiest countries to get citizenship by investment.
American dual citizenship is possible in certain countries such as Portugal, Spain, Malta, Cyprus, Belgium, Denmark, Australia, the UK, and Dominica. The list may be subject to change depending on the changes in policy.
7 on the list, last year's Global Citizen Solutions Global Passport Index named the U.S. passport the world's most powerful based on its ranking of investment, quality of life and enhanced mobility indices in 2022.
3) Can I live in Canada as an American citizen? Yes, if you are an American citizen, you may live in Canada. If your stay exceeds 180 days, you will most likely need a visa. You will also need a visa or work permit if you intend to work in Canada.
Citizens: You only have to answer questions establishing your identity and citizenship (in addition to customs-related questions). Refusal to answer other questions may cause delay, but officials may not deny you entry into the U.S. if you have established your identity and citizenship.
Having two passports has its advantages and disadvantages. It can help you gain more access to different countries, it could waive potential visa fees, and you will be able to stay in the country for a longer period of time.
In order to get a second passport, travelers must fill out another application, take passport photos and send in their current passport, which will be returned with the new one. The cost for a second passport is $130.
Dark colors (even deep shades of blue and red) show less dirt and tend to look more official. Black passports, while more rare than red or blue, accomplish this best. Examples include Angola, Malawi, and New Zealand — for the latter, black is also considered one of the country's national colors.
What countries do not accept U.S. passport? The only destination where it is forbidden for US citizens to travel to is North Korea, due to its closed border status for both US citizens and citizens of other countries.
The United States of America passport ranking is due to the degree of global entry it guarantees to American passport holders, who may travel visa-free to 186 countries, but who otherwise need a visa to access 23 countries globally.
With the power of the US passport, you can travel to 186 countries or territories visa-free or with a visa on arrival. Ranked among the top 10 passports for travel freedom, the US passport opens doors to countless adventures.
When traveling in Mexico, the law requires that foreign visitors carry a passport and entry permit. You may be asked to present these documents at any point. If you do not present these documents, immigration authorities may lawfully detain you for up to 60 days while they review your immigration status.
You must apply for a re-entry permit (Form I-131) before you leave the United States, or your permanent residence status will be considered abandoned. A re-entry permit enables you to be abroad for up to two years. Apply for a re-entry permit.
What Happens If I Travel Without a Passport? If you try to travel to another country that requires a passport without one, you will not be allowed to enter. The most likely scenario is that you will be prevented from boarding transport by the staff on duty.
Yes, the U.S. does allow for triple citizenship and does not require naturalized U.S. citizens to give up citizenship in their home country or other countries.
The Golden Visa is a long-term residency visa that enables foreign talents to live and work or study in the UAE for up to 10 years. This golden residency scheme is renewable and reserved for certain categories ranging from investors to individuals with exceptional talents.
Yes, there is no restriction on obtaining multiple citizenship and passports through the legal citizenship programs. Many citizens from the United States invest in multiple programs to have more than one citizenship and passport.
40% opt for the Western hemisphere — Canada, Central and South America. 26% move to Europe. 14% head to East Asia and the Pacific — think Australia and New Zealand as well as China and Japan. 14% head to the Middle East.
Canada is one of the most welcoming countries to immigrate to. It is also one of the easiest because it has a vast landmass and a small population. Canada covers several programs for immigrants to move to attract new residents.
Spain. The process of obtaining married citizenship in Europe is simplest in Spain. After one year of marriage, if your spouse is a Spanish citizen, you will also become a citizen of the country.
A golden passport is a term that refers to a citizenship-by-investment program, which allows foreigners to obtain the citizenship and passport of another country by making a significant financial contribution to its economy or society.
Simply put, the green card holder can legally live and work in the country. However, there are other benefits that the green card holder doesn't have that a citizen would have, one of which includes voting rights. It can take a couple of years for the green card holder to obtain permanent citizenship.
Normally, people who are not U.S. citizens may receive U.S. Social Security benefits while outside the U.S. only if they meet certain requirements. Under the agreement, however, you may receive benefits as long as you reside in Canada, regardless of your nationality.
Overall, Canada is more affordable than the US, but the US has a higher median income. Comparing the cost of living in both countries is tricky because living costs vary dramatically within each city. It's important to consider the hidden costs and savings of public goods and services when comparing costs of living.
While the USA offers better salary packages, Canada has better healthcare, more maternity leaves and other social benefits. Average work hours for Canada is slightly higher than that of the US. The annual leave structure of both countries is similar.
Yes, a naturalized citizen can be deported and have their citizenship revoked when denaturalization has occurred. This process is rare, but does occur. Usually, when you obtain your United States citizenship, it is a status that you will keep forever. You do have the option to appeal a denaturalization decision.
You always have the right to remain silent. However, if you don't answer questions to establish your citizenship, officials may detain you longer in order to verify your immigration status.
Does U.S. Immigration Know When You Leave? Yes!If you travel to a US state like Texas, among many others, US immigration can tell when you entered or left. If you leave the US by air, the US processes passport details via a special system called APIS.
Among the best second nationalities in the world to hold are: Japan: One of the world's strongest citizenships is officially Japan's; however, the country doesn't have a citizenship by investment programme, nor does it recognise dual citizenship, making a Japanese passport extremely difficult to get hold of.
The best citizenship program by far is Dominica's citizenship program. Individuals are given dual citizenship in exchange for a qualifying investment worth at least $100,000 in four months. The Dominica passport also offers visa-free travel advantages to over 120 destinations.
U.S. nationals, including dual nationals, must use a U.S. passport to enter and leave the United States. Dual nationals may also be required by the foreign country to use its passport to enter and leave that country.
Having a second passport allows you to travel access to more countries, as well as peace of mind. It also grants the freedom to live, work, or go to school there.
The most common ways to get dual citizenship is through ancestry, marriage, and naturalization. Dual citizenship can also offer additional security in the face of political instability.
Dual citizens can travel freely in both countries, as well as work, do business, own land, and do other activities that may be restricted to foreigners; however, there are also disadvantages, as dual citizens may face extra taxes or even military service.
Having second citizenship gives you more options and more freedom. Not only does it give you an insurance policy, an emergency out, and more travel options, but it also gives you the freedom to live a life that is bigger than your country of birth. Other countries offer more business and banking opportunities.
What are Golden Visas? Golden Visas are immigration by investment schemes that a select few countries provide, allowing qualifying investors and their family members to obtain residency status, and sometimes even citizenship, provided they make a qualifying financial contribution to the economy.
In order to get a second passport, travelers must fill out another application, take passport photos and send in their current passport, which will be returned with the new one. The cost for a second passport is $130.
The application process is a little bit confusing because it mirrors the process for passport renewal, even though it does not replace your current passport. Also note that your second passport will only be valid for four years, not the 10 your primary passport has.
If you were age 16 or older when your passport was issued, your passport is valid for 10 years. If you were under 16 when your passport was issued, your passport is valid for 5 years. The Issue Date of your passport can be found on the data page of your passport book or on the front of your passport card.
Barbados has the strongest passport in the Caribbean
The Caribbean passports are ranked in accordance with the number of foreign countries that the passport holder can enter without a visa, or acquire an electronic visa, or a visa-on-arrival.
Introduction: My name is Jonah Leffler, I am a determined, faithful, outstanding, inexpensive, cheerful, determined, smiling person who loves writing and wants to share my knowledge and understanding with you.
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