Second citizenship programs offer people the opportunity to acquire a robust citizenship that provides them freedom of movement and security for their families. It is also considered a better way to preserve their businesses and wealth.
However, many people apply for these programs without a precise understanding of the complete details of this significant future project. There are essential aspects to consider for each citizenship by investment (CBI) program that differ from others. Here are some key points to consider when choosing a second citizenship program:
1- Have you ever been denied an entry visa before?
This question is crucial and should be asked before starting the citizenship application process. If your second citizenship advisor doesn’t ask you this question, consider changing the consultancy firm, as previous visa denial cases constitute a significant concern for governments with CBI programs. Applications may be rejected if it’s discovered that the applicant has been denied entry to any country that shares visa waiver agreements with the specific CBI country, especially in the UK and Schengen countries.
2- Do you want to include your family members with your application?
Including family members is common, but applicants need to know how to include them in the same application. Your second citizenship advisor should be well-versed in this matter, as a lack of experience and knowledge in this field can lead to delayed processing and additional fees that could be avoided.
Dependents include children, spouses, parents, or grandparents financially dependent on the main applicant. Children must be enrolled in schools, and the main applicant must prove their income. Currently, only one sibling is accepted in the CBI application as long as they are unmarried regardless of their age, and they must not have been previously married or have children to be included in the same application.
Each CBI program has its rules for adding dependents, and each has different requirements. The birth date of the main applicant is essential, as, at the time of application, the minimum age limit set by the law of the country applied for must not be exceeded. They must also know if the main applicant plans to have children because some programs like “Saint Lucia” do not grant newborns citizenship after issuing citizenship to the breadwinner.
3- Is your nationality prohibited from applying for the chosen program?
There are certain nationalities prohibited from applying for citizenship through investment programs. For example, “Saint Kitts and Nevis” does not allow citizens of North Korea, Iran, Afghanistan, Northern Iraq, and Russia to apply for citizenship. Therefore, applicants need to understand the options available to them. On the other hand, other programs do not expressly prohibit any nationalities from applying, and each case is considered individually based on the source of the main applicant’s funds and their clean record.
4- What are your future travel plans?
Each country has a unique and different list of countries that allow entry without a visa, which can help applicants choose the right program. When searching for a suitable CBI program, applicants must know the country they will frequently visit in the future. For example, “Grenada” has a CBI program that allows travel to China without a visa, so if an individual works in China, he is likely to apply for Grenadian citizenship. Additionally, a Grenadian passport allows visa-on-arrival entry to the UAE, an excellent option for individuals with businesses in that country. Most CBI programs allow visa-free entry to Schengen countries.
5- What are the primary documents required?
Every application must contain primary documents such as birth certificates, marriage certificates, proof of residence, and medical examination. These documents can be easily obtained, except for obtaining a certificate of good conduct from the police in their country of origin and residence and any country, they have stayed in for at least six months in the past ten years. It is known that many applicants cannot obtain these certificates from the police because their original countries suffer from political difficulties. In this case, they must submit a handwritten letter, a legal document that justifies why they cannot obtain this report. However, not all CBI countries accept these handwritten certificates. In this case, the applicant must submit a reference letter to the local attorney explaining the reasons for not being able to obtain the police report from their country.
6- What are the financial details required?
First and foremost, the source of funds is the most essential aspect of the application, as the applicant may have a clean criminal record, but if the source of funds is suspicious, their application will not be approved. This is considered one of the main issues that the government looks into when studying the applicant’s application file, and they must know how the main applicant obtained their funds and documents supporting this.
Once the requirements are submitted, the applicant must pay another fee to the government, and they must pay from their bank account or their company’s bank account and not from a third party. Bank transfers can be complex, mainly if intermediary banks are in the United States. The consultancy firm must contact the beneficiary bank to provide the required documents for settling the funds.
When applying for citizenship, it’s essential to conduct comprehensive research on consultancy firms, and before making a choice, you must ensure the company’s track record. Many options are available online, and some are even listed on government websites, but few have comprehensive experience in overcoming the challenges that CBI applications may face.
