The Fastest Citizenship by Investment Programs

Jim Rohn once said: “time is more valuable than money. You can get more money, but you cannot get more time.” The statement is valuable for the citizenship by investment industry. High Net Worth Individuals’ time is invaluable; when this group needs something done, it generally needs to happen quickly.

Processing citizenship by investment applications needs to follow a systematic and strict process. A Citizenship by Investment Unit (CIU) cannot take naturalizing new citizens lightly. They effectively need to take responsibility for their new citizens that places an importance on due diligence.

However, some programs are more efficient than others. There is no better feeling than getting your new passport in hand. The fastest citizenship by investment programs can immediately be more attractive to clients by reducing unnecessary time constraints.  

Why is the Fastest Citizenship by Investment Program Important

Citizenship by investment programs can be incredibly time efficient for getting a second citizenship and passport. The speed of processing citizenship by investment applications is essential for various reasons. Time-sensitive opportunities may require individuals to obtain citizenship in a particular country quickly. 

Investors may need to secure business or investment opportunities before they expire, while others may need to move quickly to access quality healthcare or education for their families. If the application process takes too long, these opportunities may be lost, resulting in missed chances for growth and success. 

What is the Start to Finish Process

Undoubtedly, an investor’s first step is to do their own research. The investor identifies which countries offer citizenship by investment programs and the investment requirements for each program. They then need to go through the following steps:

• Choose an agent, sign an expression of interest 
• Agency initial background check:
• Collection of documents 
• Investment and due diligence;
• Submission of application;
• Processing of application;
• Approval;
• Passport application;
• Oath of allegiance;
• Receiving the passport.

It is important to note that the specific steps and requirements for obtaining citizenship by investment can vary by country and program. Global Residence Index is an authorized agent and works closely with CIUs to ensure a smooth process toward citizenship.

Top Three Programs to Use 

Most of the islands in the Caribbean will process a citizenship application between three to six months. In the South Pacific, Vanuatu is the fastest country to get citizenship. 

Vanuatu Citizenship by Investment

Vanuatu is one of the few CBI countries with the fastest citizenship by investment processing times. Most citizenship cases are completed between thirty to forty-five days:

• FIU Due diligence check: three to five days;
• Approval letter: three weeks;
• Passport time: five to seven days; and 
• Delivery: three to five days.

A one-time, non-refundable contribution to the DSP of a minimum of $130,000 for a single applicant, $150,000 for a principal applicant and spouse, $165,000 for a family of three, and $180,000 for a family of four. 

There is a $5,000 Government fee for due diligence conducted by the Financial Intelligence Unit (FIU). 

Saint Lucia Citizenship by Investment 

Saint Lucia is a very close second in terms of processing times. The processing time for the fastest citizenship in the Caribbean is down to forty-five days to sixty days. 

• Initial file application and background check one week;
• Prepare complete application, collection of documents, and citizenship application submission: two to three weeks;
• CIU approval: six weeks;
• Complete the final investment transaction: in one day;
• Citizenship certificate: one week; and
• Issuing of passport and delivery: one to two weeks

The cheapest cost is a one-time, non-refundable contribution to the NEF of a minimum of $100,000 for a single applicant, $140,000 for a principal applicant and spouse, and $150,000 for a family of four.

Commonwealth of Dominica Citizenship by Investment

The Dominican citizenship by investment program is great for visa-free access to the UK, EU, Russia, and China. The program is now in its thirtieth year of existence, and its track record for processing applications timeously continues for sixty to ninety days. 

• Initial file and background check: one week
• Preparation of file submission for due diligence: two to three weeks
• CIU processing and approval: thirty days; 
• Completion of financial investment: one day; and
• Certificate of Naturalization Dominica passport: five to seven days.

A one-time, non-refundable contribution to the EDF of a minimum of $100,000 for a single applicant, $150,000 for a principal applicant and spouse, and $175,000 for a family of four.

A Fast Option to Consider – Turkish Citizenship by Investment

Turkey’s citizenship by investment program is relatively fast and in line with the Caribbean islands. Considering the country completes thousands of applicants each year. Turkey’s three to four month timeline is incredibly efficient. 

• Sign agency agreement: one week (consultation and decision);
• Compile application documentation: three to four weeks;
• Complete asset transaction: one to five days;
• Processing of application: four to six weeks; and
• Apply and receive passport: two to three weeks.

Investors may purchase freehold property for $400,000 or make a $500,000 deposit into a Turkish bank or approved government bonds. Turkish citizenship has several benefits that are often overlooked by investors. The passport is regionally strong and a really good citizenship for global citizens conducting business in the Middle East, Europe and Asia.  

What Makes the Fastest Programs?

Saint Kitts and Nevis, Antigua and Barbuda, Grenada, Vanuatu, Saint Lucia, and Dominica all have incredible beaches, crystal clear waters, and lush, dense island forests. Their citizenship by investment programs consistently attract thousands of high-net-worth individuals each year. 

Typically the fastest country to get citizenship is one with an experienced CIU that has a good relationship with the agencies that clients come through. The agency really can improve the speed of applicants by:

• Conduct the initial background check timeously;
• Be unambiguous in their communication;
• Offering Assistance with Document Collection;
• Establishing a Communication Plan;
• Providing Timely Feedback; and
• Ensuring Compliance with Regulations.

If all documents are in order and there is no chance that the CIU will have questions, this will help the processing speed. The following steps for speed are entirely up to the country’s government. Some have a fast-track, expedited process in that clients can pay an additional fee to send their application to the top of the pile. 

GRI’s client efficient is top of mind when going through a document collection, due diligence and citizenship approval process. We work hand in hand with government CIUs to ensure a painless process for our clients. Start now, and book a free consultation with us.

FAQs

Can I pay an extra fee to speed up the process?

Saint Kitts and Nevis typically process applications between three to six months. However, investors may pay an additional $25,000 to receive citizenship within sixty days. 

Which country is the fastest to obtain citizenship? 

Vanuatu is currently the fastest country to get citizenship by investment within thirty to forty-five days.

How can my agency assist in speeding up the process of getting my passport? 

Agents can help through clear communication and compiling a near-client file in order and complete.