6 Countries Where You Can Buy Citizenship

There are a plethora of reasons that may push you to invest in a particular country. For example, the prospect of improved safety in another country than in one’s mother country is a reasonable motivation for foreign investment. Other investors may be influenced by a perceived higher level of goods and services mobility and better tax terms in the second country than in the parent nation. For many business people seeking foreign investment, residency and citizenship by investment programs are the most hassle-free means of setting up everything.

The most compelling bit in seeking such opportunities is to identify relevant investment countries that offer such programs and this is what we have done in this blog by identifying 5 great options. Please note that every country’s program is different from the others. Nonetheless, for a considerable number of them, having residency or citizenship by investment is seamless. Many of these are willing to welcome foreigners who will contribute to the economy and society of their country. However, this is subject to meeting some key conditions, primarily involving investing or donating a minimum set amount. Let’s take a look at some of the top residency and citizenship by investment countries and their programs that can be applied to by making safe, stable and profitable long-term property investments. 

1.     The UK

Investing in one of the world’s richest countries is possible even for foreigners through the Tier 1 (Investor) Visa. All you need to obtain this visa is to meet some of the key stipulated conditions, and you’re ready. The fundamental condition is that you must be ready to invest at least £2,000,000 in the country via property investments or alternative routes. This will give you the chance to apply for Permanent Residency after 5 years and thereafter full British Citizenship with a passport. 

Other eligibility conditions include:

• Applicant(s) must prove that the £2,000,000 minimum investment funds belong to them, husband, wife, and any other partner, whether married or unmarried.
• Applicants must have an active UK bank account to facilitate investing the funds.
• Applicant should also ensure that the funds are disposable in the UK

We have a full list of UK property options, for more info visit our UK investments page or contact us.

2.     Cyprus

Investors who want to travel frequently within the European Union can consider enrolling in the Cyprus Investment Programme. This application can be made as an individual or as a company that intends to set up a country. For eligibility to this program and to receive permanent residency in Cyprus, investors must demonstrate a portfolio valuing just €300,000. We can be handy in securing such a property in the shortest possible time.  

• Applicants must also make a €30,000 deposit into a Cypriot bank. This money will be kept for three years.
• Applicants must prove they have an annual income of at least €30,000 for themselves, and €5,000 for every dependent (spouse/children).
• Applicants must have no history of criminal records.

For full citizenship, applicants must purchase real estate property worth at least €2 million, for more info on your residency or citizenship options in Cyprus or to find out more about the Cyprus Investment Program, do not hesitate to contact us. 

3.     Portugal

Portugal runs a Golden Visa Permit Programme program, mainly aimed at encouraging real estate investors to invest in the country. 

The lowest real estate investment that must be made in Portugal for the Golden Visa program in Portugal is €280,000. In order to qualify the property you purchase needs to be older than 30 years old, renovated, and located in a low-density area.

Other ways to achieve a Portugues Golden Visa Permit through property: 

• Invest at least €500,000 in either a residential or commercial real estate property (s) in Portugal
• Invest at least €350,000 in a property that is at least 30 years old and situated in an urban setting

If you decide you want to move forward on this path, you will be granted 10-year residency and visa-free travel in the Schengen Zone followed by the right to apply for a passport giving access to 186 countries.

We can help you find amazing properties all over Portugal and also handle your Golden Visa Application, for more info visit our Portugal Citizenship By Investment page or contact us.

4.     Spain

Spain greatly values foreign investors as they bring foreign money, which is imperative for economic growth. It, therefore, allows them to invest in the European countries via the Entrepreneur Visa or Golden Visa. The main upside of this visa is that it offers the investor a chance of staying in the country as a permanent citizen after investing for ten years. The minimum requirement includes any of the following:

• An investment of at least €500,000 in a real estate entity in Spain.
• Once granted the visa, the investor is free to travel anywhere in the Schengen countries. Another significant advantage of this visa is that it does not have a minimum stay period. After ten years, one can apply for permanent citizenship.

If you choose this scheme, 10-year residency and visa-free travel in the Schengen Zone followed by the right to apply for a passport giving access to 187 countries. 

For more info about the Spanish Golden Visa Scheme and find out about what property options we have in Spain, please contact us.

5.     Malta

Investing in Malta means putting your money in one of the most stable economies in the world. 

To be eligible for the Malta residency program through property, you must rent or buy a qualifying property in the country. 

• In order to qualify as a buyer, you must purchase a property in Malta that is worth at least €320,000.
• Moreover, to qualify by renting real estate, you must lease a property in Malta with a minimum annual rent of €12,000.
• If you choose this path residency in Malta can be achieved in 6 months followed by the right to apply for a passport after 5 years. Visa-free access to the Schengen Zone access to 186 countries when you become a citizen. 

If you want to acquire full citizenship in Malta, the costs and processes involved are different and we will be happy to discuss these with you. 

For more info about Maltese residency and citizenship programs, please do not hesitate to contact us. 

6. Turkey

Turkey does not secure visa-free access to the EU, securing Turkish residency and/or citizenship provides an increasingly strong motivation for those seeking opportunities outside of their home country. The Turkish Citizenship by Investment Programme requires just $250,000 to be invested to secure citizneship within only a 2 month period. The option criteria are quite flexible where investors:

• Can invest in a residential or commercial property purchase
• Let the property out for rental income, or sell it after 3 years
• Are not limited to investing in only a single property and have the right to acquire several properties

For more info about the Turkish Citizenship by Investment Programme, visit our Turkey Citizenship By Investment page or contact us. 

In a nutshell, the above-listed countries are some of the most feasible places for obtaining a passport for investment. One of the most recurrent requirements in most countries is owning or renting a property. This might be difficult for an investor with little knowledge of the real estate industry in a foreign country. However, this is where the expertise of  Mortimers International comes in handy. We are a real estate agent with tremendous experience in real estate investments and can help an investor find a property that will guarantee satisfactory returns in any of these countries.