Principal grounds for acquiring citizenship are birth within a certain territory, descent from a citizen parent, marriage to a citizen, and naturalization. The conditions under which the privilege of naturalization is granted vary from state to state, but family relationships or lengthy periods of residence are usually essential, besides character and other requirements. While residence is granted to investors and wealthy individuals in most countries, there are currently only 11 countries that offer citizenship by investment programs that provide a direct route to citizenship based on investment and that have passed Henley & Partners’ country due diligence: Austria, Antigua and Barbuda, Dominica, Grenada, Jordan, Malta, Montenegro, North Macedonia, St. Kitts and Nevis, St. Lucia, and Türkiye. The programs of Antigua and Barbuda and St. Kitts and Nevis have been designed by Henley & Partners under relevant government mandates.
Other countries offer a route to citizenship following a reasonable period of residence, such as Australia, Canada, Greece, Portugal, Singapore, the UK, and the USA.
Grant of citizenship on the basis of an investment
Most countries have provisions that allow their government to grant citizenship in return for major contributions to society, culture, the economy, and other interests of the state. However, this discretion of the government is exercised extremely rarely.
Several countries had programs in place at different times in the past that were specifically designed to attract foreign investors in return for citizenship. These include Ireland, whose program was terminated in 2001, Belize (until 2002), Grenada (terminated 2001 but reopened in 2014), Cape Verde, Seychelles, Slovakia, and several others.
Citizenship by investment options
Citizenship by investment programs offer you the opportunity to legally acquire a new nationality and an alternative passport quickly and simply, without major disruption to your life.
The programs that Henley & Partners offers are considered sufficiently clear in law and processes and have sufficient reputation and transparency to be considered the top tier of citizenship by investment programs.
We have studied all current programs and constantly monitor new developments. Henley & Partners has a unique position in that we are the only firm to have advised many different governments on projects ranging from strategic consulting to the design, implementation, and operation of investment-related residence and citizenship programs. The firm continues to advise and assist countries around the world in this field.
This record of designing, implementing, operating, and positioning citizenship by investment programs on behalf of governments is unique to Henley & Partners. It is an important and distinct advantage that all our clients enjoy.
