RIF Trust’s top five residency and citizenship by investment programmes for 2023

There are several options available to investors who are seeking to diversify their residency and citizenship portfolio and explore greater visa-free mobility abroad. Here is a summary of the top five most popular programs:

St Lucia Citizenship by Investment Programme:
The St Lucia Citizenship by Investment programme offers citizenship through a financial contribution to the country’s economic development. The minimum contribution is $100,000 for a single applicant with options to invest in real estate or government bonds. Becoming a citizen of St Lucia provides access to its thriving economy, excellent education and healthcare systems, and stunning natural beauty, as well as visa-free access to over 140 countries, including the UK and the European Schengen Area. St Lucia is known for its lush rainforests, sparkling beaches, and unique cultural heritage, making it a great place to live and do business.

St Kitts & Nevis Citizenship by Investment Programme:
The Saint Kitts & Nevis Citizenship by Investment programme, established in 1984, is one of the longest-running programmes of its kind and offers citizenship through a financial contribution to the country’s economic development. The minimum contribution is $125,000 for a limited time for a single applicant, with options including real estate. Becoming a citizen of Saint Kitts & Nevis provides access to its stable economy, excellent education and healthcare systems, and stunning natural beauty, as well as visa-free access to over 150 countries, including the UK and the European Schengen Area.

Portugal Golden Visa:
The Portugal Golden Visa programme offers residency in Portugal through a minimum investment in real estate of €280,000. The visa is valid for six years through renewals and can lead to permanent residency or citizenship and gives holders visa-free travel access to all 27 European Schengen countries. Living in Portugal offers a high quality of life, with excellent education and healthcare systems. Portugal is also known for its stunning beaches, historic cities, and delicious cuisine, making it a great place to visit or raise a family. With recent announcements made by the Portuguese Prime Minister, the programme may change or close soon, so it’s best for investors to apply now while they still can under the current programme.

Spain Golden Visa:
The Spain Golden Visa programme offers residency in Spain through a minimum investment in real estate of €500,000. The visa is valid for 10 years and can lead to permanent residency or citizenship and gives holders visa-free travel access to the European Schengen countries. Spain offers a high quality of life for both business people and families, with a strong economy, excellent education and healthcare systems, and a rich cultural heritage. Popular sports and activities include football, golf, and beach activities, and Spain is known for its delicious cuisine and vibrant nightlife. Living in Spain provides access to some of Europe’s most beautiful cities, including Madrid and Barcelona, and stunning coastal regions.

Malta Permanent Residence Programme
The Malta Permanent Residence Programme (MPRP) offers non-EU citizens the chance to obtain permanent residency in Malta starting from a minimum capital outlay of €100,000. The MPRP provides freedom of movement within the EU, including visa-free travel to the European Schengen countries. To qualify, applicants must either rent a property in the south of Malta or Gozo for a minimum of €10,000 per year or purchase a property for a minimum of €300,000. This, along with access to Malta’s healthcare, education, and job opportunities and a tax-efficient system, makes the MPRP an attractive option for individuals seeking to obtain permanent residency in Europe. The MPRP is a popular choice for individuals who want to maintain their ties to their home country while enjoying the benefits of permanent residency in Europe.