Middle East

Through a globally-evolving trade in ‘economic citizenship’, people are easily able to secure rights to live in another country; an option particularly demanded by citizens of the Middle East and North African region.

It is as simple as being able to legitimately obtain citizenship in the picturesque twin-island state of Antigua and Barbuda for investors and their immediate families, despite not having visited the Caribbean island previously.

‘Economic citizenship’ is a rapidly growing trend in the region providing interested investors with various opportunities to effectively secure their futures, and the futures of their families.

As have thousands of individuals from politically troubled countries in the Middle East and North Africa, you can also invest several hundred thousand dollars to get hold of a second passport that will provide you with better opportunities.

Investors are widely familiar with the value of an Antigua and Barbadian passport, and the flexibility that it grants you with. Due to the island once being a British colony, Antigua and Barbuda citizenship holders have the luxury of visa-free holidays to Canada and the United Kingdom.

Whereas citizens from countries in the Middle East and North Africa would need to apply for a standard UK visa up to three months before taking a trip, an Antiguan citizen can enjoy visa-free travel to over 100 countries around the world, including Canada, the UK, and Europe.

Economic citizenship, second passport or second citizenship is a multibillion-dollar industry, and one that is growing faster in the Middle East than in any other part of the world.

In the past five years, the number of countries offering citizenship and/or residency in exchange for cash, business or property investments, has doubled, and a family of four can now secure a second citizenship with an investment of US$200,000 (Limited Time Offer).

 “A direct correlation between states of political unrest across the Middle East and North Africa region and the demand for second citizenship (second passport) has become increasingly apparent, with more and more people apprehending alternative prospects that would in effect grant stability and security”,  says Rasheed Alkhanji, managing director of invest-visa.com, an advisory firm that deals with citizenship and residency by investment programs.

“Due to the political instability that commenced with the Arab Spring, the demand in the Middle East and North Africa is growing faster than any other market.”

Many investors believe that a second citizenship (second passport) will make their families’ lives easier and will provide more opportunities for their children.

Invest-visa.com has been offering second citizenship or residency by investment since it was established. There are currently around 15 countries that offer options similar to second citizenships.

For a second citizenship in Antigua and Barbuda, you may invest by three alternative means:

The Real Estate option requires applicants to invest at least US$400,000 in a designated property. The property must be kept for at least five years to qualify.

The second option in the tax-free federation is to make a contribution to the National Development Fund (NDF) for which a family of four has to pay US$200,000, plus a fee.

For the third option, applicants must establish a business equal to an investment of US$1,500,000, where applicants may alternatively choose to set up a joint business with additional applicants equal to an investment of $5,000,000 USD.

To read more about What a Second Passport (Second Citizenship) Means to Middle East Nationals, please click here.

For more information on the Antigua and Barbuda Citizenship by Investment Program (CIP), please click here.

For more information on other Second Passport (Second Citizenship by investment) programs, Contact QICMS to discuss these exciting opportunities.

Feel free to fill out our Free Assessment, and find out if you qualify under any of the business immigration programs offered.