The unstable situation in the world is prompting more and more people to consider obtaining a second citizenship or a residence permit in another country.
One option is citizenship-by-investment programs. Their main feature is that obtaining a second citizenship does not require permanent residence in the country, knowledge of the local language, or ethnic ties to the country.
Let’s look at three programs that allow applicants to obtain second citizenship within a relatively short period of time.
Vanuatu
Processing time: from 3 months
Investment: from USD 130,000
The Vanuatu citizenship program allows applicants to include their spouse, financially dependent children under 25, and parents over 50 in the application.
One of the advantages of the program is that there is no requirement to reside in the country permanently.
Biometrics can be submitted in Vanuatu or at consulates, including in Dubai, Hong Kong, and Nouméa.
When choosing the investment option involving a contribution to the CNO Future Fund, a partial refund of up to USD 50,000 is available after five years.
At the same time, the passport’s benefits should be assessed based on the current visa regime, as visa-free travel conditions may change.
Sierra Leone
Processing time: from 8 months
Investment: from USD 140,000
The Sierra Leone citizenship program allows applicants to include a relatively broad range of family members in the application.
Depending on the circumstances, these may include:
- spouse;
- financially dependent children under 30;
- parents;
- brothers and sisters up to and including the age of 30;
- any relative if the main applicant is their sole investor;
- the main applicant’s business partner over the age of 21.
Biometric data can be submitted remotely.
Among the additional opportunities associated with the program, the original structure also considers an option involving the purchase of gold with the possibility of obtaining a residence permit. When choosing the citizenship program itself, the relevant investment is non-refundable.
Turkey
Processing time: from 8 months
Investment: from USD 400,000
One of the main routes to Turkish citizenship is the purchase of real estate worth at least USD 400,000.
The acquired property must be retained for at least three years.
The program allows applicants to include their spouse and children up to and including the age of 17.
One of the advantages of the Turkish program is that, after fulfilling the required investment-holding period, the property can be sold.
Biometric data can be submitted in Russia or Turkey.
Comparison of the Programs
| Vanuatu | Sierra Leone | Turkey | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Processing time | from 3 months | from 8 months | from 8 months |
| Investment | from $130,000 | from $140,000 | from $400,000 |
| Family members | spouse, financially dependent children under 25, parents 50+ | a broad range of family members depending on the conditions | spouse, children up to 17 |
| Biometrics | Vanuatu or consulates | remotely | Russia or Turkey |
| Investment return | depends on the option selected | depends on the option selected | property can be sold after 3 years |
What Should You Consider When Obtaining a Second Passport?
When choosing a program, it is important to look not only at the cost and processing time for citizenship.
You should also consider:
- who can be included in the application;
- whether personal presence is required;
- whether the investment can be returned or sold;
- the passport’s visa-free travel opportunities;
- requirements for maintaining the investment;
- the consequences of obtaining a second citizenship for existing visas and residence permits.
It is also important to consider the situation with Thailand.
If your current passport contains a Thai visa or another residence permit, when obtaining a new passport you should check in advance the procedure for transferring the relevant information and whether you will be able to continue entering and staying in Thailand.
Second citizenship can be a tool for international mobility, but the program should be selected based not only on the cost of the passport, but also on your specific objectives and long-term plans.
Author: Aleksandra Agapitova.
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