Answers, Plainly
Frequently Asked Questions
The questions we are asked most about citizenship and residency by investment — answered directly, including where the honest answer is “it depends” or “no.” For questions about a specific country, each program page has its own FAQ.
Is citizenship by investment legal?
Yes. The programs we advise on are established in law by the countries that run them, and applicants are approved only after government due diligence and source-of-funds checks. We work exclusively with government-authorized programs and decline grey-market shortcuts.
What is the difference between citizenship and residency by investment?
Citizenship by investment grants a new nationality and passport, usually with the right to pass it to your children. Residency by investment grants the right to live in a country — and often to travel within a bloc such as Schengen — but it is not a passport, and your existing citizenship is unchanged.
Does the UAE offer citizenship by investment?
No. The UAE Golden Visa grants long-term residency, not citizenship. Emirati citizenship is granted only by descent, marriage, or government nomination and cannot be applied for or purchased. UAE residents who want a second citizenship obtain it through other countries' programs, which is what we advise on.
Do I have to relocate or live in the country?
Usually not for Caribbean citizenship programs — several require no visit at any stage, including the oath. Residency programs vary: some ask for only a few days a year, others require genuine presence before any path to citizenship opens. We set out the exact stay requirement for each option before you commit.
How long does the process take?
It depends on the program. The fastest citizenship routes approve complete files in one to four months; most Caribbean programs run three to six months; residency and longer naturalization paths can take years. Preparation quality is the biggest factor within your control.
How much does it cost beyond the headline investment?
Qualifying minimums start around USD 115,000 for a single applicant and rise from there. On top of that, budget for government, due-diligence, and professional fees, which scale with family size. Figures on this site are indicative minimums for the main applicant; we model a complete cost for your family before you decide.
Can I include my family?
In most programs, yes — typically a spouse and dependent children, and in several cases dependent parents or grandparents. Age limits and definitions of a dependent differ by program, so we confirm exactly who qualifies for the routes you are weighing.
Will I have to give up my current citizenship?
Most of the citizenship programs we advise on permit dual citizenship, so you keep your current nationality. Whether your home country also allows it is a separate question that depends on its own law — we flag it early so there are no surprises.
Is my investment refundable?
It depends on the route. Contribution or donation routes are non-refundable. Real-estate and fund routes can return capital, but only after a holding period and subject to market risk and resale restrictions. We compare the true net cost of each route rather than the headline figure.
How is Citizenship & Co. paid, and are you independent?
We are an independent advisory, not a sales desk for any single program, and we take no commissions from funds or developers. Our fees are agreed with you in advance. Our only incentive is recommending the pathway that genuinely fits your goals — and telling you plainly when none of them does.
Still weighing your options?
Speak with an advisor for a candid, confidential assessment of which pathway fits your goals — and whether investment migration is the right tool at all.