Which investment program is right for you?
Comparing Turkey, Grenada, USA EB-5, and other available options for Pakistani citizens
Obtaining residency in another country is an option that allows you to simultaneously address several important tasks. Tax optimization, conducting business, visa-free travel to various countries, access to medical services and education, creating a “backup” option, a high standard of living and economic level, and safety for the entire family – these are benefits that can be enhanced with an alternative citizenship/residency. So, how can one quickly obtain a second passport/resident status in another country without going through the full naturalization process?
Experts from the international company GARANT.in have analyzed popular programs for obtaining second citizenship through investment and are ready to present the results in an independent review.
Grenada
Since 2013, Grenada has been offering a passport program through investments. Over the life of the project, more than 11,000 people have received second passports. Grenada is lenient towards investors, hence the approval rate for applications is between 95-96%.
To participate in the program, one must choose one of the available options:
- A non-refundable one-time contribution to the National Transformation Fund (NTF) for families – $235,000.
- Purchase of a share in real estate or preferred shares in a property – from $270,000. Currently, we are considering a share in a property managed by the premium sub-brand Marriott. The purchased share can be sold after five years while retaining citizenship. Throughout the period of ownership, an investor can receive about 3.5% annual income.
The application allows for the inclusion of a spouse, unmarried and financially dependent children up to 30 years old, childless and unmarried siblings, and parents. This is the only country in the Caribbean where there are no age requirements or restrictions for parents.
Key privileges include:
- Expedited acquisition of the US E-2 visa, which allows living and working in the States. An investment of at least $100,000 in a local business is required. Also available is the B-1/B-2 tourist visa for the USA, issued immediately for 10 years.
- Opportunities for free education or discounts on tuition at universities in Grenada and the United Kingdom. A UK student residence permit can be arranged in just three days!
- Tax residency without paying taxes on global income, dividends, interest, and royalties earned abroad, as well as inheritance, capital gains, and salary, including stamp duty.
- Obtain a residence permit as financial independent person in Europe.
Dominica
Since 1993, Dominica has been issuing passports through investment. Several options are available:
- A one-time contribution to the Economic Diversification Fund – from $200,000.
- Investment in government-approved real estate – from $200,000.
Investors can include in their application a spouse, childless and unmarried children up to 30 years old, parents, and the applicant’s grandparents over 65 years old who are dependent on them.
Citizens of Dominica can obtain a B-1/B-2 visa for the USA, valid for 10 years immediately.
Turkey
Turkey offers several ways to obtain a second passport for a fee:
- Purchase of real estate – from $400,000.
- Placement of personal funds in deposit accounts, bonds, or the equity of a local company – from $500,000.
- Creating at least 50 jobs in a Turkish company.
Investments can be returned after 5 years while retaining the passport and privileges.
With a Turkish passport, one can travel visa-free or with a simplified visa regime to over 110 countries worldwide, but it does not provide visa-free access to the Schengen area, the UK, the USA, or Canada.
Turkish citizenship allows for a 10-year B-1/B-2 tourist visa for the USA. An E-2 investor visa in the USA for 5 years and the EB-5 immigration visa are also available.
US EB-5 Immigration Visa
One way to move to the USA is to apply for an EB-5 visa, which potentially leads to obtaining a US passport. This requires an investment of at least $800,000 in a local company and creating at least 10 full-time jobs for qualified professionals.
Key aspects of obtaining the EB-5 visa:
- Expect a decision on the visa within 3-4 years.
- The application can include a spouse and unmarried children up to 21 years old.
- Investments might yield a return after 5-7 years, but there are no guarantees that the project will be profitable or that the investor will be able to recover their funds.
There are many risks involved, and it’s important to remember that the US has relatively high taxes, and laws can vary significantly from state to state.
Vanuatu Investment Program
The program is one of the fastest and most accessible in the world. In just 1-4 months, applicants can obtain a second passport for themselves and their entire family.
In 2024, Vanuatu offers several participation options in the program:
- A non-refundable one-time contribution to the National Development Fund of the country – from $130,000.
- An investment contribution to the CNO Future Fund – from $157,000.
- Purchase of government bonds – from 150,000 AU$. This option is currently in the development and approval stage and has not yet been implemented.
With a Vanuatu passport you can travel visa-free or through a simplified visa regime to 107 countries worldwide, and with a visa, up to 90 days out of 180 in Schengen and EU countries. Vanuatu citizens also have visa-free access to UK, Hong Kong and Singapore. Citizens of Vanuatu can obtain an American B-1/B-2 visa for up to 5 years under a simplified scheme immediately for 5 years.
Each program has its strengths and weaknesses. There are no perfect programs that suit every applicant. How to choose the optimal program? Submit an inquiry to the specialists at the licensed agency GARANT.in.
Our lawyers will tailor a solution to meet the needs of each applicant. We will help gather and process documents, verify the legal integrity of real estate, complete government forms, provide professional translation, and notarize documents. We are a licensed agent for participating in citizenship investment programs in Vanuatu and the Caribbean countries.
Our lawyers will tailor a solution to meet the needs of each applicant. We will help gather and process documents, verify the legal integrity of real estate, complete government forms, provide professional translation, and notarize documents. We are a licensed agent for participating in citizenship investment programs in Vanuatu and the Caribbean countries.