In 2018, Dmitry, a resident of Uzbekistan, decided to obtain second citizenship for himself, his wife, and their two 10-year-old children. Dmitry spent significant time outside his home country and found it inconvenient to repeatedly apply for Schengen visas.
In addition to European countries and the UK, Dmitry frequently traveled to South American countries, which also require visas.
The client’s primary goal was to obtain a passport without the obligation to reside in the country or learn the local language. The passport needed to provide unrestricted travel worldwide. Dmitry’s available budget was $250,000.
For reference: as of 2018, the Uzbek passport ranked 71st in the global passport power index.
Dmitry chose citizenship instead of a residence permit because he planned to visit South American countries, and a residence permit does not solve this issue.
Why Antigua and Barbuda?
Dmitry chose this option because he wanted to include his entire family in the application. In this context, Antigua and Barbuda was the best fit.
The St. Kitts option was also considered; however, the client couldn’t gather the required documents in time before the special pricing offer expired.
As part of the Antigua and Barbuda program, the investor is required to spend five days on the island within the first five years. Dmitry was comfortable with this requirement. He frequently visits London, where his children study, and there are direct flights from London to Antigua and Barbuda.
Overall, Antigua and Barbuda is the largest hub among Caribbean nations, offering direct flights to the US, the UK, Germany, and Canada.
The Application Process
Dmitry had to gather documents not only in Uzbekistan but also in Turkey. He had previously lived in Turkey for an extended period, and a police clearance certificate was required from every country where the applicant had resided for more than six months within the last 10 years.
It took a month and a half to prepare the complete set of documents.
The Antigua and Barbuda authorities requested additional documents, including proof of the source of funds. Initially, Dmitry provided documentation of a property sale for the stated amount, but additional verification was required.
After finalizing all the details, the client made the required investment, after which his passport and citizenship certificate were issued. Dmitry received his passport and citizenship eight months after signing the agreement.
Additional Benefits
Before traveling to Antigua and Barbuda, Dmitry decided to obtain a local driver’s license and open a bank account. Local driving licenses can be issued without taking an exam — you simply need to present a valid license from another country. The process takes one day and requires the applicant to visit the country.
Why Dmitry Chose Antigua and Barbuda Citizenship
- An optimal option for a family of four.
- The passport allows unrestricted travel to the Schengen Area, the UK, and South American countries.
- Antigua and Barbuda passports are well-recognized worldwide.
Expert Opinion
Andrey Boyko, General Director of the Garant Immigration Center:
“For a family of four, obtaining Antigua and Barbuda citizenship is the best option. However, it’s important to keep in mind the program’s requirement to visit the island nation.”
Key Takeaways
When choosing the right citizenship-by-investment program, consider factors such as the applicants’ age, family size, and requirements to visit the country.
Ensure you have accurate information about the requirements and deadlines before initiating the process. For example, requirements for proof of investment funds vary significantly between programs.
Almost all programs require a police clearance certificate from each country where the applicant has resided for more than six months within the past 10 years. In some cases, this can prolong the process. For instance, obtaining such a certificate in the US requires a personal visit, whereas in most other countries, local legal representatives can assist.
In addition to deadlines, requirements, and costs, consider the following factors:
- Is there a guarantee of citizenship approval? If not, review the program’s rejection rate.
- Can family members be included in the application?
- What is the process for passport renewal or replacement?
- Can citizenship be granted if there are past criminal records, visa refusals, or bankruptcies?
For assistance, consult migration experts to ensure a smooth process.
