CITIZENSHIP FOR SALE THE WHO, WHAT & WHY OF INVESTMENT-BASED IMMIGRATION

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1 CITIZENSHIP FOR SALE THE WHO, WHAT & WHY OF INVESTMENT-BASED IMMIGRATION Investment-based immigration or economy-based immigration is a mutually beneficial relationship for nations looking to generate a source of revenue, and investors interested in gaining citizenship. For many people, international travel is a point of contention. The time, money and stress involved in obtaining visas for different countries could be cumbersome depending on where the traveler s passport falls on the Visa Restriction Index. Our friends at Henley & Partners release an annual update to the Visa Restrictions Index. This index shows how countries across the world compare in passport strength. Passport strength relates to the degree of accessibility a citizen has to the world. Below is a brief overview of some of the investment programs around the world. USA The U.S. is currently proposing stringent changes to the eb5 program that will add even more obstacles to getting citizenship through investment in the U.S. Experts are advising potential investors to act quickly to avoid falling into the pool of new applicants who will be held to these new requirements. St. Lucia St. Lucia recently introduced an investment program that has raised concerns. Even theoretically, the program has fundamental flaws that have surprisingly, been overlooked. One of the issues is the lack of transparency, demonstrated in the exclusion of parliament in any decision making, is a core issue that could discourage investors. Another problem is the incongruity in the investment requirement (and the target market that frequents the country.

2 Malta Malta, the golden child of investment-based immigration, currently runs the most successful program in the world. The small island nation has successfully raised over $1 Billion in capital since 2014 and has jumped from #15 to #9 on the Visa restriction index, making it the 9th most powerful passport in the world. Portugal Portugal is #6 in the Visa Restriction Index and passport holders enjoy visa free travel to over 172 countries. Investors can gain residency one of three ways: 1. Invest at least 500,000 in Real Estate 2. Invest 1Million in capital or 3. Create a company that will provide at least ten jobs for Portuguese citizens. And maintain these criteria for at five years. St. Kitts & Nevis Citizenship through investment in St. Kitts & Nevis is possible in several ways including: making an investment of $400,000 in government-approved real estate developments; and donating the $250,000 to the Sugar Industry Diversification Foundation (SIDF), a non-profit dedicated to making the country s economy less dependent on the sugar industry and creating a more diversified economy. By obtaining this passport, citizens have the ability to travel to 132 countries visa free. Cyprus Cyprus ranks #17 on the visa index with visa free travel to 159 countries. Citizenship-by-investment in Cyprus can be gained by investing EUR 2.5 Million and requires only basic documentation, no residency requirements and a fast approval process. An approval will give the investor full Cypriot citizenship and the ability to work and live in all 28 member countries in the European Union.

3 WH A T A RE THE BENEFITS OF INVESTMENT - B A SED CITIZENSHIP? A country's investment program is strongly linked to its current or potential passport strength. Benefits for the Benefits for the Country Investor Increased capital Increased passport strength A better economy More investors willing to invest in the country Less restrictive travel Financial stability Personal liberty Asset protection Tax planning Investment opportunities

4 HOW DOES A COUNTRY BUILD A SUCCESSFUL INVESTMENT-BASED CITIZENSHIP PROGRAM? A solid reputation Transparency Due diligence A fundamentally strong program Good International Relations

5 THE VISA RESTRICTION INDEX A solid #1 Germany reputation Transparency Visa free travel to 178 out of 218 countries. #4 USA Due diligence #9 Malta A fundamentally Good strong program International Relations Visa free travel to 174 out of 218 countries. Visa free travel to 168 out of 218 countries. #37 St. Lucia Visa free travel to 125 out of 218 countries. #104 Afghanistan Visa free travel to 25 out of 218 countries

6 The attorneys of Aliant, LLP help their clients gain secondary citizenship through investment, guiding them through a restrictive regulatory process that is difficult to understand and cumbersome to navigate. If you are interested in investment based immigration, please contact us at info@aliantlaw.com or call