Dreaming of escaping the unpredictable British weather and relocating to warmer, sunnier climes? We don’t blame you – and from Europe to the Caribbean, there are some veritable slices of paradise that promise improved quality of life, breath-taking natural beauty and a choice of vibrant, cosmopolitan cities and remote rural escapes.
Two of the hottest destinations for relocation in 2023 are Malta and Antigua and Barbuda, both of which have plenty to offer expats – and if you’re hoping to make your move a permanent one, then they also offer some great opportunities to obtain citizenship and make them your forever homes.
Malta offers a comfortable climate, marvelous nature, spectacular sandy beaches, a high standard of living, and a stable economy – all of which attracts large numbers of tourists and travellers to the Republic each year. But of course, all of these factors make the prospect of living permanently in Malta an appealing one, too, particularly for investors who often see excellent prospects in obtaining a passport for this island state.
Antigua and Barbuda, meanwhile, is an independent country in the Caribbean – a location that in itself, makes it an instantly attractive destination. It comprises several picturesque islands between the Caribbean Sea and the Atlantic Ocean, and is famous for its luxury resorts, rainforests, and pristine coral reef beaches, as well as being a notable member of the Commonwealth of Nations.
The magnificent Caribbean countries are famous for their residency programs, which are simple and available to people in business with good financial capabilities. Obtaining citizenship is possible by investing in the local economy.
To live in Malta, the Malta second passport allows you to be a citizen of one more country and offers some great prospects for work and comfortable life.
But which is the best place to make a new life in, and how easy is it to make it a reality? Here, we take a look at the ins and outs of both.
Malta citizenship program
Launched back in 2014, the Malta citizenship program is designed for ultra-high-net-worth adult foreigners who meet the relevant requirements and are ready to invest personal funds amounting to a minimum of 600,000 Euros in the National Development Fund set up by the government, as well as a further 700,000 Euros in residential or commercial property, and be able to prove 36 months of residency in Malta.
It’s also possible to take an expedited route that requires a contribution of 750,000 Euros and evidence of 12 months’ residency. To make a permanent move to the island and gain citizenship, you’ll need to pay several fees to cover the various aspects of the process for yourself and any family members who will be accompanying you. Investors must contribute 50,000 Euros per each additional dependent included in their application.
If you won’t be investing in real estate and instead plan to rent, then to be eligible you’ll need to secure a house or apartment and enter into a rental agreement with a minimum value of 16,000 Euros per year for at least five years.
A donation of 10,000 Euros to a registered national charity or NGO, approved by the Maltese government, is also compulsory.
Requirements
Aside from the necessary investments, contributions and fees outlined above, you’ll also need to meet the following criteria to be considered for citizenship in Malta:
- Age of majority.
- No criminal record.
- Absence of sanctions.
- Legality and stability of income.
- Willingness to invest €690,000 or more.
The applicant’s spouse and children may also be eligible for Malta citizenship by investment if certain conditions are met.
Benefits
As a Maltese citizen is also an EU citizen, should your application be approved then you will also benefits from privileges such as the opportunity to live and travel permanently in all EU and Schengen countries; free entry to 180+ countries; the chance to obtain an E-2 business visa to the USA; the ability to do business on the territory of the Republic and in the EU countries; and a very pleasant tax policy.
Not only that, but you’ll also have access to education and medical care that is in alignment with European standards and enjoy life in a country that has a low crime rate and offers a high standard of living;
It’s also possible for your immediate relatives to obtain citizenship as part of your application, and there’s the possibility of its transfer by inheritance, too.
An additional advantage of Malta passport by investment, though, is of course living in a civilized country that is steeped in rich history and a vibrant culture and traditions, and is home to breath-taking stretches of coastline, magnificent natural landscapes – not to mention the mild, comfortable climate year round and long, hot summers.
Antigua and Barbuda citizenship program
The Antigua and Barbuda citizenship by investment program was launched in 2013 and makes it possible to move to these spectacularly beautiful Caribbean islands in exchange for a sizable investment in real estate. It is designed to help the islands attract direct foreign investment in order to boost the economy and fund key community-focused projects and infrastructure.
The program offers a second passport to investors who contribute $100,000 to the Antigua National Development Fund or invest $400,000 into a government-approved real estate project, which may be reduced to just $200,000 for well connected investors.
If your investment interests lie more in the business sphere then you can alternatively opt to plunge $1.5 million into starting a company on the islands or invest at least $400,000 in an existing company valued at $5 million.
You’ll also need to make a charitable donation of $150,000 or more to the University of the West Indies Foundation.
Once again, there are several other fees you’ll be required to pay on behalf of yourself and any dependents included in your application to obtain citizenship – the details of which can be found by visiting immigrantinvest.com.
Requirements
If you are determined to move to tropical islands, you’ll first want to make sure that you satisfy each of the following requirements.
Be sure that you:
- Are over 18 years of age.
- Are trustworthy.
- Have no criminal record and have had no problems with the law.
- Are in good physical and mental health.
- Have a legal and stable personal income.
On submitting your application, you should be ready for a detailed document check from the local authorities. The same applies to relatives who are also eligible to move to Antigua.
Benefits
The citizenship of an island country offers several advantages that all potential investors will appreciate. Antigua second citizenship gives you visa-free access to more than 150 countries worldwide, including the European Union, the UK, Singapore, and Hong Kong – as well as offering a flexible tax system, education, and high-level medical care.
Physical residence in the islands is not necessary to obtain an Antigua and Barbuda passport by investment, and there is no requirement to learn the local language in order to be granted citizenship.
The bottom line
The Malta and Antigua and Barbuda investor programs are similar in many ways, but there are some notable differences that are worth bearing in mind. The former is more expensive and offers fewer investment options, but it does also allow holders free entry to more countries – so before you decide which of these two incredible destinations to move to permanently, take some time to work out what is most important to you and what you’re most hoping to get out of the move.
If you’re ready to take the plunge, then the next step is to contact an immigration specialist for a personalised consultation. They will help you to make an informed decision based on detailed information and provide all the assistance you need to get the ball rolling, supporting you throughout every stage of the process.
