These uncertain times have left citizens fearful for their safety and deeply concerned for the future of themselves and their families, and have lead many to look at acquiring second citizenship. 

Forward thinking South Africans are opting for second citizenship

South Africans are proud of their country and the strides taken in democracy since 1994 – many do not want to consider leaving. However, forward thinking individuals have seen what has happened in some other countries and have begun looking at a back-up plan. 

“Astute South Africans without access to an ancestral path to a second citizenship are understandably worried as they realise the importance of having that second citizenship as an insurance policy,” says Micha Emmett, CEO of CS Global Partners, a legal advisory that supports clients seeking second citizenship. “What many South Africans are learning now is that there is a stress-free route to a Plan B that is also relatively affordable. During these times of unpredictability, a second citizenship is the most important asset you can have to safeguard your family’s future.” 

Second citizenship is a must for South Africans who need options: to diversify their wealth, travel, and to provide a safe environment for their families. Whether their concerns are about political unrest, personal safety, asset protection, or ensuring the future of their children – making the decision to get second citizenship is an insurance policy for their future.

What is Citizenship by Investment? 

Citizenship by investment, also known as economic citizenship, is a legal process, where an applicant can acquire a new nationality in return for an investment in the host country’s economy. These programmes confer citizenship status without causing any major disruptions to an investor’s life, if they pass all the due diligence checks first, provide all the correct documentation, and make a qualifying investment.  

The main goal of these initiatives is to find a win-win solution for both investors and the countries offering the programme. The investment made by successful applicants is often put towards improving the quality of life for those inhabiting the host country. 

Traditional emigration paths for South Africans have been the UK, New Zealand, and Australia through ancestral visas, residency or naturalisation. However, these routes are long, and there is no guarantee that it will be successful. Citizenship by investment provides a direct and time-efficient path to legally acquiring citizenship and is especially attractive to South African investors without access to an ancestral path to a second citizenship.  

Why the Caribbean? 

Currently, there are over a dozen countries in the world that offer citizenship by investment. There is a higher concentration of these programmes in the Caribbean, a region considered the cradle of second citizenship by investment. 

St Kitts and Nevis was the first nation to introduce citizenship by investment in 1984, followed by Dominica, ranked number one in the CBI Index for four consecutive years. Further programmes are offered in Grenada, St Lucia, and Antigua and Barbuda. These highly ranked citizenship by investment programmes offer second citizenship for the entire family through a quick and efficient process.

Residency is not a requirement when investing in Caribbean citizenship – making this an attractive option for investors who want a back up plan without actually moving. However, successful applicants are welcome to make their new home on their chosen island. 

Benefits of Dual Citizenship 

The reasons for wanting to invest in a second citizenship have shifted to more practical ones like stable governance and healthcare. Holding a coveted second citizenship comes with many advantages, including lifestyle, global mobility, financial planning, and physical safety and security.

“South African passports can only get you so far. This compounded with a struggling economy, means that South Africans need to diversify. You need a Plan B. Citizenship by investment programmes allow you to travel more easily, do business more easily and provide additional stability to your family and future generations,” says Emmett.

Lifestyle and accessibility includes community, medical care, health care, education, global mobility with visa-free or visa-on arrival travel and the ease of access to them all. 

Financial planning is about diversifying your wealth and assets and giving your children the opportunity to benefit from them all. When it comes to business, becoming a part of an international business community allows you to think bigger on a global scale. 

The recent crisis in South Africa has raised concerns for safety and stability due to civil unrest, crime, and the response to the pandemic. It is only human nature to seek safety and security, and it is important to have the option to leave should you wish to take it. Having a second citizenship ensures that you and your family are protected in the face of challenges in the long run. 

How much does second citizenship cost?

The cost for second citizenship differs from country to country, with the lowest cost starting at R1.4 million (US$100,000) for a single applicant in the Caribbean. In return for this investment, successful applicants obtain citizenship and a passport in a short amount of time. 

In the long run, Caribbean citizenship will pay for itself by allowing you to move more freely for business or pleasure, while providing your families with the best opportunities available. 

CS Global Partners is at your service

Headquartered in the heart of London, with offices across the globe, CS Global Partners is a legal advisory specialized in residency and citizenship by investment solutions. 

With a team based in South Africa, we understand the unique needs that drive South Africans to seek out alternative citizenship. We also understand that investing in a second citizenship is a major step and we can advise you on the best course of action to suit your individual objectives.  DM/BM