Citizenship by Investment (CBI) programs provide a pathway for individuals to acquire citizenship in a country by making substantial financial contributions to its economy.
- CBI programs offer a pathway to acquire citizenship through financial contributions
- Some countries offer these options to attract foreign investment and boost economic growth
- Egypt and Mauritius have recently introduced citizenship by investment programs.
The Citizenship by Investment programs are typically offered by nations seeking to attract foreign investment to boost economic growth and development.
CBI programs have been introduced as an alternative method of obtaining citizenship, alongside traditional processes such as long-term residency or birthright citizenship.
With various investment options available, individuals can secure citizenship in other countries, enabling them to conduct business or pursue personal activities.
According to Henley & Partners‘ latest update, two African countries have recently been added to the list of destinations offering citizenship by investment programs.
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Egypt
In March 2020, Egypt enacted a 2019 law allowing foreign investors to gain citizenship through financial contributions, managed by a dedicated unit to boost foreign direct investment.
Benefits
Egyptian citizenship by investment offers key benefits, including visa-on-arrival access to Nigeria, strategic access between Africa, Europe, and the Middle East, and membership in the African Continental Free Trade Area and the WTO. It also grants eligibility for an E-2 Investor Visa for non-immigrant residency in the USA
To qualify for Egypt’s Citizenship by Investment Program, applicants must choose one of the following options:
– Donation: Contribute USD 250,000 as a non-refundable donation to the state’s public treasury.
– Real Estate Investment: Invest USD 300,000 in government-owned real estate projects, which may be under construction or completed. Properties can be sold after five years.
– Business Investment: Invest USD 350,000 in a new or existing local business and make a non-refundable donation of USD 100,000 to the state’s treasury. The business must be maintained for at least five years.
– Bank Deposit: Transfer USD 500,000 as a refundable deposit in local currency after three years, with no interest.
Mauritius
Mauritius’ residence program allows foreign nationals to invest in real estate and apply for a residence permit. Successful applicants and their families receive full residence rights, including the ability to live, work, and retire in Mauritius.
Benefits
The Mauritius Residence by Investment Program offers family inclusion, a secure environment, a year-round tropical climate, and access to international schools. Mauritius boasts political, social, and economic stability, ranks among the top 20 for ease of doing business, and has a well-regulated international financial center.
The Mauritius Residence by Investment Program requires foreign investors to select from these options:
– Property Acquisition: Invest a minimum of USD 375,000 in designated real estate projects such as IRS (large properties over 10 hectares), RES (smaller units under 10 hectares), PDS (socially/environmentally regulated projects), IHS (hotel units for limited stay), SCS (sustainable spaces), or G+2 apartments (minimum two levels above ground).
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– Investor Permit: Invest at least USD 50,000 in a business activity.
– Retirement Permit (50+ years): Transfer USD 1,500 monthly or USD 18,000 annually, or acquire a residential unit in approved senior living schemes.
– Self-Employed Permit: Invest USD 35,000 in a professional activity with two client intent letters.
– Occupation Permit: Obtain employment with a minimum monthly salary of MUR 30,000.
