The CBI Index: recognising the possibilities that lie ahead

An alternative citizenship can fundamentally affect a person’s life, family, and interests. The decision to become a national of another country is, therefore, in and of itself worth careful consideration. This holds even truer for prospective economic citizens, who, unlike other citizens-to-be, have the privilege – and burden – of choice. There are 13 nations whose laws, and whose internal systems, have been sufficiently developed to sustain a working citizenship by investment programme.

By region, the Caribbean provides the highest number of citizenship by investment jurisdictions in the world. Each of its five citizenship by investment programmes is spelled out in laws and regulations, and dedicated government bodies, normally identified as ‘units’, process applications. Some can lay claim to decades of longevity and a high likelihood of continued success. Others, in contrast, have only been in place for a handful of years, and have yet to stand the test of time. 

Europe offers four citizenship by investment options. Its most longstanding programme – that of Austria – is also its murkiest. Two islands, Cyprus and Malta, supply direct routes to citizenship, while Bulgaria presents a slower avenue to citizenship, which has led some commentators to characterise its programme as a hybrid between a residence and citizenship scheme. Importantly however, Bulgaria does not require physical presence – setting it apart from countries with residence by investment programmes.

Vanuatu stands alone in the blue vistas of Oceania. Uniquely, it recently instituted both a citizenship by investment programme and an honorary citizenship programme. The CBI Index examines the workings of the former, particularly as it is unclear what the status of ‘honorary citizen’ may truly entail. Within Vanuatu, honorary citizens have no voting privileges and cannot participate in the political process, yet they are issued with a passport. Abroad, would nations that require renunciation of other citizenships view honorary citizenship as an exception to this rule?

Another standalone nation is Cambodia, this time presenting an option for Asian citizenship. Cambodia’s programme is currently under intense government scrutiny.

The Middle East has only recently embraced citizenship by investment. Turkey’s experience was one of opening a programme with high investment thresholds, only to quickly announce it would reduce its requirements in light of low uptake. Jordan, on the other hand, has been met with widespread popularity, particularly among citizens of nearby countries.

While similarities exist among citizenship by investment programmes, each has its own flaws and virtues – and a regional approach alone will not, and should not, satisfy the prospective citizen. Delving into the CBI Index, on the other hand, will provide the close-up analysis necessary for an educated assessment of citizenship by investment across the globe, giving readers the tools necessary to make the best citizenship decision for themselves, their household, and their business and personal activities.