The best countries for second citizenship

By: The Independent 

Many British citizens are concerned about what’s going to happen in the next few years in the wake of Brexit, so the prospect of moving abroad may be more appealing.

But as we all know, it’s a lot easier to move to some countries than others.

Another good option is to get a second citizenship, which can afford you increased personal security and greater global mobility.

A second passport from any country in the EU will give you the right to live or work anywhere in the European Union too.

But according to new research by the CBI Index, the best countries for second citizenship are a touch more exotic, with Dominica, St Kitts and Nevis, and Grenada taking the top spots.

There are European countries that score highly though, with Cyprus, Malta, Bulgaria and Austria all making the top 12.

Countries were ranked on the “seven pillars of CBI”:

Of the countries that offer second citizenship by investment, these are the top 12 and their scores out of 100:

1. Dominica – 90
2. St Kitts and Nevis – 88
3. Grenada – 85
4. Antigua & Barbuda – 78
5. Saint Lucia – 76
6. Vanatu – 76
7. Cyprus – 67
8. Comoros – 66
9. Malta – 64
10. Bulgaria – 61
11. Austria – 54
12. Cambodia – 53

Top for freedom of movement were Austria, Malta, Cyprus and Bulgaria.

Standard of living was based on factors such as life expectancy, education, security and income. The top four countries were Austria, Malta, Bulgaria and Cyprus, and Austria and Grenada scored highest for education.

Minimum investment outlay is based on how much capital is required for the investor to become an eligible applicant for the programme of his or her choosing – the top countries were Comoros, Dominica and St Lucia.

Mandatory travel or residence is based on the travel or residence conditions imposed on applicants both before and after the granting of full citizenship. Dominica, Grenada, St Kitts and Nevis, and St Lucia scored highest.

Citizenship timeline is how long it takes from when an application is submitted to the relevant government body to the granting of citizenship. The top countries were St Kitts and Nevis – which is the only country with a fixed scheme to ensure applications are processed within 60 days – Vanuatu, Comoros, Dominica and Grenada.

Ease of processing is how clear and streamlined the process of applying for citizenship is, and Antigua and Barbuda, Dominica, Grenada, and St Kitts and Nevis came out top. In Austria and Comoros you have to have an interview, and applicants for Cambodia must complete history and language tests.

Due diligence is based on each nation’s commitment to ensuring that their programme remains transparent and effective at evaluating potential candidates for citizenship – Dominica, Malta, and St Kitts and Nevis were top rated.

We’ll see you in Dominica.

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