Becoming a citizen of another state is not easy, but it is possible. ICTV Facts learned from an expert which countries’ citizenship is easiest for Ukrainians to obtain.
How to obtain citizenship of another country
Stron Legal Services lawyer Ekaterina Strukova told ICTV Facts what citizenship is and how to obtain citizenship of another country.
Citizenshipis a legal status that defines the relationship between an individual and the state, giving the person certain rights and obligations. Obtaining citizenship can occur in various ways, including through birth, marriage, naturalization, investment or starting a business.
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The lawyer noted that one of the fastest ways is to obtain citizenship by investing in the economy of a foreign country.
— It is important to note that the time frame for obtaining citizenship by investment can be significantly delayed. This applies to both procedural issues and the need to provide additional supporting documents. Often governments require detailed documentation to confirm the source of funds, which can significantly slow down the process, the expert emphasized.
For Ukrainians, there are significant complications associated with currency restrictions, which make it almost impossible to invest abroad. Ukrainian banks have strict limits on international money transfers, which creates significant barriers for those who want to invest in foreign real estate or other assets as part of citizenship programs.
— As for cash purchases, in the EU and many other countries this is becoming impossible due to regulatory restrictions. Legislation aimed at combating money laundering and terrorist financing requires detailed verification of the source of funds and identification of individuals, which makes it impossible to carry out large cash transactions, commented Ekaterina Strukova.
What citizenship is easiest to obtain in 2024
The lawyer gave an overview of obtaining citizenship by Ukrainians, taking into account the method of obtaining, the minimum amount of investment and the characteristics of each country:
Portugal
Receipt method: through investment (Golden visa) or residence.
Minimum investment amount: €500 thousand in real estate or €350 thousand in property rehabilitation.
Duration: five years.
Canada
How to obtain: through skilled worker programs, students or business immigration.
Minimum investment amount: CAD $1.2 million through the Quebec Investor Program.
Duration: three to five years.
Dominica
Receipt method: through investment.
Minimum investment amount: $100 thousand in the citizenship fund.
Duration: immediately after investment.
Saint Kitts and Nevis
Receipt method: through investment.
Minimum investment amount: $150 thousand in the Sugar Industry Diversification Foundation or $400 thousand in real estate.
Duration: immediately after investment.
Malta
Receipt method: through the citizenship by investment program.
Minimum investment amount: €600 thousand in the national development fund (subject to a stay of 36 months) or €750 thousand (subject to a stay of 12 months).
Duration: one to three years.
Antigua and Barbuda
Receipt method: through investment.
Minimum investment amount: $100 thousand to the Development Fund of the National Fund.
Duration: immediately after investment.
Grenada
Receipt method: through investment.
Minimum investment amount: $150 thousand to the National Transformation Fund.
Duration: immediately after investment.
Vanuatu
Receipt method: through investment.
Minimum investment amount: $130 thousand government contribution per person.
Duration: immediately after investment.
Montenegro
Receipt method: through investment.
Minimum investment amount: €250 thousand in real estate plus €100 thousand government contribution.
Duration: immediately after investment.
The expert noted that the possibility of selling real estate after obtaining citizenship depends on the conditions of the specific investment citizenship program. There is usually a minimum length of time an investor must own a property before it can be sold. This period can be from three to five years.
After its completion, the investor has the right to sell the property while maintaining citizenship, provided that all other program requirements are met.
Complications in the EU due to golden passport programs
Programs golden passports, providing citizenship in exchange for investment in the economy, have caused concern in the EU due to potential security risks, tax evasion, money laundering and corruption. The EU called on member states to review or cancel these programs.
In particular, after scandals related to the sale of citizenship, Cyprus suspended its program. This highlights growing international pressure and the need for transparency and legality in naturalization processes.
