Today we’ve got something different to share with you all, a sort of multi-pathway to citizenship. What is that? I hear you ask. Well, Anguilla, situated in the West Indies, is a British Overseas Territory, which means there are some interesting implications regarding the citizenship status you can obtain once you’ve been a resident there for a little while, but more on that later.
As a brief recap for those of you who haven’t read any of our other articles regarding residency and citizenship by investment, there are a number of programs offered to investors worldwide through which in return for a capital injection into a nation, you, and sometimes your family as well, are rewarded with a permanent residency or even the passport of that nation.
These mutually beneficial schemes are an exciting prospect for those of you seeking to become global citizens, as they contribute to removing borders and cultivating a global community for all of us.
Why Anguilla?
Back to the topic in hand, Anguilla. It’s very possible you haven’t heard of this small island nation, but fear not, we’ll get you in the picture in no time.
Situated in the eastern Caribbean Sea, its closest neighbours are Saint Martin and St Kitts, the latter of which also offers a similar program, you can find our article here. Anguilla is idyllic in every sense of the word, offering numerous beaches and spots to visit, which is probably why it is so popular with tourists, but also why it is increasingly cropping up on the radar of expats.
The land is very flat and exhibits white sandy beaches with crystal blue waters, helping us all to imagine the picturesque landscape to be found there. Though, beyond what the eye can see, Anguilla is a practical choice for many expats as the official language is English and there are excellent opportunities for free education, something to consider if you’re looking to relocate with your family.
Am I eligible to apply?
You’ve got three options for investment in Anguilla in order to receive residency there, all of which have different capital requirements, making the program accessible to many individuals, and therefore not limited to high-net worth investors as is the case in other parts of the world.
Below you’ll be able to find an outline of each of the programs:
1. Capital development fund donation
US$150,000 non-refundable donation to government fund
+ US$50,000 per additional applicant who is above 3 years old
2. Real estate investment
US$750,000 investment in real estate for a family of up to 4 members
+ US$100,000 for any additional family member who is above 3 years old
3. Tax residency high-value resident program
US$75,000 paid per annum in tax to Anguillan government
+ US$400,000 investment in real estate
+ Be able to demonstrate your ties to the nation through a bank account for example
+ Prove you do not spend more than half of the year outside Anguilla
Now, these are all exciting opportunities for investment, setting you off along your pathway to residency in Anguilla. However, before you budget your investment, there are some additional fees you need to be aware of, including:
Processing and due diligence
US$3,000 for families of four
+ US$500 for additional family member
US$7,500 for a single applicant due diligence
+ US$3,000 additional applicants who are above 18 years old
Additionally, those of you looking to the real estate option should be aware that these fees are also to be incurred:
US$10,000 for a single applicant
US$20,000 for a family of up to and including four members
+US$5,000 for any additional family member of the applicant
Are there any other benefits for me and my family?
Now you have your pathway to residency sorted, it’s time to find out what sort of benefits will be waiting for you once you touch down in your new home. You can find a list of them below:
· Dual citizenship is allowed
· Safe and secure country
· Perfect, tropical climate
· Residency obtainable in only 3 months
· Visa free access to 95 nations including the EU Schengen Area
These are some of the principal benefits you’ll find in your new Caribbean home, though they don’t stop there. One additional advantage of relocating or becoming a resident in Anguilla is that once you have been a resident for 5 years, you’re eligible for their passport, which means obtaining British Overseas Territory Citizenship.
This may not seem particularly significant as programs like this are designed as pathways to citizenship, however, the normal naturalisation time is 10 years in Anguilla, so your time is halved, and not only this, but once you are a British Overseas Territory Citizen, you can undergo the registration process to become a full British citizen, affording you even more benefits.
So, if you are interested in finding out more about the pathway to residency through investment in Anguilla, as well as other opportunities to develop your business, contact us today! Below this article, you will find a link to set up a free fifteen-minute consultation with us to discuss your options further.
Also, if you want to access our other great content, subscribe to our YouTube channel! At Creimerman, our team of professional global citizens would be happy to help you with your personal or professional cross-border ventures and help make them a success.