Don't Buy These Passports in 2025! Caribbean CBI Programs are Dead!

Summary

In this video, the speaker discusses the declining value of Caribbean citizenship by investment programs, which have become more expensive and complicated due to price increases, stricter regulations, and the risk of citizenship revocation. The speaker suggests alternatives such as Turkey's real estate investment program, which offers both citizenship and potential returns, and Vanuatu's donation-based program, which is affordable and quick. Naturalization programs in countries like Canada, Portugal, and Argentina are also highlighted as stable and reliable options for long-term citizenship. The video aims to guide potential investors in making more informed decisions about citizenship programs.

Takeaways

• 😀 Caribbean citizenship programs have lost value due to price increases and new regulations.
• 😀 The price for citizenship by investment in the Caribbean has doubled, making it much more expensive.
• 😀 Citizenship revocations in countries like Dominica and St. Kitts, caused by agents charging lower fees, have damaged the credibility of these programs.
• 😀 New mandatory interview requirements for applicants and stricter due diligence make the Caribbean citizenship programs more difficult to obtain.
• 😀 Caribbean countries are considering a residency requirement, where applicants may need to live there for 30 days per year or more.
• 😀 Dominica has lost visa-free access to Ireland and the UK, and may soon lose access to the Schengen Area due to new laws against citizenship by investment programs.
• 😀 The Caribbean countries are introducing a new department to oversee policies related to citizenship by investment programs.
• 😀 Turkey is considered the best alternative for citizenship by investment, especially with real estate investments that offer returns of 20-30%.
• 😀 Vanuatu offers an affordable and quick citizenship by donation program for $165,000, without residency requirements.
• 😀 Citizenship by naturalization or residency is recommended as a more stable and permanent option compared to Caribbean citizenship by investment programs.
• 😀 Countries like Canada, Portugal, and various South American nations offer citizenship by naturalization after living in the country for a few years, often with cultural integration benefits.

Q & A

Why are Caribbean citizenship programs considered 'useless' by the speaker?

The speaker claims Caribbean citizenship programs have lost value due to a series of changes. These include a price increase from $100,000 to $200,000, stricter rules, revocation of citizenships for many applicants due to agent mistakes, and the introduction of mandatory interviews. These changes have led to increased costs and uncertainty for potential investors.

What specific issue with agents does the speaker highlight regarding Caribbean citizenship programs?

The speaker points out that many citizenships were revoked because applicants used agents who charged lower fees than the official rates. The governments, particularly in Dominica and St. Kitts, blamed the applicants for this, even though the issue stemmed from the agents' pricing. This undermined the credibility of the programs.

How have the new regulations impacted applicants of Caribbean citizenship programs?

The new regulations have made it more difficult and expensive for applicants. These include mandatory interviews, a higher cost for donations, and a requirement to stay in the country for 30 days per year (though not yet finalized). The strict due diligence process also means that applicants with a criminal record will be disqualified.

Why is staying in the Caribbean islands a problem for many investors?

For many investors, particularly those from Africa, South Asia, and the Middle East, the requirement to stay in the Caribbean for 30 days per year is a significant inconvenience. The islands are located far from these regions, making travel expensive and difficult, especially considering the small size and lack of infrastructure.

What recent change has impacted Dominica's citizenship by investment program?

Dominica lost its visa-free access to Ireland and the UK, and there is a risk that it could lose access to the Schengen Area as well. This is largely due to new European Union laws that could cancel visa-free access for countries with citizenship by investment programs.

What is the speaker’s opinion on Turkey as an alternative to Caribbean citizenship programs?

The speaker recommends Turkey as the best alternative for citizenship by investment. In particular, Turkey offers real estate investment opportunities where investors can earn a return of 20-30%, and the investment is seen as potentially more profitable compared to the Caribbean programs.

How does the Turkish real estate investment for citizenship work?

In Turkey, investors can obtain citizenship by investing in real estate. The speaker mentions that the value of the property can appreciate, allowing investors to potentially earn 20-30% more on their initial investment, making it a financially rewarding option.

What are the benefits of the Vanuatu citizenship by donation program?

Vanuatu offers a more affordable and easier citizenship by donation program compared to the Caribbean options. For a donation of $165,000, an individual can secure citizenship for themselves and their family, without the requirement to live in the country or submit numerous documents. The process is quick and straightforward.

What is the speaker’s stance on citizenship by naturalization?

The speaker prefers citizenship by naturalization as it offers long-term stability and cultural integration. Countries like Canada, Mexico, Portugal, and Sweden offer pathways to citizenship after several years of residence. This process ensures that the applicant is fully integrated into the society and makes the citizenship less likely to be revoked.

Which countries does the speaker suggest for naturalization and why?

The speaker recommends countries like Canada, Mexico, Portugal, and Sweden for naturalization because they offer relatively short periods of legal residency before one can apply for citizenship (ranging from 2 to 5 years). Naturalization provides permanent, secure citizenship, unlike the uncertain Caribbean programs.