Thursday, 19th September 2024

South Africans families seeks second citizenship for sustainable future

At present, finding an excellent place to reside on the earth appears to be the most challenging task. Particularly continents like Africa, where due to various factors, including hunger, violence, homicides, political instability, poor health infrastructure forcing Africans for finding a new home on the earth. 

Friday, 23rd July 2021

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Dominica: At present, finding an excellent place to reside on the earth appears to be the most challenging task. Particularly continents like Africa, where due to various factors, including hunger, violence, homicides, political instability, poor health infrastructure forcing Africans for finding a new home on the earth.

As an outcome, over the past few years, there has been a rise in demand for second citizenships, which has swiftly become one of the most vital insurance plans for any South African to have Instability linked with the economic downturn triggered by the COVID-19 pandemic; also the subsequent lockdowns, has seen South Africa's currency dramatically fall.

This has led to whispers of a future wealth tax that could be utilised to raise government revenue, which could negatively affect high net-worth and/or middle-class families. As such, a need for overseas approachability to diversify wealth has become a key concern.

Notably, The South African passport gives visa-free access to roughly 102 countries. Regardless of the COVID-19 pandemic, lengthy applications for visas restrict movement for many. Those who do not hold additional citizenship are remarkably limited in their travel freedom.

CEO of CS Global Partners Micha Emmett, an investment immigration firm, has pointed out the concern amongst South Africans during this volatile time. "South Africans are proud of their nation, and most don't want to leave, but what if you have too? You require to know what options you have available to you. If you don't have access to another citizenship via ancestral descent, then a quick & easy route is to invest in second citizenship by a Citizenship by Investment (CBI) programme, which will give you & your family a Plan B which, given the contemporary climate, is vital."

Dominica provides one of the most family-friendly options on the market, enabling investors to add an extensive range of dependants to an application. Under its world-leading citizenship programme, families that triumphantly pass the necessary security checks can gain citizenship within ninety days. The programme offers 2 channels of investment: a one-time non-refundable contribution into a government fund or by the purchase of eco-luxury real estate. This involves property from renowned hoteliers such as Hilton, Marriott and Kempinski alongside popular boutique eco-villas.

With Dominican citizenship comes enhanced travel freedom to over 140 countries and territories, close proximity to the United States with a currency pegged to the dollar, and a safe home in a stable democracy.

Dominica is one of the safest countries on the Caribbean island, with beautiful lush greenery and a wonderful environment.

Dominica is among those countries who provided first vaccines to their people with the help of its strong dilpomatic relations with different countries like China and India. Also, this country witnessed zero coronavirus related deaths.

How anyone can apply for Dominican Citizenship : Step: 1 The first step for applying for citizenship is to choose an agent from the list of authorised agents. These are people who have been officially licensed by the Citizenship by Investment Unit to be given the authority to act on behalf of the main applicant in relation to citizenship by investment application.

Authorised agents are the only people who can manage applications for citizenship by investment; also, the Dominica Citizenship by Investment Unit (CBIU) will not take direct submissions.

Step:2 Getting in touch with your authorised agent will allow you to discuss the best way to prepare the required documentation you need to submit as your application to the CBIU. You will require to complete all official forms, attend a medical examination and obtain certain supporting documents for your CBI application. All of this paperwork will require to be submitted in English and with the appropriate notarisation and legalisation. If you are purchasing property, this will require to be reserved through a sales and purchase agreement.

Step : 3 Your application will need to be vetted in a thorough due diligence background check in order to verify the information that you have provided. The CBIU will consider your file in light of the due diligence report and make a recommendation on your application to the Government accordingly. You will then receive a letter through your authorised agent, which will inform you on the status of your application. This will let you know whether it has been successful (known as “approval in principle”), delayed for further processing or rejected.

Step:4 When all of your forms have been completed, and all documentation collected, your authorised agent will submit your application to the CBIU and liaise with them on your behalf. The authorised agent will attend to all correspondence, queries or questions which the CBIU may have during that time. Unlike other countries offering CBI programmes, Dominica does not presently require a mandatory interview, although the Government may ask for one at their discretion.

Step: 5 If your application is approved in principle, the CBIU’s letter will also instruct you to make your contribution payment for the Economic Diversification Fund option or complete the payment on the real estate property. Upon receiving proof of payment, the CBIU will then issue your certificate of registration, which stands as proof of your citizenship and can be used by yourself or your authorised agent to apply for your Dominican passport.