Best second citizenship options for raising kids: expert advice from Immigrant Invest

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BUSINESS NEWS - Second citizenship has become an increasingly valuable asset for families, offering opportunities for a safer and more fulfilling lifestyle. With greater flexibility in travel, access to improved healthcare, and diverse education options, a second passport can profoundly shape a child’s upbringing.

In this article, Elena Ruda, Chief Development Officer at Immigrant Invest, provides insights into why citizenship by investment is a strategic choice for parents and highlights some of the best countries to consider.

How can second citizenship help you raise kids?

Access to family-centric, serene living environments.
Second citizenship allows families to choose to live in countries that prioritise a peaceful, family-friendly lifestyle.

Many parents find this valuable as they can move to countries that emphasise a slower pace of life, safety, and access to nature, creating a nurturing environment for children’s growth.

Better healthcare systems for peace of mind.
Some countries with citizenship-by-investment programs offer world-class healthcare systems that provide comprehensive medical care and wellness support. This ensures that families have access to high-quality healthcare, including preventive services and advanced medical treatments, contributing to a healthier upbringing and greater parental peace of mind.

Ultimately, second citizenship provides the option to live in a country with a more secure healthcare system. If medical treatment is needed, the family can focus on obtaining the best care without concerns about visas or healthcare bureaucracy.

For example, a citizen of Malta or Portugal is entitled to public healthcare services in their respective country. They can also receive medical treatment in other EU countries if necessary.

Expanded educational opportunities.
With second citizenship, families gain access to a broader range of educational institutions, from prestigious schools to globally recognised universities. This enables children to benefit from high-quality education systems and, in many cases, bilingual or international curriculums, preparing them for a competitive future in a globalised world.

For instance, St Kitts and Nevis citizenship grants the right to apply for scholarship grants in the UK and Commonwealth countries.

Lifetime travel freedom.
Second citizenship enhances global mobility, allowing families to travel visa-free to an extended list of countries. This travel freedom supports educational and cultural exposure for children, giving them the chance to experience different cultures and develop a global perspective from a young age. For parents, it also removes the logistical challenges of visa applications, making family trips more accessible.

For South Africans, a second passport from a Caribbean country increases the number of visa-free destinations by 20 to 30, including some of the most attractive countries for business and tourism like the Schengen Area countries and the UK.

Improved lifestyle and quality of life.
A second citizenship can give families access to countries that offer a high quality of life, with a focus on wellness, a clean environment, and recreational activities. For many parents, this means the opportunity to provide their children with a healthier lifestyle, including outdoor activities, fresh air, and wellness-focused communities that promote well-being.

What are the best countries to obtain second citizenship as a parent?

When considering family-friendly second citizenship options, several countries stand out for their unique benefits suited to various family priorities. Malta, Portugal, and Caribbean nations like Dominica, Antigua and Barbuda, and Grenada provide supportive environments for health, education, and a balanced lifestyle, helping to secure a bright future for children.

Malta — for a healthy lifestyle and high quality of life.
Malta is an exceptional choice for families, offering a robust healthcare system and a wellness-focused lifestyle. Parents in Malta have access to top-rated medical facilities and enjoy a Mediterranean climate perfect for year-round outdoor activities, all within a family-friendly environment and child-centric culture.

Malta’s rich cultural history and events add an educational layer to children’s lives, while its reputable schooling system adheres to European standards, making Malta a secure and enriching environment for children.

Portugal — for safe and serene life by the sea.
Portugal is ideal for families prioritising safety and a relaxed lifestyle. With stunning beaches, peaceful coastal towns, and low crime rates, Portugal provides a nurturing environment for raising children.

The country’s strong educational system includes international schools for English-speaking families, making it suitable for expatriates. The Portuguese Golden Visa program allows families to secure a residence permit that can lead to citizenship, giving children access to the educational and cultural opportunities of the European Union.

Caribbean countries — for adventurous families focused on travel and education.
Caribbean nations are ideal for families with a spirit for adventure and a focus on global mobility.

Countries like Dominica, Antigua and Barbuda, and Grenada offer citizenship-by-investment programs, allowing parents to secure second citizenship quickly. These countries provide visa-free or visa-on-arrival access to over 140 destinations, making international travel for education or leisure seamless. Caribbean nations also emphasise education, featuring international schools and partnerships with global universities, creating an environment that supports children’s educational growth.

This list of countries is not exhaustive, any of the second or dual citizenship countries can provide your family with unique opportunities. It all comes down to a clear understanding of the family’s goals and choosing citizenship that will meet them in the best possible way.

How to obtain second citizenship in Europe and ensure a bright future for the kids?

Families seeking European second citizenship have specific pathways, with Malta and Portugal offering strong, established pathways that ensure quality healthcare, education, and lifestyle options for children.

Malta’s citizenship for exceptional services by direct investment enables foreigners to obtain a second passport in 1 or 3 years. This path requires an investment in real estate, a contribution to the government fund and a donation, along with a period of residency in Malta.

To apply for Malta citizenship for exceptional services by direct investment, the minimum investment required is €690,000, which includes:

a contribution of €600,000 or more to the National Development and Social Fund;
a charitable donation of €10,000;
renting real estate for €16,000 annually for 5 years, or purchasing a property valued at €700,000 or more.

Malta’s citizenship is especially appealing due to the country’s high-quality healthcare and education systems, accessible to children who acquire citizenship. Maltese citizenship is also transferable to future generations, establishing a long-lasting legacy for families.

Portugal Golden Visa and naturalisation.
The Portuguese Golden Visa program is a popular choice for families, offering flexibility and multiple investment options.

Portugal has five investment routes, with a minimum threshold of €250,000 for supporting the arts. The most popular option is purchasing investment fund units with a minimum investment of €500,000.

Golden Visa residency grants visa-free access across the Schengen Area and doesn’t require continuous residence, allowing families flexibility in travel. To maintain residency, families only need to visit Portugal for at least 7 days each year.

After five years, Golden Visa holders can apply for naturalisation, gaining full Portugal citizenship. This opens the door to educational and cultural opportunities across the EU, giving children access to some of Europe’s top educational institutions.

Aside from Portugal, many European countries feature Golden Visa programs that can potentially lead to a second citizenship. For instance, such programs are available in Italy, Greece, and Cyprus.

How to obtain a Caribbean passport as a parent?

To obtain citizenship in St Kitts and Nevis, applicants can contribute $250,000 to the Sustainable Growth Fund or invest at least $325,000 in approved real estate. Processing usually takes six months.

St Kitts and Nevis citizenship enhances global mobility and offers a favourable tax regime with no personal income tax, providing an excellent option for families seeking global mobility.

The citizenship-by-investment program in Antigua and Barbuda
This requires a $230,000 donation to the National Development Fund or a real estate investment of at least $300,000. The program is designed for families, as dependents up to age 30 can be included in the application.

A passport of Antigua and Barbuda grants visa-free access to over 140 countries, including the Schengen Zone along with eligibility for a 10-year US visitor visa. Besides, this citizenship allows its holder to optimise taxes and gain access to the regional market.

Grenada’s CBI program
This requires a donation of $235,000 to the National Transformation Fund or an investment of $270,000 in real estate. In addition to broad visa-free travel, Grenadian citizens are eligible for the E-2 visa to the US, allowing residence and business operations. Grenada also offers no taxes on worldwide income, making it ideal for families with global business interests.

Dominica’s citizenship program
This is one of the most affordable in the Caribbean, requires a $200,000 donation to the Economic Diversification Fund or real estate investment.

With this citizenship, families gain visa-free access to over 140 destinations and favourable tax policies, with no capital gains or inheritance taxes, ideal for families planning for future generations.

St Lucia’s citizenship by investment
This requires a minimum $240,000 contribution to the National Economic Fund or a real estate investment starting at $300,000.

A passport on St. Lucia offers visa-free travel to over 140 countries and the opportunity to apply for a US visitor visa. The country also has a beneficial tax structure, with no taxes on foreign income or inheritance.

How to obtain a second citizenship with Immigrant Invest:

1. Choose a program and country
Begin by selecting a citizenship program and country that align with your family’s goals, lifestyle preferences, and timeline. Immigrant Invest’s experts will provide the most suitable options for you.

2. Gather the documents
Work with Immigrant Invest’s lawyers to compile all necessary documentation, ensuring that legal, financial, and personal papers meet program specifications. Translate and notarise documents if required.

3. Undergo Due Diligence
After document submission, the citizenship-by-investment unit conducts a thorough check on you and your family, confirming compliance with security standards and that the investment funds were earned legally.

4. Wait for approval
Processing times vary by country. Immigrant Invest will keep you informed throughout the waiting period.

5. Make the investment
Complete the required investment with the guidance and support of Immigrant Invest’s professionals.

6. Receive your passport
Once approved, receive your passport in person or by courier, finalising your family’s journey to second citizenship.

Immigrant Invest is a licensed agent for citizenship and residence by investment programs in Europe and the Caribbean countries. Its lawyers help select the investment option and accompany applicants throughout the entire process of acquiring second residence or citizenship.