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For Nigerian citizens looking to expand their horizons, explore opportunities or secure their future, obtaining citizenship can be an appealing venture.
In our interconnected world, the idea of having an alternative citizenship has become increasingly popular.
Various parts of the world are now more accessible than ever before. From an investment perspective, many individuals have been acquiring citizenship in certain forward-thinking countries and benefiting financially, especially in the aftermath of the pandemic.
This blog will explore the pathways, advantages and considerations involved in obtaining multiple citizenships as a Nigerian citizen.
Before delving into the specifics, let’s first grasp the context and concept of multi-citizenship—an alternative term for dual citizenship or second citizenship that allows an individual to be a citizen of more than one country simultaneously. This status brings forth a range of opportunities, from enhanced global mobility to expanded economic prospects.
General Requirements in Securing Multiple Citizenship
Each country listed above has its set of requirements for participating in citizenship by investment programs. However, there are some criteria that are commonly applicable:
- Your Age
The investor or main applicant must be 18 years old. Some programs may have age limits or additional requirements for investors.
- Your Legal Background
To ensure a record, investors must undergo Due Diligence and provide police clearance certificates.
- Your Income Sources
The applicants’ income and investment funds must come from documented sources, such as tax returns or bank statements.
It is important to consider factors such as the program’s reputation, the strength of the passport it offers and the country’s economic stability. Seeking advice from immigration experts can help you make informed decisions throughout this process.
Ways to Obtain Multiple Citizenship
There is a number of ways by which you can obtain citizenship, such as:
● Investment: Citizenship by investment programs are becoming increasingly popular as more countries provide the opportunity to obtain citizenship. This investment can take multiple forms, such as purchasing an estate, making donations to national development funds or creating job opportunities.
● Naturalisation: If a Nigerian citizen has legally resided in another country for a specific period of time, 5 to 10 years in most cases, he can apply for naturalisation and obtain a passport through this process. There might be additional requirements such as having a background passing language, passing culture exams demonstrating integration into society, taking an oath of allegiance or submitting an application to the appropriate government body, just to name a few.
● Descent: Additionally, many countries offer citizenship based on link. If an individual has a parent or grandparent who’s already a citizen of that country, they may be eligible for citizenship by descent. The application process typically involves submitting the documents through the government entity.
This ancestral link can open doors to citizenship by descent. You might need to meet residency and language criteria of the concerned country, apart from providing proof that you are related to a citizen of the desired country (e.g., a birth certificate). You then can file an application through the appropriate government body.
● Marriage: Getting married to someone from another country can also open up the possibility of obtaining citizenship. However, it’s important to note that the process and requirements can differ depending on the nation.
Some common requirements include registering your marriage in the destination country living with your spouse for a period (around 5 years), demonstrating language proficiency, cultural knowledge and integration into society, and submitting an application through the appropriate government authority.
Benefits of Multiple Citizenship
- Enhanced Travel Freedom: More than a single passport can offer travel freedom since some countries have agreements allowing visa-free or visa-on-arrival entry for certain nationalities.
- Economic Opportunities: Another advantage of holding citizenships is access to economic opportunities. It can provide avenues for business ventures, investments and asset diversification.
● Legal Implications: It’s imperative to grasp the consequences of having multiple citizenships, as the laws surrounding dual citizenship can vary greatly.
States Which Offer Citizenship Through Investment:
The above-discussed CBI programs offered by various nations allow us to obtain citizenship by making an investment in the state’s economy. Here are some top countries known for their CBI programs:
- Antigua and Barbuda: Here, individuals can acquire citizenship through the National Development Fund or by investing in property. The program also allows for visa access to countries, including the UK and countries within the Schengen Area.
- Dominica: individuals can benefit from citizenship of the Commonwealth of Dominica by either donating to the Government Airport Fun or by acquiring Government-approved real estate.
- Grenada: This Caribbean nation grants citizenship to investors who contribute to the National Transformation Fund or invest in estate. This program offers the benefit of visa travel to more than 140 countries.
- Malta: Well known for its due diligence process, the Malta Individual Investor Program (IIP) is a pathway to EU citizenship, offering access to a strong economy and healthcare system.
- Kitts and Nevis: The nation’s CBI program enables investors to obtain citizenship by investing in real estate or contributing to the Sugar Industry Diversification Foundation.
- Lucia: St. Lucia provides an avenue for citizenship through the National Economic Fund, providing attractive opportunities for business expansion and global mobility.
- Turkey: one can benefit from citizenship in Turkey by acquiring property.
Seeking Professional Advice
For Nigerian citizens aiming to expand their knowledge, access more opportunities, and elevate their futures, attaining multi-citizenship status can pave the way toward a more promising global outlook.
As a Nigerian, obtaining dual or second citizenship rights opens doors to a world of possibilities worldwide.
It is however extremely important to approach pursuing multi-citizenship thoughtfully and with full commitment to adhering to all requirements along the journey.
Whether your goals are to explore new horizons, provide greater stability for your family’s future, or enhance your prospects and capabilities, holding citizenship in more than one country can prove to be an invaluable asset in our interconnected world.
Naturally this pathway must be undertaken with diligent planning, research, and care to ensure lawful compliance from start to finish.
Working with reputable advisors can help guide Nigerians seeking to tread this complex yet rewarding path while avoiding potential pitfalls.
With the proper effort and care, Nigerians can responsibly harness the immense possibilities multi-citizenship provides for elevating lives through expanded global freedom and opportunities.
Name: Andre Goncalves
Profile Description:
Andre Goncalves, Sales Manager at Passport Legacy in Dubai. With a proven track record of driving business growth and building strong client relationships, Andre is a key player in the citizenship by investment industry.
His passion for excellence and commitment to delivering top-notch solutions make him an invaluable asset in the world of sales. Get to know Andre and discover how his expertise can benefit your business.