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Citizenship is the relationship between an individual and a sovereign State, defined by the laws of that State and with corresponding duties and rights. Principal grounds for acquiring citizenship are birth within a certain territory, descent from a citizen parent, marriage to a citizen, and naturalisation. The conditions under which the privilege of naturalisation is granted vary from State to State, but usually family relationships or lenghty periods of residence are essential, besides character and other requirements. While residence is granted to investors and wealthy individuals in most countries, there are only very few countries now which have clear provisions in their laws to grant citizenship for economic considerations and without residence requirements.

In almost every country it is possible to make direct payments to dishonest government officials in return for passports and citizenship documents.If not issued under a current legitimate government programme, these documents will have been procured illegally. Holders of such documents run a serious risk of exposure, arrest and deportation.

The USA, Canada, Australia, Switzerland and Great Britain are countries which offer residence to wealthy individuals and investors. Other countries offer citizenship-for-investment programmes, commonly known as Economic Citizenship Programmes. There are now only two countries which offer legal and clearly defined programmes on a statutory basis. These are the Commonwealth of Dominica and St. Kitts & Nevis. In Austria it is also possible to acquire citizenship if you invest substantially in the country. While there is an established practice, there is no Economic Citizenship Programme as such and only very few cases are approved each year. Still, for a substantial investor Austria can be a very attractive option.

We have studied all current programmes and constantly monitor new developments. St.Kitts & Nevis now clearly offers the most attractive Citizenship-by-Investment Programme available today. Economic Citizenship Programmes offer you the opportunity to legally acquire a new nationality quickly and simply, without major disruption to your life.