Citizenship‑by‑investment programmes allow the main applicant to include family members, but eligibility criteria, age limits, and fees differ across jurisdictions.
Who Qualifies as a Dependant
Typical categories accepted as dependants in Caribbean and European programmes include:
- Spouse or common‑law partner – proof of marriage or a qualifying period of cohabitation is required.
- Children – generally up to age 18, with several programmes extending eligibility to age 30 for full‑time students who remain financially dependent.
- Parents and grandparents – usually from age 55 or 65, provided they are financially dependent on the applicant.
- Siblings – permitted in a limited number of programmes when unmarried and financially dependent.
Programme‑Specific Rules
| Programme | Dependent Children | Parents / Grandparents |
|---|---|---|
| St Kitts & Nevis | Up to age 30 if enrolled in full‑time education | Age 55+ |
| Grenada | Up to age 30 under similar education conditions | Age 55+ |
| Antigua & Barbuda | Up to age 30 for unmarried, financially dependent children in full‑time education | Age 55+ |
| Dominica | Up to age 30 in education | Age 65+ |
| St Lucia | Up to age 30 in full‑time education | Age 65+ |
| Portugal (Golden Visa) | Children up to age 18 (or up to 26 for full‑time students) | Dependent parents, subject to national tests |
| Greece (Golden Visa) | Similar to Portugal, with age limits generally up to 18 for children | Dependent parents, subject to national criteria |
Adding Dependants After Approval
Most programmes permit the addition of new dependants—such as a spouse after marriage or a newborn—once the primary applicant has obtained citizenship or residency. This process usually requires:
- Fresh due‑diligence checks for each new dependant.
- A separate processing fee per dependant.
- For newborns, a simplified registration rather than a full application.
Importance of Early Planning
- Age thresholds are fixed at application: A child who is 29 at submission but turns 30 before processing may become ineligible.
- Financial dependency must be documented: Parents or grandparents cannot be added on the basis of assertion alone; supporting evidence is required.
- Cost efficiency: Including all eligible family members in the initial application is typically less expensive and reduces the risk of later disqualification due to changing eligibility criteria.
Careful assessment of family composition, ages, and dependency status before filing can prevent costly amendments and ensure that the entire household benefits from the investment‑based citizenship or residency programme.
Source article: knightsbridge.ae
