The price of several citizenship‑by‑investment (CBI) and residence‑by‑investment (RBI) programs is set to rise in 2022, making it crucial for prospective applicants to act quickly. Below is a concise overview of the three programs that are slated for higher fees, together with the key details that affect cost, eligibility, and timing.
St. Lucia (Caribbean CBI)
| Option | Current cost (2022) | Upcoming change | Additional fees | Typical return |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Donation | US $100,000 (single applicant) | No announced increase | US $30,000 processing fee | – |
| Bond investment | US $250,000 (temporary discount) | Reverts to US $500,000 in Jan 2022 | US $30,000 processing fee | ~5‑6 % over 5‑6 years (no interest, capital‑preservation only) |
Why it matters – The bond discount was introduced as a limited‑time offer. If you are considering the bond route, the window closes when the price returns to US $500,000. The donation route remains unchanged, but the program’s visa‑free travel list is less extensive than competing Caribbean options, which may affect its overall value.
Practical tip – Gather passports, proof of funds, and background‑check documents now; with professional assistance the paperwork can be completed in 2‑4 months, well before the January deadline.
St. Kitts and Nevis (Caribbean CBI)
| Option | Current cost (2022) | Upcoming change | Notable benefits |
|---|---|---|---|
| Donation – single applicant | Same as St. Lucia (≈ US $100,000) | No change announced | Visa‑free travel to more countries; zero personal and corporate tax |
| Family of four (discounted) | US $195,000 (price of a single applicant) | Price rises to normal family rate (≈ US $240,000) in mid‑Jan 2022, eliminating a US $45,000 saving | Same tax advantages; ability to reside in St. Lucia for travel if needed |
Why it matters – The family discount that allowed a four‑person household to pay the single‑applicant price expires in January 2022. Families must therefore budget for the higher standard fee.
Practical tip – Evaluate whether you need the broader visa‑free access of St. Kitts and Nevis versus the lower cost of St. Lucia. If you have crypto‑related income, the jurisdiction’s tax‑friendly regime may be a decisive factor.
Portugal Golden Visa (European RBI)
| Requirement | Current (pre‑2022) | New (2022) | Comments |
|---|---|---|---|
| Investment in approved funds | €350,000 | €500,000 | Minimum amount must be transferred before the residence application is filed. |
| Real‑estate option | Various thresholds, often €350,000 in low‑density areas | No change in amount, but location restrictions now exclude high‑demand zones such as central Lisbon, Porto, and popular coastal sites. | Investors must select properties outside the restricted zones, potentially affecting rental yield expectations. |
| Residency vs. citizenship | Residence granted after investment; citizenship only after standard naturalisation period (typically 5‑6 years) | Unchanged | The program does not grant immediate citizenship; it provides a pathway to EU residence with eventual eligibility for citizenship under the same rules as other residents. |
Why it matters – The €150,000 increase pushes the fund‑investment route into a higher price bracket, while the real‑estate route becomes less attractive in premium locations. Applicants must therefore plan both the investment and the timing of the application carefully.
Practical tip – Begin the banking, tax‑identification, and fund‑transfer steps by September 2022 to avoid delays. The overall processing time, with professional guidance, typically ranges from 3‑4 months.
Decision‑making considerations
- Travel needs – If extensive visa‑free access is a priority, St. Kitts and Nevis offers the widest list among the Caribbean options.
- Family size – Families should act before the mid‑January 2022 deadline to lock in the discounted St. Kitts and Nevis rate; otherwise the cost aligns with the standard family fee.
- Investment horizon – The St. Lucia bond yields modest returns and may be unattractive for investors seeking higher yields or crypto‑friendly environments.
- Tax environment – Both St. Kitts and Nevis and St. Lucia have zero personal and corporate tax, which can be advantageous for crypto or high‑net‑worth individuals.
- Liquidity and risk – The Portuguese fund investment is locked for a period but may generate returns, whereas Caribbean donations are non‑recoverable.
- Processing speed – Professional assistance can reduce Caribbean application times from a year to a few months; the Portuguese process is already streamlined but requires the investment to be in place before filing.
Bottom line
If you need a second passport or EU residence quickly, the window to secure the lower‑cost Caribbean options closes in January 2022, and the Portuguese investment threshold rises to €500,000 at the same time. Preparing documentation now and engaging experienced advisors are the most effective ways to avoid the impending price hikes and to select the program that best matches your travel, tax, and family requirements.
