Blog

Alexander Kosovsky, Senior Citizenship & Residency Advisor at Astons, visited the Citizenship Investment Unit (CIU) of São Tomé and Príncipe and met with its CEO, Alfredo Trindade. The CIU is legally structured as a public–private partnership, with its management center located in Dubai. This unit is responsible for implementing the new citizenship by investment program, […]

Astons clients are among the first successful applicants to receive Sao Tome and Principe passports under the country’s Citizenship by Investment Program. However, completed cases remain limited at this stage. The passports of our first investors have already arrived at Astons’ Dubai office and will shortly be delivered to their owners. The physical issuance of […]

The Republic of Nauru has officially changed its name to the Republic of Naoero. Naoero (pronounced “now-eh-ro”) is the island’s historic name, still used by local residents in their native language. The decision to restore it reflects the country’s commitment to preserving its cultural heritage, language and national identity. The name Naoero already appears on […]

Antigua and Barbuda has approved sweeping amendments to its Citizenship by Investment Programme (CIP), introducing stricter governance, mandatory independent audits and a longer physical presence requirement for new citizens. The reforms align the country’s legislation with the upcoming Eastern Caribbean Citizenship by Investment Regulatory Authority (ECCIRA), which is expected to begin operations in September 2026. […]

The European Commission has issued a positive technical assessment of Cyprus’ readiness to join the Schengen Area. According to the 60-page report, the country has fulfilled all the necessary requirements and there are no longer any technical obstacles to accession. The process now moves entirely into the political stage, with the final decision requiring unanimous […]

On July 10, the US Department of Homeland Security (DHS) and the Caribbean Community Implementation Agency for Crime and Security (CARICOM IMPACS) signed a memorandum of cooperation establishing a framework for biometric information sharing. The agreement creates the foundation for exchanging biometric data between the United States and CARICOM member states that operate Citizenship by […]

The leaders of five Caribbean countries operating Citizenship by Investment (CBI) programs have agreed on a joint response to the European Union’s proposal to phase out such schemes. The decision was reached during a high-level meeting held in Dominica on 10 July. Caribbean Governments Present a Unified Position The meeting brought together the prime ministers […]

Over the past few months, we have received many questions from clients about the processing timelines for the São Tomé and Príncipe Citizenship by Investment Program. The program’s Citizenship by Investment Unit (CIU) has now issued its first official memorandum to licensed agents, providing an update on the current processing situation. The key takeaway is […]

The European Union may reconsider visa-free access for several Caribbean countries that operate Citizenship by Investment (CBI) programs. According to regional authorities, the European Commission has sent official letters to the governments of Antigua and Barbuda, St Kitts and Nevis, Dominica, Grenada, and Saint Lucia, requesting that they gradually phase out their Citizenship by Investment […]

Argentina may become one of the largest countries in the world to introduce a citizenship by investment (CBI) program. According to a recent report by the Financial Times, the government of President Javier Milei is currently developing a potential investment citizenship scheme aimed at attracting foreign capital and supporting the country’s public finances. Although the […]

On June 26, Astons hosted an exclusive event at the Parklane Hotel in Limassol dedicated to the Greek Golden Visa through real estate investment, as well as alternative residency and citizenship solutions for internationally minded families. During the event, our immigration expert and Director of Astons’ Dubai office, Igor Nemtsov, addressed key questions relevant to […]