Professional Wealth Management (PWM) magazine published by the Financial Times released the fourth edition of its CBI Index. This research covers all functional Citizenship by Investment (CBI) programmes across the globe and evaluates them according to nine parameters, or pillars.
The Government Approved CBIs of Dominica and St Kitts and Nevis topped the ranking this year (and it’s Dominica’s fourth win in a row). Dominica was praised for the seamless processing of applications, extended family provisions and impeccable due diligence. St Kitts and Nevis got its credit for speedy processing, the long successful track record of the programme and the family focus. For instance, you can now obtain citizenship of St Kitts and Nevis for a family of up to four members for the price of a single applicant – $150,000. This generous offer expires this year so act now before it’s too late.
Other Caribbean countries – Grenada, St Lucia, and Antigua and Barbuda – are also in the Top 5 of the 2020 CBI Index. They are followed by Vanuatu, Malta, Montenegro, Turkey, Bulgaria, Austria, Cambodia and Jordan.
This year, the Index encompassed two new pillars: ‘Family’ and ‘Certainty of Product’. Also, the ‘Freedom of Movement’ pillar was augmented to include settlement rights. ‘Family’ assesses the possibilities of adding extended family members to the application. ‘Certainty of product’ evaluates programmes’ longevity, popularity, stability, reputation and adaptability.
These changes are largely due to a paradigm shift in investment migration priorities. In the COVID-19 times, many HNWIs emphasize health, family safety and mobility over other factors.
The CBI Index by Professional Wealth Management is a unique independent report that rounds up all active Citizenship by Investment programmes. Launched in 2017 by James McKay, Founder of McKay Research, the Index provides an objective overview of the investor migration industry, and a source of reference for future migrants.
For further information about a CBI program or to discuss your personal circumstances in a private consultation, please contact your nearest Astons office.