When considering a second passport through investment, families often seek programs that provide comprehensive benefits for dependents. The best citizenship by investment (CBI) programs extend eligibility to spouses, children, parents, and even siblings, ensuring that the entire family can enjoy greater global mobility, security, and financial opportunities. Understanding which programs are the most family-friendly is key to making an informed decision.
What Makes a Citizenship by Investment Program Family-Friendly?
A truly family-friendly CBI program allows for a broad range of dependents to be included in the application while maintaining flexible age and dependency criteria. The top programs offer the following benefits:
- Inclusion of multiple generations, including parents, grandparents, and siblings.
- No or minimal age restrictions for dependent children.
- Favorable conditions for dependents with special needs.
- A streamlined application process for family members.
Top-Ranked CBI Programs for Families
According to the 2024 CBI Index, some programs stand out due to their accommodating policies for family members.
Antigua & Barbuda and Grenada – The Best for Families
Antigua & Barbuda and Grenada lead the rankings for family eligibility. These programs allow for a wide range of dependents, including parents, grandparents, and siblings of both the main applicant and their spouse. Antigua & Barbuda has recently enhanced its family inclusivity by increasing the dependent age limit from 18 to 30 years and removing age restrictions for physically or mentally incapacitated dependents. Alongside the main applicant, Grenadian citizenship can also be granted to the applicant’s spouse, children under 30, parents over 55, and siblings aged 18 and above. Fees vary based on the number of dependents in the CBI application.
Saint Lucia and Malta – Strong Runners-Up
Saint Lucia and Malta rank second, offering extensive family inclusion. Saint Lucia allows parents, children up to 30 years old, and siblings below 18, but does not permit the inclusion of grandparents. Malta, on the other hand, excludes the main applicant’s siblings from the application, which prevents it from earning a perfect family score.
Dominica – A Competitive Choice
Dominica follows in third place with an accommodating approach to dependents. However, recent policy changes require stricter documentation to prove financial dependency for children aged 18 and over, making it slightly less flexible than the top-ranked programs. Dominica’s CBI program allows applicants to include their spouses, children under 18, student children aged 18-30, unmarried dependent daughters under 25, and financially dependent parents over 65 in the application.
St. Kitts & Nevis – A Solid Option
St. Kitts & Nevis is ranked jointly with Vanuatu in fourth place, with a moderate level of family inclusivity. While it offers advantages for spouses and children, its restrictions on other family members make it slightly less appealing for those seeking a program that benefits multiple generations. In St. Kitts & Nevis CBI program, the main applicants can include their spouse, children under 18, full-time student children aged 18-25 who are financially dependent, children 18 or older with disabilities, and parents of the applicant or spouse who are 55 or older and financially supported by the main applicant.
Türkiye and Egypt – Moderate Flexibility
Türkiye and Egypt each score five points on the CBI Index. Türkiye allows spouses and children under 18 to be included, with older children only eligible under medical conditions. Egypt offers broader inclusivity for adult children but delays spousal citizenship for two years after the main applicant’s approval.
Jordan – Limited Family Inclusion
Jordan scored lower due to stringent dependency requirements, restricting eligibility primarily to immediate family members with stricter financial dependency criteria.
Key Considerations When Choosing a CBI Program for Families
When selecting a CBI program, families should evaluate factors beyond eligibility criteria, including:
- Cost of Including Dependents: Some programs charge additional fees for each dependent, which can significantly impact overall costs.
- Processing Times: Faster approvals may be preferable for families seeking urgent relocation or global mobility.
- Tax Implications: Understanding tax residency rules for family members is crucial to avoiding unexpected liabilities.
- Education and Healthcare Access: Some countries provide superior healthcare and educational opportunities for dependents, enhancing their long-term prospects.
Conclusion
For families seeking the best citizenship by investment program, Antigua & Barbuda and Grenada currently offer the most comprehensive family-friendly options. Saint Lucia, Malta, and Dominica also present strong alternatives, each with its unique strengths. Understanding the latest rankings and policy changes ensures that investors choose a program that aligns with their family’s needs, offering security, mobility, and a pathway to a better future.
Investing in a second passport is a strategic decision that extends beyond the main applicant—it’s about securing a legacy for generations to come. By choosing a program that prioritizes family inclusion, investors can maximize the benefits of citizenship and enjoy greater global opportunities.