DO I OFFER FINANCING OPTION?

Since January, the journey with prospects for the Caribbean Citizenship by Investment program has been a rollercoaster. Recent price increases, along with the alarming rise of unlicensed companies and freelancers offering financing options (often marketed as discounted, special pricing, or walk-away costs), have contributed to significant activity in the market.

While all five Caribbean countries with Citizenship by Investment programs have similar pricing structures starting at USD 200,000 (plus government fees, processing, due diligence, and interview fees), potential applicants should focus on several critical factors. These include which country offers streamlined processes and faster approvals, which options are affordable for larger families wishing to include children, non-dependent siblings, and parents or grandparents, and which island’s passport will enhance their existing passport, provide tax benefits, and improve their lifestyle.

Yet, a recurring question I and many other citizenship advisors hear is, “Do we offer financing options?”

It’s an exciting time for both advisory firms offering services in Caribbean citizenship and potential applicants, given the shifting geopolitical landscape around us. I’m taking this opportunity to write an article in the hope of helping someone avoid losing their life savings and reputation.

Do I offer financing options? The answer is a definitive No. Will I lose potential clients? Possibly, yes... But am I the one truly losing? lets find find out together

WHAT IF I OBTAINED MY CITIZENSHIP BY INVESTMENT VIA FINANCE / DISCOUNTED RATES?

As per the official confirmation any individual obtaining citizenship through an offer that involved illegal or unethical practices, several consequences could arise:

• Revocation of Citizenship: Governments can revoke citizenship if it's determined that it was obtained through fraud or misrepresentation, in fact the Commonwealth of Dominica has taken a bold yet needed action by issuing a deprivation order, canceling the citizenships of 68 individuals who acquired their status through the country’s program for amounts below the officially permitted minimum, or who obtained their registration or certificate of naturalization through fraud, false representation, or the concealment of important facts.
• Legal Penalties: Individual applicants and advisory firms may face legal action if they knowingly participated in fraudulent activities.
• Future Immigration Issues: It could complicate future travel or immigration status, potentially leading to bans or difficulties in obtaining visas.
• Financial Loss: Clients will definitely lose their investment if the program is deemed illegitimate, leading to financial losses.
• Reputation Damage: Individual applicants and advisory firms may face personal and professional reputational harm if linked to fraudulent practices.

WHAT ARE CARIBBEAN GOVERNMENTS DOING??

Over the years Caribbean countries that are offering Citizenship by Investment programs have taken and implemented essential measures to uphold the credibility and integrity of their Citizenship by Investment programs, and some of those measures are:

• Earlier this year, a Memorandum of Understanding was signed by all five Caribbean nations offering these programs, with the primary goal of standardizing the programs and aligning the minimum investment thresholds to USD 200,000. Furthermore, this minimum amount will reflect the actual funds received and utilized for the application, as well as the total funds paid by the applicant from their account.
• Concerned authorities are frequently releasing public advisories to alert potential applicants about certain advisory firms or developments that misrepresent government-approved investment options. These firms may offer discounts, underpriced deals, special offers, financing options, or other misleading terms.
• Caribbean governments have taken legal action against multiple developers and consultants who misrepresent the process i.e revoking their licenses, blacklisting them and publishing on their official websites.

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HOW CAN I PROTECT MY SELF AS APPLICANT?

Self-proclaimed immigration consultants or fraudulent investment advisors often promote discounted or non-approved investment options to access Citizenship by Investment programs in Caribbean countries. Their motivations can stem from a desire for profit, targeting applicants who may not fully understand the legalities, especially those from politically unstable or conflict-affected regions.

These unethical yet enticing offers can trap many applicants in a web of misinformation, allowing these advisors to profit from high volumes of clients. As an applicant, it's crucial to take at least two key steps:?

• Ensure that the firm assisting you with your Residency and Citizenship by Investment is a licensed agent in the country where you're seeking services. Don't be misled by claims of being authorized through a chain of agents. Always ask for their license and verify their credentials on the official website of the relevant government’s Citizenship by Investment unit.?
• Visit the official website of the country where you are applying for the Citizenship by Investment program to verify the pricing. If the price you’re quoted is lower than what the government lists, always inquire about how this is possible and request a written response from their official email (you will be surprised to find that none will send you any email).

You can access the official websites through the links below:?

Antigua and Barbuda: https://cip.gov.ag/investment-options

Dominica: https://www.cbiu.gov.dm/investment-options/

Grenada: https://imagrenada.gd/citizenship-by-investment/#investment-options

St. Kitts and Nevis: https://ciu.gov.kn/#!/cbi

St. Lucia: https://www.cipsaintlucia.com/citizenship-by-investment

WHAT SHOULD WE DO AS CITIZENSHIP ADVISORS??

The first step we must take is to avoid endorsing non-approved or discounted offers and focus on educating our clients about how these options can breach legal or regulatory standards.

While some in sales may not appreciate this article of mine, the fact is that clients come to us for guidance, and we must prioritize their needs over our own. When clients fall for these offers, they risk wasting not only time and money—often their life savings—but also jeopardize their reputation if their citizenship or passports are revoked, along with potential legal repercussions.

Citizenship by Investment programs are designed so that investments, whether contributions or real estate purchases, contribute to the economic growth of the host country. This funding is essential for developing infrastructure, schools, and hospitals, ultimately improving the quality of life for citizens. Discounted offers hinder the flow of funds to governments, preventing them from supporting the country’s economic development.

Feel free to contact me if you'd like to learn more about government-approved Citizenship by Investment programs in the Caribbean and their official investment options. A candid discussion can help you avoid potential pitfalls that could jeopardize your finances and reputation.