Martin & Mir

Why You Need
Alternative Citizenship

Visa Restrictions

The date of an important business trip is approaching, and you find out that you need a visa. You have to fill out a long form (possibly listing every country you have visited over the past five, or even worse, 10 years). You may need to travel to a consulate or embassy for an interview. The visa may cost as much as your airline ticket and you may have to send your passport to the consulate or embassy and not receive it back for two or three weeks. You begin to question whether you really need to go on this trip, and you forget about bringing your family along as you would not want them to go through the same procedure as well.

Due to political circumstances, citizens of many countries find it difficult to travel abroad and are confronted with strict visa restrictions each time they want to enter a foreign country. On the other hand, nationals whose passports usually allow them easy access to most countries may still need to obtain a visa to travel to some countries, or can find it impossible to obtain visas due to temporary travel restrictions during trade sanctions and other geopolitical disturbances. They may also be significantly exposed to terrorist threats or other forms of hostility due to their nationality. Moreover, although you may well be granted the required visa, this is always a very tiresome procedure, during which the passport on which the visa is stamped is not available, and this can be a significant factor in delaying your travels.

The Benefits of a Second Passport

If for some reason you cannot get or renew a passport in your home country (e.g. political instability, civil war, etc.), the right to another passport can be very useful, even critical. Even if you simply lose your passport, it may take some time until you can get a replacement, and having another passport may be crucial. Or as in the example above, if you require a visa and have to send your passport to a foreign embassy or consulate for processing, you cannot travel overseas during that processing time – unless you have a second passport.

Tax Planning Aspects

There is a growing tendency for many countries to follow the lead of the United States in taxing even non-resident citizens. Citizenship may also be a factor in the tie-breaker rules of tax treaties. Some countries, like the Netherlands, tax their citizens if they pass away outside their home country, at least for a period of time following their change of residence.

It is important to point out however that the acquisition of alternative citizenship in itself does normally not alter one’s tax situation. In every case, you should consult with a specialized tax advisory regarding your individual situation.

Personal Security

Most importantly perhaps, citizenship and a passport, particularly from a small, peaceful country, can even save your life when travelling and in times of political unrest, civil war, terrorism or other delicate situations. For good reasons, many international business people and important persons who are active worldwide consider an alternative passport as the best life insurance money can buy.

Citizenship by Investment Options

Citizenship-by-Investment programs offer you the opportunity to legally acquire a new nationality and an alternative or second passport quickly and simply, without major disruption to your life.

Australia, Antigua and Barbuda, Bulgaria, Canada, Dominica, Greece, Grenada, Hungary, Portugal, United Kingdom, United States of America and St. Kitts and Nevis are the Citizenship by Investment programs which Martin & Mir considers sufficiently clear in law and processes, and having sufficient reputation and transparency, to be considered the top tier of Citizenship by Investment programs. 

Investment in the Future

In an unsettled, ever-changing world, acquiring a second citizenship is a wise decision and an investment for the future. Your citizenship of choice is for life, your spouse and children can be included, and there is often no need to give up your present nationality while you enjoy the benefits of a legal second passport. You should, however, check the laws of your current country of citizenship to ensure that you are in a position to legally acquire a second nationality.