The debate between permanent residency vs citizenship is longstanding, with many people struggling to determine which is better. With an increasing number of people seeking the benefits and security that a second citizenship can offer, it’s no surprise that Citizenship by Investment (CBI) Programmes have seen a rise in popularity. However, contrary to popular opinion, citizenship is not always unequivocally better than permanent residency. In fact, there are several situations where opting for permanent residency might be more advantageous than obtaining citizenship.
Most people are under the impression that low-cost citizenship in a more established country is superior to a permanent residency even though they cost roughly the same. This assumption is far from accurate, much like a Rolls Royce limousine is not better than a Ferrari sports car. It ultimately depends on how you intend to use it.
Let’s delve into the comparison of permanent residency vs citizenship to determine which might be the better choice for your specific circumstances.
When are Dominica and St Kitts and Nevis Passports an excellent choice?
Ever since St Kitts and Nevis issued their Citizenship by Investment Programme, the Caribbean countries have become synonymous with second passports. There is no doubt that in the realm of travel documents, the Caribbean programmes provide great value in the form of second passports.
If the ultimate intention is to travel to more countries, several programmes can fulfil this need:
- Dominica Citizenship by Investment
- Antigua & Barbuda Citizenship by Investment
- St Kitts and Nevis Citizenship by Investment
Notably, this Caribbean Citizenship by Investment Programmes only grant the right to visit. Essentially, you cannot stay indefinitely in any country. While, in theory, one is free to live in an exotic Caribbean country permanently, very few people are likely to do so.
If you need to stay in one of the 26 Schengen Area countries for more than 90 days within any six-month period, a Schengen visa alone will not suffice. This restriction applies across the entire Schengen Area, meaning you cannot simply travel between borderless countries like Germany, France, Italy, and Malta without eventually leaving the Schengen Zone.
This limitation highlights a key difference between established Permanent Residency Programmes and entry-level Citizenship by Investment Programmes. Permanent residency offers a more enduring solution, allowing for longer stays and greater flexibility compared to the short-term access provided by a Schengen visa.
When is Permanent Residency superior to Caribbean Passports?
If you choose to pursue a Permanent Residency Programme, such as those offered by the UK or Malta, you gain the right to reside in that country year-round. This status provides access to all the benefits associated with permanent living, including long-term stability and integration into the local community.
Moreover, if you select a country that is part of the Schengen Agreement, you will also be granted the right to travel to:
FREEDOM TO TRAVEL | |||||
Austria | Iceland | Poland | |||
Belgium | Italy | Portugal | |||
Czech Republic | Latvia | San Marino | |||
Denmark | Liechtenstein | Slovakia | |||
Estonia | Lithuania | Slovenia | |||
Finland | Luxembourg | Spain | |||
France | Malta | Sweden | |||
Germany | Monaco | Switzerland | |||
Greece | Netherlands | Vatican City | |||
Hungary | Norway |
As a result, a permanent residency programme can potentially grant unique benefits that do not apply to particular CBI Programmes. It also allows for freedom of travel in many European countries, replicating the benefits of a second passport.
Furthermore, after five years of continuous presence in Malta, you gain the right to long-term residence in the following 25 countries:
LONG-TERM RESIDENCY | |||||
Austria | Germany | Poland | |||
Belgium | Greece | Portugal | |||
Bulgaria | Hungary | Romania | |||
Croatia | Italy | Slovakia | |||
Republic of Cyprus | Latvia | Slovenia | |||
Czech Republic | Lithuania | Spain | |||
Estonia | Luxembourg | Sweden | |||
Finland | Malta | ||||
France | Netherlands |
Conclusion on Permanent Residency vs Citizenship
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