CITIZENSHIP AND RESIDENCY BY INVESTMENT PROGRAMMES
See below a selection of countries offering residency and citizenship investment programmes.
Gambia
For affluent investors considering obtaining a second passport and citizenship, The Gambia might offer a less attractive option. The region confronts challenges like political uncertainties and civil unrest, potentially diminishing its appeal for those prioritizing stability and manoeuvrability.
THE GAMBIA CITIZENSHIP INVESTMENT
Presently, Gambia lacks a citizenship by investment (CBI) programme. Individuals can explore naturalization or descent routes, however, investors seeking a second citizenship through investment will need to look further afield. Exploring alternatives CBI options, such as Turkey’s Citizenship by Investment Programme, is advisable for investors seeking a second passport with added benefits in safety and manoeuvrability.
THE GAMBIA RESIDENCY INVESTMENT
The Gambia currently does not provide a residency by investment programme. In contrast to countries that permit foreign individuals to secure residency through financial investments, Gambia’s existing immigration policies lack a formalized structure. Investors need look for alternative options elsewhere in the world.
Canada’s Start-Up Visa programme is of note, offering a structured pathway for second residency through strategic business investment. Likewise for commercial investment France offers several investor visas with one in particular aimed at business innovation and the Belgium Golden Visa may also be of interest for those looking to form a business in Europe. These routes tend to be attractive for active business entrepreneurs. Other more passive investment programmes are available in Europe such as Greece, Spain and Portugal.
THE GAMBIA PASSPORT STRENGTH AND RANKING
In La Vida’s Global Passport Ranking, The Gambia holds a lower position at 153. If the country were to introduce a second citizenship programme, foreign investors would gain visa-free entry to only 33% of countries, constituting 11.9% of global travel. Stronger passports exist through several other citizenship by investment (CBI) programmes. For example, Canada’s passport ranks 30th, offering better global travel freedom, and making it a preferable citizenship solution for high-net-worth individuals.
