1. What is the process of obtaining citizenship by investment in Estonia?

The process of obtaining citizenship by investment in Estonia includes the following steps:

1. Choose an immigration program: The first step is to choose the appropriate immigration program that best suits your needs and financial capabilities. Estonia offers two main programs for obtaining citizenship through investment – the Entrepreneur Visa Program and the Digital Nomad Visa Program.

2. Meet eligibility requirements: To apply for citizenship by investment, you must meet the eligibility requirements set by the Estonian government. This may include minimum age, net worth, business experience, etc.

3. Make the necessary investments: Once you have chosen the program and met the eligibility criteria, you will need to make the required investments as specified by the program. For example, under the Entrepreneur Visa Program, you will need to invest at least 65,000 EUR in an Estonian company or 16,000 EUR in a start-up company.

4. Prepare documents: You will need to gather all necessary documents such as proof of funds, business plan, CV/resume, police clearance certificates, etc., as per the requirements of your chosen program.

5. Apply for residency permit: Once your documents are ready and your investments have been made, you can apply for a residency permit in Estonia through your local embassy or consulate or directly with the Estonian Police and Border Guard Board (PBGB).

6.Apply for citizenship: After living in Estonia for at least five years under a residency permit and meeting all other criteria stated by your chosen program, you can apply for Estonian citizenship.

7. Attend interviews: As part of the application process,nal interviews with government officials may be conducted to assess your suitability for citizenship.

8. Take language and civic exams: Applicants above 15 years old are required to take a language proficiency test (Estonian or Russian) and pass a basic civic knowledge exam.

9.Receive approval and oath ceremony: If your application is approved by authorities,you will receive an invitation to attend a citizenship oath ceremony, where you will formally take the oath of allegiance to Estonia and will be granted citizenship.

10. Obtain Estonian passport: Once you have received your citizenship, you can apply for an Estonian passport, which allows visa-free travel to over 170 countries.

2. What are the main benefits of obtaining citizenship through investment in Estonia?

1. Fast track to citizenship: Through the Estonian Citizenship by Investment Program, investors can obtain Estonian citizenship within a short period of time (usually 2-3 months), compared to traditional naturalization processes which can take up to 8 years.

2. Visa-free travel: As an Estonian citizen, investors can enjoy visa-free or visa-on-arrival travel to over 165 countries and territories, including the Schengen Area, United Kingdom, and the United States.

3. Business opportunities: Estonia is known for its thriving business environment and has been consistently ranked as one of the best countries in Europe for ease of doing business. As a citizen, investors have access to a range of business opportunities and benefits, such as lower taxes and easier access to finance.

4. Quality of life: Estonia offers a high quality of life with excellent healthcare, education, and infrastructure. The country has also been recognized for its advanced technology sector and digital government services.

5. European Union citizenship: Obtaining Estonian citizenship through investment automatically grants investors EU citizenship, allowing them to live, work, study and retire in any other EU member state.

6. Generational citizenship: Citizenship obtained through investment is transferable to future generations, making it a valuable asset for families looking to secure their future.

7. No residency requirements: Unlike some other citizenship by investment programs, there is no requirement for investors to reside in Estonia before or after obtaining citizenship.

8. Low investment threshold: The minimum required investment for obtaining Estonian citizenship is relatively low at €250,000 compared to other European countries offering similar programs.

9. Stable political and economic environment: Estonia is known for its stability both politically and economically, providing investors with a secure environment for their investments.

10. Dual citizenship allowed: Estonia allows dual citizenship, so investors do not need to give up their current nationality when becoming an Estonian citizen.

3. How much is the minimum required investment for citizenship in Estonia?

The minimum required investment for citizenship in Estonia is 65,000 euros. This investment must be made in a business or company registered and operating in Estonia, and the investor must hold a significant share of ownership in the company.

4. Are there any residency requirements for citizenship through investment in Estonia?

Yes, there are residency requirements for citizenship through investment in Estonia. The applicant must reside in Estonia for at least 8 years before applying for citizenship. Additionally, the applicant must have a valid residence permit that allows for permanent residence in Estonia.

5. What types of investments are accepted for citizenship in Estonia?

The Estonian government currently offers two investment options for obtaining citizenship:

1. Investment in a business: This option requires a minimum investment of 65,000 euros in a new or existing business in Estonia. The business must be registered and operational for at least 3 years and create at least 5 full-time jobs for Estonian citizens.

2. Investment in securities: This option requires an investment of at least 115,000 euros in government bonds, municipal bonds or venture capital funds. The investment must be held for a period of at least 5 years.

Other types of investments, such as real estate or personal donations to the state budget, are not accepted for citizenship purposes in Estonia.

6. Is dual citizenship allowed in Estonia?

Yes, dual citizenship is allowed in Estonia. Estonian citizens can hold dual citizenship with other countries without any restrictions. However, if a non-Estonian citizen wants to acquire Estonian citizenship while retaining their current citizenship, they need permission from their home country before applying for Estonian citizenship.

7. Are there any language or cultural requirements for obtaining citizenship through investment in Estonia?

Yes, applicants for citizenship through investment in Estonia are required to have at least basic knowledge of the Estonian language. They must also demonstrate familiarity with Estonian culture and society as part of their application process. This may include providing evidence of having visited Estonia or participating in cultural events or activities related to Estonia.

8. Do I need to have a job offer or business plan to qualify for citizenship by investment in Estonia?

No, you do not need a job offer or business plan to qualify for citizenship by investment in Estonia. The main requirement is that you make a significant investment in the country, either through purchasing real estate, investing in a company, or making a capital contribution to the Estonian economy.

9. Can my family members also obtain citizenship through my investment in Estonia?

Yes, under certain circumstances your family members can also obtain citizenship through your investment in Estonia. According to the Estonian Citizenship Act, if you have been a resident of Estonia for at least three years and have made an investment of at least Euro 1,000,000, your spouse and minor children can apply for citizenship along with you. They must also have valid residence permits in Estonia and meet other eligibility criteria for naturalization.

10. What is the timeline for obtaining citizenship by investment in Estonia?

The estimated timeline for obtaining citizenship by investment in Estonia is 7-9 months. This includes the time it takes to gather all the necessary documents, submit the application, undergo background checks, and receive a decision from the Estonian government. However, processing times may vary depending on individual circumstances and can also be affected by any delays or backlogs in the processing system.

11. Can I invest in any industry or sector for citizenship purposes in Estonia?

You can invest in any industry or sector that supports the economic development and growth of Estonia. However, certain industries may be subject to additional regulations or restrictions for foreign investors, so it is important to research specific industries before making any investment.

12. Can I apply for citizenship through investment while living in Estonia on a tourist visa?
No, you must obtain a residence permit before applying for citizenship through investment. It is not possible to make an initial application for citizenship while on a tourist visa.

13. What is the processing time for an application for citizenship through investment in Estonia?
The processing time for an application for citizenship through investment in Estonia varies case by case. Generally, it takes around 2-3 months from the date of submission of all required documents and information.

12. Is there a limit on the number of people granted citizenship by investment each year in Estonia?

There is no set limit on the number of people granted citizenship by investment in Estonia each year. Applications are reviewed on a case-by-case basis and the decision to grant citizenship ultimately lies with the government.

13. What level of due diligence is conducted when applying for citizenship through investment in Estonia?

The level of due diligence conducted when applying for citizenship through investment in Estonia is quite extensive and rigorous. The Estonian government has strict policies and procedures in place to ensure that only individuals who meet the requirements and pass all necessary checks are granted citizenship.

Firstly, applicants must ensure they meet the basic eligibility requirements, such as having a clean criminal record, being of good character, and having sufficient funds to make the required investment. They must also fulfill specific criteria related to their proposed investment, such as investing in certain sectors of the economy or creating jobs for Estonian citizens.

Once these initial requirements are met, applicants will undergo various background checks and screenings. This may include verification of their identity, source of funds, and any previous business activities. The Estonian Police and Border Guard Board (PBGB) may also conduct interviews with the applicant and their family members to verify their intentions to reside in Estonia and become active members of society.

In addition, applicants must provide a detailed business plan outlining their investment project, budget projections, and expected impact on the local economy. This plan will be closely scrutinized by government officials to ensure it aligns with national development goals.

Overall, the due diligence process for citizenship through investment in Estonia is thorough and encompasses various aspects of an applicant’s personal background, financial situation, and proposed investment project. It is designed to safeguard the integrity of the country’s citizenship program while attracting high-quality investors who will contribute positively to Estonia’s social and economic development.

14. Are children born to citizens through investment automatically granted citizenship?

No, children born to citizens through investment are not automatically granted citizenship. They may be eligible for citizenship if they meet certain criteria, such as being recognized as the child of a citizen by law or obtaining citizenship through naturalization. However, simply being born to a citizen through investment does not guarantee automatic citizenship.

15. Are there any restrictions on which countries can apply for citizenship by investment in Estonia?

No, there are no restrictions on which countries can apply for citizenship by investment in Estonia. All foreign nationals who meet the criteria and have the financial means to invest in Estonia may apply for citizenship through the program.

16. Does receiving citizenship through investment grant me voting rights and access to government services?

In most cases, yes. Once you receive citizenship through investment, you will have the same rights and responsibilities as any other citizen of that country, including the right to vote in elections and access to government services.
However, it is important to note that some countries may have restrictions on voting rights for citizens who obtained their citizenship through investment. It is best to research the specific requirements and limitations for voting in your chosen country before applying for citizenship through investment. Additionally, certain government services may only be available to citizens who have resided in the country for a certain period of time or meet other eligibility criteria. Again, it is important to research these factors before making an investment for citizenship.

17. Is it possible to lose my newly acquired citizen status if I fail to maintain my initial investment?

Yes, if you fail to maintain your initial investment or meet any other requirements set by the country that granted you citizenship, it is possible for your citizenship status to be revoked. Each country has its own policies and criteria for maintaining citizenship status, so it is important to carefully research and adhere to these requirements to avoid losing your newly acquired citizenship.

18. Can I include dependents such as parents or siblings on my application for citizenship by investment in Estonia?

No, you cannot include dependents such as parents or siblings on your application for citizenship by investment in Estonia. Only spouses and children under the age of 18 can be included as dependents on your application. Each dependent will also need to meet the eligibility requirements and pay additional fees.

19. Does holding another passport affect my eligibility for gaining full citizen status through investing in Estonia?

No, holding another passport does not affect your eligibility for gaining full citizen status through investing in Estonia as long as you meet all the other eligibility requirements. You will still need to meet the minimum investment amount and pass all necessary background checks and interviews.

20. Are there any tax implications associated with gaining economic residency and/or full nationality through investing in Estonia?

Gaining economic residency and/or full nationality through investing in Estonia may have tax implications depending on your individual circumstances. It is recommended to consult with a tax advisor to understand the specific tax implications for your situation. Some potential tax considerations may include:
1. Investment Income: If you earn income from investments made in Estonia, this income may be subject to taxation in both Estonia and your home country. It is important to understand any applicable tax treaties between Estonia and your home country to avoid double taxation.
2. Tax Residency: Gaining economic residency or full nationality may make you a tax resident of Estonia, which could result in being subject to Estonian taxes on worldwide income. You may also need to declare your assets and pay wealth taxes.
3. Capital Gains Tax: If you sell your investment, you may be subject to capital gains tax in Estonia.
4. Inheritance/ Estate Taxes: The rules for inheritance and estate taxes vary by country, so it is important to understand if these taxes apply in your situation.
Again, it is recommended that you consult with a tax advisor to fully understand the tax implications of gaining economic residency and/or full nationality through investing in Estonia.