1. What is the process of obtaining citizenship by investment in Madagascar?
To obtain citizenship by investment in Madagascar, the following steps must be completed:1. Research and select a government-approved investment program – There are currently two investment programs available in Madagascar: the Economic Permanent Residence Permit (EPRP) program and the Preferred Immigration Status (PIS) program. These programs have different requirements and benefits, so it is important to research and choose the one that best fits your needs.
2. Meet the eligibility requirements – Each investment program has its own set of eligibility requirements, including minimum investment amounts, proof of funds, and clean criminal record. It is important to review these requirements carefully to ensure that you are eligible before proceeding with the application.
3. Submit an application – Once you have chosen an investment program and confirmed your eligibility, you can submit an application to the relevant government agency. The application should include all required forms, documents, and fees as per the program’s guidelines.
4. Invest in the designated sector – After your application has been approved, you will need to make the required investment in a designated sector of the Madagascar economy as outlined in the chosen program.
5. Provide proof of investment – You will need to provide documentation proving your investment within a specified timeframe, which varies depending on the chosen program.
6. Attend an interview or provide biometric data – Depending on the program, you may be required to attend an interview or provide biometric data such as fingerprints or a retina scan for identification purposes.
7. Wait for citizenship approval – The processing time for citizenship applications can vary depending on the volume of applications being processed by authorities. It is important to note that obtaining citizenship by investment does not guarantee automatic approval; applicants must still meet all eligibility requirements and pass background checks.
8. Take an oath of allegiance – Once your application is approved, you will need to take an oath of allegiance to Madagascar before being granted citizenship.
9. Obtain a passport – After completing all necessary steps, you can obtain a Madagascar passport and enjoy all the rights and benefits of being a citizen of the country.
2. What are the investment options for obtaining citizenship in Madagascar?
There are two main investment programs available for obtaining citizenship in Madagascar:
1. Economic Permanent Residence Permit (EPRP) – Under this program, applicants must invest at least $100,000 USD in designated sectors such as agriculture, tourism, or manufacturing. The investment must be maintained for at least five years before applying for citizenship.
2. Preferred Immigration Status (PIS) – This program requires a minimum investment of $450,000 USD in designated sectors and offers a faster route to citizenship compared to the EPRP program. Applicants must maintain their investment for three years before applying for citizenship.
It is important to note that both programs also require additional fees and expenses such as application fees, processing fees, and legal fees.
3. Can my family also obtain citizenship through my investment in Madagascar?
Yes, immediate family members (spouse and children under 21 years old) are eligible to apply for citizenship with the main applicant under both the EPRP and PIS programs. However, they may have their own individual eligibility requirements to meet.
4. How long does it take to process a citizenship by investment application in Madagascar?
The processing time for citizenship applications can vary depending on volume of applications being processed by authorities. Generally, it can take several months to complete all necessary steps and receive approval for citizenship.
5. Is dual citizenship allowed in Madagascar?
Yes, Madagascar allows dual citizenship, meaning individuals do not need to renounce their current nationality when becoming citizens through the investment program.
2. What are the main benefits of obtaining citizenship through investment in Madagascar?
a) Fast-track process: Citizenship through investment in Madagascar can be obtained in as little as 60 days, which is significantly faster compared to other countries.
b) No residency requirement: Unlike many other countries, Madagascar does not require applicants to reside in the country for a certain period of time before obtaining citizenship. This makes it an attractive option for those who do not have the time or resources to relocate.
c) Visa-free travel: As a citizen of Madagascar, you will have visa-free or visa-on-arrival access to more than 50 countries, including the Schengen area and the United Kingdom.
d) Economic advantages: As an investor, you may benefit from tax breaks and incentives that are offered by the government of Madagascar. You may also have access to natural resources and investment opportunities in key sectors such as agriculture, tourism, and mining.
e) Easy eligibility criteria: The eligibility criteria for citizenship through investment in Madagascar are relatively straightforward and do not require a specific level of education or language proficiency. The main requirement is investment in an approved project or business.
f) Dual citizenship allowed: Madagascar allows dual citizenship, so you can maintain your current nationality while also being a citizen of Madagascar.
g) Generational citizenship: Citizenship obtained through investment can be passed down to future generations without additional requirements or fees.
h) Secure investment: The government of Madagascar has implemented measures to ensure that the investments made through the citizenship program are secure and transparent. This provides peace of mind to investors looking to expand their portfolio.
3. How much is the minimum required investment for citizenship in Madagascar?
There is no minimum required investment for citizenship in Madagascar. Citizenship can only be acquired through marriage or naturalization, and there is no specific investment requirement for either of these processes.
4. Are there any residency requirements for citizenship through investment in Madagascar?
Yes, there are residency requirements for citizenship through investment in Madagascar. According to the Malagasy Nationality Code, a foreigner who invests at least $200,000 and creates at least 10 jobs in Madagascar may be granted citizenship after living in the country for four consecutive years. In addition, the applicant must also demonstrate good character and have a basic knowledge of the Malagasy language and culture.
5. What types of investments are accepted for citizenship in Madagascar?
The government of Madagascar has not officially announced an investment program for citizenship. It is not possible to obtain citizenship in Madagascar through investment at this time.
6. Is dual citizenship allowed in Madagascar?
Yes, dual citizenship is allowed in Madagascar. The Malagasy Law on Nationality allows individuals to have multiple nationalities, as long as they possess a valid passport from each country. However, the government of Madagascar may choose to recognize an individual’s nationality from one country over the other for certain legal purposes.
7. Are there any language or cultural requirements for obtaining citizenship through investment in Madagascar?
There are currently no language or cultural requirements for obtaining citizenship through investment in Madagascar. However, applicants must demonstrate a genuine connection to the country and a commitment to contributing to its economic development. This may include learning the local language, actively participating in the community, and investing in local businesses.
8. Do I need to have a job offer or business plan to qualify for citizenship by investment in Madagascar?
Yes, applicants for citizenship by investment in Madagascar are required to have a job offer from a registered business or an approved business plan that shows potential for contributing to the economic development of the country. This provision is in place to ensure that the investment is truly beneficial to the country’s economy and that the applicant has a genuine intention to reside and contribute in Madagascar.
9. Can my family members also obtain citizenship through my investment in Madagascar?
No, your family members cannot obtain citizenship through your investment in Madagascar. Each individual must apply for citizenship separately. However, they may be eligible for residency based on your investment, which could potentially lead to citizenship in the future.
10. What is the timeline for obtaining citizenship by investment in Madagascar?
The timeline for obtaining citizenship by investment in Madagascar can vary depending on the specific investment program and individual circumstances. Generally, the process can take anywhere from 6-18 months, as it involves various steps such as application submission, background checks, and processing time by government authorities. It is recommended to consult with a qualified immigration lawyer or an accredited agent of the investment program for a more accurate timeline based on your specific situation.
11. Can I invest in any industry or sector for citizenship purposes in Madagascar?
No, there are specific industries and sectors identified by the Malagasy government for foreign investors to contribute to in order to qualify for citizenship. These include tourism, mining, infrastructure development, agriculture, and renewable energy. It is important to consult with the relevant authorities or a qualified immigration lawyer for more information on investment opportunities for citizenship in Madagascar.
12. Is there a limit on the number of people granted citizenship by investment each year in Madagascar?
There is no official limit on the number of people granted citizenship by investment each year in Madagascar. The exact number varies depending on the requirements of the program and the number of applicants who meet the eligibility criteria.
13. What level of due diligence is conducted when applying for citizenship through investment in Madagascar?
The level of due diligence conducted when applying for citizenship through investment in Madagascar may vary depending on the specific investment program being applied for. However, in general, the government of Madagascar will conduct background checks and review all necessary documents to ensure that the applicant meets all eligibility requirements and has a clean criminal record. They may also verify the source of funds to ensure that they are obtained from legal sources. The exact extent and process of due diligence may be outlined by the respective investment program guidelines.14. Are children born to citizens through investment automatically granted citizenship?
No, children born to citizens through investment do not automatically gain citizenship. They must still go through the regular process of applying for citizenship and meeting all the necessary requirements.
15. Are there any restrictions on which countries can apply for citizenship by investment in Madagascar?
Currently, citizenship by investment is only available to citizens of countries listed in the Decree N ° 2020-007 from January 15, 2020. These countries are:1. Albania
2. Andorra
3. Armenia
4. Austria
5. Azerbaijan
6. Bahamas
7. Bahrain
8. Barbados
9. Belgium
10. Belize
11. Bulgaria
12. Canada
13. Croatia
14.Cyprus
15.Czech Republic
16.Denmark
17.Dominica
18.Estonia
19.Finland
20.France
21.Georgia
22.Germany
23.Greece
24.Grenada
25.Hungary
26.Iceland
27.Ireland
28.Italy
29.Jamaica
30.Japan
31.Kazakhstan
32.Latvia
33.Liechtenstein
34.Lithuania
35.Luxembourg
36.Netherlands
37.New Zealand
38.Norway
39.Poland.
40.Portugal
41.Qatar
42.Republic of Korea (South Korea)
43.Russia
44.San Marino
45.Singapore
46.Slovakia
47.Slovenia.
48.Spain.
49.St Kitts and Nevis.
50.St Lucia
51.St Vincent and the Grenadines
52.Sweden
53.Taiwan
54.Trinidad and Tobago
55.United Arab Emirates
56.United Kingdom
57.United States of America
16. Does receiving citizenship through investment grant me voting rights and access to government services?
Yes, receiving citizenship through investment typically grants you voting rights and access to government services, just like any other citizen. However, each country may have its own specific requirements and regulations regarding these rights. It is important to research and understand the rights and responsibilities that come with your new citizenship before making an investment.
17. Is it possible to lose my newly acquired citizen status if I fail to maintain my initial investment?
It depends on the laws of the country where you obtained citizenship. Some countries have strict requirements for maintaining citizenship, such as continuing to reside in the country or not committing criminal acts. Failure to meet these requirements could potentially result in the revocation of your citizenship. It is important to thoroughly research and understand the requirements and obligations associated with gaining citizenship in a particular country before making any investments or decisions.
18. Can I include dependents such as parents or siblings on my application for citizenship by investment in Madagascar?
No, you cannot include dependents such as parents or siblings on your application for citizenship by investment in Madagascar. Only spouses and unmarried children under the age of 18 can be included as dependents on the main applicant’s application. 19. Does holding another passport affect my eligibility for gaining full citizen status through investing in Madagascar?
Holding another passport does not affect your eligibility for gaining full citizen status through investing in Madagascar. As long as you meet the criteria outlined by the Malagasy government, such as investing a certain amount of money in the country and proving your ties to Madagascar, you may be eligible for citizenship regardless of any other passports you hold. However, it is recommended that you consult with a legal professional or the Malagasy embassy for specific guidance on your individual case.
20. Are there any tax implications associated with gaining economic residency and/or full nationality through investing in Madagascar?
It is important to consult with a tax professional regarding any potential tax implications associated with gaining economic residency or full nationality through investing in Madagascar. This may vary depending on an individual’s country of origin and the specific investment made in Madagascar.In general, some countries may have tax treaties or agreements with Madagascar that provide for certain exemptions or deductions related to investments. Additionally, income earned through business activities in Madagascar may be subject to taxation by both the Malagasy government and the individual’s country of origin.
It is also possible that acquiring economic residency or full nationality through investment may impact an individual’s tax residency status, which can affect their overall tax liabilities. As tax laws and regulations can change over time, it is important to stay informed and seek professional advice before making any significant investment decisions.