A beginner’s guide to residency and citizenship by investment: becoming a global citizen

The ability to acquire a second residency or foreign citizenship was once considered the luxury of the ultra-wealthy, a symbol of global privilege and world-class mobility. Today, however, this is increasingly viewed as a practical necessity for families who value security, freedom, peace of mind, international education access, and long-term planning. In a world defined by unpredictability, geopolitical shifts, and fast-moving borders, the concept of having options beyond one’s homeland has evolved from indulgence to wise strategy and family legacy planning.

What are “Residency by Investment” and “Citizenship by Investment”?

Residency by Investment (RBI) offers a legal residence permit, sometimes temporary, sometimes leading to permanent residency, in return for capital investment into a country, typically into real estate or business development. Holders of an RBI often gain the right to live, study, work (or simply travel freely) in the host country.

Citizenship by Investment (CBI) goes a step further: instead of just residency, investors, subject to due diligence and stringent vetting, receive full citizenship and a passport. This can provide visa-free travel, the right to live, work, and vote, and, for many, a global “plan B.”

It’s not a new notion. Historically, the idea of granting citizenship for financial or material contributions dates back centuries. In its modern, formalised form, CBI took shape in the 1980s, when Saint Kitts and Nevis became the first nation in 1984 to offer a structured citizenship-by-investment program. 

What began as a way for a small island nation to attract foreign investment since evolved into a globally significant industry.

From 1984 to today: the rise of investment citizenship

After Saint Kitts and Nevis broke new ground in the 1980s, other Caribbean states quickly followed: Dominica, Grenada, and Antigua and Barbuda developed their own programs, each with varied requirements and investment thresholds. 

By the 2010s, the investor-immigration wave had spread to Europe. One of the most popular routes: Portugal Golden Visa, launched in October 2012. Under it, non-EU citizens who invested, whether via real estate, capital, or business, could obtain residency with the potential to ultimately gain EU citizenship. 

As of 2025, this wave has transformed into a global phenomenon: dozens of countries now offer residency or citizenship-by-investment programs, each tailored to different levels, from Greece and Italy to Caribbean islands and beyond. 

The South African story: how LIO global helped bring the vision home

Back in 2014, few in South Africa had heard of investor-immigration beyond the programs of Mauritius and Portugal. That year, LIO Global opened its Cape Town office and set out to change that narrative. The firm soon became one of the few local consultancies specialising in EU and international residency and citizenship by investment. 

At the time, the concept of acquiring a second residency or passport was relatively unfamiliar and often met with scepticism. Founder Nadia Read Thaele recalls how one of the most frequent early questions was, “Is this even legal?”, highlighting how new the industry was to local investors. Over the years, however, awareness and sophistication have grown significantly, and South Africans now engage with global options from a position of knowledge, comparison, and strategy.

Many families approached LIO Global seeking a “plan B”,  a safety net for uncertain times, or a way to unlock global travel for business, education, or retirement. Especially for parents interested in providing international education for their children, investor-residency became more than a luxury; it became strategic planning.

Today, the industry has matured dramatically. What was once a niche offering is now a mainstream consideration for globally minded South Africans: families weighing quality of life, education, mobility, and the stability of having a second home abroad.

Why South African families are looking abroad

For many South African families, the appeal of RBI/CBI goes beyond investment returns:

• Plan B & Stability: Having a foreign passport or residency as a fallback, in a world of political or economic uncertainty.
• Access to Global Education: A foreign residence or citizenship can unlock access to European or Caribbean schooling for children who may hope to study abroad.
• Mobility & Opportunity: Visa-free travel, ease of business, and access to global markets,  especially relevant for entrepreneurs, professionals, and globally connected families.

Popular programs for global citizens: Greece, Italy, and the Caribbean

If you’re considering starting your journey, here are some of the popular programs many investors look at:

• Greece Golden Visa, from EUR 250,000, an attractive residency-by-investment option, popular for access to the Schengen area and European lifestyle. 
• Italy Residency by Investment, from EUR 250,000, is ideal for those attracted to Italy’s rich culture, lifestyle, and access to the European Union. 
• Caribbean Citizenship by Investment programmes, such as those offered by Saint Kitts & Nevis, Antigua & Barbuda, or Grenada. These remain among the fastest and most cost-effective ways to obtain a second passport. 

Final thoughts:  is global citizenship right for you?

Residency and citizenship by investment aren’t about “buying a passport”; they are about buying freedom, opportunity, and choice. For South African families, especially, it can mean safeguarding your children’s education, ensuring global mobility, or simply building a resilient long-term future.

Whether you see it as a “plan B,” a launchpad for global ambition, or a lifestyle upgrade, global citizenship is about opening doors. And for many, the journey starts with a single investment.

If you're curious to explore your options, speak with a trusted advisor. Global mobility is more accessible than ever.

For information, contact: nadia@lio-global.com | www.lio-global.com 

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