The quickest and most painless way for visa-free entry to the EU is to apply for a second passport from Cyprus and from countries in the Caribbean. Nationalities from these countries enjoy visa-free access to the EU.

WHY SHOULD FREQUENT TRAVELLERS GET A SECOND PASSPORT?

I can think of two compelling reasons to avail of such flexibility.

GLOBAL MOBILITY

A second passport can grant visa-free access to up to 180 countries including Canada, New Zealand, United Kingdom, and the European Union (EU) and Schengen Zone.

No more waiting in line and money spent on visas and fixers. This will give applicants and their families a lifetime of traveling with ease.

HEALTHCARE & EDUCATION

Applicants and their families will be considered full citizens, eligible for all the benefits of that country. Passport holders of Cyprus or Malta, for example, can live and work in all other EU countries.

The second passport can also be extended to qualifying dependents such as children, parents, and spouse. In some countries, this can even extend to siblings.

Future generations can also be covered by the second passport. Children born after nationality was granted can also qualify for citizenship in certain countries.

IS THERE AN EASY ROUTE TO A SECOND PASSPORT? 

The fastest and most convenient way to secure a second passport is through the investment immigration programs. Less than 10 countries currently offer citizenship programs and the concept remains the same although the process varies slightly per country.

Basically, the applicant donates or invests into designated businesses, funds, real estate properties, or projects in exchange for a full citizenship. This full citizenship can extend to the family as well. The investment usually needs to remain into the country for a specific number of years; then the investment can be withdrawn but the citizenship is kept.  

In contrast, the traditional immigration route for the United States and Canada is often a long and time-consuming process. Applicants are also required to spend a significant amount of time there.

WHAT ARE THE EASIEST COUNTRIES TO ACQUIRE CITIZENSHIP FROM? 

St. Kitts & Nevis, as well as Dominica are Commonwealth countries with low taxes. They also have strong passports that grant access to the EU, and they have relatively quick processing periods. Both have well-run programs.

On the other hand, the most valued country would be Cyprus since EU passport holders have the right to live, settle, study, work and do business anywhere in the EU. This has added significance for businesspersons since they can now conduct business within the EU even without the need of a local partner. 

There are several attractive options and we recommend specific countries based on the exact needs and interests of our clients.

HOW CAN THE HARVEY LAW GROUP HELP TRAVELERS ACQUIRE THIS SECOND PASSPORT?

Each country has its own set of designated investment streams recognized under their citizenship-by-investment program. However, investors cannot apply by themselves. They must hire a registered and recognized agent, consultant, or law firm.

Our firm is duly registered and recognized by each governing body. So we can facilitate the application hassle-free from A to Z. We assist from our first meeting with the client to the receipt of the Certificate of Naturalization and the passports on their behalf.

All the processing, documentation gathering, certifications and even the fingerprints can be done in our office. The entire process is private, confidential, and done by qualified professionals.

The Harvey Law Group  (HLG) was founded by Jean-Francois Harvey in 1992. Headquartered in Hong Kong, the firm now has over 20 offices worldwide. It has proven expertise on residency, permanent residency, and citizenship by investment.

Considered a pioneer in the industry, it has advised countless individuals and families on acquiring a second passport. It has also counselled foreign governments on their immigration laws and regulations. 

HLG team ensures professional legal representation, thus providing extra security for clients. The team also offers corporate services and cross-border transactions to entrepreneurs and corporations looking to expand overseas.

The post Visa-free access to the EU and the United States appeared first on TRAVELIFE Magazine.

WHY SHOULD TRAVELERS CONSIDER A SECOND PASSPORT AS THEIR “PLAN B”?

A second passport is a great mobility perk. But it’s important to note the differences between a passport from an EU country and a passport from a Caribbean country.

A passport from any of the Caribbean countries grants rights to relocate within another CARICOM country. Although it also grants travel access within the EU, you cannot relocate there. Most applicants look at a Caribbean passport from mobility and tax perspectives.

On the other hand, an EU passport will grant rights to relocate within any other EU country, along with travel to a wider range of destinations. So most applicants considering an EU passport may opt to relocate their family to ensure the future of their legacy.

WHAT SHOULD APPLICANTS CONSIDER WHEN CHOOSING A LAW FIRM?

Professionalism: An international lawyer goes through a training process and understands the economics behind having a second passport. This includes visa-free agreements, tax implications, education and social benefits of the domiciled, and legacy planning in accordance with inheritance rules.

Liability: While not all fly-by agents or consultants are scammers, their professional liability can be limited and applicants might not be properly covered in case of a fallout in the application process.

Interest: A law firm should act in the interest of their clients, not their own. As much as I would prefer recommending Cyprus to all my clients, I must take into consideration their needs; this includes budget, family members, traveling habits, and tax exposure. 

ABOUT HARVEY LAW GROUP

Harvey Law Group (HLG) was founded by Jean-Francois Harvey in 1992. Headquartered in Hong Kong, the firm now has over 20 offices worldwide. It has a proven expertise on residency, permanent residency, and citizenship by investment. Considered a pioneer in the industry, it has advised countless individuals, families and foreign governments on their immigration laws and regulations.

The Harvey Law Group team ensures professional legal representation, thus providing extra security for clients. The team also offers corporate services and cross-border transactions to entrepreneurs and corporations looking to expand overseas.

Click here to contact Samuel Harvey

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