One year ago, the number of South Africans willing to buy citizenship elsewhere was probably a lot higher. A Government of National Unity (GNU) has received a widely positive reception but its by no means perfect. The cost to keep the National Assembly in houses, cars and comfortable travel is anticipated to be roughly R1.2 billion annually.

Nevertheless, if all goes to plan, even a bloated GNU beats 332 days of load-shedding, failed state-owned enterprises and the crumbling service delivery of the ANC’s sixth administration, as witnessed in 2023. However, there are a few prickly thorns on the horizon, including the National Health Insurance (NHI) bill and increased taxes to fund ever-increasing social welfare like 2026’s proposed Basic Income Grant (BIG).

BUY CITIZENSHIP OVERSEAS

buy citizenship In 3 to 4 months you could be living here, on the pristine Caribbean island of St. Lucia. Image: St. Lucia Justice Department
So, for those who can afford it, where and how much does it cost to buy citizenship in a desirably foreign country? Business Tech reckons South Africa has been bleeding high-value citizens for a while now. The 2024 African Wealth Report, published by Henley & Partners, says as many as 400 wealthy individuals left the country last year and, crucially, took their millions with them. 37 400 high-net-worth individuals (HNWIs) resided in Mzansi at the end of 2023. This was down some 11 300 from the figure recorded one decade ago in, at the end of 2013.

buy citizenshipThere are plenty of countries that offer residency through investment. Image: File
Furthermore, Henley & Partners says those who wish to buy citizenship elsewhere – or engage in ‘residency by investment’ as it’s also known – have more choice than ever before thanks to these attractive programmes. According to Business Tech, the most cost-effective places to buy citizenship are as follows.

Anyone who watched the ICC T20 Men’s World Cup recently will no doubt recognise some of these Caribbean islands. Likewise, access to North Macedonia and Turkey, while more expensive, does open up a pathway to an all-important EU passport.

St. Lucia (3 to 4 months): Total investment – R1.8 million
Antigua and Barbuda (3 to 4 months): Total investment – R1.8 million
Dominica (3 months): Total investment – R1.8 million
St. Kitts and Nevis (4 months): Total investment – R4.6 million
North Macedonia (unknown): Total investment – R4 million

Turkey (3 to 5 months): Total investment – R7.3 million

WOULD YOU CONSIDER TAKING UP CITIZENSHIP OVERSEAS?

buy citizenshipWould you be willing to turn your back on the rainbow nation? Let us know below … image: File