Official citizenship-by-investment programs operate around the world, but do you need to visit the program's founding country to apply? In fact, documents are submitted through licensed agents, such as APEX Capital Partners. So, are in-person meetings required to apply for investment citizenship or residency? We're often asked this question.
In fact, 80% of our clients receive consultations, choose a citizenship program, and prepare their application documents completely remotely with APEX.
Case study
For example, an applicant for the Citizenship by Investment program is located in Hong Kong, Yerevan, Miami, Morocco, the Maldives, or San Francisco. Therefore, without traveling anywhere, the applicant can begin the process of obtaining neutral citizenship of São Tomé and Príncipe completely remotely through APEX.
Moreover, most documents under this program can be submitted electronically. There's no need to travel to submit biometric data. After passing the checks (which take about three months), you'll receive a naturalization certificate. You'll also receive a São Tomé passport and ID card delivered to your preferred address.
When does the investment program require physical presence?
Residence permit by investment
A visit to the country or its representative office is required as early as the biometrics submission stage. This is the rule for any investment-based residence permit application, such as a Greek residence permit, a Panama permanent residence permit, or a Cyprus permanent residence permit. However, you can begin the process, select a property, and prepare the documents remotely.
Citizenship by Investment: Vanuatu
New rules also require you to submit biometrics in person for a Vanuatu passport. This is true for countries like Dubai and Hong Kong. This Citizenship by Investment program has been around for a long time and offers the opportunity to obtain neutral citizenship in approximately six months.
Citizenship by Investment: St. Kitts
It's important to note that the process of replacing St. Kitts' passports with a new biometric format began in May 2026. APEX Capital Partners, the international company, is acting as the local agent for registering St. Kitts' citizens for the process. Currently, as of May 2026, the following locations are available: St. Kitts, Dubai, and Hong Kong. More will be available in June 2026. More delails >>
Meetings at the APEX Capital Partners office
We invite you to visit our offices in the Caribbean: Antigua, St. Kitts, St. Lucia, and Dominica. APEX also has a permanent office in Montenegro, where we provide full support for the purchase of premium real estate.
