Articles | Expat Money®

Central African Republic Launches Citizenship By Investment For $60,000

Written by Mikkel Thorup | August 30, 2022

The Central African Republic is the first country to allow citizenship by direct investment in crypto. This decision by President Faustin-Archange Touadera could change the direction of crypto all over the globe and even revolutionize the residency and citizenship processes. This news has created its fair share of skepticism, but have you ever seen any breaking news that doesn’t?

As mentioned above, this is all new, so there will likely be changes in the future. I will update this article as more is announced on this citizenship program and the use of crypto as a recognized coin in the country’s economy.

The Central African Republic (CAR) has recently launched a citizenship by investment program, offering people the opportunity to obtain citizenship by making a $60,000 USD investment. This initiative aims to attract individuals who are looking to save, move, or seek new opportunities in the country. The program provides a pathway for those interested in becoming citizens of CAR, offering benefits such as visa-free travel to several countries and access to a growing economy.

The launch of the investment program in CAR has sparked various stories and experiences from those who have already taken advantage of this opportunity. These individuals share their journeys, highlighting the efforts they made and the positive outcomes they achieved through their participation in the program. These stories serve as inspiration and provide valuable insight for potential investors considering this avenue.

 

The Central African Republic is the first country to allow citizenship by direct investment in crypto

Cryptocurrency in the Central African Republic

Following a unanimous parliamentary vote, the President of the Central African Republic, Faustin-Archange Touadera, signed a bill legalizing cryptocurrencies and made Bitcoin a recognized currency in the country. The President's Chief of Staff, Obed Namsio, said the action marks a significant milestone for the nation's economic recovery. In a statement, he said, "With this historic decision, the Economic Recovery and Peace Consolidation Plan enters a new era, and the Executive demonstrates consistency in applying the agenda of achieving strong and inclusive growth for the benefit of development and economic performance, generating prosperity for our citizens." The landlocked African nation claims that in addition to recognizing Bitcoin as a legal tender, it is also advancing its ambitions for widespread cryptocurrency adoption.

As the second country in the world to do so after El Salvador, the Central African Republic is the first African country to accept Bitcoin as legal tender. Like El Salvador, the Central African Republic doesn't have a native currency. It utilizes the CFA franc, which is backed by France, much like El Salvador, which uses the US dollars. The Central African Republic's official cryptocurrency, Sango Coin, is now available for purchase on the Sango Investment Platform. This occurred shortly after the Investment Platform allowed users to deposit various cryptocurrencies, including Bitcoin, Ethereum, and Binance Coin, for investment. The project's creators claim that SANGO is the token created on the Sango blockchain, which sits at the hub of the whole ecosystem.

 

The Sango Blockchain is being developed on top of Bitcoin

All contacts with the State or the blockchain are conducted through SANGO, which symbolizes the connection with the Central African Republic State. Sango is a versatile resource that may be utilized for ownership, value transfer, and governance. The Sango Coins, including Bitcoin and Ethereum, will require a $500 minimum investment requirement from investors.

The Sango blockchain, a Layer-2 solution akin to the "Liquid Network" with built-in operability, is stated to be a sidechain and supports the cryptocurrency, which is backed by Bitcoin reserves. The Sango Blockchain is being developed on top of Bitcoin, augmenting it with the capabilities of smart contracts, quick transactions, and a privacy layer. The Sango project chose to utilize a sidechain rather than the Bitcoin blockchain because it could not handle the volume of transactions from millions of users.

Locking SANGO coin will provide the following features listed by the Central African Republic for SANGO holders;

  • Citizenship
  • E-Residency
  • Land Property

CITIZENSHIP BY INVESTMENT

The citizenship by investment initiative in CAR offers an attractive investment program. Participants have the option to invest in various sectors, such as real estate, infrastructure development, or agricultural projects. Additionally, the program allows for crypto investments, including Bitcoin. This inclusion of crypto investments demonstrates CAR's openness to innovative financial instruments and its recognition of the growing significance of cryptocurrencies in global markets.

By engaging in the citizenship by investment program, individuals can not only secure their citizenship but also contribute to the growth and development of the Central African Republic. The investment made through this initiative has the potential to support infrastructure projects, create job opportunities, and stimulate economic growth in the country. It is a mutually beneficial arrangement where investors can enjoy the benefits of their investment while making a positive impact on the local economy.

So far, the following is all that is currently available on the Central African Republic’s citizenship by investment program.

A collateral of SANGO Coins in the amount of $60,000 can be locked for a period of five years in order to gain citizenship in the Central African Republic. The SANGO Coins are refunded to the owner at the conclusion of the time period.

Advantages:

  1. The first cryptocurrency with citizenship by investment
  2. Passport issued by the Central African Republic
  3. A network with no income tax for cryptocurrencies
  4. Access to a future global network of services in key sectors, including healthcare, insurance, and Fintech, is available through the Sango App from any location in the world.

Related content: Malta Citizenship By Investment Citizenship By Investment.

 

E-Residency

The Central African Republic's e-residency can be obtained by locking a predetermined collateral of SANGO Coins in the amount of $6,000 for three years. The SANGO Coins are refunded to the owner at the conclusion of the time period.

Advantages:

  1. The first cryptocurrency with an e-residency program
  2. Passport issued by the Central African Republic
  3. Online business registration in the Central African Republic
  4. Remote in-app asset management for both businesses and private users via Sango App
  5. Supports digital nomads and business owners
  6. Saves time and money by reducing bureaucracy and paperwork.

 

The citizenship by investment initiative in CAR offers an attractive investment program

Land Property

The Central African Republic government, the largest landowner in the nation, is attempting to decentralize land ownership through SANGO. You may secure a land plot by securing a collateral of SANGO Coins in the amount of $10,000 for ten years. The SANGO Coins are refunded to the owner at the conclusion of the time period.

Advantages:

  1. Possess the very first plot of actual land that is 1:1 represented in the Metaverse.
  2. The residential Crypto City district, a division of Bangui's capital city, is where each plot, which has a total area of 250 square meters, is located.
  3. A region with tremendous growth potential and an ideal environment and climate
  4. Supports investors, real estate developers, and business owners
  5. Virtualized resources control via the Sango App in the Sango Metaverse

 

ACQUIRING CITIZENSHIP IN THE CENTRAL AFRICAN REPUBLIC

The Central African Republic's Constitution, as modified, the Nationality Code, as amended, and several international agreements to which the nation is a party govern the nationality laws in the region. These laws specify who is a citizen of the Central African Republic and who is not. Different from the domestic connection of rights and duties between a national and the nation, known as citizenship, it is the legal process to gain nationality, which is official legal membership in a country. According to the jus sanguinis principle, Central African nationality is usually acquired by birth in the Central African Republic or abroad to parents who are Central African citizens. It can be awarded to individuals who have ties to the country or to a permanent resident who has naturalized after being there for a specified amount of time.

 

The Central African Republic recognizes dual citizenship

REQUIREMENTS FOR CITIZENSHIP IN THE CENTRAL AFRICAN REPUBLIC

In the Central African Republic, citizenship can be obtained at birth or by naturalization thereafter.

BY BIRTH

The following individuals benefit from nationality at birth:

  1. Children born anywhere who have at least one native-born Central African as their parent
  2. Regardless of their parents' nationality, children born in the Central African Republic who are at least twelve years old and under the age of majority
  3. Children who were found abandoned or orphaned but whose parents are unknown

BY NATURALIZATION

To be eligible for naturalization, a person must have lived in the country long enough to demonstrate that they are familiar with the culture and traditions. Candidates must have lived in the country for 35 years, have invested in real estate or agriculture, and meet other general requirements. The research into residence is required to show that the applicant has resided consistently in the Central African Republic for five years before applying for citizenship. Evidence from the applicants' present passport and residency permit, a medical certification, confirmation of their criminal background, and documentation showing that they have made an investment in real estate are all necessary. A naturalization application costs 5 million XAF (€7,622.45 or $9,021.62) in administrative fees as of 2012.

A presidential order is used to nationalize a candidate when an inquiry has been completed.

The following individuals may get naturalized in addition to foreigners who satisfy the requirements:

  1. Upon marriage, a woman, a citizen of Central Africa, automatically acquires her husband's citizenship.
  2. After two years of residency, the husband of a Central African national may naturalize
  3. After two years of residency, anyone born in the Central African Republic who did not gain citizenship before reaching the age of majority can naturalize.
  4. When a father or husband gains citizenship, his or her children and wife can also become citizens without waiting a certain amount of time.
  5. Upon completion of a legitimizing adoption, children who are legitimized by a father automatically acquire citizenship.
  6. When they reach adulthood, adoptees with Central African parents have the option of obtaining citizenship there and naturalizing without demonstrating residency; alternatively
  7. Without proving residency, a foreigner who has made remarkable contributions to the arts, sciences, or business can become a naturalized citizen.

 

This citizenship by investment program provides individuals with new opportunities and contributes to the development and progress of the Central African Republic.

The Economy of the Central African Republic

In the Central African Republic, where 60% of the population lives in rural regions, subsistence agriculture, forestry, and mining continue to be the economic backbone. Although accurate figures are difficult to find in a nation with frequent conflicts, agriculture is believed to contribute more than half of the GDP. The most profitable exports are timber and diamonds, with cotton coming in second.

 

The Special Economic Zone

The Special Economic Zone was developed by Centrafricaine de Développement et d'Investissement (CDI), a subsidiary of IAS International, with a $779 million investment. The economic zone, known as Cite Lumiere, is situated near Bangui, the capital of the Central African Republic, on an island in the Oubangui River. The project was completed in 2016. It consists of businesses, residential zones, and hotels.

IAS International holds investments in the Central African Republic, including stakes in oil and gas exploration projects within the country. In partnership with China’s Poly Technologies, IAS International was awarded an exploration license covering 21,210 square kilometres in the northeast of the Central African Republic, near the borders with Chad and Sudan.

 

DUAL CITIZENSHIP:

The Central African Republic recognizes dual citizenship, allowing individuals to hold citizenship in both their country of origin and the Central African Republic. This provides numerous benefits for those seeking to invest or do business in the country, as they can maintain their original citizenship while also enjoying the advantages of being a citizen of the Central African Republic. Dual citizenship also allows for easier travel and access to services in both countries, making it a valuable asset for individuals with international connections and interests. The recognition of dual citizenship is a testament to the country's commitment to promoting global cooperation and collaboration, and its willingness to embrace diverse cultures and perspectives.

 

LOSS OF CITIZENSHIP:

VOLUNTARY: Voluntary renunciation of Central African Republic citizenship is permitted by law. However, individuals who decide to renounce their citizenship must follow a formal process and meet certain requirements. They must provide a written statement that they wish to renounce their citizenship, and they must have another nationality or be able to acquire one immediately after renouncing their Central African Republic citizenship. Additionally, individuals must be at least 18 years old and must not owe any outstanding debts or obligations to the Central African Republic government. Once the renunciation process is complete, individuals will no longer be considered citizens of the Central African Republic and will lose all associated rights and privileges. It is important to carefully consider the decision to renounce citizenship and to seek legal advice before proceeding with the process.

INVOLUNTARY: In addition to voluntary renunciation, there are also involuntary grounds for losing naturalized Central African Republic citizenship. One such ground is if citizenship was obtained through fraud or false statements. This emphasizes the importance of honesty and integrity when applying for citizenship. Additionally, committing severe crimes after obtaining citizenship can lead to involuntary loss of citizenship. This underscores the responsibility that comes with being a citizen and the need to uphold the laws and values of the country. Finally, acts of disloyalty to the government can also result in the loss of citizenship. This highlights the importance of commitment to the nation and its people. Overall, it is essential to understand and adhere to the laws and regulations of the Central African Republic to maintain citizenship.

 

Conclusion

The Central African Republic made progressive decisions to not only allow crypto, Bitcoin and Sango Coin, to be a part of their economy, but they have also paved the path for citizenship by investment with crypto. Since the requirements for this citizenship by investment is relatively low, it will be great for the future if it works out. This step could be a significant change for their nation’s economy and maybe even a trend for other countries to follow suit.

In conclusion, the Central African Republic's citizenship by investment program, with a minimum investment of $60,000 USD, offers an attractive opportunity for individuals seeking a new citizenship and exploring investment options. The inclusion of crypto investments further adds to the appeal of this initiative. Through research, careful consideration, and gathering the necessary information, interested parties can make informed decisions and potentially benefit from this program. This citizenship by investment program not only provides individuals with new opportunities but also contributes to the development and progress of the Central African Republic.