Renewing a passport obtained through a citizenship by investment program is a crucial step in maintaining the privileges and opportunities that come with a second citizenship. Whether you acquired your new nationality to broaden your horizons, enhance your global mobility, or secure your family’s future, ensuring your passport remains valid is essential.
In this article, we will explore the ins and outs of renewing passports obtained through citizenship by investment programs and offer valuable insights to help you navigate this important process.
Antigua and Barbuda
Renewal process
Citizens who obtain their citizenship through the Antigua and Barbuda CBI Program are initially provided a 5-year passport for their first one and are subsequently entitled to a 10-year passport validity for their second and all subsequent passports.
However, successful adult applicants are obliged by law to visit the island for a minimum of 5 days within a period of 5 years after being granted citizenship. Withdrawal of citizenship may occur if this criterion is not completed. It is preferable to start the renewal process at least six months before its expiration date to ensure sufficient time for processing and compliance with international travel requirements.
To renew Antigua and Barbuda’s passports, each[1] applicant is required to get an application form, either online or from the Passport Office, complete it accurately, and then submit it with the required documents to the Passport Office. Applications for passport renewal can be submitted in person to the embassy or through the authorized agent.
Required documents
The following documents must be submitted along with the AB10 Form passport application form:
- Certified copy of the sworn/affirmed Allegiance (If the original was not deposited to the Unit).
- Evidence that the investment has been held for the five (5) year period. (For investments in Real Estate and Business).
- Certified copies of Certificate of title and transfer documents.
- Certified copy of Share Register (for investment in business option).
- Completed passport application forms and photos.
- Certified copy of Birth certificate
- Certified copy of Certificate of Registration
- Certified copy of Marriage Certificate (if applicable)
- Old Antigua and Barbuda passport (must be surrendered for cancellation)
Antigua and Barbuda passport holders are required to pay $300 renewal fees for an expired passport, in addition to translation, transfer, postal, and other fees. The required documents can be provided by a licensed agent when investors need to renew their passports. The application process will take approximately 3 to 4 weeks[2].
Dominica: 10-year validity
Renewal process
Dominica’s passport for adults has a 10-year validity, while passports for children under 16 years old are valid for 5 years.
Applicants have the option to renew their passports either through the embassy or consulate in their host country or through their authorized agent, who can send their expired passport to the Passport Office in Dominica for renewal. All passports are submitted to the Passport Office in Dominica for issuance and then are returned to the embassy for collection.
Required documents
Documents required for passport renewal[3] include:
- Original Passport
- Passport Size Picture
- Application Form
- True copy of Naturalization Certificate
- Translated Birth Certificate
- Passport copy of Recommender.
- Recommender Business Card
- Translated Marriage Certificate (Married Applicants)
- Proof of Payment.
The application must be filled out and signed with the supporting documents. The payment fee which is $60 should also be attached. Renewal costs may also include translation, postal, transfer, and other fees. The process for passport renewal takes around 3 to 4 weeks. Fees for the express service would reach $1,200.
Grenada: Valid for 5 years
Renewal process
Grenada passports are valid for five years. To renew the passport, citizens can submit a passport application remotely without any need to visit Grenada in person to file their application.
They can also contact their licensed agent to complete the entire process or submit the application directly to the Embassy or Consulate in the host country. It is recommended to start the process at least six months before the passport’s expiration date.
Required documents
The documents required for the renewal of your passport are:
- Completed Passport Application Form
- Two passport-sized photos
- Valid passport
- Birth Certificate
- Naturalization Certificate
- Marriage certificate (if recently married after the grant of citizenship)
- Consent letter (for children under 16 years)
Documents must be submitted by registered mail or courier to enable tracking. All original documents will be returned with the new passport. Passport issuance and renewal in Grenada are typically handled by the Passport Office, which is a division of the Ministry of National Security.
Applicants are required to pay $250 for the renewal of Grenada’s Passport, in addition to translation, transfer, postal and other fees. It will be delivered to the address shared by the applicant through courier services. The lost, stolen, or damaged Passport fee is $500. After completing all formalities and submitting the application to the government, it takes around 3 to 4 weeks to get the application processed.
St. Kitts and Nevis: 10 years validity
Renewal process
A St. Kitts & Nevis passport is valid for 10 years. However, passports issued to children under 16 years of age are valid for 5 years. Passports can be renewed remotely with the help of a licensed agent. it is advisable to start the process at least six months before the passport’s expiration date.
The process for renewing the passport is straightforward for citizens and would take up to 4 weeks. The passport renewal fee is $365 per person, in addition to transfer, postal, translation and other fees. Applicants are required to obtain a passport renewal application from the embassy or consulate, download it from their website, and then fill out the form accurately and completely.
Required documents
Documents required for passport renewal are:
- Passport Application Form
- Saint Kitts and Nevis Passport
- Proof of Citizenship (Birth Certificate, national ID Card)
- Proof of residence in your current country (utility bills, rental agreements
- Two passport-sized photos
St. Lucia’s passport: 5 years validity
Renewal process
The validity of St. Lucia’s passport is 5 years; therefore, citizenship holders should typically seek to renew their passport six months before it expires. Applicants are required to prepare the necessary documents[4] for passport renewal. These typically include:
Required documents
- A completed passport renewal application form
- Valid St. Lucia passport
- Passport-sized photos (according to the specifications of the issuing authority).
- Proof of residency or legal status in your current country
- Payment for the passport renewal fee.
Applicants are then required to submit the completed application along with the documents to the consulate of the embassy in their host country or through their authorized agent. They should pay the passport renewal fees, which are $200 as well as postal, translation, transfer and other fees. Once your renewal is approved, you’ll be notified when your new passport is ready for collection.
Vanuatu’s passport: Valid for 10 years
Renewal process
The validity of a Vanuatu passport was increased in 2019 from 5 to 10 years. The requirements for renewing the passport are the same as for a new one. However, citizenship holders are not obliged to visit Vanuatu to renew their passports, as they can submit an application form and enclose the necessary documents at any Vanuatu consulate or through their authorized agent. Ensure you complete the passport renewal application accurately and truthfully.
Required documents
The documents required to renew the passport are:
- Completed passport renewal application form
- Current/Expired passport
- Two passport-size photographs
- Proof of identity
- Proof of citizenship
- Proof of name change (if applicable)
- Payment for passport renewal fees
A Vanuatu passport can be obtained within 1 month. The cost of renewing a Vanuatu passport for an adult is $250 excluding postal, translation, and transfer fees. It is recommended to start the passport renewal procedure two or three months before its expiration date.
Turkish passport: Valid for 10 years
Renewal process
The Turkish passport is valid for 10 years for adults and 5 years for children under 18 years. Eligible Turkish citizens are required to fill out a passport application form and provide the required documents include:
Required documents
- Turkey Identification Card
- Proof of identity
- Biometric photo taken within the past six months
- Expired passport
The applicant should pay the passport fees[5], which are around $115 for 10 years. If the validity period of public passports is less than 6 months, an additional fee of at least 6 months must be paid to issue a new passport.
Turkey passport applications are often submitted through mail or personally. If the applicant is applying through the Turkish Embassy or Consulate, they need to submit their application in person. The Turkish passport is usually issued within 3 to 7 days, but this may vary slightly depending on the circumstances and practical burdens in the local directorate.
[1] https://immigration.gov.ag/general-services/passports/
[2] https://immigration.gov.ag/general-services/passports/
[3] https://dominica.gov.dm/services/passports-and-travel-documents-nationals/120-how-do-i-apply-for-a-passport
[4] https://www.govt.lc/services/apply-for-a-saint-lucia-passport
[5] https://residencepermitturkey.com/passport-fee-2023#:~:text=REPUBLIC %20OF%20TURKEY%20PASSPORT%20FEES,as%20of%20the%20new%20year.