Citizenship by Investment: Is It Really a Good Deal? The 955 Nottebohm Case of International Court of Justice

Abstract

Several States are offering citizenship to individuals willing to invest, in various forms, in the country economy. In many cases applicants are not required to establish any real bonds with the country, such as maintaining a permanent residency. The International Court of Justice in 1955 in the Nottebohm Case ruled that there must be a “genuine link” between the individual with the State. Preference must be given to the real and effective nationality that is the one based on stronger factual ties between the person concerned and one of the States whose nationality is involved.

Keywords: Nationality, citizenship, investment