Countries to Get Citizenship by Investment

Imagine owning two passports, not as a luxury but as a practical tool for wealth management, global mobility, and even tax planning. This is the dream that citizenship by investment (CBI) programs offer. With a one-time investment, individuals can secure citizenship in a different country, gaining access to new opportunities and freedoms. These programs have become especially appealing to high-net-worth individuals, entrepreneurs, and digital nomads looking for security and a better quality of life. But which countries offer the best CBI programs? Let’s dive into the top nations that allow you to fast-track your citizenship with a strategic investment.

1. St. Kitts and Nevis: The Pioneer of CBI Programs

St. Kitts and Nevis launched the world’s first-ever CBI program in 1984. Known for its tropical beaches and thriving tourism sector, this two-island nation provides one of the most straightforward paths to citizenship.

Investment Options:

• Donation to the Sustainable Growth Fund (starting at $150,000 for a single applicant).
• Investment in real estate (minimum $200,000, held for 7 years, or $400,000, held for 5 years).

Key Benefits:

• Visa-free travel to over 150 countries, including the Schengen Area, the UK, and Hong Kong.
• No personal income tax.
• Dual citizenship allowed.

With its efficient process and relatively low investment requirements, St. Kitts and Nevis remains a top choice for those seeking quick, hassle-free citizenship.

2. Malta: European Union Passport through Investment

Malta, a European Union member state, offers a citizenship by investment program that grants investors access to all the benefits of EU citizenship. However, this comes at a significantly higher price than Caribbean programs.

Investment Options:

• Contribution to the National Development and Social Fund (€600,000 or €750,000, depending on the residency duration).
• Real estate investment (minimum €700,000) or a rental agreement (€16,000 per year for five years).
• Donation to a non-governmental organization (€10,000).

Key Benefits:

• Access to the EU, allowing free movement within the Schengen Area.
• High-quality healthcare and education systems.
• A robust economy and high standard of living.

Although Malta’s program is among the most expensive, it offers a European passport, which is highly coveted for the freedom it provides across the EU.

3. Vanuatu: The Pacific’s Quickest CBI Program

Vanuatu, an archipelago in the South Pacific, offers one of the fastest CBI programs in the world. Within two months, applicants can secure citizenship in this tropical paradise.

Investment Options:

• Donation to the Vanuatu Development Support Program (starting at $130,000 for a single applicant).

Key Benefits:

• Visa-free or visa-on-arrival access to over 130 countries, including the UK, Hong Kong, and Singapore.
• No income tax, wealth tax, or capital gains tax.
• Citizenship for life, with the possibility of passing it down to future generations.

Vanuatu’s quick processing time and low investment threshold make it an attractive option for those in search of fast global mobility.

4. Turkey: A Gateway to Europe and Asia

Turkey’s strategic location at the crossroads of Europe and Asia has made it an appealing destination for investors. Its CBI program is one of the most affordable options outside of the Caribbean.

Investment Options:

• Purchase real estate valued at a minimum of $400,000.
• Create jobs for at least 50 Turkish citizens.
• Deposit at least $500,000 in a Turkish bank or invest in government bonds.

Key Benefits:

• Visa-free travel to over 110 countries.
• Access to both European and Asian markets.
• Opportunity to apply for an E-2 investor visa to the United States.

Turkey’s strong economy, cultural richness, and strategic location make it a popular choice for those looking for citizenship with business potential.

5. Dominica: Low-Cost Caribbean Citizenship

Dominica offers one of the most affordable CBI programs in the Caribbean, making it a popular choice for investors on a budget. Despite its affordability, the program provides significant benefits.

Investment Options:

• Donation to the Economic Diversification Fund (starting at $100,000 for a single applicant).
• Investment in pre-approved real estate (minimum $200,000).

Key Benefits:

• Visa-free travel to over 140 countries, including the EU, the UK, and Hong Kong.
• No wealth, gift, inheritance, or capital gains tax.
• Dual citizenship allowed.

Dominica’s program is ideal for individuals seeking an affordable yet highly beneficial citizenship option.

6. Portugal: The Golden Visa

While not strictly a CBI program, Portugal’s Golden Visa offers a residency-by-investment path that can lead to citizenship after five years. This option is particularly attractive for those looking for a long-term European residency.

Investment Options:

• Real estate investment (minimum €500,000).
• Capital transfer of at least €1 million.
• Creation of at least 10 jobs in Portugal.

Key Benefits:

• Visa-free access to the Schengen Area.
• Pathway to Portuguese citizenship after five years, with no requirement to live in the country full-time.
• High quality of life, healthcare, and education.

Portugal’s Golden Visa is one of the most popular residency-by-investment programs globally, offering a balance between cost and long-term benefits.

7. Grenada: Citizenship with a U.S. Visa Advantage

Grenada’s CBI program offers something unique: the opportunity to apply for the E-2 investor visa in the United States, making it a popular choice for those looking for access to both the U.S. and the Caribbean.

Investment Options:

• Donation to the National Transformation Fund (starting at $150,000 for a single applicant).
• Investment in pre-approved real estate (minimum $220,000).

Key Benefits:

• Visa-free travel to over 140 countries, including China, Russia, and the Schengen Area.
• Eligibility to apply for the U.S. E-2 visa.
• No income tax, wealth tax, or capital gains tax.

Grenada’s program is ideal for those looking for global mobility with a special interest in access to the U.S.

Conclusion: Choosing the Right CBI Program

Selecting the right CBI program depends on your individual goals, whether it’s global mobility, tax optimization, or access to new markets. Each country offers different benefits, and the best choice will depend on factors like cost, processing time, and the specific perks that come with the passport. High-net-worth individuals continue to leverage these programs as a tool for securing their future and increasing their international flexibility.

For those with the means, citizenship by investment is more than just a second passport—it’s a ticket to freedom, wealth protection, and peace of mind.