The Cost of Citizenship Across the World: How Much Does It Take to Belong?

Would you pay $2 million to call another country home? Imagine the freedom of hopping across borders, enjoying the perks of citizenship in a country with lower taxes, better healthcare, or simply a higher quality of life. For many, the dream of dual citizenship or full emigration is tantalizing, but the cost? It’s often far beyond a plane ticket or a visa application. Governments worldwide have realized that citizenship can be a highly marketable commodity, and they price it accordingly.

In today's globalized world, purchasing citizenship is more than just paperwork—it’s a growing trend, a multi-billion-dollar industry. From wealthy entrepreneurs to retirees seeking better living conditions, more people than ever are exploring the concept of buying their way into a new nationality. But how much does it really cost? Let’s take a closer look at how different countries price their citizenship programs and what that price tag means for the average person.

The Caribbean: Sun, Sand, and a Passport

St. Kitts and Nevis was one of the pioneers of what’s known as Citizenship by Investment (CBI). For a minimum donation of $150,000 to the country’s Sustainable Growth Fund or a real estate investment of at least $200,000, you could be holding a St. Kitts passport in a matter of months. This passport offers visa-free travel to over 150 countries, including the European Union and the UK. Similar programs in Antigua and Barbuda, Dominica, and Grenada have comparable price tags, generally between $100,000 and $200,000.

These Caribbean nations target wealthy investors, especially those from countries where passports are more restrictive or where economic instability is a concern. However, the perks aren’t just for the super-rich. A St. Kitts passport, for example, can be a strategic move for business owners looking to expand globally without the hassle of visa applications or restrictive travel bans.

Europe: The Gold Standard of Citizenship

Europe takes a more exclusive approach. In Malta, a citizenship investment will set you back around €750,000, alongside a significant real estate purchase or rental agreement. It’s a hefty price, but the benefits are substantial—EU citizenship comes with the ability to live and work anywhere within the European Union, access to world-class healthcare, and educational systems, not to mention visa-free or visa-on-arrival access to 185 destinations globally.

Portugal offers a slightly more accessible Golden Visa program. You can obtain permanent residency—and eventually citizenship—through a real estate investment of €280,000 to €500,000. While this path requires a longer wait time for full citizenship (typically five years), it’s one of the most popular options for those seeking an affordable entry point into Europe.

Cyprus once offered one of the most expensive citizenship programs in the world at €2 million, but this was suspended in 2020 following criticisms around misuse and corruption. However, similar programs across Europe, such as Greece and Spain, are thriving.

North America: The Price of Freedom

The United States isn’t technically selling citizenship, but through the EB-5 visa program, you can essentially buy your way into a green card by investing $900,000 into a U.S.-based project that creates at least 10 jobs. After several years, this can lead to permanent residency and eventually citizenship. It’s a popular option among wealthy investors from China and India who want to secure a future for their families in the U.S.

Canada, by contrast, offers various investment immigration programs, although they tend to focus more on residency than direct citizenship. The Quebec Immigrant Investor Program, for instance, requires an investment of CAD $1.2 million into the province, but successful applicants can enjoy the benefits of Canadian residency (and eventually citizenship) along with its renowned quality of life.

Asia: The Hidden Costs of Prestige

Asian countries are a bit trickier when it comes to citizenship. In Singapore, for instance, there is no formal Citizenship by Investment program, but high-net-worth individuals can obtain residency through investments. Over time, this can lead to citizenship, though the process is more selective and costly. Singapore’s Global Investor Program requires a minimum investment of SGD 2.5 million in a new or existing business or a fund investing in Singapore-based companies.

Meanwhile, Thailand offers a unique residency program, Thailand Elite, which doesn’t grant citizenship but allows residency for 20 years with a one-time payment of about $60,000. It’s a lifestyle choice for those who want access to the country’s warm climate and thriving expat community without the formalities of citizenship.

African Nations: Low Costs, High Risks

In Africa, Comoros offers one of the world’s cheapest citizenship programs at just $45,000. However, the benefits of holding a Comoros passport are limited—few countries offer visa-free access, and the political situation in Comoros is less stable than in other regions. Still, for those seeking a quick and affordable second passport, it’s an option worth considering.

Other African nations, like Mauritius, also have citizenship pathways through real estate investment, generally costing around $500,000. Mauritius is an increasingly attractive option due to its strong economic growth and strategic location for businesses targeting both African and Asian markets.

The Global Takeaway: Is It Worth the Investment?

The cost of citizenship varies dramatically across the globe, from as low as $45,000 in Comoros to millions of dollars in Europe. But is it worth the price? For some, the answer is a resounding yes. Whether it’s the convenience of travel, the ability to work and live in a more stable country, or simply the status symbol that comes with a second passport, citizenship by investment is a growing market.

However, it’s essential to understand that not all passports are created equal. While countries like Portugal or Malta offer robust benefits, others, like Comoros, may not provide the same level of global access. Additionally, some programs are riskier than others, especially in countries with political instability or economic uncertainty.

For those with the financial means, purchasing citizenship is more than just a legal formality—it’s a strategic investment in a future filled with more opportunities, freedom, and mobility.

Table 1: Citizenship Costs by Region

Country	Minimum Investment	Key Benefit
St. Kitts	$150,000	Visa-free travel to 150+ countries
Malta	€750,000	EU citizenship
USA	$900,000	Green card through EB-5
Portugal	€280,000	Residency leading to citizenship
Singapore	SGD 2.5 million	Residency with business investment
Comoros	$45,000	Affordable, quick second passport

The Future of Citizenship by Investment

As governments continue to see the financial benefits of offering citizenship for a price, more countries will likely join the fray, driving competition in terms of costs and benefits. For those looking to diversify their citizenship portfolio, the time is ripe to explore the many options available, but it’s a decision that shouldn’t be made lightly.

2222: Buying citizenship isn't just about money; it's about investing in your future, and with prices ranging from $45,000 to millions, the market for nationality has never been more lucrative—or complicated.