Citizenship by Investment in 2026: Best Programs, Costs, Rules, and Risks 

Note: Visa-free countries include visa-free, ETA, and visa-on-arrival, and is based on Global Citizen Solutions’ Global Passport Index.  

St. Kitts and Nevis Citizenship by Investment

• Minimum investment: $250,000 
• Processing time: Four to six months
• Visa-free countries: 167
• Family inclusion: Spouse, children, dependent parents, and/or grandparents of the main applicant or spouse
• Residency requirement: None*

*Future applicants may need to demonstrate physical presence to establish a “genuine link” with the state. Specific thresholds and timelines are not yet fully enacted, and the Citizenship by Investment Unit (CIU) has committed to providing adequate notice before changes take effect.

The St. Kitts and Nevis Citizenship by Investment program ranks first as the world’s best citizenship by investment program in the Global Citizenship Programs Report 2026, although bear in mind that the best residency program will depend on your personal goals.

Launched in 1984, it’s the world’s first citizenship by investment program and one of the Caribbean’s most established options.

The minimum investment starts at $250,000 through the Sustainable Island State Contribution. Additional routes include approved real estate investments from $325,000 and private homes from $600,000.

Citizenship approval takes around four to six months, making it one of the fastest citizenship-by-investment programs in 2026.

St. Kitts and Nevis has the strongest-performing Caribbean passport in the report, offering visa-free or visa-on-arrival access to 167 countries, including the Schengen Area, the UK, Hong Kong, Singapore, and Saudi Arabia.

St. Kitts also allows dual citizenship and does not require applicants to relocate or spend time in the country before obtaining citizenship.

However, to enhance security, St. Kitts and Nevis rolled out fingerprint and facial-recognition biometric collection for all applicants in April 2026.

Antigua & Barbuda Citizenship by Investment

• Minimum investment: $230,000
• Processing Time: Six to ten months
• Visa-free countries: 164
• Family inclusion: Spouse, children under 30, parents and grandparents over 55, and unmarried siblings of the main applicant and/or their spouse
• Residency requirement: Five days in five years 

Antigua and Barbuda’s Citizenship by Investment starts at $230,000 through a contribution to the National Development Fund. Investors can also qualify through approved real estate projects starting at $300,000 or business investments from $400,000. Citizenship approval takes around eight to ten months.

The Antigua and Barbuda CBI program is uniquely positioned for offering one of the broadest family inclusions globally, with eligibility extending to spouses, children, parents, grandparents, and siblings.

An Antigua and Barbuda passport provides visa-free or visa-on-arrival access to more than 160 countries, including the Schengen Area, the UK, Hong Kong, and Singapore. Antigua and Barbuda is also one of the few Caribbean programs with visa-free access to China.

With the Antigua and Barbuda Citizenship by Investment, foreigners also have access to significant tax benefits. The country does not levy wealth tax, inheritance tax, or capital gains tax.

Applicants are not required to relocate to maintain citizenship. The only physical presence requirement is five days within the first five years after citizenship is granted. 

Grenada Citizenship by Investment

• Minimum investment: $235,000
• Processing time: Six to eight months 
• Visa-free countries: 140 
• Family inclusion: Spouse, children under 30, parents and grandparents of any age, and unmarried siblings over 18 with no children
• Residency requirement: None

Grenada’s Citizenship by Investment is the only Caribbean CBI program that gives investors eligibility to apply for the US E-2 Visa. This allows Grenadian citizens to live and operate a business in the United States.

Considered one of the best citizenship by investment programs in the world, the Grenadian Citizenship by Investment starts at $235,000 through a contribution to the National Transformation Fund. Investors can also qualify through approved real estate investments starting at $270,000. Citizenship processing takes around six to eight months.

A Grenadan passport provides visa-free or visa-on-arrival access to 140 countries, including the Schengen Area, the UK, China, and Singapore. Grenada also does not impose tax on worldwide income, inheritance, wealth, or capital gains.

Applicants are not required to visit or relocate to Grenada before or after citizenship approval.

Dominica Citizenship by Investment

• Minimum investment: $200,000
• Processing time: Six to nine months
• Visa-free countries: 160
• Family inclusion: Spouse, children, dependent parents, and/or grandparents of the main applicant or spouse
• Residency requirement: None

Dominica has one of the longest-running citizenship by investment programs in the world, operating since 1993. It is also the lowest-cost Caribbean citizenship program in 2026, with a minimum contribution of $200,000 to the Economic Diversification Fund.

Investors can also qualify for the Dominica Citizenship by Investment through approved real estate investments starting at $200,000, with additional government fees. The process takes around six to nine months and can be completed remotely, with a virtual interview and no residence requirements.

With a Dominica passport, investors gain visa-free or visa-on-arrival access to 160 countries, including the Schengen Area, China, Singapore, and Hong Kong. Note that the United Kingdom revoked visa-free access for Dominican passport holders in 2023.

Dominica also offers tax benefits for residents, including no wealth tax, capital gains tax, inheritance tax, or tax on foreign-sourced income.

St. Lucia Citizenship by Investment

• Minimum investment: $240,000 
• Processing time: Three to six months
• Visa-free countries: 156 
• Family inclusion: Spouses, children under 30, parents and grandparents over 55, and unmarried siblings under 18
• Residency requirement: None

St. Lucia’s Citizenship by Investment has four investment routes to choose from, more than other Caribbean programs. Applicants can qualify through a $240,000 contribution to the National Economic Fund, a $300,000 approved real estate purchase, a $300,000 government bond investment, or an enterprise investment starting at $250,000 in a joint project.

The government bond route is St. Lucia’s main differentiator. The National Action Bond requires a $300,000 non-interest-bearing investment, which is refundable after six years, plus government fees. This gives investors an option beyond a non-refundable donation or real estate purchase.

With a St. Lucia passport, successful applicants gain access to visa-free or visa-on-arrival access to 156 countries, including the Schengen Area, Hong Kong, Singapore, and Taiwan. Note that the United Kingdom imposed a visa requirement on St. Lucia passport holders in March 2026.

Vanuatu Citizenship by Investment

• Minimum investment: $130,000 
• Processing time: 60-90 days
• Visa-free countries: 118
• Family inclusion: Spouse, dependent children under 25 in full-time education, and parents or grandparents over 50
• Residency requirement: None

Vanuatu remains fast, but its passport value and regulatory perception must be assessed carefully because EU visa-free access was removed in 2024. With a processing time of 60 to 90 days, Vanuatu’s Citizenship by Investment is one of the fastest citizenship programs available in 2026, alongside São Tomé and Príncipe, which takes around 4-10 weeks.  

The program starts at $130,000 through a non-refundable contribution to the Development Support Program. Investors can also apply through an approved real estate of $200,000 or the Capital Investment Immigration Plan, which requires $165,000 and includes a $50,000 refundable portion after four years. 

A Vanuatu passport provides access to 118 countries, including Hong Kong, Singapore, Russia, and several Latin American destinations. Applicants can include a spouse, dependent children under 25 in full-time education, and parents or grandparents over 50, with no visit or residence requirement. 

Additionally, according to Laura Madrid, Intelligence Unit Research Lead, Vanuatu’s tax system offers the “cleanest fiscal proposition” for investors. Its primary highlights include no personal income tax for residents and citizens, no capital gains or wealth taxes, and no inheritance or gift taxes. 

Nauru Citizenship by Investment

• Minimum investment: $115,000 ($90,000 until 31 December 2026)
• Processing time: Three months
• Visa-free countries: 119
• Family inclusion: Spouses, children, parents, grandparents, and siblings
• Residency requirement: None

Launched in 2024, Nauru’s Citizenship by Investment is one of the world’s newest citizenship programs, with the standard minimum contribution being $115,000. The Iruwa Initiative has included a discounted minimum contribution amount of $90,000, which is available until 31 December 2026.

The program allows investors to include spouses, children, parents, grandparents, and siblings, with no age cap for children and parents under the current rules. 

A Nauru passport provides visa-free or visa-on-arrival access to 119 countries, including the UAE, Hong Kong, Russia, and Singapore. Processing takes around three to four months, and applicants can complete the process remotely, including the citizenship interview and Oath of Allegiance. 

Turkey Citizenship by Investment

• Minimum investment: $400,000 
• Processing time: six to twelve months
• Visa-free countries: 135
• Family inclusion: Spouse, children under 18, and disabled dependents of any age
• Residency requirement: None

Turkey’s Citizenship by Investment is one of the programs built around a recoverable investment. The most popular route is real estate, with a minimum investment of $400,000 and a three-year holding period.

Investors can also qualify through a $500,000 bank deposit, government bond purchase, investment fund share, fixed capital investment, or by creating at least 50 full-time jobs in Turkey.

Turkish citizenship can be granted in around six to twelve months, with no language test and no long-term residence requirement.

A Turkish passport provides visa-free or visa-on-arrival access to more than 135 countries.

One of the main advantages of Turkey’s CBI program is that Turkish citizens can become eligible to apply for the US E-2 Treaty Investor Visa, which allows qualifying investors to live and operate a business in the United States.

Cambodia Citizenship by Investment 

• Minimum investment: $1 million
• Processing Time: Six to nine months
• Visa-free countries: 101
• Family inclusion: Spouse and dependent children under 18 
• Residency requirement: None

Cambodia offers the only citizenship by investment program in Southeast Asia. It gives investors a direct route to Cambodian citizenship without the standard seven-year naturalization period. 

The Cambodia Citizenship by Investment program has two options in 2026.

1. The first option is to invest at least 4 billion riel ($1 million) in personal capital to implement an investment project.  
2. The second option is to make a personal cash donation of at least 4 billion riel ($3 million) to the national budget for socio-economic developments or the humanitarian sector.  

Cambodian citizenship allows foreign investors to own land and property in Cambodia under the same rules as Cambodian citizens. The process takes around six to nine months, requires a Cambodian business visa and in-person identity checks in Phnom Penh, and allows applicants to include a spouse and dependent children.

Jordan Citizenship by Investment

• Minimum investment: JOD 500,000 (approximately $705,000 USD) 
• Processing time: Three to six months
• Visa-free countries: 96 
• Family inclusion: Spouses, children, and dependent parents
• Residency requirement: None

Jordan’s Citizenship by Investment program grants direct citizenship to foreigners who invest in local companies or launch projects that create jobs for Jordanian nationals. 

The lowest investment route starts at JOD 500,000 for projects outside Amman and requires the creation of at least 10 full-time jobs maintained for three years. Projects in Amman require JOD 700,000 (US$987,000) and 20 jobs. A separate route allows investors to qualify through JOD 1 million ($1.41 million) in Jordanian company shares. 

The program is designed for investors seeking long-term commercial access to the Middle East rather than a low-cost mobility passport. Processing takes three to six months, and successful applicants receive full Jordanian citizenship and passport rights. 

São Tomé & Príncipe Citizenship by Investment 

• Minimum investment: $90,000  
• Processing time: Four to ten weeks
• Visa-free countries: 98
• Family inclusion: Spouses or partners, dependent children, parents, or grandparents
• Residency requirement: None

São Tomé and Príncipe’s Citizenship by Investment is one of the most affordable citizenship programs in 2026.

Launched in 2025, the program starts at $90,000 through a contribution to the National Transformation Fund. It also follows an approval-first model, meaning applicants can only proceed after passing due diligence and receiving approval in principle.

The program is also known for its speed, with applications being processed in around 2.5 months, and for facilitating residency within Portuguese-speaking countries through the CPLP framework.

São Tomé and Príncipe Citizenship by Investment provides visa-free or visa-on-arrival access to more than 60 destinations and allows inclusion of family members, such as spouses or partners, dependent children up to 30, and parents or grandparents over 55.

Egypt Citizenship by Investment

• Minimum investment: $250,000 
• Processing time: Six to twelve months
• Visa-free countries: 104
• Family inclusion: Spouse and dependent children under 21
• Residency requirement: None

Egypt’s Citizenship by Investment program gives investors access to a country connected to North Africa, the Middle East, and the Mediterranean, with access to a domestic market of more than 100 million people. 

The program has several qualifying investment options. Investors can apply through a $250,000 government contribution, $300,000 in approved real estate, a $500,000 bank deposit, or a business investment of $350,000 plus a $100,000 contribution. 

Egypt’s CBI also gives successful applicants eligibility to apply for the US E-2 Treaty Investor Visa. 

Processing takes around six to twelve months, and there is no long-term residency requirement, although applicants may need to visit Egypt for biometrics, medical checks, and passport issuance. 

North Macedonia Citizenship by Investment

• Minimum investment: €200,000
• Processing time: Two to six months
• Visa-free countries: 154
• Family inclusion: Spouse and dependent children under 18
• Residency requirement: None

North Macedonia’s Citizenship by Investment is an attractive option for investors seeking exposure to a thriving Southeast European market.

North Macedonia’s strategic location in the Balkans also allows access to major transportation and trade corridors linking Central Europe, Greece, and Turkey.

The program has two investment routes: a €200,000 contribution to a government-approved private investment fund or a €400,000 direct business investment that creates at least ten jobs.

Applicants can obtain citizenship in North Macedonia in two to six months, with no mandatory residency or language requirements. Eligible dependents include a spouse and children under 18, and citizenship can be passed to future generations.

Below, we outline the best citizenship by investment programs 2026 based on different investor goals. For example, if you are seeking second citizenship for your family, then the Antigua and Barbuda CBI is an attractive option, for eventual US access, the Grenada CBI program could be a smart move, while for a fast second passport, then Vanuatu could be a smart move.  

It’s important to note that the fastest or cheapest citizenship by investment program is not always the best or safest option for you. You should prioritize the source of funds readiness and the program’s international reputation. 

Citizenship by investment fees and costs vary depending on the country and the investment route. With CBI programs, there are three main costs: 

1. Investment: The capital required to qualify for citizenship. Depending on the jurisdiction, this can be eligible real estate projects, government donations, or business ventures.  
2. Government fees: Government fees cover administrative processing fees, background checks, due diligence, bank verification, CBI interview (if required), and passport issuance. Host countries charge mandatory, non-refundable fees to apply for the country’s program. These costs usually range from €5,000 to €10,000 for a single application, increasing with the number of family dependents included in the application.  
3. Agency fees: The last cost to consider is the fees of the agency you use to facilitate your CBI application. Global Citizen Solutions provides comprehensive, end-to-end assistance throughout your CBI journey. From gathering the required documents through to the issuance of your new passport, our dedicated team is your guide throughout the process.  

There are several ways to qualify for citizenship by investment programs in 2026, depending on your chosen country and its legal framework. Most options fall into two categories: A non-refundable contribution to a state fund or an Investment in an asset such as property, securities, a business, or a bank deposit.   

1. Fund contribution

A contribution to a state fund involves making a financial contribution to a national sovereign wealth development or diversification fund, with this investment option usually the most affordable option. While non-refundable, this investment does provide benefits to the country, like an increase in spending on infrastructure, healthcare, and education. For example, the St. Kitts and Nevis minimum fund contribution is $250,000, while the real estate purchase minimum investment is $325,000. 

2. Real estate investment

Purchasing property is one of the most popular CBI investment options. Applicants can invest in government-approved property, and properties generally need to be held for a period of 3-7 years before they can be sold, depending on the country. Investors can usually rent out the property, generating income. The real estate investment option is available in Turkey and many Caribbean countries.  

3. Purchase of securities

Some countries allow applicants to invest in national companies, government bonds, or regulated funds, often yielding dividends or capital gains depending on the asset and the market conditions. Securities need to be held for 3 to 5 years. Countries where this option is open to investors include Saint Lucia and Turkey. 

4. Business investments

Entrepreneurial investors may begin or expand a business that meets specified criteria, such as creating a certain number of jobs for local citizens. This, in turn, supports economic development in the country. Business creation is an attractive option for those who are seeking a hands-on investment and want to be actively involved in managing a venture.  

5. Bank deposits

Some countries allow applicants to make a fixed-term deposit into a local bank, which needs to be held for 3 years. This option is a low investment risk strategy for investors and can generate interest during the duration the money is held in the bank.  

Bank deposit options are available in Turkey and Egypt.  

6. Government bonds

Stable, state-backed bonds that are refundable after they have been held for a period of 3-7 years. 

The requirements for citizenship by investment will vary by country. However, all will require the following:    

1. Be at least 18 years of age
2. Have a clean criminal record  
3. Funds must be from a legal source

Most citizenship-by-investment programs do not require applicants to renounce their first citizenship. Countries such as St. Kitts and Nevis, Dominica, and Antigua and Barbuda allow dual citizenship.

However, some countries don’t allow dual citizenship, requiring investors to renounce their original citizenship. It’s important to always verify both countries’ citizenship laws before applying.

Each CBI application, including dependents over the age of 16, will undergo an in-depth background check and due diligence. This process exists to protect program integrity and national security, and it cannot be bypassed.  

Citizenship by investment countries will each have their own program requirements. However, below we provide an overview of what will be checked.  

What gets checked 

• Criminal record: You will need to provide your criminal record.  
• Source of wealth: You will need to show proof of funds and make sure there is a fully traceable audit trail. This includes audited accounts, tax returns, bank statements, and legal documentation for any inherited or gifted funds.  
• Sanctions and reputation: All applicants are screened against international watchlists and subject to deep adverse media screening. 
• Visa refusals: Any prior refusal from the US, UK, Canada, Schengen Zone, or other jurisdictions may need to be disclosed.  
• Medical clearance: A medical examination to ensure no communicable diseases that could threaten the host country.  

If there are any issues with the application, this can lead to a rejected CBI application. It is best to work with experienced professionals to ensure the process runs smoothly from start to finish. Applicants from high-risk or sanctioned jurisdictions may trigger enhanced due diligence processes.  

Whether you choose CBI vs RBI will depend on your personal situation. Below, we provide an overview of what each can offer.  

Many countries offer citizenship by investment programs, including Antigua and Barbuda, Dominica, St. Kitts and Nevis, St Lucia, Turkey, Egypt, Jordan, Nauru, North Macedonia, and São Tomé and Princípe. 

CBI programs have many benefits, but there are also major risks that you should bear in mind. This includes high upfront capital, overpaying for real estate, sudden policy changes, and tax obligations. 

Countries also have strict international compliance standards, which can create risks that your application will be denied.  

1. Financial and investment risks: High upfront costs, overpaying for real estate, or investment depreciation can cause issues for investors.  
2. Regulatory and program risks: Strict due diligence and program policy changes can create problems for applicants if they do not keep up to speed with the latest program alterations.  
3. Legal and tax implications: Be mindful of double taxation to avoid being subject to unexpected worldwide income taxation. Also, not all countries allow dual citizenship, so make sure you check this before proceeding with your application. Also, if your aim in securing a second passport is for enhanced mobility, carefully assess which countries that passport grants you access to.  
4. Security and ethical concerns: Organizations such as the International Money Fund (IMF) scrutinize CVI programs to ensure compliance. You should be aware that there are intermediaries that are unaccredited. You should choose your agent to represent you carefully, to avoid identity theft, the misappropriation of funds, and the submission of poorly prepared files.