Top 16 Immigrant Investor Programs: Global Citizenship and Residency Through Investment

What is an immigrant investor program?

An immigrant investor program allows foreigners to gain residency or citizenship by making an approved investment in a country’s economy. Investments include real estate, business funding, government bonds and more. In return, investors and their families gain the right to live and work in the host country.

Immigrant investor programs offer benefits for both the destination countries and countries of origin. Destination countries attract talent, investment, and innovation, while countries of origin benefit from  diaspora networks, remittances, and transfer of knowledge and skills.

According to the Global Intelligence Unit’s “The Transformation of Citizenship” report, immigrants contribute significantly to their countries of origin through remittances, exceeding $800 billion globally in 2023 alone, as extrapolated from World Bank‘s migration and development data.

Host countries gain from foreign direct investment (FDI) with projections suggesting citizenship by investment programs could raise around $100 billion by the end of 2025.

Best Immigration by Investment Programs for Citizenship

Dominica

• Minimum investment: $200,000
• Time to citizenship:  Six – nine months
• Residency requirement: None

Dominica’s citizenship by investment program is internationally acclaimed for offering the most value to foreign investors and business people. You can gain second citizenship in six to nine months by making a $200,000 contribution to the Economic Diversification Fund.

With excellent real estate options, world-class beaches, delicious cuisine, and proximity to the US, living in Dominica is perfect for people looking to retire in the Caribbean and live in peace.

A Dominica passport gives you visa-free travel and visa-on-arrival access to over 140 destinations, including Australia, Europe’s Schengen Area, and Hong Kong.

Malta

• Minimum investment: €690,000
• Time to citizenship:  12 to 36 months
• Residency requirement: None

The Malta Citizenship by Investment program is a popular immigrant investor option that offers one of the strongest EU passports available, giving visa-free access to over 180 countries, including the Schengen area.

Qualifying investors can get a Maltese passport in a year by making a €690,000 contribution through real estate, a non-refundable investment, or a philanthropic donation.

St. Lucia

• Minimum investment: $240,000
• Time to citizenship:  10 to 12 months
• Residency requirement: None

St. Lucia’s citizenship by investment program offers a quick path to citizenship through foreign investment. The immigrant investor program requires a donation of $240,000 to the National Economic Fund (NEF). Investment options include real estate purchases (from $300,000) or launching a commercial enterprise approved by the government.

St Lucia’s CBI stands out because it comes with the benefit of accessing over 140 countries, including the Schengen Zone, the UK, and Hong Kong. There’s no residency requirement to maintain your citizenship, and no tax is charged in wealth, inheritance, and capital gains for citizens.

Antigua and Barbuda

• Minimum investment: $230,000
• Time to citizenship: Four to five months
• Residency requirement: Five days

Antigua and Barbuda’s citizenship by investment program grants citizenship to investors in exchange for a $230,000 donation to the National Development Fund. Other investment options include approved real estate projects worth $300,000 (if held for at least five years) and donating to the University of the West Indies Fund. Passports are typically issued within four to five months.

While Antigua and Barbuda is the only Caribbean immigration investor program with a five-day residency requirement. It also comes with the benefit of access to over 150 countries and no taxes are charged on capital gains, inheritance, or global income.

St. Kitts and Nevis

• Minimum investment: $250,000
• Time to citizenship:  12 months
• Residency requirement: None

St. Kitts and Nevis citizenship by investment is one of the most flexible immigration investment programs. It starts with a minimum contribution of $250,000 to the Sustainable Island State Contribution (SISC) and the option to invest in property, which differs depending on whether you are single or have a family.

A key bonus of the program is that you can include a dependent spouse and children in the application. With a St. Kitts and Nevis passport, you can also enjoy visa-free access and options for e-visas to more than 150 countries.

Grenada

• Minimum investment: $235,000
• Time to citizenship: Nine months
• Residency requirement: None

Grenada’s citizenship by investment program is internationally recognized as one of the best family investment programs. Investment requirements start with a $235,000 contribution to the country’s National Transformation Fund (NTF). There is also the option of a joint or sole property purchase.

The country provides excellent approved real estate projects for investment and a quality lifestyle in a Caribbean paradise. Furthermore, Grenada is the only Caribbean country offering investors the chance to settle in the USA through the US E-2 Visa Program.

Turkey

• Minimum investment: $400,000
• Time to citizenship:  12 months
• Residency requirement: None

Turkey’s CBI is a compelling program for several reasons, one of the main ones being affordability.

Turkey’s low cost of living and low investment entry makes it a great choice for expats looking for more affordable options. Real estate investments start at $400,000, and unlike Caribbean programs, property purchases are not restricted by location or project.

Vanuatu

• Minimum investment: $130,000
• Time to citizenship:  60 days
• Residency requirement: None

Vanuatu’s citizenship by investment is one of the most affordable, with a contribution of just $130,000 to the government fund. The application process is simple, and citizenship is granted in just 60 days.

This fast and cost-effective program provides visa-free access to over 95 countries, including the UK, Hong Kong, and Singapore. No residency or visits are required, and it is known as one of the countries with low tax structures for foreigners and locals alike.

Best Immigration Through Investment for Residency

Portugal

• Minimum investment: €250,000
• Time to citizenship:  Five years
• Residency requirement: Seven days a year for five years

Considered one of the planet’s best investor visa programs, Portugal Golden Visa has been a lifesaver to expats worldwide for the last ten years. This immigration investment visa provides countless benefits for foreigners, from lucrative investment opportunities to business ventures in the European Union (EU).

Non-EU/EEA nationals can qualify for the Golden Visa program, which also extends residency rights to family members such as a spouse and dependent children. Some investment options include scientific research, buying into a company’s share capital, donating to cultural and heritage projects and contributing to investment funds.

Greece

• Minimum investment: €250,000
• Time to citizenship:  Seven years
• Residency requirement: None

The Greece Golden Visa program has become one of the most sought-after residency by investment options in Europe, offering flexibility and affordability. The nation provides the lowest investment amount for real estate purchases, with investments starting from €250,000.

Greece’s non-dom tax regime allows investors to pay a fixed annual tax instead of traditional income taxes. The visa includes family members like a spouse, children, and dependent parents, and there is no residency requirement to keep the residence permit. It also offers visa-free travel in 27 Schengen countries for up to 90 days every six months.

Cyprus

• Minimum investment: €300,000
• Time to citizenship: Seven years
• Residency requirement: None

The Cyprus Golden Visa is one of the few immigration programs offering permanent residency status in the European Union through investment. With a property investment of €300,000 and a three-year bank deposit of €30,000, investors can become lawful permanent residents with the option to obtain citizenship after seven years.

The country offers great healthcare, educational systems, and an excellent quality of life. It is also one of the visas with the fastest processing time of only two months. It recognizes dual citizenship, meaning visa holders can have a Cyprus passport without renouncing their original passport.

United States

• Minimum investment: $800,000 in a Targeted Employment Area (TEA) or $1,050,000 in other areas
  Time to citizenship: Five years
  Residency requirement: Six months per year

The EB-5 Immigrant Investor Visa enables foreign nationals to obtain U.S. residency by investing in a new commercial enterprise that supports job creation. Applicants can qualify by investing in a Targeted Employment Area (TEA), a rural or high-unemployment zone, at a minimum investment threshold of $800,000. Investments outside of a Targeted Employment Area require a higher threshold of $1,050,000.

To be eligible, investors must place capital into a new commercial enterprise that supports the creation of a minimum of 10 full-time jobs for U.S workers. Most foreign investors participate through regional centers approved by U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS). These centers manage the investment, ensure compliance, and support the job creation goals required under the EB-5 Immigrant Investor Program.

Approved applicants, along with their spouse and unmarried children under 21, receive a conditional Green Card, which can later be upgraded to lawful permanent resident status after fulfilling job creation and investment requirements.

The EB-5 process involves thorough due diligence, with banks or financial institutions required to verify the lawful source of funds. In many cases, forensic accountants and due diligence firms review financial documentation to ensure regulatory compliance and mitigate risk for all parties involved.

Canada

• Minimum investment: No specific lower limit investment, but you must secure support from a designated Canadian organization
• Time to citizenship:  Three years
• Residency requirement: Two out of five years

Canadian citizenship by investment is undoubtedly possible for a foreign national. Widely considered one of the best countries in the world to live in, Canada has much to offer international investors and provides several visa options.

The Canada Start-Up Visa Program allows successful applicants to become lawful permanent residents. The Start-Up Visas in Canada require innovative business ideas that create jobs and are funded and supported by designated organizations. Canada offers quality education, multicultural cities, and a high standard of living. The Start-Up Visa provides access to the North American market, and investors may obtain citizenship after five years of legal residency.

Serbia

• Minimum investment: There is no specific lower limit amount. 
• Time to citizenship: three years
• Residency requirement: 183 days per year

The Serbian Residency by Investment lets people get residency in Serbia by buying real estate. It’s aimed at foreigners who want to live and work in Serbia. To qualify, a foreigner must first buy property in the country, such as an apartment, house, or commercial building.

Serbia’s immigrant investor program stands out because there are no property price or location limits. It also allows investors to travel in the European Union, which benefits business owners interested in working with nearby countries. However, foreigners from countries without a reciprocity agreement must create a legal entity to purchase property.

Latvia

• Minimum investment: €250,000
• Time to citizenship: five years
• Residency requirement: Once a year

The Latvia Golden Visa program is for people from outside the EU who want to live in Europe. It is a good option for investors, business owners, and wealthy individuals who want residency along with benefits like easy travel across European countries in the Schengen Zone.

The Latvia program is appealing because it requires an investment of only €50,000 in a commercial enterprise or €250,000 in real estate. Residency cannot be inherited, but dependents can be added if they qualify. If the applicant eventually gains citizenship, that citizenship can be passed down to children and future generations.

Hungary

• Minimum investment: €250,000
• Time to citizenship: five years
• Residency requirement: No minimum stay requirements

The Hungarian Golden Visa, also called the Guest Investor Program (GIP), was relaunched on July 1, 2024. It allows non-EU and non-EEA citizens to gain long-term residency in Hungary through investment and gives investors and their families access to the EU and Schengen Area. The program offers various investment options and a renewable 10-year residency permit with no minimum stay requirement, making it highly flexible.

To add to its appeal, the country offers a pretty low cost of living compared to other European countries. Applicants receive pre-approval before making the investment, which minimizes risk. A qualifying investment of only €250,000 in a state-approved real estate investment fund is required, and the residency permit is usually issued within 21 days after the appointment.

8 Benefits of Immigrant Investor Programs

Obtaining citizenship through immigrant investor programs has several benefits.

We suggest using the Global Passport Index to gain more detailed insight into various countries’ passport, quality of life, and more. This, alongside the benefits mentioned, can help you decide on a country that’s best for you and your family’s needs.

1. Residency or Citizenship: Obtain residency or citizenship in a new country, allowing for greater mobility and security.

2. Visa-Free Travel: Gain visa-free access to numerous countries, which increases global mobility.

3. Tax Advantages: Some countries offer favorable tax structures, including low or no income tax or capital gains for investor visa program applicants.

4. Family Inclusion: Many programs allow the inclusion of close family, such as spouses and children.

5. Investment Flexibility: Investors often have various investment options, such as real estate, a commercial enterprise, or government bonds.

6. Economic Opportunities: These programs provide access to new markets, business opportunities, and economic resources.

7. Quality of Life: Enjoy a higher standard of living with better healthcare, education, and infrastructure with an investor visa program.

8. High-Quality Education: Provide your children with the opportunity to attend prestigious educational institutions.

According to the Global RCBI report, the benefits you receive will differ depending on which region the program you choose is located in. For example, if you’re looking for speed and simplicity, the Caribbean is your best bet. But choosing an European CBI program is ideal for those looking for global mobility, EU rights and prestige.

How Can Global Citizen Solutions Help You?

Global Citizen Solutions is a boutique migration consultancy firm with years of experience delivering bespoke residence and citizenship by investment solutions for international families. With offices worldwide and an experienced, hands-on team, we have helped hundreds of clients worldwide acquire citizenship, residence visas, or homes while diversifying their portfolios with robust investments. 

We guide you from start to finish, taking you beyond your citizenship or residency by investment application. 

Frequently Asked Questions about Investment Immigration Programs

What is an immigrant investor program?

An immigrant investor program is a government initiative that grants residency or citizenship to foreign nationals who make a qualifying financial investment in real estate, businesses, government bonds, or other approved assets. These programs aim to attract foreign capital and boost economic growth.

What is migration by investment?

Migration by investment is the process where individuals gain residency or citizenship rights in a country by investing in its economy, typically through real estate, business ventures, or national funds.

What is the difference between citizenship by investment and residency by investment?

Citizenship by investment grants full citizenship and a second passport, often passed to future generations.

Residency by investment provides legal residency status, which may lead to citizenship after fulfilling certain requirements like physical presence or long-term stay.

What are the benefits of immigration through investment?

Key benefits include:

• Visa-free travel
• Access to global markets
• Tax advantages
• High-quality healthcare and education
• Get second citizenship or residency for the whole family

What are the risks of immigration by investment?

Risks include:

• Application denial
• Investment loss
• Visa revocation if requirements aren’t met
• Potential for misuse through money laundering if due diligence is weak

Which countries offer the fastest citizenship by investment?

Vanuatu offers one of the fastest CBI timelines. The government estimates that most of the time citizenship can be granted in as little as 60 days.

What documents are required for an immigrant investor program application?

You’ll typically need:

• Completed application form
• Proof of funds (e.g., bank statements)
• Investment confirmation
• Police clearance
• Health insurance
• Business plan (for entrepreneurship routes)

Does an immigrant investor program require physical residency?

Some programs require a few days of presence annually (for example, Portugal), while others have no stay requirements (for example, Greece and Antigua & Barbuda).

Can I get citizenship through an immigrant investor program?

Yes. Many citizenship by investment (CBI) programs offer direct citizenship, while residency programs may lead to citizenship after a set period and fulfilling residency conditions.

Can I apply for an immigrant investor program as a tourist in the country?

Yes, you can often begin the process while in the country as a tourist. However, formal submission typically requires working with licensed agents or immigration lawyers.

Can I apply for an immigrant investor visa remotely?

Yes. Most programs accept online applications, though some require in-person appointments for biometrics or final approval.

What happens if my application for an immigrant investor program is denied or rejected?

If rejected, you may:

• Appeal the decision (if allowed)
• Reapply with stronger documentation
• Receive a refund (depends on the program’s refund policy)

What types of investments qualify for immigrant investor visa?

Qualifying investments for investor visa programs typically include:

1. Real estate purchases
2. Government bonds
3. Business investments
4. Job creation projects
5. National development fund contributions

Can I use cryptocurrency for an immigrant investor program?

Yes, but only after converting crypto into fiat currency and proving a legal source of funds through bank transfers and documentation.

Can I invest in real estate for an investor visa?

Yes, many countries offer real estate citizenship, including the UAE, Malta and Turkey.

What is the cheapest investor visa program?

Vanuatu has one of the most affordable options, starting at $130,000, with fast processing and no residency requirement.

What are the tax implications of immigration by investment?

Many countries offer:

• Low or no income tax
• No capital gains tax or inheritance tax
• Double taxation treaties for fiscal protection

How does the US EB-5 Immigrant Investor Visa work?

The EB-5 Visa lets foreign nationals obtain a US Green Card by investing between $800,000 and $1,050,000 in a new commercial enterprise that creates at least 10 jobs. It offers conditional residency, with a path to permanent residency and citizenship.