Best Citizenship by Investment: Ultimate Guide to 16 Programs

Q: Which citizenship is the fastest to get?

The fastest citizenship to get is Vanuatu citizenship. Investors of the Vanuatu citizenship program obtain second citizenship and Vanuatu passports with increased visa-free access within 60 days of submitting a citizenship application. St Kitts and Nevis grants citizenship within four months.

Q: What is the cheapest citizenship by investment for a family?

The cheapest citizenship program for a family of four is the Antigua and Barbuda citizenship by investment scheme. Investors can secure citizenship for themselves, their spouse, and two financially dependent children by contributing to the Antigua and Barbuda government fund, which totals $145,000 to $153,000, including all application fees.

Q: Where is the hardest to get citizenship?

Determining the hardest citizenship to obtain depends on various factors, including the specific citizenship laws, eligibility criteria, and the individual’s personal circumstances. Some countries have stricter requirements and more challenging pathways to citizenship. For example, countries like Oman and Saudi Arabia are known for having stringent naturalization processes and rigorous criteria for granting citizenship. These countries have long residency requirements, demand language proficiency and cultural integration, conduct extensive background checks, and have complex bureaucratic procedures.

Q: Where is the best place to buy citizenship?

Determining the best place to buy citizenship, or more precisely, obtain economic citizenship (CBI), is a subjective decision that depends on individual intentions and objectives for acquiring second citizenship. St Kitts and Nevis offer great citizenship by investment program for individuals seeking the strongest Caribbean passport with extensive visa-free travel benefits. At the same time, those prioritizing affordability for their family may opt for the Antigua and Barbuda economic citizenship program, which has the lowest total investment for a family of four. If you’re seeking investment opportunities and access to large markets, other countries offering CBI programs, such as Austria, provide access to the European Union.

If you’ve landed on this page, you’re probably well acquainted with the concept of economic citizenship and acquiring citizenship by investment. As you set your sights on global citizenship, the crucial decision lies ahead–determining the best citizenship by investment program that perfectly aligns with your aspirations, financial objectives, and personal preferences.

Having taken the initial step towards acquiring citizenship by investment, it’s time to explore the diverse options for dual citizenship, each offering a unique set of benefits and investment options. This article will provide the insights and information necessary to make an educated choice, empowering you to secure a second citizenship that complements your lifestyle and future ambitions for yourself and your family.

Keep reading as we uncover the greatest citizenship-by-investment programs around the world. We’re gonna dive deep into these citizenship and residence programs and break down the benefits, requirements, and criteria for each one. Have a look below to learn more.

What is citizenship by investment?

Citizenship by investment (CBI), also known as economic citizenship, refers to a legal framework employed by numerous countries. It allows foreign nationals to obtain citizenship in exchange for their significant contributions and contributions to the nation’s development.

Citizenship by Investment (CBI) initiatives act as strategic tools for attracting foreign investment and talent on a global scale, setting the stage for sustained economic growth. By successfully participating in a citizenship program, investors and their families acquire a new citizenship, along with access to the advantages, privileges, and rights of being citizens in a second country.

Dual citizenship pertains to the legal status individuals receive when they gain the rights and privileges of being citizens of two countries. The benefits encompass acquiring a second passport, which, in most cases, translates to enhanced global mobility and additional visa-free access to countries worldwide.

Acquiring second citizenship brings a host of additional advantages, including widened business opportunities and ease of doing business, improved quality of life, asset protection, and access to essential social services like healthcare and education.

In what way does citizenship by investment address common challenges?

Applying for a citizenship by investment (CBI) program is a solution to a host of challenges a range of individuals face. First and foremost, these investment schemes provide a straightforward and expedited route to obtaining a new citizenship. But what challenges are addressed after obtaining citizenship by investment?

Lack of mobility

One of the most appealing aspects of CBI programs is the right to obtain a second passport, allowing holders to gain visa-free access to countries that may not be available for visa-free travel with their current passport.

Additionally, international collaborations and agreements, such as the European Union in Europe and MERCOSUR in South America, contribute to enhanced mobility for citizenships of countries within these regions. These cross-border pacts grant citizens privileged access and extended stays in member countries, furthering the allure of economic citizenship programs to obtain dual citizenship status.

Limited investment options

A diverse and varied investment route allows applicants to choose investments that suit their economic capabilities and goals. These options may include real estate, providing investors with a place of residence while qualifying for a second passport in citizenship by investment countries. Other options, like a capital contribution to a national development fund or government bonds, offer a cheap and straightforward route to economic citizenship.

Slow second citizenship through naturalization

A streamlined and efficient application process is highly desirable as it allows applicants to acquire citizenship and passports in a reasonable timeframe. Investors can second citizenship within two to six months after investing in a country’s economy, as opposed to naturalization, which takes several years to complete. Quick processing times are particularly valuable for those seeking immediate benefits.

Political instability

In recent years, the issue of political instability has become a significant concern for numerous individuals, and rising globalization has often led to a corresponding increase in political tension in various regions. A stable political environment and a reputable legal system are crucial factors when contemplating second citizenship through a CBI program.

Potential investors want to ensure that their social environment is secure and their newly obtained legal status remains resilient against sudden changes in government policies or instability.

Low investment returns

Preserving financial wealth is a top priority for every investor, and alongside dual citizenship, investment returns are equally crucial for applicants of CBI programs. Economic citizenship programs that offer reasonable returns on investments provide added financial incentives besides those gained after receiving a second citizenship.

Furthermore, exploring investment opportunities beyond the qualifying ones is an important consideration, and acquiring citizenship increases the ease of doing business abroad.

Tax burdens

Citizenship by investment countries with favorable tax regimes, such as no or low income tax, capital gains tax, or inheritance tax, are highly attractive to investors seeking to optimize their financial gains after securing investment citizenship.

Eligibility for family members

Family members of new citizens may need to fulfill some of the requirements of naturalization, which can include a minimum period of residency. Including family members in an economic citizenship application next to the main applicant is a deciding factor for many foreign nationals.

CBI programs that present the option to include families in the application, such as spouses, children, and sometimes parents or siblings, are more desirable for those seeking to secure a better future for their loved ones.

Another consideration for family inclusion is the additional fees required to apply for family members, which often significantly raises the minimum investment amount in specific CBI programs.

Subpar quality of life

Many individuals face a diminished quality of life in their home country due to a high cost of living, political instability, and underdeveloped infrastructure, among other factors.

Beyond financial gains, the desirability of new citizenship hinges significantly on its enhanced quality of life. Assessing the quality of life factors based on the Global Passport Index will determine where economic citizenship countries rank in terms of education, healthcare, and overall standard of living.

The most popular citizenship by investment program in 2024 balances these elements, catering to the diverse needs and preferences of potential CBI applicants seeking to provide a better quality of life for themselves and their families.

Investment Options for Citizenship by Investment

The allure of immigrant investor programs that lead to citizenship is undeniable. A straightforward, investment in avenues like real estate and job creation sets the stage for reaping its benefits.

Through a dual citizenship by investment scheme, you can avoid traditional immigration processes, like citizenship by naturalization, and receive a second passport in as little as 60 days in exchange for investing a minimum sum of money in a country’s economy. The eligible investments differ from country to country, but standard investment options include:

Bank deposits in a national bank
Purchasing commercial or residential property
Establishing a new enterprise project or investing in existing businesses
Creating jobs for residents and citizens
Purchase of government bonds
A government donation or contributing to national development funds

Ten Best Citizenship by Investment Programs in the World

Austria

Austria offers a distinctive economic citizenship program with rigorous and demanding eligibility criteria; however, it substantially benefits foreign nationals who successfully gain Austrian citizenship and EU passports.

To participate in Austria’s citizenship by investment program, a minimum investment of €2 to 10 million in an Austrian business is required. Eligible companies must meet specific criteria, including job creation for Austrian citizens, growth potential, and a solid international reputation.

Key benefits of the Austria citizenship by investment program:

European passport in an EU country
The Austrian passport ranks the highest of all countries with citizenship by investment schemes.
Visa-free travel and visa-on-arrival access to 174 countries worldwide
One of the world’s safest countries, ranking fifth overall in the Global Peace Index

Antigua and Barbuda

For numerous reasons, Caribbean nations have been increasingly popular choices for acquiring citizenship by investment. Proximity to the United States and affordable investment options make Caribbean citizenship an obvious choice for American applicants of second citizenship initiatives.

Antigua and Barbuda is one of the island nations that has led the way by offering the best Caribbean citizenship by investment. Antigua and Barbuda is among those with the most affordable citizenship of CBI countries. Investors can Antigua acquire a second passport through the donation investment route by contributing $100,000 donation to the Antigua and Barbuda National Development Fund (NDF).

Key benefits of the Antigua and Barbuda citizenship by investment program:

A low starting investment amount of $100,000
The second highest ranking passport of CBI programs offering Caribbean passports
Visa-free travel privileges to 150 countries worldwide
Multiple investment options, including a donation to the University of the West Indies Fund

The most affordable citizenship program for a family of four, with a total investment of about $152,000, including passport fees

Dominica

Dominica, a Caribbean nation, often flies under the radar in discussions about the broader influence of Caribbean nations worldwide. However, it’s largely considered to offer one of the best Caribbean programs granting citizenship through foreign direct investment. Similar to Antigua and Barbuda, the investment threshold starts at $100,000 through a contribution to the country’s Economic Diversification Fund (EDF).

There is also the option of purchasing government-approved real estate for $200,000, which generally includes high-end tourist accommodation.

Key benefits of the Dominica citizenship by investment program:

A $100,000 donation to the country’s Economic Diversification Fund means it offers the cheapest total investment, including government fees, for single CBI applicants.
The lowest qualifying investment in government-approved property of CBI countries, with a minimum investment amount of $200,000
The lowest cost per square meter for real estate of all five Caribbean CBI countries
There are no additional investment requirements to include up to six family members when investing in real estate.
No residency requirements or the need to visit the country or attend interviews to obtain a second passport

If you’re keen on securing a Dominican passport, read our ultimate guide to Dominica citizenship by investment.

Grenada

Grenada has emerged as a strong option for obtaining second passport in the Caribbean for numerous reasons. A progressive government has facilitated the ease of doing business in the country, and its political ties with the United States make it the ideal economic citizenship for both Americans and foreign nationals from other countries. Investors can contribute to economic development by donating $150,000 to the country’s National Transformation Fund (NTF).

Purchasing real estate in government-approved projects for $220,000 for shared ownership or $350,000 for sole ownership is another route to obtaining a Grenada passport.

Key benefits of the Grenada citizenship by investment program:

The only Caribbean country offering foreign investors the chance to settle in the USA through the US E2 Visa program
Include immediate family, a dependent parent or sibling from a single qualifying property investment
Situated outside the hurricane belt, the country has recorded just four hurricanes in its entire history, solidifying it as the least vulnerable to hurricanes of all Caribbean countries offering citizenship by investment programs.
Visa-free access to 147 countries, including China and Russia

Jordan

By being the sole Middle Eastern nation to offer a citizenship by investment program, Jordan presents itself as a unique option for economic citizenship. This characteristic makes the country a magnet for international investors seeking a valuable second passport and the opportunity to tap into its strategic location while immersing themselves in a vibrant Islamic culture. The minimum investment is a real estate purchase of $750,000.

Key benefits of the Jordan citizenship by investment program:

The only country in the Middle East offering citizenship by investment
Prime for lucrative investments through the country’s Economic Modernization Vision
A country with one of the lowest levels of domestic, international, and organized conflict
The cheapest real estate by square meter of all countries offering citizenship programs

Malta

Gaining citizenship by investment in EU countries has become increasingly appealing to foreign investors. While Austria does offer one of the best EU citizenship by investment schemes, the stringent eligibility criteria often place it beyond the reach of many foreign citizens.

In contrast, other EU countries grant citizenship solely through naturalization or descent. The Malta Citizenship by Naturalization for Exceptional Services by Direct Investment program (CES) provides a path to citizenship in the EU in as little as 12 months from a non-refundable investment of €750,000, a real estate investment of €700,000 or a five-year lease agreement totaling €16,000 annually, and a charitable donation of €10,000.

Key benefits of the Maltese citizenship by naturalization program:

The cheapest and fastest option to obtain European citizenship by naturalization
Ranked in the top 30 countries on the Global Passport Index, providing visa-free and visa-on-arrival access to 172 countries worldwide
The number one country promoting LGBTQ rights in 2023, according to ILGA-Europe
Freedom of movement throughout the European Union

Follow the link for more info on Malta citizenship by naturalization.

St Kitts and Nevis

Since its introduction in 1984, the St Kitts and Nevis government’s economic citizenship program has been a model of continuous development and improvement. The process for acquiring economic citizenship and a second passport is well-refined, leading to its consistent and growing popularity among foreigners.

Several investment options are available, which start from contributing $250,000 to the country’s Sustainable Island State Contribution (SISC) – formally the Sustainable Growth Fund. Investors can choose between joint investment for real estate or purchasing a single-family home.

Key benefits of the St Kitts and Nevis citizenship by investment program:

The fastest processing time for citizenship by investment at four months

Ranked as the number one Caribbean country to acquire citizenship by investment in the 2023 CBI Index Report
There is a varied range of real estate to choose from, including commercial and residential real estate
The best Caribbean CBI country for investment, with the highest Investment Index ranking in the Global Passport Index
The strongest Caribbean passport obtainable through citizenship by investment, providing visa-free travel and visa-on-arrival access to 153 countries worldwide

St Lucia

St Lucia’s citizenship by investment program is highly regarded in the citizenship world. With a small yet stable political environment and economy, the country provides a seamless application process for acquiring citizenship. The country offers numerous investment options, including real estate investment. T

The country’s low minimum investment amount starts from donating $100,000 to the St Lucia National Economic Fund.

Key benefits of the St Lucia citizenship by investment program:

A much lower average cost per square meter for property investment than other countries offering CBI schemes in the Caribbean, including St Kitts and Nevis, Antigua and Barbuda, and Grenada
Although there is no fast-track option, applicants can still benefit from one of the industry’s quickest processing times, with most applications completed within two to three months.
Diverse investment options, including cheap real estate investment and refundable government bonds
No additional investments or admin fees to include immediate family members and other dependents when investing in government bonds

Turkey

For those searching for the most cost-effective investment destinations, overlooking Turkey would be a missed opportunity. Not only is the country an excellent choice for investing in real estate, but its CBI program provides access to a highly skilled workforce at reasonable rates, making it an attractive destination for entrepreneurs looking to establish businesses.

Moreover, starting a business is a viable route to Turkish citizenship, as well as real estate investment through a purchase worth at least $400,000.

Key benefits of the Turkey citizenship by investment program:

No requirement to invest in government-approved real estate projects for the real estate investment option
One of two CBI countries providing a route to settle in the USA through the US E2 Visa Program
The lowest cost of living of all countries offering an investment citizenship program
Access to highly skilled and affordable labor, and strategically located between Europe and Asia
The only CBI country in the top 20 economies in the world by GDP

Vanuatu

Despite its geographical isolation, Vanuatu’s citizenship by investment scheme has garnered significant interest from foreign nationals seeking second citizenship. The country’s minimal eligibility criteria and fast application process have led to increased capital investment from overseas and a growing number of applications for the Vanuatu CBI program. Investors have the sole option of donating $130,000 to the Vanuatu Development Support Program.

Key benefits of the Vanuatu citizenship by investment program:

The fastest CBI program in the world, the country has a swift application process, with citizenship granted within 60 days
Zero personal income tax on local and worldwide earnings
Option to pay an annual fee between $300 and $1000, granting tax exemption from corporate taxes for 20 years

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Europe's Best Citizenship by Investment Programs

Malta

Malta offers the best economic citizenship program in Europe that grants EU citizenship by naturalization. Through the Malta Citizenship by Naturalization for Exceptional Services by Direct Investment program (CES), investors gain Malta citizenship in 12 to 36 months from an economic contribution, property investment, and charitable donation.

Compared to Austria’s rigorous procedures for expedited naturalization, Malta’s process is notably more forgiving, offering the same invaluable benefits of an EU passport and access to the European Union.