Citizenship by Investment (CBI) programs allow individuals, and their families, to acquire another citizenship by making significant financial contributions to a country’s economy.
Investment options for CBI programs include purchasing real estate, investing in approved projects, or making a government donation. Some programs, such as Nauru CBI, offer citizenship through a donation starting at around $130,000, making them more accessible than other options.
CBI is best suited for high-net-worth individuals who are seeking a second home abroad, business opportunities, and a strategic plan B in times of uncertainty. Many nations that offer CBI programs have favorable tax regimes which can make being a citizen of these nations greatly beneficial to the investor.
This article will explain what Citizenship by Investment is, the main benefits of these programs, and list the best CBI countries in .
Citizenship by Investment: Key Takeaways
What is Citizenship by Investment?
Citizenship by Investment is the process of acquiring second citizenship by making a significant financial contribution to a country’s economy.
Investment options for CBI programs include government donations, purchasing approved real estate, and investing in local development projects. These investments can start at $130,000 in countries like Vanuatu, $75,000 in Botswana, and $90,000 in São Tomé and Príncipe.
Citizenship by Investment has a range of compelling benefits. Investors gain expanded global mobility, tax advantages, and a “Plan B” for themselves and their family members. Some of the most popular CBI programs in are St. Kitts and Nevis, Antigua and Barbuda, Dominica, Grenada, Saint Lucia, Vanuatu, and Turkey.
Nations differ in their requirements for successful completion of their programs. Some countries will require a minimum stay in the nation to qualify, while others will require a certain number of jobs to be created.
13 Best Countries Offering Citizenship by Investment
01/ Turkey
The Turkey Citizenship by Investment program provides a wealth of options for individuals starting at $400,000. The processing times range from six to twelve months, and the passport enables visa free access to over 70 countries.
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Minimum investment amount | $400,000 |
| Available investment routes | – Real Estate: Purchase real estate or land of at least $400,000. – Bank Deposit: A deposit of at least $500,000 must be made into a Turkish bank account. – Government Bonds: Contribute at least $500,000 to government-issued bonds. – Investment: An investment of at least $500,000 is required in a Turkish business. – Create Jobs: Create 50 full-time jobs. |
| Processing time | 6 to 12 months |
| Visa-Free countries | 70 |
| Residency requirements | None |
| Family Inclusion | Spouse and dependent children below 18 |
| Dual citizenship allowance | Yes |
| Main benefits | – Access to the US E-2 Visa – No language tests – Access to healthcare |
02/ Jordan
The Jordan Citizenship by Investment program is an ideal CBI location for those looking to live in the Middle East and conduct business there. It has a starting cost of ~$705,000 and provides investors with two avenues to pursue.
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Feature | Details |
| Minimum investment amount | ~$705,000 (JOD 500,000) |
| Available investment routes | – Investment: Requires an investment of ~$1.4–1.5 million (JOD 1,000,000) in newly issued shares or equity stakes in Jordanian companies. – Job-Creating Project: Individuals must invest ~$985,000 (JOD 700,000) in a job-creating project that creates 20 or more full-time jobs for Jordanian nationals within Amman. Outside of Amman, the requirements reduce to ~$705,000 (JOD 500,000) and 10 full-time jobs for Jordanian nationals. |
| Processing time | 3 to 6 months |
| Visa-Free countries | 22 |
| Residency requirements | None |
| Family Inclusion | Spouse, children (unmarried – under 18 for male children, no age limit for female children), and dependent parents |
| Dual citizenship allowance | Yes |
| Main benefits | – Capital return after completion of holding period – Great travel access to the Middle East – Citizenship is inheritable |
03/ Antigua and Barbuda
The Antigua and Barbuda Citizenship by Investment program has a starting cost of $230,000, and the country does not impose personal income, wealth, inheritance, or capital gains taxes. It also boasts fast processing times of six months for its program, and the nation ranks 49th on the Global Passport Index.
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Minimum investment amount | $230,000 |
| Available investment routes | – National Development Fund: Minimum investment of $230,000 for a family of up to four. For larger families (5+), a higher minimum of $245,000 is applied with an extra $15,000 per dependent. – Real Estate: Government-approved real estate worth at least $300,000. – University of the West Indies Fund: A donation of $260,000 is required to the Fund for citizenship. – Investment: Individuals will need to make an investment of $1.5 million if they are investing solo or $400,000 if they are conducting a joint investment to an approved business venture valued at least $5 million. |
| Processing time | 6 months |
| Visa-free countries | 101 |
| Residency requirements | 5 days in the first 5 years |
| Family Inclusion | Spouse, children under 30, parents and grandparents over 55, unmarried siblings |
| Dual citizenship allowance | Yes |
| Main benefits | – Member of CARICOM and OECS – Travel access to Europe – Citizenship is inheritable |
04/ St. Kitts & Nevis
The St Kitts and Nevis Citizenship by Investment program was the first in the world. They set the standard and their program has a starting cost of $250,000. Additionally, passport holders gain access to 101 countries, including the UK and the Schengen Area with visa free travel.
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Minimum investment amount | $250,000 |
| Available investment routes | – Sustainable Island State Contribution (SISC): Investment of $250,000 to the fund. – Public Benefit Option (PBO): Investors will need to make a non-refundable donation of $250,000 to a government-approved public benefit project. – Shares in Approved Real Estate Projects: Purchase at least $325,000 worth of shares in a government-approved real estate project. – Real Estate: Purchase a single-family home worth at least $600,000. |
| Processing time | 4 to 6 months |
| Visa-Free countries | 101 |
| Residency requirements | None |
| Family Inclusion | Spouse, children under 30, parents over 55 |
| Dual citizenship allowance | Yes |
| Main benefits | – Member of CARICOM and OECS – Travel access to the Schengen Area – Remote interview only |
05/ Grenada
The Grenada Citizenship by Investment program has a starting cost of $235,000 and its passport allows access to 94 countries visa-free, including the Schengen Area, the UK, and China. Additionally, applicants gain the ability to apply for the US E-2 Visa.
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Minimum investment amount | $235,000 |
| Available investment routes | – National Transformation Fund: Non-refundable donation of $235,000 to the Fund. – Real Estate: There are two sub-options: – A: Partial investment to the value of at least $270,000 in shares of government-approved real estate projects. – B: Sole investment of $350,000 in a single unit of an approved Grenada real estate project. |
| Processing time | 6 months |
| Visa-Free countries | 94 |
| Residency requirements | None |
| Family Inclusion | Spouse, children under 30, parents and grandparents over 55, unmarried siblings under 18 |
| Dual citizenship allowance | Yes |
| Main benefits | – Potential for high yields on investment – Travel access to Europe – Secure plan B |
06/ Vanuatu
The Vanuatu Citizenship by Investment program is the fastest in the world with a processing time of one to three months. The starting cost is $130,000, and the nation allows dual citizenship.
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Minimum investment amount | $130,000 |
| Available investment routes | – Vanuatu Development Support Program (VDSP): donation of $130,000 to Vanuatu’s local development fund – Capital Investment Immigration Plan (CIIP): A donation of $165,000, of which $50,000 is redeemable after 4 years. – Approved Real Estate: Purchase $200,000 of real estate in an approved area. |
| Processing time | 1 – 3 months |
| Visa-Free countries | 46 |
| Residency requirements | None |
| Family Inclusion | Spouse, children under 18 or under 25 and in fulltime education, parents and grandparents over 50 |
| Dual citizenship allowance | Yes |
| Main benefits | – No income taxes – Remote application process – Vanuatu is one of the world’s happiest countries |
07/ Nauru
The Nauru Citizenship by Investment program is one of the most affordable available with a starting cost of $90,000. Additionally, the process is quick, taking only three to four months to complete.
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Minimum investment amount | $90,000 |
| Available investment route | Nauru Treasury Fund: donation of $90,000 to Nauru’s development fund |
| Processing time | 3 – 4 months |
| Visa-free countries | 42 |
| Residency requirements | None |
| Family Inclusion | Spouse (legally married or unmarried), children, parents, siblings |
| Dual citizenship allowance | Yes |
| Main benefits | – Remote application process – One of the cheapest CBI programs available – Citizenship is inheritable |
08/ Dominica
The Dominica Citizenship by Investment program has a starting cost of $200,000, and enables access to the EU, China, and Singapore. There are also a broad range of family members included in the program.
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Minimum investment amount | $200,000 |
| Available investment routes | – Economic Diversification Fund (EDF): Donation of $200,000 to Dominica’s diversification fund – Approved Real Estate: Purchase $200,000 of real estate in an approved area |
| Processing time | 6 – 9 months |
| Visa-free countries | 88 |
| Residency requirements | None |
| Family Inclusion | Spouse, children under 30, parents and grandparents over 65 |
| Dual citizenship allowance | Yes |
| Main benefits | – Politically and economically stable – Remote application process – No worldwide income, wealth, capital gains, or inheritance taxes |
09/ St. Lucia
The St. Lucia Citizenship by Investment program has a starting cost of $240,000, and the country has no worldwide income tax, inheritance, or capital gains tax. The nation has public and private healthcare options for all citizens.
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Minimum investment amount | $240,000 |
| Available investment routes | – National Economic Fund (NEF): Donation of $240,000 to St. Lucia’s national fund – Approved Real Estate: Purchase $300,000 of real estate in an approved area. – National Action Government Bonds (NAB): Purchase $300,000 worth of bonds that are refundable after 5 years – Enterprise Investment: There are two sub-options: – A: $3.5 million investment as a solo investor – B: $250,000 investment in a joint venture worth at least $6 million |
| Processing time | 10 – 12 months |
| Visa-Free countries | 93 |
| Residency requirements | None |
| Family Inclusion | Spouse, children under 30, parents and grandparents over 55, siblings under 18 |
| Dual citizenship allowance | Yes |
| Main benefits | – One of the only refundable CBI options in the Caribbean – Remote application process – No worldwide income tax, inheritance, or capital gains tax |
10/ São Tomé e Príncipe
The São Tomé e Príncipe Citizenship by Investment program has a starting cost of $90,000 and the process has no residency requirements. The process takes only 2 to 3 months to complete, making it one of the fastest CBI programs available.
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Minimum investment amount | $90,000 |
| Available investment routes | National Transformation Fund (NTF): Donation of $90,000 to São Tomé e Príncipe’s transformation fund |
| Processing time | 2 – 3 months |
| Visa-free countries | 24 |
| Residency requirements | None |
| Family Inclusion | Spouses or de facto partners, children up to 30, parents aged 55 and up |
| Dual citizenship allowance | Yes |
| Main benefits | – One of the cheapest and fastest CBI programs – Remote application process – Citizenship can be inherited |
11/ Egypt
The Egypt Citizenship by Investment program allows successful applicants to be eligible for the US E-2 Visa. Additionally, the starting cost is $250,000, and the program has no residency requirements.
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Minimum investment amount | $250,000 |
| Available investment routes | – Donation: Donation of $250,000 to Egypt’s public treasury – Real Estate: Purchase of $300,000 in residential or commercial real estate – Business: Investment of $350,000 plus a $100,000 Donation – Bank Deposit: $500,000 deposit in a no-interest account for 3 years |
| Processing time | 6 – 12 months |
| Visa-Free countries | 21 |
| Residency requirements | None |
| Family Inclusion | Spouse, children under 21 |
| Dual citizenship allowance | Yes |
| Main benefits | – Strategic access to Africa and the Middle East – Confidential application process until approval – Investment flexibility |
12/ Cambodia
The Cambodia Citizenship by Investment program is the only economic citizenship program in Southeast Asia and has a starting cost of $245,000. It requires no physical presence or language tests.
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Minimum investment amount | $245,000 |
| Available investment routes | – Donation: $245,000 to the Royal Government of Cambodia – Business: Investment of $305,000 plus other costs which can push the total closer to $1 million |
| Processing time | 6 – 9 months |
| Visa-Free countries | 23 |
| Residency requirements | None |
| Family Inclusion | Spouse, children under 18 |
| Dual citizenship allowance | Yes |
| Main benefits | – Strategic access to Asia – Investments in the program are retrievable – Member of the ASEAN Economic Community |
13/ North Macedonia
The North Macedonia Citizenship by Investment program has a starting cost of €200,000 and it has a fast-processing time of 2 to 5 months. The nation has a lower cost of living than most European countries.
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Minimum investment amount | €200,000 |
| Available investment routes | – Donation: €200,000 to the Development Fund – Business: Investment of €400,000 in a business in the country |
| Processing time | 2 – 5 months |
| Visa-Free countries | 79 |
| Residency requirements | None |
| Family Inclusion | Spouse, children under 18 |
| Dual citizenship allowance | Yes |
| Main benefits | – Strategic access to Europe and the Balkans – Eligible for the US E-2 Visa – Low cost of living |
Citizenship by Investment Fees and Costs
With CBI, there are generally three main costs:
- Investment: This will be the largest cost by far. Most CBI programs will require an investment of at least $150,000 for an individual, with this number increasing for additional dependents. Some countries CBI programs can cost over a million dollars, so it is advised that you carefully consider your options.
- Government Fees: Some nations will charge an administrative fee for the CBI or due diligence process. This fee is typically a one-time cost that covers the expenses of the government agency that operates the due diligence process. These fees range in cost and are typically $10,000+.
- Agency Fees: The last cost to consider is the fees of the agency you use to facilitate your CBI. Global Citizen Solutions provides comprehensive assistance throughout the CBI process. From the gathering of documents to the issuance of your new passport, we are there by your side.
What are the Investment Options for Obtaining Citizenship?
- Real Estate: Purchasing property is a common CBI avenue and can allow for rental income, asset appreciation, and resale after a holding period. Generally, properties will need to be held for a period of 3-7 years depending on the country.
- Donation: This tends to be the fastest and cheapest way of obtaining second citizenship. While donations are non-refundable, they do provide benefits to the country like an increase in spending on infrastructure, healthcare, and education.
- Business Investment: Investing in a business offers the highest potential for returns, making it an excellent choice for entrepreneurs. Investment under this category may come with additional requirements such as job creation.
- Government Bonds: Stable, state-backed bonds that are typically refundable after a set holding period of 3-7 years. These bonds may not always yield interest, but they are reliable and offer a citizenship avenue with limited maintenance.
- Bank Deposit: Investors will need to deposit a set amount into an approved bank within the country they are pursuing. These deposits do not often bear interest, but they are refundable after a holding period.
What Requirements Should You Meet to Acquire Citizenship by Investment?
The requirements for CBI will vary by country with some nations needing additional steps like health exams. This is not the case for every country, however all will require the following:
- Be at least 18 years of age
- Have a clean criminal record
- Funds must be from a legal source
Do I Need to Renounce my First Citizenship to Get a Second One?
You will generally not need to renounce your first citizenship as CBI countries allow dual citizenship as a perk of the process. As such, whether you must forfeit your citizenship will depend on the laws of your own country. Both the US and the UK allow dual citizenship, while countries like China, India, and Japan do not.
Due Diligence and Compliance Requirements
Due diligence is a big part of CBI programs. Countries do not want to have illegally acquired capital flow through their programs. Also, countries want to ensure that their new citizens are legitimate investors and not individuals interested in money laundering or other criminal behavior.
If you have the capital necessary, but do not pass a due diligence screening, you will be rejected from the CBI program. It is vital that investors maintain a clean criminal record, so that the risk of rejection is far lower.
What is the difference between Citizenship by Investment and Residency by Investment?
CBI programs provide applicants with immediate citizenship, with full rights, including the right to vote. RBI programs, on the other hand, only grant the right to live, work, and study in a country.
CBI programs usually have faster processing times and rarely require applicants to live in the country. They also offer a direct route to a second passport. Also known as Golden Visas, RBI programs can be less expensive than CBI programs, as the benefits they provide are more limited.
Why Countries Offer Citizenship by Investment
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.
