Citizenship by Investment (CBI) programs allow individuals to obtain citizenship in a country by making a financial investment, such as purchasing real estate, contributing to government funds, or investing in local businesses. In exchange, applicants receive citizenship, including a passport, which grants them benefits like visa-free travel, tax advantages, and access to new business opportunities.
Investment programs have become more popular as countries rely on foreign investment to strengthen their economies. Each Citizenship by Investment (CBI) program has different requirements and benefits. Therefore, when comparing these programs, key factors to consider include investment amounts, processing times, tax advantages, and each program’s unique selling points. These elements are crucial in selecting the right program for your needs.
In this guide, we’ll explore some of the leading CBI programs and highlight essential factors to help you make an informed decision.
Citizenship by Investment (CBI) programs allow individuals to gain citizenship by making a financial investment, such as buying real estate, contributing to government funds, or investing in local businesses.
These programs offer an easy and straightforward path to citizenship and a potential second passport, which comes with benefits like visa-free travel, tax perks, and new business opportunities.
Citizenship by investment programs were designed to attract foreign investment and drive economic growth in the host countries. Many countries, particularly smaller or resource-limited ones, use CBI programs to raise government revenue and promote long-term economic development. Not all passports are the same. Some are stronger and more desirable than others, so it’s important to compare their benefits and choose what suits you best. The same applies to citizenship programs, as each country sets its own rules for who can apply. Since investment programs vary, it can sometimes be confusing. Some offer direct citizenship through investment, while others grant residency first, requiring you to live there before becoming a citizen. This is why comparing citizenship programs and what they offer is essential.
The Benefits of Citizenship by Investment
Citizenship by investment programs offer several benefits to individuals and families. Here are some of the key advantages:
Travel freedom: Many citizenship by investment programs provide visa-free or visa-on-arrival access to many countries, which can be particularly valuable for individuals from countries with more restrictive passports.
Business opportunities: Citizenship in a different country can provide better business opportunities, including easier access to international markets and better business environments.
Tax benefits: Some countries offer favorable tax regimes for new citizens who move to their country, which can benefit personal and corporate tax planning.
Personal security: Acquiring citizenship in a politically stable country can provide a safe haven in times of political unrest or instability in one’s home country. Some individuals seek citizenship by investment to ensure personal and family safety, particularly in regions with high crime rates or social unrest.
Quality of life: Many countries offering citizenship by investment have high standards of living, great healthcare, and top-tier educational institutions. These benefits can significantly enhance the quality of life for individuals and their families, providing access to better services and a cleaner, more organized living environment.
Global mobility: Citizenship by investment often comes with the right to reside not only in the new country but sometimes in neighboring countries or regions as well. For instance, EU citizenship allows residency in any EU member state. This can be particularly advantageous for those seeking flexibility in their living arrangements and the ability to relocate as needed.
Financial flexibility: Citizenship in a new country offers easier access to international banking and investment opportunities, helping manage and grow assets. Diversifying holdings across different countries also provides a strategy for asset protection.
Family inclusion: Most citizenship by investment programs allow the main applicant to include family members, such as spouses, children, and sometimes parents or siblings. This ensures the whole family enjoys better travel freedom, security, and quality of life.
Citizenship by Investment Comparison Table
When choosing a Citizenship by Investment program, the investment amount is often the first consideration. However, factors like processing time, tax advantages, dual citizenship options, and time to citizenship also play a crucial role. Passport strength is another key factor, and Global Citizen Solutions’ Global Passport Index ranks passports based on mobility, investment appeal, and quality of life, helping investors make informed decisions about obtaining a second passport. To simplify the comparison, we’ve created a table that highlights key features of the most successful CBI programs.
Country
Minimum Investment
Time until Citizenship
Taxes Advantages
Visa-free Access
GPI Ranking
Dual Citizenship
Antigua and Barbuda
$230,000 donation $300,000 real estate
Six months
No capital gains, inheritance, wealth, or worldwide income taxes, Tax breaks on qualifying companies’ profits for up to 20 years
102 countries
51st
Yes
Austria
€2 million
24 to 36 months
No inheritance or wealth tax
125 countries
15th
No
Nauru
$105,000
Three to four months
No personal income, inheritance or wealth tax
89 countries
95th
Yes
Dominica
$200,000 (donations) $200,000 (real estate)
Six to nine months
No capital gains, inheritance, wealth, or worldwide income taxes
88 countries
78th
Yes
Egypt
$250,000
Six to nine months
No inheritance or wealth tax
23 countries
133rd
Yes
Grenada
$270,000 (donation) $236,000 (real estae)
Nine months
No capital gains, inheritance, wealth, or worldwide income taxes
94 countries
71st
Yes
Jordan
$750,000
Three to six months
No capital gains, inheritance, wealth, or worldwide income taxes
21 countries
139th
Yes
Malta
€600,000
12 months
No capital gains, inheritance, or wealth taxes
123 countries
28th
Yes
St. Kitts and Nevis
$250,000 (Donation) $325,000 (real estate)
Four to six months
No capital gains, inheritance, wealth, or worldwide income taxes
108 countries
45th
Yes
St. Lucia
$240,000 (Donation) $300,000 (real estate)
10 to 12 months
No capital gains, inheritance, wealth, or worldwide income taxes, Annual fee tax regime for corporations
93 countries
70th
Yes
Turkey
$400,000
Three to four months
No worldwide income or wealth taxes
71 countries
92th
Yes
Vanuatu
$130,000
Two months
Zero taxes
46 countries
112th
Yes
Investment options and cost
Country
Minimum
Investment [Single Applicant]
Minimum
Investment [Family of Four]
Type of
Investment
Application
Fees
Family Fees
(Per Dependent)
Income/Savings
Requirements
Antigua and Barbuda
$230,000
$230,000
Contribution to state fund, Real estate investment, Donation to University of the West Indies Fund, Business investment
Application Fee
– $30,000 for a family of up to four.
Due diligence fee
– $2,000 to $7,500 per applicant
+$10,000 for each additional applicant
None
Austria
€2 million
Contribution to government fund, Investment in a joint venture, Venture capital investment, Invest in an innovative business or industry considered “first priority”
€800
€800
None
Cambodia
$245,000
Government contribution, Real estate investment
$85,000
$5,000
None
Dominica
$200,000
$250,000
Government contribution, Real estate investment
Application Fee
– $1,000 per application
Due diligence fee
– $4,000 to $7,500 per applicant
$4,000 due diligence fee for each family member aged 16 or over.
None
Egypt
$250,000
Government contribution, Real estate investment, Bank deposit, Business investment
$10,000
$10,000
None
Grenada
$235,000
$235,000
Government contribution, Real estate investment
Application Fee
– $2,000 to $3,000 per application
Due diligence fee
– $5,000 per applicant
$5,000 due diligence fee for each family member aged 17 and over
None
Jordan
$750,000
Real estate investment, Purchase treasury bonds, Bank deposit, Purchase company shares, Investment project with job creation
Not listed
Not listed
None
Malta
€600,000
Government contribution, donation, and real estate purchase or lease
€15,000 due diligence fees
€10,000 per dependent aged 13 or over
None
Moldova
€100,000
Government contribution
€46,000
€41,000 to €46,000
None
North Macedonia
€200,000
Investment in a private equity fund, Business investment with job creation
€20,000
€10,000 to €20,000
None
St. Kitts and Nevis
$250,000
$250,000
Government contribution, Real estate investment, Investment in Public Benefit Projects
Application Fee
– $500 per application
Due diligence fee
– $7,500 to $10,000 per applicant
$7,500 due diligence fee for each family member
None
St. Lucia
$240,000
$240,000
Government contribution, Real estate investment, Business Investment
Application Fee
– $2,000 for a family of up to four
– +$1,000 for each additional applicant
Due diligence fee
– $5,000 to $8,000 per applicant
Application fee:
– +$1,000 for each additional applicant
None
Turkey
$400,000
Government contribution, Real estate investment, Purchase government bonds, Capital investment, Business investment with job creation
$2,000
$1,500
None
Vanuatu
$130,000
$130,000
Government contribution
$5,000 due diligence fee
$5,000 due diligence fee
$250,000
Required documentation and prerequisites
Country
Character
Requirements
Mandatory
Visit
Stay
Requirement
Minimum
Investment
Period
Language
Proficiency
Requirement
Antigua and Barbuda
Over 18, Good health, Clean criminal record, Provide bank statements and employer references, Not from a prohibited country
No
Five days within five years
Five years (not applicable for cheapest investment)
No
Austria
Over 18, A non-EU national, Good health, Clean criminal record, Not from a prohibited country, Proof of business track record, Pass a citizenship test
Yes
Yes
Not listed
Yes
Cambodia
Over 18, Good health, Clean criminal record, Not from a prohibited country, Pass a citizenship test
Yes
No
Five Years
No
Dominica
Over 18, Good health, Clean criminal record, Not from a prohibited country
No
No
three years (not applicable for cheapest investment)
No
Egypt
Over 18, Good health, Clean criminal record, Not from a prohibited country
Yes
No
Three years (Not applicable for cheapest investment)
No
Grenada
Over 18, Good health, Clean criminal record, Not from a prohibited country
No
No
Five years (not applicable for cheapest investment)
No
Jordan
Over 18, Good health, Clean criminal record, Proof of adequate funds
No
No
Three Years
No
Malta
Over 18, A non-EU national, Good health, Clean criminal record, Proof of adequate funds, Not from a prohibited country
Yes
No
Five Years
No
Moldova
Over 18, Good health, Clean criminal record, Not have been denied entry to a Moldova visa-free country
Yes
No
N/A
No
North Macedonia
Over 18, Good health, Clean criminal record, Proof of adequate funds
Yes
No
N/A
No
St. Kitts and Nevis
Over 18, Good health, Clean criminal record, Not from a prohibited country
No
No
Five years (not applicable for cheapest investment)
No
St. Lucia
Over 18, Good health, Clean criminal record, Not from a prohibited country
No
No
Five years (not applicable for cheapest investment)
No
Turkey
Over 18, Good health, Clean criminal record, Not from a prohibited country
No
No
Three Years
No
Vanuatu
Over 18 and under 65, Good health, Clean criminal record, Not from a prohibited country
No
No
N/A
No
Details and benefits
Country
Time until Citizenship
Taxes Advantages
Visa-free Access
GPI Ranking
Dual Citizenship
Antigua and Barbuda
Six months
No capital gains, inheritance, wealth, or worldwide income taxes, Tax breaks on qualifying companies’ profits for up to 20 years
150 countries
59th
Yes
Austria
24 to 36 months
No inheritance or wealth tax
174 countries
19th
No
Cambodia
Three to four months
No inheritance or wealth tax
88 countries
151st
Yes
Dominica
Six to nine months
No capital gains, inheritance, wealth, or worldwide income taxes
146 countries
78th
Yes
Egypt
Six to nine months
No inheritance or wealth tax
82 countries
142nd
Yes
Grenada
Nine months
No capital gains, inheritance, wealth, or worldwide income taxes
147 countries
74th
Yes
Jordan
Three to six months
No capital gains, inheritance, wealth, or worldwide income taxes
81 countries
145th
Yes
Malta
12 months
No capital gains, inheritance, or wealth taxes
172 countries
34th
Yes
Moldova
Three to four months
N/A
130 countries
81st
Yes
North Macedonia
Two to five months
A flat ten percent tax rate
139 countries
79th
Yes
St. Kitts and Nevis
Four to six months
No capital gains, inheritance, wealth, or worldwide income taxes
153 countries
53rd
Yes
St. Lucia
10 to 12 months
No capital gains, inheritance, wealth, or worldwide income taxes, Annual fee tax regime for corporations
148 countries
75th
Yes
Turkey
Three to four months
No worldwide income or wealth taxes
129 countries
94th
Yes
Vanuatu
Two months
Zero taxes
112 countries
102nd
Yes
Unique selling point
Country
USP
Antigua and Barbuda
Cheapest CBI program for a family of four, with a total investment of $230,000 to $245,000
Austria
Safest CBI country, ranking fifth overall in the Global Peace Index
Cambodia
Three to four months – No inheritance or wealth tax – 88 countries – 151st – Yes
Dominica
Cheapest CBI program for a single applicant, with a total investment of $110,000
Egypt
The only African CBI program
Grenada
Only Caribbean CBI country offering the change to settle in the USA through the US E-2 Visa Program
Jordan
The cheapest real estate by square meter of all countries offering citizenship programs
Malta
The cheapest and fastest EU citizenship program
Moldova
The cheapest European citizenship program for a single applicant and family
North Macedonia
The lowest income tax of any European country offering CBI, with a flat tax rate of ten percent
St. Kitts and Nevis
The highest ranking CBI Caribbean passport of Caribbean countries on the Global Passport Index
St. Lucia
Among the lowest minimum investment required in real estate at $200,000 with a cheap real estate market compared to other Caribbean CBI countries
Turkey
No prerequisites for investing in pre-approved real estate, and lower cost of living than the rest of Europe
Vanuatu
The fastest CBI program available with passports issued within 60 days, and no additional fees for fast-track processing
Take a look at our St. Lucia Citizenship Ultimate Guide by local experts
Requirements for Citizenship by Investment Programs
Countries that offer citizenship through investment each have different requirements that foreign investors must fulfill. However, some key regulations are common across most programs. One of the most important is having a clean criminal record, as applicants must pass rigorous due diligence checks to ensure they pose no security risk.
Other key requirements that countries require include:
Applicants must be at least 18 years old.
Many programs require applicants to undergo a medical exam to prove they are in good health (although some do not).
Applicants must meet a minimum investment threshold.
Proof of financial stability is often required.
The investment must be legitimate and verifiable.
Investment Options for CBI Programs
Citizenship by investment programs offers a range of investment options, allowing individuals to secure a second passport by making strategic financial commitments. These investment options are designed to align with the country’s economic goals, allowing investors to contribute to areas such as real estate development, job creation, infrastructure, or national development funds.
Here are some common types of investments available in citizenship and residence programs around the world:
Transfer of Funds or Purchasing Government Bonds
One of the fastest ways to become a citizen through investing is to transfer funds, purchase government bonds, or make a bank deposit. The benefit of government bonds and bank deposits is that if your application is unsuccessful, your money is refunded.
Real Estate Investment
Purchasing real estate can, in some cases, be more costly and involve more paperwork and bureaucracy. However, depending on the country you choose to invest in, an investment in real estate can bring considerable returns.
Donation
You can acquire a second passport in exchange for a charitable qualifying donation to an economic development fund. This is the cheapest and fastest option to obtain new citizenship. However, the contributions are non-refundable and do not provide investment returns.
Establishing a Business
Several citizenship by investment programs provide dual citizenship to investors who create new businesses or invest in existing companies in the country. This could entail investing a minimum amount into the business or creating jobs for citizens and residents.
Golden Visa Programs: An Alternative to CBI
Are you not eligible for Citizenship by Investment? No worries, a residency by investment program might be a great alternative to CBI.
The difference between both programs is that, through residency by investment, instead of being granted full citizenship right away, you’ll obtain a residence permit through investment first. They can eventually lead to citizenship through naturalization after a certain amount of time, provided that you fulfill the investment and residence requirements first.
In Europe, residence programs are known as Golden Visa Programs.
Golden Visa Programs
Here are some of the most attractive residency by investment schemes and Golden Visas in the world. The primary differences between these residence programs are the investment requirement, length of residency, processing time, and residency requirements.
1. Portugal Golden Visa
The Portugal Golden Visa investment amount starts at €250,000. Currently, the program’s investment options are:
Invest a minimum of €250,000 in preserving Portugal’s historical sites.
Invest at least €500,000 in qualifying Portuguese investment funds.
Establish a business that creates at least 10 jobs for local residents.
Set up a business that creates a minimum of 5 full-time jobs for Portuguese citizens.
Eligible family members include the applicant’s spouse or legal partner, unmarried children under 18 or in full-time education, and dependent parents of the applicant and spouse under 65. There is a residency requirement of seven days per year, and applicants can apply for permanent residency or citizenship after five years.
2. Greece Golden Visa
The Greece Golden Visa is a permanent visa investment program starting at €250,000 and offers several investment options, including:
Minimum of €800,000 real estate investment for regions including the entire Administrative Region of Attica, Thessaloniki, Mykonos, Santorini, and islands with populations exceeding 3,100 people
Minimum of €400,000 real estate investment for the rest of Greece
Investment threshold of €250,000 for properties which have been converted from commercial to residential use
Real estate investment threshold of €250,000 for properties of historical or cultural significance that the investor has fully restored or reconstructed
Capital contribution to an investment fund (minimum of €800,000)
Purchasing government bonds (minimum of €800,000)
Eligible family members include the applicant’s spouse or legal partner, unmarried children under 21, and dependent parents and grandparents of the applicant and spouse. There is no residency requirement. Applicants can remove conditional permanent residency after five years and apply for citizenship after seven years of residency.
3. Malta Permanent Residence Program
The Malta Residency by Investment, also known as the Malta Permanent Residence Program, is an investment program starting at €110,000. Other options include:
A minimum investment of €300,000 (for properties in the south of Malta or Gozo) or €350,000 (for properties in other areas).
A contribution of at least €150,000 in government bonds, held for at least 5 years.
A €30,000 contribution to the National Development and Social Fund (NDSF).
Applicants are required to make a financial investment in Malta, typically including the bond and real estate investments mentioned above.
Eligible family members include the applicant’s spouse or legal partner, children under 18 or over 18 if largely dependent, and dependent parents and grandparents of the applicant and spouse.
There is no residency requirement. Applicants can remove conditional permanent residency after five years and apply for citizenship after seven years of residency.
4. Spain Golden Visa
The Spain Golden Visa is an investment program starting at €500,000 and offers several investment options, including:
A minimum investment of €2 million in Spanish public debt securities.
At least €1 million in a Spanish business or company.
A minimum deposit of €1 million in a Spanish bank.
Eligible family members include the applicant’s spouse or legal partner, unmarried children under 18 and over 18 if financially dependent, and dependent parents.
There is no residency requirement. Applicants can remove conditional permanent residency after five years and apply for citizenship after ten years of residency.
5. Italy Golden Visa
The Italy Golden Visa is an investment program starting at €250,000 and offers several investment options, including:
A minimum donation of €1 million to a charity or project that benefits Italy.
A minimum investment of €2 million in Italian government bonds.
At least €500,000 in an Italian startup or business.
A minimum of €500,000 is invested in a company based in Italy.
Eligible family members include the applicant’s spouse or legal partner, children under 18 and over 18 if financially dependent, and dependent parents.
There is no residency requirement. Applicants can remove conditional permanent residency after five years and apply for citizenship after ten years of residency.
6. Cyprus Permanent Residence Program
The Cyprus Permanent Residence Program is an investment program granting a permanent residence permit through a €300,000 investment. Applicants have the option to:
A minimum of €300,000 in property investment.
At least €300,000 in a Cyprus-approved investment fund.
A minimum of €300,000 is invested in Cypriot company shares that employ at least five people.
Eligible family members include the applicant’s spouse or legal partner, unmarried children under 18 or between 18 and 25 if in full-time education and financially dependent, and dependent parents of the applicant and spouse.
There is no residency requirement. Applicants can remove conditional permanent residency after five years and apply for citizenship after seven years of residency.
7. Serbia’s residency by investment
Serbia’s residency by investment program offers residency in the country through real estate purchases with no investment requirement, but applicants can only buy certain types of real estate:
Apartment
residential building
business premises and business buildings, if they perform business activities in.
The minimum stay requirement to maintain residency status in Serbia is 183 days per year, and the primary applicant may include family members.
8. Hungary golden visa
The Hungary golden visa allows non-EU and non-EEA citizens to obtain long-term residency in Hungary through a minimum investment of €250,000, including:
Invest €250,000 in a state-approved real estate investment fund
Invest €500,000 to purchase residential real estate. This investment option will only be available starting 1 January 2025.
Donate €1 million as a non-refundable amount to a higher education institution.
There are no minimum stay requirements, which allows investors to reside outside Hungary while holding the permit. Applicants can also include family members.
9. Latvia Golden Visa
The Latvia Golden Visa program is ideal for investors, entrepreneurs, and high-net-worth individuals with an investment starting at €50,000. Other options include:
Minimum investment of €250,000 in property
Invest €50,000 in a capital company with fewer than 50 employees and an annual budget under €10 million
Deposit a minimum of €280,000 in a Latvian bank for at least five years
Purchase government bonds for a minimum of €250,000.
Eligible applicants can include their spouse, children under 18, and dependents under 24 in education. Residency requires spending at least one day a year in Latvia, and after five years, applicants can apply for permanent residency or citizenship if further requirements are met.
10. UAE Golden Visa
The UAE Golden Visa is a long-term investment program starting at $545,000 for real estate investment. There is also the option of:
Investing in a business
Depositing funds in a national bank
Paying taxes
Eligible candidates for the UAE Golden Visa include outstanding professionals in specific fields, such as medicine, innovation, engineering, and culture.
Applicants can include their spouse, children, parents, and domestic workers in their Golden Visa application. There is no residency requirement. UAE citizenship is typically granted through exceptional merit or 30 years of residency.
11. US EB-5 Visa Program
The US EB-5 Visa Program is an investment program leading to permanent residency (Green Card). Foreign nationals must invest at least $1.050 million in a business that creates ten full-time jobs or $800,000 if investing in a Targeted Employment Area (an area of high unemployment).
Eligible family members include the applicant’s spouse and children under 21. Applicants are not permitted to spend more than 12 months abroad. They can remove conditional Green Card status after two years and apply for citizenship after five years of residency.
Golden Visa Programs Comparison
Country
Residency Type
Minimum Investment
Processing Time
Residency Requirements
Mandatory Holding Period
Portugal
Temporary
€250,000
9 to 12 months
Seven days annually
Five years
Greece
Permanent
€250,000
6 to 8 weeks
No
Five years
Malta
Permanent
€110,000
4 to 6 months
No
Five years
Spain
Temporary
€500,000
30 days
No
Five years
Italy
Temporary
€250,000
3 to 4 months
No
Five years
Cyprus
Permanent
€300,000
2 months
Visit every two years
Five years
United Arab Emirates
Temporary
$545,000
30 days
No
Five to ten years
United States
Temporary
$800,000
3 to 6 months
No more than 12 months abroad
Five years
Serbia
Temporary
No investment requirements
30 days
183 days per year
Three years
Latvia
Temporary
€50,000
2 to 4 months
Once a year
Five years
Hungary
Temporary
€250,000
90 days
No
Five years
What Golden Visa to Pick? Compare on our Ultimate Golden Visa Guide
Citizenship by investment requires planning and resources but offers major benefits like lower taxes, consular support, and security for your family. The right program provides safety, freedom, and financial opportunities. Planning carefully ensures you maximize these advantages.
There are some key questions to bear in mind before you even begin to consider which citizenship-by-investment program you should pursue are the following:
What am I looking to get out of my investment?
How much money do I want to invest in acquiring citizenship?
Are financial dependents restricted to a spouse and children?
Do I care more about obtaining a powerful passport, or am I okay with a reasonably average-ranking passport that provides other perks?
Do I want to relocate to the country I invest in?
How much time can I set aside to dedicate to the investment for a business application?
Do I want to do this on my own or enlist the help of a qualified migration specialist?
These are just some of the questions you should ask yourself when comparing citizenship and residency programs. It is also worth thinking about the benefits to family members.
An important piece of advice is to take your time. If you ever feel conceded, conflicted, or undecided, research all the possibilities and, if needed, ask a qualified industry expert.
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.
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Frequently Asked Questions about Comparing Citizenship by Investment
Which is the best country for citizenship by investment?
The best country for citizenship by investment often depends on individual preferences and goals. However, countries like Malta, St. Kitts and Nevis, and Portugal are frequently highlighted due to their attractive investment options, strong passport benefits, and favorable living conditions. Each country offers unique advantages, so it’s essential to consider factors like travel freedom, tax implications, and lifestyle when choosing.
How long does it take to get citizenship by investment?
The length of the entire process for citizenship (CBI) programs depends on the country you apply to. The Vanuatu citizenship by investment program has an application processing time of 60 days, whereas the general timeframe for most CBI programs is three to six months, provided that you fulfill the foreign direct investment criteria and due diligence checks. The investment route you choose can also affect the length of the application process. Economic contributions to national developments are typically the fastest investments.
Which programs offer the highest investment returns?
Real estate purchases in countries in the European Union, such as Portugal and Greece, have offered high returns in the past, particularly on rental properties in popular vacation spots. Caribbean countries with low real estate prices, like Dominica and St. Lucia, present promising opportunities for substantial returns in the near future.
What is citizenship by investment?
Citizenship by investment is a process by which an individual obtains a second citizenship and a second passport by investing in the country’s economy. Depending on the country, there are usually specific requirements for the investments you can make and different benefits associated with the passport you acquire. Families can also benefit from the program, as an investor’s family can be included in the application.
Which countries offer citizenship by investment?
Countries that offer citizenship by investment include St. Kitts and Nevis, Antigua and Barbuda, Dominica, Grenada, Malta, Portugal, Turkey, and Vanuatu. Each country has specific investment requirements, such as real estate purchases, government contributions, or business investments, providing pathways to citizenship for eligible applicants.
Do you need to relocate to get citizenship?
No, relocation is not always necessary to obtain citizenship through investment. Many citizenship by investment programs allow applicants to acquire citizenship by making financial contributions, such as real estate purchases or investments, without requiring them to live in the country. However, some programs may have residency requirements that must be fulfilled.
Do different citizenship by investment programs have language proficiency requirements?
Most CBI programs waive the necessity to demonstrate language proficiency or cultural integration. Austria’s program requires applicants pursuing citizenship by investing to be fluent in German and have knowledge of the country’s traditions and values. Caribbean nations offering CBI programs do not have language or cultural integration prerequisites.
What are the processing times for citizenship by investment?
Processing times for citizenship by investment programs vary by country. Typically, they range from 3 to 6 months. Factors such as the thoroughness of the application, due diligence, and government processing times influence the duration.
Does Portugal offer citizenship by investment?
Foreigners can obtain residency by investment in Portugal through the Golden Visa Program. The scheme allows non-EU nationals to get permanent residency status provided they make a significant investment in the country. After five years, they can apply for Portuguese citizenship.
What are the requirements for citizenship by investment programs?
Requirements for citizenship by investment programs include a minimum financial contribution (e.g., $100,000–$2 million) to a government fund, real estate, or business. Applicants must pass due diligence checks, provide proof of clean criminal records, and meet age and health criteria. Some programs may require residency or language skills.
What are the benefits of citizenship by investment programs in the Caribbean compared to European programs?
Caribbean citizenship by investment programs offer faster processing times (3–6 months) and lower costs ($100,000–$200,000). They provide visa-free access to over 140 countries and tax advantages. European programs, while more expensive (up to €2 million), grant access to the EU, enhanced global mobility, and robust residency rights.
Is citizenship by investment a good idea?
Citizenship by investment can be a good idea for those seeking global mobility, tax benefits, or a backup plan for political or economic instability. It provides visa-free travel, business opportunities, and enhanced lifestyle options. However, costs, due diligence, and individual goals should be carefully considered.
More About Citizenship by Investment
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