Top 14 Citizenship by Investment Programs in 2025

Citizenship by investment programs have become an increasingly popular path for high-net-worth individuals seeking greater global mobility, financial freedom, and security. By making a qualifying investment in a country’s economy, applicants can obtain a second passport in a matter of months.

In this article, we explore the top 14 countries offering citizenship by investment programs in 2025, highlighting their unique benefits, investment requirements, and visa-free travel advantages to help you choose the program that best fits your needs.

Here’s what we’ll cover in our citizenship by investment guide:

• What is Citizenship by Investment? 
• Citizenship by Investment Countries
• Benefits of Citizenship by Investment
• Different Kinds of Investment Options
• Requirements for Citizenship by Investment
• Frequently Asked Questions About Citizenship by Investment

What is Citizenship by Investment?

Citizenship by Investment (CBI) is a process of acquiring citizenship in a country by making significant financial contributions, typically through investing in real estate, government bonds, or a national development fund.

Golden Visas, as they’re sometimes known, offer advantages like increased visa-free travel and access to better education and healthcare benefits.

Dual citizenship through CBI also serves as a contingency plan in case of financial and political instability in a home country, and is the perfect fast-track route to legal citizenship status.

These programs were created to attract foreign investment and boost long-term economic growth. Global investors and their family members gain citizenship with access to the same benefits, privileges, and rights as citizens.

In the section below, you’ll discover the top citizenship by investment countries list, including benefits, requirements, and what makes each program stand out.

Top 14 Countries With Citizenship by Investment Programs

Here is a list of the top 14 countries that offer a Citizenship by Investment program in 2025:

1. Antigua and Barbuda

The Antigua and Barbuda citizenship by investment program is one of the most popular among the Caribbean countries, due to it being the most cost-effective route to a second passport for investors. Applicants can include family members and visa-free travel access includes sought-after places like the Schengen Area and the UK.

2. Austria

Austria’s citizenship by investment program isn’t a traditional Citizenship by Investment program it is only granted at the government’s discretion and often requires multi-million Euro investments or job creation. The high bar it sets offers investors the advantage of EU citizenship and a permanent tie to one of the world’s most politically stable and prosperous countries.

3. Cambodia

While Cambodia’s citizenship by investment isn’t prevalent among CBI countries, the program is accessible. The country’s low cost of living and the additional right to own land make gaining citizenship in Cambodia attractive. Cambodian citizenship provides visa-free travel access to ASEAN countries and select parts of Asia but has limited global travel reach compared to Caribbean programs.

4. Dominica

Dominica’s citizenship by investment program is known for its affordability and has one of the fastest pathways to obtaining second citizenship among Caribbean countries. Dominica permits dual citizenship without disclosure to the applicant’s home country.

5. Egypt

Providing Africa’s only CBI program, the Egyptian citizenship by investment program has a natural appeal. The country offers a fantastic real estate investment program with the bonus of receiving citizenship in return. Citizenship approval is relatively quick, and Egyptian citizenship provides strategic benefits for business in the Middle East and Africa.

6. Grenada

While the Caribbean hosts multiple CBI programs, Grenada’s citizenship by investment program is not only attractive for its low investment requirements, but also for its access to obtaining the US E2 Investor Visa, visa-free travel access 100+ countries, including China and the Schengen Area, and growing tourism industry.

7. Jordan

In a region not known for readily granting citizenship in exchange for foreign investment, Jordan’s citizenship by investment sets itself apart by allowing individuals to obtain citizenship in a historically significant country through business and real estate investment. It offers a gateway for doing business in the Middle East.

8. Malta

Citizenship by Investment in the European Union is made possible through Malta’s citizenship by investment program, which provides third-country nationals with an EU passport. It is known for being one of the most powerful and prestigious citizenships available.

9. Nauru

Nauru launched its Citizenship by Investment program under the Economic and Climate Resilience Citizenship Act. This program is designed to attract international investors to support sustainable development and climate resilience initiatives. It can also be an appealing option for those seeking anonymity in a peaceful, growing Pacific Island nation.

10. North Macedonia

North Macedonia’s CBI program provides a gateway to a country with a strategic location and potential economic opportunities in the heart of the Balkans. This nation’s government has a proactive approach in creating a business-friendly environment, including tax exemptions and incentives.

11. St Kitts and Nevis

With the longest-running CBI scheme and visa-free travel to the most countries, St Kitts and Nevis citizenship by investment facilitates seamless travel abroad for foreign investors who qualify for its program. It offers a fast-track option for citizenship approval in as little as 60 days. The St. Kitts passport can be passed down to future generations by descent.

12. St Lucia

St Lucia’s citizenship by investment program offers access to a stable Eastern Caribbean island with low crime rates. The country is ideal for foreign investors due to its developed infrastructure, global connectivity, diverse real estate benefits, and access to abundant natural resources.

13. Turkey

This country is a strategic bridge between Europe and Asia, which provides several financial advantages on its own, and with five investment options, Turkey’s CBI program is an inclusive option and accommodates a diverse range of investor preferences.

14. Vanuatu

Getting dual citizenship in as little as one to two months might appear improbable. However, this quick processing time is possible if you make a direct investment as part of Vanuatu’s citizenship by investment program.

8 Benefits of Citizenship by Investment

There are several benefits to a citizenship program that focuses on investment, some of which include:

1. Backup plan: A second citizenship provides security in case of political or economic instability in your home country. It guarantees you always have another place to live and work.

2. Global mobility: Owners of a second passport can travel easily to several countries without needing a visa. This is especially useful for business and personal trips.

3. Diversification of your investment portfolio: Investing in another country reduces financial risk by spreading assets across different markets. It can also open up new business opportunities.

4. Wealth protection and considerable tax benefits: Some countries offer lower taxes on income, inheritance, and capital gains. This helps protect and grow your wealth legally.

5. Security in the form of a second passport or dual citizenship: A second passport gives you more options for living, working, and studying abroad. It also ensures you have a safe exit if needed.

6. Improved quality of life: Enjoy better healthcare, education, and lifestyle options for you and your family. Some countries offer better social and economic stability.

7. Political rights: Some CBI programs allow you to vote and participate in your new country’s political system. This can give you a say in important decisions.

8. Property ownership: Many programs let you buy real estate, giving you a home or investment in a stable market.

Types of Investment Options For Citizenship by Investment

The investment options to get second citizenship differ from country to country, but common investment routes include:

Real Estate Investment

A qualifying real estate investment involves purchasing or renting residential or commercial property in the destination country. This is an attractive option as it offers investors the opportunity to get a return on their investment.

Most programs with real estate citizenship, except from Turkey and Egypt, require a direct investment in government-approved properties.

Non-Refundable Contribution

A non-refundable contribution is a one-time donation to a government-approved fund that supports the country’s development.

This option allows you to aid the economic growth of the country you’re aiming to become a citizen of. It’s often one of the most affordable ways to qualify for a citizenship by investment program.

Business Investment

Business investments are a viable route to receive citizenship in several Citizenship by Investment countries. The criteria for a qualifying business investment usually includes:

• Meeting the minimum investment threshold
• Investing in a new or existing business
• Creating jobs for locals

Bank Deposit

Bank deposits in national banks are another way to gain citizenship through investment. The deposit is refundable after a set period and doesn’t earn interest or profits. Due to their refundability, the minimum investment is often higher.

Government Bond Investment

Investing in government bonds functions similarly to a bank deposit. It offers a comparable risk-free approach without exposing the investor to capital risk or necessitating direct involvement with businesses.

Government bond investments benefit from government backing, guaranteeing a full return on investment, although without any accrued interest.

Requirements for Citizenship by Investment

The requirements for obtaining citizenship through investment typically include:

• Being over the age of 18
• Having a cleaning criminal record
• Being in good health with no infectious diseases
• Not being a citizen of or having close ties to a prohibited nation
• Making a foreign investment that meets the requirements of the country you’re applying for. These can include real estate investment, depositing funds into local banks, purchasing government bonds, donating to national development funds, or creating jobs through investing in a local business.

Some countries may require you to obtain a temporary residence permit or require you to visit the country for a certain number of days within the first few years after gaining citizenship.

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 Citizenship by Investment Programs

What is Citizenship by Investment?

Citizenship by Investment is a legal process that enables individuals and in some cases their immediate family members to become citizens of a country by investing financially in the economy.

What are the benefits of Citizenship by Investment?

Citizenship by investment offers benefits such as visa-free travel, financial security, and access to better education and healthcare. Investors gain a second passport, tax advantages, and the ability to live and work in a stable country.

What are the risks of Citizenship by Investment?

Citizenship by Investment programs carries risks such as legal uncertainties, potential revocation, and increased scrutiny from financial institutions. Some programs may face diplomatic issues, affecting visa-free travel. Due diligence is crucial before applying.

How long does it take to get Citizenship by Investment?

Some Citizenship by Investment programs take as little as a few months while others can take over a year.

Processing time varies from country to country and is dependent on the program and application complexity.

What are the best Citizenship by Investment programs?

The best citizenship by investment programs 2025 are:

• Dominica: $100,000 (donation)
• St. Kitts and Nevis: $125,000 (donation)
• Antigua and Barbuda: $100,000 (donation)
• Malta: €600,000 (donation + investment)
• Turkey: $400,000 (real estate)
• Vanuatu: $130,000 (donation)

What Citizenship by Investment programs grant European citizenship?

The following countries offer economic citizenship programs in Europe:

• Austria
• Moldova
• North Macedonia

Additionally, Malta citizenship offers expedited European citizenship through naturalization.

Which of the Citizenship by Investment countries is the easiest to apply for?

The easiest Citizenship by Investment program is Vanuatu. You can acquire Vanuatu citizenship via investment route in approximately 60 days.

Which of the Citizenship by Investment countries is the most difficult to get citizenship from?

The Vatican City remains the most challenging state in which to get citizenship.

Another most difficult citizenship example is Liechtenstein, which generally requires 30 years of residency to be naturalized.

Which country offers the fastest Citizenship by Investment?

Vanuatu is the fastest country to grant citizenship by investment. Successful individuals can obtain a Vanuatu passport in as little as 60 days by contributing $130,000 to the country’s national development fund.

Which are the best countries you can buy citizenship in?

The 14 best citizenship by investment countries 2025
are:

• Antigua & Barbuda
• Austria
• Cambodia
• Dominica
• Egypt
• Grenada
• Jordan
• Malta
• North Macedonia
• St Kitts and Nevis
• St Lucia
• Turkey
• Vanuatu
• Nauru

What is the cheapest Citizenship by Investment program?

Dominica is the cheapest citizenship by investment program today, with a minimum contribution of only $200,000.

What is the minimum investment required for Citizenship by Investment programs?

The minimum investment for Citizenship by Investment programs varies by country. Dominica and St. Lucia start at $100,000 for a government donation. St. Kitts and Nevis require $250,000 under the Sustainable Island State Contribution. Real estate options typically start at $200,000, depending on the program.

Which countries give Citizenship by Investment if you buy a property?

Countries that will give you citizenship if you buy property:

• St Kitts and Nevis
• Antigua and Barbuda
• Dominica
• Grenada
• St Lucia
• Turkey
• Egypt
• Jordan

Which Caribbean countries offer Citizenship by Investment?

Antigua and Barbuda, Dominica, St Kitts and Nevis, Grenada and St Lucia are the five Caribbean countries that currently offer Citizenship by Investment.

Out of these five, the St Kitts and Nevis passport ranks the highest on the Global Passport Index.

What are the European countries that offer Citizenship by Investment?

The following European countries offer economic citizenship:

• Austria
• Portugal
• Turkey
• Latvia
• Greece
• Switzerland
• Moldova
• Malta
• Italy
• Hungary
• North Macedonia

Which countries have recently removed their citizenship by investment programs?

• Cyprus: Discontinued its Golden Passport program in 2020.
• Bulgaria: Closed its program in 2022, due to pressure from the EU.
• United Kingdom: Closed its program in part due to financial crime risks, abusive programs, and poor economic value. 
• Spain: In April 2025, Spain decided to end its so-called Golden Visa program, which offered residency through investment.

Can my Citizenship by Investment application be rejected?

Yes, it can be rejected if the applicant fails due diligence checks, provides incomplete documentation, or does not meet specific program criteria set by the host country.

Are there any tax implications for obtaining Citizenship by Investment?

Immigrant investor programs offering citizenship can have significant tax implications. These include double taxation or the existence of taxes that may not be imposed in your original tax jurisdiction, such as capital gains and inheritance tax.

Can I get Citizenship by Investment without living in the country?

Yes, you can. Living in a country long term is not a prerequisite for economic citizenship.

Is Montenegro Citizenship by Investment program suspended?

Montenegro’s CBI program was closed at the end of 2022.

Foreigners can, however, still obtain permanent residency through a real estate investment and apply for Montenegrin citizenship after ten years of residency.

Can I get citizenship in Canada by investment?

Canada does not offer direct citizenship by investment.

Instead, it provides pathways to permanent residency through programs like the Start-Up Visa, which requires investing in and operating an innovative business in Canada.

How much do you need to invest to get citizenship?

The required investment for citizenship varies depending on the program. It can range from hundreds of thousands to several million dollars.

Can you buy a passport to get citizenship?

You can’t buy a passport to get citizenship. But you can get a foreign passport through Citizenship by Investment programs that often require a significant financial contribution.

Are Citizenship by Investment programs legal?

Yes, it is legal and recognized by governments worldwide.

Can Citizenship by Investment be revoked?

Yes, it can. Some reasons include incomplete investments or failure to comply with an application’s requirements.

Do I need to renounce my previous citizenship after getting citizenship by investment?

Not necessarily. It depends on the laws of your current country of citizenship and the new country offering citizenship.

Can I transfer my citizenship by investment to my children?

Yes, Citizenship by Investment programs often allow you to include your spouse and children in the application, but each program has its own specific requirements and limitations.

Are there any Islamic countries offering citizenship by investment?

Yes, several Islamic countries offer Citizenship by Investment programs, including:​

• Turkey: Offers citizenship to individuals who invest at least $400,000 in real estate or meet other investment criteria.​

• Egypt: Provides a citizenship by investment program with various investment options.​

• Jordan: Offers a program requiring investments in specific sectors.​

• United Arab Emirates (UAE): While not a formal program, the UAE has granted citizenship to select investors contributing significantly to economy.