Ultimate Guide to Citizenship by Investment

Getting a second passport is often a time-consuming and stressful process. However, thanks to the launch of Citizenship by Investment (CBI) Programs worldwide, international families can now obtain a second passport in a few months’ time in exchange for an economic investment. This guide walks you through everything you need to know about citizenship by investment.

What is citizenship by investment?

Citizenship by investment is a unique immigration scheme launched by governments to attract investors and boost their country’s economy. In exchange for a subsequent investment, investors and their families are granted a passport in a short time frame. Several countries in Europe and the Caribbean have already adopted the program, granting citizenship to thousands of international families. 

Benefits of citizenship by investment schemes

Citizenship by investment requirements

Depending on the country you decide to invest in, requirements will vary. However, most of the CBI programs require the applicant to:

• Be over the age of 18
• Have a clean criminal record
• Make a qualifying investment
• Provide proof of the legality of the source of funds

Which countries offer citizenship by investment programs?

Global Citizen Solutions assists investors with the following CBI Programs:

Citizenship by investment: country-by-country

Malta CBI Program

The Malta Citizenship by Investment Program is one of the world’s most sought after CBI programs. For a €1,150,000 investment, obtain the Malta passport in one year’s time. With the Malta Citizenship by Investment scheme, obtain the right to live, work, and study in Europe along with the ability to travel visa-free to over 160 countries.

Investment requirements

• Donate €650,00 to the Maltese National Development and Social Fund
• Invest €350,000 in real estate
• Invest €150,000 in government-approved bonds

Cyprus CBI Program

For an investment of €2,150,000 obtain the Cyprus passport via the Cyprus Citizenship by Investment Program. Considered one of the world’s strongest passports, the Cyprus passport gives you unlimited access to Europe as well as the right to travel to over 150 countries worldwide without a visa (or obtain a visa on arrival).

Investment requirements

• All routes to real estate investment in Cyprus involve a minimum €2 million real estate investment, which must be maintained for at least five years
• Mandatory donations to Cyprus government funds:
  • €75,000 to the Cyprus Land Development Corporation
  • €75,000 to the Research and Innovation Foundation

Grenada CBI Program

With the Grenada Citizenship by Investment Program, get the unique opportunity to apply for the E2 visa in the USA. For a $150,000 minimum investment and very flexible program requirements, acquire the Grenada passport in two months.

Investment options

There are two investment options available to applicants:

• Donate a minimum of $150,000 to the National Transformation Fund
• Invest at least $350,000 in pre-approved real estate (as a single applicant), or make a joint-investment in pre-approved tourism accommodation of at least $220,000 per investor

Dominica CBI Program

For a minimum investment of $100,000 apply for the Dominica Citizenship by Investment Program and get a Dominica passport in just four months. The program offers great and affordable investment options to investors.

Investment options

Two investment options are available to applicants:

• Donate $100,000 in the Dominica Economic Diversification Fund
• Invest at least US$200,000 in pre-approved real estate

St Lucia CBI Program

The St Lucia Citizenship by Investment Program is one of the best Caribbean citizenship by investment schemes as it offers many investment options. For a donation of only $100,000, investors and their families can get the St Lucia passport in four months’ time. The St Lucia passport allows visa-free travel to over 130 countries worldwide.

Investment options

Applicants can choose between four investment options:

• Donate at least $100,000 to the St Lucia National Economic Fund
• Make a minimum investment of $300,000 in either pre-approved high-end branded hotels and resorts or in a boutique property
• Make an enterprise investment of at least $3.5 million
• Invest at least $500,000 in government funds

Antigua and Barbuda CBI Program

Antigua and Barbuda offers one of the most advantageous CBI programs in the Caribbean. For a minimum investment of $100,000, get the Antigua and Barbuda passport along with visa-free access to some of the world’s top destinations such as Hong-Kong, Singapore and the United Kingdom. 

Investment options

There are three investment routes available to investors:

•  Contribute $100,000 to the National Development Fund or to an approved charity
• Purchase a property with a value of at least $400,000 in a pre-approved real estate
• Make an investment of $1.5 million to establish a business

St Kitts and Nevis CBI Program

Being the oldest citizenship programs in the world, the St Kitts and Nevis citizenship by investment scheme offers one of the strongest Caribbean passports. For an investment of at least $150,000 get the St Kitts and Nevis passport which gives you access to over 156 countries.

Investment options

Investors can choose between two investment options:

• Donate least $150,000 in the St Kitts and Nevis Sustainable Growth Fund
• Invest in pre-approved real estate by buying property in joint ownership with a minimum value of $200,000, or as a single applicant with an investment of at least $400,000.

Vanuatu CBI Program

The Vanuatu Citizenship by Investment Program gives investors the opportunity to get a Vanuatu passport in two months in exchange for a minimum investment of $150,000. With Vanuatu citizenship, travel visa-free to over 129 countries, including the EU, UK, and Singapore.

Investment requirement

• Mandatory donation of $130,000 to Vanuatu’s local development fund

How can Global Citizen Solutions help me?

Global Citizen Solutions is a full-service property investment firm focused on finding the right investment, residency, or citizenship program for individuals wanting to secure their future and become global citizens.

At Global Citizen Solutions we help you with:

• Minimizing the visits you have to make to the designated country
• Having someone working solely on your behalf
• Reducing the hassle associated with putting your application together
• Acquiring insider knowledge from someone with years of experience of the market

Frequently Asked Questions about citizenship by investment