Looking to secure a second passport quickly? The fastest Citizenship by Investment programs in 2025 make it possible to obtain citizenship and a new passport in a matter of months, sometimes in as little as 60 days.
These programs are designed specifically to cater to high-net-worth individuals seeking the fastest passport to get legally, offering streamlined due diligence, clear investment requirements, and minimal or no residency obligations.
While traditional naturalization can take years, Citizenship by Investment (CBI) programs provide an accelerated path in exchange for a qualifying investment (such as a donation or real estate purchase). Investors gain global mobility, asset diversification, and security, with many programs allowing family inclusion under one application so that it extends to dependents.
In this guide, we compare the fastest Citizenship by Investment countries, covering processing timelines, minimum investment thresholds, and visa-free access benefits. You’ll also learn how these programs differ between the Caribbean and Europe, and what to expect at each stage of the application.
- What is Citizenship by Investment (CBI)?
- What Fastest Citizenship by Investment Really Means
- 8 Countries with the Fastest Citizenship by Investment
- Required Documents and Application Process for Citizenship by Investment
- Frequently Asked Questions
What is Citizenship by Investment (CBI)?
Citizenship by Investment (CBI) is a legal process that allows eligible foreign investors to obtain citizenship and a second passport by making a qualifying financial contribution to a country. This is usually through a non-refundable donation, government-approved real estate investment, or national development fund contribution.
Unlike traditional naturalization, which often requires years of residency, language tests, or cultural integration, CBI programs offer a fast-tracked, predictable pathway, often taking as little as 2–6 months, depending on the jurisdiction.
Once approved, successful applicants gain full citizenship rights, including the ability to live, work, study, and travel with their new second passport, along with potential tax planning and asset protection advantages.
What Fastest Citizenship by Investment Really Means
When we talk about the fastest Citizenship by Investment programs, we’re referring to the timeframe between submitting a complete application and receiving official approval, not the total time until the physical passport is in hand.
Several factors determine processing speed, and understanding these helps investors choose the most realistic fast-track option.
1. Type of investment route
- Non-refundable donations to government funds are usually the quickest because they involve fewer legal steps.
- Real estate or bond investments often take longer due to property evaluations and registration procedures.
2. Government due diligence process
Each applicant undergoes thorough background and source-of-funds checks. Programs like St. Kitts & Nevis and Dominica have earned a reputation for efficient yet rigorous vetting, ensuring legitimacy without unnecessary delay.
3. Residency and documentation requirements
Some countries, such as Antigua & Barbuda, require a brief physical visit (5 days in 5 years), while others like Vanuatu and St. Lucia have no residency obligations. Having all documents apostilled, translated, and error-free significantly reduces waiting times.
4. Government processing timelines
Typical approval periods for the fastest programs range from 1–6 months.
- Vanuatu: 1 – 2 months
- Dominica & St. Kitts & Nevis: 3 – 6 months
- Grenada and, Antigua & Barbuda: 6 – 9 months
- St. Lucia: 12 – 15 months
8 Countries With the Fastest Citizenship by Investment Programs
The fastest Citizenship by Investment (CBI) programs in 2025 include Vanuatu (1 to 3 months), St. Kitts and Nevis (3 to 4 months), Antigua and Barbuda (3 to 4 months), Dominica (3 to 6 months), Grenada (3 to 6 months), and Turkey (3 to 6 months). These programs are favored by global investors seeking accelerated second citizenship, visa-free travel, and enhanced global mobility.
As Laura Madrid, Research Lead at the Global Intelligence Unit, explains, “While many Citizenship by Investment programs promote rapid processing, actual timelines depend on due diligence, government capacity, and application completeness.”
Below is a comparison and overviews of 8 CBI countries offering the fastest citizenship by investment programs in 2025, ranked by speed, investment options, and benefits.
|
Country
|
Processing Time
|
Minimum Investment
|
Investment Type
|
Visa-Free Access
|
Residency Requirement
|
|
Vanuatu
|
1 to 3 months
|
$130,000
|
Donation
|
100+ countries
|
None
|
|
St. Lucia
|
3 to 4 months
|
$240,000
|
Donation or Real Estate
|
140+ countries
|
None
|
|
St. Kitts and Nevis
|
3 to 4 months
|
$250,000
|
Donation or Real Estate
|
150+ countries
|
None
|
|
Dominica
|
3 to 6 months
|
$200,000
|
Donation or Real Estate
|
140+ countries
|
None
|
|
Grenada
|
3 to 6 months
|
$235,000
|
Donation or Real Estate
|
140+ countries (incl. China)
|
None
|
|
Antigua and Barbuda
|
3 to 4 months
|
$230,000
|
Donation or Real Estate
|
150+ countries
|
5 days in 5 years
|
|
Malta
|
12 to 36 months
|
€600,000 to €750,000
|
Contribution and Property
|
180+ countries
|
Yes (naturalization period)
|
|
Jordan
|
3 to 6 months
|
$750,000
|
Multiple (Real Estate, Business)
|
Limited
|
None
|
|
Turkey
|
3 to 6 months
|
$400,000
|
Real Estate / Other
|
110+ countries
|
None
|
1. Vanuatu
The fastest option
The Vanuatu Citizenship by Investment program is widely considered to be the fastest citizenship scheme in the world. Individuals typically receive their passports within one to three months of applying and making the non-refundable contribution of $130,000 to the country’s National Development Fund.
Vanuatu is also the only country in the South Pacific region providing a Commonwealth passport to foreign investors. Other benefits include the process being simplified and straightforward, with no need to visit the country when applying.
|
Category
|
Details
|
|
Key Requirements
|
– Contribution to the Development Support Program (DSP).
– Clean criminal record.
– Passing due diligence.
– Submission of identity and financial documents.
|
|
Processing Time
|
1 – 3 months
|
|
Minimum Investment
|
$130,000
|
|
Passport Benefits
|
Visa-free/visa-on-arrival access to about 95 countries, including Singapore and Hong Kong.
|
|
Maintaining Citizenship
|
– No residency required.
– Citizenship is lifelong.
– Renew passport every 5–10 years.
|
2. St Lucia
Flexible and affordable
The St. Lucia Citizenship by Investment program is one of the most popular programs in the Caribbean. The minimum donation is $100,000 to the country’s National Economic Fund (NEF), while real estate investment options start at $240,000.
St. Lucia offers another fast citizenship option, with the average turnaround from investment to receiving a second citizenship of three to six months. There are also no residency requirements to apply for a St. Lucia passport, and the country provides visa-free travel to 140+ destinations, including the Schengen Zone and the UK.
|
Category
|
Details
|
|
Key Requirements
|
– Contribution to the National Economic Fund, real estate, or government bonds
– Clean criminal record.
– Due diligence checks.
|
|
Processing Time
|
3 – 6 months
|
|
Minimum Investment
|
$100,000 (donation route)
|
|
Passport Benefits
|
Visa-free access to 140+ countries, including Schengen Zone, UK, and Hong Kong.
|
|
Maintaining Citizenship
|
– No residency requirement.
– Renew passport every 5–10 years.
|
3. St Kitts and Nevis
The original and most trusted
St. Kitts and Nevis’s Citizenship by Investment program is one of the oldest and most reputable programs. Foreign nationals can obtain citizenship within three to six months, provided they make a minimum contribution of $250,000 to the Sustainable Island State Contribution (SISC) and pass due diligence checks.
Applicants can also make a government-approved real estate investment of at least $400,000 through joint ownership or $800,000 for a sole purchase to qualify. The program is administered by a separate Citizenship by Investment Unit (CIU) ensuring applications are well-managed and trustworthy.
The St. Kitts and Nevis passport remains the strongest among Caribbean nations, offering visa-free or visa-on-arrival access to more than 150 countries, including the EU and UK.
|
Category
|
Details
|
|
Key Requirements
|
– Sustainable Island State Contribution (SISC) donation or real estate investment.
– Background checks.
– Proof of funds.
|
|
Processing Time
|
3 – 6 months
|
|
Minimum Investment
|
$250,000 (donation route)
|
|
Passport Benefits
|
Visa-free or visa-on-arrival to 150+ countries, including Schengen, UK, and Singapore.
|
|
Maintaining Citizenship
|
– No residency requirement.
– Renew passport every 10 years.
|
4. Dominica
Affordable and efficient
Dominica’s Citizenship by Investment program is one of the most affordable and reputable in the Caribbean. In return for an economic contribution of $100,000 to the country’s Economic Diversification Fund (EDF) or investing $200,000 in government-approved real estate projects, you can obtain a Dominica passport.
Applications are typically processed in 3 to 6 months, with no residency requirement to maintain citizenship. The Dominica passport grants visa-free travel to 140+ destinations, including the Schengen Area and the UK.
|
Category
|
Details
|
|
Key Requirements
|
– Economic Diversification Fund donation or real estate investment.
– Clean criminal record.
– Due diligence checks.
|
|
Processing Time
|
3 – 6 months
|
|
Minimum Investment
|
$100,000 (donation route)
|
|
Passport Benefits
|
Visa-free access to 140+ countries, including the EU Schengen Zone and UK.
|
|
Maintaining Citizenship
|
– No residency required.
– Renew passport every 5–10 years.
|
5. Grenada
Unique U.S. E-2 Visa access
Grenada’s Citizenship by Investment program offers an attractive benefit: eligibility for the U.S. E2 Visa investor visa. The program processes applications in around 3 to 6 months and requires a minimum investment of $150,000 as a donation or a real estate investment starting at $220,000 (shared ownership).
Grenada’s passport allows visa-free travel to 145+ countries, including China, which is unique among Caribbean programs. There is no residency requirement, and citizenship is lifelong.
|
Category
|
Details
|
|
Key Requirements
|
– Contribution to the National Transformation Fund or real estate investment.
– Proof of funds.
– Clean criminal record.
|
|
Processing Time
|
3 – 6 months
|
|
Minimum Investment
|
$150,000 (donation route)
|
|
Passport Benefits
|
Visa-free access to 145+ countries, including China; eligibility for U.S. E-2 visa.
|
|
Maintaining Citizenship
|
– No residency requirement.
– Renew passport every 10 years.
|
6. Antigua and Barbuda
Family-friendly choice
Antigua and Barbuda’s Citizenship by Investment program is another popular choice, especially for families. It’s among the most affordable citizenship programs, with a qualifying donation starting at $100,000 to the National Development Fund (NDF). Investing at least $200,000 in approved property is another path to citizenship. The government processes applications in around three to six months, and only five days of residency within five years are required to maintain the passport. Antigua and Barbuda offers visa-free travel to over 150 destinations worldwide.
|
Category
|
Details
|
|
Key Requirements
|
– National Development Fund donation, real estate, or business investment.
– Clean criminal record.
– Due diligence checks.
|
|
Processing Time
|
3 – 6 months
|
|
Minimum Investment
|
$100,000 (donation route)
|
|
Passport Benefits
|
Visa-free travel to 150+ destinations, including Schengen and UK.
|
|
Maintaining Citizenship
|
– Spend 5 days in Antigua and Barbuda within the first 5 years.
– Renew passport every 10 years.
|
7. Jordan
Strategic Middle Eastern option
The Jordan Citizenship by Investment program is the only fast-track citizenship option in the Middle East, with approval times ranging from 3 to 6 months.
Investors must contribute a minimum of $750,000 through investments in real estate, job-creating projects, or government bonds. While Jordan’s passport offers limited visa-free access (approximately 50 countries), it provides strategic business opportunities in the Middle East.
|
Category
|
Details
|
|
Key Requirements
|
– Investment in government bonds, property, or projects.
– Clean criminal record.
– Proof of funds.
|
|
Processing Time
|
3 – 6 months
|
|
Minimum Investment
|
$750,000
|
|
Passport Benefits
|
Limited visa-free access (approx. 50 countries), including Egypt and Turkey.
|
|
Maintaining Citizenship
|
– No residency requirement.
– Renew passport every 5 or 10 years.
|
8. Turkey
Investment appeal
Turkey has been recognized as one of the most attractive Citizenship by Investment countries for a couple of reasons.
The Turkish government provides multiple investment options under its program, including real estate purchases, bank deposits, government bonds, or creating jobs for Turkish citizens.
The most common and cost-effective route for the Turkey Citizenship by Investment is purchasing real estate worth at least $400,000. After meeting the full investment and compliance requirements, investors can expect to receive citizenship and a Turkish passport within six to eight months, due to increased demand and thorough due diligence.
|
Category
|
Details
|
|
Key Requirements
|
– Real estate purchase or capital investment.
– Proof of funds.
– Due diligence checks.
|
|
Processing Time
|
6 – 8 months
|
|
Minimum Investment
|
$400,000
|
|
Passport Benefits
|
Visa-free/visa-on-arrival access to 110+ countries, including Japan and Singapore.
|
|
Maintaining Citizenship
|
– No residency requirement.
– Renew passport every 10 years.
|
Required Documents and Application Process for Citizenship by Investment
Before applying for one of the fastest Citizenship by Investment programs, applicants must prepare all the required documents and follow a structured application process to ensure compliance with program guidelines.
While the exact paperwork and steps vary by country, the requirements generally include proof of identity, a clean criminal record, and verified financial information to meet due diligence standards.
Required documents for Citizenship by Investment programs
In addition to meeting eligibility criteria, investors must submit all the required documents listed below. These documents demonstrate good character, lawful source of funds, and overall compliance:
- Valid passport (certified copy).
- Police clearance certificate from current and previous countries of residence (past 10 years).
- Proof of legitimate source of funds (for example, bank statements, tax returns, employment contracts, audited business financials, or inheritance documents).
- Bank reference letter.
- Medical certificate confirming good health.
- Proof of health insurance.
- Completed citizenship application forms.
- Investment agreement forms (for real estate or other qualifying assets).
- Passport-sized photographs meeting specified dimensions and background color.
- Receipts for government fees including application, due diligence, and processing charges.
Applicants must have no prior visa refusals, maintain transparent financial histories, and consent to background verification under strict privacy protocols.
How to apply for Citizenship by Investment: Step-by-step
Although the exact process varies by country, the application process for fast-track citizenship programs generally follows these steps:
Step 1: Select the right program
Decide on your preferred country and investment route (donation, real estate, or business) based on your budget, desired processing time, and global mobility goals.
Step 2: Engage an authorized agent
Most countries require applicants to work through a licensed CBI agent to ensure compliance with local laws and international due diligence requirements.
Step 3: Gather all the required documents
Collect identity documents, criminal background checks, financial statements proving the lawful source of funds, and any supporting records for dependents (for example, birth or marriage certificates).
Step 4: Make the required investment
Transfer the necessary funds for your chosen option (government contribution, property purchase, or other qualifying investment) as specified by the program.
Step 5: Submit the citizenship application
Submit all required documentation along with proof of investment to the relevant government authority. Pay the application, due diligence, and processing fees at this stage.
Step 6: Undergo due diligence checks
Authorities conduct rigorous background checks to verify your eligibility. This stage is crucial and typically determines the processing timeline.
Step 7: Approval and passport issuance
Once approved, you’ll take an oath of allegiance (if required) and receive your second passport, often within 1–6 months for the fastest programs, such as those in Vanuatu or the Caribbean.
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.
