Artur Saraiva
Citizenship by Investment (CBI) is a form of economic citizenship where foreign nationals can obtain citizenship and a second passport through significant financial contributions to a country’s economy. This investment immigration route offers one of the fastest ways to acquire citizenship legally.Why opt for the fastest citizenship programs?
A Plan B
A Plan BA second or Plan B passport acts as a crucial tool for geopolitical risk mitigation by offering protection and security in times of political instability or economic uncertainty in your home country.
Increased travel freedom
Increased travel freedomCBI programs enhance your global mobility, with many offering second passports that grant visa-free travel to countries in the Schengen Area, the UK, Singapore, and other key global destinations.
Enhanced residence options
Enhanced residence optionsSome passports, such as those from the EU or OECS countries, grant the right to reside in member states through regional agreements.
Tax optimization
Tax optimizationMany CBI countries offer favorable tax regimes, such as no income tax or capital gains tax. These benefits contribute to long-term wealth management and financial efficiency.
As highlighted in the Global Citizen Solutions’ Global RCBI Report, tax optimization is a key driver for high-net-worth individuals selecting Caribbean CBI programs over European ones.
Ideal weather
Ideal weatherThis is especially true in places like the Caribbean and the Mediterranean, known for hot summers, cool winters, and sunny weather year-round. CBI countries like Turkey, Grenada, and Vanuatu offer some of the best weather.
Political stability
Political stabilityA second passport provides access to politically stable countries with a history of peace and neutrality, which offer security and protection in uncertain times.
Returns on investments
Returns on investmentsCBI programs not only provide dual citizenship but also present diverse investment options, like real estate, development funds, or government bonds, that often yield favorable financial returns.
The Global RCBI Report ranks programs not only according to fast processing times but also by factors such as transparency, compliance, and economic returns. Caribbean programs like Dominica and St. Lucia consistently perform well due to their affordability and investor protections.
Better quality of life
Better quality of lifeAccording to the Global Citizen Solutions’ Global Passport Index, many applicants seek CBI for the enhanced quality of life it provides, including better healthcare, education, and overall living standards.
9 Countries With the Fastest Citizenship by Investment Programs
The fastest citizenship by investment (CBI) programs in 2025 include Vanuatu (2 to 3 months), St. Kitts & Nevis (3 to 6 months), Dominica (3 to 6 months), Antigua & Barbuda (3 to 6 months), Grenada (3 to 6 months), and Turkey (3 to 6 months). These immigrant investor programs are favored by investors seeking accelerated second citizenship, visa-free travel, and global mobility.
“While many Citizenship by Investment programs advertise rapid processing, actual timelines can extend due to thorough due diligence and administrative procedures,” clarifies Laura Madrid, migration lawyer and Research Lead at Global Citizen Solutions’ Global Intelligence Unit.
Here is a list of 9 instant citizenship countries and top destinations offering the quickest citizenship by investment, ranked by processing speed and benefits:
1. Vanuatu
The Vanuatu citizenship by investment program is widely considered to be the fastest citizenship scheme in the world.
Individuals typically receive their passports within two months of applying and making the non-refundable contribution of $130,000 to the Vanuatu 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 to navigate, with no need to visit the country when applying.
Category | Details |
Key Requirements | - Donation to the Development Support Program (DSP). |
Processing Time | 2 - 3 months |
Minimum Investment | $130,000 |
Passport Benefits | Visa-free/visa-on-arrival access to 90+ countries, including the UK, Singapore, and Hong Kong. |
Maintaining Citizenship | No residency requirement. |
2. St Lucia
The St Lucia citizenship by investment program is one of the most popular programs in the Caribbean. The minimum investment is $240,000 in the country’s National Economic Fund (NEF) while offering real estate investment options.
St Lucia provides another fast citizenship by investment scheme, with the average turnaround from investment to receiving second citizenship of 10 to 12 months.
There are also no residency requirements to apply for a St Lucia passport, and the country also offers visa-free access to popular destinations, including European countries, which makes it attractive for foreign direct investment.
Category | Details |
Key Requirements | -Contribution to the National Economic Fund, real estate, or government bonds. |
Processing Time | 6 - 12 months |
Minimum Investment | $240,000 |
Passport Benefits | Visa-free travel to 140+ countries, including the EU Schengen Zone and the UK. |
Maintaining Citizenship | - No residency requirement. |
3. St Kitts and Nevis
St Kitts and Nevis’s citizenship by investment program is one of the oldest programs. The government will grant citizenship to foreign nationals within four to six months who fulfill the minimum investment of contributing $250,000 in the Sustainable Island State Contribution (SISC) and pass due diligence checks.
Foreign nationals can also make a government-approved real estate investment of at least $400,000 through a joint investment or a sole purchase of $800,000 to be eligible for a Plan B passport.
Additionally, the St Kitts and Nevis passport is the strongest passport on the Global Passport Index of Caribbean nations with citizenship by investment schemes. Its holders enjoy visa-free and visa-on-arrival travel to 153 countries worldwide.
Category | Details |
Key Requirements | - Donation to the Sustainable Growth Fund (SGF) or real estate investment. |
Processing Time | 3 - 6 months |
Minimum Investment | $240,000 |
Passport Benefits | Visa-free access to 150+ countries, including the EU, UK, and Singapore. |
Maintaining Citizenship | - No residency requirement. |
4. Dominica
Dominica’s citizenship by investment program is one of the best citizenship investment schemes in the Caribbean.
In return for an economic contribution of $200,000 to the country’s Economic Diversification Fund (EDF) or investing $200,000 in government-approved real estate projects, you can obtain a Dominica passport through the Dominica citizenship program.
Moreover, no residency is required to maintain citizenship, making Dominica one of the most attractive schemes.
It’s also one of the most affordable citizenship by investment programs, and it takes around six to nine months to get your application approved.
Category | Details |
Key Requirements | - Economic contribution or real estate investment. |
Processing Time | 3 - 6 months |
Minimum Investment | $200,000 |
Passport Benefits | Visa-free travel to 140+ countries, including the EU Schengen Zone and the UK. |
Maintaining Citizenship | - No residency requirement. |
5. Grenada
Grenada’s citizenship by investment program is relatively quick. It takes around nine months to process your Grenada citizenship application.
In addition to a short turnaround time, the country has no additional residency requirements or excessive criteria preventing eligibility for a second passport.
Investors can acquire second citizenship by investing $270,000 as part of a joint-ownership property investment or $350,000 as a sole real estate investment.
You can also make a $235,000 donation to the country’s National Transformation Fund (NTF), which will fulfill the required contribution for citizenship by investment. Grenada’s citizenship program stands out among Caribbean options, as it uniquely allows visa-free travel to China and access to the U.S. E-2 visa.
Category | Details |
Key Requirements | - Contribution to the National Transformation Fund or real estate investment. |
Processing Time | 3 - 6 months |
Minimum Investment | $235,000 |
Passport Benefits | Visa-free access to 140+ countries, including China and the EU. Eligibility for E-2 Visa in the U.S. |
Maintaining Citizenship | - No residency requirement. |
To find out more about how to get a second passport
6. Antigua and Barbuda
Antigua and Barbuda’s citizenship by investment program is another popular one. It’s among the most affordable citizenship programs, with a qualifying investment of a $230,000 donation to the country’s National Development Fund (NDF).
Like the other citizenship by investment countries, investing at least $300,000 in approved property will be enough to acquire citizenship in Antigua and Barbuda.
The government takes four to five months to process citizenship applications and issue passports valid for five years. All these factors make Antigua and Barbuda citizenship one of the most popular options on the list of fastest citizenship by investment countries.
Category | Details |
Key Requirements | - Donation to the National Development Fund, real estate, or business investment. |
Processing Time | 3 - 6 months |
Minimum Investment | $230,000 |
Passport Benefits | Visa-free access to 150+ countries, including the EU Schengen Zone, the UK, and Hong Kong. |
Maintaining Citizenship | - Spend at least 5 days in the country during the first 5 years. |
7. Malta
The Malta Citizenship by Investment program is a unique pathway to EU citizenship by naturalization, formally known as the Citizenship by Naturalization for Exceptional Services by Direct Investment (CES), and allows non-EU/EEA and non-Swiss nationals to obtain EU citizenship within 12 to 36 months.
Laura Madrid, Research Lead at Global Intelligence Unit mentions, “Although slower to process, Malta ranks high in our Global RCBI Report for program integrity, compliance, and long-term value as it grants EU citizenship through naturalization.”
Being one of the few choices for European citizenship and an EU passport, foreign citizens must buy property for €700,000 or sign a five-year lease agreement for at least €16,000 annually.
Additionally, the 12-month naturalization period requires a non-refundable contribution of €750,000, while the 36-month path to naturalization has a fee of €600,000. A final requirement is a donation of €10,000 to a Maltese nonprofit organization approved by the Community Malta Agency.
Category | Details |
Key Requirements | - Exceptional Direct Investment (EDI) and residence period. |
Processing Time | 14 - 36 months |
Minimum Investment | €750,000+ |
Passport Benefits | EU citizenship with access to 180+ countries, including the U.S., Canada, and Australia. |
Maintaining Citizenship | - Maintain residence for at least 12 months before applying for citizenship. |
8. Jordan
The Kingdom of Jordan is the only Middle Eastern country with a fast citizenship program.
Investors can qualify for a Jordanian passport by investing $750,000 in real estate, tourism, or renewable energy or through treasury bonds, business ventures, or bank deposits.
Though visa-free access is limited, Jordanian citizenship can offer increased market access across the Middle East, opening up regional business opportunities.
The Jordanian citizenship by investment application process takes only three to six months after you fulfill the required investment and character criteria.
Category | Details |
Key Requirements | - Investment in government bonds, real estate, or job-creating projects. |
Processing Time | 4 - 6 months |
Minimum Investment | €750,000 |
Passport Benefits | Limited visa-free access to around 50 countries, including Turkey and Egypt. |
Maintaining Citizenship | - No residency requirement. |
9. Turkey
Turkey has been recognized as one of the best countries offering citizenship by investment for several reasons.
The Turkish government offers numerous investment opportunities for its program, including real estate, purchasing government bonds, making a bank deposit in a Turkish bank, or creating jobs for Turkish citizens.
The cheapest option for Turkish citizenship by investment is purchasing property for at least $400,000. After fulfilling the full investment criteria, investors can expect to receive citizenship and a Turkish passport within three to four months.
Category | Details |
Key Requirements | - Purchase real estate or deposit in a Turkish bank. |
Processing Time | 3 - 6 months |
Minimum Investment | $400,000 |
Passport Benefits | Visa-free/visa-on-arrival access to 110+ countries, including Japan, Singapore, and South Korea. |
Maintaining Citizenship | - No residency requirement. |
Fastest Citizenship by Investment Comparison: Expectation Versus Reality
The following comparison chart highlights countries with the quickest citizenship by investment processing times, enabling investors to obtain a fastest passport with minimal delay.
It also focuses on the processing times marketed by the government and compares it to the reality as found in our research in the Global RCBI Report.
Country | Minimum Investment | Residency Requirement | Time to Citizenship - Expectation | Time to Citizenship - Reality |
Turkey | €400 | none | 3 - 6 months | 3 - 6 months but can be up to a year |
Malta | €690,00 | None (but maintain investment) | 12 months | 14 - 36 months |
St. Kitts and Nevis | €250,00 | None (investment must be maintained) | 3 - 6 months | 3 - 6 months |
Antigua and Barbuda | €230,00 | 5 days | 3 - 6 months | 6 - 9 months |
Dominica | €200,00 | None (investment must be maintained) | 3 - 4 months | 6 months |
Vanuatu | $130,00 | None (investment must be maintained) | 45 days | 6 months |
Grenada | €235,00 | None (investment must be maintained) | 3 - 4 months | 4 - 6 months |
Saint Lucia | $240,00 | None (investment must be maintained) | 2 - 3 months | 3 - 6 months |
Required Documents for Citizenship by Investment Programs
In addition to the core documentation mentioned below, applicants must provide proof of clean criminal records, have no prior visa refusals, and offer up transparent financial histories. Some programs also value privacy and discretion in managing personal data. All submissions must align with principles of transparency and compliance.
- Valid passport (certified copy)
- Police clearance certificate (from current and previous countries of residence for the past 10 years)
- Verifying documentation backing the source of funds used for the investment (for example, bank statements, tax returns, employment contracts, business financials, or inheritance documents)
- Bank reference letter
- Medical certificate confirming good health status
- Proof of health insurance
- Completed citizenship application forms
- Investment agreement forms (if investing in real estate or other qualifying assets)
- Passport-sized photographs (meeting specific requirements for dimensions and background color)
- Receipt of payment for application fees, due diligence fees, and processing fees
How to Apply for Citizenship by Investment
The application process may differ depending on each country’s requirements, but there are general steps to be followed when getting a passport through citizenship by investment. Here is an overview of the step-by-step application process.
Step one: Choose an investment option. Define your budget and investment criteria to ascertain which investment aligns with your needs and financial goals.
Step two: Engage with a reputable authorized agent or licensed consultant specializing in investment immigration. These professionals ensure your application meets the program’s due diligence standards and complies with relevant legal requirements.
Step three: Gather all the required documents. The needed documents generally include the following:
- Proof of identity
- Bank statements and financial records proving a legitimate source of funding
- Passport copies
- Criminal record certificates
- Birth or marriage certificates for any dependents included in the application
Step four: Once you’ve gathered your documents, make the required investment as the program specifies.
Step five: Along with all the required documents and proof of investment, and submit your citizenship application to the relevant government authority. Applicants must pay government fees and, depending on the program, hold their investment for a minimum period.
Step six: Wait for due diligence checks to be completed. The processing time for approval varies depending on the country and the complexity of your application. Most of the fastest citizenship countries complete the process within three to six months.
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.Â
We guide you from start to finish, taking you beyond your citizenship or residency by investment application.Â
Frequently Asked Questions About Fastest Citizenship by Investment
Which countries offer the fastest citizenship by investment programs?
Countries offering the fastest citizenship by investment programs in 2025 include Vanuatu (2 to 3 months), St. Kitts and Nevis (3 to 6 months), Dominica (3 to 6 months), Antigua & Barbuda (3 to 6 months), Grenada (3 to 6 months), and Turkey (3 to 6 months).
What is instant citizenship?
Instant citizenship countries refer to countries that grant citizenship in a very short time, often under 90 days, through structured investment routes like donations or real estate purchases. Countries like Vanuatu and St. Kitts and Nevis exemplify this model.
Which countries grant citizenship easily?
Here is a list of 9 countries that offer citizenship easily:
- Antigua and Barbuda
- Dominica
- Grenada
- St Kitts and Nevis
- St Lucia
- Jordan
- Malta
- Turkey
- Vanuatu
Which country gives the fastest citizenship by investment?
Vanuatu currently offers the fastest citizenship by investment, typically granting citizenship within 60 days of application and investment approval.
Which EU country has the shortest time to citizenship?
Malta has the shortest time to citizenship in the European Union. Foreigners who make a series of three investments can obtain a Maltese passport by naturalization within 12 to 36 months.
Which European country's permanent residency is fastest?
Portugal, Spain, Malta, Cyprus, Italy, and Greece are the EU countries offering the fastest permanent residency programs with straightforward eligibility criteria.
Which Golden Visa in Europe is the fastest?
Greece, Italy, Spain, and Portugal offer the fastest Golden Visa programs in Europe. Foreigners can obtain an Investor Visa and residence permit valid for five years within two to four months, provided they fulfill the required investment and due diligence checks.
What is the quickest way to obtain a second passport through investment?
The quickest way to obtain a second passport is through a Citizenship by Investment (CBI) program is with fast-track options. For example, Turkey’s Citizenship by Investment (CBI) program offers a fast-track route to acquiring Turkish citizenship within as little as 2 months.
