Top 13 Golden Passport Countries in 2026 – Get Second Citizenship by Investment  

A golden passport, also known as Citizenship by Investment (CBI) or economic citizenship, grants second citizenship in exchange for a financial investment. These programs are typically aimed at investors, offering enhanced global mobility, financial flexibility, and a backup plan in times of political or economic instability. 

While many expats aspire to obtain dual citizenship from countries with strong passports and stable economies, lengthy application processes and legal hurdles often stand in the way. 

Fortunately, several golden passport countries offer streamlined paths to citizenship through investment, with programs ranging from real estate purchases to contributions to government funds. In this guide, we’ll explore 13 of the best options and highlight their key benefits. 

Golden Passport: Key Takeaways

Golden Passports grant direct citizenship through investment without residency or long naturalization periods. 

Often called Citizenship by Investment or CBI programs, Golden Passports are available in countries like St. Kitts & Nevis, Dominica, Antigua, Barbuda, Grenada, and Turkey. 

Minimum investment amounts for a Golden Passport typically range from a $100,000 donation to an investment of $1 million in real estate or government bonds. 

Citizenship is usually granted in 3 to 12 months, with little to no physical presence required. 

A Golden Passport provides enhanced global mobility, visa-free access, tax optimization, and generational citizenship rights. 

Family eligibility typically includes spouses, children, and sometimes parents and grandparents. 

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A “golden passport” is a form of citizenship by investment, allowing individuals to acquire citizenship or residency in a country by making a significant financial contribution.  

Note that a Golden Passport is different from a “Golden Visa” which grants residency and not citizenship. A Golden Visa is the first step toward eventual naturalization, while a golden passport bypasses that residency period and grants citizenship (and a new passport) quicker, sometimes within months.  

Getting a golden passport usually involves investing in real estate, government bonds, or making a donation to a national development fund. It grants access to benefits such as visa-free travel to numerous countries, tax advantages, and the ability to live, work, and do business in the country offering the program.  

Countries that offer golden passports include Dominica, Austria, and St. Kitts and Nevis,  among others. Each program has its own requirements, such as minimum investment amounts and processing times, ranging from a few months to a few years. 

Additionally, Global Citizen Solutions also has a new and improved Global Passport Index that evaluates a passport’s power based on its enhanced mobility, quality of life, and investment indexes. It is another useful tool for helping you choose the best and most beneficial passport. 

1. Antigua and Barbuda

Antigua and Barbuda is a heavenly beach paradise in the Caribbean that provides powerful passport-related benefits to holders. The Antigua and Barbuda citizenship by investment program offers a passport providing visa-free and visa-on-arrival travel to162 countries. 

The country’s citizenship by investment scheme requires  

• purchasing real estate with a minimum investment of $300,000  
• or making a non-refundable contribution of $230,000 to the National Development Fund.  

Other options include a business investment of $400,000 in a joint venture worth at least $5 million or a sole investment of at least $1.5 million, or a non-refundable donation of $260,000 to the University of the West Indies Fund. Note that all investments must be maintained for a minimum of five years following the approval of citizenship. 

2. Austria

Austria is one of the wealthiest countries in Europe, and as such, the Austrian citizenship by investment program is among the most exclusive and expensive in the world. 

While Austria does not operate a formal, publicly available CBI program, it offers citizenship under Section 10(6) of the Austrian Citizenship Act, which allows the government to grant citizenship by exception to individuals who make extraordinary contributions to the nation’s economic, cultural, or social interests. 

To qualify, wealthy foreign investors typically must invest several million euros, often in the range of €3 million to €10 million, in impactful economic activities such as setting up high-growth businesses, funding export-driven enterprises, or creating substantial employment opportunities. Importantly, Austria does not accept passive investments like real estate or government bond purchases for this pathway. 

While this route is sometimes informally referred to as the Austrian citizenship by investment program, it is extremely selective, with only a limited number of approvals granted each year. Moreover, Austria generally does not permit dual citizenship, meaning successful applicants are usually required to renounce their previous nationality to obtain an Austrian passport. 

3. Dominica

Since 1993, the Caribbean island of Dominica has had a flexible investment scheme for foreign nationals interested in Dominica’s citizenship by investment and one of the Caribbean’s most powerful passports. 

A Dominican passport is a fantastic choice for US expats looking for a stable life abroad. Their local currency is pegged to the US dollar, so foreign residents need not worry about currency value fluctuations. 

Dominica’s passport benefits from no prior visa requirements for inter-Caribbean travel. Caribbean citizens can travel visa-free to all other nations in the Caribbean. 

The citizenship scheme starts with a donation of $200,000 to the country’s Economic Diversification Fund. The second option is to purchase approved real estate worth $200,000, in addition to due diligence and administrative fees. The real estate must be held for at least three years. 

4. Grenada

The Grenada citizenship by investment scheme allows investors to obtain second citizenship and Grenadian passports. Grenadian passport holders have access to visa-free, ETA and visa-on-arrival travel to more than 154 countries, including China and Russia. 

Grenada is the only country in the West Indies that allows you to acquire the USA E-2 Visa through its citizenship through investment program. 

One of the two investment pathways under the Grenada investment scheme is to donate $235,000 to the National Transformation Fund (NTF). The second way is to purchase government-approved property (i.e., hotels or spas) in the country with a value of at least $270,000. The purchase of property comes with the condition that you must maintain possession of the property for at least five years. 

5. Jordan

Jordan doesn’t have a claim to the world’s most powerful passport or one on par with the United Arab Emirates passport. Still, Jordanian passport holders have access to visa waivers for several destinations in the Middle East and worldwide. There are a few investment plans that you can apply for to get a Jordan passport. 

The lowest option is worth $750,000, and you must invest in a project capable of creating at least ten local jobs outside the country’s capital. If you want to invest within the capital, this amount increases to $1 million. 

Alternatively, you can place a $1 million deposit at the Central Bank of Jordan or purchase $1 million in treasury bonds, both with required holding periods. A third option involves buying $1.5 million in company shares held for at least three years. 

Interested in obtaining a second passport? Get in touch with our team of specialists today! 

6. Malta

Maltese passports are highly ranked on the passport index and provide visa-free entry to the United Kingdom and access to many of the world’s top travel destinations. The enhanced mobility of the Maltese passport has gained it its 18th ranking on our Global Passport Index. 

Malta no longer has a citizenship by investment program. However, it is possible to gain a Maltese passport through the Malta citizenship by merit, which is a non-investment, exceptional contribution pathway for foreigners to gain citizenship in Malta. 

Two categories of people qualify for Malta citizenship by merit: 

• Those who have provided exceptional services to Malta or to humanity,   
• Those whose naturalization is considered to be of exceptional interest to the Republic of Malta

7. Moldova

Foreign investors previously had the option of a non-refundable contribution of €100,000 to obtain a passport in Moldova. However, the program was officially suspended in July 2019 and the legal provisions repealed in 2020, making it inactive.  

Please note that Moldova is still in the application phase for membership in the European Union, but the country has signed agreements with the EU, including an Association Agreement and a Security and Defence Partnership. Therefore, the Moldovan passport doesn’t offer the same level of access as EU passports, such as visa-free entry to the United Kingdom and the US. 

Still, the Moldovan passport offers visa-free, ETA and visa-on-arrival access to 146 countries, including access to countries with stringent visa restrictions like the United Arab Emirates. 

8. North Macedonia

Another Balkan country that formed part of the former state of Yugoslavia, North Macedonia has seen a remarkable resurgence over the last 30 years. 

Although currently not a member state of the European Union, if you opt to apply for the North Macedonia citizenship by investment program, you can acquire a North Macedonia passport and enjoy travel freedom with visa-free access, ETA and visa-on-arrival travel to over 154 countries worldwide. You can also add your spouse and children under 18 to your passport application. 

This country provides the investment option of €200,000 in a government-approved fund. You can also buy citizenship by investing €400,000 to set up a new venture, which will require creating at least ten local jobs. 

9. St Kitts and Nevis

Launched in 1984, the St Kitts and Nevis citizenship by investment program is the world’s first citizenship by investment program. 

St. Kitts’s ranks first as the world’s best citizenship by investment program in the Global Citizenship Programs Report 2026 by our Global Intelligence Unit (GIU). 
 
It has the strongest-performing Caribbean passport in the index, offering visa-free access, visa-on-arrival and ETA to over 167 countries. 

Moreover, applying for this scheme does not require language proficiency or a residence permit, making it even more appealing for English-speaking overseas investors. For those looking to move for tax purposes, St Kitts and Nevis offers tax-saving incentives, such as no income tax and only a small contribution to the local Social Security Board (SSB). 

There are two kinds of qualifying investment routes: you can contribute a minimum of $250,000 to the Sustainable Island State Contribution (SISC), or invest in government-approved real estate starting at $325,000 for a share in an approved development, or $600,000 for a private single-family home. These investments carry additional due diligence and government processing fees. 

10. Turkey

The Turkish passport includes visa-free, ETA and visa-on-arrival access to 136 countries. Turkish citizenship by investment is diverse and provides expats with several ways to obtain it. 

To obtain Turkish citizenship and a passport, you can buy properties in the country worth $400,000 and hold the investment for at least three years. Other qualifying investments include employing 50 Turkish citizens in any venture in Turkey’s commercial sector or contributing through capital transfer investments of $500,000 or more. 

The best part about the Turkish citizenship by investment program is that it can help you obtain a USA residency permit through the E-2 Treaty Investor Visa program. 

11. Vanuatu

Obtaining a Vanuatu passport is an increasingly popular choice among foreign investors. The primary benefit of the Vanuatu citizenship by investment program is that investors can obtain a second passport within two months of making the required investment. 

Obtaining citizenship is possible through just one investment of a financial contribution worth $130,000 to the country’s government fund. Additional government fees apply for dependents and due diligence checks. 

12. São Tomé and Príncipe

A São Tomé and Príncipe passport offers visa-free and visa-on-arrival access to countries such as Gambia, Hong Kong, Honduras, Palestine, Benin, Bahamas, Costa Rica, and Dominica. It’s citizenship by investment program is highly affordable, offering swift, remote processing with no residency requirements.  

Applicants make a non-refundable donation to the National Transformation Fund starting at $ 90,000 for a single applicant, with slightly higher thresholds for families. Processing is fast (as little as 6 weeks), and the entire process can be completed remotely with no residency, travel, or language requirements.  

The program allows family inclusion of spouses, dependent children, and even parents and grandparents can be added.  

13. Egypt

The Egyptian passport grants visa-free and visa-on-arrival access to countries such as Barbados, Guinea, Hong Kong, Macau, Palestine, Sudan, South Sudan, and Benin, allowing almost instant travel worldwide. It allows visa-free, visa-on-arrival and ETA access to 99 countries.  

Foreigners can qualify for Egypt’s citizenship by investment program via four investment routes:  

• Invest a minimum $300,000 real estate purchase (held for 5 years),  
• Straight donation of  $250,000,  
• Business investment of $350,000 plus a $100,000 donation,  
• Refundable bank deposit of $500,000 held for 3 years in Egyptian pounds without interest.  

All routes carry a mandatory $ 10,000 government processing fee, in addition to legal fees. Upon approval, citizenship extends to the main applicant and children under 21 immediately; however, spouses must wait two years.  

Applicants must also adhere to a physical presence requirement of a minimum two-day visit during the application stage, followed by either a one-month visit or two visits totaling four weeks post-approval. 

Benefits for investors 

For international clients, acquiring a golden passport ensures not only increased global mobility but also personal and financial security. 

The ability to obtain dual citizenship through CBI programs allows investors to legally maintain citizenship in more than one country, opening doors for future relocation, international business, and inheritance planning. 

These benefits make golden passports especially attractive to HNWIs seeking long-term strategic advantages. 

• Visa-free travel: Holders of a golden passport often gain access to many visa-free destinations, making international travel easier and more convenient. 
• Residency and citizenship: The option to have residency through Golden Visa programs provides a pathway to live, work, or study in a country without requiring immediate relocation, allowing investors to maintain their primary residence elsewhere. This is ideal for those looking for mobility and flexibility. On the other hand, citizenship by investment programs cater to individuals looking for a more permanent and stable solution. 
• Economic opportunities: Having a Ggolden passport as a second passport gives access to new markets for business, tax benefits, and the ability to diversify investments across multiple countries. 
• Family inclusion: A huge advantage is that many programs allow dependents, such as spouses and children, to be included in the application, extending the benefits to the entire family. 
• Security and lifestyle: It offers a backup Plan B passport for political stability, better healthcare, education, or a higher quality of life. 

Benefits for host countries 

On the government side, host countries benefit from increased foreign direct investment (FDI), infrastructure development, and job creation. 

These programs often align with national priorities in tourism, housing, and economic diversification. Immigration consultants, law firms, and financial advisors are typically involved in structuring these offerings and guiding applicants through the complex legal and financial process. 

Here are some countries that offer Golden Visa programs to foreigners who would love to explore this route.  

1. Greece

The Greek Golden Visa starts with a minimum investment of €250,000 in real estate (or €500,000 – €800,000 for designated high-value areas). It also provides alternative investment routes, such as purchasing government bonds or making a bank deposit in a Greek financial institution. 

The Greece Golden Visa has allowed many expats worldwide to benefit from the country’s Mediterranean lifestyle. Although Greece doesn’t offer a citizenship by investment scheme, the Golden Visa enables you to maintain residency long enough to qualify for EU citizenship granted by the Greek government. 

Upon acquiring Greek citizenship after seven years of continuous residency, you’ll be eligible for one of the strongest passports in the world, providing visa-free, ETA and visa-on-arrival travel to over 183 countries. 

2. Portugal

The Portugal Golden Visa program is a five-year residency by investment opportunity for non-EU nationals who want to live, work, and study in the country. The intention is to attract foreign investment into Portugal. 

With a Portuguese passport, you gain access to all 27 European Union nations and enjoy visa-free, ETA and visa-on-arrival access to 184 countries worldwide, making it one of the world’s most powerful passports. 

The minimum investment requirement for the Portugal Golden Visa is now €250,000, with qualifying options including investments in scientific research, support for the arts, and job creation. Note that real estate investments are no longer eligible. 

You can apply for permanent residency in Portugal after five years of legal residence. After ten years of residence in total, you may become eligible for Portuguese citizenship. For EU and CPLP citizens, the citizenship requirement is reduced to seven years. 

3. Latvia

The Latvia Golden Visa program is designed for non-EU citizens looking for a gateway to Europe. It appeals to investors, entrepreneurs, and high-net-worth individuals by offering residency along with benefits like access to the Schengen Zone for convenient travel across Europe. 

The program stands out for its relatively low investment threshold, requiring only €50,000 in a capital company or, alternatively, €250,000 in real estate. It also allows applicants to include eligible dependents, and once citizenship is achieved, it can be inherited by children and future generations, making it an appealing long-term option. 

4. Hungary

The Hungarian Golden Visa Program, also called the Guest Investor Program (GIP), was relaunched on 1 July 2024. This initiative allows non-EU and non-EEA citizens to secure long-term residency in Hungary through investment. It aims to grow the economy while offering investors and their families access to the European Union (EU) and Schengen Area.  

The program is particularly appealing for its flexibility, requiring no minimum stay and granting a renewable 10-year residency permit. 

The program offers applicants less financial risk because investors must first be approved before making the investment. To qualify, investors must contribute €250,000 to a state-approved real estate investment fund, and residency permits are typically issued within 21 days of the application appointment. 

5. Serbia

The Serbian Residency by Investment program offers foreign nationals the opportunity to obtain residency in Serbia by purchasing real estate. It is an attractive option for those looking to live or work in the country. Applicants can purchase various properties, including apartments, houses, or commercial buildings, without restrictions on price or location.< 

What sets this program apart is its flexibility, as there are no minimum investment requirements. Additionally, it provides easier access to travel within the European Union, which can be especially beneficial for business owners operating in Serbia. However, foreigners from countries without reciprocity agreements with Serbia may need to establish a legal entity before purchasing property. 

Here are some of the citizenship by investment programs that are now ended.  

• Cyprus closed its Citizenship by Investment program in 2020, following an investigation into irregularities in the granting of citizenship by government officials. The program ended in 2020, when Al Jazeera uncovered illegal practices by government officials granting citizenship.  

• Malta ended its CBI program after a Court of Justice of the European Union ruled on 29 April 2025. The program was formally discontinued and replaced with a merit-based citizenship framework. 

• Moldova suspended its Citizenship by Investment program in 2025, and the underlying legal provisions were repealed, ending the program entirely.