What Is a Second Passport by Investment?
A 2nd passport is also known as dual citizenship. It means you hold the citizenship and passport of a country other than your original one.
It allows you to legally travel, work and live in the second country, often with visa-free access to additional countries you may not have been able to visit so easily before.
The most common route to acquiring a second passport is through Citizenship by Investment programs. This is a fast-track route that allows eligible investors to gain citizenship in exchange for a qualifying economic contribution.
Why Do People Get a Second Passport?
There are many great reasons to invest in a second citizenship, including:
1. Increased Global Mobility
A second passport can offer visa-free access to numerous countries, reducing the hassle and constraints of obtaining visas. This is particularly valuable for citizens from countries with less powerful passports.
2. Enhanced Safety and Security
In times of political unrest, economic instability, or other crises in one’s home country, a second passport provides an option for safe haven. It acts as an insurance policy, allowing individuals and their families to relocate or travel freely without being tied to the circumstances of a single country.
3. Expanded Business Opportunities
A second passport opens up new business opportunities, including access to favorable markets, investment options, and financial services that might not be available to citizens of other countries. It can also facilitate easier international banking and the establishment of businesses in foreign countries.
4. Optimized Taxation
Holding a second passport can offer tax advantages depending on the countries involved. Some individuals may benefit from more favorable tax regimes or the ability to manage tax liabilities more efficiently through residency in a country with more advantageous tax laws.
5. Access to Top-Quality Social Services
A second citizenship often comes with the right to live, work, and study in another country, offering direct access to world-class education and healthcare systems.
6. Family-Related Benefits
Many citizenship by investment or residency programs allow applicants to include family, ensuring that the benefits of a second passport extend to spouses, children, and sometimes even parents and siblings.
7. Estate Planning and Inheritance
A second passport can simplify estate planning and inheritance matters, particularly in cases involving assets or properties in multiple countries. It can also provide heirs with broader opportunities and rights.
8. Personal Freedom
A second passport represents personal freedom. It offers the ability to choose where to live, work, and travel, independent of the limitations or obligations imposed by a single nationality.
9. Backup Plan
A Plan B passport gives you a solid backup plan and added security in times of political and economic instability. Even if you do not wish to relocate, you can choose a citizenship by investment program with a low physical residency requirement and high return on investment.
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15 Best Countries to Get a Second Passport
A second passport through investment provides the chance to acquire one of the world’s most valuable travel documents. With tools like Global Citizen Solutions’ Global Passport Index,(GPI) individuals can explore a passport’s true strength by assessing its access to various countries, investment opportunities, and impact on quality of life.
Here are 15 countries to consider when planning to get a second passport by investment:
1. Antigua and Barbuda
Antigua and Barbuda’s citizenship by investment program grants a second passport by investment with a $230,000 donation to the National Development Fund (NDF). This provides visa-free travel to 150 countries and the second-highest-ranking passport in the Caribbean.
Investors can also contribute to the University of the West Indies Fund, which offers unique benefits, including a fully paid year of tuition for one dependent at the University of the West Indies. This also grants citizenship to the investor and their eligible dependents.
2. Austria
Austria offers a unique and highly selective Austrian citizenship by investment program.
Austria’s investment program requires a substantial €2 to 10 million investment in a business that creates jobs, shows growth potential, and has a strong international reputation.
This program offers the opportunity to obtain an Austrian passport, one of the highest-ranking EU passports, in the 15th position on the GPI.
The passport grants visa-free or visa-on-arrival access to 174 countries. Austria is also considered one of the safest and most stable countries, which is an attractive option for those who value security with their new citizenship.
3. Dominica
Dominica citizenship by investment allows individuals to obtain a second passport by making a financial investment in the country. There are two main investment options: a donation to the Economic Diversification Fund (EDF), starting at $200,000, or a real estate investment in government-approved properties, also starting at $200,000.
Both options provide a path to citizenship with visa-free travel to over 150 countries. No residency requirements exist meaning applicants don’t need to visit the country or attend in-person interviews. Tax residents benefit from Dominica’s territorial tax system, which doesn’t tax worldwide assets.
4. Grenada
Grenada’s citizenship by investment program offers a route to second citizenship through a $235,000 donation to the National Transformation Fund or real estate investments starting at $270,000.
The program is especially attractive because Grenada grants investors access to the U.S. E2 Visa program, which allows them to include immediate family and dependent parents or siblings.
A Grenadian passport grants visa-free access to 147 countries, including China and Russia, and the country’s location outside the hurricane belt adds further appeal.
5. Hungary
Hungary’s Golden Visa program offers non-EU and non-EEA citizens residency through investments such as €250,000in a real estate fund, €500,000 in residential real estate (from 2025), or a €1 million donation to higher education.
No minimum residency requirements exist, and applicants can begin business ventures immediately.
Citizenship is available after eight years, providing visa-free entry to 122 countries and opportunities for economic growth in a stable foreign country.
6. Jordan
The Jordan citizenship by investment program offers dual citizenship opportunities in the Middle East. It requires a minimum investment of $750,000 in real estate.
This program appeals to international investors due to Jordan’s strategic location, rich Islamic culture, and stable environment with low levels of conflict.
Jordan also promotes economic growth through its Economic Modernization Vision, a long-term strategic plan to transform the country’s economy to achieve sustainable growth and improve the standard of living for its citizens.
7. Latvia
Latvia’s Golden Visa includes multiple investment options, such as €250,000 in property, €50,000 in a capital company, €280,000 in a bank deposit, or €250,000 in government bonds.
Applicants must live in Latvia at least once a year, and residency is granted after investment approval. Citizenship is available after ten years, with the possibility of granting a passport with visa-free entry in 119 countries.
8. Malta
The Malta Citizenship by Investment program, also known as the Citizenship by Naturalization for Exceptional Services by Direct Investment (CES), offers a fast path to EU citizenship in as little as 12 months. It requires a real estate investment of €700,000 (or a five-year lease of at least €16,000 annually) and a charitable donation of €10,000.
This program stands out because of its status as the only Citizenship by Investment program in Europe. Malta’s passport offers visa-free access to 172 countries, providing exceptional global mobility and opportunities.
9. Portugal
The Portugal Golden Visa offers non-EU nationals residency by investment. However, a Portuguese passport is obtained after meeting the five-year residency requirement and grants visa-free access to 27 EU nations and 174 countries globally, including the U.S., Canada, and much of Asia.
The program requires a minimum investment of €250,000, with options such as funding scientific research, supporting the arts, or creating jobs.
While citizenship is not immediate, it offers access to one of the world’s most powerful passports, enabling seamless travel, work, and residence across the European Union.
10. Serbia
Serbia’s residency by investment program allows individuals to secure residency through real estate purchases, with no minimum investment requirement.
Eligible properties include apartments, residential buildings, and business premises tied to active business ventures. Once the investment is approved, residency is granted, and applicants can start living and working in Serbia.
After five years, you can get a second passport, offering visa-free entry to 88 countries and the chance to participate in business ventures in a foreign country.
11. Spain
Please note that this program was officially suspended in April 3, 2025. For more information on this, check out our article: https://www.globalcitizensolutions.com/spain-golden-visa-ending/.
The Spain Golden Visa is another great residency by investment program granting legal residence in exchange for a qualifying investment, such as €500,000 in real estate or €1 million in shares of a Spanish company.
After maintaining residency for ten years, you may qualify for naturalization and a Spanish passport. This powerful passport ranks in the top 20 on the Global Passport Index.
It provides visa-free access to 174 countries, including the EU, the UK, and many global destinations, making it highly valuable for international travel and business opportunities.
12. St Kitts and Nevis
The St. Kitts and Nevis citizenship by investment program has several investment options, including a $250,000 contribution to the Sustainable Island State Contribution (SISC) or purchasing government-approved real estate at $325,000.
The program is known for its quick processing time of just 12 months and grants visa-free travel to 153 countries, including EU Schengen states, the UK, Singapore, Russia, and Hong Kong, making it a popular choice for investors.
13. St Lucia
St. Lucia’s citizenship by investment program offers various investment options, starting with a $240,000 donation to the National Economic Fund.
It provides visa-free travel to 153 countries and significant tax benefits, with no residency or visitation requirements. The process takes about 10 to 12 months, and government bond investments allow for the inclusion of immediate family members and dependents with no extra fees.
14. Turkey
Turkey’s citizenship by investment program includes affordable options, such as real estate investments starting at $400,000 or establishing a business as a path to citizenship.
This program provides access to a skilled workforce and a strategic location bridging Europe and Asia, making it attractive for entrepreneurs and investors.
Key benefits include no requirement for government-approved real estate projects, a relatively low cost of living compared to other CBI countries, and visa-free travel to over 110 countries.
15. Vanuatu
Vanuatu’s citizenship by investment provides one of the quickest routes to citizenship, requiring a minimum donation of $130,000 to the Vanuatu Development Support Program. This is the world’s fastest CBI program, granting citizenship within as little as 60 days.
Additional benefits include zero personal income tax on local or global income, visa-free access to over 130 countries, and a serene lifestyle in a tropical paradise.
What citizenship is right for me?
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What Are the Requirements for Obtaining a Second Passport?
The main way to obtain a second passport is through investing in a country’s economy. Applicants must meet specific criteria set out by the host country’s government and while requirements vary by country, most programs follow a similar structure. This structure includes:
Investment
Firstly, you must make a qualifying economic contribution through one of the following means (country-dependent):
1. Real Estate Investment
Several countries offer citizenship in exchange for purchasing real estate. The required investment amount can vary significantly, and often, the property must be held for a specified period, usually around 3-5 years.
2. Government Bonds
Some Citizenship by Investment programs allow investors to obtain citizenship by purchasing government bonds. These bonds must be held for a number of years without interest.
3. Local Business Investment
Investing in local businesses or establishing a new business can also be a path to citizenship. This often involves creating jobs and contributing to the country’s economic development.
4. Donation
Many programs require a direct contribution to a national development fund or similar government entity. These non-refundable donations fund public projects such as education, healthcare, and infrastructure.
5. Investment Funds
Some countries, like Greece and Cyprus, offer second passports through investments in government-approved funds, which are used to support national economic development projects.
Due Diligence and Background Checks
Most programs involve a rigorous multi-tiered due diligence process to verify the applicant’s source of funds, personal background, and reputation.
You must:
- Have no criminal record
- Provide evidence of legally obtained funds
- Not be subject to international sanctions or visa restrictions
- Undergo biometric screening in some countries
Fees and Government Charges
In addition to the core investment, applicants typically pay:
- Application and processing fees
- Due diligence fees (ranging from $7,500 to $15,000 per adult)
- Passport issuance and legal representation fees
Documentation Requirements
Commonly requested documents include:
- Valid passport(s) and ID
- Proof of investment funds
- Police clearance certificate
- Medical examination report
- Birth and marriage certificates (if applicable)
- CV or resume (some programs)
Residence or Visit Requirements
While many Caribbean nations have no physical presence requirement, some countries such as Malta or Austria may require:
- Minimum physical presence (e.g., 12 months of residency in Malta)
- Demonstrated ties to the country (e.g., lease or cultural integration)
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.
