Citizenship by Investment: Top Programs in 2025

Citizenship by Investment (CBI) offers a fast-track route to obtaining a second passport or dual citizenship through significant financial contributions.

These financial contributions can include direct investments in real estate (whether it’s buying or renting), purchasing government bonds, or contributing to a national development fund.

Citizenship by investment countries offer attractive benefits such as visa-free travel, financial security, and access to better education and healthcare

While some Citizenship by Investment programs grant direct citizenship, others require applicants to undergo a naturalization process before applying.

Here is a complete citizenship by investment guide that will take you through everything you need to know about in 2025, including:

• What is Citizenship by Investment? 
• Benefits of Citizenship by Investment
• Citizenship by Investment Countries
• Different Kinds of Investment Options
• Requirements for Citizenship by Investment
• Discontinued CBI Programs
• Frequently Asked Questions About Citizenship by Investment

What is a Citizenship by Investment Program?

Citizenship by Investment (CBI) is a process of acquiring citizenship in a country by making a financial investment, typically through real estate investment, government bonds purchases, or contributions to a national development fund.

Known in some countries as Golden Visas,  Citizenship by Investment schemes were created to attract foreign investment and boost long-term economic growth.

By successfully applying for a CBI program, global investors and their family members gain citizenship with access to the same benefits, privileges, and rights of citizens.

Dual citizenship also has benefits, such as increased global mobility with visa-free access to more countries. Other advantages include giving foreign investors and nationals expanded business opportunities, better quality of life, asset protection, and access to healthcare and education, providing greater security and flexibility.

According to Global Intelligence Unit’s “The Transformation of Citizenship” report, an increasing number of high-net-worth individuals are seeking second citizenship in the form of CBI programs to combat rising political polarization, economic downturns and regulatory shifts.

Second citizenship serves as a contingency plan and its also helpful that one of the other key benefits is that CBI programs give people the opportunity to obtain citizenship status much faster than other citizenship programs.

8 Benefits of Citizenship by Investment

There are several benefits to a citizenship program that focuses on investment, some of which include:

1. Backup plan: A second citizenship provides security in case of political or economic instability in your home country. It guarantees you always have another place to live and work.

2. Global mobility: Owners of a second passport can travel easily to more countries without needing a visa. This is especially useful for business and personal trips.

3. Diversification of your investment portfolio: Investing in another country reduces financial risk by spreading assets across different markets. It can also open up new business opportunities.

4. Wealth protection and considerable tax benefits: Some countries offer lower taxes on income, inheritance, and capital gains. This helps protect and grow your wealth legally.

5. Security in the form of a second passport or dual citizenship: A second passport gives you more options for living, working, and studying abroad. It also ensures you have a safe exit if needed.

6. Improved quality of life: Enjoy better healthcare, education, and lifestyle options for you and your family. Some countries offer better social and economic stability.

7. Political rights: Some CBI programs allow you to vote and participate in your new country’s political system. This can give you a say in important decisions.

8. Property ownership: Many programs let you buy real estate, giving you a home or investment in a stable market.

Countries With Citizenship by Investment Programs in 2025

Here is a list of all the countries that offer an economic citizenship program in 2025:

Antigua and Barbuda

The Antigua and Barbuda citizenship by investment program is one of the most popular among the Caribbean countries, offering a second passport and visa free travel for global investors.

Austria

Austria’s citizenship by investment program sets a high entry bar. Still, it offers investors the advantage of EU citizenship and a permanent tie with one of the world’s most politically stable and prosperous countries.

Cambodia

While Cambodia’s citizenship by investment isn’t prevalent among CBI countries, the program is accessible. The country’s low cost of living and the additional right to own land make gaining citizenship in Cambodia attractive.

 Dominica

Dominica’s citizenship by investment presents one of the most cost-effective and fastest pathways to obtaining second citizenship through investment among Caribbean countries.

Egypt

Providing Africa’s only CBI program, the Egyptian citizenship by investment program has a natural appeal. The country offers fantastic real estate investment program with the bonus of receiving citizenship in return.

Grenada

While the Caribbean hosts multiple CBI programs, Grenada’s citizenship by investment program is not only attractive for its low investment requirements, but it is an appeal for several reasons, such as no hurricane risks and an option to obtain a US E2 Visa.

Jordan

In a region not known for readily granting citizenship to foreigners, Jordan’s citizenship by investment sets itself apart, allowing investors to earn citizenship in the historically significant country through business and real estate investment.

Malta

Citizenship by Investment in the European Union is made possible through Malta’s citizenship by investment program, which provides third-country nationals with an EU passport.

North Macedonia

North Macedonia’s CBI program provides a gateway to a country with a strategic location and potential economic opportunities in the heart of the Balkans.

St Kitts and Nevis

With the longest-running CBI scheme and the most visa-free countries, St Kitts and Nevis citizenship by investment facilitates seamless travel abroad for foreign investors who qualify for its program.

St Lucia

St Lucia’s citizenship by investment program allows investors to live on a stable Eastern Caribbean island with low crime rates. The scheme also offers affordable investments for acquiring citizenship.

Turkey

The primary bridge between Europe and Asia provides several advantages on its own, and with five investment options, Turkey’s CBI program is inclusive and accommodates a diverse range of investor preferences.

Vanuatu

Getting dual citizenship in two months might appear improbable. However, this quick processing time is possible if you make a direct investment as part of Vanuatu’s citizenship by investment program.

Nauru

Nauru launched its Citizenship by Investment program under the Economic and Climate Resilience Citizenship Act. This program is designed to attract international investors to support sustainable development and climate resilience initiatives.

Investment Options to Obtain a Second Citizenship

The investment options to get second citizenship differ from country to country, but common investment routes include:

Real Estate Investment

A qualifying real estate investment involves purchasing or renting residential or commercial property in the destination country. This is an attractive option as it offers investors the opportunity to get a return on their investment.

Most programs with real estate citizenship, except from Turkey and Egypt, require a direct investment in government-approved properties.

Non-Refundable Contribution

A non-refundable contribution is a one-time donation to a government-approved fund that supports the country’s development.

This option allows you to aid the economic growth of the country you’re aiming to become a citizen of. It’s often one of the most affordable ways to qualify for a citizenship by investment program.

Business Investment

Business investments are a viable route to receive citizenship in several Citizenship by Investment countries. The criteria for a qualifying business investment usually includes:

• Meeting the minimum investment threshold
• Investing in a new or existing business
• Creating jobs for locals

Bank Deposit

Bank deposits in national banks are another way to gain citizenship through investment. The deposit is refundable after a set period and doesn’t earn interest or profits. Due to their refundability, the minimum investment is often higher.

Government Bond Investment

Investing in government bonds functions similarly to a bank deposit. It offers a comparable risk-free approach without exposing the investor to capital risk or necessitating direct involvement with businesses.

Government bond investments benefit from government backing, guaranteeing a full return on investment, although without any accrued interest.

Requirements for Citizenship by Investment

The requirements for obtaining citizenship through investment typically include:

• Being over the age of 18
• Having a cleaning criminal record
• Being in good health with no infectious diseases
• Not being a citizen of or having close ties to a prohibited nation
• Making a foreign investment that meets the requirements of the country you’re applying for. These can include real estate investment, depositing funds into local banks, purchasing government bonds, donating to national development funds, or creating jobs through investing in a local business.

Some countries may require you to obtain a temporary residence permit or require you to visit the country for a certain number of days within the first few years after gaining citizenship.

Discontinued Citizenship by Investment Programs

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. 

Frequently Asked Questions about Citizenship by Investment Programs

What is Citizenship by Investment?

Citizenship by Investment is a legal process that enables individuals and in some cases their immediate family members to become citizens of a country by investing financially in the economy.

What are the benefits of Citizenship by Investment?

Citizenship by investment offers benefits such as visa-free travel, financial security, and access to better education and healthcare. Investors gain a second passport, tax advantages, and the ability to live and work in a stable country.

What are the risks of Citizenship by Investment?

Citizenship by Investment programs carries risks such as legal uncertainties, potential revocation, and increased scrutiny from financial institutions. Some programs may face diplomatic issues, affecting visa-free travel. Due diligence is crucial before applying.

How long does it take to get Citizenship by Investment?

Some Citizenship by Investment programs take as little as a few months while others can take over a year.

Processing time varies from country to country and is dependent on the program and application complexity.

What are the best Citizenship by Investment programs?

The best citizenship by investment programs in 2025 are:

• Dominica: $100,000 (donation)
• St. Kitts and Nevis: $125,000 (donation)
• Antigua and Barbuda: $100,000 (donation)
• Malta: €600,000 (donation + investment)
• Turkey: $400,000 (real estate)
• Vanuatu: $130,000 (donation)

What Citizenship by Investment programs grant European citizenship?

The following countries offer economic citizenship programs in Europe:

• Austria
• Moldova
• North Macedonia

Additionally, Malta citizenship offers expedited European citizenship through naturalization.

Which of the Citizenship by Investment countries is the easiest to apply for?

The easiest Citizenship by Investment program is Vanuatu. You can acquire Vanuatu citizenship through the investment route in approximately just 60 days.

Which of the Citizenship by Investment countries is the most difficult to get citizenship from?

The Vatican City remains the most challenging state in which to get citizenship.

Another most difficult citizenship example is Liechtenstein, which generally requires 30 years of residency to be naturalized.

Which country offers the fastest Citizenship by Investment?

Vanuatu is the fastest country to grant citizenship by investment. Successful individuals can obtain a Vanuatu passport in as little as 60 days by contributing $130,000 to the country’s national development fund.

Which are the best countries you can buy citizenship in?

The 14 best citizenship by investment countries in are:

• Antigua & Barbuda
• Austria
• Cambodia
• Dominica
• Egypt
• Grenada
• Jordan
• Malta
• North Macedonia
• St Kitts and Nevis
• St Lucia
• Turkey
• Vanuatu
• Nauru

What is the cheapest Citizenship by Investment program?

Dominica is the cheapest citizenship by investment program today, with a minimum contribution of only $200,000.

What is the minimum investment required for Citizenship by Investment programs?

The minimum investment for Citizenship by Investment programs varies by country. Dominica and St. Lucia start at $100,000 for a government donation. St. Kitts and Nevis require $250,000 under the Sustainable Island State Contribution. Real estate options typically start at $200,000, depending on the program.

Which countries give Citizenship by Investment if you buy a property?

Countries that will give you citizenship if you buy property:

• St Kitts and Nevis
• Antigua and Barbuda
• Dominica
• Grenada
• St Lucia
• Turkey
• Egypt
• Jordan

Which Caribbean countries offer Citizenship by Investment?

Antigua and Barbuda, Dominica, St Kitts and Nevis, Grenada and St Lucia are the five Caribbean countries that currently offer Citizenship by Investment.

Out of these five, the St Kitts and Nevis passport ranks the highest on the Global Passport Index.

Which European countries offer Citizenship by Investment?

The following European countries offer economic citizenship:

• Austria
• Portugal
• Spain
• Bulgaria
• Turkey
• Latvia
• Montenegro
• Cyprus
• Greece
• Switzerland
• Moldova
• Malta
• Italy
• Hungary
• North Macedonia

Can my Citizenship by Investment application be rejected?

Yes, it can be rejected if the applicant fails due diligence checks, provides incomplete documentation, or does not meet specific program criteria set by the host country.

Are there any tax implications for obtaining Citizenship by Investment?

Immigrant investor programs offering citizenship can have significant tax implications. These include double taxation or the existence of taxes that may not be imposed in your original tax jurisdiction, such as capital gains and inheritance tax.

Can I get Citizenship by Investment without living in the country?

Yes, you can. Living in a country long term is not a prerequisite for economic citizenship.

Is Montenegro Citizenship by Investment program suspended?

Montenegro’s CBI program was closed at the end of 2022.

Foreigners can, however, still obtain permanent residency through a real estate investment and apply for Montenegrin citizenship after ten years of residency.

Can I get citizenship in Canada by investment?

Canada does not offer direct citizenship by investment.

Instead, it provides pathways to permanent residency through programs like the Start-Up Visa, which requires investing in and operating an innovative business in Canada.

How much do you need to invest to get citizenship?

The required investment for citizenship varies depending on the program. It can range from hundreds of thousands to several million dollars.

Can you buy a passport to get citizenship?

You can’t buy a passport to get citizenship. But you can get a foreign passport through Citizenship by Investment programs that require a financial contribution.

Are Citizenship by Investment programs legal?

Yes, it is legal and recognized by governments worldwide.

Can Citizenship by Investment be revoked?

Yes, it can. Some reasons include incomplete investments or failure to comply with an application’s requirements.

Do I need to renounce my previous citizenship after getting citizenship by investment?

Not necessarily. It depends on the laws of your current country of citizenship and the new country offering citizenship.

Can I transfer my citizenship by investment to my children?

Yes, Citizenship by Investment programs often allow you to include your spouse and children in the application, but each program has its own specific requirements and limitations.