Citizenship by Investment: Best Programs in 2025

Citizenship by Investment (CBI) offers a fast-track route to obtaining a second passport or dual citizenship through a significant financial contribution. These can include direct investments in real estate (such as to buy property), purchasing government bonds, or contributing to a national development fund. This often allows individuals to gain citizenship without long-term residency.

Interest in obtaining additional citizenship has grown, especially during crises of uncertainty that make a second passport look increasingly valuable. Currently, at least 23 countries across various continents offer CBI programs where you need to provide a substantial investment amount. About 11 are providing dual citizenship or long-term visas in exchange for a one-time fee.

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? 
• Countries That Offer Citizenship by Investment
• Requirements for Citizenship by Investment
• Benefits of Citizenship by Investment
• Different Kinds of Investment Options
• Average Processing Times
• Average Minimum Investment
• Does Second Citizenship Require a Passport Forfeit? 
• How to Apply for Economic Citizenship
• Who Applies for Citizenship by Investment?
• Unavailable CBI Programs
• Frequently Asked Questions About Citizenship by Investment

What is citizenship by investment?

Citizenship by investment 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.

Over 100 countries in the world have some type of investment migration legislation.

Known in some countries as Golden Visa Programs,  CBI schemes were created to attract foreign investment and boost long-term economic growth.

By successfully applying for a citizenship program, global investors and their family members gain new citizenship with access to the benefits, privileges, and rights of being citizens in a second country.

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.

However, a key benefit of citizenship by investment is that it helps foreign nationals obtain citizenship status much faster than traditional immigration processes.

What are the benefits of investment citizenship?

Countries With Citizenship by Investment Programs in 2025

Here is a list of all the countries that offer economic citizenship 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 2024. 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 residential or commercial property in the destination country. This is an attractive option as it offers investors the opportunity to own a property while having financial returns. 

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 economic growth while gaining citizenship directly. It’s often one of the most affordable ways to qualify for citizenship by investment programs.

Business investment

Business investments are a viable route to receive citizenship in several CBI countries. The criteria for qualifying business investments usually include:

• Meet the minimum investment threshold
• Invest in a new or existing business
• Create jobs for residents

Bank deposit

Bank deposits in national banks are another way to gain citizenship by 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, offering 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 the 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 18
• Holding 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
• Applicants must make a foreign investment to qualify for Citizenship by Investment (CBI) programs. This can include real estate investment, depositing funds in local banks, purchasing government bonds, donating to national development funds, or creating jobs.
• Several countries waive the need to obtain a temporary residence permit for Citizenship by Investment (CBI) programs. However, some may still require investors to visit the country for certain days within the first few years after gaining citizenship.

Depending on the investment program and country, you may also be required to:

• Pay substantial government fees
• Hold the investment for five years or more
• Have a certain amount of savings
• Have an exemplary employment history
• Not have been denied entry to certain countries

Most countries offering citizenship by investment waive the need to obtain a temporary residence permit. However, some may still require investors to visit the country for certain days within the first few years after gaining citizenship.

Average Processing Times for Citizenship by Investment

Here is a general overview of the processing time for citizenship through investment.

Citizenship by Investment Cost

Generally, it ranges from around $130,000 to several million dollars. Here are some common categories:

Who can apply for a second passport by investment?

A second passport by investment is available to individuals who can afford the required investment, not just the ultra-wealthy. This includes investors, businesspeople, and families, with many programs allowing spouses, children, and sometimes parents to be included.

Does second citizenship require a passport forfeit? 

In most cases, second citizenship does not require you to forfeit your current passport. Several countries allow dual citizenship (also known as a second passport). This means you can simultaneously hold two or more nationalities. However, some countries may require you to renounce your original citizenship to obtain theirs. It’s important to check the specific rules of both your home country and the country offering second citizenship.

Step-by-Step Citizenship by Investment Guide

1. Research different CBI programs

Look into investment opportunities, minimum investment requirements, processing times, and other details relevant to your needs. The country should provide benefits that will fulfill your preferences, such as visa-free travel, economic stability, and safety for yourself and your family.

2. Choose the alternative citizenship and investment

Once the research has been done, the next step is to choose the program that best matches your preferences and investment capacity.

3. Hire with a reputable immigration lawyer

The next step is to choose an immigration lawyer or firm specializing in citizenship through investment. Immigration programs involve significant due diligence before individuals are granted citizenship. Global Citizen Solutions has a team of experts with first-hand experience in buying property and vast immigration knowledge.

4. Gather the required documents

The documents needed may include:

• Proof of identity
• Bank statements
• Financial records proving a legitimate source of funding
• Passport copies
• Criminal record certificates

However, a migration expert will advise you on any further documentation immigration officials may request.

5. Make the qualifying investment

Once your documents are in order, make the qualifying investment specified by the program. Ensure you retain all records to prove you have fulfilled the investment requirement.

6. Submit your citizenship application

Along with all the required documents and proof of investment from the relevant government authority. Pay the necessary application fees. 

7. Wait for due diligence checks to be completed

Once the application has been submitted, the applicant must wait for the due diligence checks to be completed. The processing time for approval varies depending on the country and the complexity of the application.

8. Retrieve the certificate of citizenship

Once the application is approved,  successful applicants will retrieve the citizenship certificate.

9. Apply for a second passport

After acquiring your citizenship certificate, you can apply for a second passport.

Unavailable 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?

It 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?

The benefits you’ll find most often with Citizenship by Investment programs are:

• Visa-free travel
• Access to high-quality healthcare and education systems
• Greater financial and personal security
• Ability to live and work in the host country legally

What are the risks of Citizenship by Investment?

While Citizenship by Investment programs are very beneficial for the investor, risks are usually more reserved for the country or citizens of the country. This means perhaps worsening inequality in poorer countries and the potential for these programs to be used for financial crimes.

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 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, and North Macedonia. Additionally, Malta citizenship offers expedited European citizenship through naturalization. Austria and Malta are the only countries granting European Union (EU) citizenship.

What is the easiest country to get Citizenship by Investment?

Vanuatu citizenship is the easiest to get through the investment route. You can acquire Vanuatu citizenship in approximately 60 days, and enjoy visa-free travel to 94 countries.

Which country is the most difficult to get citizenship?

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. St. Kitts and Nevis grants second passports within 12 months.

Which is the best country to buy citizenship?

The 14 best citizenship by investment countries 2024 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 $200,000.

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

It generally starts from $100,000 to $250,000 and varies from country to country.

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

Is citizenship by investment guaranteed, or can my application be rejected?

Citizenship by investment is not guaranteed. Applications 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 if your home country and your new country of citizenship don’t have a double taxation agreement or the existence of taxes, such as capital gains and inheritance tax, that may not be imposed in your original tax jurisdiction. 

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 suspended?

Montenegro’s CBI program was closed at the end of 2022. Foreigners can 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. After meeting residency and other requirements, permanent residents can apply for Canadian citizenship.

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. Each program has its investment thresholds, including real estate purchases, business investments, government bonds, or donations to national development funds.

Can you buy citizenship?

You can’t buy citizenship. But you can get a foreign passport through Citizenship by Investment programs. They require a significant financial contribution, such as a real estate investment or donation to a government fund. Countries like Malta, Turkey, and Dominica offer such opportunities.

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.