Citizenship by investment (CBI) allows foreign nationals to obtain citizenship and a second passport in return for financial investment in the country’s economy. While CBI is an effective and fast way of obtaining an additional passport, some CBI programs have speedier processing times.
Therefore, to be considered the fastest citizenship by investment program, the processing time and road to citizenship must be quick. An added bonus is a low investment requirement, shorter to no residency requirements, and the great benefits of reduced taxes, asset protection, and an enhanced quality of life.
This guide covers the fastest CBI programs, detailing requirements, processing times, benefits, and the application process. We will cover:
Why opt for the fastest citizenship programs?
A Plan B
A Plan BYou getย aย Plan B passport,ย whichย offers protection and freedom if anything happens in your home country. Your second citizenship ensures you have a safe alternative.
Increased travel freedom
Increased travel freedomMany CBI countries offer citizenship and strong passports, allowing holders to increase their visa-free travel options to countries such as members of the Schengen Area, the UK, Singapore, South Korea, and China.
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 for individuals and companies. For example, Vanuatu has no income taxes, taxes on capital gains, or corporate taxes, and Maltese citizens are not subject to paying annual property taxes.
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 offer dual citizenship and ensure reasonable returns on investment, making them a financially strategic choice.
Better quality of life
Better quality of lifeBeyond financial gains, the desirability of new citizenship hinges significantly on its enhanced quality of life. According to the Global Passport Index, many individuals with a second citizenship benefit from an improved standard of living.
Nine Countries with the Fastest Citizenship by Investment Programs
The list of countries with immigrant investor programs offering citizenship by investment is increasing yearly.ย Itโs possible to obtain second citizenship through numerous investment options, such as property investment, approved government bonds, development funds, and stocks and shares.
Here is a list of countries offering fast citizenship by investment.
1. Vanuatu
The Vanuatu citizenship by investment program is the fastest citizenship scheme available. Vanuatu is also the only country in the South Pacific region providing a commonwealth passport to foreign investors. The process of applying for Vanuatu nationality is relatively simple.
In Vanuatu, citizenship by investment applicants do not need to visit the country as part of the programโs requirements. Successful applicants receive an official approval letter within two months of making a non-refundable contribution of $130,000 to the Vanuatu National Development Fund.
Category | Details |
Key Requirements | - Donation to the Development Support Program (DSP). |
Processing Time | One–two 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 | 10-12 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 | Four to six 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. Itโs 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 | Six to nine 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 | Six 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. Itโs among the most affordable citizenship programs, with a qualifying investment of a $230,000 donation to the countryโs 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 | Four to five 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
Malta is the only European country offering citizenship through a special program expediting naturalization. The Malta Citizenship by Investment scheme, also known as the Malta Citizenship by Naturalization for Exceptional Services by Direct Investment (CES), allows non-EU/EEA and non-Swiss nationals to obtain EU citizenship within 12 to 36 months..
Being one of the few choices for European citizenship and an EU passport, foreign citizens must buy property for โฌ700,000 or sign a five-year lease agreement for at least โฌ16,000 annually.
Additionally, the 12-month naturalization period requires a non-refundable contribution of โฌ750,000, while the 36-month path to naturalization has a fee of โฌ600,000. A final requirement is a donation of โฌ10,000 to a Maltese nonprofit organization approved by the Community Malta Agency.
Category | Details |
Key Requirements | - Exceptional Direct Investment (EDI) and residence period. |
Processing Time | 12-36 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.
Theย 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 | Four to six 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.ย 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 | Three to four 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
Country | Minimum Investment | Residency Requirement | Time to Citizenship |
Turkey | €400 | none | 3-6 months |
Malta | €690,00 | None (but maintain investment) | 12 to 36 months |
St. Kitts and Nevis | €250,00 | None (investment must be maintained) | 4-6 months |
Antigua and Barbuda | €230,00 | 5 days | 6 months |
Dominica | €200,00 | None (investment must be maintained) | 6-9 months |
Vanuatu | $130,00 | None (investment must be maintained) | 60 days |
Grenada | €235,00 | None (investment must be maintained) | 9 months |
Saint Lucia | $240,00 | None (investment must be maintained) | 10-12 months |
Required Documents for Citizenship by Investment Programs
- Valid passport (certified copy)
- Police clearance certificate (from current and previous countries of residence for the past 10 years)
- Proof of source of funds (e.g., bank statements, tax returns, employment contracts, business financials, or inheritance documents)
- Bank reference letter
- Medical certificate confirming good health
- Proof of health insuranceย
- 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.ย Define your budget and investment criteria to ascertain which investment aligns with your needs and financial goals.
Step two: Engage with a reputable licensed agent or advisor. Engaging with an entity specializing in citizenship through investment will ensure your eligibility for the program. A licensed agent or advisor will guide you through the application process and assist with presenting the required documentation.
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:ย Along with all the required documents and proof of investment, submit your citizenship application to the relevant government authority and pay the necessary application fees.
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 Solutionsย is a boutique migration consultancy firm with years ofย experience delivering bespoke residence and citizenshipย by investment solutions for international families. Withย 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.ย
We guide you from start to finish, taking you beyond your citizenship or residency by investment application.ย
Frequently Asked Questions about Fastest Citizenship by Investment
What is instant citizenship?
Instant citizenship refers to programs that grant citizenship to applicants in a very short time, typically within 1โ2 months, through financial investments such as donations, real estate purchases, or business ventures. Countries like Vanuatu and St. Kitts and Nevis are known for offering some of the fastest citizenship options globally.
Which countries grant citizenship easily?
Here is a list of ten 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 is the country that offers the fastest citizenship by investment. Through its Development Support Program (DSP), applicants can gain citizenship in just 1โ2 months. This program requires a minimum investment of $130,000 and offers benefits such as visa-free travel to over 100 countries, no personal income tax, and a quick, streamlined application process.
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, including a real estate purchase or leasing property, a government contribution, and a donation to an approved NGO, 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.
This is on the condition that applicants have a clean record and the necessary legal documents, such as a passport, birth certificate, or marriage certificate.
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.ย
What are the fastest citizenship by investment countries?
The fastest citizenship by investment: top 9 countries
- Vanuatu: 1โ4 months.ย
- St Kitts and Nevis: 4-6 months
- Dominica: 6+ months.ย
- St Lucia: 6+ months.ย
- Grenada: 8+ months.ย
- Antigua and Barbuda: 6 months.ย
- Turkey: 8+ months.ย
- Jordan: 4-6 months.ย
- Malta: 1โ3 years.
