Citizenship

The principle of obtaining citizenship “by right of blood” applies in the European Union. This means that a child born in the EU receives their parents’ citizenship. The “right of soil" or automatically granting citizenship of the country of birth also applies in some countries, albeit, with restrictions. In Europe, the easiest way to obtain citizenship by right of soil is in Portugal.

Vladlena Baranova

Spain is included in the list of the top-5 countries for foreigners according to the HSBC Expat Explorer. Its strong economy, developed infrastructure and warm Mediterranean climate are attractive for foreigners. At the same time, the cost of living is lower than in other countries in Western Europe. We consider 6 ways of applying for Spain citizenship: by investment, by naturalization, by choice, through marriage, family reunification, and through guardianship.

Igor Buglo

Dominican Republic citizenship can be obtained through birthright, descent, naturalisation, marriage to a Dominican citizen, or by making a significant investment in the country.  Explore criteria, processes, and costs for each pathway and learn the benefits of holding Dominican Republic citizenship.

Elena Ruda

Vanuatu is a small island nation in Oceania, known to few people. However, the country has the only citizenship program in the Asia-Pacific region that attracted over 2,300 investors from 2017 to 2020. Wealthy people get Vanuatu citizenship by investment as it provides various benefits, starting with the fact that all procedures are remote and take 2—4 months to complete. Let’s explore all the perks of the second passport and Vanuatu’s offers for investors.

Lyle Julien

People usually refer to the Vanuatu Citizenship by Investment Program when mentioning the Vanuatu Golden Visa. Under this program, one can obtain citizenship in 2—4 months. It would cost $130,000 for an individual to get a Vanuatu passport and $180,000 for a family of four. Another option is to get a permanent residence permit by proving assets of $350,000.

Lyle Julien

Vanuatu is the only country in Oceania where citizenship is granted by investment. The first offers of the Citizenship by Investment — CBI — programme appeared here in the 1990s.  More recently, for example, the Vanuatu Economic Rehabilitation Programme (VERP) was created to rebuild the areas destroyed by Hurricane Pam in March 2015.  Nowadays, Vanuatu has several citizenship-by-investment offers, with the Development Support Programme and the CNO Future Fund currently available to investors.

Lyle Julien

The news titles and online advertisements keep promoting Vanuatu as the only state in the world that allows investing bitcoins to obtain the country’s citizenship. While this is not true and cryptocurrency has to be exchanged for US dollars before investing, Vanuatu still offers quite the benefits to crypto enthusiasts.

Lyle Julien

St Lucia сitizenship gives cosmopolitans several benefits. They visit more than 140 countries without visas, use the services of banks in the EU, and pay taxes at lower rates.  Obtaining a second passport by investment in St Lucia takes only 6+ months. The minimum investment in the country's economy is $240,000. Learn more about the advantages and terms for investors in the Caribbean state of St Lucia.

Lyle Julien

St Kitts and Nevis recognises dual and multiple citizenships and offers several ways to get a second passport. They include naturalisation, descent, marriage, and participation in the investment program. Learn about the methods, time, and expenses required for getting dual citizenship in St Kitts and Nevis.

Lyle Julien

St Kitts and Nevis citizenship allows increased global mobility and possibility to obtain a 10-year visa to the US. It also helps expand business opportunities and optimise taxes. High-net-worth individuals can become citizens of St Kitts and Nevis by investment, and the minimum investment starts at $250,000.

Lyle Julien

Saint Lucia citizenship can be obtained in several ways.  Citizenship by birth is granted to children born in the country or abroad to St Lucia citizens. To obtain citizenship by registration, an applicant must have ties to St Lucia, such as being married to or adopted by a St Lucian. The quickest and simplest way to become a St Lucia citizen is to participate in the citizenship by investment program.

Lyle Julien

The cheapest and fastest way to obtain citizenship is offered to investors in five Caribbean countries and Vanuatu. To get a passport in Vanuatu, a foreigner must contribute at least $130,000, while in the Caribbean, the minimum sum is $200,000. Let’s discuss the reasons for applying for a passport from one of the Caribbean island nations or Vanuatu.

Lyle Julien

Acquiring citizenship by investment is one of the paths available for foreigners in Antigua and Barbuda. The threshold to participate in the citizenship by investment program is $230,000, and the investor does not have to move to Antigua and Barbuda or renounce the existing citizenship. Becoming a citizen of Antigua and Barbuda will give you and your family the right to travel visa-free to over 150 countries, including the Schengen Area and the UK.

Lyle Julien

Citizenship by investment (CBI) programs, often dubbed golden passports, offer individuals the opportunity to obtain a second passport in exchange for financial investments.  Golden passports are not to be confused with Golden Visas, which are programs that allow foreigners to obtain a residency permit for investment in a country’s economy. Learn more about the best options to become a citizen or a resident of another country by investment.

Albert Ioffe

St Lucia Golden Visa offers investors an opportunity to secure second citizenship and enjoy Caribbean living. With a six-month application process and five investment options, the program is an attractive choice for those seeking global mobility and financial benefits. This article explores the key insights of the St Lucia Golden Visa, eligibility requirements, and the benefits of obtaining citizenship.

Lyle Julien

Malta has long appealed to British citizens — and not just for the sunshine. As a former British colony, the island shares deep-rooted cultural, legal, and linguistic ties with the UK. English is an official language, driving is on the left, and many aspects of daily life feel comfortably familiar to Brits. In recent years, that appeal has only grown. Nearly 10% of Malta’s foreign population are UK nationals, and the number keeps rising. One of the main reasons is Brexit: since leaving the EU, many British citizens have started looking for ways to regain access to European rights, including the freedom to live, work, and travel across the EU. This guide explores why so many UK nationals are choosing Malta, and what it takes to obtain citizenship.

Julia Loko

Grenada and St Kitts and Nevis are countries with the most advanced economies in the Caribbean. Many entrepreneurs get second passports of these states to develop their international businesses. Wealthy people obtain citizenship for worldwide visa-free trips. Find out about the conditions of the government programs for wealthy people who invest in Grenada and St Kitts and Nevis’s economies.

Lyle Julien

Antigua and Barbuda offers one of the most attractive Golden Visa programs, providing a pathway to citizenship by investment starting at $230,000.  This pathway to a second passport is appealing to investors seeking global mobility, tax advantages, and the chance to contribute to the development of this Caribbean nation. In this article, we explain what the Antigua and Barbuda Golden Visa is and its eligibility criteria.

Lyle Julien

Grenada offers one of the most accessible and attractive citizenship by investment programs in the Caribbean. Investors can obtain a Grenada passport by contributing to the country’s National Transformation Fund or by investing in government-approved real estate. Although the contribution to the fund is a non-refundable donation, many investors still prefer this route. In 2024, nearly half of all applicants opted for it. In this article, we explain why: how the fund works, what the benefits are, and what makes it more appealing than real estate.

Lyle Julien

Portugal offers a residency by investment program known as the Golden Visa, but it does not automatically grant citizenship. However, after holding residency for 5 years, individuals may become eligible to apply for Portuguese citizenship through naturalisation. Portuguese citizens enjoy a wide range of benefits, such as visa-free access to more than 170 countries, a high quality of life at relatively low prices, a warm climate, comfortable conditions for expats, and a high safety level.

Eymi Castro

In addition to the fact that Vanuatu passport holders can travel around the world without a visa, they must observe the Vanuatu citizenship law, including renewing the passport as required by law and using it only for its intended purpose. We discuss the rights and obligations that arise after you obtain a Vanuatu passport by investment.

Lyle Julien

The Saint Kitts and Nevis Golden Visa is an alternative name for the citizenship by investment program. When Golden Visas are usually residence permits issued in exchange for investments in the country’s economy, participants of the St Kitts and Nevis program skip the residency part and get a passport. The investment amount starts from $250,000; the investor gets the passport in 6 months. The St Kitts Golden Visa attracts applicants with travel opportunities and the country’s business climate. Let’s see the benefits and process of obtaining a St Kitts passport by investment.

Lyle Julien

Italian citizens can travel without visas to 172 countries in the world, as well as live and work in any EU state. Getting an Italian passport is possible through naturalisation, birthright, marriage, or ancestry. Golden Visa investors who have resided in Italy for 10 years can also apply for citizenship.

Igor Buglo

You can obtain Cypriot citizenship in three ways: by naturalisation, marriage to a Cypriot citizen, or through Cypriot ancestry. To qualify by naturalisation, a foreigner must live in Cyprus for at least 8 years. Highly qualified specialists may apply after 4 to 5 years of residence. A foreigner married to a Cypriot becomes eligible for citizenship after 3 years of marriage. Children automatically acquire citizenship if at least one parent is a Cypriot citizen. Adults with Cypriot roots may also be eligible. Here’s how to obtain Cypriot citizenship in practice, how long it takes, and what the process involves.

Alevtina Kalmuk

Many investors participate in the Grenada Citizenship by Investment Program to start a business and move to live in the USA.

Albert Ioffe

Grenada and Dominica are Caribbean countries whose citizens can travel visa-free to at least 140 states. The Schengen Area, the UK and China are on the list of free destinations. No requirement for entry to China is a rare opportunity as the country has visa-waiver agreements with 22 states only. Wealthy people get Grenada and Dominica passports by investment. They choose citizenship programs based on cost, obtaining period and other terms. We compare the obtaining conditions and possibilities of second citizenship to help you make an informed choice.

Lyle Julien

In Malta, investors can apply for citizenship or a permanent residence permit. These are two different procedures with their own residency requirements. In both cases, the investor’s family members can participate and obtain the status.  If the investor and their family provide reliable background information and documents, they can get Maltese passports in one year and permanent residency in six months.  Learn how to apply for a Malta passport or permanent residency and what the expenses are.

Julia Loko

7 out of 10 billionaires have second passports. However, this privilege is not only available to the super-rich. An increasing number of entrepreneurs, investors, and top managers are choosing second citizenship to protect themselves, their capital, and their families. For example, restaurateurs obtain second passports to safeguard their businesses from sanctions. Discover why second citizenship is a tool for solving the most complex problems, not just a whim or luxury.

Albert Ioffe

A Caribbean passport offers investors significant benefits, such as visa-free travel to at least 145 countries, tax advantages, second citizenship for the whole family, business opportunities, and a safe haven in a tropical paradise.  Five Caribbean countries grant citizenship under state investment programs: Dominica, Antigua and Barbuda, St Lucia, St Kitts and Nevis, and Grenada. The number of investors obtaining citizenship in these countries grows each year by 10 to 30%.  Learn about the other opportunities available to investors, the costs involved in obtaining citizenship, and whether it's possible to recover the investment.

Lyle Julien

Dual citizenship of St Lucia can be obtained by investment of $100,000. The procedure takes4—6months and does not require travelling to the country or integrating into society. St Lucia passport holders can spend up to six months a year visa-free in Europe and the UK. St Lucia's second passport allows visa-free entry to 146 of the world's approximately 200 countries.

Lyle Julien

Investors seeking to obtain Caribbean citizenship by investment may encounter fraudulent agents offering illegal discounts and financial schemes. These violations have already resulted in multiple application rejections and even citizenship revocation. Authorities are cracking down on these practices, reinforcing stricter controls to protect the integrity of the citizenship by investment programmes. Discover the tactics these agents use to deceive applicants and the legal ways to obtain Caribbean citizenship by investment.

Paul Lauber

In the event of a crisis due to the situation in Ukraine, more and more EU citizens are considering obtaining second citizenship outside the EU. A second passport provides the opportunity to relocate quickly to a safer country with the entire family, protect financial assets, and gain peace of mind. The good news is that EU citizens can obtain a second passport by investment in one of the Caribbean states, Türkiye or Vanuatu, within several months without the need to live in the country. This article provides an overview of second citizenship options for EU citizens.

Albert Ioffe

Holding citizenship in multiple countries opens up additional opportunities for work, business, and education by granting rights in more than one country. Hungary permits dual citizenship, especially encouraging those of Hungarian descent to reclaim their nationality. While Hungary does not offer citizenship directly by investment, it does provide residency through the Golden Visa Program, which can potentially lead to citizenship after a longer period of residency and naturalisation.

Zlata Erlach

Dominica citizenship by investment program is one of the cheapest in the world. Citizenship can be obtained by investing at least $200,000 in the state fund or real estate. With addition of at least $10,750 of other fees for fund contribution and at least $85,750 to real estate investment, the overall Dominica passport costs for a single applicant are $210,750 and $285,750, respectively. The passport is issued within 6+ months.

Lyle Julien

Obtaining Malta citizenship for exceptional services by direct investment costs at least €690,000. These costs are calculated per applicant and for a period of 5 years. The costs also depend on the number of family members in the application and how quickly it is processed.

Julia Loko

Turkey citizenship offers the advantages of travelling to 120+ countries visa-free and the opportunity to pursue an E-2 business visa for the United States — all alongside moving to a country with a mild climate, gorgeous sea, and diverse culture. Foreigners can obtain these benefits and get a Turkish passport by investing at least $400,000 in the country’s economy. The process of obtaining citizenship typically spans six to eight months, with the potential for investment returns within three years. Read on to learn how one can get Turkey citizenship by investment, who is eligible, and how this program differs from others.

Vladlena Baranova

Investors can obtain second citizenship of Dominica, a small Caribbean country, in two ways: by contributing to a state fund or buying property on the island. The two options are distinguished by a minimum investment amount, the possibility of returning it, and additional payments. Let's compare the costs under both investment options.

Lyle Julien

Of the top 10 happiest countries in the world, five countries are from the European Union. The region is renowned for its high quality of life, stable economic growth, and vast business opportunities. It is no wonder that the number of EU citizens continues to grow yearly. Let’s revise the main benefits of the EU passport and all possible ways to obtain one.

Vladlena Baranova

In Armenia, a growing economy, safe environment, and exceptionally welcoming people are not just benefits but integral aspects of daily life. Citizens of the country enjoy a mild climate, pristine ecology, and the backdrop of ancient landmarks. For foreigners aspiring to join them and secure an Armenian passport, a three-year naturalisation process typically applies as a general standard. However, repatriates, spouses of Armenian nationals, and parents of underage children with Armenian citizenship enjoy an expedited process. Read on to learn all the ways to get an Armenian passport.

Elena Ruda

You will be able to visit over 140 countries visa-free if you get a Dominica or St Lucia passport by investing. Popular free destinations, excluding China, are the same for citizens of both states. This rare opportunity is available to Dominica passport holders but not to St Lucia’s. Explore how investors compare and choose the program between Dominica and St Lucia and what opportunities they get.

Lyle Julien

The amount of investments for obtaining St Lucia citizenship starts from $100,000. The final price depends on the investment option you select and the family members who participate with you. Read on to find out the costs for each investment option to obtain a St Lucia passport.

Lyle Julien

Investors obtain Antigua and Barbuda citizenship to travel around the world visa-free, optimise taxes and create a “safe haven” abroad. The period to get a passport is within 3 to 6 months, and investments start from $100,000. The investor doesn't have to permanently live in Antigua and Barbuda before or after becoming a citizen. But to maintain their status, they need to visit the country once and comply with the citizenship program conditions. Learn more about the rights and duties that arise with obtaining an Antigua and Barbuda passport.

Lyle Julien

Government citizenship programs for investors operate in both countries. Their passports allow participants to visit 140+ states visa‑free. The programs differ in the conditions: investment options, costs and timeframes. Explore the second citizenship of Antigua and Barbuda or St Lucia and choose the most convenient option.

Lyle Julien

If you purchase real estate in Montenegro for €250,000, you will not only make a profitable investment but also can obtain a second citizenship. Montenegro offers investors to participate in the investment program: there is no need to live in the country or take a language proficiency test to get a second passport. The period for obtaining citizenship is 6 months. Be aware that the Montenegro investment program works only until December 31, 2022.

Elena Ruda

Foreigners can get St Lucia citizenship by investing at least $200,000 in real estate. Processing time is 3—4 months. In 5 years, the owner can sell the property and get investment money back. Not every property meets St Lucia citizenship by investment program requirements. Immigrant Invest experts show what property to buy to get St Lucia citizenship and how to return the invested money a few years later.

Elena Ruda

St Lucia, St Kitts and Nevis citizens visit up to 140+ countries visa-free. Therefore, foreigners often obtain the countries' passports by investing in travelling freely. Investors make a non-refundable contribution to a state fund and buy properties or government bonds. After a few months, they get Caribbean passports and enter the Schengen Area and the UK visa-free. Also, investors claim visitor visas to the US.

Lyle Julien

Obtaining Turkey citizenship by property investment is one of the least expensive and fastest ways to get a second passport. By buying property for $400,000+, an investor is eligible to apply for Turkey citizenship. The passport is normally granted in 6–8 months after the application. With relatively high rental yield and growing property costs, this option is favoured by 95% of investors.

Elena Ruda

The Grenada passport provides visa-free access to more than 140 countries, getting an American business visa with the right to reside in the USA and other benefits. Along with the rights, there are also obligations. For example, it is necessary to comply with the investment program rules. Learn more about the benefits of a Grenada passport and how an investor can maintain citizenship.

Lyle Julien