Citizenship by investment for Nigerians: where to obtain and enjoy its benefits

Some countries require you to abandon your citizenship if you’re about to become a citizen of another country. That’s not the case for Nigerians. You can maintain your citizen status in Nigeria while holding citizenship in multiple countries.

Citizenship by Investment programs

However, make sure a country where you want to get another passport, supports dual citizenship. For example, most Caribbean nations allow multiple citizenships, but some EU states do not. Almost half of the worldwide countries support dual citizenship.

A second citizenship can offer numerous benefits. They vary from country to country, but the most common ones include travel freedom, expanded business prospects, and increased personal and financial security.

Travel freedom. Many nations have visa-free agreements with specific countries. This is how second citizenship and a stronger passport can make traveling easier.

The Nigerian passport allows visa-free travel only to 26 countries. In contrast, an EU passport holder can enter up to 190 countries without a visa.

Finally, a second passport can provide a backup option in case of emergencies like lost or stolen passports.

Expanded business opportunities. Dual citizenship can enable individuals to access new markets and conduct business in countries where their original citizenship might cause legal or bureaucratic barriers.

Many countries also offer investment or entrepreneur visa programs that provide a pathway to citizenship. This can be an attractive option for wealthy Nigerians buying visas to expand their business ventures.

Financial stability. Dual citizenships can be of great help during unfavourable situations like physical danger or natural disasters. You can easily move to another country and get legal protections and access to related consular services.

Additionally, a second citizenship can offer financial security. You can access better financial systems and more favourable personal and corporate tax regimes.

If you participate in citizenship by investment in real estate program, you can earn profit from your investment property. This can be from owning shares in resorts and other tourist accomodations, renting out residencies, or reselling the property when it grows in value.

Political and social benefits. With dual citizenship, your family can live in a country with better education, healthcare, and other infrastructures. Citizenship can also be inherited by future generations in many countries.

What are the best countries for Nigerians to get second citizenship? See the detailed guide below.

Malta citizenship by naturalization for exceptional services by direct investment is a process that takes 1 or 3 years, depending on the path you choose. First, you will be granted a residence permit, after which you will be able to apply for citizenship.

Mandatory requirements and expenses:

1. Making a contribution to the National Development and Social Fund of Malta. If you contribute at least €600,000, you will be able to apply for citizenship in three years. If you contribute at least €750,000, you will be able to apply after one year.

2. Making a donation of at least €10,000 to a non-governmental charitable organisation approved by the Community Malta Agency.

3. Investing in residential real estate in Malta. You can rent a property for at least €16,000 a year, or buy a property worth €700,000 or more. For the next five years, you will be required to hold that property — without changing rentals or making a resell.

All three requirements are obligatory — you have to fulfill them diligently. There will be additional expenses, such as an Eligibility Test, residence card, and administrative fees. The minimum estimated expenses for a family of four are €933,000 in total.

Family members that can apply along with you:

• spouse or a registered partner of any gender;

• children up to 29 years old; take note that children over 18 should be principally dependent on you;

• Parents and grandparents over 55 years old if they’re principally dependent on you.

Investors and their family members will be subjected to the thorough Eligibility Test that consists of four levels.

Malta is one of the oldest countries of the European continent. It has three inhabited islands and is surrounded by the Mediterranean Sea

Malta allows dual citizenship, so you will be able to keep your Nigerian passport. After obtaining Malta citizenship by naturalization for exceptional services by direct investment, you will be able to enter and leave the country at any time, as well as live, work, and run a business there. There are other benefits — see below.

Visa-free travel to 180+ countries, including the Schengen Area states, the UK, the US, and Canada.

Tax residency with a convenient system — there are no special tax benefits for investors in Malta but the income tax is lower than in some European countries. So is VAT: it is 18% in Malta, which is lower than Europe’s average of 21%. No inheritance and wealth tax, and no tax on worldwide income for non-domiciled residents.

Access to public and private high-quality healthcare and education in Malta and other countries of the union without the need for a visa.

Turkey citizenship by investment is perfect for those who don’t want to leave Nigeria during the application process since you can submit documents remotely. You can get the passport in 6—8 months.

How to get Turkey passport for investment

Family members that can apply along with you are your spouse and children under 18. Financially dependent parents and adult children can apply for a Turkey residence permit.

Options and expenses:

1. Investment of at least $400,000 in real estate.

2. Investment of at least $500,000 in a new business.

3. Deposit of at least $500,000 in a Turkish bank account.

4. Investment of at least $500,000 in government bonds.

5. Investment of at least $500,000 in real estate investment fund shares.

If you’re applying with your family, you’ll need to pay $574 as government fees for each member.

Family members that can apply along with you are your spouse and children under 18. Financially dependent parents and adult children can apply for a Turkey residence permit.

Turkey's territory lies on two continents: Asia and Europe. The country is bathed by four seas: the Mediterranean, the Aegean, the Black Sea, and the inland Marmara Sea

Benefits of Turkey citizenship by investment include living and working in an affordable country with a favourable tax regime, high-quality education, and healthcare services. Turkey permits dual citizenship.

With a Turkey passport, Nigerian citizens can travel to over 110 countries, and get a C‑2 Schengen visa. They can also apply for a B‑1/ B‑2 US visa, as well as a E‑2 US business visa.

This Caribbean country offers attractive citizenship by investment program with a low threshold and no added costs for family members. Antigua and Barbuda passport can be issued in 3—6 months.

Options and expenses:

1. Non-refundable contribution of at least $100,000 to the National Development Fund.

2. Contribution of at least $150,000 to the University of West Indies Fund.

3. Investment of at least $200,000 in real estate.

4. Investment of at least $1.5 million in a business.

Note that Due Diligence and state fees for Antigua and Barbuda citizenship are higher if there are multiple applicants. Estimated expenses for a family of four start at $152,200.

Family members that can apply along with you are your spouse, dependent children under 30, dependent parents over 55, and unmarried siblings.

The country of Antigua and Barbuda is located on three islands. The Antigua and Barbuda islands are inhabited but the rocky island of Redonda is not

Benefits of Antigua and Barbuda passport include visa-free travel to over 150 countries, such as the UK, Schengen Area, and Hong Kong. You will be able to apply for a long-term B‑1/B‑2 US visa.

Antigua and Barbuda has no wealth, inheritance, or personal income tax for citizens. Your business can also join the free CARICOM market on preferential terms.

Another Caribbean program with a competitive investment threshold. Dominica citizenship by investment obtainment usually takes 2—6 months.

Options and expenses:

1. Non-refundable contribution of at least $100,000 to the Dominica Economy Diversification Fund.

2. Investment of at least $200,000 in real estate.

3. Investment of at least $1.5 million in a business.

Total estimated expenses for a family of four will start at $194,700. This includes the investment and the additional fees.

Family members that can apply along with you are your spouse, dependent children under 30, and dependent parents over 65.

The island nation of Dominica is a part of the Windward Islands, surrounded by the Caribbean Sea and the Atlantic Ocean. Located 650 km north of South America

Benefits of Dominica passport include visa-free access to 145 countries including the Schengen Area, the UK, and China. With a Dominica passport, you will be eligible for a 10-year B‑1/B‑2 US visa.

You can optimise your individual and business taxes in Dominica, as there are no taxes on dividends, interest, or royalties from abroad, as well as capital gains or inheritance.

St Lucia has one of the fastest and most affordable citizenship by investment programs in the world. An applicant can get St Lucia passport within three months.

Options and expenses:

1. Non-refundable contribution of at least $100,000 to the National Economic Fund of St Lucia.

2. Investment of at least $200,000 in real estate.

3. Investment of at least $300,000 in government bonds.

4. Investment of at least $1,000,000 in a business.

In addition to the selected investment amount, you will pay fees. Total estimated expenses for a family of four will start at $174,550.

Family members that can apply along with you are your spouse, dependent children under 30, dependent parents over 55, and siblings under 18.

St Lucia is the most mountainous country of the Lesser Antilles. The island is located between Martinique and St Vincent

Benefits of St Lucia passport include visa-free entry to over 140 countries, including the Schengen Area, Singapore and Hong Kong. Citizens can also apply for a 10-year B‑1/B‑2 US visa.

St Lucia has a favourable tax regime for citizens: no income, wealth, inheritance, foreign income, or capital gains taxes. You can establish a company here, and conduct business with other countries.

St Kitts and Nevis citizenship by investment is the first program of this kind in history. has already welcomed more than 20,000 applicants. The process is highly streamlined and can be completed within 2—6 months. Additionally, you won’t need to move to the country before or after receiving citizenship.

Options and expenses:

1. Non-refundable contribution of at least $250,000 to the Federal Consolidated Fund.

2. Investment of at least $250,000 in Public Benefit Projects.

3. Investment of at least $400,000 in real estate.

With all added fees, a family of four will spend approximately $348,180 on obtaining this Caribbean passport.

Family members that can apply along with you are your spouse, dependent children under 25, and dependent parents over 65.

St Kitts and Nevis is a dual-island country, washed by the Atlantic Ocean in the east, and the Caribbean Sea in the west

Benefits of St Kitts and Nevis passport include visa-free travel to over 150 countries, the Schengen Area, the UK, Singapore and Hong Kong. You will be able to apply for a B‑1/B‑2 US visa as well.

St Kitts and Nevis has no income, wealth, or inheritance tax. You also won’t be taxed on dividends, wages, or royalties. After becoming a citizen, you can register an international company in the country.

Another strong Caribbean citizenship program is offered by Grenada. You can apply remotely: the process doesn’t involve interviews, and there aren’t any residency requirements.

Options and expenses:

1. Non-refundable contribution to the National Transformation Fund. A single applicant contributes at least $150,000, and an applicant with a family contributes at least $200,000.

2. Investment of at least $200,000 in real estate.

There are additional mandatory fees, and estimated expenses for a family of four is $227,080.

Family members that can apply along with you are your spouse, dependent children under 30, dependent parents, and siblings under 30, unmarried with no children.

Grenada is an island county in the southeastern part of the Caribbean Sea. It is a seven-island archipelago, 120 km north of Trinidad

Benefits of Grenada passport include visa-free travel to 146 countries, including the Schengen Area, the UK, China, Singapore and Hong Kong. The eligibility for the E‑2 US visa allows Grenadians to live, work, and run a business in the US.

You can also register an international business in Grenada. The country has no wealth, inheritance, or gift tax, and no restrictions on the repatriation of profits and imported capital.

If you are looking for the promptest way to obtain a second passport, look into this Oceania country. Vanuatu citizenship by investment can be issued remotely, as fast as one month.

Required investment is a non-refundable contribution of at least $130,000 to the National Development Fund. With additional fees, a family of four will spend approximately $180,000+ on the program.

Family members that can apply along with you are your spouse, dependent children under 25 enrolled in a university, and parents over 50.

Republic of Vanuatu is an archipelago state in the Pacific Ocean, between Australia and New Zealand

Benefits of Vanuatu passport include visa-free access to 96 countries such as the UK, Hong Kong, and Singapore. Vanuatu citizens are eligible for the 5-year B‑1/B‑2 US visa

As an investor and citizen of Vanuatu, you can establish an International Business Company and use a beneficial tax regime for the next 20 years. For example, there will be no taxes on corporate profits, capital gains, personal income, donations, or inheritance.

1. Nigeria allows multiple citizenships. This means that you and your family can obtain passports from a foreign country without giving up your first citizenship.

2. High-net-worth Nigerians can greatly benefit from getting second citizenship. Another passport means freedom of travel, financial stability, tax optimisation, and a better quality of life. Governmental citizenship by investment programs help to achieve this through contributing $100,000+.

3. Among all dual citizenship by investment opportunities, the Caribbeans have arguably the best options. Nigerians can obtain a second passport and the right to travel to more than 140 countries without a visa, including the Schengen Area and the UK. Other benefits include eligibility for US visas, tax optimisation, and international business opportunities.