Top 10 countries to secure a passport by investment with high-return options

Citizenship in some countries can be obtained by investing in the local economy: buying real estate or securities, starting a business, or creating jobs.

If you decide to get a passport by investment, you do not need to speak the country’s language or reside there.

Obtaining second citizenship by investment in some countries is easier and faster than in others. For example, you can become a citizen of Grenada in just 8+ months if you invest $235,000+.

São Tomé and Príncipe offer one of the fastest and most affordable citizenship by investment programs. The minimum required sum is $90,000, and the processing time is 2+ months.

Vanuatu also grants citizenship in 2+ months, but the investment threshold is higher and stands at $130,000.

In comparison, foreigners can usually obtain citizenship by naturalisation in at least 5 years. Some countries require an even longer period, for example, 10 or even 30 years. It is also a must to reside in the chosen country permanently.

The rating covers all the countries that have citizenship by investment programs. They are ranked based on their popularity among investors worldwide.

On average, they require an investment of at least $100,000—200,000, and the processing time is up to 1 year.

Second citizenship is a practical tool for protecting one’s family and assets. The status provides long-term opportunities in an increasingly unpredictable world. Below are the main reasons why people choose to invest in a second passport.

1. Relocation and creation of a safe haven abroad

During times of political or economic instability, second citizenship offers the security of having a safe haven. It provides the option to relocate swiftly if necessary, safeguarding both the investor’s and their family’s well-being.

2. Protection of assets and diversification

Securing citizenship in another country helps investors minimise the risks linked to political or economic uncertainty in their home state. It also opens the door to placing assets in several jurisdictions, enhancing portfolio resilience and providing an additional safeguard for long-term financial stability.

For example, an investor from a country with currency volatility may keep part of their wealth in euro assets to protect its value.

3. Freedom of movement

A second citizenship often grants visa-free or visa-on-arrival access to a wide range of countries. For example, with Caribbean second citizenship, investors can visit 140+ countries, including the Schengen Area. This allows individuals to travel more freely, avoiding the hassle of visa applications.

4. Citizenship for the whole family 

Most programs allow investors to include family members, such as spouses, children, and sometimes even parents or grandparents. This ensures the entire family can enjoy the advantages of dual citizenship

5. Fast and easy process

Many countries offer Citizenship by Investment programs that are relatively quick and straightforward. For example, São Tomé and Príncipe and Vanuatu passports can be acquired in 2 months, and a Caribbean one in half a year, without the need for residency in the country.

6. Ability to register a company and do business abroad

Second citizenship opens doors to global markets. Caribbean citizenship, for example, allows entrepreneurs to do business within the Caribbean Community, CARICOM.

With a second passport, individuals can optimise taxes. Vanuatu citizens, for instance, establishing an international business company, do not pay taxes on corporate profits, personal income, capital gains, inheritance, or donations. Instead, they pay a flat annual fee of $300.

A second passport also eases international transitions and provides more security.

7. Expanded career opportunities

Dual citizenship expands professional horizons by allowing individuals to work in both countries. This is especially valuable in regions with strong economies or in industries that offer superior career growth opportunities.

Second citizenship and dual citizenship are related but not the same. 

What is dual citizenship?

Dual citizenship means both countries officially recognise an individual as a full citizen, granting them the rights and responsibilities of citizenship in both countries simultaneously.

What is second citizenship?

Second citizenship refers to holding a passport from two countries. However, depending on their legal frameworks, one or both countries may not fully recognise the individual’s citizenship status in the other country.

Differences explained

To understand the differences, consider an individual who holds second citizenship in two countries, each requiring mandatory military service.

If both countries do not fully recognise dual citizenship, the person may technically be required to serve in both militaries. On the other hand, in the case of dual citizenship, certain agreements or exemptions may exist, allowing the person to fulfil their obligation in just one of the countries.

Additionally, some countries permit their citizens to hold multiple passports, while others do not. For example, acquiring Spanish citizenship generally requires renouncing your previous citizenship. In contrast, many Caribbean states allow individuals to hold multiple passports without such restrictions.

All countries have different conditions for issuing second citizenship by investment. The amounts and types of investments, requirements for applicants, registration costs, processing time, and steps for obtaining citizenship vary.

Investment requirements

Investments can be refundable or non-refundable. For instance, contributions to a state fund are non-refundable, while purchasing real estate, securities, or businesses allows the investor to sell assets about 5 years after obtaining residency or citizenship.

When considering countries for second citizenship, it is essential to think of the amount of state fees, lawyers’ services, and the cost of translating and legalising documents. If you buy real estate, you must pay taxes and cover legal services.

Eligibility for applicants

Each country sets its own conditions for investors, but the most common ones include:

• be over 18;
• prove the legality of income and investment money;
• have a clean criminal record;
• demonstrate sufficient income or savings to support their family.

Investors can apply for citizenship for their entire family, including a spouse, children, and parents. Every country has its own list of allowed relatives. Extra fees apply for additional applicants.

Due Diligence procedure is an important stage in any investment program. Local authorities, often with the help of international criminal police, verify that the money for the investment was earned legally. This process is a paid service, costing the main applicant an average of $5,000—10,000.

The most common investment options are a non-refundable donation and a real estate purchase. In addition, some countries allow applicants to invest in businesses, purchase bonds, and make bank deposits.

Non-refundable donation to a national fund

Investors can get a second passport by contributing to the country’s economic development. The minimum donation amount depends on the number of applicants. For example, to obtain a Vanuatu passport, a single investor contributes at least $130,000, and a married couple must invest at least $150,000.

Real estate purchase

It is one of the most popular options for obtaining a passport by investment, and most countries offer it. Applicants buy commercial or residential real estate at or above a specified minimum value. They must retain the property for the required number of years, after which they can sell it and recoup their investment.

Purchasing government bonds

This low-risk option does not require personal involvement in a business. Investors can sell the bonds after 3—5 years and recover their funds. Saint Lucia and Türkiye both offer this option.

Business investments

In this option, investors either start a company or invest in an existing business. Some countries require the creation of a certain number of jobs for locals. For instance, 10 jobs are required in Jordan, while in Türkiye, at least 50 jobs must be created.

Bank deposits in a national bank

Egypt and Türkiye offer citizenship for opening a significant capital deposit in a local bank. The investor can withdraw their funds 3 years after obtaining a passport.

The best countries offering citizenship by investment in the Middle East and Africa include São Tomé and Príncipe, Türkiye, Egypt, and Jordan. Below, we explain this in detail.

São Tomé and Príncipe

São Tomé and Príncipe offer one investment route, which is a non-refundable contribution to the National Transformation Fund. The sum depends on the number of applicants:

• $90,000 — for a single investor;
• $95,000 — for families of up to 4.

An additional $5,000 per person is paid for applicants starting with the 5th one.

Investors participating in São Tomé and Príncipe’s program benefit from one of the fastest and most affordable routes to second citizenship, available to everyone.

A passport of São Tomé and Príncipe allows visa-free travel to 71 countries and access to the international banking system.

Egypt

Foreign nationals can become eligible for Egypt’s citizenship program by making one of the following financial contributions:

• $250,000+ as a non-refundable contribution;
• $300,000+ in real estate;
• $350,000+ in a business;
• $500,000+ in a deposit in the Central Bank of Egypt.

A state fee of $10,000 is charged per application. The investment can be returned in 3 years for a bank deposit and 5 years when selling real estate.

Egyptian citizens can travel to 80+ countries visa-free and apply for an E-2 business visa to the USA.

Türkiye

The country makes it possible to obtain citizenship by investment in 8+ months. The investment options are the following:

• purchasing real estate for at least $400,000;
• investing at least $500,000 in a business, bank deposit, government bonds, or units of an investment fund.

95% of applicants choose to buy real estate, which can be rented out.

Turkish citizens can freely visit 120+ countries and easily obtain Schengen and US visas. Besides, they are eligible for an E-2 business visa, which allows the holder to do business and relocate to the USA.

Jordan

Foreign investors benefit from unique business opportunities in Jordan, thanks to its growing economy and strategic location near major Asian and African markets. They can choose from the following options:

• invest at least $750,000 in projects outside Amman and create 10 job opportunities for Jordanians;
• invest $1 million+ in returnable treasury bonds for six years;
• purchase shares in Jordanian companies for at least $1.5 million.

Jordanian citizens travel visa-free to over 80 countries, including Caribbean nations, Egypt, and Türkiye. The investor's partner, children, and financially dependent parents can also obtain citizenship.

The Caribbean and Oceania offer some of the best and most affordable citizenship by investment programs. These include Antigua and Barbuda, Dominica, Grenada, Saint Kitts and Nevis, Saint Lucia, and Vanuatu. Let’s consider them in more detail.

Caribbean CBI programs

Obtaining a passport in one of the five Caribbean states is easier than in European countries. 2nd passport by investment programs exist in the following Caribbean states:

• Antigua and Barbuda,
• Dominica,
• Grenada,
• Saint Kitts and Nevis,
• Saint Lucia.

The minimum investment in the local economy ranges from $200,000 to 250,000. You can choose one of the investment options: a non-refundable contribution to the state fund or returnable investments in real estate, business, or securities.

Administrative expenses are $5,000—50,000 for the main applicant, and Due Diligence expenses are $5,000—7,000 for each family member.

The timeframe for obtaining citizenship by investment is typically 6+ months. There is no need to visit the country to obtain a passport, except for Antigua and Barbuda, where a 5-day stay within 5 years is required.

Caribbean passports allow you to stay in the Schengen Area for up to 90 days within six months and in the UK for up to 180 days during the year. St Kitts and Nevis, Grenada, and St Lucia citizenship also make it possible to simplify the application for United States visas.

Moreover, citizens of the Caribbean countries can also optimise taxes, conduct international business, register property, and open accounts with international banks.

Vanuatu’s CBI program

It is a state in Oceania that offers one of the simplest and most affordable citizenship-by-investment programs. A Vanuatu passport can be obtained through:

• non-refundable investment of $130,000 or more in the state fund;
• supporting coconut oil production by purchasing units of the CNO Future Fund for at least $157,000. This investment is refundable, offering an estimated 5% annual return, potentially bringing back $50,000 over 5 years.

Vanuatu’s program is the fastest and most affordable globally, with citizenship obtainable in 2+ months. Most of the process can be completed remotely, but applicants must travel to Vanuatu or one of its consulates in the UAE, New Caledonia, or Hong Kong to submit documents and biometrics.

Vanuatu has a favourable taxation system. Tax rates are the same for residents and non-residents. The country has no taxes on income, wealth, inheritance, capital gains, and export income from securities. International companies are exempt from paying taxes for 20 years, limited only to paying an annual fee of $300.

St Kitts and Nevis has the most popular investment program and the oldest in the world, launched in 1984. It is praised for its stability, transparency, and strong Due Diligence standards.

Vanuatu ranks second due to the speed and ease of obtaining a passport, as well as low participation costs. Only this program showed an increase in income during the 2020 crisis, thus confirming its competitiveness.

São Tomé and Príncipe might be suitable for those who wish to obtain citizenship quickly and at the lowest cost.

Grenada is attractive because it offers access to the E-2 Visa in the United States, allowing investors to live and do business there. It is also the only Caribbean country that accepts applications from stateless persons.

Türkiye offers many investment options, with real estate being the most popular. To obtain a second passport, applicants must not pass history or language exams or reside in Türkiye.

Egypt citizenship by investment program is more affordable than those in Europe and other Middle Eastern countries. It allows investors to travel freely to 80+ countries. Like Türkiye, Egypt offers several investment options and does not require applicants to pass exams or live in the country.

1. Citizenship by investment programs, CBI, allows foreigners to obtain passports of some countries in exchange for investment.
2. Dual citizenship enhances global mobility, helps to optimise taxes, enables company registration abroad, and provides a safe haven.
3. The most popular investment options are contributions to state funds or real estate purchases.
4. In the Middle East and Africa, citizenship by investment is available in Türkiye, São Tomé and Príncipe, Jordan, and Egypt.
5. Antigua and Barbuda, Dominica, Grenada, St Lucia, and St Kitts and Nevis offer the best CBIs in the Caribbean. Vanuatu in Oceania also has a citizenship by investment program.