Citizenship by investment

​Frequently asked questions

• How long does the process take?

  The timeframe depends on the country selected. The fastest route to citizenship by investment is offered by Vanuatu, where a passport can be issued in as little as 2 months.

  In the Caribbean, Saint Kitts and Nevis offers the quickest option — citizenship can be obtained in 4 months through the Public Benefit Option. For other investment options and in other Caribbean countries, the timeframe is from 6+ months.

  To obtain Turkish citizenship, you need to wait at least 8 months.

• What are the costs involved?

  Besides making an investment, applicants pay Due Diligence and other legal fees. They also purchase health insurance for all persons included in the application. Those buying real estate usually also pay taxes, such as transfer tax and stamp duty.

  For instance, under the St Lucia CBI program, the minimum expenses, including the investment, are $251,950. In Türkiye, the property buyer should expect to pay at least $414,574, including the real estate investment.

  São Tomé and Príncipe has the lowest investment threshold: a non-refundable $90,000 contribution to a government fund.

• Can I include family members?

  Yes, citizenship-by-investment programs generally allow the inclusion of family members. As a rule, opposite-sex spouses and minor children are always eligible. Depending on the program, children under 30, as well as parents, grandparents, and siblings, may also be included in the application.

• Which country is best for CBI?

  St Kitts and Nevis consistently ranks first in the ratings of the best citizenship-by-investment programs. The CBI Index assesses programs based on criteria such as freedom of movement, minimum investment outlay, mandatory travel or residence, citizenship timeline, ease of processing, and family inclusiveness.

• Is CBI a good investment?

  It can be, but it depends on your goals.

  Benefits include enhanced global mobility, tax advantages, business opportunities, and a personal security plan B. However, the financial return on the investment itself varies, and it’s not always the primary driver.

• What are the benefits of a second passport?

  Key benefits include the following:

  • visa-free travel to more countries;
  • expanded economic opportunities;
  • safe haven during instability;
  • greater lifestyle flexibility.
• How rigorous are the background checks?

  The background checks are rigorous. Governments use extensive Due Diligence to check financial history, criminal records, international databases, like Interpol, source of funds, and may include interviews. The aim is to prevent security risks, money laundering, and reputational damage.

  Immigrant Invest conducts its own preliminary Due Diligence to minimise the risk of issues arising during government Due Diligence checks.

• Will a past minor legal issue affect my application?

  Minor issues like a traffic ticket or a small misdemeanor may not automatically disqualify you, especially if full transparency is provided. However, each program assesses cases individually.

• Are these programs truly legitimate, or are they 'selling passports'?

  Yes, these programs are legitimate, legally established by sovereign states.

• Is there a risk of citizenship being revoked?

  Yes, there is a risk. However, it is generally not very high for applicants who are legitimate and comply with all rules.

  Reputable programs are legally established, and their extensive background checks aim to prevent issues. Revocations are rare and typically occur due to fraud, misrepresentation, serious criminal activity, or national security threats. By being transparent and compliant, you significantly minimise this risk.

• Do I need to live in the country to maintain citizenship?

  Generally, for direct CBI programs, you do not need to live in the country to maintain citizenship. These programs are designed for investors who seek citizenship primarily for global mobility and a backup plan without requiring physical residency.

• What is the core difference between citizenship by investment and residency by investment?

  The core difference lies in the outcome and timeline:

  • citizenship by investment provides immediate full citizenship and a passport, usually without any prior residency requirement.
  • residency by investment grants temporary or permanent residence status, which may lead to citizenship after a specific period of residence and meeting naturalisation requirements.
• Do Caribbean citizenship-by-investment programs require an interview, and how does it work?

  Yes, interviews are mandatory for Caribbean citizenship-by-investment programs. They are held online in the language of the investor’s choice. The interview usually focuses on basic verification: identity, background, source of funds, and whether the information matches the submitted documents.

• If I invest via approved real estate, can I buy the property through a company or trust?

  The qualifying real estate must be registered in the applicant’s personal name. A company may facilitate the transaction, but it cannot hold title to the property, as citizenship is granted to an individual rather than to an entity.

• Do I lose my investment and fees if my application is refused?

  Applicants usually do not transfer the full investment amount until the government checks are completed and the application is approved. Government and Due Diligence fees are typically paid earlier and are usually non-refundable once processing begins.

  With real estate, many projects use an escrow model: a deposit is placed in escrow first, and the balance is paid after approval. If the application is not approved, the deposit is often refundable under the project contract, but terms vary by country and project.