Investment Migration Programs

Countries in Europe, Oceania, the Caribbean, the Middle East, Asia, Africa, and the Americas offer citizenship or residence by investment. Besides, there are options for wealthy people with passive income, digital nomads, and entrepreneurs.

Here’s an overview of where to obtain a second passport or a residence permit and the key requirements for applicants.

$130,000+

Investments in citizenship

€30,000+

Investments in residency

1+ months

Obtaining period

Citizenship by investment

Country and statusInvestmentsTime requiredBenefits

€690,000+14 months or 3 years

14 months or 3 years

  • Visa-free entry to the United States and simplified entry to the UK

  • Ability to live, study, and work in an EU country

  • Citizenship in 14+ months with confirmation of connection with Malta

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$250,000+|6+ months

$250,000+6+ months

6+ months

  • Global mobility with 150+ visa-free destinations

  • Opportunity to get a 10-year visitor visa to the USA

  • Possibility to become a tax resident and pay 0% personal income tax

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$235,000+|8+ months

$235,000+8+ months

8+ months

  • Visa-free entry to the Schengen countries, the UK, and China

  • Eligibility for the US E‑2 business visa

  • No taxes on foreign income, dividends, interest, and royalties in Grenada

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$240,000+|6+ months

$240,000+6+ months

6+ months

  • Global mobility with 140+ visa-free destinations

  • Opportunity to get a 10-year visitor visa to the USA

  • No taxes on foreign income, dividends, and capital gains in St Lucia

$230,000+6+ months

6+ months

  • Visa-free entry to the Schengen countries and the UK

  • Opportunity to get a 10-year visitor visa to the USA

  • Favorable investment conditions for families

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$200,000+|6+ months

$200,000+6+ months

6+ months

  • Global mobility with 140+ visa-free destinations

  • Opportunity to get a 10-year visitor visa to the USA

  • No taxes on dividends, interest, royalties, and capital gains for Dominica tax residents

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$130,000+|1—4 months

$130,000+1—4 months

1—4 months

  • Fastest citizenship program in the world, with application processing within 1—4 months

  • Opportunity to get a 5-year visitor visa to the USA

  • Beneficial tax regime for companies for 20 years

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$400,000+|8+ months

$400,000+8+ months

8+ months

  • Visa-free entry to Japan, Singapore, and other 100+ countries

  • Opportunity to obtain a US E‑2 business visa

  • A safe haven in a warm country by the sea

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$250,000+|10+ months

$250,000+10+ months

10+ months

  • Creating a safe haven in a warm country by the sea

  • Eligibility for the Е‑2 business visa to the USA

  • Bank accounts in Egypt

€7,200+4 years

4 years

  • Moving to Paraguay and creating a safe haven

  • 140+ visa-free countries, including the Schengen states and the UK

  • Affordable cost of living and international bank accounts

jo-flagjo-flag

Jordan

Citizenship
$750,000+|3+ months

$750,000+3+ months

3+ months

  • 80+ visa-free destinations, including Malaysia and Singapore

  • Safe haven in a country with a low cost of living

  • Business opportunities in the Middle East

Residency by investment

Country and statusInvestmentsTime requiredBenefits

pt-flagpt-flag
€250,000+|12+ months

€250,000+12+ months

12+ months

  • Visa-free entry to the Schengen countries

  • Prospect of citizenship in 5 years after obtaining and maintaining the residence permit

  • Safe haven in a European country by the ocean

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€250,000+|5+ months

€250,000+5+ months

5+ months

  • Visa-free entry to the Schengen Area

  • Relocation to a European country with an affordable cost of living

  • Tax optimisation with low rates

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€250,000+|4+ months

€250,000+4+ months

4+ months

  • Visa-free entry to the Schengen countries

  • Possibility to live, study, and start a business in Greece

  • Prospect of citizenship in 7 years

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€182,000+|6+ months

€182,000+6+ months

6+ months

  • Visa-free entry to the Schengen countries

  • Ability to live, study, start a business, and work in Malta

  • New family members can be added after the investor has received permanent residence

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€300,000+|9+ months

€300,000+9+ months

9+ months

  • Tax optimisation

  • Property investment income

  • Prospect of obtaining citizenship in 5 years

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€500,000+|5+ months

€500,000+5+ months

5+ months

  • Visa-free entry to the Schengen countries

  • Opportunity to live, study, and start a business in Spain

  • Prospect of citizenship in 10 years

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€600,000+|2+ months

€600,000+2+ months

2+ months

  • Visa-free entry to France and Spain

  • Simplified US and Schengen visas processing

  • Only 3-month residing a year to keep the residence permit

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€250,000+|4+ months

€250,000+4+ months

4+ months

  • Visa-free travel to the Schengen countries

  • Creating of a safe haven or moving to Italy

  • Special tax regime

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AED 2,000,000+|2+ months

AED 2,000,000+2+ months

2+ months

  • Residency for 10 years

  • Moving to the UAE or creating a “safe haven”

  • Tax optimisation

  • Opening a bank account in the UAE

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$870,000+|5+ years

$870,000+5+ years

5+ years

  • Moving to the USA or creating a safe haven

  • Opportunity to obtain US citizenship

  • Opening bank accounts in the USA

Residency for financially independent people

Country and statusInvestmentsTime requiredBenefits

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€10,440+, yearly income|6+ months

€10,440+, yearly income6+ months

6+ months

  • Moving to Portugal at the lowest cost

  • Visa-free travel across the Schengen Area

  • Prospect of citizenship in 5 years

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€100,000+ |3+ months

€100,000+ 3+ months

3+ months

  • Visa-free entry to the Schengen countries

  • Living in a country with a high level of safety, healthcare, and education

  • Permanent residence in Austria after 5 years of holding a residence permit

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₣450,000+, yearly tax|3+ months

₣450,000+, yearly tax3+ months

3+ months

  • Visa-free entry to the Schengen countries

  • Living in a country with a high level of safety, healthcare, and education

  • Prospect of citizenship in 10 years

Digital Nomad Visas

Country and statusInvestmentsTime requiredBenefits

hu-flaghu-flag
€3,000+, monthly income|3+ months

€3,000+, monthly income3+ months

3+ months

  • Relocation and living in the EU

  • Visa-free entry to the Schengen countries

  • No income tax in Hungary if spending less than 183 days a year in the country

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€3,500+, monthly income|2+ months

€3,500+, monthly income2+ months

2+ months

  • Moving to Europe and creating a safe haven

  • Visa-free entry to the Schengen countries

  • Tax optimisation

pt-flagpt-flag
€10,440+, yearly income|6+ months

€10,440+, yearly income6+ months

6+ months

  • Moving to Portugal at the lowest cost

  • Visa-free travel across the Schengen Area

  • Prospect of citizenship in 5 years

pt-flagpt-flag
€3,480+, monthly income|6+ months

€3,480+, monthly income6+ months

6+ months

  • Moving to Europe and creating a safe haven

  • Visa-free travel across the Schengen Area

  • Prospect of citizenship in 5 years

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€2,646+, monthly income|4+ months

€2,646+, monthly income4+ months

4+ months

  • Relocation and residency in the EU for the whole family

  • Visa-free entry to the Schengen countries

  • Prospect of permanent residency in 5 years

it-flagit-flag
€2,700+, monthly income|4+ months

€2,700+, monthly income4+ months

4+ months

  • Relocation and residency in the EU for spouses, children, and parents

  • Visa-free travel to the Schengen countries

  • Prospect of citizenship in 10 years

Residency for business owners

Country and statusInvestmentsTime requiredBenefits

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€7,700+, authorised capital|6+ months

€7,700+, authorised capital6+ months

6+ months

  • Relocation and residency in the EU for 3 years

  • Travelling across the Schengen Area visa-free

  • Low corporate and income taxes

pt-flagpt-flag
€10,440+ on a bank account|6+ months

€10,440+ on a bank account6+ months

6+ months

  • Visa-free entry to the Schengen countries

  • Prospect of citizenship in 5 years

  • Starting a business and moving to the EU

Other paths to residency

Country and statusInvestmentsTime requiredBenefits

mt-flagmt-flag
€30,000+|3+ months

€30,000+3+ months

3+ months

  • Visa-free entry to the Schengen countries

  • Opportunity to live, study, and start a business in Malta

  • Tax optimisation with a special regime

th-flagth-flag
$25,500+|1—3 months

$25,500+1—3 months

1—3 months

  • Long-term visa to live in Thailand or create a safe haven for up to 15 years

  • Bonuses and privileges for visa holders

  • Tax optimisation

Unavailable options

Country and statusInvestmentsTime requiredBenefits

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£2,000,000+|2—3 months

£2,000,000+2—3 months

2—3 months

  • Opportunity to live, study, and start a business in the UK

  • Prestigious education at British schools and universities

  • Prospect of citizenship in 5 years

hu-flaghu-flag
€300,000+|4—8 weeks

€300,000+4—8 weeks

4—8 weeks

  • Visa-free travel to the Schengen countries

  • Moving to an EU country or creating a safe haven

  • Tax optimisation

me-flagme-flag
€472,000+|6 months

€472,000+6 months

6 months

  • Visa-free entry to the Schengen countries, Singapore and Hong Kong

  • Opportunity to obtain a US E‑2 business visa

What are the Immigrant Investor Programs?

The concept of “citizenship by investment” originated in 1984. It was introduced when St Kitts and Nevis passed a law permitting the issuance of passports to foreigners in exchange for economic contributions.

This legislation marked a pivotal moment in the industry’s history, catalysing its growth. Today, the investment immigration sector generates billions of dollars annually, with approximately 60,000 individuals holding second citizenships by investment.

Currently, 18 countries across the Caribbean, Europe, the Middle East, and Oceania offer citizenship, while around 100 countries provide residency programs.

Citizenship and residency state programs aim to enhance personal and financial mobility, simplify international business operations, and serve as a safeguard against political or economic instability in one’s home country.

Select Your Ideal Investment

Practical Guide

Select Your Ideal Investment

Download the guide to discover the differences between the popular investment programs and decide which suits you best.

Investment Migration Programs options

Caribbean countries. Investments involve donations to state funds or real estate purchases. The minimum investment starts at $200,000.

European countries. Options typically include purchasing or leasing real estate, transferring capital, or investing in securities or businesses. Minimum investments start at around €250,000, depending on the country.

Oceania. Vanuatu’s state program requires a minimum investment of $130,000 as a donation. It has the fastest processing time among similar pathways of obtaining a second passport by investment.

Each investment program offers benefits like visa-free travel and potential tax advantages, tailored to meet diverse investor needs.

immigration by investment

Immigrant Investor Program requirements

Requirements for Immigrant Investor Programs vary by country but generally include:

  1. Minimum investment. A specified amount must be invested, often in real estate, government bonds, or local businesses.

  2. Due Diligence and background сhecks. Applicants pass background checks to verify their sources of funds and ensure they have no criminal record.

  3. Residency requirements. Some programs may require investors to spend a certain amount of time in the country.

  4. Legal сompliance. Applicants comply with all legal formalities, including the proper submission of documents and application forms.

  5. Financial proof. Proof of sufficient funds to make the investment and support oneself.

These requirements ensure that the state programs are accessible to legitimate investors while safeguarding the host country’s interests.

5 benefits of Investment Migration Programs

  • 1

    Enhanced global mobility

    Holders of second passports often gain visa-free or visa-on-arrival access to numerous countries.

  • 2

    Tax optimisation

    Second citizenship provides favourable tax regimes, potentially lowering tax liabilities on global income, inheritance, and wealth.

  • 3

    Family inclusion

    Most countries on the investment migration list allow for the inclusion of family members, such as spouses, children, parents, grandparents, and siblings.

  • 4

    Investment opportunities

    Participants gain access to new markets, with the potential to earn income from their investments.

  • 5

    Government-developed programs

    Investment pathways to citizenship and residency are officially established and licensed by governments, ensuring their legitimacy and providing structured support with a regulated framework.

How can we, as a licensed agent, help you to get residency or citizenship?

Immigration by investment requires a licensed agent. Consulting companies with state licences assist investors in applying for and obtaining a second passport. This requirement is mandated by the laws of most countries offering citizenship by investment programs.

Immigrant Invest is a licensed agent for investment immigration programs in the EU and the Caribbean. Investors trust our expertise, backed by government licences, 19 years of experience, and eight offices worldwide.

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Frequently asked questions

  • What is the fastest citizenship by investment?

    Vanuatu offers one of the fastest citizenship by investment programs, typically processing applications within 1—4 months.

  • What is the meaning of immigrant investor?

    An immigrant investor is an individual who invests money in another country to gain residency or citizenship via specially designed state programs.

  • Which country is cheapest to get citizenship by investment?

    Vanuatu offers a competitive option, with citizenship programs starting at $130,000. Dominica is among the most affordable, with investment options starting at $200,000 by donations or real estate investments.

  • Is citizenship by investment a good idea?

    Citizenship by investment can be beneficial for gaining global mobility, tax relief, and increased security. However, it’s important to consider the financial commitment and legal implications carefully before proceeding.

  • What is immigration by investment?

    Investment immigration implies that a state attracts capital from foreign investors and grants them residency or citizenship in return.

    Usually, participation in migration programs doesn’t oblige investors to relocate. Holders of Portugal Golden Visas visit the country for seven days a year. Hungary, Greece, Italy and Cyprus don’t require living there to maintain residency.

  • What are the benefits of investment-based immigration?

    Sometimes it’s easier to emigrate by investment than choose another path to residency. Investors can obtain citizenship or residency under comfortable conditions; they don’t need to pass language exams, stay in the country for most of the year or spend several years there. Caribbean states even allow applicants to get their passports remotely.

    In some countries for immigration, foreigners are allowed to buy real estate to get residency or citizenship. Hungary, Malta, Greece, Spain, Turkey, and the UAE are among them.

  • What is the difference between residency and citizenship?

    Residency is temporary permission to live in the country. A residence permit is valid for 1—5 years, and then it may be renewed.

    Work, study, marriage, and other purposes of living in the country lead to residency. Also, it may be obtained by investment, and the conditions will be pretty mild in that case. For example, investors are not obliged to pass any exams or live in the country to maintain residency.

    Citizenship implies that a person has full rights and obligations to the state. The status is life-long and is usually confirmed with a passport. Citizenship allows:

    • to live in the country;

    • to use all state benefits, for example, free healthcare or education;

    • to be protected by the state when abroad;

    • to enjoy visa-free travelling to countries with visa waiver agreements with the state of citizenship.

  • Can I have multiple citizenships?

    Yes, if every state that granted you a passport allows dual citizenship. For example, citizens of Malta, Portugal, and Greece may enjoy the benefits of multiple citizenships.

    Some countries don’t allow their citizens to obtain citizenship in other states. Spain, Austria, the UAE and some other countries are on the list. An alternative option, in this case, is to obtain temporary or permanent residence abroad.