Citizenship by investment
High-net-worth individuals can participate in investment programs to obtain a second passport. We will analyze why you need a second passport, where and how to apply for it.
$130,000+
Investment amount
2+ months
Passport obtaining period
3+ years
Return of the investment
Europe
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
Caribbean
Country and statusInvestmentsTime requiredBenefits
$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
$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
$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
$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
$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
Oceania
Country and statusInvestmentsTime requiredBenefits
$130,000+2+ months
2+ months
Fastest citizenship program in the world
Opportunity to get a 5-year visitor visa to the USA
Beneficial tax regime for companies for 20 years
Middle East
Country and statusInvestmentsTime requiredBenefits
$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
$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
Jordan
Citizenship$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
South America
Country and statusInvestmentsTime requiredBenefits
€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
Unavailable programs
Country and statusInvestmentsTime requiredBenefits
€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
€100,000+3—4 months
3—4 months
Visa-free entry to 130+ countries
Citizenship for the whole family
Citizenship can be passed on to descendants
€2+ mln9+ months
9+ months
Visa-free entry to 160+ countries
Tax optimization
Safe haven in an EU island state in the Mediterranian Sea
Trusted by 500+ investors
Select Your Ideal Investment
Download the guide to discover the differences between the popular investment programs and decide which suits you best.
What is citizenship by investment?
Citizenship by investment, CBI, is a legal process that allows individuals to acquire second passports by making a substantial financial contribution to a specific country. This usually involves investing in government-approved real estate, donating to a national development fund, or starting a business that creates jobs.
In return for the contribution, applicants and their families gain full citizenship rights, including visa-free travel, the right to live and work in the country, and, in some cases, tax benefits.
Governments offer citizenship by investment to fund development without burdening taxpayers. For countries in the Caribbean, this approach creates a reliable income stream and attracts influential global citizens.
Immigrant Invest has been implementing CBI programs as a licensed agent since 2006, helping both governments and investors achieve their goals.
Caribbean countries where Immigrant Invest helps clients obtain a second passport by investment
How can citizenship by investment benefit you?
1
Travelling the world visa-free
A dual citizen can use either of their passports to travel to the desired destination with simplified or no visa requirements. Caribbean passports offer 140+ visa-free destinations, and EU passports open travel without visas to 160+ countries.
A dual citizen can use either of their passports to travel to the desired destination with simplified or no visa requirements. Caribbean passports offer 140+ visa-free destinations, and EU passports open travel without visas to 160+ countries.
2
Preparing a plan B
With a second citizenship, cosmopolitans can secure personal and financial safety. They can buy real estate, open a bank account abroad in advance, and keep a financial airbag there.
In the case of danger or emergency in the country of residence, investors can quickly go to a safe place without wasting time obtaining a visa, looking for housing or transferring money.
With a second citizenship, cosmopolitans can secure personal and financial safety. They can buy real estate, open a bank account abroad in advance, and keep a financial airbag there.
In the case of danger or emergency in the country of residence, investors can quickly go to a safe place without wasting time obtaining a visa, looking for housing or transferring money.
3
Moving abroad
Often, an investment passport opens several options for relocation. For instance, a Grenada passport allows one to move to this country, any other Eastern Caribbean state, or the United States through obtaining an E‑2 visa.
Often, an investment passport opens several options for relocation. For instance, a Grenada passport allows one to move to this country, any other Eastern Caribbean state, or the United States through obtaining an E‑2 visa.
4
Reducing a tax burden
Some countries don’t oblige their citizens to pay income taxes or taxes on wealth, inheritance or gifts, and others are a tax haven for businesses.
Multiple citizenships provide its holder with an option to cut their tax payments. The person can pick the country with a more beneficial taxation regime to become a tax resident or register a company.
Some countries don’t oblige their citizens to pay income taxes or taxes on wealth, inheritance or gifts, and others are a tax haven for businesses.
Multiple citizenships provide its holder with an option to cut their tax payments. The person can pick the country with a more beneficial taxation regime to become a tax resident or register a company.
5
Developing business internationally
Second citizenship helps register a business abroad, open a corporate bank account, avoid currency control restrictions, and expedite money transfers. Some jurisdictions also do not reveal beneficiaries' personal data, protecting the investor’s privacy.
Second citizenship helps register a business abroad, open a corporate bank account, avoid currency control restrictions, and expedite money transfers. Some jurisdictions also do not reveal beneficiaries' personal data, protecting the investor’s privacy.
6
Asset protection and diversification
Holding citizenship in another country can help investors reduce exposure to political or economic instability in their home country. It allows them to diversify their assets across multiple jurisdictions, offering an extra layer of financial security.
Holding citizenship in another country can help investors reduce exposure to political or economic instability in their home country. It allows them to diversify their assets across multiple jurisdictions, offering an extra layer of financial security.
7
Citizenship for future generations
CBI countries often allow children and grandchildren of their citizens to obtain citizenship by descent. The main requirement is proof of family ties to a citizen of the country.
CBI countries often allow children and grandchildren of their citizens to obtain citizenship by descent. The main requirement is proof of family ties to a citizen of the country.
What requirements should you meet to obtain citizenship by investment?
Each country sets its own conditions that applicants must meet to be eligible for the citizenship by investment program. Under some investment programs, applicants must undergo medical examinations and prove good health; under others, they do not.
The full list of requirements applicable to a specific case is provided by Immigrant Invest’s lawyers after an individual consultation.
Several requirements for investors are common to all investment programs:
age of 18 or older;
clean criminal record;
legal source of income and funds for investment.
Who can obtain citizenship by investment with you?
Family members of the main applicant can also get an investment passport and enjoy all the benefits.
Under all the programs, you can include spouses and children under 18 in the application with no additional requirements.
Zlata Erlach,
Head of the Austrian office
In addition to spouses and minor children, citizenship by investment programmes often allow investors to include adult children and parents. However, eligibility for these family members usually comes with additional requirements, such as financial dependency or age restrictions.
In some countries, the list of eligible dependants extends further to include grandparents and siblings.
In the table below, you will find up-to-date eligibility terms for family members, including age restrictions and financial dependency.
Eligible family members under Caribbean and Vanuatu CBI programs
Country
Antigua and Barbuda
Spouse
Of opposite sex
Children
Under 30
Parents
Over 55, financially dependent
Grandparents
Over 55, financially dependent
Siblings
Unmarried
Country
Grenada
Spouse
Of opposite sex
Children
Under 30, financially dependent
Parents
Financially dependent
Grandparents
Financially dependent
Siblings
Over 18, unmarried, without children
Country
Dominica
Spouse
Of opposite sex
Children
Under 30, financially dependent
Parents
Over 65, financially dependent
Grandparents
Over 65, financially dependent
Siblings
Not eligible
Country
St Kitts and Nevis
Spouse
Of opposite sex
Children
Under 25, students, financially dependent
Parents
Over 55, financially dependent, living with the investor
Grandparents
Not eligible
Siblings
Not eligible
Country
St Lucia
Spouse
Of opposite sex
Children
Under 30, financially dependent
Parents
Parents over 55, financially dependent
Grandparents
Not eligible
Siblings
Under 18
Country
Vanuatu
Spouse
Of opposite sex
Children
Under 25, students, financially dependent
Parents
Parents over 50, financially dependent, living with the investor
Grandparents
Not eligible
Siblings
Not eligible
Country
Spouse
Children
Parents
Grandparents
Siblings
Antigua and Barbuda
Of opposite sex
Under 30
Over 55, financially dependent
Over 55, financially dependent
Unmarried
Grenada
Of opposite sex
Under 30, financially dependent
Financially dependent
Financially dependent
Over 18, unmarried, without children
Dominica
Of opposite sex
Under 30, financially dependent
Over 65, financially dependent
Over 65, financially dependent
Not eligible
St Kitts and Nevis
Of opposite sex
Under 25, students, financially dependent
Over 55, financially dependent, living with the investor
Not eligible
Not eligible
St Lucia
Of opposite sex
Under 30, financially dependent
Parents over 55, financially dependent
Not eligible
Under 18
Vanuatu
Of opposite sex
Under 25, students, financially dependent
Parents over 50, financially dependent, living with the investor
Not eligible
Not eligible
What are investment options for obtaining citizenship?
1. Fund contribution. A contribution to a state fund is often the most affordable investment option under CBI programs. For instance, in St Kitts and Nevis, the minimum contribution is $250,000, while the threshold for real estate purchase is $375,000.
This option is a non-refundable one.
2. Real estate investment. Applicants can buy government-approved property, such as residential resorts, hotels, or commercial developments.
Investors are usually allowed to rent out their property, generating income. The purchased real estate can be sold after a specified period, usually between 3 and 7 years.
This option is available, for example, in Caribbean countries, Turkey, and Malta.
3. Purchase of securities. Some countries allow applicants to invest in national companies, government bonds, or regulated funds.
Depending on the asset and market conditions, these investments can yield dividends or capital gains. Securities must be held for 3 to 5 years.
Сitizenship by investment countries offering this option include Turkey and Saint Lucia.
4. Business investments. Entrepreneurial investors may start or expand a business that meets specific criteria, such as creating a set number of jobs for local citizens. This option supports economic development and suits applicants who wish to be actively involved in managing a venture.
Countries offering this option include Antigua and Barbuda, Saint Lucia, and Turkey.
5. Bank deposit. Some countries allow applicants to make a fixed-term deposit in a local bank, held for around 3 years. This low-risk option may generate interest over the term.
Bank deposit options are available in Turkey and Egypt.
How long does it take to obtain a passport by investment?
Based on Immigrant Invest’s legal expertise and thousands of successful cases, we outlined the general process of obtaining citizenship by investment, including steps and timing.
1 day
Preliminary Due Diligence
Immigrant Invest has its own Anti-Money Laundering Department, which checks the investor’s background against international databases. This confidential check helps identify potential risks of refusal and determine the most suitable CBI program.
Upon successful completion, Immigrant Invest signs a service agreement with the investor.
1+ weeks
Preparation of documents
Immigrant Invest provides the investor with a list of required documents, which usually includes:
- valid passport;
- birth and marriage certificates;
- bank statement;
- proof of the legality of income;
- police clearance certificate;
- proof of investment;
- health insurance.
Immigrant Invest apostilles and notarises copies, and arranges translations if needed. The documents are then submitted to the authorities of the chosen country.
1+ months
Main Due Diligence
The authorities of the respective country conduct a thorough background check. This process usually takes several months but can extend beyond a year.
In Caribbean countries, investors must attend an interview during the Due Diligence stage. The interview is held online in the language of the investor’s choice.
1—3 months
Fulfilment of the investment requirements
The investor completes the required investment, such as contributing to a state fund or purchasing real estate.
Depending on the country, the investment may need to be fulfilled either before or after the main Due Diligence process.
2+ weeks
Obtaining a passport
The authorities issue the naturalisation certificate and passport. Investors either receive them by post at a preferred address or collect them in person.
Do you need to renounce the first citizenship to get a second one?
Caribbean states, Vanuatu, Malta, Turkey, and Egypt permit dual citizenship. Therefore, whether you must forfeit your citizenship depends on the laws of your country of origin.
For instance, the US and the UK allow dual nationality, so their citizens do not need to renounce their original citizenship when obtaining a second one.
By contrast, China and India do not allow dual nationality. Chinese and Indian nationals must forfeit their citizenship to acquire another one.
How to choose the best country for a second passport?
Zlata Erlach, an expert at Immigrant Invest and Head of the Austrian Office, explains how to choose the best investment citizenship option.
Zlata has been working in the field of investment migration for 10 years and has helped over 500 families worldwide obtain their second citizenship.
Zlata Erlach,
Head of the Austrian office
If you need a second passport quickly, I often recommend looking at Vanuatu. It offers one of the fastest citizenship processes in the world, as applicants can get their passports in just 2 months. That’s a significant advantage compared to Caribbean programs, which usually take at least 5 months.
For investors focused on cost, Vanuatu is also a smart choice. The minimum contribution is $130,000, which makes it one of the most affordable options globally. Within the Caribbean, Dominica tends to be the most budget-friendly, though the starting point there is around $200,000.
If travel flexibility is a top priority, especially to the Schengen Area, Caribbean passports are excellent. They allow visa-free access and let you stay for up to 90 days in any 180-day period. But if you want complete freedom of movement in Europe, the Maltese passport is in a class of its own, as it allows unlimited stays in Schengen countries.
And for entrepreneurs eyeing the US market, I always highlight Grenada, Turkey, and Egypt. Their citizens qualify for the US E-2 visa, which lets them set up and run a business in the United States while living there legally.
Case studies
Portugal
Portugal
Why should you trust Immigrant Invest?
Investors cannot apply for citizenship by investment on their own; they must work with a licensed agent.
Immigrant Invest holds licences from the governments of Malta, St Kitts and Nevis, St Lucia, Antigua and Barbuda, Dominica, and Grenada. The company’s lawyers are members of the IMC, the global association for immigration and citizenship by investment.
Since 2006, Immigrant Invest has assisted over 10,000 individuals in obtaining residence and citizenship by investment.
Immigrant Invest team
Our team consists of 70 experienced professionals. Our lawyers are members of the Investment Migration Council, IMC, the leading global organisation for investment immigration. We also have certified Anti-Money Laundering Officers who ensure that every step of your journey adheres to the highest standards of compliance, transparency, and integrity.
Our client’s reviews
All reviewsFrom our clients who have received second citizenships or residence permits through Immigrant Invest
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Frequently asked questions
The process of obtaining citizenship by investment depends on the chosen country. Vanuatu offers the fastest path, with a passport issued in just over 2 months. In the Caribbean countries, the process takes at least 6 months.
To obtain Turkish citizenship, you need to wait at least 8 months.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Key benefits include the following:
visa-free travel to more countries;
expanded economic opportunities;
safe haven during instability;
greater lifestyle flexibility.
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.
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.
Yes, these programs are legitimate, legally established by sovereign states.
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.
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.
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.