Residency and Citizenship by Investment Programs Comparison 2024

9 factors to consider when choosing citizenship or residency

Selecting a suitable citizenship or residency investment program might be a challenge: at first glance, most programs have similar requirements and provide almost the same benefits. Several factors will help you decide which program is best for you.

Investment amount

The sum to be invested varies significantly across different programs. It starts from several hundred euros or dollars to, in some cases, several millions. Define the investment threshold that is feasible for you.

Available investment options

Most investment programs allow applicants to choose what to invest in. Among the suggested options might be real estate purchases, business investments, charitable donations, investments in securities or fund units, and bank deposits.

Some investments, such as real estate or securities, can generate profit or be returned in several years. Others, like charitable donations, are usually non-refundable.

Freedom of movement

If one of your main goals is to travel freely across the world, learn what destinations you will be able to visit without a visa after obtaining a residence permit or a passport.

For example, with an EU residence permit, you will have free access to the whole Schengen Area for up to 90 days out of 180. At the same time, a Caribbean passport gives mobility across 140+ destinations.

Learn about the freedom of movement granted by a particular passport using our Global Passport Ranking.

Time needed to obtain a passport or residency

Although the average application processing ranges from 6 months to a year, there are both programs that feature much quicker and much longer procedures for getting residency or citizenship.

For example, you can get a passport by investment in about 1 month in Vanuatu, while obtaining an Investor Visa to the USA usually takes several years.

Opportunity to include family

Most programs allow adding close family to the application. The usual list includes a spouse and minor children. As for other relatives, some programs allow adding children over 18, parents, grandparents, and siblings — as a rule, they should be dependent on the investor.

Tax implications

Some countries offer opportunities to optimise taxes. For example, investors might pay lower income tax and be exempted from taxes on global income, real estate, capital gains, or inheritance.

Citizenship conditions

If you are going to apply for a residence permit with a prospect of citizenship, find out the conditions and time when you will become eligible to acquire citizenship.

In some countries, you can become a citizen just after 5 years of holding residency, while in others, you might have to live in the country for 8, 10, or even 30 years.

Sometimes, you might be required to renounce your first passport after getting a new one, so you will need to decide if you are ready to give up your first citizenship.

Residing requirements

Under some programs, you might be required to spend at least half a year in the country or even move there for permanent living. As for others, you will not have to live in the country or will need to visit it for just several days annually.

Economic and social development

When choosing a country for relocation, carefully assess its standards of living. The factors include healthcare system development, education, safety, and price levels. If you are also going to do business there, study the financial situation in the country, market development, the stability of the economy and the national currency, as well as the financial sector.

Investment options for CBI and residency programs

Countries offer investors a range of options to choose from. They differ in terms of the investment amount, degree of the investor’s engagement, and opportunity to return money and to get income.

Below are the most popular options used in citizenship and residency by investment programs.

Charitable donation. This investment option requires minimal engagement from applicants. Donations are usually made to government funds to support healthcare, education, science, culture, and arts. As a rule, these investments are non-refundable and do not allow making any profit.

Real estate investment. Under this option, investors can purchase or rent real estate at a certain price for a specified period. Depending on the program conditions, investors might be allowed to rent the property out or sell it after several years with a profit.

Despite relatively more paperwork and bureaucracy, this option is one of the most popular among investors, especially those willing to relocate after obtaining the status.

Purchase of fund units, bonds, and other securities. If an investor wants to profit from their investments and is ready to take certain risks, they might invest in securities or fund units. The government usually defines the list of securities and bonds that qualify for the program.

Fund units and bonds are regarded as less risky than companies’ shares and have an average yield of 1—3% per year.

Making a deposit or transfer of funds. This is one of the fastest and less complicated ways to get residency or citizenship by investment. Under such options, applicants’ engagement is minimal. The main disadvantage is that, usually, these options are the most expensive. After the specified time, investors might be allowed to return the investment.

Business investment. Under this option, investors might be allowed to set up a new company, invest in an existing company in the country, or purchase companies’ shares. This option is considered risky because it is impossible to predict if the business will be successful in future.

Best EU citizenship programs

There are no citizenship by investment programs in the EU.

One of the countries allowing investors to obtain a passport is Austria. However, it is not a citizenship by investment program: a passport is granted at the discretion of the Government.

In the past, foreigners could get a Cyprus or a Malta passport by investment, but both programs were closed in 2020.

Malta citizenship by naturalisation for exceptional services by direct investment is available for non-EU nationals under the updated legislation. To qualify, an applicant must fulfil all of the following conditions:

Contribute €600,000+ to the National Development and Social Fund.
Make a charitable donation of €10,000.
Rent real estate for 5 years for €16,000 per year or purchase housing for €700,000+.

The applicant gets Malta residency for 1 or 3 years. After this time expires, they get the right to apply for a Maltese passport.

Explore the advantages of European citizenship and the fastest way to obtain an EU passport

Best Caribbean citizenship programs

The Caribbean passport is a good option for cosmopolitans. It provides visa-free access to 140+ countries, a chance to move to the islands with the ever-lasting summer, an opportunity to expand a business and optimise taxes.

Five Caribbean countries allow obtaining citizenship by investment: Antigua and Barbuda, Dominica, Grenada, St Kitts and Nevis, and St Lucia.

The Antigua and Barbuda passport is obtained by investing at least $100,000. Investment options include:

a contribution to a state fund — $100,000+;
a contribution to a university fund — $150,000+;
real estate purchase — $200,000+;
business investments — $400,000+.

The option of contributing to a university fund is specially designed for big families of at least 6 members. They make a $150,000 donation to the University of the West Indies Fund and, therefore, spend less than under any other citizenship by investment program. Additionally, one of the applicants can study at the University for a year free of charge.

The passport-obtaining period is 3—6 months, and the investment real estate or a share in business can be sold after 5 years.

To obtain Dominica citizenship, foreigners make a $100,000+ non-refundable contribution or purchase real estate for $200,000+.

Except for the investment amount, investors pay a Due Diligence fee, a state fee when purchasing property, and other charges such as an interview fee. All applicants over 16 undergo an online interview with an authorised interviewer.

Applications are processed within 3—6 months, and the investment in real estate can be returned in 3—5 years.

The Grenada passport can be obtained by a $150,000+ non-refundable contribution to the National Transformation Fund or a $220,000+ real estate purchase.

In the case of real estate, investors can buy a property in full ownership or a share in a project. Not all properties qualify: the government approves the list of suitable properties.

The passport is obtained within 4—6 months, and investors are not required to reside in the country. All applicants over 17 undergo an online interview.

St Kitts and Nevis citizenship by investment is can be obtained under one of 3 options:

a contribution to the Federal Consolidated Fund — $250,000+;
a purchase of an approved property — $400,000+;
an investment in an Approved Public Benefit project — $250,000+.

The investment real estate can be sold after 7 years of ownership.

After fulfilling the investment condition, applicants are granted Naturalisation Certificates that allow them to apply for passports. The whole process usually takes from 6 months.

Under the St Lucia citizenship by investment program, applicants can choose one of 4 options:

a contribution to a state fund — $100,000+;
a real estate purchase — $200,000+;
purchase of government bonds — $300,000+;
business investments — $1,000,000+;
infrastructure project investments — $100,000+.

The whole procedure of obtaining citizenship takes about 4 months. Applicants are not required to move to the country to maintain their passports. The investment in real estate and government bonds can be returned in 5 years.

Comparison of Caribbean citizenship by investment programs

Country	Minimum investment	Obtaining time	Return on investment	Passports for relatives	Residing requirements
Antigua and Barbuda	$100,000+	3—6 months	5 years	Spouse Children under 30 Parents Siblings	5 days within the first 5 years
Dominica	$100,000+	3—6 months	3—5 years	Spouse Children under 30 Parents Grandparents	No
St Lucia	$100,000+	4+ months	5 years	Spouse Children under 30 Parents Siblings	No
Grenada	$150,000+	4—6 months	5 years	Spouse Children under 30 Parents Siblings	No
St Kitts and Nevis	$250,000+	6+ months	7 years	Spouse Children under 25 Parents	No

EU Golden Visa comparison

Golden Visa programs are available in seven EU countries: Portugal, Greece, Spain, Malta, Italy, Cyprus, and Hungary. The main differences between these programs are the minimum investment amount, residency requirements, and the type of granted status.

The Portugal Golden Visa can be obtained for at least €250,000+ under five options:

supporting arts and restoring cultural heritage — €250,000+;
purchase of investment fund units — €500,000+;
investment in research activities — €500,000+;
business investment — €500,000+ and creation of at least 5 jobs;
opening a company — no investment limit, but at least 10 jobs should be created.

The residency is not granted for property purchase.

The investor’s spouse, children under 26, parents, and siblings can be added to the application.

The investor should spend at least seven days a year in the country to maintain the status. After 5 years of residency, they can apply for permanent residency or citizenship.

The Greece Golden Visa is one of the most affordable among the EU residency by investment programs and offers 6 options to choose from:

real estate purchase — €250,000+;
renting a hotel or tourist residence for 10 years — €250,000+;
purchase of land plot for construction or agriculture — €250,000+;
timeshare for 10 years — €250,000+;
inheriting real estate or receiving it as a gift — €250,000+;
purchase of securities or opening a bank deposit — €400,000+.

After five years, the investor can obtain permanent residency and then sell the property to return the investment. If the investor lives in Greece for 7 years, they can apply for citizenship.

The Spain Golden Visa program offers the following investment options:

purchase of residential or commercial property — €500,000+;
opening a deposit in a Spanish bank — €1,000,000+;
purchase of shares of Spanish companies — €1,000,000+;
purchase of investment fund units — €1,000,000+;
purchase of government bonds — €2,000,000+;
business investment — no minimum amount.

The investor’s spouse, dependent children, and parents can obtain residency together with the investor.

Golden Visa holders are not required to live in Spain. However, living in Spain for 5 years allows one to obtain permanent residency. Spanish citizenship can be acquired after living in Spain for another 5 years and giving up the first passport.

Under the Malta Permanent Residence Programme, applicants get the status for life. A spouse, dependent children, parents, and grandparents can obtain permanent residency with the investor.

To qualify, investors need to fulfil several mandatory conditions:

rent real estate for €10,000+ per annum in Gozo or the south of Malta or €12,000+ per annum in other regions or buy housing for €300,000+ in Gozo or the south of Malta or €350,000+ in other regions;
pay an administration fee of €40,000;
pay a government fee of €28,000 in case of purchasing real estate or €58,000 in case of rental;
donate €2,000;
pass a strict Due Diligence;
confirm having a capital of €500,000, including at least €150,000 of liquid financial assets.

The investor confirms meeting the conditions every year for the first five years after getting the status.

The Italy Golden Visa is issued for 2 years and can be extended for another 3 years, provided the investment is maintained.

Investors can choose one of 4 options:

investment in an innovative startup — €250,000+;
business investments — €500,000+;
investment in a philanthropic organisation — €1,000,000+;
purchase of government bonds — €2,000,000+.

The investor’s spouse, dependent children, and parents can get residence permits. Applicants are required to reside in the country only if they want to obtain citizenship in future.

The Cyprus Golden Visa is a permanent residency by investment program. The status can be obtained in about 6 months and is granted for life.

Available investment options are as follows:

purchase of residential or commercial property — €300,000+;
purchase of shares of Cypriot companies — €300,000+;
purchase of securities — €300,000+.

The investor can apply for citizenship and return the investments five years after getting permanent residency. They must visit the island every 2 years to maintain their status.

Hungary relaunches a Golden Visa in 2024. The investors will be able to get 10-year residence permits if they:

purchase units of a real estate fund — €250,000+;
buy a residential property — €500,000+;
donate to an institution of higher learning — €1,000,000+.

The applicant will get a 2-year Guest Investor Visa and invest within 93 calendar days after the first entry to Hungary.

The Golden Visa program will be available to the investor’s spouse, minor children, and parents. The 10-year residence permit is subject to extending for another 10 years.

Comparison of EU Golden Visa programs

Country	Residence type	Minimum investment	Obtaining period	Residing requirements	Return on investment
Portugal	Temporary	€250,000	8—10 months	7 days a year	5 years
Greece	Temporary	€250,000	6+ months	None	5 years
Spain	Temporary	€500,000	5+ months	None	After renouncing residency
Malta	Permanent	€150,000	6—8 months	None	5 years
Italy	Temporary	€250,000	3+ months	None	5 years
Cyprus	Permanent	€300,000	6+ months	Visit every 2 years	After renouncing residency
Hungary	Temporary	€250,000	Several months	Unknown	Unknown

3 main differences between citizenship and residence programs

Wealthy foreigners can become residents or citizens in other countries in different ways: as investors, financially independent persons, or digital nomads. Residency and citizenship programs differ in several criteria.

1. Validity. A residence permit obtained by investment is usually valid for 1—5 years and up to 10 years in the UAE, Hungary, Indonesia, and Thailand. Residence permits for financially independent persons and digital nomads are granted for 1 or 2 years.

In all cases, residence permits must be renewed after expiration. Applicants usually have to prove that they still meet the requirements.

Permanent residence by investment is granted for life and does not have to be renewed. However, the investor might have to fulfil certain conditions to maintain the status. For example, investors have to visit Cyprus at least every two years. Investors participating in the Malta Permanent Residence Program annually prove they meet the requirements.

2. Residing requirements. Keeping a residence permit for financially independent people or digital nomads implies a foreigner moves to the country and spends more than 183 days per year there.

Requirements for residency by investment are usually not that strict; for example, in Spain, Italy, or Greece, investors do not have to live in the country. Investors are required to spend at least 7 days in Portugal.

At the same time, foreigners who obtained an EB-5 Investor Visa are required to move to the US.

3. Right to work or do business in the country. After obtaining citizenship, the investor enjoys the same rights as other citizens, including the right to establish a business and be employed in the country.

As for residence permits, conditions may differ. Financially independent foreigners in Austria and Switzerland cannot work for companies registered there. Residency by investment obtained in the EU countries, such as Cyprus, Malta, Greece, Portugal, and Italy, allows the holders to do business there.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the cheapest country to get dual citizenship in?

Caribbean countries offer the most affordable citizenship by investment programs.

Passports of Dominica, Antigua and Barbuda, and St Lucia can be obtained in return for $100,000+ investments in the countries’ economies.

Depending on the conditions of each particular program, investors can choose from such options as real estate purchase, non-refundable contribution, business investment, and purchase of government bonds.

All the countries allow having two passports so investors can keep their first citizenship.

What is the cheapest Caribbean citizenship by investment?

Among the cheapest CBI programs in the Caribbean are Dominica, Antigua and Barbuda, and St Lucia programs. Investors are granted passports of these countries for investments of at least $100,000+. The cheapest options are non-refundable contributions to state funds.

Suppose the applicant wants to return the investment in future. In that case, they need to choose other options that are usually more expensive: real estate purchase, business investment, or government bonds purchase, if the program allows this.

What is the cheapest citizenship by investment for a family?

The cheapest passport by investment for a big family can be obtained in the Caribbean — under the program offered by Antigua and Barbuda.

A family of at least 6 members can make a $150,000 donation to the University of the West Indies Fund. Thus, they will spend less than under any other CBI program. Additionally, one of the applicants can study at the University for a year free of charge.

What is the easiest EU country to get permanent residency?

Two EU countries allow getting permanent residency by investment directly. These are Malta and Cyprus.

To get the status under the Malta Permanent Residence Programme, applicants rent or buy real estate, pay government fees, make a charitable donation, pass a Due Diligence, and confirm having a capital of €500,000, including at least €150,000 of liquid financial assets.

The total minimum investment amount is €150,000+ in the case of renting real estate and €370,000+ in the case of purchasing one.

Malta permanent residency is obtained in 6—8 months. For the first five years after getting the status, investors must confirm meeting the conditions yearly.

Cyprus permanent residency by investment can be obtained in about 6 months and requires €300,000+ investment in real estate, shares of Cypriot companies, or securities. They must visit the island every 2 years to maintain their status.

Which country issues a passport in the shortest time?

Vanuatu, an island state in Oceania, grants citizenship to investors in 1—3 months.

Which country issues a residence permit or permanent residence in the shortest time?

Italy allows investors to get residence permits in 3+ months. Obtaining a Spain residence permit takes 5+ months, while Greece issues residence permits in 6+ months and Portugal — in 8+ months.

Cyprus permanent residency is granted within 3+ months. Investors get Malta permanent residency in 6—8 months.

Do you need to live in the country to obtain citizenship or a residence permit by investment?

No, you don’t. As a rule, investors aren’t required to reside in the country neither before nor after obtaining citizenship or residency.

However, there are exceptions. For example, Antigua and Barbuda prescribes visiting the country for at least 5 days within the first 5 years after obtaining citizenship. Maintaining residency in Portugal requires an investor to spend at least 7 days a year in the country.

What are the features of citizenship and residence investment programs?

Each investment program should be analysed from various sides, considering the investor’s tasks and goals.

The freedom of travel is achievable with a Caribbean passport as it grants access to 140+ destinations. However, an EU residence permit might be enough to enter the Schengen Area visa-free.

The fastest path to second citizenship is provided by Vanuatu: the country’s passport can be obtained in as little as 1—2 months. Spain is the fastest in terms of issuing a Golden Visa.

The least expenses are required to get citizenship in Antigua and Barbuda, Dominica, or St Lucia: a single investor is required to contribute $100,000. Expenses for obtaining European residency are the lowest in Malta, where an investor spends at least €150,000 if they rent housing.

What is important to know to select the most suitable citizenship or residence permit by investment program?

When selecting a program, you need to ask yourself a few key questions:

What do I need a second citizenship, residence permit, or permanent residence for?
Who is eligible to apply for a second citizenship, residence permit, or permanent residence with me?
Are you considering moving to another country or looking for an opportunity to travel freely?
Do I need to live in the country before or after obtaining a second passport or residence permit?
What opportunities does a passport or a residence permit by investment offer me?
What responsibilities arise after obtaining a second citizenship or a residence permit?
Do I want to change my tax residency? Do I want to optimise my taxation policy?
Where do I want to invest?
Is it possible to recoup or make a profit from the initial investment?

In our case studies, you can read about choosing a citizenship or a residence permit program by investment for the whole family.

What is the difference between citizenship, a residence permit and permanent residency?

The residence permit is temporary. As a rule, it is issued for 1 or 2 years and can be renewed as long as certain requirements are met. These requirements differ depending on the holder’s original purpose for obtaining a residence permit.

Several restrictions may be imposed on the holder of a residence permit. For example, they cannot participate in elections, hold public office, look for work in the country, etc.

Permanent residence is granted for life. It gives the holder the same rights as citizens, apart from voting and holding a public office. Renewal of permanent residence cards is required once every 5 years.

Citizenship provides the maximum number of benefits. These include the ability to live in the country without any restrictions, and sometimes, it gives the holder the right to also live in other countries. For example, Maltese citizens can live, work, and study in any EU country. A second passport also grants the freedom of visa-free travel across the globe.

Is there a difference in passports obtained by investment and by naturalisation?

No, there isn’t. A passport obtained by investment is just like the one obtained by naturalisation. There is no difference in the colour of the cover or special marks about the way the holder got their passport.

Investors and naturalised citizens have the same rights. However, if the investor wants to hold a public office or get elected, they must prove they live in the country permanently.

If I get a passport by investment, will it be dual citizenship?

No, as dual citizenship is obtained in only a few cases.

Dual citizenship implies that two countries have a special bilateral agreement and acknowledge the person’s rights and duties in both states. For example, a Spanish citizen can obtain dual citizenship in former Spanish colonies such as Peru or Argentina.

Obtaining a passport by investment leads to second citizenship.

What are my rights after obtaining citizenship or residency by investment?

The residence permit, permanent residency, and citizenship allow the holder to stay in the country for unlimited time or be absent. They also provide access to the state’s healthcare, education, banks, and tax residency.

EU citizens can live, work, and study in any Union country without restrictions, gaining new opportunities for tax optimisation, education, and business development. For example, it applies to Maltese citizens, who can also travel the world without visas.

Caribbean citizens can travel the world visa-free, register companies, and open bank accounts with their Caribbean passports.

What duties arise after obtaining citizenship or residency by investment?

The main duties are obeying the law, following visa and migration rules, and not disturbing public order.

Investors also meet the requirements of the citizenship or residency program. For example, they prove they still own the investment property. Sometimes, there is a condition to spend a specified amount of time in the country or pay taxes.

Will I pay taxes twice after obtaining residency or citizenship by investment?

No, you won’t. Obtaining a residence permit, permanent residency or citizenship by investment does not automatically change your country of tax residency. The choice of where to pay taxes will largely depend on you.

Generally, to become a tax resident in a country, you must reside there for at least 183 days a year.

Special treaties concluded between countries help to avoid double taxation as they specify the rates and opportunities to pay taxes only in one country.

Should I get a Caribbean passport or an EU passport?

The choice heavily depends on your tasks and goals.

An EU passport allows the holder to live, work, and study in any EU country without restrictions, choose a tax residency, and travel the world without visas.

A Caribbean passport is a great travel document, too. The number of visa-free destinations for Caribbean citizens exceeds 140 states, including the Schengen member countries and the UK. The investor can register a company in the country of second citizenship and optimise taxes.

Can I open a bank account and start a business with a second passport?

Yes, you can. In addition, requirements for second passport holders are usually less strict, and the procedures are faster. The reason is that investors pass a thorough Due Diligence before obtaining citizenship, and government authorities and banks can consider the check results.

Can anyone get a passport or a residence permit by investment?

No, not really. Participating in a state citizenship or residency program doesn’t equal “buying your way” to a passport or a residence permit. Each investor has to pass a strict Due Diligence check, and an attempt to conceal information or issues in the past usually leads to refusal.

Answer 10 questions and evaluate your chances to pass Due Diligence for second citizenship or residency.

Do I need an intermediate to apply for citizenship or residency by investment?

Yes, as many governments don’t accept applications from investors directly, only through licensed agents.

An agent regularly undertakes training and accreditations to receive and maintain their government licence. Therefore, such an agent possesses an in-depth knowledge of legislation and procedures and can be trusted.

Immigrant Invest is a licensed Caribbean and EU citizenship and residency program agent.

When do I need to invest, before or after my citizenship or residency application is approved?

Most programs require investing only after the citizenship or residency application is approved.

However, exceptions are possible, depending on the chosen country, program, and investment option. For example, if an investment implies purchasing real estate, at least a preliminary sale and purchase agreement must be submitted with the citizenship or residency application.

Let’s discuss the details

Schedule a meeting at one of the offices or online. A lawyer will analyze the situation, calculate the cost and help you find a solution based on your goals.