Which countries offer citizenship by investment?

A citizenship by investment (CBI) country offers foreign nationals the opportunity to obtain a second passport by making a qualifying economic contribution. These programs are highly attractive for expats, investors, and high-net-worth individuals who want to improve their global mobility, financial planning, and family security. By acquiring a second citizenship, individuals gain access to visa-free travel, favorable tax regimes, and a backup plan in case of political or economic instability in their home country. Today, many countries across the Caribbean, Europe, and other regions offer these programs. While each one has its own rules, the process generally involves an investment in real estate, a government donation, or a capital transfer. Successful applicants often extend the benefits to their spouses, children, and dependent parents.

Key takeaways

More than 100 countries around the world offer a citizenship by investment program.
Investment amounts generally start at USD 100,000, with processing times ranging from 2 to 12 months.
Countries offering some of the most reliable programs include Saint Lucia, Antigua and Barbuda, Malta, and Egypt.
This is one of the fastest ways to obtain a second passport. It can make travel easier, as some passports allow access to more than 140 countries without a visa.
A second citizenship may also provide access to a more favorable tax policy.
Citizenship by investment should not be confused with a Golden Visa, which is a long-term residence permit rather than nationality, such as those offered in Spain, Greece, or the United Arab Emirates.

How citizenship by investment programs work

A CBI program allows you to acquire citizenship in exchange for an economic investment.

Typical investment routes include:

Government donation: A non-refundable contribution to a national development or economic diversification fund
Real estate purchase: Buying approved properties, often with a minimum holding period of 3–5 years before resale
Business or enterprise investment: Supporting job creation or strategic industries in the host country
Government bonds or capital transfer: Placing funds in state-approved accounts for a fixed term

Most countries also require:

Clean criminal record
Proof of legal funds
Health and background checks
In some cases, brief residency or a physical visit

Once approved, citizenship is permanent, and the investor can live, work, and travel freely according to the new nationality’s rights.

Benefits of a second citizenship

A second passport offers both personal and professional advantages. The main reasons investors choose CBI programs include:

Global mobility: Visa-free access to Schengen Area, the UK, Singapore, Hong Kong, and in some cases 190+ destinations
Tax and financial planning: Many CBI countries are low-tax or tax-free for foreign-sourced income, capital gains, and inheritance
Family security: Citizenship is passed to spouses, children, and sometimes parents, providing education and healthcare opportunities abroad
Business and investment opportunities: Easier company incorporation, banking, and access to new markets; some countries, like Grenada, allow applicants to apply for the US E-2 Investor Visa

Top CBI countries

St Kitts and Nevis

St Kitts and Nevis is the oldest and most reputable CBI program, established in 1984. Investment starts at $150,000 for a government donation or $200,000 for real estate. It offers visa-free access to over 160 countries, including the UK and Schengen Area. Processing typically takes 3–6 months, with no residency requirement. This country is considered the gold standard for Caribbean citizenship due to its stable economy and strong passport.

Antigua and Barbuda

Antigua and Barbuda is known for its affordable entry point and family-friendly approach. Minimum investment starts at $100,000 donation or $200,000 real estate. Applicants must spend 5 days in the country within 5 years to maintain their passport. The program offers visa-free access to 150+ countries and is especially suitable for large families, as dependent children and parents can be included at a low cost.

Dominica

A palm tree at a beach surrounded by greenery and the sea under the sunlight in Praslin in Seychelles

The Commonwealth of Dominica is famous for its low cost and efficient processing. Investors can contribute $100,000 to the government fund or buy real estate worth $200,000. This passport grants visa-free access to 140+ countries, including China, which is a unique advantage. With an approval time of around 3 months, it is one of the fastest CBI programs worldwide.

Grenada

Noen nangphaya view point in Chanthaburi, Thailand.

Grenada is unique because it has an E-2 Visa treaty with the US, allowing its citizens to apply for a business visa in the United States. The minimum donation is $150,000, and the real estate option requires $220,000. It offers visa-free travel to 140+ destinations, including China and Russia, and is ideal for entrepreneurs and frequent travelers.

Saint Lucia

Colorful beach in St John, Virgin Island.

Saint Lucia launched its program in 2016 and quickly became competitive. It allows donations, real estate purchases, or government bond investments. The passport provides visa-free access to 145+ countries, and applications are typically approved in 3–4 months. Families appreciate the flexibility of including dependents, while investors enjoy low maintenance requirements.

Vanuatu

Located in the South Pacific, Vanuatu offers one of the fastest citizenship approvals in the world. A $130,000 donation for a single applicant is sufficient, and approval is often completed in 2 months. The passport provides access to more than 130 destinations and is highly valued for tax planning, offshore banking, and international mobility.

Malta

Malta is one of the most prestigious CBI options in the world. It requires a combination of donation (€700,000+), real estate, and bonds, with a processing time of 12–14 months. Maltese citizenship provides full EU rights, visa-free travel to 180+ destinations, and the right to live and work anywhere in the European Union. Due to its rigorous due diligence, Malta is considered a premium option for wealthy investors.

Portugal

Although technically a residency-by-investment program, Portugal is among the most popular countries for obtaining residency and, eventually, citizenship. Investors can acquire residency with a real estate investment from €280,000 or capital transfer. Citizenship is possible after 5 years of residency, even with minimal time spent in the country. Portugal offers visa-free travel to 190+ countries, a high quality of life, and EU market access.

Turkey

Turkey is a fast-track CBI country that bridges Europe and Asia. Applicants can qualify with a real estate purchase of $400,000 or a bank deposit. The Turkish passport provides 110+ visa-free destinations, and citizens may later pursue E-2 US Visa eligibility via treaty countries. Processing takes 3–6 months, making it ideal for investors seeking speed and business opportunities.

Jordan and Egypt

Both Jordan and Egypt focus on regional investors. Jordan requires an investment of $750,000+ in banks or businesses, while Egypt allows citizenship with a $250,000 deposit or donation. These passports provide limited visa-free travel, but they are strategic for local business expansion and residency purposes.

Argentina

Argentina’s citizenship by investment program is very recent, with a pre-launch phase in September 2026. Full details of the final regulations are still being developed. The minimum investment amount has not yet been confirmed, but could be USD 500,000.

Other countries, with more complex or less competitive programs

Austria : officially, Austria does not have a citizenship by investment program, but it does offer a discretionary route (a framework in which the authorities have broad decision-making power). This can grant Austrian citizenship to someone who has made a positive contribution to the country’s economy, generally through an investment of EUR 10 million, such as job creation or innovation.
El Salvador: El Salvador’s CBI program is one of the most unusual among the countries that offer one. It is possible to obtain Salvadoran citizenship by making a USD 1 million donation to the government in Bitcoin.
Nauru : this island state in the Pacific Ocean, located south of the equator, grants citizenship to applicants who make a non-refundable donation of USD 90,000 to USD 105,000, depending on the case.

Summary table of top CBI countries

Country	Investment options	Minimum investment	Visa-free destinations	Processing time
Saint Kitts and Nevis	Donation or real estate	USD 150,000 / 200,000	160	3 to 6 months
Antigua and Barbuda	Donation or real estate	USD 100,000 / 200,000	150	3 to 4 months
Dominica	Donation or real estate	USD 100,000 / 200,000	140	3 months
Grenada	Donation or real estate	USD 150,000 / 220,000	140	4 to 6 months
Saint Lucia	Donation or real estate	USD 100,000 / 300,000	145	3 to 4 months
Vanuatu	Donation	USD 130,000	130	2 months
Malta	Donation + real estate + bonds	EUR 700,000	180	12 to 14 months
Portugal (Golden Visa)	Real estate, capital transfer or job creation	EUR 280,000	190+ (EU travel)	6 to 12 months (res.)
Turkey	Real estate or capital investment	USD 400,000	110	3 to 6 months
Jordan	Bank deposit or business investment	USD 750,000+	50	12 months
Egypt	Bank deposit or government donation	USD 250,000 and above	50	6 to 12 months
Argentina	Details forthcoming	USD 500,000 (to be confirmed)		Details forthcoming

Conclusion

The choice of country for obtaining citizenship by investment depends on your budget, mobility goals, family needs, and tax strategy. Caribbean programs are positioned as fast and affordable solutions, while European programs offer prestige and access to the EU. A second citizenship is not just a passport, but a long-term investment in freedom, security, and global opportunities.