Which countries offer citizenship by investment?
Discover the potential of becoming a citizen of another country and how it can open up new opportunities for you and your family. Our guide provides a comprehensive overview of which countries offer citizenship by investment, helping you make an informed decision.
Free ConsultationIn recent decades, the number of countries offering citizenship by investment has grown exponentially, opening up exciting new possibilities for global mobility and financial security.
These schemes are often aimed at high-net-worth individuals (HNWIs), allowing them to secure citizenship and a second passport by investing or donating to a country’s economy.
This guide explores which countries offer citizenship by investment (CBI) and provides an overview of each country’s requirements.
What is citizenship by investment?
Citizenship by investment, or CBI for short, does exactly what it says on the tin.
These government-run schemes allow foreign nationals to become citizens in a new host country. The investor must meet the programme’s minimum investment requirement as well as other criteria.
The concept of CBI is not a recent development. In fact, it dates back to 1984 when St. Kitts and Nevis pioneered the world’s first CBI programme, setting a precedent for many other countries to follow.
The benefits of CBI
Unlike residents, citizens have full rights in a country. CBI programmes allow investors to access a wide array of benefits.
While different programmes offer different benefits, some of the common advantages of CBI programmes include:
- Greater global mobility with visa-free travel
- Potential tax benefits
- Enhanced business opportunities
- Access to social benefits, such as education and healthcare
- The ultimate plan B for you and your family
To learn more, read our article on the benefits of citizenship by investment.
Which countries offer citizenship by investment?
Since the first CBI programme was launched in 1984, the demand for these schemes has increased due to their growing popularity. Today, countries around the world offer CBI schemes.
Some of the main citizenship by investment countries include:
Antigua & Barbuda
The Antigua & Barbuda CBI scheme allows investors to gain Caribbean citizenship. It has established itself as one of the most popular CBI programmes in the world.
A non-refundable minimum contribution of $100,000 is required. The scheme also offers a real estate investment option starting at $200,000. Prices are expected to increase from August 2024.
Dominica
Introduced in 1993, the Dominica CBI scheme is one of the world’s longest-running programmes.
The minimum investment amount for government-approved real estate projects is $200,000. The other option is to donate $200,000 to the country’s Economic Diversification Fund (EDF) or $250,000 for a family of four.
The Dominica CBI scheme also offers a quick and straightforward application process.
Grenada
The Grenada CBI programme was launched in 2013 and offers two routes for investors to secure Caribbean citizenship.
The first is a minimum donation of $235,000 to the country’s National Transformation Fund (NTF). The second is a real estate option with a minimum investment of $270,000.
Like other Caribbean countries, the Grenada CBI scheme’s processing time is quick, taking two to five months.
Malta
The Malta CBI programme could be the solution for those looking for EU citizenship by investment.
Launched in 2020, the Malta CBI scheme offers a route to a European passport and citizenship in a European Union (EU) country.
On average, processing times are between two and three months, and the minimum investment amount is €888,000.
St. Kitts and Nevis
St. Kitts and Nevis was the first country to offer citizenship by investment back in 1984.
Successful applicants benefit from enhanced travel, quick processing time, and the ability to fast-track their application.
The minimum donation to the Sustainable Island State Contribution (SISC) is $250,000. Alternatively, you can invest at least $400,000 in a government-approved real estate project.
St. Lucia
Launched in 2015, the St. Lucia CBI programme offers more investment options than many other citizenship schemes. These options include non-refundable contributions, real estate and business investments, and government bonds.
The minimum amount needed is $240,000 in the form of a donation to the National Economic Fund (NEF).
The island country also offers a real estate option with investments starting at $300,000.
Turkey
Turkey is the bridge between Asia and Europe. In 2017, the country launched its CBI programme, which offers investors numerous benefits.
Benefits include access to a European passport and several ways to invest. The country also has an E-2 Visa treaty with the United States, meaning Turkish citizens can apply for an E-2 Visa.
The minimum investment amount is $400,000. This is in Turkish real estate, and investments can be made in a single property or spread across multiple properties.
Vanuatu
The Vanuatu Citizenship by Investment scheme, also known as the Vanuatu Development Support Program (DSP), was launched in 2017.
Investors can obtain citizenship by making a non-refundable contribution to the National Development Fund (NDF). The minimum is $130,000 for a single applicant or $150,000 for a married couple. Be aware that the cost increases the more people you add to your application.
The South Pacific island country offers one of the quickest and most straightforward routes to second citizenship in the world. On average, processing times are between one and two months.
Why do countries offer citizenship by investment?
We have already examined the benefits of CBI from the investor’s perspective, but how does the country benefit from these schemes?
Like residency by investment (RBI), CBI is mutually beneficial for both the investor and the host country.
Countries offer CBI to attract foreign investment. These investments can help with the country’s economic development and funnel funds into areas that need them most.
How Holborn can help you secure citizenship
Today, countries around the world offer citizenship by investment schemes. The route, cost and time it takes to become a citizen differ with each programme.
With so many options, knowing which is right for you can be challenging. Use our comparison tool to compare programmes. Alternatively, speak to one of our specialists.
Holborn Pass is an international leader in investor visas and a part of the wider Holborn Assets Group. Our experienced team offers a bespoke, end-to-end service and tailored advice to support your needs.
We have successfully helped hundreds of people and their families secure golden visas and citizenship. Book a consultation with one of our advisers to find out how we can help you secure yours.
Frequently asked questions
Many countries around the world offer CBI schemes. While most are found in Caribbean countries, EU citizenship by investment is also possible.
The processing time varies by country. The CBI process can take anywhere from three to several years. Caribbean nations typically offer the fastest route, whereas EU citizenship by investment can take longer.
Most programmes allow applicants to include their spouse and dependent children. In some cases, dependent parents or grandparents can also be included. However, additional fees apply when adding family members.
The cost of CBI programmes varies from country to country and depends on several factors. For example, the investment option and the number of family members you add to your application can all affect the cost. For a more accurate idea of CBI costs, speak to one of our experts, who can advise based on your situation and needs.
As the name suggests, citizenship by investment (CBI) allows investors to become citizens of a country. Meanwhile, residency by investment (RBI) grants residency status. While there is some crossover in terms of the benefits, citizens have full rights in a country, including the ability to get a passport.
Read our guide on the difference between residency and citizenship to learn more.