Best Second Citizenship Programs by Investment

Citizenship by investment is a legal way to obtain a passport of another country through financial contributions to its economy. Various countries offer such programs, each with its own conditions and requirements. The primary goal of these programs is to attract foreign capital for economic development.

Investors gain visa-free access to numerous countries, tax benefits, and an improved quality of life. The citizenship process takes anywhere from several months to several years, depending on the country. Programs vary in investment amounts, timelines, and additional conditions, making them accessible to a wide range of investors. In this article, we will explore the best countries offering citizenship by investment programs, their conditions, benefits, and key features to help you choose the optimal option for obtaining a second passport.

What You Need to Know About Citizenship by Investment

Citizenship by investment programs allow countries to attract capital to their economies while offering investors a second passport and expanded opportunities. Holders of such citizenship can travel visa-free, optimize taxes, open accounts in international banks, and conduct business on a global scale.

Typically, an application can include not only the investor but also family members such as a spouse, children, and parents. One of the key advantages is the absence of strict residency requirements. In most cases, investors are not required to relocate or pass language tests to obtain a passport.

Citizenship by investment programs offer several investment options:

• A non-refundable contribution to a government fund;
• Purchasing real estate with the possibility of future resale;
• Investments in securities or government bonds.

The required investment amount depends on the country, the chosen option, and the number of applicants included in the application. Each program has its own unique aspects that should be carefully studied before applying. We will help you obtain citizenship through investment and guide you through the entire process, considering your goals and preferences.

List of Countries Offering Citizenship by Investment

For convenience, we have compiled up-to-date information on countries offering citizenship by investment. The table includes the minimum investment amounts and the timeframes for obtaining citizenship.

The choice of country depends on your goals—whether it’s visa-free travel, tax benefits, a comfortable place to live, or business opportunities. We will help you navigate the details of each program and select the best option for you.

Citizenship by Investment in Caribbean Countries

The Caribbean countries—Antigua and Barbuda, Dominica, Grenada, Saint Lucia, and Saint Kitts and Nevis—offer some of the fastest and most affordable citizenship by investment programs. Obtaining citizenship in these countries comes with several advantages:

1. Visa-free entry to over 152 countries, including the UK and the Schengen Zone.
2. Minimum investment starting at $200,000.
3. Fast processing—citizenship can be obtained within six months.
4. No residency requirements before or after obtaining the passport.
5. Tax benefits for new citizens.

The required investment amount varies by country:

• Antigua and Barbuda – from $230,000;
• Dominica – from $200,000;
• Saint Lucia – from $240,000;
• Grenada – from $235,000;
• Saint Kitts and Nevis – from $250,000.

Caribbean passports are ideal for those seeking visa-free travel, tax optimization, and international business opportunities.

Citizenship by Investment in Vanuatu

Vanuatu offers one of the fastest citizenship by investment programs. Investors are attracted by the quick passport processing, visa-free travel options, and tax benefits. Additionally, Vanuatu allows dual citizenship, meaning investors are not required to renounce their original nationality.

To obtain citizenship, an investor must make a non-refundable contribution to the National Development Fund—starting at $130,000—or invest in the CNO FUTURE FUND for coconut oil production, requiring a $157,000 investment with the potential to earn returns. The required amount depends on the number of applicants. Citizenship can be obtained in as little as two months, making it one of the fastest programs in the world.

Eligible investors must:

• have no criminal record;
• be in good health.

Applicants may include:

• a spouse;
• children under 18;
• children aged 18–25 if financially dependent on the main applicant;
• parents over 50 years old.

Citizenship by Investment in Egypt

Investors can obtain an Egyptian passport, which provides visa-free access to 82 countries, the ability to conduct business, live, and work in Egypt, and the opportunity to apply for a U.S. E-2 visa. Dual citizenship is allowed, and the status is passed down to children by birthright.

Investment options include:

1. Non-refundable contribution to the program’s government account – $250,000.
2. Real estate purchase – from $300,000.
3. Investment in a business project – from $350,000.
4. Interest-free deposit in an Egyptian bank – $500,000.

Additionally, investors must pay a $10,000 government fee. Eligible applicants must:

• have a legal source of income;
• have no criminal record;
• be in good health.

The application may include a spouse (or multiple spouses) and children under 21 if they are unmarried.

Citizenship by Investment in Turkey

Turkey offers citizenship by investment without residency or language requirements. The processing time is approximately eight months. A Turkish passport provides visa-free or simplified entry to 125 countries. While a visa is required for the U.S. and the Schengen Zone, Turkish citizens can apply for a five-year Schengen visa and a U.S. E-2 business visa.

Investors can choose from five investment options:

1. Real estate purchase – from $400,000 (residential or commercial property; resale is allowed after three years).
2. Bank deposit – from $500,000 (funds must remain in the bank for at least three years).
3. Business investment – from $500,000 in a Turkish company’s capital.
4. Government bonds – from $500,000, with a three-year holding period.
5. Investment fund shares – from $500,000.

Eligible applicants must be over 18, have legal income, and a clean criminal record. The application may include a spouse and children under 18. The investment amount remains the same regardless of family size. Turkey allows dual citizenship, meaning investors can retain their original passport unless restricted by their home country.

Malta Citizenship by Investment

Malta offers the opportunity to obtain citizenship through naturalization for exceptional services based on direct investments. This process takes either 1 or 3 years after obtaining residency status. Maltese citizens can live and work in any EU or Schengen country, travel visa-free to over 165 countries, and conduct business within the European Union. The key advantage for business is the ability to register a company in any EU country and operate without restrictions.

To obtain a Maltese passport, an investor must meet three mandatory requirements:

1. Contribution to the National Development Fund: €600,000 if the applicant maintains residency status for 3 years or €750,000 if citizenship is requested after 1 year. An additional €50,000 is required for each dependent family member.
2. Charitable Donation: €10,000 to a non-governmental organization.
3. Purchase or Rental of Property: Purchasing property worth at least €700,000, which must be held for at least 5 years, or renting a property for an initial period of 1 or 3 years at €12,000 per year, followed by a new lease agreement for 5 years at a minimum of €16,000 per year.

The applicant must be an adult with no criminal record, no ongoing criminal proceedings, and no sanctions. Additionally, the applicant must not have had visa refusals from countries that have a visa-free regime with Malta.

Eligible family members:

• the investor’s spouse;
• children under 18, including those from previous marriages;
• children aged 18–29, provided they are unmarried and financially dependent on the investor.

Malta allows dual citizenship, so investors do not have to renounce their original passport if their home country also permits dual nationality.

Reasons to Obtain Citizenship by Investment

The primary reasons for obtaining second citizenship depend on the investor’s individual goals:

• freedom of movement;
• tax benefits;
• the ability to conduct business in other countries;
• improved quality of life and security for the family.

A second passport also allows for risk diversification and securing the future for children. Many programs do not require permanent residency, making them convenient for active investors.

Having a second passport opens access to new markets and opportunities, which is especially valuable for businesspeople and entrepreneurs.

Main Reasons for Denial

All citizenship-by-investment programs include a thorough background check of applicants. Countries carefully analyze an investor’s financial and personal history to eliminate potential risks.

Common reasons for rejection include:

1. Illegal or unverified income. Funds for investment must have a transparent source.
2. Providing false information or forged documents.
3. Criminal record or concealment of criminal history.
4. Fraudulent marriage, adoption, or employment.
5. Attempting to bypass immigration laws through fake visas or educational programs.
6. National security threats or reputational risks to the country.
7. Failure to meet the program’s conditions.

Some countries impose additional restrictions, such as refusing applications from individuals with serious health conditions or from citizens of specific countries.

It is crucial to prepare documents carefully and comply with all program requirements. To avoid rejection, applicants must provide accurate information. You can contact us, and our agents will help ensure that your application meets all program requirements and that the documents are properly prepared.

Is Dual Citizenship Allowed?

Most countries offering citizenship by investment allow dual citizenship. However, it is essential to verify this in each specific case. In some situations, notifying the home country about the second citizenship may be required.

Key Aspects of Available Programs

Citizenship-by-investment programs vary in terms of conditions, timelines, and requirements, allowing investors to choose the best option based on their goals and budget. Each country offers unique benefits, such as visa-free travel, tax advantages, or business opportunities. When selecting a program, it is important to consider not only the cost but also long-term benefits, such as business prospects and quality of life.

Some countries allow investors to obtain citizenship remotely without a personal visit, significantly simplifying the process. Contact us for a detailed consultation—we will help you choose the best program based on your goals and financial capabilities and will guide you through every step of obtaining citizenship.