Top 6 Most Popular Countries Granting Citizenship by Investment
Estimated reading time 2 minutes
Citizenship by Investment (CBI) programs have gained significant popularity among high net worth individuals seeking global mobility, job opportunities and personal security.
Benefits of Getting a Second Passport by Investment
There are many benefits to obtaining a second passport. Let’s explore some of them below:
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Enhanced security: When you get a second passport from a more stable country, you can plan for the safety and stability of you and your family.
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Financial flexibility: By investing in a foreign country and obtaining a second passport, you can create an environment for risk diversification and wealth protection.
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Improved quality of life: Depending on the country where you obtained your second citizenship, you may have access to superior health, education and other services.
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Movement freedom: Once you have a second citizenship, you can have more freedom.
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Property ownership: Owning property in your home country or a second country is always an advantage.
Here we explore the 6 most popular countries for CBI programs, although some go by other names.
1. Kitts ve Nevis
St. Kitts and Nevis is often considered the pioneer of CBI programs, having launched the first such program in 1984. Here, applicants for citizenship have two main investment options:
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Contribution to the Sustainable Growth Fund (SGF): A non-refundable contribution starting at $150,000 for a single applicant.
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Real Estate Investment: Purchase of government-approved real estate worth at least $200,000. The property must be held for at least seven years.
2. Dominica
Dominica’s CBI program is known as one of the most affordable and efficient. Applicants can choose from the following:
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Economic Diversification Fund (EDF) Grant: A non-refundable contribution of $100,000 for a single applicant.
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Real Estate Investment: A minimum investment of $200,000 in an approved real estate property and a three-year holding period is required.
Processing usually takes 3-4 months and the program offers visa-free access to over 140 countries.
3. Malta
Malta’s Individual Investor Program (IIP) is one of the most prestigious and expensive CBI programs in Europe. Investment requirements include:
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Contribution to the National Development and Social Fund (NDSF): Minimum 650.000 euro worth of investment.
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Real Estate Investment: Buying property worth at least €350,000 or renting a property with an annual rent of at least €16,000, both for at least five years.
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Government Bonds: Investment of EUR 150,000 in financial instruments approved by the government.
The total process takes approximately 12-14 months.
4. Portugal
Portugal offers a “Golden Visa” program that provides residency with a pathway to citizenship. Investment options include:
- Real Estate Investment: Property worth at least €500,000. This can be reduced to €350,000 if investing in properties over 30 years old or in designated renovation areas.
- Capital Transfer: Transfer of at least €1 million to a bank account in Portugal.
- Business Investment: Creation of at least 10 jobs in Portugal.
Citizenship can be applied for after five years of residence.
5. Turkiye
Turkiye’s CBI program is popular due to its relatively low cost and fast processing times. The main investment routes are:
- Real Estate Investment: Purchase property worth at least $400,000 with a three-year holding period.
- Bank Deposits: Deposit $500,000 in a Turkish bank for at least three years.
Citizenship is usually granted within 6-8 months and allows visa-free travel to 110 countries.
7. USA
There is no direct Citizenship by Investment (CBI) program in the United States, as there is in countries such as St. Kitts and Nevis or Malta.
However, the US does have the EB-5 Immigrant Investor Program, which provides a pathway to obtaining a green card (permanent residence) and ultimately citizenship through investment.
Here is how it works:
The EB-5 Immigrant Investor Program offers foreign investors a path to US citizenship through investment that creates at least 10 jobs or a minimum investment of $1,050,000 (or $800,000 in Targeted Employment Areas).
Investors are issued a conditional green card, which can lead to permanent residency and, after five years, to US citizenship through naturalization.
Citizenship by investment offers a unique path to global mobility and financial diversification. While costs and benefits vary by country, each program offers a strategic opportunity for investors seeking new opportunities and security in a globalized world.
