Introduction
For many high-net-worth individuals (HNWIs), having dual citizenship has become a key part of their risk management and family planning strategy. With political instability, the introduction of stricter tax rules, tighter banking compliance, and remote-friendly business models, more and more investors and HNWIs are researching the easiest countries to get citizenship through investment and immigration programs.
By obtaining a second passport, HNWIs and investors can put in place a structured plan that supports global mobility, tax planning, business expansion, and long-term family security across generations.
To achieve this goal, several legal options are available, each with different timelines, costs, and involvement. Some programs prioritise speed and predictability. Others focus on EU market access, or cost efficiency through citizenship by descent. Understanding how these work and what is required is very important when selecting the right program that suits each applicant’s needs and requirements.
With over 30 years of experience and more than 20 offices worldwide, Harvey Law Group advises globally mobile clients on investment immigration, citizenship, and residency planning across multiple jurisdictions.
TOP 4 WAYS OF GETTING A SECOND CITIZENSHIP
In 2026, obtaining a second citizenship can be achieved through several legal pathways, each suited to different timelines, budgets, and lifestyle plans. For some clients, the easiest country to get citizenship is the one offering a reputable citizenship by investment route that can be completed in under a year. For others, the “easiest” route is reclaiming EU citizenship that their family may already be entitled to.
Understanding all available options helps the applicant to determine which program is most suitable for their individual needs and requirements, as no two applications are the same.
1. Citizenship by Investment (CBI)
Citizenship by investment is the most direct option for a second passport. Citizenship by Investment allows applicants to make a qualifying economic contribution, usually through a non-refundable government fund donation or approved real estate investment, in return for full citizenship.
One significant advantage of most CBI programs is that they do not require physical residence in the country of application as part of the application requirements. This freedom makes CBI programs attractive to those who cannot or do not want to relocate. Family inclusion is standard, often covering spouses, dependent children, and in some cases parents or siblings. This means that CBI programs can be a great option for legacy planning.
Read Also: Citizenship by Donation: A Smart Path to Second Nationality
2. Citizenship by Birthplace (Jus Soli)
Citizenship by birthplace is granted when a child is born in a country that follows the “jus soli” principle, meaning citizenship is automatically granted based on birth within that territory, regardless of the parents’ status.
Citizenship by Birthplace can be relevant for families thinking about long-term legacy planning, particularly when considering where future children or grandchildren may be born.
3. Citizenship by Descent (Ancestry)
Citizenship by ancestry, or citizenship by descent based on “jus sanguinis” allows individuals to claim citizenship where they can prove an ancestral connection to the country of application.
For eligible applicants, Citizenship by Descent is often the most cost-effective option among the easiest countries to get citizenship. Instead of investing hundreds of thousands of dollars for a qualifying investment, clients pay legal fees and document costs to establish an unbroken lineage and satisfy the state that no ancestor renounced citizenship in a way that breaks the chain.
4. Citizenship through Naturalization
Citizenship by naturalization is where applicants can achieve citizenship through living in a country for a specified number of years, integrating into society, and then applying for citizenship. Citizenship by naturalization often requires five to ten years of residence, a language test, and sometimes culture or civics exams.
Naturalization is usually the lowest direct-cost route to citizenship, but it is also the slowest and requires genuine relocation. For business owners and investors, the opportunity cost of spending several years resident in a single country can be significant.
WAYS TO GET CITIZENSHIP: COMPARISON TABLE
| Route | Based On | Stay Requirement | Language Test | Timeline | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| CBI (Direct) | Citizenship by investment contribution | Minimal or none | Rarely | 3 – 12 months | Busy executives, urgent global mobility needs |
| Golden Visa → Citizenship | Investment plus residency | Usually 7 – 14 days per year | Yes, for citizenship | 5 – 10 years | EU access, tax planning, future European passport |
| Citizenship by Descent | Citizenship by descent / ancestral bloodline | None | Rarely | 1 – 3 years | Cost-conscious HNWIs with European ancestry |
| Naturalization | Years of residence | Continuous residence | Yes | 5 – 10+ years | Genuine relocation or retirement plans |
THE EASIEST COUNTRIES TO IMMIGRATE TO: RESIDENCY BY INVESTMENT ROUTE
Golden Visa and residency-by-investment programs offer another option for HNWIs who wish to relocate abroad. Golden visa programs do not provide immediate citizenship like direct citizenship by investment programs. However, they do offer long-term residency that can lead to citizenship later if the required conditions are met. Another advantage of Golden Visas is that the programs often have minimal physical presence requirements as well.
For many HNWIs, particularly those focused on EU market access and tax planning, this route is more aligned with immediate needs.
Residency by Investment programs usually require making a significant qualifying investment in areas such as real estate purchase, investment fund subscription, or other qualifying investment.
Over time, maintaining residency and meeting language and integration requirements can lead to European citizenship. For clients comparing the easiest EU country to get citizenship, these golden visa structures are often the starting point.
1. Portugal Golden Visa – Most Popular with Americans and British Citizens
The Portugal Golden Visa remains one of the most flexible EU residence programs, even after the 2023 changes to the program that removed standard real estate from the qualifying options.
Current investment options include a minimum of EUR 500,000 in a qualified investment fund with a focus on capital preservation, or cultural and scientific contributions starting from EUR 250,000 in approved low-density regions.
After receiving approval, applicants will receive an initial residency permit that is usually valid for two years and then renewed. Successful applicants must spend a minimum of 7 days in the first year, then average 7 days annually afterward to maintain their residency status.
Citizenship becomes available after five years of residency, provided the investment is maintained and the applicant passes the basic A2 Portuguese language exam. Portugal allows dual citizenship, which makes the program appealing for applicants seeking EU citizenship while keeping their original nationality.
2. Greece Golden Visa – Best Value EU Access
Greece’s Golden Visa remains one of Europe’s most popular residency-by-investment options, offering non-EU nationals a five-year renewable EU residence permit through qualifying real estate investments. After the major reforms introduced in 2024, the program now emphasises higher-value investment tiers aimed at reducing speculative buying and protecting local housing availability.
Since 2024, Greece has adopted a tiered investment system. The previous €250,000 minimum now applies only in specific cases, such as converting commercial buildings into residential units or restoring listed historic properties. For most locations, the standard threshold is €400,000, while premium areas including Athens, Thessaloniki, Mykonos, and Santorini require €800,000. These amounts apply per property rather than per applicant, and the investment must be made in a single asset.
There is also a path to citizenship, but it comes with strict eligibility requirements. Applicants must live in Greece for at least 183 days per year over seven consecutive years and successfully complete Greek language and cultural knowledge examinations.
This balance between easy residency and more demanding citizenship means the Greek program is ideal for investors wanting European residency and Schengen travel, while keeping open the option of citizenship later. For many, it is one of the easiest EU country entry points at the residency stage, particularly compared with traditional immigration.
Read Also: Greece Investment Visa Hits $2.5B: What HNWIs Need to Know
3. Malta Permanent Residency Program
The Malta Permanent Residence Program (MPRP), commonly known as Malta’s Golden Visa, offers non-EU nationals the opportunity to obtain permanent residency through a qualifying investment.
Launched in 2021, the program aims to attract foreign investment and support Malta’s economic development while giving applicants a stable, long-term base within the European Union.
To be eligible for the MPRP, applicants must either purchase real estate in Malta with a minimum value of €375,000 or lease property for at least €14,000 per year, both of which must be maintained for five years.
In addition to the real estate investment, applicants must:
- Make a government contribution of €37,000,
- donate €2,000 to a registered Maltese NGO, and;
- pay a non-refundable administration fee of €60,000 (covering the main applicant, spouse and minor children).
Although the Malta MPRP grants permanent residency rather than citizenship, it can still lead to naturalization if certain conditions are met. Applicants must reside in Malta continuously for 12 months immediately before applying and must also have accumulated at least four years of residence during the previous six years.
4. Italy Golden Visa
Italy offers several residency pathways for foreign investors or HNWIs who want to live in the country. While it does not have a traditional Golden Visa, it provides two routes that can lead to long-term residency and eventual citizenship: the Investor Visa and the Elective Residency Visa.
Investor Visa (Italy’s Investment Residency Program)
The Italy Investor Visa is aimed at non-EU/EEA nationals who are at least 18 years old, have a clean criminal record, can show legal ownership of sufficient funds, and hold private health insurance.
Applicants must choose one of four investment options:
- €250,000 in an Italian innovative startup,
- €500,000 in a qualifying Italian company,
- €1 million in a philanthropic donation supporting public interest projects, or;
- €2 million in government bonds.
The visa is initially valid for two years and can be extended for three more years at a time.
Although there is no minimum physical stay requirement, the investment must be maintained throughout the permit’s validity. Permanent residency can be applied for after five years, and citizenship after ten.
Elective Residency Visa (“Italy Retirement Visa”)
Italy’s Elective Residency visa is designed for financially independent individuals who want to live in Italy without engaging in any employment or commercial activity.
Applicants are required to provide proof of passive income from sources like pensions, rental income, or investments.
The official minimum amount of passive income is around €31,000 per year for a single applicant, but most consulates expect a figure closer to €100,000.
Applicants must also demonstrate long-term accommodation, hold health insurance, and provide clean background checks.
The visa is typically issued for one or two years and is renewable. Permanent residency is possible after five years of continuous residence, with the option to apply for citizenship after ten years.
5. Hungary Golden Visa
Hungary reintroduced its residency-by-investment scheme on July 1, 2024, under the name Guest Investor Program (GIP). The program offers a 10-year residence permit to non-EU/EEA nationals in exchange for a qualifying investment.
The Hungary Golden Visa is designed to attract long-term capital and promote economic development, particularly in the real estate and education sectors.
Investment Routes
There are two primary options for applicants:
- Fund Investment: Invest €250,000 in a government-approved real estate fund, with at least 40% of the fund’s assets allocated to Hungarian residential property. The investment must be held for at least five years.
- Donation: Make a €1 million non-refundable contribution to a Hungarian public trust that supports higher education. This option has no holding period.
A previous option allowing direct real estate investment of €500,000 was discontinued as of January 15, 2025.
Successful applicants receive a 10-year renewable residence permit, granting the right to live, work, and study in Hungary. The permit also allows visa-free travel within the Schengen Area for up to 90 days within any 180-day period.
After five years of legal residence under the Guest Investor Program, applicants may apply for permanent residency.
Citizenship may be available after eight years of continuous legal residence, subject to passing a Hungarian language and cultural knowledge exam.
6. Cyprus Permanent Residency
Cyprus Permanent Residency by Investment offers non-EU/EEA nationals a direct route to indefinite residency in Cyprus in exchange for a qualifying investment.
Under the programme, applicants must make a minimum investment of €300,000 in qualifying assets, which can include real estate (residential or commercial), shares in a Cyprus-registered company, units in collective investment funds, or similar approved investment channels. Applicants must also demonstrate a secured annual income of at least €50,000 from outside Cyprus and meet standard background checks.
Successful applicants and their families are granted permanent residency status, which does not expire and can be maintained with minimal visits to Cyprus, typically one visit every two years to maintain status.
While the programme does not provide immediate citizenship, permanent residents may become eligible to apply for Cypriot citizenship through naturalisation after five years of continuous residence within an eight-year period, subject to the standard legal requirements.
Golden Visa Comparison Table
| Country | Min. Investment (approx.) | Stay Requirement (for residency) | Path to Citizenship | Key Appeal |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Portugal | EUR 250k–500k in funds or cultural projects | 7 days per year on average | 5 years residency + A2 language test | Flexible EU route to citizenship, moderate stay |
| Greece | EUR 400k–800k real estate (from 250k in special projects) | No minimum stay for residency | 7 years with 183+ days per year + exams | Low entry at residency stage, strong EU base |
| Malta | Property purchase 375k or 14k/year rent + c. 99k in fees/contrib | No minimum stay for permanent residency | Naturalisation under standard rules | Permanent EU residency, English speaking |
| Hungary | EUR 250k fund investment or 1m donation | No minimum stay | Eligible from c. 8 years residence | 10-year permit, flexible residence profile |
| Cyprus | EUR 300k qualifying investment | Visit at least once every 2 years | 5 years of residence within 8 years | EU base with favourable tax regime |
EASIEST COUNTRIES TO GET CITIZENSHIP BY INVESTMENT
Caribbean citizenship by investment programs are widely considered as the leading options for CBI and offer similar benefits and application processes.
Caribbean CBI programs offer applicants many advantages and benefits that can help investors. Depending on the desired country and their program, successful applicants are eligible for:
- Visa-free or visa-on-arrival access to more than 140 countries
- No income tax on foreign-sourced income
- The right to live, work, and do business in the country
- Lifetime citizenship that can be passed to down to their family members
1. Antigua & Barbuda
Antigua and Barbuda’s Citizenship by Investment (CBI) Program has become a top choice for investors who have families seeking second citizenship in the Caribbean. Known for its family-friendly structure and straightforward application process, the program offers one of the most affordable routes to citizenship for families.
Antigua and Barbuda allows applicants to include a wide range of dependents under one application, including spouses, children, parents, grandparents, and unmarried siblings.
Applicants can choose from the following investment options:
National Development Fund (NDF) Contribution
The NDF is a non-refundable contribution of USD 230,000 to a government fund that supports public-private partnerships and national development initiatives in Antigua and Barbuda.
Real Estate Investment Option
Under this option, applicants must invest in government-approved real estate with a minimum value of USD 300,000. Properties must be held for at least five years, or replaced with another approved property if sold earlier.
Eligible projects include luxury resorts, branded residences, and boutique developments. This route is ideal for those seeking a tangible asset alongside second citizenship.
Read Also: Antigua and Barbuda Real Estate Investment Guide 2026
University of the West Indies (UWI) Fund Option
Designed for families of six or more, this option allows applicants to make a non-refundable contribution of USD 260,000 to the UWI Fund. It includes one year of tuition-free study for one family member at the University of the West Indies.
Business Investment Option
This route allows applicants to invest in an approved business within Antigua and Barbuda. The required investment is either:
- USD 1.5 million as a sole investor
- USD 400,000 per applicant in a joint investment totaling at least USD 5 million
The Citizenship by Investment Unit (CIU) reviews and approves qualifying business proposals in sectors such as tourism, agriculture, and IT.
2. St. Kitts & Nevis – Oldest Program (1984)
Launched in 1984, St. Kitts and Nevis offers the world’s first Citizenship by Investment program and remains one of the most reliable and well-regarded options in the Caribbean.
Applicants can choose between the following investment options:
Sustainable Island State Contribution (SISC)
Under this option, applicants make a non-refundable contribution of USD 250,000 (for a family of up to four) directly to the government.
Public Benefit Option (PBO)
The Public Benefit Option allows investors to contribute USD 250,000 to a government-approved public project that promotes economic growth for St. Kitts and Nevis.
Approved Private Real Estate Investment
The Approved Private Real Estate Investment in St Kitts option allows applicants to invest in designated residential properties. Investors can choose between two categories:
- A condominium unit or share in an approved real estate development with a minimum investment of USD 325,000
- A single-family private home designated as Approved Private Real Estate with a minimum investment of USD 600,000
To maintain eligibility under the Citizenship by Investment program, the property must be held for a minimum of 7 years. If the real estate investment is sold before the end of this 7 year holding period, the initial investment will not qualify for a future CBI application.
Approved Real Estate Development Shares
This investment option allows investors to purchase shares in government‑approved real estate developments with a minimum investment of USD 325,000. It offers co‑ownership in luxury resorts, eco‑friendly estates, or beachfront communities.
3. Dominica – Most Affordable
Launched in 1993, the Dominica CBI program has become a popular choice for investors looking for a second citizenship and has one of the lowest rejection rates of just 1%.
Dominica offers two investment options for individuals, a contribution to the Economic Diversification Fund (EDF) or the purchase of approved real estate.
Economic Diversification Fund (EDF)
The Economic Diversification Fund requires applicants to make a non-refundable contribution of:
- USD 200,000 for a single applicant
- USD 250,000 for a family of up to four
For larger families, additional contributions apply:
- USD 25,000 for each additional dependent under 18
- USD 40,000 for each additional dependent aged 18 or older
Real Estate Investment Option
The real estate route requires a minimum investment of USD 200,000 in a government-approved development project.
Investors must maintain ownership for a minimum of three years, or five years if the property is later resold to another CBI applicant.
Read Also: Dominica Real Estate Investment: CBI Property Guide 2026
4. Grenada – US E-2 Visa Treaty Access
Grenada’s Citizenship by Investment (CBI) Program, introduced in 2013, is the only Caribbean CBI country with a bilateral treaty that allows its citizens to apply for the U.S. E-2 Investor Visa.
Applicants can obtain citizenship through one of two approved investment routes:
National Transformation Fund (NTF)
The National Transformation Fund is a non-refundable donation that requires a minimum investment of USD 235,000 for a single applicant or a family of up to four.
Real Estate Investment Option
The Grenada real estate option allows investors to purchase units in government-approved tourism and residential developments. The minimum investment required is USD 270,000 and must be held for at least five years. Otherwise, it can be sold at any time after purchase.
United States E2 Visa Access
The United States E-2 Investor Visa offers a unique opportunity for foreign nationals to live and work in the U.S. by investing in a qualifying American business. Unlike immigrant visa programs such as the EB-5, the E-2 is a non-immigrant visa, but does offer flexibility, fast processing, and can be renewed as long as the business remains operational.
Holders of the E-2 Visa are eligible for the following benefits:
- Live and work in the U.S. while actively managing your investment
- Fast processing, often within 3 months
- Renewable long-term status (granted for up to 5 years depending on treaty terms)
- Spousal work authorization and access to U.S. education for children
- No set minimum investment, offering flexibility based on the business model
5. St. Lucia
St. Lucia’s Citizenship by Investment (CBI) Program has become a popular choice due to its straightforward application process, competitive investment options, and no residency requirement.
The St. Lucia CBI program has four main investment options available, which consist of the following:
National Economic Fund (NEF) Contribution
To apply under this option, a non-refundable contribution of US $240,000 must be made to the National Economic Fund (NEF).
National Action Bond Option (NAB)
Unique among Caribbean CBI schemes, St. Lucia offers a government bond program requiring a minimum $300,000 investment to be made, as well as a non-refundable administration fee of US $50,000.
These bonds are fully refundable after five years, making it a semi-liquid investment option that still grants citizenship for the applicant. Furthermore, unlike the National Economic Fund option, investing in Government Bonds does not require additional contributions per dependent.
6. Türkiye (Turkey)
Turkey’s Citizenship by Investment Program allows eligible investors and their families to obtain full Turkish citizenship and passports through qualifying financial contributions.
Real Estate Investment Option
To qualify under this option, a minimum investment of US $400,000 in Turkish real estate must be made. Properties can consist of one or multiple units whose combined value meets or exceeds the threshold, and the investment must be maintained for at least three years.
Alternative Investment Options
Turkey also offers additional qualifying investment routes, generally requiring a minimum investment of US $500,000 in one of the following categories:
- Bank Deposit: Placing a minimum of $500,000 into a Turkish bank account, held for at least three years.
- Government Bonds: Purchasing Turkish government bonds with a value of $500,000 or more, held for at least three years.
- Fixed Capital Investment: Making a fixed capital contribution of at least $500,000 into a Turkish business.
- Investment Fund Shares or Venture Capital: Investing $500,000 in real estate investment funds, venture capital funds, or private pension systems, with a three-year holding period.
EASY COUNTRIES TO GET CITIZENSHIP BY DESCENT
Citizenship by ancestry, also known as citizenship by descent, is a legal pathway that allows individuals to claim citizenship in a country based on their familial ties. Citizenship by descent also has the advantage of being a fraction of the cost of CBI or golden visa routes.
To qualify, applicants must be able prove that a parent, grandparent, or sometimes more distant ancestor was a citizen of the country, and that the lineage was never formally broken by renunciation or other legal events.
Which Countries offer Descent Citizenship Programs?
| Africa | ||||
| Cape Verde | Kenya | Nigeria | South Africa | Tunisia |
| Americas | ||||
| Argentina | Brazil | Canada | Chile | Colombia |
| Costa Rica | Dominican Republic | Mexico | United States | |
| Asia & Oceania | ||||
| Mongolia | Philippines | Singapore | South Korea | Taiwan |
| Thailand | Australia | Fiji | New Zealand | |
| Europe | ||||
| Austria | Czech Republic | Denmark | Estonia | Finland |
| Germany | Greece | Hungary | Ireland | Lithuania |
| Luxembourg | Netherlands | Norway | Poland | Portugal |
| Romania | Slovenia | Sweden | Switzerland | Türkiye |
| United Kingdom | ||||
| Middle East | ||||
| Bahrain | Israel | Jordan | Kuwait | Oman |
How Harvey Law Group Can Help
Harvey Law Group brings over 32 years of immigration expertise with offices in 20 countries globally, including major hubs like Hong Kong, Paris, Miami, and Montreal. Our specialized knowledge of European golden visas is available to clients.
Our services cover the entire process, from planning and facilitator selection to document preparation, submission, and renewals. Whether your goal is Schengen access, second citizenship, or portfolio diversification, HLG provides a smooth and compliant process.
Contact our experts for personalized citizenship or golden visa comparison and more information about which programs you are eligible for and how to get started.
How Can Harvey Law Group Help You Decide Which Program Is Best for You?
HLG’s approach begins with strategy rather than product selection. This allows our experts to assess and identify the best course of action tailored to your needs. This involves the following:
- Comprehensive needs assessment covering goals, business interests, tax planning objectives, and family priorities
- Comparison of CBI, golden visa, and ancestry routes against the client’s home-country restrictions on dual citizenship
- A thorough explanation of the requirements and processes involved in the application for any programs of interest. Our experts will also confirm that the applicant is eligible for the chosen program.
Once a program has been successfully chosen, HLG’s team will assist with the following:
- Document collection, legalisation, and translation
- Detailed source-of-funds documentation and due diligence preparation
- Preparation and filing of complete applications with governments
- Family structuring to include spouses, children, and in some cases parents or siblings
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
What countries are easy to get citizenship in?
There is no single easiest country to get citizenship for everyone. For speed and minimal physical presence, Caribbean citizenship by investment programs and Türkiye are among the most straightforward. Antigua & Barbuda, Dominica, Grenada, St. Kitts & Nevis, and St. Lucia typically process applications in three to six months for qualified investors. For clients prioritising EU access, Portugal and Greece offer respected golden visa structures leading to citizenship over five to seven years. If you have qualifying ancestry, Italy or France may effectively grant you citizenship through descent with only legal and document costs. The most suitable route depends on your budget, ancestry, mobility needs, and willingness to meet residence or language requirements.
Which EU country offers citizenship easily?
For investors, Portugal is often viewed as the easiest EU country to get citizenship via a golden visa route. A qualifying EUR 500,000 fund investment, combined with an average of seven days per year in Portugal, can lead to citizenship after five years, subject to a basic language test. Greece offers a lower entry point for residency but requires seven years of genuine residence and stronger language skills for citizenship. For those with European ancestry, Italy and France may be even more accessible, since citizenship through descent often does not require living in the EU or making a capital investment. In each case, the legal route is structured and attainable, but none should be considered effortless.
Does my country of citizenship affect my second or third citizenship?
Your current nationality can strongly influence your ability to hold second citizenship and beyond. Many CBI and golden visa states allow dual citizenship, but the question is whether your home country permits it. Some jurisdictions, such as the United States, Canada, the United Kingdom, Portugal, and most Caribbean states, permit dual nationality. Others, including China, India, and several Gulf and Asian states, require renunciation if another citizenship is acquired. Another important consideration is that US citizens retain worldwide tax obligations even after obtaining additional passports. Before you proceed, it is essential to confirm how your current country treats dual or multiple citizenship and whether there are tax, military service, or reporting consequences.
Do citizenship-by-investment countries require a stay in the country?
Most citizenship by investment programs have little or no physical residence requirement. Caribbean CBI schemes and Türkiye generally allow you to obtain and maintain citizenship without living there, although some may require a short visit or a few days over a multi-year period. Malta is an exception, where enhanced due diligence and residence periods apply in certain citizenship routes. Golden visa programs are different: they usually ask for limited stays (for example seven days per year in Portugal) to maintain residency, and then more substantial physical presence if you later apply for citizenship. Overall, CBI programs are designed to be compatible with a globally mobile lifestyle.
Are there any free citizenship countries?
There are no countries that provide truly free citizenship to adults. The closest option is citizenship by descent, where you qualify through a parent or ancestor and pay only legal and administrative costs. Programs in Italy, France, and some other European states fit this category, although document retrieval and legal work can still amount to several thousand dollars. Naturalization routes often have low government fees, but they require years of residence, with associated living expenses and opportunity cost.
How many citizenships can you have?
There is no universal limit on how many citizenships you can hold. The number depends on whether each country involved permits dual or multiple citizenship. Some states are flexible and allow several nationalities, while others restrict or prohibit any additional citizenships at all.
What are the benefits of citizenship by investment?
Citizenship by investment offers several advantages for HNWIs. It can dramatically expand global mobility, with visa-free or visa-on-arrival access to many countries, often including the Schengen Area, the UK, and major Asian financial centres. It allows family inclusion in a single application, providing long-term security for spouse, children, and sometimes parents or siblings. CBI can also support tax planning in combination with appropriate advice, especially where residence options use territorial systems. For many investors, CBI forms part of a broader wealth preservation and succession plan.
Can I include my family members?
In almost all investment immigration citizenship programs, you can include eligible family members in a single application. This usually covers your spouse, dependent children and in many programs dependent parents or grandparents. Some Caribbean and European routes even allow siblings in specific circumstances. Additional dependents typically require extra contribution amounts or fees, so program selection should consider total family cost, not just the headline rate for a single applicant. The possibility of multi-generational family inclusion is one of the main reasons CBI and golden visa programs are attractive for long-term planning.
What is the cheapest citizenship by investment program?
The “cheapest” program depends on how you define cost. In pure contribution terms, Vanuatu is usually the lowest entry point, with minimum donations from around USD 130,000 and very fast processing. Dominica and some other Caribbean states follow from around USD 200,000, offering stronger passports and long-standing regulatory frameworks. However, the least expensive program is not always the most suitable. Passport strength, program reputation, family pricing, and alignment with other objectives (such as potential US E-2 access through Grenada) often matter more than headline cost.
How long does citizenship by investment take?
Timelines vary by country and by the quality of the application. Caribbean CBI programs and Türkiye often complete within three to six months once a fully documented file is submitted and due diligence is passed. Golden visa programs that lead to citizenship generally require five to ten years of residency first, followed by several months of processing for the citizenship application itself. Applicants should treat published timelines as indicative and allow extra time for document issues, background checks, and regulatory changes.
Can citizenship be revoked?
Yes, in exceptional circumstances citizenship granted through naturalization or investment can be revoked. Common grounds include fraud or misrepresentation, use of forged documents, failure to maintain the required investment or residence where this is an explicit condition, serious criminal offences, or conduct considered contrary to national security.
