Citizenship by investment

What is Citizenship by Investment?

Citizenship by Investment programs (also knows as CBI Porgrams) allow candidates to obtain an additional citizenship by making a financial contribution (donation or real estate investment) in a country, without having to relocate. Investment options usually include making a donation to a National Development Fund (NDF) (usually between $130,000 to $250,000), purchasing approved real estate (which must be held for 5-7 years, depending on the country's program) or investing in government bonds. The most popular programs in 2026 are still in the Caribbean nations (Caricom) like St. Kitts & Nevis, Dominica, Grenada, Antigua & Barbuda, and St. Lucia, along with other countries such as Turkey, Egypt or Vanuatu. The process can be faster than regular immigration, often between 4-8 months (depending on the backlog) from application to passport issuance (Less than 6 months for Grenada with Harvey Law Group), and most programs have minimal or zero physical residency requirements.

It means that most of the time you will never have to set a foot in the country. People pursue CBI programs for different reasons: some are looking for global mobility with visa-free access to 120-150+ countries, others for economic security, as a plan B against political or financial instability in their home country, some other for business expansion looking for new markets, others like European citizens for tax efficiency through territorial tax systems, others simply to secure a better future for their family. The family members can include spouses, dependent children, parents, and siblings, in exchange for additional fees. However, all candidates must pass rigorous due diligence checks verifying their background, source of funds, and overall suitability (criminal record). The citizenship obtained is forever and passed down to future generations, it allows dual citizenship (you keep your original citizenship if you want), and once the passport expires it can be renewed normally just like any other passport. .

How does Citizenship by Investment work?

CBI programs operate through government-approved investment routes. You can make a non-refundable donation to national development funds (typically $130,000-$250,000), purchase approved real estate properties ($200,000-$400,000+ with 3-7 year holding periods), invest in government-approved businesses, or purchase government bonds. All applicants undergo rigorous due diligence, background checks, and must demonstrate legitimate source of funds before citizenship approval.

Which countries offer Citizenship by Investment programs?

Harvey Law Group facilitates CBI programs across multiple regions. In the Caribbean: Antigua and Barbuda (from $200,000), Dominica (from $200,000), Grenada (from $220,000), St. Kitts and Nevis (from $250,000), and St. Lucia ($240,000). In Europe: Turkey ($400,000). In the Pacific: Vanuatu (from $130,000 with 1-2 month processing). In Africa: Egypt ($250,000). Each program offers different benefits including varying levels of visa-free travel access, tax advantages, processing speeds, and investment recovery options tailored to diverse client needs and budgets.

What are the benefits of getting a second citizenship through investment?

Citizenship by Investment provides global mobility with visa-free travel depending on the program, including access to Schengen nations, UK, Singapore, and other major destinations. You gain tax optimization opportunities in favorable jurisdictions, enhanced security and political stability as a "Plan B" for your family, asset protection through multi-jurisdictional diversification, simplified international business operations, and the ability to include your spouse, dependent children, parents, and sometimes grandparents in a single application. The citizenship is permanent and passes to future generations.

What is the cheapest Citizenship by Investment program?

Vanuatu offers the most affordable CBI program starting at $130,000 USD through the Development Support Program (DSP) with the fastest processing time of just 1-2 months. Among Caribbean options, Antigua and Barbuda's Nonsuch Bay Resort option starts at $200,000, while Dominica's standard program begins at $200,000. These programs provide excellent value with substantial visa-free travel benefits, no personal income tax in most cases, and permanent citizenship for the entire family.

Which CBI program offers the fastest processing time?

Vanuatu's citizenship programs offer the fastest processing in the world at just 1-2 months through both the Development Support Program (DSP) and the Contribution to Improved Incentive Programme (CIIP). Among Caribbean options, several programs process applications in 3-6 months including certain Antigua and Barbuda, Grenada, and St. Kitts and Nevis options. Turkey also offers relatively fast processing at 3-6 months. For clients prioritizing speed, Vanuatu represents the optimal choice.

How much does Citizenship by Investment cost?

CBI program costs vary significantly by country and investment route. Entry-level programs start at $130,000 (Vanuatu DSP) and $200,000 (Caribbean donation options). Real estate investments typically require $200,000-$400,000 minimum purchases. Mid-range options include St. Kitts and Nevis ($250,000), Egypt ($250,000), and various Caribbean real estate projects. Turkey requires $400,000 in real estate. Additional costs include due diligence fees, government processing fees, legal representation, and dependent family member fees. Total investment including all fees typically ranges from $150,000 to over $500,000 depending on your chosen program and family size.

How long does it take to get citizenship through investment?

Processing times range from 1-2 months (Vanuatu) to 6-12 months (Egypt, Turkey, some Caribbean programs). Most Caribbean programs process in 4-10 months including Antigua and Barbuda, Dominica, Grenada, St. Kitts and Nevis, and St. Lucia. The timeline includes document preparation, government due diligence review, investment execution upon preliminary approval, and final citizenship grant with passport issuance.

Who qualifies for Citizenship by Investment programs?

To qualify for CBI programs, you must be at least 18 years old, have a clean criminal record with no serious convictions, demonstrate legitimate source of funds with proper wealth documentation, pass medical examinations showing good health, and successfully complete enhanced due diligence and background checks. You can include your spouse, dependent children (typically under 18-30 years depending on the program), dependent parents, and in some cases dependent siblings. Programs may exclude applicants from certain sanctioned countries or those who cannot document their source of funds.

Do I need to live in the country after getting CBI citizenship?

No, most Citizenship by Investment programs have minimal or zero residency requirements. Caribbean CBI programs typically require no physical presence at all, or just a brief visit during the application process. Antigua and Barbuda requires a minimum of five days in the country within the first five years. Vanuatu has no residency requirements. Turkey and Egypt also do not mandate ongoing residence after citizenship is granted. This allows you to maintain your current lifestyle, residence, and business operations while enjoying the benefits of your second citizenship.

Can I keep my current citizenship if I get a second passport?

Yes, all CBI programs facilitated by Harvey Law Group allow dual or multiple citizenship without requiring you to renounce your existing nationality. Caribbean nations, Turkey, Vanuatu, and Egypt all explicitly permit dual citizenship. However, you should verify your home country's laws regarding dual citizenship, as some nations restrict or prohibit their citizens from holding multiple nationalities. Harvey Law Group can advise you on dual citizenship implications specific to your current nationality.

What is the difference between Citizenship by Investment and Golden Visa programs?

Citizenship by Investment provides immediate citizenship and a passport with full rights including voting, no residency requirements, and permanent status that passes to future generations. Golden Visa programs grant temporary or permanent residency permits that require periodic renewal, mandate minimum physical presence in the country, and do not automatically lead to citizenship—though some allow naturalization after 5-10 years of maintaining residency. CBI is a permanent solution completed in 1-12 months, while Golden Visas are residency pathways with ongoing obligations.

Are Citizenship by Investment programs legal and internationally recognized?

Yes, all CBI programs offered by Harvey Law Group operate under constitutional law and are fully legal within their jurisdictions. These programs have been established through proper legislative processes and comply with international standards. Passports issued through CBI programs meet ICAO (International Civil Aviation Organization) standards and are recognized worldwide for travel, banking, and identification purposes. Countries like St. Kitts and Nevis have operated CBI programs since 1984, demonstrating long-term legitimacy.

Can I include my family members in my CBI application?

Yes, all CBI programs allow you to include qualifying family members in your application for additional fees. Eligible dependents typically include your spouse or legal partner, dependent children under 18-30 years (program-specific age limits), dependent parents or grandparents, and in programs like Antigua & Barbuda, dependent siblings under certain conditions. All family members must also pass due diligence checks. Including dependents increases government processing fees and may affect minimum investment amounts.

What documents are required for a Citizenship by Investment application?

Required documentation includes valid passports for all applicants, original birth certificates, marriage certificates (if applicable), police clearance certificates from all countries of residence for the past 10-15 years, comprehensive medical examination reports, bank statements and financial references, detailed source of funds documentation (employment letters, business ownership proof, tax returns, inheritance documents, investment statements), professional references, completed government application forms, passport-sized photographs meeting specifications, and educational certificates for dependent children. All documents must be notarized, apostilled, and professionally translated to English if in another language.

What happens if my CBI application is rejected?

If your application is rejected during the due diligence phase, government processing fees and legal fees are typically non-refundable, but your actual investment capital (donation or real estate purchase funds) is returned to you. Rejection rates are extremely low in reputable CBI programs when applicants work with experienced legal advisors like Harvey Law Group. Common rejection reasons include undisclosed criminal history, inability to prove legitimate source of funds, providing false or incomplete information, failing health requirements, or being from a restricted nationality. Harvey Law Group conducts thorough pre-screening and document verification before submitting applications.

How strong are CBI passports for visa-free travel?

CBI passport strength varies by program. Caribbean passports offer visa-free or visa-on-arrival access to 140-156 countries including the Schengen Area, UK, Singapore, and Hong Kong. Grenada uniquely offers visa-free access to China and eligibility for the USA E-2 investor visa. Turkey provides access to 111+ countries. Vanuatu offers 100+ countries including Schengen access. Egypt provides 50+ countries with E-2 visa eligibility for USA business. All Caribbean programs provide comprehensive access to Europe, UK, major Asian destinations, and most of the Americas.

What are the tax implications of Citizenship by Investment?

Tax implications depend on both your CBI country and your actual country of tax residency. Most Caribbean CBI nations have no personal income tax, wealth tax, gift tax, or inheritance tax on worldwide income, and no capital gains tax. Vanuatu similarly offers zero personal or corporate taxation. However, obtaining citizenship alone does not automatically change your tax residency—you remain taxable where you actually reside and conduct business. You may still have tax obligations in your home country. High-net-worth individuals often use CBI as part of comprehensive tax planning strategies. Consult with international tax advisors to understand your specific obligations and opportunities.

Can I work and do business with a CBI passport?

Yes, CBI citizenship grants you full legal rights including the ability to work, establish businesses, open bank accounts, and engage in commerce within your new country of citizenship. Caribbean CBI passports allow you to easily establish offshore companies, access international banking facilities with enhanced privacy, and benefit from favorable business registration environments. Grenada provides eligibility for the USA E-2 investor visa, enabling you to operate businesses in the United States. Egypt also offers E-2 treaty benefits. Your enhanced visa-free travel access facilitates international business operations without visa delays.

What are the best Caribbean Citizenship by Investment programs?

The Caribbean offers five established CBI programs, each with distinct advantages. St. Kitts and Nevis provides the world's oldest program (since 1984) with strong visa-free access at $250,000 minimum investment. Antigua and Barbuda offers competitive pricing starting at $200,000 with multiple luxury real estate options including Nonsuch Bay Resort, Tamarind Hills, Moon Gate Resort, The Gardens, and Verandah Estates. Grenada (from $220,000) uniquely provides visa-free China access and USA E-2 visa treaty benefits through options like Six Senses La Sagesse, Silversands Beach House, InterContinental La Sagesse, and Hideaway resort. Dominica (from $200,000) remains highly affordable with Secret Bay Resort as a premium option. St. Lucia ($240,000) offers excellent value with English-speaking environment.

What is the application process for Citizenship by Investment?

The CBI application process with Harvey Law Group follows six structured steps. First, we conduct a comprehensive consultation and eligibility assessment to recommend the optimal program based on your budget, timeline, family composition, and strategic goals. Second, our legal team prepares all required documentation including passports, certificates, financial records, police clearances, medical reports, and source of funds evidence. Third, government-authorized agents conduct thorough due diligence and background checks on all applicants. Fourth, upon preliminary approval, you execute your chosen investment through approved channels. Fifth, following final government approval, you receive your citizenship certificate and can immediately apply for your passport. Sixth, we provide comprehensive post-approval support including passport collection, document authentication, and ongoing compliance guidance.

Can I get citizenship through real estate investment?

Yes, many CBI programs offer real estate investment options as an alternative to non-refundable donations. Caribbean real estate programs include Antigua and Barbuda properties like Tamarind Hills ($300,000), Moon Gate Resort ($350,000), Nonsuch Bay Resort ($200,000), The Gardens ($300,000), and Verandah Estates ($400,000). Grenada offers InterContinental La Sagesse ($270,000), Hideaway ($270,000), Silversands Beach House ($220,000), and Six Senses La Sagesse ($220,000). Dominica features Secret Bay Resort ($216,000). St. Kitts and Nevis provides Marriott Resort options. Turkey requires $400,000 minimum real estate investment. Egypt offers a $300,000 real estate option. These properties typically have mandatory holding periods before resale, but offer potential rental income and property appreciation.

Do I need to pass a language test or citizenship exam for CBI?

No, Citizenship by Investment programs do not require language proficiency tests, cultural knowledge assessments, citizenship examinations, or any form of academic testing. There are no requirements to speak English, the local language, or demonstrate knowledge of the country's history, government, customs, or culture. The only requirements are financial qualification, clean background check results, comprehensive source of funds documentation demonstrating legitimate wealth origin, good health status, and payment of required government fees. This distinguishes CBI from traditional naturalization routes that typically mandate years of residency and language skills certification.

Is my CBI citizenship permanent or does it expire?

Citizenship obtained through CBI programs is permanent and lasts for life—it does not expire or require renewal. Your citizenship status remains indefinite and is not contingent on maintaining the investment after any mandatory holding periods. The citizenship automatically passes to your future children and descendants by birthright, creating a lasting legacy for multiple generations. However, passports themselves are travel documents that require standard renewal every 5-10 years, similar to any other passport worldwide. Passport renewal is a simple administrative process and does not affect your underlying citizenship status. Once granted, citizenship can only be revoked in extremely rare cases involving fraud or serious criminal activity.

What is the difference between donation and real estate investment options?

Donation options involve making a non-refundable contribution to government development funds, typically ranging from $130,000 (Vanuatu) to $250,000 (St. Kitts and Nevis, Egypt). These offer the simplest, fastest application process with no property management responsibilities, lower legal complexity, and no concerns about rental income or resale. Real estate options require higher initial investment ($200,000-$400,000+) but allow potential investment recovery after mandatory holding periods by selling to another CBI applicant. Real estate provides opportunities for rental income during the holding period and potential property appreciation. Donations are ideal for clients prioritizing speed and simplicity. Real estate suits investors seeking potential capital preservation and those who value having a tangible asset.

Can I visit the country before applying for citizenship?

Yes, Harvey Law Group encourages prospective clients to visit their chosen CBI destination before committing to the investment, particularly for real estate-based programs. Site visits allow you to personally inspect properties, experience the country's culture and lifestyle, meet with local developers and government officials, and make fully informed decisions about your citizenship investment. For donation-based programs, visits are optional but can provide valuable firsthand knowledge. Most applicants can enter Caribbean nations, Turkey, Vanuatu, and Egypt on tourist visas for initial due diligence trips. Antigua and Barbuda requires five days of physical presence within the first five years after citizenship is granted, while other programs have no visit requirements.

Why should I choose Harvey Law Group for my CBI application?

Harvey Law Group brings over 30 years of specialized experience in citizenship planning and investment migration since our founding in 1992 by Jean François Harvey. With offices across Hong Kong, Cambodia, Canada, Dominica, France, Grenada, India, Ivory Coast, Myanmar, Portugal, South Africa, Turkey, Thailand, United States, United Kingdom, and Vietnam, we provide comprehensive end-to-end services including initial eligibility assessment, jurisdictional comparison across multiple program options, complete application management and government liaison, thorough due diligence preparation to minimize rejection risks, strategic investment structuring, document compilation and translation services, ongoing compliance monitoring, and post-citizenship support. Our track record of successful applications and commitment to client confidentiality ensures your citizenship investment is handled with the highest professional standards.