With increasing political and social uncertainty being experienced in countries around the world, many high-net-worth individuals (HNWIs) and investors are turning to citizenship and residency-by-investment programs as part of their long-term mobility and estate planning strategies.
These programs offer greater mobility, protection from geopolitical uncertainty, access to top-tier education and healthcare, and flexibility in wealth management.
By making a qualifying investment or structured financial contribution, investors and HNWIs can obtain a second citizenship that offers access to new markets, greater mobility, and tax optimization.
With over 30 years of experience in investment migration, Harvey Law Group provides valuable insights into the best programs that closely match your business goals, lifestyle requirements, and legacy objectives.
What is Investment Citizenship? Understanding the Basics
Investment citizenship refers to a form of immigration program offered by certain countries which allows eligible applicants to acquire citizenship in a foreign country by making a significant financial contribution or qualifying investment.
Investment citizenship, often referred to as citizenship by investment or economic citizenship offers the possibility of obtaining a second nationality without the traditional requirements of long-term residence, ancestry, or naturalization.
Unlike residency by investment programs, which provide residence rights (and may later lead to citizenship after satisfying any eligibility requirements), investment citizenship provides full nationality status immediately or within a short processing timeframe. This means successful applicants can obtain a second passport, granting them the same legal rights as citizens, including the ability to live, work, and invest freely in the issuing country.
Investment options vary depending on the country offering the program but typically include:
- Government donations or contributions to national development or economic diversification funds
- Real estate investments in approved projects such as luxury resorts or residential developments
- Business or enterprise investments that create local employment
- Government bond purchases or other qualifying financial instruments
Benefits of Citizenship Through Investment
Obtaining citizenship through investment offers many unique advantages for investors or high net worth individuals (HNWIs).
Successful applicants enjoy visa-free or visa-on-arrival access to hundreds of destinations, often including the UK and Schengen Area. For investors, this offers access to new markets and business opportunities.
Additionally, dependents such as the applicant’s spouse and children (typically under the age of 21) can be included in the application. The ability to include such dependents means that families can access improved education and healthcare options, while investors have more options for tax optimization citizenship strategies, legacy planning and asset protection.
Key Factors to Consider When Choosing Investment Citizenship Programs
Choosing the most suitable investment citizenship program requires careful consideration of multiple factors and not just cost and speed. Each country’s program offers its own unique set of benefits, including visa-free travel privileges, tax incentives, family inclusion options, and program reliability.
Having a clear understanding of the eligibility requirements and associated benefits help investors align their citizenship strategy with long-term goals such as wealth preservation, business expansion, and legacy planning.
Harvey Law Group’s 30+ years of experience in investment migration allow our experts to identify and help our clients choose the program that best suits the needs and requirements of every applicant.
Investment Amount and Affordability
The financial requirements for the chosen program are often the first consideration for prospective applicants. The mandatory financial investment for each Citizenship by investment programs varies depending between each program.
Beyond the primary investment amount, applicants should also be aware that some programs may require them to cover several additional costs. Examples of additional costs that may be imposed includes government processing fees, due diligence and background-check fees, and legal or professional advisory charges.
Applicants who wish to include eligible family members such as, a spouse, dependent children, or parents in their application may also be subject to additional per-dependent government fees.
While these expenses vary by program, they can significantly affect the total cost of the application.
Processing Time and Efficiency
Another key consideration for prospective applicants is the timeframe from submission to passport issuance. Many investors and high-net-worth individuals require programs that offer quick processing times, immediate relocation options, or fast-track applications.
Most citizenship application processes take between two and twelve months, depending on due diligence requirements and governmental efficiency. Caribbean programs are often considered to offer the fastest citizenship by investment approvals.
For business owners and global citizens, a predictable and efficient process can be just as valuable as the end result.
Visa-Free Travel and Global Mobility
One of the most attractive benefits of citizenship by investment programs is the improved options for global mobility. A second passport can offer the holder visa-free or visa-on-arrival access to over 140 destinations, including the Schengen Area, the United Kingdom, and major business hubs.
Some programs also provide eligibility for the U.S. E-2 Treaty Investor Visa, which allows investors to establish and manage businesses in the United States.
Family Inclusion Options
For many applicants, the ability to include family members in a single application is an important consideration. Caribbean citizenship programs allow spouses, dependent children, and in some cases, parents or siblings to be added to the same application.
The ability to apply for investment citizenship as a family is becoming increasingly important for investors and HNWIs. A second passport for dependents allows them to receive the same mobility, education, and healthcare benefits as the applicant.
Taxation and Financial Benefits
While acquiring a new or second nationality does not automatically change the applicant’s tax status, it can provide access to favourable tax environments. Some countries offering alternative citizenship operate under territorial tax systems, where only local income is taxed, while others impose no personal income or capital gains tax at all.
For investors, tax optimization citizenship is an important consideration when choosing their preferred program. However, professional guidance is essential to ensure compliance with international tax laws and reporting obligations.
Top Investment Citizenship Programs by Category in 2026
Investment citizenship in 2026 offers a wide range of options designed to meet the diverse needs and goals of global investors and families. Whether the main focus is on affordability, family inclusion, or visa-free mobility, today’s citizenship by investment programs are designed to accommodate varying needs and strategies.
While donation-based options remain the most straightforward option for investors, real estate and business investment pathways offer a different kind of entry point that offers potential long-term value and return on investment for those seeking asset diversification and potential returns.
Most Affordable Investment Citizenship Programs: Donation Routes
Donation-based citizenship investment options are usually the most straightforward and cost-effective route for applicants. Applying for a CBI program through a donation requires investors to make a non-refundable contribution to a government-managed fund dedicated to national development, infrastructure, or social welfare projects. These programs are particularly popular among applicants with a quick and simple application.
The Caribbean offers the best option for donation-based economic citizenship, with standout programs in Dominica, St. Lucia, Antigua & Barbuda, Grenada, and St. Kitts & Nevis. Antigua & Barbuda is especially attractive for larger households, offering one of the most family-inclusive routes available.
Read more: Citizenship by Donation: A Smart Path to Second Nationality
Best Real Estate Investment Citizenship Options
Real estate-based citizenship by investment programs allow applicants to make a qualifying investment by investing in government-approved property developments such as luxury resorts, villas, or condominiums.
In addition to being a qualifying investment, investing in real estate provides the applicant with a tangible asset. Such assets allow investors to potentially earn rental income or capital appreciation during the required holding period, typically ranging from three to five years.
Top Caribbean citizenship programs offering real estate routes include Antigua & Barbuda, Dominica, Grenada, and St. Kitts & Nevis. Dominica is notable for having one of the shortest holding periods among these programs.
While real estate investments provide potential for return on investment, applicants should consider the additional costs associated with purchasing real estate. Some examples of potential fees include, conveyancing fees, government charges and due diligence expenses.
Caribbean Real Estate Investment Thresholds and Program Structures
When deciding which country offers the best program for their needs, investors must understand the requirements when looking to make a qualifying investment through real estate as not every program is the same.
St. Kitts and Nevis
St. Kitts and Nevis offers an Approved Private Real Estate Investment option which 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 unless the Federal Cabinet is satisfied that substantial additional investment has been made, whether through significant construction, renovation, or other approved improvements.
Approved Real Estate Development Shares
This investment option allows investors to purchase shares in government‑approved real estate developments with a minimum investment of US 325,000. It offers co‑ownership in luxury resorts, eco‑friendly estates, or beachfront communities.
Examples of Approved Developments committed for CBI include:
- Beach & Golf Residence Ltd
- Belmont Gardens
- Brimstone Village
- Four Seasons Nevis Resort Estates
Dominica
Dominica’s real estate investment option requires a minimum investment of USD 200,000 in a government-approved development project. Approved projects may include eco-resorts, boutique hotels, or luxury villas.
Investors must maintain ownership for a minimum of three years, or five years if the property is later resold to another CBI applicant.
Grenada
Grenada’s Citizenship by Investment program allows investors to purchase units in government-approved tourism and residential developments. Approved real estate projects eligible for investment include branded resorts, boutique residences, and eco-luxury developments. The process time for obtaining citizenship through this program is typically less than 6 months, making it one of the faster options for investors.
More Details here: Grenada Citizenship Processing Time Slashed to 6 Months
The minimum investment required is USD 270,000. If the property is resold as a qualifying investment to another citizenship-by-investment applicant, it must be held for at least five years. Otherwise, it can be sold at any time after purchase.
In addition to the property purchase, applicants must pay a government fee of USD 50,000, with additional fees for dependents.
Antigua and Barbuda
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.
Alternative Investment Citizenship Routes: Bonds and Business Options
While donation and real estate investments are a popular choice for investors, several programs also offer alternative citizenship routes through government bonds, business ventures, or public benefit projects.
These bond and business investments are designed for applicants seeking economic participation and long-term engagement with the host country.
- Government Bonds: Available under St. Lucia’s National Action Bond, this route involves purchasing interest-free bonds redeemable after a fixed holding period.
- Business Investment: Offered by Antigua & Barbuda and St. Lucia, this route requires investment in new or existing enterprises that create local employment.
- Public Benefit Option: Introduced by St. Kitts & Nevis, this allows contributions to socially impactful projects such as renewable energy or infrastructure.
While these options typically require higher capital contributions than donation routes, they may appeal to investors seeking broader economic involvement.
Caribbean Bonds and Business Investment Thresholds and Program Structures
Each Caribbean Citizenship by Investment program features its own investment thresholds and requirements, which should be carefully evaluated to determine the option best suited to an investor’s priorities.
Antigua and Barbuda
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. Once approved, applicants proceed with due diligence checks and submit funds prior to receiving citizenship.
Best Investment Citizenship Programs for Families
For many applicants, securing citizenship for their entire family is an important requirement. Investment citizenship for families allows dependents, often including spouses, children, parents, and even in some cases siblings to be included within a single application.
All Caribbean programs allow the spouses and dependent children under 18 of the main applicant to be included. Extended eligibility varies for other dependents such as siblings and grandparents vary between countries.
Notably, Antigua & Barbuda permit unmarried siblings to be included, an uncommon feature among global citizenship by investment programs.
Antigua and Barbuda’s Citizenship by Investment (CBI) Program has also 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. For applicants with large families, the University of the West Indies (UWI) Fund Option is an attratcive 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.
Government processing fees are waived under this route, making it an attractive option for large families.
Investment Citizenship Application Process: What to Expect
The application process varies between each program, however, they all follow a clear and well structured procedure. Applicants can expect to be required to undertake the following steps, however, there may be differences or added requirements for different programs.
Initial Consultation and Program Selection
HLG recommends beginning your citizenship by investment process with a consultation with one of our experts. As part of this step, our experts will assess your goals and requirements and then propose the most suitable citizenship investment programs (e.g., donation, real estate, bonds, or business) best suited for your needs.
Document Preparation and Due Diligence
Document preparation is an important step, as failing to properly prepare the application and supporting documents can lead to delays and even rejection of the application.
When applying for Citizenship by Investment, applicants will be required to provide a variety of different documents including but not limited to proof of address: recent bank statements and professional references, police clearance certificates from each country of residence, curriculum vitae; medical exams or health declarations, and source-of-funds / source-of-wealth evidence (e.g., audited financials, tax returns, sale agreements, dividends, or salary records).
Applicants who wish to include dependents should prepare dependency evidence (e.g., full-time study letters for adult children), and translations or apostilles may be required depending on the jurisdiction
Properly prepared and well-organised files reduce processing time and additional queries.
Application Submission and Processing
When all the documents are ready, the next step is to prepare and compile all required government forms, legalizations, and supporting documents before submitting the application to the relevant authority.
Once received, the government conducts a formal due diligence review and may request clarifications or updated materials. Processing times typically range from a few months to around six months, depending on the program.
Investment Execution and Citizenship Grant
Following the receipt of the approval in principle, the applicant will complete the qualifying investment (donation remittance; purchase of government bonds; or closing on an approved real estate project). Payment of remaining government fees and issuance costs then follow.
Upon final approval, your certificate of naturalisation is issued, enabling passport application and delivery.
Common Questions About Investment Citizenship Programs
Do I Need to Live in the Country After Obtaining Investment Citizenship?
Most investment citizenship programs have minimal or no residency requirements. Countries such as St. Kitts & Nevis, Dominica, Grenada, and St. Lucia grant full citizenship without the need for physical residence before, during, or after approval. However, Antigua & Barbuda is an exception, requiring citizens to spend a minimum of five days in the country within the first five years.
Can I Hold Dual Citizenship?
Yes. Most citizenship investment options legally permit dual citizenship, allowing investors to maintain their existing nationality while acquiring a second passport.
However, some countries restrict or completely prohibit dual nationality, so it’s highly recommended to check your home country’s position on dual citizenship before proceeding. Failing to do so could result in you having to forfeit one of your nationalities.
Read Also: What is Dual Citizenship and How Can I Obtain It in 2025?
What Happens If My Application Is Rejected?
If an application is rejected, refund policies differ by country. Most governments retain non-refundable due diligence and processing fees but return the investment amount if it has not yet been transferred.
The most common reason for an application to be rejected is due to incomplete documentation, inconsistencies in source-of-funds declarations, or findings during background checks.
While some programs allow reapplication after a waiting period, applicants must fix the initial cause of refusal before resubmitting the application.
Is Investment Citizenship Legal and Legitimate?
Yes, investment citizenship is fully legal and recognised internationally when obtained through official government programs.
Each economic citizenship program operates under specific national laws, regulations, and constitutional provisions.
Can I Include My Spouse If We Marry After Obtaining Citizenship?
Yes. Many Caribbean citizenship programs allow investors to add a spouse after initial approval. The process typically involves submitting marriage certificates, identification documents, and due diligence paperwork for the new spouse.
Once approved, the spouse becomes a full citizen with access to the same second passport programs and rights as the primary applicant.
What Are the Ongoing Obligations After Obtaining Citizenship?
Once citizenship is granted, obligations are minimal. Most jurisdictions require only passport renewal every five or ten years. However, maintaining good standing with the issuing government is highly recommended. In rare cases, countries may revoke citizenship for fraudulent applications or criminal conduct.
Some investors may establish tax residency to benefit from tax optimization citizenship advantages such as territorial or zero-income tax frameworks, though this is optional and requires professional tax advice.
How Does Investment Citizenship Affect My Current Citizenship?
For most investors, obtaining dual citizenship does not affect their existing nationality. However, some home countries, such as China, India, or Singapore, do not permit multiple nationalities and may revoke citizenship upon acquiring another.
Applicants should confirm their domestic laws before proceeding to avoid any issues later.
What Is the Difference Between Investment Citizenship and Golden Visa Programs?
The key difference is that Investment citizenship grants full nationality rights immediately or within months, including a passport and lifelong benefits of citizenship by investment.
Golden visa programs on the other hand, such as those offered by countries such as Portugal, Spain, and Greece only grant residency rights that may later lead to citizenship after several years of residence and satisfying any additional requirements.
Conclusion
In 2026, investment citizenship is expected to become even more popular among HNWIs and investors. These programs allow individuals and families to obtain greater freedom and security.
Each citizenship by investment program has its own advantages and limitations so it is important to identify which program best matches with your goals.
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 expertise extends to Citizenship by Investment programs, offering clients clear, professional guidance on selecting the most suitable jurisdiction, understanding contribution requirements, and assisting with each step of the application process. HLG ensures a smooth and compliant process.
Contact our experts for a personalized program comparison and more information about which program is best suited to your needs, whether you are eligible and how to get started.
