Imagine a world without visa restrictions, where you can travel freely to your favorite destinations. Citizenship by investment programs can make this dream a reality. Several countries offer these programs that allow you to make an investment in exchange for a new passport. This opens up a world of opportunities, whether you’re seeking a fresh start, a more favorable tax situation, or simply a new place to call home.

St. Kitts and Nevis

Getting citizenship in St. Kitts and Nevis requires a contribution of $250,000 to the Sustainable Island State Contribution (SISC) fund or an investment in government-approved real estate starting at $400,000. The application process takes around six months, and citizenship gives you visa-free access to more than 155 countries.

Dominica

As a Dominican citizen, you gain visa-free access to over 140 countries. The country's Citizenship by Investment (CBI) program requires an investment of at least $200,000 in a state fund or real estate. Investors can also include family members in their application, such as spouses, children, parents, and even grandparents.

Antigua and Barbuda

An Antigua and Barbuda passport offers visa-free travel to over 153 countries. To gain citizenship, the primary option is a non-refundable contribution of $230,000 to the country’s development initiatives. Another option is a $1.5-million investment in a local business or a donation of $260,000 to the University of the West Indies (UWI).

Grenada

Grenada’s Citizenship by Investment program offers not only access to the island’s tropical climate and stunning beaches but also visa-free travel to over 140 countries. To qualify, you can either contribute a minimum of $150,000 to a government fund or invest at least $220,000 in real estate, which must be held for five years.

St. Lucia

Citizenship in St. Lucia opens up visa-free travel to more than 140 countries. With low tax rates and exemptions on foreign income, inheritance, and capital gains, St. Lucia provides significant financial benefits. As of July 2024, the minimum non-refundable contribution increased to $240,000, applicable to investments in real estate, government bonds or enterprise projects.

Vanuatu

Vanuatu has the world’s fastest citizenship-by-investment program, with applications processed in as little as one month. A one-time contribution to the country’s economy starts at $130,000 for a single applicant. Investors can alternatively choose to invest $157,000 in the CNO Future Fund, which must be held for five years.

Turkey

Turkey is a great place to live with a mild Mediterranean climate and a relatively low cost of living. To qualify for citizenship, you can invest $400,000 in real estate or deposit $500,000 in a Turkish bank. Once you have your Turkish passport, your family can also benefit from citizenship.

Cambodia

Cambodia’s Residency by Investment program offers a 10-year visa in exchange for a minimum real estate investment of $100,00. After five years of residency, you can apply for a passport. Expedited citizenship within 3-4 months is also an option through a $245,000 donation to the government or $305,000 investment in approved projects. 

Austria

Austria is ranked among the top 10 strongest passports on the Henley Passport Index, making its citizenship highly sought after. Investments typically range from €800,000 to €10 million and can include funding job-creating ventures, fostering scientific research, or supporting innovation technologies. Alternatively, making a substantial contribution to a public project can also qualify.

Cyprus

Although Cyprus suspended its citizenship by investment program in 2020, you can still gain permanent residency or Golden Visa by investing a minimum of €300,000 in real estate or company shares. To qualify, applicants need a secure annual income of over €50,000 and must maintain a clean criminal record.

Jordan

Jordan has allowed immigrants to become citizens through its citizenship investment program. By investing in a bank deposit or $750,000 in government bonds, you become part of historical sites and friendly people. Home to iconic sites like Petra and the Dead Sea, Jordan also offers access to the broader Middle Eastern market.

Malta

A contribution of €600,000 to Malta’s National Development and Social Fund is one way to gain citizenship. You'll also need to invest in real estate. With its Mediterranean climate, favorable tax structure, and access to the Schengen Area, Malta is a top choice for investors.

Moldova

Moldovan citizenship grants visa-free access to 121 countries. The program allows citizenship for your entire family, including children under 29 and parents. To qualify, single applicants must make a non-refundable donation of €100,000. For families, there’s an additional €15,000 for a spouse and €55,000 to include up to three dependents.

Bulgaria

With visa-free access to 173 countries and a personal income tax rate of just 10%, Bulgaria is an attractive option for investors. You can secure a golden visa by investing €512,000 in Bulgarian stocks, private equity, or real estate investment companies. After five years, you become eligible to apply for citizenship.

Portugal

Portugal’s Golden Visa program no longer supports real estate investments, but applicants can still choose to invest at least €500,000 in public or private scientific research to support Portugal’s innovation efforts. The program remains a fast route to EU citizenship, with eligibility to apply for Portuguese citizenship in just five years.

Spain

Spain’s Golden Visa program offers several investment options, with the cheapest one being a €500,000 property purchase. The property can be bought either personally or through a company where the investor holds the majority of shares. The Golden Visa extends to the investor’s spouse, dependent children, and parents.