Insights

The Best Citizenship by Investment (CBI) Programmes

Updated: 19th August, 2024

The best Citizenship by Investment (CBI) programme is typically the one that aligns with your specific needs and goals. With numerous CBI programmes available worldwide, it's essential to carefully evaluate your options before deciding on the most suitable one.

Obtaining permanent residency or citizenship in a foreign country is often a challenging process. For example, Austria requires residents to live continuously in the country for around a decade, while Germany mandates a minimum of eight years. Additionally, navigating the bureaucracy involved can be quite demanding.
 
This article will provide an overview of all the available Citizenship by Investment programmes currently on the market for your consideration.
 

Why are Citizenship by Investment Programmes popular?

Citizenship by investment (CBI) is a process where high-net-worth individuals can get second citizenship within months in exchange for an investment in or donation to the chosen country.  

As mentioned earlier, citizenship and naturalisation take time. Effectively, it could take you at least 20 years to get citizenship in certain countries. Residency, however, is relatively straightforward.

Long naturalisation timelines, language tests, physical residence requirements, taxes - the list goes on! This can be sorted through citizenship by investment.  

Now, why are CBI programmes popular? For those who want a second passport, citizenship programmes offer the option through which wealthy persons can acquire second citizenship in a relatively quick time frame in exchange for investment.

Emerging world citizens are the primary investors in such programmes. The cost is greatly outweighed by increased travel benefits, adding value to their passport portfolio.  

Moreover, citizenship by investment is popular among business owners seeking new markets. This is especially true for tech entrepreneurs who earn immediate ROI and may need a second passport to continue their ventures.

Those earning six or seven-figure salaries may find that buying citizenship is the more accessible and cheaper route over time.  

Many other factors come into play to determine what makes a CBI programme the best.  

Most people believe that the number of countries your passport allows you to visit defines the quality of the passport. However, most industry experts conclude that a passport is not characterised by its visa-free travel privileges alone. 

So, what do most people look for in their second citizenship? 

  • Freedom to travel 
  • Security 
  • Profits 
  • World-class education 
  • Quality lifestyle 

The list goes on. Consequently, you should examine all the benefits to find the best-fitting programme. Mainly, the best citizenship by investment programme allows you to conserve capital while sensibly accomplishing your goals. 

best citizenship by investment programmes

8 of the Best Citizenship by Investment Programmes

When looking for the ‘best’ citizenship by investment programme, Europe and the Caribbean have the ‘best of the best.’ Take a look at the available European and Caribbean citizenship by investment programmes, their benefits and what makes them the best!

Country 

Benefits 

Our Verdict 

1. Malta 

Through the Malta Citizenship by Naturalisation for Exceptional Services by Direct Investment 

  • European Union’s fast-growing economy. 
  • Hassle-free access to the world’s largest economic zone. 
  • Safe and secure country. 
  • World-class health care institutions. 
  • Best-in-class education system. 
  • Apply for a European Long-Term Residence Permit after five years in the country. 
  • Visa-free or visa-on-arrival travel to over 180 countries. 

Malta is a viable option with a lot of potentials. Besides the enviable geographic location of this small island, the quality of life that it offers is unparalleled. It is the best for visa-free access and EU living and working! 

2. Turkey 

  • Strong passport that gives great value. 
  • Robust economy. 
  • Turkish citizenship is inherently passed down to future generations.  
  • Dual citizenship is allowed. 
  • Visa-free or visa-on-arrival travel to 110 countries. 

Turkish citizenship is an interesting opportunity in terms of economic profitability. It is the best for investors who want to focus on real estate. 

3. St. Kitts and Nevis 

  • No requirement to live in the country to acquire citizenship. 
  • Full confidentiality. 
  • Passport for the whole family. 
  • Visa-free or visa-on-arrival travel to over 150 countries. 
  • Diverse business opportunities. 

St. Kitts and Nevis launched the first citizenship by investment programme in the Caribbean in 1984. The country has the oldest programme, assuring you heritage and stability. 

4. Dominica 

  • Visa-free or visa-on-arrival travel to 144 destinations. 
  • Greater mobility. 
  • Safeguard the future of your business. 
  • Dual citizenship is allowed. 
  • No minimum stay required when applying. 
  • New investment opportunities. 

Dominica’s Citizenship by Investment programme started in the 1990s. It is best for solo applicants or investors. 

5. Grenada 

  • Minimal processing fees. 
  • No interview, education, or management experience required. 
  • No requirement to reside in Grenada before or after citizenship is granted. 
  • Well-known, stable and established investment environment. 
  • Visa-free or visa-on-arrival access to 144 destinations, including China. 
  • The only Caribbean citizenship programme part of the United States E-2 treaty programme. 

With access to the United States, Russia, and China, the premium you would need to pay is justified. As a Caribbean contender, this merits consideration. 

6. Antigua and Barbuda 

  • Dual and lifetime citizenship for you and your family. 
  • Minimal residency. 
  • Quality lifestyle. 
  • Visa-free or visa-on-arrival access to 150 destinations 

The Antigua and Barbuda Citizenship by Investment programme was launched in 2012. It is a good choice for applicants who want to apply with their families as its amount is the standard fare for Caribbean passports. 

7. St. Lucia 

  • Visa-free or visa-on-arrival travel to 146 destinations. 
  • Main applicants can include spouse, children under 31, siblings under 18, and parents aged 56 and over. 
  • Attractive investment and processing costs. 
  • Allowed dual citizenship. 

St. Lucia is a worthy rival to Dominica, ever since it reduced its donation targeting the more value-conscious westerners searching for a second passport. It is also the best choice for individual investors. 

8. Montenegro 

  • Travel visa-free or visa-on-arrival access to 123 destinations. 
  • Naturally beautiful country. 
  • Contributions dedicated to funding the advancement of underdeveloped areas and the Innovation Fund of Montenegro. 

Montenegro is located on the Balkan Peninsula in Southeastern Europe. Its natural beauty is unparalleled and the programme is best for European Living! 

There are many factors to consider when choosing the best citizenship by investment programme. The first is the type of investment required. Some programmes require a real estate investment, while others may allow for less expensive portfolio investment.  It is vital to ensure that you are comfortable with the investment required and have the financial means to invest.  

The second factor to consider is the fees associated with the programme. Different programmes have different fee structures, so it is essential to compare them to find the best value.   

Finally, it is also essential to consider the benefits offered by each programme. By taking all of these factors into account, you can be sure to choose the best citizenship by investment programme for your needs.

The Best Citizenship by Investment Programme For You

In conclusion, list down your individual needs and wants as an investor, and imagine the life you want to live. Knowing where you want to travel freely and which businesses you want to venture into is also vital. Once you set your plans and goals, you can also identify which CBI programme is best for you!

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