Citizenship by Investment (CBI) is a method of obtaining citizenship of a country through investments in specific industries approved by the government. This includes real estate and economic contribution through donation.
The process of getting citizenship through investment differs from country to country. Predominantly, it involves due diligence at various levels, funds source verification, and criminal record check, among other things.
Why Get Citizenship by Investment?
Acquiring second citizenship presents multiple benefits to you and your family. For one, obtaining second citizenship grants access to a second passport and the ability to live and work in another country.
You might have other reasons why you want to get citizenship by investment, but here are some more to add to your list:
- Firstly, taking the most efficient path. Investing in citizenship is an efficient way to obtain a second passport. It is the first and foremost benefit that a foreign national can maximise.
- Secondly, life only gets better. The process is easy and does not alter your current life. Even after you acquire citizenship, you will not only continue enjoying your usual lifestyle, but you can also make it better.
- Finally, clear eligibility criteria. All these countries clearly state the Citizenship by Investment Programme’s measure, assuring you that there are no risks involving money and time.
List of Countries Offering Citizenship by Investment (CBI) Programmes in 2024
It is vital for investors looking to obtain citizenship in another country to know where they can maximise their investments. Here are countries where investments provide a profitable return along with citizenship:
1. Malta
The Maltese Citizenship by Naturalisation for Exceptional Services by Direct Investment comes with the benefit of travelling visa-free or visa-on-arrival access to more than 180 countries. The programme is ideal for talented, high-net-worth individuals who can contribute to the economic growth of Malta.
2. Antigua and Barbuda
One of the most competitive CBI programmes in the Caribbean is the Antigua and Barbuda Citizenship by Investment Programme. The nation is an attractive place to own a second home, with excellent air links to North America and Europe. The passport provides visa-free or visa-on-arrival access to more than 150 destinations. There are four (4) investment options, and the least costly is the $100,000 contribution to the National Development Fund.
3. Austria
Austria also offers Citizenship by Investment to foreign nationals, but the programme differs from other countries’ offers. Notably, Austria does not have any passive investor visa programme, meaning applicants must actively invest in the Austrian economy. Investing in government bonds or real estate does not offer a golden visa.
An Austrian passport is one of the most powerful globally, with visa-free or visa-on-arrival travel to more than 190 destinations, including Canada, Hong Kong, the rest of the EU and Europe’s Schengen Area.
4. Dominica
Dominica’s Citizenship by Investment programme has two options: investing in real estate for a minimum of $200,000 or $100,000 of economic contribution through donation for a minimum of $100,000. This citizenship allows visa-free or visa-on-arrival travel to over 140 destinations, including Europe’s Schengen Area, Hong Kong and Singapore. It also does not mandate a minimum stay.
5. Grenada
Grenada’s passport offers visa-free access to more than 140 countries, including China and Russia. Applicants may invest $150,000 as a donation to the National Transformation Fund or $220,000 in a government-approved real estate project and maintain the property investment for five (5) years or more.
6. Montenegro
Montenegro grants full citizenship to investors who can invest at least €450,000 in the country’s economy through real estate and economic contribution. The passport provides visa-free or visa-on-arrival access to more than 120 destinations, including Europe’s Schengen Area, Russia and Turkey.
7. St. Kitts and Nevis
Saint Kitts and Nevis Citizenship by Investment is one of the oldest CBI programmes in the world. It is best for investors who can invest at least $150,000 in the Government Sustainable Growth Fund.
Another option is investing in pre-approved real estate for a minimum of $400,000 to be held for at least five (5) years. With the passport issued in this country, you can travel visa-free or visa-on-arrival to more than 150 destinations.
8. St. Lucia
St. Lucia’s Citizenship by Investment Programme started in January 2016. Applicants may make a minimum donation to the government, purchase real estate, invest in an approved enterprise project, or invest in government bonds. Visa-free or visa-on-arrival travel applies to more than 140 destinations. Residence or visitation is not required.
9. Turkey
The fastest route to citizenship in Turkey is investing a minimum of $400,000 in real estate. Other investment options include fixed capital contribution, bank deposits, government bonds, and job creation. There is no residency requirement under this programme. A Turkey passport grants visa-free access to over 110 destinations.
10. Vanuatu
Launched in 2017, the Vanuatu Citizenship by Investment Programme is the only citizenship by investment programme offered in the South Pacific. A Vanuatu passport grants visa-free or visa on arrival access to over 130 countries. The required investment is a non-refundable $130,000 donation to the Vanuatu Development Support Program.
The Malta Citizenship by Naturalisation for Exceptional Services by Direct Investment
The Malta Citizenship by Naturalisation for Exceptional Services by Direct Investment is a programme also known as the Granting of Citizenship for Exceptional Services Regulations. The number of successful applicants per year is limited to 400, capping 1,500 for the entire regulation.
Applicants have two options, namely:
Read more about this programme: A Guide to The Malta Citizenship by Naturalisation for Exceptional Services by Direct Investment
