10 Countries That Offer Citizenship by Investment

Acquiring citizenship through investment is an established option in several countries that offer formal pathways to a second passport in exchange for a substantial economic contribution. These programs typically require either a government contribution or a qualifying real estate purchase that supports national development or public projects. In return, successful applicants receive citizenship that can expand travel freedom, open new business markets, and in some cases offer favorable tax or residency flexibility.

The overview below summarizes 10 countries that offered citizenship-by-investment or similar economic-citizenship pathways as of 2025, based on information published through their official channels. Requirements and processing times vary by jurisdiction, and applicants should always verify current rules with official government sources or licensed agents before proceeding.

St. Kitts & Nevis Has the Longest-Running Program

Established in 1984, St. Kitts & Nevis operates one of the longest-standing citizenship-by-investment programs. Applicants can choose a contribution to the Sustainable Island State Contribution starting at $250,000 or a qualifying real estate purchase with minimums around $325,000. Typical processing takes about three to four months. The St. Kitts passport provides visa-free or visa-on-arrival access to roughly 157 countries, including the EU, the UK, and Singapore.

Grenada Offers Access to a U.S. E-2 Visa

Grenada is unique among Caribbean programs for maintaining an active E-2 treaty with the United States. That treaty allows citizens of Grenada to apply for a U.S. E-2 investor visa, enabling qualified investors to live and work in the U.S. under certain conditions. Citizenship through Grenada is typically granted within seven to eight months with either a government donation starting at $235,000 or a qualifying real estate investment from about $270,000.

Malta Grants EU Citizenship With the Strongest Travel Access

Malta provides a route to full European Union citizenship via naturalization following a period of residency, typically between 12 and 36 months, combined with a significant financial commitment. Minimum investment levels reported were around $600,000, depending on the chosen combination of contribution, property, and residency requirements. A Maltese passport grants wide travel access—over 180 destinations—including the U.S., Canada, and all EU member states—making it one of the strongest in terms of global mobility.

Vanuatu Processes Applications in Under Three Months

Vanuatu’s citizenship-by-investment offering stands out for speed and simplicity. There is no residency requirement and no mandatory property purchase—applicants can apply via a government contribution, with minimum donations reported at about $130,000. Applications can be processed in as little as two months and the process is frequently managed online. The Vanuatu passport provides visa-free or visa-on-arrival access to around 113 countries, though it does not grant access to the EU Schengen area.

St. Lucia Offers Four Investment Options

St. Lucia’s program provides flexibility with four approved investment routes: a direct donation to the National Economic Fund, an investment in government bonds, a qualifying real estate purchase, or an approved enterprise project. The minimum donation route typically starts at about $240,000. Processing times are commonly 12–14 months. The St. Lucian passport gives visa-free or visa-on-arrival access to approximately 147 countries, including many EU states and the UK.

Turkey’s Program Is Based on Real Estate Only

Turkey’s citizenship-by-investment route focuses exclusively on real estate investment rather than donations. The commonly cited minimum for qualifying property purchases is around $400,000. The process usually completes within three to five months. While a Turkish passport does not provide visa-free access to the Schengen area, it does allow travel to over 100 countries and can be attractive for investors seeking residency and business opportunities in a transcontinental country.

Dominica Maintains One of the Lowest Entry Costs

Dominica remains known for an affordable and well-established citizenship-by-investment program. Applicants can choose a government donation or a qualifying real estate investment, with minimums commonly around $200,000. Processing typically takes four to six months. The program also accommodates family applications, making it a popular option for households seeking efficient and cost-effective access to a second passport.

São Tomé and Príncipe Offers the Lowest-Cost Program

São Tomé and Príncipe emerged as a low-cost option for citizenship by contribution. Reported minimum donations start at about $90,000, and processing can be completed in a relatively short timeframe, sometimes as quickly as two months. The São Tomé and Príncipe passport provides visa-free access to roughly 61 countries, making it one of the most affordable legal routes to a second citizenship for those prioritizing cost and speed.

Nauru Includes Expanded Eligibility Criteria

Nauru launched a citizenship-by-investment-style program in 2024 with a reported minimum donation of about $105,000. The program is notable for explicitly expanding eligibility to categories that some jurisdictions do not always address, including same-sex couples, unmarried partners, and stateless individuals. Processing times are generally three to six months. The Nauruan passport offers visa-free travel to approximately 89 countries, including the UK.

Antigua & Barbuda Offers Lower Fees for Families

Antigua & Barbuda’s program is commonly chosen by families because many fees and qualifying investments cover household applicants. Reported minimums include a government donation option starting at about $230,000 or a qualifying real estate investment from around $300,000 for a property project that meets program criteria. Typical processing times range from four to seven months, and the resulting passport provides travel access to more than 150 countries across Europe, Asia, and Latin America.

Important note: Citizenship-by-investment programs, their costs, and visa access can change. Eligibility rules, due diligence procedures, and processing timelines vary by country and may be updated by governments. Prospective applicants should consult official government sources and licensed legal or immigration advisors to confirm current program details, ensure compliance with laws in their home country, and evaluate long-term implications.