Citizenship by investment (CBI) has been rising for the past decade, with data showing the industry is expected to reach $100 billion in the next three years.
Citizenship by investment allows you to legally acquire a foreign passport by investing in the host country’s economy.
Unlike traditional immigration routes, such as naturalization, CBI can be obtained faster and simpler, making it an excellent choice for those looking to secure a dual passport with minimum hassle.
So, if you wish to gain dual citizenship and a foreign passport without residency, read this article and let us show you how.
1. Citizenship by Investment in Turkey
Turkey is a Mediterranean nation straddling between Europe and Asia, boasting a rich history, magnificent beaches, high-quality education, steady economic development, and business opportunities.
Holding a Turkish passport entitles you to visa-free travel to over 100 countries, the US E2 visa for setting up a business in America, and access to free education and full health coverage, among others.
Investment Required: The easiest way to obtain Turkish citizenship requires you to invest $400,000 in real estate with the restriction of holding the property for up to 3 years.
Time to Citizenship: 3-6 months.
2. Citizenship by Investment in Montenegro
Situated in Southeastern Europe, Montenegro is famous for its forest-covered mountains and affordable property prices while being an official EU candidate and a member state of NATO.
Investment Required: Either €250,000 investment in approved properties in underdeveloped parts of the country or €450,000 investment in the developed regions. A non-refundable €200,000 donation to the state is also required.
Time to Citizenship: Up to 6 months.
3. Citizenship by Investment in Grenada
Grenada is an exotic Caribbean island, offering a CBI option that opens doors to visa-free travel to over 140 countries, including the US, China, and the UK, with a generous tax system and vast business opportunities.
Investment Required: There are two ways: a minimal non-refundable donation of $150,000 via the National Transformation Fund or investing at least $350,000 in real estate projects (higher amounts for additional family members).
Time to Citizenship: 3-5 months.
4. Citizenship by Investment in Antigua and Barbuda
Located on the soil of tropical rainforest and exclusive resorts, Antigua and Barbuda is a two-island nation.
Benefits of Antigua and Barbuda citizenship include visa-free travel to 150 countries, such as the UK, Switzerland, Schengen zone, Hong Kong, Singapore, Malaysia, Macao, and many more.
For families, Antigua and Barbuda CBI offers a much cheaper investment option than other similar programs in the Caribbean.
Investment Required: Qualifying investments include the (1) National Development Fund minimum of $100,000 for a family of 4, (2) real estate investment of $400,000, or (3) business establishment worth $1.5 million.
Time to Citizenship: 3-5 months.
5. Citizenship by Investment in St. Kitts and Nevis
Saint Kitts and Nevis comprise two islands in the Caribbean, known for their sandy beaches, business prospects, and favorable tax treatment.
Investment Required: Invest in approved real estate developments (minimum $400,000) or make a non-refundable donation of $150,000 to the Sustainable Growth Fund (SGF).
Time to Citizenship: 3-5 months.
6. Citizenship by Investment in Dominica
Dominica is another Caribbean island nation whose CBI benefits include the ability to live, work and build businesses in any CARICOM member state and a generous tax system.
Investment Required: (1) The Economic Diversification Fund (EDF) requires a non-refundable donation of $100,000. (2) Real estate development projects approved by the government require a $200,000 investment.
Time to Citizenship: 3-5 months.
7. Citizenship by Investment in St. Lucia
Saint Lucia is a Caribbean island offering four different pathways to citizenship with no tax on income generated outside the nation, discreet banking, and visa-free travel to 145 countries, including the EU Schengen zone and the UK.
Investment Required: The national economic fund requires a $100,000 contribution, while real estate development is a minimum $300,000 investment.
Thirdly, an approved enterprise project is a $3.5 million investment, and lastly, the government bonds option requires a $500,000 investment.
Time to Citizenship: Around 3 months.
8. Citizenship by Investment in Vanuatu
Situated near Australia, Vanuatu is a chain of 83 tropical islands where English and French are spoken. Aside from being the only Asia-Pacific Citizenship by Investment host country, the Vanuatu passport offers a range of benefits:
- Visa-free travel to countries such as the UK, Singapore, Hong Kong, and Russia, among others.
- Possibility to add family members once the main applicant is granted the passport.
- A myriad of tax benefits.
- Preferential treatment for crypto entrepreneurs.
Investment Required: single applicant donation of $130,000 to the Capital Investment Immigration Plan ($150,000 for the main applicant and the spouse) and additional administrative fees.
Time to Citizenship: 45-60 days from submitting the citizenship application.
The Key Takeaway
Citizenship by investment is a means to invest in your freedom by obtaining a foreign passport, enhancing your global mobility, allowing you to do business in the host nation, mitigate taxation, and enjoy a unique lifestyle.
However, navigating the intricacies of your chosen host country can be daunting, and that’s where our professional High Net-Worth Immigration team can step in.
