Citizenship by Investment serves as a pathway for affluent individuals and their families to secure their future by obtaining dual nationality. In exchange, the host country gains substantial economic advantages through investments across various sectors. These programs appeal to high-net-worth individuals whose current passports limit their global mobility. CBI nations encourage dual citizenship without requiring applicants to renounce their original nationality.
The cost of citizenship by investment varies depending on the chosen program or route—such as donation, real estate investment, bank deposit, or job creation. Obtaining a second passport through investment has become a powerful advantage in today’s world. This pathway offers numerous benefits, including enhanced global mobility, political backing from the new country, opportunities for asset growth, and access to new markets that foster business expansion.
Antigua and Barbuda
Antigua and Barbuda offers citizenship by investment to families of four with a minimum contribution of $230,000. Applicants can choose from several options, including donations, real estate investments, or business investments.
Antigua Passport Visa Free Countries | 150+
Dominica
Dominica’s citizenship by investment program requires a minimum contribution of $200,000, which can be made through either a donation or a real estate investment.
Dominica Passport Visa Free Countries | 145+
Grenada
Grenada’s citizenship by investment program begins with a minimum donation of $235,000 or a real estate investment starting from $270,000.
Grenada Passport Visa Free Countries | 145+
St. Lucia
St. Lucia’s citizenship by investment program starts with a minimum contribution of $240,000 to the National Economic Fund or a real estate investment of at least $300,000.
St Lucia Passport Visa Free Countries | 145+
St. Kitts and Nevis
The St. Kitts and Nevis citizenship by investment program requires a minimum contribution of $250,000 to the national economy or a real estate investment of at least $325,000.
St Kitts Passport Visa Free Countries | 155+
Nauru
Nauru’s citizenship program starts at $105,000 and grants visa-free access to countries including the United Kingdom and the United Arab Emirates.
Nauru Passport Visa Free Countries | 88+
Visa-free travel is one of the primary reasons individuals pursue second citizenship through investment. Depending on the country’s passport, a CBI program can offer visa-free access to between 89 and 155 destinations. Major visa-free countries often include the Schengen states, the United Kingdom, China, Russia, Hong Kong, and several others.
Entrepreneurs with passports offering limited mobility often miss out on global business opportunities. Obtaining a second passport through investment presents a significant advantage for such individuals. It allows access to international markets that may have been previously restricted due to political barriers linked to their home country. A second passport empowers investors to travel freely for business meetings, attend international exhibitions, and represent their ventures globally while pursuing new deals and partnerships.
Countries offering second citizenship attract high-net-worth investors through favorable tax policies. These often include little to no personal income tax, exemptions on inheritance and gift taxes, and low corporate tax rates. As a result, obtaining second citizenship through investment allows individuals to expand their wealth while minimizing tax burdens.
Countries that offer citizenship by investment provide lifetime citizenship, along with hassle-free passport renewals. These programs also allow investors to include dependent family members under the same application. A second passport can be invaluable in avoiding hostile situations at airports or escaping persecution—whether political, religious, or for other reasons.
Countries offering citizenship by investment programs establish specific eligibility criteria, which typically include requirements related to investment amount, background checks, health, and age. The general CBI requirements are as follows:
Must be 18 years or older
Meet the minimum investment threshold
Maintain a clean criminal record
Have no serious health conditions
Retain the investment for 3 to 5 years
Successfully pass due diligence screening
Economic citizenship is an immigration pathway that grants nationality to investors who make significant financial contributions to a country’s economy. Through this approach, nations attract foreign direct investment to support infrastructure, public welfare, and development projects, or through the purchase of government bonds and real estate. In exchange for these economic contributions, investors receive expedited citizenship. The primary goal for most investors is to establish a “Plan B” that provides global mobility, business growth opportunities, and access to world-class healthcare and education.