What is Citizenship by Investment?
It is a fairly straightforward concept, but its immense impact on one’s life makes it seem more complicated than it is.
However, fundamentally, Citizenship by Investment (CBI) is merely a legal process through which a country grants nationality to foreign individuals who make a significant financial contribution to its economy.
There is a direct and immediate back and forth here. The host country benefits from an influx of capital while the investor benefits from a second passport, which is a clear, mutually beneficial exchange.
Depending on the jurisdiction, the investment could be in real estate (of approved projects), government bonds, non-refundable contribution (donation) to a government fund, also known as a national development fund.
Once it is approved, you, the presumed investor, become a proper citizen with all the accompanying rights of a citizen, such as voting, property ownership, and, of course, global mobility.
CBI programs cannot be confused with immigration routes, as those take years of residence, language exams, and complex bureaucracy. CBI programs are far more efficient, usually finalizing all procedures within a matter of months.
Benefits of Citizenship by Investment include:
- Visa-free access to 100+ countries (depending on the passport).
- Legal protection and the right to reside indefinitely in your second country.
- Family inclusion often spans multiple generations.
- Wealth preservation, especially in stable, tax-neutral economies.
How to Qualify for a Citizenship by Investment Program
Needless to say, meeting the financial requirements of a country is important, but there is more to qualifying for citizenship than just writing off a check.
When a country invites individuals to get involved in their investment program, they expect the applicants to meet certain criteria, such as having a clean criminal record and having all their wealth derived from legitimate sources.
To lay it out clearly, applicants must fulfil these requirements:
- Be over 18 years old.
- Have no criminal record.
- Be able to verify their investment funds.
. - Satisfy the due diligence requirements imposed by the CBI unit or ministry overseeing applications.
In the majority of cases, countries do not require you to clear any strict language tests, have specific education, or impose any residency requirements.
In fact, many programs allow you to apply without even visiting the country at all, a much-appreciated gesture by busy individuals.
Benefits of Citizenship by Investment
Getting a second passport under your belt puts you in quite an advantageous position both professionally and personally.
Of course, there is the freedom it provides to explore our great planet further, but with travel freedom also comes global opportunities, which open the doors to a whole new section of the world.
Here is what it can mean for you and your family:
- Enjoy a visa-free or on-arrival visa to over 100 countries, making leisure and work a lot more convenient, as reduced paperwork is always a welcome sight.
- The nation you currently reside in may not have a favorable tax regime, but CBI programs land you in countries that are investor-friendly. This translates to no wealth, inheritance, or capital gains taxes. With fewer taxes to work with, your wealth is more in your control.
- In times of political, social, or economic unrest, having an alternative citizenship provides you with a much-needed safety net in case relocation becomes necessary. This protects you and your family.
These benefits aren’t individualistic in nature, meaning they extend to your spouse, child, and even parents.
With a single move, your future generations get access to world-class education, healthcare, and global business opportunities, all under the protection of a strong passport.
Business, travel, leisure, or relocation, whatever your reason might be, a second citizenship gives you true freedom of movement and opportunity.
Exclusive Low-Cost Pathway to EU Citizenship
Before we proceed with the actual list of the cheapest citizenship by investment programs available, there is a Residency program exclusively developed by Investment Visa that leads to Citizenship in the European Union after 5 years.
- Investment Type: Exclusive Opportunity with Investment Visa
- Minimum Investment: €155,000
How to Choose the Right Citizenship Program
Policies change fast, but choosing a CBI program isn’t a decision best made in a hurry. Different programs have their individual pros and cons.
The choice becomes a mixture of subjectivity (the lifestyle you want) and objectivity (what professional and lifestyle benefits, like healthcare, it offers).
It's quite a research-intensive task, to say the least, so we highly recommend speaking with an expert regarding it, as they can help you make a more informed decision.
However, here are a few generalized suggestions:
- Choose Vanuatu or Dominica for fastest approval times.
- Go with Grenada or St. Lucia to get U.S. visa access.
- Consider Antigua & Barbuda or Vanuatu for tax efficiency.
- St. Kitts & Nevis or Türkiye are excellent options for long-term investment.
As you can see, each program offers unique advantages. So, we circle back to our recommendation of speaking with a trusted CBI advisor, as they can make sure your investment aligns with your family and financial objectives.
Top Cheapest Citizenship by Investment Programs in 2025
With the basics clear, allow us to present the ten best-value CBI programs this year, taking into consideration affordability, credibility, and real-world mobility.
1. Dominica
Dominica is one of the world’s most affordable and respected Caribbean citizenship by investment programs.
The Nature Island of the Caribbean is also quite an in-demand option owing to its beautiful views, tax-friendly policies, and political stability.
With a minimum real estate investment of USD $200,000, investors can secure themselves a powerful passport that will grant them visa-free access to over 135 countries, including the UK and the Schengen Area.
- Investment Type: Real Estate Purchase
- Minimum Investment: $200,000
2. St. Lucia
St. Lucia offers an elegant balance between cost and credibility.
A USD $240,000 government donation or a USD $300,000 real estate investment qualifies you for citizenship, with processing times averaging between eight to ten months.
The St. Lucian passport grants access to over 140 destinations. It allows holders to apply for the U.S. B1/B2 visa, which enables longer stays in America, which may or may not be a significant plus for frequent travelers.
- Investment Type: Real Estate Purchase
- Minimum Investment: $240,000-$300,000
3. Grenada
Something that makes Grenada’s CBI program unique is this single perk: eligibility for the U.S. E-2 Investor Visa. This visa allows citizens to live and work in the United States.
For the program, a real estate investment of USD $270,000 or a donation route (starting around USD $235,000) is required within 6-9 months.
The passport also offers visa-free access to the EU, China, and the UK, which makes Grenada a favorite among global entrepreneurs.
- Investment Type: Real Estate Purchase - Condominium unit or share in an approved real estate project.
- Minimum Investment: $235,000-$270,000
4. Antigua & Barbuda
Antigua & Barbuda remains one of the most family-friendly programs. The donation option begins at USD $230,000, covering up to four dependents, a major advantage for families.
The country’s passport grants access to 150+ destinations and comes with no personal income, wealth, or inheritance tax.
The entire process is smooth, digital, and typically completed in four to six months.
- Investment Type: Real Estate Purchase
- Minimum Investment: $230,000
5. St. Kitts & Nevis
No other country’s CBI program meets the credibility of St. Kitts and Nevis’ for offering the world’s oldest CBI program.
The Sustainable Island State Contribution (SISC) option starts at USD $250,000, while real estate requires a minimum of USD $325,000. This dual-island nation offers visa-free travel to 150+ countries.
- Investment Type: Real Estate Purchase
- Minimum Investment: $325,000
6. Türkiye
Since ancient history, Türkiye has been a hotspot for cultural and professional intermingling, being a natural bridge between Europe and Asia.
This factor has contributed to its success in the current economy as well.
Its beautiful culture, visa-free or visa-on-arrival access to more than 100 countries, and extraordinary landscape have made it a very tempting option.
Türkiye offers a direct path to citizenship through real estate investment of USD $400,000, which is a seemingly steep price but, considering its location, a worthy investment for many investors.
- Investment Type: Real Estate Purchase
- Minimum Investment: $400,000
7. North Macedonia
One of Europe’s best-kept secrets, North Macedonia’s program offers a direct citizenship route through investment starting at €200,000.
The program grants access to European residency benefits and is considered a stepping stone toward greater EU integration.
Processing is straightforward, and the program is gaining traction among regional investors seeking a European foothold without EU pricing.
- Investment Type: Contribution to a government-approved fund or direct business investment.
- Minimum Investment: €200,000
8. Egypt
Egypt quietly launched a competitive CBI option, with citizenship available for USD $250,000 through a government contribution or USD $300,000 in real estate.
Its geographical location, affordability, and growing regional influence make it an emerging contender for Middle Eastern and African investors.
- Investment Type: Donation or Real Estate investment
- Minimum Investment: $250,000-$300,000
9. Qatar
Though not a classic CBI program, Qatar’s residency and investment framework has evolved to offer long-term residency and naturalization opportunities for substantial investors.
A high-income, tax-free jurisdiction with world-class infrastructure, Qatar’s strategic stability and global connectivity make it a serious prospect for those looking for eventual citizenship through sustained investment.
- Investment Type: Real estate investment
- Minimum Investment: $200,000 for a temporary residency permit.
10. Vanuatu
Vanuatu remains the cheapest citizenship by investment program globally. With a USD $138,000 contribution to a government development fund, applicants can receive citizenship in as little as two months, one of the fastest timelines worldwide.
- Investment Type: Donation to Vanuatu’s coconut oil production
- Minimum Investment: $138,000
Cheapest Citizenship by Investment Programs: Quick Comparison
Country | Minimum Investment | Processing Time | Key Benefit |
|---|---|---|---|
Vanuatu | USD $138,000 | 2–3 months | Fastest & cheapest globally |
Dominica | USD $200,000 | 6–9 months | Strong passport, low cost |
Grenada | USD $270,000 | 6–9 months | U.S. E-2 visa access |
St. Lucia | USD $240,000 | 8–10 months | U.S. B1/B2 visa eligibility |
Antigua & Barbuda | USD $230,000 | 4–6 months | Family-inclusive pricing |
St. Kitts & Nevis | USD $250,000 | 4–6 months | Most trusted and oldest CBI program |
Türkiye | USD $400,000 | 3–5 months | Business gateway to Europe & Asia |
North Macedonia | €200,000 | ~8 months | Low-cost EU-adjacent route |
Egypt | USD $250,000 | ~6 months | Growing regional hub |
Qatar | Variable | Multi-year path | Strategic Middle East opportunity |
Work With Investment Visa: Your Trusted Path to Global Citizenship
Working with professional agents and experienced advisors is highly recommended, as without their assistance, accuracy lowers, and being unable to meet compliance can result in your application getting rejected.
At Investment Visa, we help investors formulate a strategy for successfully getting their second passport.
Our team provides end-to-end guidance:
- Choosing the right program for your budget and lifestyle goals.
- Managing documentation, due diligence, and government submissions.
- Advising on family inclusion, renewals, and long-term planning.
Your passport to global freedom starts with one consultation. Choose your destination program today.
Closing Thoughts
Citizenship by Investment programs change constantly, with certain countries tightening requirements while others are loosening them or actively entering this space, like Egypt or North Macedonia.
What, however, stays constant is the fact that opportunities that exist today, in 2025, may not exist tomorrow. So, if you’re serious about securing a second passport, the time to act is now.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Several countries offer citizenship through real estate investment, with the most popular options being Türkiye, Dominica, Grenada, St. Lucia, and Antigua & Barbuda.
The easiest countries to get citizenship by investment are Vanuatu, and those in the Caribbean.
Yes, you can, via a residency investment that eventually allows you to apply for Citizenship.
Each program has different structures, and you can choose the option that best aligns with your financial and personal goals.:
- Donation/Contribution: Some countries require a direct donation to a government or development fund (e.g., St. Lucia’s National Development Fund).
- Real Estate Investment: Many offer a real estate path (e.g., St. Kitts and Nevis, Dominica, Antigua and Barbuda, Grenada).
- Business Investment: A few focus on funding or investing in a local business (e.g., North Macedonia)
That is determined by each country individually. However, most programs allow applicants to include spouses, dependent children (often up to a specific age), and sometimes even parents and grandparents if they are also dependents of the main applicant.
Citizenship and Residency by Investment programs can change rapidly due to political, economic, or international pressures. As seen in places like Portugal, Spain, and Hungary, program requirements and benefits can be suspended or amended with little notice. It is wise to start your application process sooner rather than later if you are set on a particular program.
Caribbean passports often come with visa-free travel to over 100+ countries (some programs reach 140+ destinations), favorable tax regimes, and family inclusion, allowing applicants to include spouses, dependent children, and sometimes parents or grandparents, through extra fee payments.
As of 2025, the most affordable citizenship by investment is that of Vanuatu, starting around USD $138,000, and the process typically takes only a few months.
Alternatively, Investment Visa's Residency package leads to EU Citizenship and starts only at €155,000.
A CBI can provide a range of benefits, such as greater global mobility, potential tax optimization, and access to new business and investment opportunities. It can also be a safeguard or “Plan B” for personal and financial security.
-
Countries With No Income Tax: The 2026 Guide for Investors & Residents
High-net-worth individuals, entrepreneurs, and global families tend to be in a peculiar spot wherein their home country’s taxation system may...
