10 Countries Offering Citizenship By Investment (2024)

10 Countries Offering Citizenship By Investment (1)

Citizenship by Investment in Antigua and Barbuda allows qualified investors to get dual citizenship in a West Indian island paradise with some of the world's most gorgeous beaches.
As a single candidate or as a family, you can obtain Antigua citizenship by making a charitable contribution, investing in real estate, or creating an approved business. For the Antigua Citizenship Program, there are three main investment possibilities to consider.

  • National Development Fund contribution or charitable donation
  • Real estate investment
  • Business establishment

Antigua and Barbuda residents and citizens enjoy relatively low tax rates. On worldwide income or assets, there are no capital gains, inheritance taxes, income taxes, or wealth taxes.

Individuals who are temporarily in the country will only be taxed on income earned in Antigua and Barbuda.

Saint Kitts and Nevis

The Citizenship by Investment Program (CIP) in St Kitts and Nevis allows qualified investors to earn dual citizenship and tax-free international income in the lovely twin-island nation. You can become a citizen of this magnificent paradise by acquiring government-approved real estate or donating to the country's Sustainable Growth Fund, which is one of the world's oldest initiatives.

In St. Kitts and Nevis, there is no direct taxation. This means that residents of the islands are exempt from personal income tax, estate duties, inheritance or succession taxes, gift taxes, and net worth tax.

For a single candidate or a family of up to four people, a non-refundable commitment of USD 150,000 to the Sustainable Growth Fund (valid until December 31, 2021). Each sibling receives an additional USD 20,000, and each additional dependant receives an additional USD 10,000.

10 Countries Offering Citizenship By Investment (3)

St Lucia

The economic citizenship program in St Lucia is the newest and most popular means to get a second passport. You can get a passport from Saint Lucia by investing in real estate, the National Economic Fund, government bonds, or a business.

Residents and citizens of Saint Lucia enjoy relatively low tax rates. On worldwide income or assets, there are no capital gains, inheritance taxes, or wealth taxes.
It's worth noting that there are certain local tax implications. Residents of Saint Lucia, for example, pay a personal income tax (PIT) scale based on domestic activity. Individuals who are not residents are only taxed on income earned in their home country.

Dominica

Dominica's economic citizenship program is one of the best-rated immigration schemes, with a minimum investment of $100,000 USD. By acquiring real estate or giving to the Government's Economic Diversification Fund, you can obtain a Dominican passport through their investment program (EDF). There are no taxes on the money, gifts, inheritances, or capital gains. As a result, this citizenship by investment program could be a valuable addition to your global tax strategy.

An investment of at least USD 3.5 million in an approved company project (as defined by the legislation), as well as the creation of at least three permanent employees. A non-refundable contribution of $100,000 to the St Lucia National Economic Fund (NEF) (for a single applicant).

10 Countries Offering Citizenship By Investment (5)

Grenada

Grenada is an ideal Caribbean destination for visa-free travel to more than 140 countries. Donate USD 150,000 or invest USD 220,000 in a government-approved real estate project in Grenada and keep the property for at least five years. The Grenada citizenship by investment scheme is appealing for a variety of reasons. From its stable government, robust economy, and thriving tourism industry to its picturesque beaches and private lifestyle, the country has a lot to offer.

Turkey

Foreign investors can tap into a plethora of commercial prospects with access to both European and Asian markets, as well as the extra benefit of getting a Turkish passport through the Turkey citizenship by investment scheme. The real estate choices require the acquisition of a property for a minimum of USD 250,000 plus expenses. It was originally established at USD 1 million, but in 2018 it was decreased to its present level. Turkey offers tremendous tax incentives to foreign investors. The country levies no taxes on money earned outside of the country. You are also free from paying tax if you stay in the nation for less than six months per year.

10 Countries Offering Citizenship By Investment (6)

Montenegro

Montenegro, located on the Balkan Peninsula in south-eastern Europe, is noted for its breathtaking natural beauty. Despite its location in Europe, Montenegro is not a member of the European Union.
Euro 350,000 is the minimum financial requirement (real estate investment of Euro 250,000 and a donation of Euro 100,000 to the country). Montenegro, the Schengen Area countries, Russia, and Turkey, among others, have the right to free movement.

Malta

Expats and their families who contribute to Malta's economic prosperity are granted citizenship through a certificate of naturalization. This occurs after a 36-month (or, in other cases, 12-month) residence period. Euro 738,000 (or Euro 888,000 in certain circ*mstances), depending on the period of resident status (36 or 12 months, respectively). Malta's tax system is based on residency rather than citizenship, thus even if you earn citizenship, you may not be required to pay tax in Malta. Malta also has unique tax plans for new citizens that might help them save money on taxes.

10 Countries Offering Citizenship By Investment (7)

UK

The UK Citizenship by Investment program, commonly known as the Tier 1 Investor Visa, is the most common means for foreign investors to reside in the United Kingdom, with a fast-track path to British citizenship available.

To qualify for a UK visa, applicants must deposit a lump sum of money and keep it invested throughout their permanent residency in the UK. To obtain permanent residency, you must invest in active and trading UK-registered businesses. While there are other citizenship by investment programs governed by various immigration laws, few countries have as strong an economic structure and as high a level of living as the United Kingdom.

While the UK investor visa does not directly lead to UK citizenship, naturalization after five to six years is an option. You must pass the Life in the UK test and meet the English language requirement to apply for a British passport.

10 Countries Offering Citizenship By Investment (8)

Austria

Austria is a welcoming European Union country that offers foreign nationals the opportunity to become Austrian citizens through its prestigious Austria Citizenship By Investment Program. A minimum payment of 3 million euros is required. Investing in an active firm or other innovative business, donating to a government fund, or investing in venture capital are all viable possibilities.

10 Countries Offering Citizenship By Investment (2024)

FAQs

10 Countries Offering Citizenship By Investment? ›

Vanuatu is the fastest country to grant citizenship by investment. Successful individuals can obtain a Vanuatu passport in as little as 30 days.

Which country gives fastest citizenship by investment? ›

Vanuatu is the fastest country to grant citizenship by investment. Successful individuals can obtain a Vanuatu passport in as little as 30 days.

What is the cheapest citizenship by investment in 2023? ›

The Caribbean citizenship by investment are currently the cheapest CBI for individual investors and families. You can see the true costs of CBI by donation which is more affordable than real estate for many people. All in all, for one person Dominica and St Lucia are the cheapest.

What is the best country to buy citizenship in? ›

Citizenship by Investment Ranking
Country of the programTimelineCost for one applicant
1. Malta12—14 monthsfrom 800 000 €
2. Vanuatu1—2 monthsfrom 130 000 $
3. Grenada4—6 monthsfrom 150 000 $
4. Saint Kitts and Nevis3—6 monthsfrom 150 000 $
4 more rows

What countries can you buy property and gain citizenship? ›

  • Portugal, Spain, and Greece are popular countries where you can buy a property and get residency among investors who want to become residents of the EU.
  • Turkey offers paths to citizenship, which include purchasing real estate in the country.

Which country is easiest to get US citizenship? ›

Due to the program's efficient and rapid process, Antigua and Barbuda is considered one of the easiest countries to get citizenship by investment. The Antigua and Barbuda passport provides its holders visa-free travel to over 140 nations worldwide.

Which American country gives citizenship easily? ›

An Antigua and Barbuda passport offers you visa-free travel in 151 nations across the world. Antigua and Barbuda is one of the easiest countries to get citizenship by investment.

What is the 4 year rule for citizenship? ›

An applicant applying for naturalization under INA 316, which requires 5 years of continuous residence, must then wait at least 4 years and 1 day after returning to the United States (whenever 364 days or less of the absence remains within the statutory period), to have the requisite continuous residence to apply for ...

Which citizenship is most valuable? ›

7 on the list, last year's Global Citizen Solutions Global Passport Index named the U.S. passport the world's most powerful based on its ranking of investment, quality of life and enhanced mobility indices in 2022.

What is the 3 year rule for US citizenship? ›

Demonstrate good moral character for at least 3 years prior to filing the application until the time of naturalization. Attachment to the principles of the U.S. Constitution and well-disposed to the good order and happiness of the United States during all relevant periods under the law.

Where is the hardest to get citizenship? ›

17 Hardest Countries To Get Citizenship [Updated May 2023]
  • Qatar.
  • Vatican City.
  • Liechtenstein.
  • Bhutan.
  • Saudi Arabia.
  • Kuwait.
  • Switzerland.
  • China.

What is a golden passport? ›

A golden passport is a term that refers to a citizenship-by-investment program, which allows foreigners to obtain the citizenship and passport of another country by making a significant financial contribution to its economy or society.

What is the best second citizenship to get? ›

Among the best second nationalities in the world to hold are: Japan: One of the world's strongest citizenships is officially Japan's; however, the country doesn't have a citizenship by investment programme, nor does it recognise dual citizenship, making a Japanese passport extremely difficult to get hold of.

What is the golden visa for citizenship? ›

What are Golden Visas? Golden Visas are immigration by investment schemes that a select few countries provide, allowing qualifying investors and their family members to obtain residency status, and sometimes even citizenship, provided they make a qualifying financial contribution to the economy.

What is this golden visa? ›

The Golden Visa is a long-term residency visa that enables foreign talents to live and work or study in the UAE for up to 10 years. This golden residency scheme is renewable and reserved for certain categories ranging from investors to individuals with exceptional talents.

Does it make you a citizen if you own property in the United States? ›

One of the most common questions we get from our foreign clients is whether buying an American property will give them the legal right to live in the United States. Unfortunately, our first answer is always no. Just purchasing U.S. real estate does not automatically set you on the path toward citizenship.

What country are Americans moving to? ›

40% opt for the Western hemisphere — Canada, Central and South America. 26% move to Europe. 14% head to East Asia and the Pacific — think Australia and New Zealand as well as China and Japan. 14% head to the Middle East.

Which country welcomes immigrants the most? ›

Canada. Located in North America and sharing the longest binational land border of the world with the USA, Canada is undoubtedly the most desirable country in the world to immigrate to. The government is known for its welcoming attitude toward immigrants.

Which U.S. territory has no citizenship? ›

People born in American Samoa, which has been held by the United States for more than 120 years, are not automatically citizens of the United States.

Does the US allow dual citizenship? ›

If you qualify for dual citizenship, you must first immigrate to the U.S. Then you must become a permanent U.S. resident before being eligible for U.S. citizenship. Learn more about immigrating to the U.S. And find out how to become a permanent resident.

What are the top 5 countries for naturalized citizens of the US? ›

Among the top five countries of birth for people naturalizing in FY 2021, Mexico was the lead country, with 13.9% of all naturalizations, followed by India (7.0%), the Philippines (6.0%), Cuba (5.9%), and the Dominican Republic (3.4%).

What is the easiest English speaking country to immigrate to? ›

Canada is one of the most welcoming countries to immigrate to. It is also one of the easiest because it has a vast landmass and a small population. Canada covers several programs for immigrants to move to attract new residents.

Can a U.S. citizen stay out of the country for more than 6 months? ›

If you plan to stay outside of the United States for more than one year but less than two years, you will need a re-entry permit for readmission. You must be physically present in the United States when you file the Form I-131 to apply for the permit.

Can U.S. citizenship expire? ›

With a few exceptions, anyone with U.S. citizenship will retain it for life. The exceptions include when one of the following takes place: The U.S. immigration authorities revoke the person's naturalized citizenship.

How long can you live outside US before losing citizenship? ›

Let's say you apply for naturalization (U.S Citizenship) under INA 316, leave the US on 1st January 2022 and return on 2nd January 2023, you will have stayed outside America for a year breaking continuous residence. For such a case, you must wait five years (up to 3rd January 2027) to reapply for naturalization.

What's the strongest passport? ›

Japan offers world's most powerful passport

Japanese citizens enjoy visa-free or visa-on-demand access to a record 193 destinations around the world, just ahead of Singapore and South Korea whose citizens can freely visit 192.

What countries can a US passport not go to? ›

What countries do not accept U.S. passport? The only destination where it is forbidden for US citizens to travel to is North Korea, due to its closed border status for both US citizens and citizens of other countries.

Is US citizenship powerful? ›

The main reason behind this strong US passport strength is that the US has negotiated and established treaties that allow US passport holders easy access to business, trade, and travel, which is itself evidence that the US has one of the most powerful passports in the world.

Can I stay on green card forever? ›

Although some Permanent Resident Cards, commonly known as Green Cards, contain no expiration date, most are valid for 10 years. If you have been granted conditional permanent resident status, the card is valid for 2 years. It is important to keep your card up-to-date.

Does U.S. allow triple citizenship? ›

Yes, the U.S. does allow for triple citizenship and does not require naturalized U.S. citizens to give up citizenship in their home country or other countries.

How long do you have to live in the US to automatically become a citizen? ›

Determine your eligibility to become a U.S. citizen. In general, you may qualify for naturalization if you are at least 18 years old and have been a permanent resident for at least 5 years (or 3 years if you are married to a U.S. citizen) and meet all other eligibility requirements.

Why is getting US citizenship so hard? ›

Why Is It So Hard To Become A U.S. citizen? It is hard because of the long processing times, the financial and personal costs involved, and the fact that most immigrants do not have a direct relative that is a citizen of the United States.

Which citizenship is fastest to get? ›

Let's look at the countries with the fastest citizenship and what else they offer.
  • Vanuatu: 1–2 months. ...
  • Dominica: 2–6 months. ...
  • St Kitts and Nevis: 2–6 months. ...
  • St Lucia: 3–4 months. ...
  • Grenada: 4–6 months. ...
  • Antigua and Barbuda: 4–6 months. ...
  • Turkey: 6–8 months. ...
  • Malta: 1–3 years.

Is America the hardest country to immigrate to? ›

Austria, Germany, Japan, Switzerland, and the United States are five nations that make it especially difficult for foreigners to establish permanent residency or obtain citizenship.

What is the rarest passport Colour? ›

3. Black passport. Black is the rarest colour in passports. African countries such as Botswana, Zambia, Burundi, Gabon, Angola, Chad, Congo and Malawi use this color on their passport covers – New Zealand also has black – because black is their national colour.

Can I get a green card if I buy a house in USA? ›

Yes, you can obtain a green card through real estate investment in the United States. Although buying a real estate property will not directly help get a green card in the U.S., there are some ways to get a green card by investing in real estate. One of the preferable ways is through the EB-5 Investor Program.

What is the least valuable passport? ›

2023 Henley Passport Index

An Afghan passport has once again been labelled by the index as the least powerful passport in the world, with its nationals only able to visit 27 destinations visa-free. This was followed by the Iraqi passport at 29.

Which country is best for dual citizenship with USA? ›

You might need to fulfil certain requirements depending on the way of obtaining the citizenship you choose. Different countries have different rules, but the easiest countries to get dual citizenship are states like Turkey, Vanuatu, Grenada, and Dominica.

Where can US citizens have dual citizenship? ›

American dual citizenship is possible in certain countries such as Portugal, Spain, Malta, Cyprus, Belgium, Denmark, Australia, the UK, and Dominica. The list may be subject to change depending on the changes in policy. Among them, Portugal and Spain offer Golden Visa programs.

What is the most valuable second passport? ›

The best citizenship program by far is Dominica's citizenship program. Individuals are given dual citizenship in exchange for a qualifying investment worth at least $100,000 in four months. The Dominica passport also offers visa-free travel advantages to over 120 destinations.

How much do you need to invest in the US to get citizenship? ›

To get a US passport, you can invest from $800,000 in business projects in targeted employment areas. If your investment goes to any other region, it must be from $1,050,000.

How much is a USA Golden Visa? ›

How much does an EB 5 visa cost? You need to file Form I-526 in order to apply for an EB5 Visa. The United States Citizenship and Immigration Services charges you a fee of $3,675 to file this form.

Which country has cheapest investor visa? ›

First we start with Malta.
  • Malta. Under the New Malta Permanent Residency program (MPRP) popularly known as “Maltese Golden visa”, launched on March 29, 2021, makes it cheaper, you only have to pay 100,000 euros (one time Govt fee as donation) under renting option. ...
  • Portugal. ...
  • Greece. ...
  • Latvia. ...
  • Bulgaria / Cyprus.
May 17, 2023

Can I get Golden Visa in USA? ›

Countries that offer Golden Visa programs include: Canada, Cyprus, Greece, Malta, New Zealand, Portugal, Singapore, Spain, Switzerland, the UK, and the United States of America.

Can I get residency in Spain if I buy a house? ›

Can you get Spanish residency by buying a property? Yes, if you are a non-EU citizen, you can obtain a residence permit in Spain valid for 3 years as long as the property you purchase is valued at over €500,000.

What is the easiest EU residency to get? ›

In Europe, countries that give residence permits easily are Portugal, Cyprus, Greece, Montenegro and Malta. You can easily obtain residency in the Americas in Antigua and Barbuda, Mexico, Belize, and Nicaragua. Asian countries whose residence permits are easy to get are Cambodia, Malaysia, and Thailand.

Can a foreigner buy a ranch in USA? ›

There are no citizenship requirement for real estate sales in the USA, any non-US citizens can buy any property. Anyone may purchase and own property in the United States, regardless of citizenship. There are no laws restricting a person from buying a property in the USA.

Can I live in USA if I buy a house? ›

There are no laws or restrictions that prevent foreign nationals from owning property in the US. In fact, they have the same rights to buy and own property in the US as US citizens do. Yes, anyone can buy a property in the USA regardless of whether they have US citizenship.

Can you live in the US legally without being a citizen? ›

Lawful permanent residents (LPRs), also known as “green card” holders, are non-citizens who are lawfully authorized to live permanently within the United States.

Which country is easiest to get permanent residency? ›

In Europe, countries that give residence permits easily are Portugal, Cyprus, Greece, Montenegro and Malta. You can easily obtain residency in the Americas in Antigua and Barbuda, Mexico, Belize, and Nicaragua. Asian countries whose residence permits are easy to get are Cambodia, Malaysia, and Thailand.

How much to invest in Canada to get citizenship? ›

How much does citizenship by investment cost in Canada? To apply for the Québec Immigrant Investor Program (QIIP), applicants must make a minimum investment of CAD 1.2 million (about $880,000). They're also required to pay an application reviewal fee of CAD 16,874 (about $12,380).

What is the cheapest golden passport in the world? ›

1. Malta. Under the New Malta Permanent Residency program (MPRP) popularly known as “Maltese Golden visa”, launched on March 29, 2021, makes it cheaper, you only have to pay 100,000 euros (one time Govt fee as donation) under renting option.

What is the fastest EU citizenship to get? ›

Portugal is overall the easiest EU citizenship to get, with citizenship being granted after five years of living in the country. Belgium also offers easy EU citizenship if you move your business there, while Spain offers the fastest way to get citizenship if you are part of the former Spanish colonies.

Which country is most welcoming to immigrants? ›

Canada. Located in North America and sharing the longest binational land border of the world with the USA, Canada is undoubtedly the most desirable country in the world to immigrate to. The government is known for its welcoming attitude toward immigrants.

Which country citizenship is hardest to get? ›

17 Hardest Countries To Get Citizenship [Updated May 2023]
  • Qatar.
  • Vatican City.
  • Liechtenstein.
  • Bhutan.
  • Saudi Arabia.
  • Kuwait.
  • Switzerland.
  • China.

Can I live in Canada if I am a U.S. citizen? ›

3) Can I live in Canada as an American citizen? Yes, if you are an American citizen, you may live in Canada. If your stay exceeds 180 days, you will most likely need a visa. You will also need a visa or work permit if you intend to work in Canada.

What is golden visa USA? ›

A “golden visa” refers to a type of immigration program that many countries offer that can offer permanent residency to a high-net-worth (wealthy) individual, provided they can show that they are going to bring significant investment into the country.

How much does it cost to get citizenship by investment in USA? ›

To get a US passport, you can invest from $800,000 in business projects in targeted employment areas. If your investment goes to any other region, it must be from $1,050,000.

What is the rarest passport in the world? ›

This is the rarest passport in the world. There are only 500 people that have it. And it doesn't even belong to a country. It belongs to the order of Malta.

What is the rarest passport? ›

The Order of Malta, a Catholic religious order without official territory but solid diplomatic relationships with 112 countries, has the rarest and most uncommon passport on earth, the Sovereign Military Order of Malta (SMOM) Passport.

What is the strongest passport in the world? ›

Japan (193 countries) If you're looking for a country with great travel options, then you can't go wrong with Japan. The Japanese passport is ranked as the most powerful in the world, allow visa-free access to 193 countries.

Which citizen is easiest to get in Europe? ›

Easiest Countries in Europe to get Citizenship
  • Germany. Average Score: 0.6. It takes a lot of paperwork to become a naturalized German citizen. ...
  • UK. Average Score: 2.2. ...
  • Netherlands. Average Score: 2.8. ...
  • France. Average Score: 3.4. ...
  • Spain. Average Score: 3.6.
May 10, 2023

What is the hardest citizenship to get in Europe? ›

Austria

Austria is located in the heart of Europe and is bordered by eight other countries, making it one of the most difficult places to become a naturalized citizen. The process requires 12 years of continuous residency, including three years of marriage to an Austrian citizen, and passing a language test.

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