In 2025, securing a second passport through citizenship by investment (CBI) programs has become a strategic move for investors worldwide. With evolving global regulations and a growing demand for greater mobility, selecting the right program requires careful evaluation. This guide reviews the top citizenship by investment options available in 2025, highlighting their benefits, investment requirements, and suitability for different investor needs.
What is Citizenship by Investment?
Citizenship by investment (CBI) enables individuals to obtain a second passport by making a substantial financial contribution to a country. These programs typically offer advantages such as visa-free travel, wealth diversification and protection, lifestyle upgrades, etc. Each program has specific requirements, and choosing the right one depends on factors like investment or contribution types and amounts, processing time, and associated benefits.
Top Citizenship by Investment Programs in 2025
1. St. Kitts & Nevis Citizenship by Investment Program
Established in 1984, the St. Kitts & Nevis Citizenship by Investment (CBI) Program is the world’s longest-running and most reputable program of its kind. It grants foreign investors the opportunity to obtain citizenship through qualified investments.
Applicants for St Kitts & Nevis Citizenship by Investment Program can choose from several investment options: a non-refundable contribution to the Sustainable Island State Contribution (SISC), a donation to an approved public benefit project, or an investment in government-approved real estate.
The minimum donation starts at $250,000 for a single applicant, with additional costs for family members. For real estate investment, the minimum required amount is $325,000, with a mandatory holding period of at least seven years.
Processing time for CBI applications typically ranges from four to six months, and the process can be completed remotely. However, a mandatory interview is required, which can be conducted either in person or online.
To qualify, applicants must be at least 18 years old, in good health, and have a clean criminal record.
Key Benefits:
- visa-free or visa-on-arrival access to over 150 countries, including the EU, UK, and Russia
- no personal income tax, wealth tax, gift tax, inheritance tax, or capital gains tax
- no residency requirement before or after obtaining citizenship
- dual citizenship is permitted, allowing investors to retain their current nationality
- investments or donations are required only after receiving conditional approval
2. Dominica Citizenship by Investment Program
The Commonwealth of Dominica launched its Citizenship by Investment (CBI) Program in 1993, offering a fast and cost-effective route to second citizenship. The program has no residency requirements and features a fully remote application process, including a mandatory virtual interview.
In Summer 2024, Caribbean nations with economic citizenship programs introduced reforms to harmonize their CBI offerings, including setting a minimum investment threshold of $200,000 across all programs. Despite these changes, Dominica’s CBI program remains one of the most cost-effective compared to its counterparts.
Applicants for the Dominica Citizenship by Investment Program can choose between two investment options: a non-refundable contribution to the Economic Diversification Fund (EDF), starting at $200,000, or the purchase of a government-approved property worth at least $200,000, which must be held for at least three years.
Key Benefits:
- A Dominican passport grants visa-free or visa-on-arrival access to over 140 countries, including the EU, UK, China, and UAE.
- There is no requirement to visit or reside in Dominica before or after obtaining citizenship.
- Dominica offers favorable tax policies with no personal income, wealth, or inheritance tax.
- Applicants invest only after receiving approval, ensuring financial security.
- Dual citizenship is permitted, allowing foreign investors to retain their current nationality while enjoying the benefits of Dominican citizenship.
3. Grenada Citizenship by Investment Program
The Grenada Citizenship by Investment Program, established under the Grenada Citizenship by Investment Act of 2013, allows individuals and their families to obtain Grenadian citizenship through qualifying investments. With a minimum contribution starting from $235,000 for a family of four, the processing time ranges from 4 to 8 months. The program offers a remote application process without any physical residency requirement.
Applicants can choose between contributing to the National Transformation Fund (NTF) or investing in a government-approved real estate project, with a minimum investment requirement starting at $270,000. The process also includes government and associated fees. Additionally, the program allows family members, including spouses, children under 30, elderly parents over 55, and siblings aged 18 and above, to be included in the CBI application.
Key Benefits:
- Grenada’s passport holders can travel visa-free to over 145 countries, including the EU, the UK, Russia, China, and more.
- Grenadian nationals are eligible to apply for an E-2 Investor Visa in the USA, a unique feature among Caribbean CBI programs.
- There is no physical residency in Grenada required to apply for or maintain Grenadian citizenship.
- Grenada CBI applicants are required to make a qualified contribution or investment only after receiving conditional approval for their citizenship by investment applications.
- Tax-friendly environment with no foreign income tax
4. Saint Lucia Citizenship by Investment Program
The Saint Lucia Citizenship by Investment Program, introduced in 2015, offers individuals and their families the opportunity to obtain citizenship in exchange for an investment or financial contribution to the country. With a minimum contribution starting from $240,000 for a family of four, the processing time ranges from 3 to 6 months. The program provides a remote application process with no physical residency requirement.
CBI applicants have various investment options, including contributions to the National Economic Fund (NEF), investment in government-approved real estate projects starting at $300,000, investment in a National Infrastructure Improvement Project approved by the government starting at $250,000 or in enterprise projects, or make a zero-interest investment in government bonds starting at $300,000. Applicants must also cover administrative and other applicable fees. The program allows family members such as spouses, siblings, dependent children under 30, and dependent parents and grandparents over 55 to be included in the application.
Key Benefits:
- St Lucia passport holders enjoy visa-free or visa-on-arrival access to 146 jurisdictions, including the EU, the UK, Hong Kong, Singapore, etc.
- Saint Lucia offers political and economic stability, stunning natural beauty, and a high standard of living.
- The qualified investment or contribution is required only after conditional approval of the CBI application.
- The straightforward process can be completed in 3-6 months without prior experience or language requirements.
- St Lucia offers favorable taxation without personal income, wealth, gift, inheritance, or capital gains taxes.
- There is no residency requirement for CBI applicants; they can apply for, obtain, and maintain citizenship without needing to reside in Saint Lucia.
- St Lucia allows dual citizenship and CBI citizens can maintain their current nationality.
5. Antigua & Barbuda Citizenship by Investment
The Antigua & Barbuda Citizenship by Investment Program, operational since 2013, allows eligible individuals to obtain citizenship in exchange for a qualified investment or contribution to the country. The initial passport is valid for five years and can be renewed for an additional ten years if the passport holder spends at least five days within Antigua & Barbuda during the initial five-year period.
Applicants can choose from several investment options, including contributions to the National Development Fund (NDF) starting at $230,000 for a family of four; donations to the University of West Indies (UWI) Fund starting at $260,000 for a family of six; real estate investment in a government-approved project starting at $300,000, or financing an approved business starting at $400,000. The program allows applicants to include dependents such as spouses, unmarried siblings under 28, dependent children under 30, and parents over 58 in their CBI application. New dependents can also be added after the application is approved.
Key Benefits:
- Antigua & Barbuda passport holders enjoy visa-free or visa-on-arrival access to over 150 jurisdictions, including the EU, the UK, Russia, China, Hong Kong, Singapore, etc.
- The CBI application process is straightforward and typically takes 4 to 6 months, with no prior experience or language requirements.
- The qualified investment or contribution is made only after conditional approval of the CBI application.
- Antigua & Barbuda offers a favorable tax regime without personal income, wealth, gift, inheritance, and capital gains taxes.
- Antigua & Barbuda allows dual citizenship and CBI applicants can maintain their current nationality while gaining Antigua & Barbuda citizenship.
6. Türkiye Citizenship by Investment Program
The Citizenship by Investment Program of Türkiye allows foreigners to obtain citizenship by making a property investment of at least USD 400,000. The program also offers alternative investment options, including fixed capital transfer, bank deposits, government bonds, shares in real estate or venture capital funds, investment in a private pension system, or the creation of at least 50 jobs. However, the minimum investment requirement for these options starts at $500,000.
Applicants can include spouses and children under 18 years of age, as well as disabled children of any age, as dependents in their CBI citizenship applications. To be eligible, the main applicant must be at least 18 years old, have no illegal stays in Türkiye, and cover the associated taxes and processing costs. Notably, Türkiye CBI applicants are not required to disclose their source of funds, and citizenship can be transferred to descendants. Dual citizenship is allowed, so there is no need to renounce current citizenship(s).
Moreover, Turkish passport holders have the opportunity to relocate to the USA and establish a business through the E-2 Investor Visa. Türkiye offers high living standards, a secure environment, and a high-quality lifestyle for its citizens.
Key Benefits:
- Turkish citizens enjoy visa-free access to over 111 countries and territories.
- Potential ROI (Return on Investment): Acquired real estate can be rented out, generating profits for the owner.
- The CBI application process is straightforward and can be completed in 3-6 months, with no prior experience or language requirement.
- Türkiye does not impose taxes on worldwide income, capital gains, gifts, wealth, and inheritance.
- Accessible World-Class Healthcare: Turkish citizens have access to a world-class healthcare system.
- No Physical Residency Requirement: Investors can apply immediately without any specific residency prerequisites, and the entire process can be accomplished remotely.
7. Malta Citizenship by Investment Program
Malta’s Citizenship by Investment Program, officially named the Malta Citizenship for Exceptional Services by Direct Investment policy, was launched in November 2020. It allows non-EU nationals to obtain residency and citizenship in Malta through investment and donation. The program, administered by the government-appointed Community Malta Agency, features a straightforward application process with a strict four-tier Due Diligence and vetting procedure.
Applicants for the Malta Citizenship by Investment Program must make a non-refundable contribution to the National Development and Social Fund (NDSF) of either € 600,000 (citizenship after 36 months of residency) or € 750,000 (citizenship after 12 months of residency), plus €50,000 for each family member. Additionally, they must invest in real estate by either purchasing a property valued at least € 700,000 or renting a property with an annual rent of at least € 16,000, both to be retained for at least five years. Finally, applicants are required to make a philanthropic donation of at least € 10,000 to a local NGO.
Applicants must be at least 18 years old, have a clean criminal record, good health, legal income, and not be on any international sanction lists. They must also travel to Malta to take the Oath of Allegiance at the end of the application process.
Key Benefits:
- The Maltese Passport provides visa-free access to 184 countries, including the USA, Canada, the UK, the EU, China, and more.
- Maltese residents enjoy access to prime healthcare services and educational opportunities throughout the EU.
- Maltese citizens benefit from high living standards with a warm climate, high quality of life, a stable political system, and a secure environment.
- There are ample entrepreneurship opportunities for Maltese citizens, allowing them to establish and expand businesses internationally.
- The Maltese tax system offers favorable tax optimization, with no taxes on income or assets outside Malta.
- Dual citizenship is permitted, enabling individuals to maintain their original nationality and pass on citizenship to future generations.
Citizenship by Investment Programs in Oceania: Vanuatu and Nauru
The Vanuatu Citizenship by Investment (CBI) Program offers a straightforward and cost-effective way to obtain Vanuatu citizenship. The program operates through the Development Support Program (DSP) and Capital Investment Immigration Plan (CIIP), along with the Real Estate Option (REO) introduced in 2021. Investment starts from $130,000 and increases per dependent included in the CBI application, with a very short processing time of 1-2 months.
Family members, including spouses, children under 30, and financially dependent parents or grandparents, can be included in the CBI application. Eligibility criteria include a clear criminal record, proof of funds amounting to at least USD 250,000, and passing the Due Diligence review. Vanuatu allows dual citizenship and requires no physical residency.
Key Benefits:
- Fastest and easy process with citizenship granted in 45 days.
- Confidential application process.
- Favorable taxation with exemptions for wealth, gift, inheritance, foreign income, and capital gains.
- No physical residency requirement to apply for or maintain Vanuatu citizenship.
- Visa-free access to over 103 countries, including the UK, Russia, Singapore, and Hong Kong.
The Nauru Economic and Climate Resilience Citizenship Program (NECRCP) offers a unique opportunity to obtain Nauru citizenship through an economic contribution. Investment starts from USD 105,000, plus government fees, with a processing time of 3-4 months. The program supports Nauru’s economic growth and climate resilience through contributions to the Nauru Treasury Fund.
Applicants must be at least 18 years old, have a clean personal record, provide proof of legitimate funds, and meet the minimum contribution based on family size. Family members, including spouses, dependent children, parents, and siblings, can be included in the application. Nauru allows dual citizenship and requires no physical residency.
Key Benefits:
- Short and straightforward process with citizenship granted in 3-4 months.
- Visa-free access to 89 strategic destinations, including Hong Kong, Ireland, Singapore, the UAE, and the UK.
- Confidential application process.
- Politically neutral passport, providing a safeguard during global uncertainty.
- No physical residency requirement to apply for or maintain Nauru citizenship.
These programs in Oceania provide cost-effective and streamlined options for individuals seeking to enhance their global citizenship while supporting national development and resilience.
How to Choose the Best Citizenship by Investment Program
The best Citizenship by Investment program depends on individual goals and objectives. When selecting a citizenship by investment program, consider these factors:
- Investment Amount: Choose a program that aligns with your budget.
- Processing Time: If time is crucial, opt for programs with expedited processing.
- Visa-Free Travel: Select a passport that grants access to your desired destinations.
- Tax Benefits: Some countries offer significant tax advantages.
- Family Inclusion: Look for programs allowing dependents to be included.
If affordable investment is a priority, Dominica offers the most cost-effective program in the Caribbean. Vanuatu and Nauru CBI programs are even less expensive, though with limited benefits. Investors seeking US or Canada access may prefer Malta, as Maltese nationals are exempt from visa requirements while traveling to these destinations. However, the Maltese CBI program is much more expensive than its counterparts in the Caribbean. Grenada and Türkiye, both are treaty countries with the USA enabling their citizens with E-2 Investor visa eligibility. Those interested in real estate opportunities may opt for Türkiye. Meanwhile, St. Kitts & Nevis remains the most established program providing extensive global mobility.
Careful assessment of each program’s investment requirements, processing time, and long-term benefits is essential when deciding in 2025.
Conclusion
With multiple citizenship by investment programs available in 2025, choosing the best citizenship by investment option depends on your priorities, whether it’s global mobility, tax benefits, or business expansion opportunities. The top citizenship programs like St. Kitts & Nevis, Dominica, Grenada, Saint Lucia, and Antigua & Barbuda continue to offer outstanding benefits to investors worldwide.