The mechanism is called Citizenship by Investment (CBI), a legal pathway by which sovereign states grant nationality in exchange for substantial economic contributions. Once regarded as a niche option, it has matured into a mainstream tool for high-net-worth individuals (HNWIs) navigating a world that is simultaneously more interconnected and more volatile.
The Concept of Economic Citizenship
At its core, CBI is straightforward. Instead of the long and uncertain road of naturalization, individuals can acquire nationality within months by donating to a government fund, investing in real estate, or financing a business project. Unlike residency-by-investment schemes, which may take years before a passport is issued, citizenship programs are designed for speed. In some jurisdictions, approval can be granted in as little as three months.
Governments offer these programs not out of generosity, but necessity. For small island nations, CBI revenues can represent a lifeline—funding infrastructure, healthcare, and post-disaster recovery. For larger states, it can be a tool to attract strategic investors who contribute to the economy beyond a single transaction.
Applicants, meanwhile, are betting on something less tangible but equally critical: the value of options. In a world where geopolitical tensions, tax reforms, and travel restrictions can shift overnight, a second passport represents a form of insurance.
Why Investors Seek a Second Passport
The motivations behind citizenship by investment are as varied as the applicants themselves.
- Mobility without friction. A well-chosen passport opens doors to visa-free entry in dozens, sometimes hundreds, of countries. For business leaders juggling multiple jurisdictions, the ability to bypass consular red tape is invaluable.
- Market access. Citizenship in certain states, particularly within regional blocs like the EU or CARICOM, confers not just travel rights but also the ability to establish companies, purchase property, and move capital with fewer restrictions.
- Asset protection and tax planning. Many CBI destinations market themselves as low-tax or tax-neutral jurisdictions, free of inheritance taxes, capital gains levies, or global wealth reporting requirements.
- Family continuity. Most programs allow spouses, children, and sometimes extended relatives to be included in the application, ensuring that the benefits cascade across generations.
The Caribbean: Fast-Track Options
The Caribbean remains the epicenter of the CBI industry, offering some of the most affordable and efficient programs.
- Dominica has long been the poster child for accessible citizenship. With contributions starting at $200,000, applicants gain visa-free access to over 140 countries. Processing is fast—typically under six months—and there is no residency requirement.
- Lucia differentiates itself with multiple investment routes, from government bonds to real estate projects, giving investors flexibility. A donation of $240,000 or more secures a passport recognized across 140+ destinations.
- Grenada has carved out a unique niche: in addition to Caribbean and European access, its citizens are eligible for the coveted U.S. E-2 Investor Visa, enabling residency in America through business investment.
- Antigua and Barbuda is particularly family-friendly, allowing a wide net of dependents under one application. The price point is competitive—around $230,000 for a donation—and the only requirement is five days of physical presence within five years.
For global investors, these Caribbean jurisdictions offer more than tropical beaches. They deliver speed, predictability, and an established reputation in the investment migration market.
Europe, the Middle East, and Africa
For those seeking not just mobility but integration into larger economic blocs, Europe and its neighbors present more ambitious—if more costly—options.
- Malta stands alone as the only EU member with a formalized CBI program. The process is rigorous: investors must contribute at least €715,000, rent or purchase property, and maintain residency for 12–36 months before citizenship is granted. The reward, however, is substantial: full EU rights and visa-free travel to over 180 destinations, including the U.S. and Canada.
- Turkey has emerged as a volume leader, with thousands of applicants annually. For $400,000 in real estate investment, investors can secure a passport granting access to over 110 countries, as well as eligibility for the U.S. E-2 visa. Turkey’s geographic position—straddling Europe and Asia—adds further appeal for those with regional business interests.
- Egypt entered the CBI market with one of the lowest thresholds in the Middle East: a $250,000 donation or $300,000 real estate investment. While its passport is less powerful (visa-free to around 70 countries), the speed—citizenship in six months—is attractive.
- Jordan, by contrast, targets high-net-worth business owners seeking to establish a long-term presence in the Middle East. Investments of $750,000 or more, tied to job creation or financial instruments, qualify applicants. While costly, the program aligns with Jordan’s strategy of anchoring capital in its domestic economy.
Each of these jurisdictions reflects a different philosophy: Malta and Turkey leverage their strategic position; Egypt offers accessibility; Jordan demands commitment. The decision for investors hinges on what they value most—speed, prestige, or economic integration.
Beyond a Passport
While headlines often focus on the price tags, the true calculus of CBI lies in alignment with long-term objectives.
For an entrepreneur seeking global expansion, the ability to establish an EU-based company under Maltese citizenship may justify the higher cost. For a family from a politically unstable region, the speed and affordability of Dominica or St. Lucia could be decisive. For investors intent on U.S. market access, Grenada or Turkey offer unique gateways.
Critics argue that CBI commodifies nationality, reducing a profound civic identity to a transaction. Yet for governments in need of foreign capital and for investors navigating a volatile world, the exchange is pragmatic. In 2025, as global mobility remains constrained by security concerns and shifting alliances, the second passport is not a luxury—it is a hedge against uncertainty.
Final Thoughts
Citizenship by investment is no longer a curiosity of small island states but a global industry with real strategic weight. Its growth reflects the realities of a world where capital and talent are mobile, but passports are not.
For the investor considering how to get citizenship in other countries, the decision should not rest solely on cost or speed. It should be treated with the same seriousness as any major investment—evaluated for risk, return, and alignment with broader personal and family goals.
Photo by Jakub Zerdzicki: