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Which countries offer citizenship by investment in 2025?
Different investment options for obtaining citizenship
Depending on the specific country’s requirements, you can make a non-refundable or refundable contribution to economic development, purchase real estate, invest in a locally established business, and/or create jobs.
Non-refundable contribution. Investors donate money to government funds, usually development or infrastructure projects. While the funds are non-refundable, the process is the fastest and simplest. For instance, citizenship in Vanuatu can be obtained through a contribution of at least USD 130,000.
Real estate purchase. In recent years, this has been the most popular option. You must purchase a residential or commercial property for the amount required by law. You can sell the property after 3-7 years, during which time it can generate rental income. Minimum investment: USD 270,000 in Grenada and USD 400,000 in Turkey.
Investment in business projects. Investment in capital in national enterprises, as well as government-approved economic projects. This option is more complex but potentially more lucrative for obtaining citizenship. It is offered in programs in Turkey, Grenada, and Saint Lucia, where local business development is encouraged.
Bonds and deposits. Several countries, including Malta, Turkey, and Egypt, offer passports in exchange for purchasing government derivatives and/or depositing funds in a designated bank. This method guarantees a return on investment within a specified period (on average, 3 years). It’s a fairly reliable investment method that avoids the risks of fluctuations in the real estate market or business development, while ensuring a return on capital, sometimes with significant interest.
A comparison table of investment options:
| Investment option | Pros | Cons | Example countries |
|---|---|---|---|
| Non-refundable (charitable) contribution | Quick, no need to manage the assets | Non-refundable | St. Kitts and Nevis, Vanuatu, Dominica, Grenada |
| Real estate purchase | Opportunity to preserve and grow capital, investment return | Requires management, risk of price fluctuations, waiting period | Grenada, St. Lucia, Malta, Turkey, Egypt |
| Business investment | Potentially high returns, business expansion | High risks, complex management | Turkey, Jordan, St. Kitts and Nevis, Egypt |
| Bonds purchase/deposits | Simplicity, clear terms, probable return of investment | Requires capital to be “frozen” for a set period | Malta, Turkey, St. Lucia |
| Job creation | Business scaling, potential returns | Risks associated with launching a business project | Turkey, Jordan, Portugal, the USA |
Which countries offer citizenship through real estate purchases?
Real estate acquisition is one of the most promising ways to obtain citizenship through investment. The reasons for the demand are quite obvious:
- Return on investment: Real estate is an asset that can be sold after a certain period of time (usually 3-7 years).
- Passive income: The residential or commercial property you purchased can be rented out.
- Capital preservation: Housing is recognized as a relatively stable asset that protects finances from inflation and exchange rate fluctuations.
- Practicality: You gain your own home in another country where you can vacation or live permanently.
To make it easier to compare, we have prepared a table listing the terms of programs in countries that grant citizenship through real estate purchases.
| Country | Requirements for minimum investment in real estate and conditions, $ | Processing times for obtaining citizenship | Key benefits |
|---|---|---|---|
| Turkey | Starting at 400 000: property cannot be sold for 3 years | 6–8 months | An E-2 visa to the US and visa-free entry to 124 countries, property rental option available |
| Grenada | Starting at 270 000: property cannot be sold for 5 years | 6 months | Visa-free entry to China and the UK, an E-2 visa to the US, property rental option available |
| Malta | Starting at 820 000, charitable contribution of 12 000 | 12–36 months | EU citizenship (freedom of movement, residence, and work throughout the European Union), visa-free entry to over 180 countries |
| Dominica | Starting at 200 000, government fee of 75 000 | 3–4 months | Visa-free entry to 124 countries, tax optimization |
| St. Kitts and Nevis | Starting at 325 000: cannot be sold for 7 years | 3–6 months | Offshore jurisdiction, tax optimization, visa-free travel to 145 countries |
| St. Lucia | Starting at 300 000: purchase of a government approved property | 3–6 months | Opportunity to diversify assets, reduce the tax burden |
| Egypt | Starting at 300 000: Retain for at least 5 years | 6–12 months | Expansion of influence in the region, prospects for a US E-2 visa |
| Antigua and Barbuda | Starting at 300 000, residency requirement: 5 days over 5 years | 3–6 months | Visa-free travel to 143 destinations, family immigration |
As you can see, each program has its own unique features. To determine the best option for your needs, we recommend consulting a Mirsatori immigration lawyer. Our specialists will help you choose the optimal program for obtaining status based on your investment preferences and priorities. We guarantee support throughout the entire process.
A complete list of countries offering investment programs: a comparison
If you’re looking for the fastest way to obtain second citizenship, Vanuatu is the best option. If return on investment is a key consideration, then Turkey or the Caribbean countries that offer citizenship through real estate investments are good options. If you’re interested in family immigration, consider the programs in Grenada and Antigua and Barbuda. Here’s a comparison table of Citizenship by Investment programs.
| Country | Minimum investment amount, $ | Processing times, months | Return on investment | Who can be included in the application |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Vanuatu | Starting at 130 000 | 2 | No | Spouses, children under 25, and parents over 50 |
| Dominica | Starting at 200 000 | 3–4 | Yes (real estate) | Spouses, children under 30, and parents |
| St. Lucia | Starting at 240 000 | 3–6 | Yes (real estate, government bonds, business investments) | Spouses, children under 30, parents over 55, and siblings |
| Grenada | Starting at 235 000 | 6 | Yes (real estate) | Spouses, children under 30, parents, siblings |
| Turkey | Starting at 400 000 | 6–8 | Yes (all options) | Spouses, children under 18 |
| St. Kitts and Nevis | Starting at 250 000 | 3–6 | Yes (real estate, investments) | Spouses, children/dependents under 25, parents over 65 |
| Antigua and Barbuda | Starting at 230 000 | 3–6 | Yes (real estate, business investments) | Spouses, children under 30, parents, siblings |
| Malta | Starting at 820 000 | 4–6 | Partially (real estate) | Spouses, children under 29, parents |
| Nauru | Starting at 105 000 | 3–4 | No | Spouses, children under 30, parents over 55, siblings |
| Egypt | Starting at 250 000 | 6–12 | Yes (real estate, deposit, business investments) | Spouses, unmarried children under 21 |
Residence permits and permanent residence by investment as a path to citizenship
The Portugal Golden Visa. The country grants residence permits for investments in cultural heritage restoration of at least EUR 250,000 (e.g., in state funds or inter-municipal entities), or at least EUR 500,000 for scientific research and business, including creating 10 jobs. After 5 years, provided the investment is maintained, the investor and their family can apply for permanent residence and then citizenship. After receiving legal status, investors can sell their investment stake.
Golden Visa Program Greece provides a path to permanent residence through the purchase of real estate valued at least at EUR 250,000. You can also obtain a residence card by purchasing Greek company securities (from EUR 350,000) or by opening a deposit (from EUR 500,000). Residence status is renewed every 5 years, provided the investment is maintained. Permanent residence is not required. You can apply for a passport through naturalization after 7 years.
Golden Visa Cyprus program offers permanent residence through investment. The main requirement is purchasing real estate worth over EUR 300,000, shares in a local company, or investment fund units worth the same amount. You will also need to provide proof of a stable annual income of at least EUR 50,000. After 8 years of residence, citizenship through naturalization can be applied for. The processing time for permanent residence is approximately 2 months. To maintain your status, you must own the property and hold your investments until you receive a passport.
Malta Permanent Residence Programme allows applicants to obtain a permanent residence permit in exchange for a combination of a real estate investment (purchase of at least EUR 375,000 or annual rent of at least EUR 14,000) and non-refundable contributions (EUR 30,000 for purchase or EUR 60,000 for rent, plus a EUR 2,000 charitable donation). Additionally, applicants must provide proof of EUR 500,000 in collateral. Permanent residence is initially granted for 5 years and is renewable. The application process takes 4-8 months.
Under the Golden Investor Visa, residency in Hungary can be obtained by investing at least EUR 250,000 in a real estate fund or by making an irrevocable donation of at least EUR 1 million to a local university. With permanent residence, you can live in the country for 10 years, with an option to extend for the same period. The investment must be held for 5 years. After 8 years of naturalization, permanent residents can obtain citizenship.
Serbia issues a 6-month residence permit based on economic participation in an existing company. First, you must have EUR 50,000 in a Serbian bank account to demonstrate proof of funds. The permit is extended for 1 year upon investing at least EUR 5,000 in a completed business project. After 3 years with a temporary residence permit, you can apply for permanent residence. After another 5 years, you can apply for citizenship. The low investment requirements are a clear advantage of the Serbian program. Serbia is a candidate for EU membership, offering promising prospects for its citizens and residents.
Residency in Montenegro is available through the purchase of real estate. While the purchase price is not set by law, an average of EUR 1,800/m² is a good starting point. You must also demonstrate that you have sufficient funds to support yourself—at least EUR 400 per month. Another way to obtain a residence permit is to start your own company in Montenegro. The authorized capital of an LLC can be as low as EUR 1. Permanent residency is available after 5 years of residence and citizenship after 10 years. With competent legal support, the company and residency registration process usually takes 2 months.
The U.S. EB-5 program allows investors to obtain a green card (permanent residency status) for themselves and their families by investing at least USD 800,000 in a commercial enterprise located in a rural or high-unemployment area that creates 10 jobs for Americans. Investing in a more prestigious region requires an investment of at least USD 1,050,000. Applications are processed over a period ranging from 15 to 24 months. Initially, you will receive a temporary residence permit for 2 years. After 21–24 months of meeting the requirements, you can apply for a green card. After 5 years of permanent residence, you can apply for a passport.
Mirsatori provides assistance and legal support in obtaining European residency. We will choose a customized program for you that combines a reasonable investment with a secure residence permit and the possibility of obtaining a passport. With the support of our specialists, obtaining a temporary residence permit and permanent residency becomes hassle-free.
7 benefits of citizenship by investment
- Travel freedom.
Having a second passport significantly expands your visa-free travel options. Citizenship in the EU, Caribbean countries, or other nations enables you to travel without visas to dozens of countries worldwide, including the Schengen Area, the UK, the US, and Canada. - Business opportunities.
Citizenship opens the door to new markets and enables you to conduct business without restrictions in stable, developed countries. These opportunities may include more favorable conditions for company registration, access to loans and financial instruments, and banking services. - Tax optimization.
Many CBI-offering jurisdictions have favorable tax systems. These systems guarantee exemption from income, capital, and inheritance taxes. In some cases, you can benefit from double taxation treaties. - Security and stability.
A second passport is reliable insurance against political or economic instability in your primary country of citizenship. It provides the opportunity to quickly relocate to a safe and stable state. - High-quality education and healthcare.
Having a second passport or residency in European countries gives you access to high-quality educational and medical institutions. This is especially important for families with children. - A secure future for generations to come.
The legal status obtained through investment is inheritable. It gives your children freedom of movement and educational opportunities and is a long-term investment in their well-being. - Fast process.
Citizenship-by-investment programs offer an expedited passport application process, often without the requirement of permanent residency in the country.
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Disadvantages of citizenship by investment
Despite the advantages, obtaining a passport or residence permit through investment comes with several drawbacks and risks. Minimum investment thresholds start at hundreds of thousands of euros, and investments are often non-refundable. In addition to the investment amount, you must budget for administrative and government fees, as well as due diligence costs.
Investing in real estate or investment funds carries risks. There is no guarantee that the value of the purchased property will not decline, nor that the invested funds will generate the expected return. If the asset is sold at a loss, the investor may lose part of their capital.
Another factor to consider is the strict requirements. Submitting an application involves numerous bureaucratic formalities and is a multi-stage procedure. Everything is investigated, including the origin of the funds, the investor’s biography, and financial status. Attempting to navigate the legal intricacies independently and bypass the rules can result in the application being denied, leading to the loss of the invested funds and fees. Therefore, seeking the help of competent and experienced lawyers is essential.
Furthermore, program conditions are subject to change. Governments may tighten requirements, raise the investment threshold, or even close the program entirely. This means that the criteria you initially considered may change during or after the process. Some countries that currently offer citizenship by investment are regularly criticized by international organizations and other governments. Such criticism creates reputational risks for investors, whose second passport may be perceived as purchased.
Conclusion: Is citizenship by investment ‘worth it’ in 2025?
Ideally, investment status makes sense when the financial investment and citizenship are both equally promising. It is also important to consider your own safety and that of your family.
However, in most cases, obtaining a temporary or permanent residence permit through the Golden Visa program in Europe is more reliable than obtaining citizenship. The guaranteed return on investment, the strength of the resulting passport, and the greater reach of visa-free travel make up for the length of the process.
If you need help choosing a jurisdiction, contact the specialists at Mirsatori. They will assess your unique situation and recommend the best option based on the size of your investment, how long it will take to obtain status, and your preferred business development destination.
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