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Economic citizenship: How to obtain a passport by investment
Economic citizenship allows you to obtain a second passport through investment in as little as 2–6 months, without mandatory residence in the country. This article reviews the available options.
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Dominica
Dominica offers the most affordable economic citizenship program. A Golden Passport can be obtained with an investment of at least USD 200,000 through one of the following options:
- Economic Diversification Fund (EDF).
- Government-approved real estate.
It takes 3 months from the time all documents are submitted until the investor receives the Golden Passport. The main applicant’s family members — namely, the spouse and financially dependent relatives (children under 30 and parents/grandparents over 65)—can also qualify for citizenship by increasing the minimum investment amount:
| Applicants | Minimum investment in EDF, $ | Minimum real estate investment, $ |
|---|---|---|
| Investor only | 200,000 | 200,000 + 75,000 government fee |
| Investor + 3 family members | 250,000 | 200,000 + 100,000 government fee |
| Each additional dependent under 18 | 25,000 | 25,000 |
| Each additional dependent over 18 | 40,000 | 40,000 |
The additional costs associated with processing the application and issuing citizenship are the same for both options:
| Expense item | Cost, $ |
|---|---|
| Application processing fee (per application) | 1,000 |
| Due diligence fee (investor / each dependent aged 16+) | 7,500 / 4,000 |
| Government interview fee (applicants aged 16+) | 1,000 |
| Certificate of naturalization issuance (per person) | 500 |
Dominican citizenship is usually obtained as a ‘Plan B’, rather than for permanent residence in the country. With a gold passport, you can:
- Visit 136 countries without a visa.
- Legally minimize taxes, as the country does not tax income from foreign investments, capital gains, wealth, or inheritance.
- Apply for a 10-year tourist visa to the USA immediately.
- Participate in EU investment programs that lead to a residence or permanent residence permit.
- Open accounts in local banks as a citizen and in foreign banks as a non-resident, with no restrictions.
Dominica citizenship by investment
- Second citizenship for the family
- Investment refundable in 3–5 years
- Fully remote application process
Antigua and Barbuda
There are 4 investment options for second citizenship in Antigua and Barbuda:
| Investment option | Minimum investment, $ |
|---|---|
| The National Development Fund, NDF | 230,000 |
| Government-approved real estate | 300,000 |
| Approved local business (sole / joint investment) | 1,5 million/ 5 million (minimum 400,000 per investor) |
| University of the West Indies Fund, UWI | 260,000 |
Please note that investing in UWI is only available to families of 6 or more people.
Economic citizenship is also available to the investor’s relatives. The main condition is that relatives (except spouses) must be financially dependent on the main applicant. Dependents are considered to be spouses (including future spouses) and family members of the couple.
- children under 30 years of age (if there are physical/mental impairments, the age restriction does not apply);
- parents and grandparents over 55 years of age;
- unmarried brother or sister;
- the future spouse of a dependent child;
- the future child of a dependent child.
Additional fees apply when choosing an NDF, real estate, or business investment.
| Number of applicants | Fee, $ |
|---|---|
| 1 | 10,000 |
| Family of 4 | 20,000 |
| Family of 5 and more | 20,000 + 10,000 per additional dependent |
Investing in UWI comes with different fees:
| Number of applicants | Fee, $ |
|---|---|
| Family of 6 | – |
| Each additional dependent from the 7th applicant onward | 10,000 |
The main advantage of the Antigua and Barbuda CBI program is its quick processing time of 2-3 months. A second passport from this country allows visa-free access to the European Union and 145 other countries. Investors will also be able to optimize their taxes, obtain a 10-year tourist visa to the United States, and move to Antigua and Barbuda at any time if necessary.
Antigua and Barbuda citizenship by investment
- Second passport for the family
- No language requirement
- Investment refundable after 5 years
Grenada
Grenada’s citizenship-by-investment program is popular among wealthy immigrants. In 2025, over 1,000 people received second passports through the program. The CBI offers 2 investment options:
- Contribute to the National Transformation Fund (NTF) with a minimum investment of USD 235,000.
- Real estate from USD 270,000.
Grenada’s CBI program is interesting because when family members are included in the application, the basic investment requirement does not change; only the government fees increase.
| Fee typeh | Amount, $ |
|---|---|
| Applicant submission (per person) | 1,500 |
| Due diligence (per person) | 5,000 (children under 16 — free) |
| Application processing (per person) | 1,500 (children under 17 — 500) |
| Interview (per person, aged 17+) | 1,000 |
Real estate investors are required to pay a government fee of USD 50,000. Contact Mirsatori specialists to calculate the total investment amount, including all state duties. We will consider all commissions depending on the size of your family.
Investors choose Grenada because economic citizenship is granted within 3-4 months. This time period begins once the application no longer requires further processing, such as the submission of additional documents or corrections. Once a foreigner becomes a citizen of Grenada, they have the right to:
- travel visa-free to 141 countries;
- apply for a U.S. tourist visa and receive it immediately for 10 years;
- open a non-resident account in a Grenadian and/or foreign bank (if this is not possible with their current citizenship);
- participate in the European and U.S. investment program (E-2 visa).
Grenada citizenship by investment
- Second passport for the investor’s family
- No language requirement
- Investment return after 5 years
St. Kitts and Nevis
Obtaining a golden passport of St. Kitts and Nevis is possible in 3-6 months after investing in one of 4 projects of your choice.
| Investment option | Minimum investment, $ | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Sustainable Island State Contribution (SISC) | 250,000 | Non-refundable |
| Developer-approved real estate | 325,000 | – |
| Approved resale real estate (apartments/houses) | 325,000 / 600,000 | 7-year resale restriction |
| Public Benefit Option (PBO) | 250,000 | – |
The investor’s immediate family can participate in the St. Kitts and Nevis CBI program and obtain economic citizenship as well. Under the SISC program, the initial investment remains the same for a family of up to four members who receive a Golden Passport. An additional fee is required for each relative beyond the initial 4: USD 25,000 for a minor and USD 50,000 for a close relative aged 18 or older.
If another investment option is chosen, such as real estate or PBO, fees are paid upon approval of the application.
| Applicant | Fee, $ |
|---|---|
| Main applicant | 25,000 |
| Spouse | 15,000 |
| Children under 18 | 10,000 |
| Children over 18 | 15,000 |
In all cases, a due diligence fee must be paid. USD 10,000 for the main investor and USD 7,500 for each family member over the age of 16.
A passport from St. Kitts and Nevis offers visa-free travel to 149 countries, including those in the EU, Latin America, Singapore, and the UK. Citizens can also apply for a 10-year tourist visa to the U.S. and participate in EU investment programs that lead to temporary or permanent residence.
St. Kitts and Nevis citizenship by investment
- Second passport for the family
- Fully remote application process
- Visa-free travel to 140+ countries
St. Lucia
St. Lucia completes our list of Caribbean countries offering golden citizenship. It offers 4 investment options:
- National Economic Fund: USD 240,000. Applicants with three dependents do not need to pay any additional fees. Adding more relatives to your application increases the fee from USD 5,000 to USD 35,000 depending on the age and relationship of the family member.
- Government bonds: USD 300,000. In addition to the basic investment, you must also pay a non-refundable government fee of USD 50,000. You can add any number of relatives to your application at no additional cost.
- Real estate: USD 300,000. You can add as many relatives as you want to your application. The additional fee ranges from USD 5,000 to USD 45,000 per person, depending on their age and degree of relationship. If only the investor is applying for citizenship, an additional fee of USD 30,000 is due.
- Government-approved business: USD 3.5 million, USD 6 million, or USD 250,000. A single investor must invest a minimum of USD 3.5 million plus a USD 50,000 non-refundable fee. If there are more than 2 main applicants, the investment limit increases to USD 6 million, plus a USD 50,000 non-refundable fee. Each foreigner must invest at least USD 1 million. There is also an option for an investor and 3 relatives: USD 250,000. If the investor applies alone, they pay a fee of USD 15,000. If relatives are included in the application, an additional administrative fee ranging from USD 10,000 to USD 30,000 is charged.
Regardless of the option selected, the following government fees apply:
| Fee type | Amount, $ |
|---|---|
| Application processing (main applicant / each dependent) | 2,000 / 1,000 |
| Due diligence (main applicant / each dependent aged 16+) | 8,000 / 5,000 |
Participating in the Saint Lucia citizenship program comes with many benefits, including a second passport that allows visa-free entry to 141 countries, a 10-year U.S. tourist visa, tax optimization, and the ability to relocate to the country at any time.
St. Lucia citizenship by investment
- Fast document processing
- Investment return after 5 years
- Citizenship for family members
Second citizenship in European countries
Currently, the European Union does not have a single golden passport program. Due to EU policy, countries that previously offered economic citizenship have discontinued such initiatives. Malta’s program closed in 2025. It’s also impossible to obtain a golden passport in European countries outside the EU because no such initiatives have been developed.
The only path to citizenship through investment in Europe is through temporary or permanent residence by investment and subsequent naturalization. Greece, for example, offers this option:
| Investment sector | Minimum investment, € | Residence permit validity, years |
|---|---|---|
| Startup | 250,000 | 1 |
| Real estate (depending on location and property type) | 250,000–800,000 | 5 |
| Business (new or existing) | 500,000 | 5 |
| Government / corporate bonds | 500,000 | 5 |
| Bank deposit | 500,000 | 5 |
| Shares in a Greek investment fund | 350,000 | 5 |
| Shares/units in alternative investment funds (Greece/EU) | 350,000 | 5 |
After 7 years, you can obtain Greek citizenship. Learn more about legalization in Europe through investment with the help of Mirsatori specialists.
Greece residency by investment
- Purchase of high-liquidity real estate
- No language requirement
- Fast processing time
Citizenship by investment programs in African countries
Countries on the African continent are gradually developing their CBI programs. Currently, investment passports are available in Egypt, Sierra Leone, and São Tomé and Príncipe. Since CBI programs are relatively new, the requirements for applicants are lenient, and the investment amounts are lower than in the Caribbean region.
Egypt
Egypt launched its CBI program in 2019. Investors can choose from 4 investment options:
- real estate: USD 300,000;
- own or existing business: USD 450,000;
- a deposit in the Central Bank of Egypt: USD 500,000;
- a deposit in the state treasury: USD 250,000.
Regardless of the option chosen, all investors must pay an additional administrative fee of USD 10,000. Application processing takes from 6 months to a year. Egyptian citizenship is granted only to the children of the main applicant under 21. A spouse is eligible for a passport after 2 years.
Egypt citizenship by investment
- Fast-track processing
- No language or integration requirements
- Family immigration options
São Tomé and Príncipe
In 2025, São Tomé and Príncipe (in Central Africa) became a revelation for many wealthy foreigners with the launch of a new CBI program. A golden passport is issued within 2 months of investing in the National Transformation Fund (NTF):
| Applicants | Minimum investment, $ |
|---|---|
| Single investor | 90,000 |
| Investor + 3 family members (spouse, children under 30 and/or parents aged 55+) | 95,000 |
| Each additional family member | 5,000 |
In addition to basic investments, each CBI participant must pay state fees:
| Fee type | Amount, $ |
|---|---|
| Application submission | 5,000 |
| Passport issuance | 350 |
| National ID card | 150 |
| Certificate of citizenship | 250 |
Most investors obtain citizenship not for travel — visa-free entry is only available to 70 countries — but as a «backup». Since São Tomé and Príncipe is a member of the Community of Portuguese-Speaking Countries, its passport allows for easier access to residence permits in Europe (Portugal) or Latin America (Brazil). Citizenship also enables participation in EU investment programs and opening accounts in foreign banks, if restrictions currently apply.
Citizenship of São Tomé and Príncipe by investment
- Minimum investment requirements
- Citizenship for all family members
- Remote citizenship process
Applications must be submitted through a licensed agent; Mirsatori has all the necessary permits from the São Tomé and Príncipe authorities. Specialists will guide you through every step, help you prepare your documents, and notify you when your passport is ready.
Sierra Leone
In Sierra Leone, you can obtain an economic passport in 90 days by investing USD 140,000 in a government fund. Family members and business partners can also become citizens, subject to an additional payment for each:
| Family member | Additional fee, $ |
|---|---|
| Spouse, children under 18, parents, grandparents | 10,000 |
| Adult children, siblings under 30 and their spouses and children | 20,000 |
| Business partner | 30,000 |
The state fees for due diligence are relatively reasonable:
| Number of applicants | Amount, $ |
|---|---|
| 5 | 5,000 |
| 6–10 | 10,000 |
| Each additional applicant above 10 | 900 |
Investors who participate in Sierra Leone’s Citizenship by Investment program enjoy privileges both within the country and abroad. After obtaining citizenship, foreigners receive a 5-year membership to the «Go for Gold» club and can purchase 20 kilograms of gold at a favorable price. However, the passport itself does not provide extensive travel freedom, offering visa-free entry to only 66 countries, primarily in Africa. However, Sierra Leonean citizenship allows investors to participate in the Caribbean’s Citizenship by Investment program or investment programs for EU residence permits/permanent residency.
Investors often obtain the passport as a «backup» option, allowing them to quickly leave the country without obtaining permits in the event of political or economic pressure or other circumstances. Mirsatori specialists assist clients with the citizenship by investment program in Sierra Leone, from document preparation and basic verification to obtaining a passport.
Sierra Leone citizenship by investment
- Tax optimization
- Quick access to a second citizenship
- Investment in a growing economy
Vanuatu citizenship by investment
The small Pacific island nation is popular among investors because it offers a «golden passport» through a variety of programs:
| Investment/fee | Capital Investment Immigration Plan (CIIP), $ | Development Support Program (DSP), $ |
|---|---|---|
| Initial investment for a single applicant | 115,000 + 50,000 | 130,000 |
| Minimum investment for a married couple | 115,000 + 50,000 | 150,000 |
| Minimum investment for a family with 1 child under 18 | 115,000 + 50,000 | 165,000 |
| Minimum investment for a family with 2 children under 18 | 115,000 + 50,000 | 180,000 |
| Additional fee per extra family member | 25,000 | 10,000 |
| Due diligence | 8,000 | 5,000 |
Participants in the CIIP program can recoup a portion of their investment with interest. This applies to an additional investment of USD 50,000 in the coffee/coconut oil production industry.
Citizenship is granted in approximately 45 days if all documents are in order.
Although Vanuatu citizenship grants permanent residency in the country, this is not mandatory. If you never visit Vanuatu, your status will not be revoked. A Vanuatu passport allows visa-free entry to 94 countries, including Singapore, the Philippines, Hong Kong, and India. Business owners can reduce their tax burden because the country has no income or capital gains taxes.
Vanuatu citizenship by investment
- Fast application process
- Citizenship status for family members
- Remote document submission
Economic citizenship in other countries
Jordan offers economic citizenship with 2 options for investors:
| Investment option | Minimum investment, $ | Additional requirement |
|---|---|---|
| Deposit with the Central Bank for 3 years + purchase of government bonds for 6 years | 1 million + 1 million | Minimum physical presence in Jordan for 1 month |
| Investment in a local business | 1,5 million | 3-year restriction on selling shares or ownership stake |
With a smaller investment, you can obtain a temporary Jordanian passport valid for 3 years. There are 2 options: you can either register your own company and invest in it or invest in an existing enterprise. In both cases, the goal is to create new jobs. The requirements vary by region:
| Region | Investment threshold, $ | Minimum number of jobs for Jordanian citizens |
|---|---|---|
| Within Amman | 1,000,000 | 20 |
| Outside Amman (new/existing company) | 750,000 / 500,000 | 10 |
Spouses, unmarried or widowed or divorced daughters, sons under 18, and parents can be added to a Jordanian citizenship application. Adult sons, their wives, and their children are only eligible for a passport if the investment exceeds USD 3 million.
Until July 30, 2026, a Nauru (Pacific) economic passport can be obtained at a discounted rate in honor of the program’s first anniversary. Investors must make a non-refundable contribution of USD 90,000 to the Treasury Fund. An additional USD 2,000 is payable for each dependent over 16 and USD 15,000 for each sibling.
To obtain a Cambodian investment passport, you must invest at least USD 311,500 in the economy. However, this initiative cannot be considered a standard CBI program because, in addition to the investment, applicants must pass a Khmer language proficiency test and demonstrate knowledge of history. They must also provide proof of residency in the country on the application date.
Turkey offers a more accessible and attractive option for obtaining an investment passport. Several options are available:
| Investment option | Minimum amount, $ |
|---|---|
| Real estate purchase | 400,000 |
| Bank deposit | 500,000 |
| Government bonds | 500,000 |
| Investment in a local business | 500,000 |
| Shares in an investment/venture capital fund | 500,000 |
| Contribution to a private pension system | 500,000 |
As a result, investors receive strong citizenship, allowing them to establish business relationships with foreign partners, travel visa-free to 121 countries, open bank accounts, and apply for a U.S. investor visa (E-1/E-2) or a standard 10-year tourist visa.
Turkish citizenship by investment
- Citizenship status for family members
- No language test required
- Right to sell the property after 3 years
Sign up for a consultation with Mirsatori specialists to learn all the details of the Turkish program.
Economic citizenship differences
Economic citizenship is often confused with investment programs for temporary or permanent residence, as well as naturalization. However, the requirements differ significantly:
| Comparison criteria | Citizenship by investment | Residency by investment (temporary/permanent) | Naturalizatrion |
|---|---|---|---|
| Residence requirement before obtaining the status | No | No | Yes |
| Language proficiency exam | No | No | Yes (in most cases) |
| Integration test | No | No | Possible |
| Personal presence during the process | Not required in most cases | Yes | Yes |
| Eligibility for the whole family | Yes, from the start | After naturalization through family reunification | Yes, through family reunification |
The process for obtaining a passport by investment
The process for obtaining economic citizenship may vary by country, but it is generally similar.
- Select an investment option. If a country offers multiple options, it’s important to explore each one and weigh the pros and cons. Budget and goals are key considerations. For instance, real estate investments are ideal for a personal residence, whereas purchasing shares or a company stake is better suited for business purposes.
- Prepare the necessary documents. Gather all the necessary documents and, if needed, have them translated and legalized. It is best to complete this step with the help of lawyers, who can verify the accuracy of the file.
- Sign an agreement with an agent and submit the application. Most CBI programs don’t allow you to apply independently. You need the assistance of a government-accredited intermediary, such as a Mirsatori. The investor should obtain all the details from the agent and sign a cooperation agreement with them.
- Due diligence, fee payment, and interview. The country’s authorities will check the applicant’s financial history, criminal record, and business reputation. The due diligence fee is paid at this stage. If the investor is successful, they are invited to an interview, which is most often conducted online via video conference.
- Application approval and investment. If the foreigner’s application is approved, they must invest. Some countries may impose time limits on the transfer of funds. For example, in São Tomé and Príncipe, this must be done within 3 months.
- Obtain a passport. The passport is usually mailed to the investor. Sometimes, an oath of allegiance is required beforehand. However, this can be completed remotely via video conference or at the nearest embassy or consulate, so a visit to the country is not required.
Advantages of citizenship by investment
Investment citizenship offers several advantages over other immigration methods:
- No residency requirements: there is no need to move to the country before or after receiving a passport.
- Fast application processing: citizenship is granted within 2-6 months.
- No integration requirements: no need to learn the language, history, or culture of the country.
- Capital protection: you can save money by purchasing real estate and selling it after a few years, for example.
- Second citizenship: no need to renounce your first passport when participating in CBI.
- Passing on citizenship by inheritance: future children can immediately become citizens of the new country.
What golden passport holders need to know
Each CBI participant acquires a Golden Passport and a set of obligations, such as complying with laws and not harming nature or public health. It is important to understand that citizenship does not equal tax residency. To optimize taxes and receive benefits, you must live in the country for at least 6 months.
A golden passport also grants its holder several rights:
- indefinite residence in the country;
- employment without additional permits (including in the public sector, if required by law), as well as business ownership;
- consular protection abroad;
- visa-free travel under state agreements;
- participation in elections, including as a candidate, if required by law.
Today, citizenship by investment is the fastest way to obtain a second passport. Mirsatori is your guide to the world of economic citizenship. Our specialists will select a program based on your goals and budget, prepare your documents, and support you until you receive your passport.
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