Citizenship by Investment (CBI) programs let you secure a second passport quickly by making a financial investment. These programs are popular among global travelers for their benefits like visa-free access to many countries, tax advantages, and dual citizenship options. Here’s a quick overview of the best programs in 2025:
- Caribbean Programs: Affordable options ranging from $200,000 to $250,000. Examples include Dominica, St. Kitts and Nevis, and Antigua and Barbuda, offering visa-free travel to 140–160 countries.
- Fast Processing: Vanuatu provides a passport in just 1–2 months for $130,000.
- Premium Options: Malta offers full EU citizenship with access to 27 member states for ~$1.3M, while Turkey provides U.S. E-2 Visa eligibility for a $400,000 real estate investment.
Key Takeaway: Choose based on your travel needs, investment budget, and desired perks like U.S. visa access or EU citizenship. Below is a quick comparison of these programs to help you decide.
Quick Comparison
| Program | Min. Investment | Processing Time | Visa-Free Countries | Key Benefit |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Vanuatu | $130,000 | 1–2 months | 95–113 | Fastest processing globally |
| Dominica | $200,000 | 6–9 months | 138–145 | Most affordable option |
| Antigua & Barbuda | $230,000 | 4–6 months | 150+ | Great for large families |
| Grenada | $235,000 | 6–12 months | 140–148 | U.S. E-2 Visa + China access |
| St. Kitts & Nevis | $250,000 | 4–6 months | 154–160 | Highest Caribbean mobility |
| Turkey | $400,000 | 3–6 months | 110–134 | U.S. E-2 Visa + Eurasian hub |
| Malta | ~$1.3M | 12–36 months | 180–190+ | Full EU citizenship rights |
Each program offers unique benefits tailored to different needs. Continue reading to learn more about their features and requirements.
Best Citizenship by Investment Programs for Travelers
In 2025, the Caribbean continues to dominate the Citizenship by Investment (CBI) market, with five nations consistently leading in terms of value and global mobility. While these programs share a similar structure, they vary in processing times, visa-free access, and family inclusion policies. Here’s a closer look at the top Caribbean options.
St. Kitts and Nevis Citizenship by Investment Program
St. Kitts and Nevis stands at the forefront of the 2025 CBI Index with a score of 78 points. Launched in 1984, it holds the title of the world’s longest-running CBI program.
Its passport offers visa-free access to 155 countries, including the UK, Ireland, and the EU Schengen Zone. A unique feature is the conditional visa waiver (eTA) for Canada, available to citizens who have held a Canadian visa within the last 10 years or possess a valid US non-immigrant visa.
"St. Kitts and Nevis retains its place at the top… The jurisdiction has consolidated its reputation as the industry benchmark through a series of reforms, including the integration of biometrics to enhance identity verification."
– CBI Index 2025 Report
Investment starts at $250,000 through the Sustainable Island State Contribution (SISC) or $325,000 for real estate. Standard processing takes about 90 days, but an Accelerated Application Process can reduce this to 60 days. The program now includes mandatory interviews and biometric data collection. Biometric passports issued are valid for 10 years. Restrictions apply to nationals from Russia, Belarus, Iran, Iraq, Afghanistan, North Korea, and Cuba. There are no residency requirements, and citizens benefit from zero taxes on personal income, inheritance, or capital gains.
Dominica Citizenship by Investment Program
Dominica offers one of the most budget-friendly paths to Caribbean citizenship, with a minimum investment of $200,000 for either a government donation or real estate purchase. Processing times typically range from 4 to 9 months, and real estate can be resold after three years.
Dominica’s passport provides dual citizenship and visa-free entry to over 140 destinations, including a unique 30-day visa-free stay in China. However, it recently lost visa-free access to the UK. The program has no residency requirements, but residents are subject to a tiered income tax ranging from 15% to 35%. Family inclusion extends to spouses, children under 30, and parents or grandparents over 65.
Antigua and Barbuda Citizenship by Investment Program
Antigua and Barbuda topped the 2025 Global RCBI Report with a score of 94.30. Its University of the West Indies (UWI) Fund option covers a family of six for $260,000.
The passport allows visa-free travel to over 150 countries, including the UK (up to 180 days per year) and the Schengen Area (90 days within a 180-day period). A highlight is the simplified process for obtaining a 10-year B-1/B-2 US visitor visa, completed within two weeks.
"The main investment amount remains the same, regardless of the number of applicants. However, the processing fees, Due Diligence, and other associated costs increase."
– Lyle Julien, Investment Programs Expert, Immigrant Invest
Investments start at $230,000 via the National Development Fund (NDF) or $300,000 for real estate. Processing generally takes 4 to 7 months. Unlike most Caribbean programs, Antigua and Barbuda requires applicants to visit the country for at least five days within the first five years of citizenship. The nation, with nearly 60% of its GDP tied to tourism, offers no personal income tax, making it attractive for tax planning. Real estate purchased through the program can be resold after seven years.
Grenada Citizenship by Investment Program
Grenada stands out for providing a pathway to the US market. It is the only Caribbean CBI program with an E-2 Visa treaty with the United States, enabling citizens to apply for US E-2 visas.
"Grenadian citizens are the only Caribbean nationals who can settle in the United States using the US E-2 Visa."
– Get Golden Visa
The program offers visa-free travel to around 140 countries, including China. The minimum investment is $235,000 for a government donation or $270,000 for real estate, with processing times ranging from 6 to 12 months. Grenada is known for its strong regulations and inclusive policies for dependents, though it excludes Russian nationals. There are no residency requirements, and dual citizenship is allowed.
St. Lucia Citizenship by Investment Program
St. Lucia’s program strikes a balance between affordability and tax benefits. It improved its 2025 ranking by addressing application backlogs and introducing mandatory interviews for better due diligence. Passport holders enjoy visa-free or visa-on-arrival access to 148 countries, including Singapore, Hong Kong, the UK, and the Schengen Area.
The minimum investment is $240,000 for the National Economic Fund (NEF) or $300,000 for real estate. However, processing times are longer, taking about 12 to 15 months, making it one of the slower options in the region. The program has no residency requirements and allows dual citizenship. Non-residents are exempt from personal income, inheritance, or capital gains taxes. Family inclusion covers spouses, children under 30, and parents or grandparents over 55. Real estate investments require a seven-year holding period before resale.
High-End Citizenship by Investment Programs
If you’re looking for citizenship programs that go beyond the basics, there are three standout options offering exceptional global mobility and strategic advantages. While these programs require a much larger financial commitment compared to Caribbean alternatives, they deliver perks like full EU citizenship, fast processing times, and access to both European and Asian markets.
Malta Citizenship by Investment Program
For those seeking the benefits of European citizenship, Malta’s program is the gold standard. Ranked first on the Henley & Partners Index for a decade with a score of 76/100, it’s the only citizenship-by-investment (CBI) program within the European Union. This means successful applicants gain full EU citizenship, allowing them to live, work, and study in any of the 27 member states.
"Malta’s citizenship-by-investment programme has once again secured the top position in the Henley & Partners Global Citizenship Program Index, marking its tenth consecutive year as the highest-ranked scheme."
– Nicole Zammit, Business Journalist, Malta Invest
The Maltese passport ranks as the 9th most powerful worldwide, offering visa-free or visa-on-arrival access to around 185–190 destinations, including the U.S., U.K., and Canada. The program is known for its stringent four-tier due diligence process, with a rejection rate of approximately 25%.
To qualify, applicants must make a non-refundable contribution of €600,000 (36-month residency) or €750,000 (12-month residency). Additional requirements include either purchasing property worth about €700,000 or leasing at €16,000 annually, plus a €10,000 donation to a philanthropic cause. For a single applicant, the total cost is roughly €1,341,527, and the program limits approvals to 1,800 applicants per year. Unlike many Caribbean programs, Malta mandates actual residency for 12 or 36 months before granting citizenship.
Vanuatu Citizenship by Investment Program
If speed is your priority, Vanuatu’s program is unmatched. It offers citizenship and a passport in just 1 to 4 months, making it the fastest CBI program globally.
"Vanuatu’s Citizenship by Investment (CBI) program is the fastest globally, granting a passport in as little as 1-4 months."
– Marlow Bray
The Vanuatu passport provides visa-free or visa-on-arrival access to between 99 and 127 countries, including destinations like Hong Kong, Singapore, and the U.K.. Additionally, Vanuatu is a tax haven, with no taxes on global income, wealth, inheritance, or capital gains. The program earned high marks in the Henley & Partners index, scoring 9/10 for processing time and 8/10 for its investment requirements.
To apply, you’ll need to make a non-refundable contribution starting at $130,000. There are no residency requirements, and the program is currently the only CBI option open to Russian applicants. Vanuatu also offers access to Commonwealth benefits, such as eligibility for scholarships like the Chevening Scholarship.
Turkey Citizenship by Investment Program
Turkey’s program stands out for its strategic location, bridging Europe and Asia, and its status as the only CBI option among the world’s top 20 economies. Ranked 7th globally on the Henley & Partners index with a score of 64/100, the Turkish passport grants visa-free travel to over 110 countries.
One major advantage of Turkish citizenship is eligibility for the U.S. E-2 Investor Visa, which allows individuals to live and work in the United States through business investments.
The minimum investment is $400,000 in real estate, which must be held for at least three years to retain citizenship. Alternatively, applicants can choose to deposit $500,000 in a Turkish bank or invest in government bonds. Processing times range from 3 to 6 months, and there are no residency requirements. The program also permits dual citizenship and covers spouses, children, and eligible dependents under a single application.
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Citizenship by Investment Programs Comparison
When considering citizenship by investment programs, it’s essential to weigh the costs, processing times, and travel benefits against your personal needs. These programs differ widely in terms of financial requirements, application speed, and global mobility perks.
For those eyeing the Caribbean, most programs fall between $200,000 and $250,000 and offer visa-free access to 140–160 destinations. Dominica is the most affordable at $200,000 with a processing time of 6–9 months. St. Kitts and Nevis comes in at $250,000, offering the highest mobility in the region with visa-free access to 160 countries in just 4–6 months. Antigua and Barbuda is a great option for larger families, starting at $230,000, while Grenada stands out for its $235,000 investment, which includes access to the U.S. E-2 Visa and visa-free travel to China.
If speed is your priority, Vanuatu processes applications in just 1–2 months for $130,000. However, its visa-free access has dropped to 95–113 countries following the EU’s suspension of its visa waiver program. Meanwhile, Turkey requires a $400,000 real estate investment but offers a strategic location bridging Europe and Asia, along with U.S. E-2 Visa eligibility.
On the premium end, Malta demands a total investment of around $1,300,000 and 12–36 months of residency. In return, you gain full EU citizenship, allowing settlement across 27 member states and visa-free access to 180–190+ countries – the highest global mobility of any program.
Here’s a quick overview to help you compare these programs:
Program Comparison Table
| Program | Min. Investment | Processing Time | Visa-Free Countries | Key Traveler Benefit |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Vanuatu | $130,000 | 1–2 months | 95–113 | Fastest processing globally |
| Dominica | $200,000 | 6–9 months | 138–145 | Most affordable reputable option |
| Antigua & Barbuda | $230,000 | 4–6 months | 150+ | Best value for large families |
| Grenada | $235,000 | 9 months | 140–148 | U.S. E-2 Visa + China access |
| St. Lucia | $240,000 | 10–12 months | 142–147 | Refundable bond option available |
| St. Kitts & Nevis | $250,000 | 4–6 months | 154–160 | Highest Caribbean mobility |
| Turkey | $400,000 | 3–6 months | 110–134 | U.S. E-2 Visa + Eurasian hub |
| Malta | ~$1,300,000 | 12–36 months | 180–190+ | Full EU citizenship rights |
How to Choose the Right Citizenship by Investment Program
Start by identifying your travel and lifestyle priorities. Ask yourself: Which regions are most important for your business or personal needs? For instance, if frequent access to the Schengen Area is essential – allowing 90 days of travel within every 180-day period – Malta’s citizenship program could be a strong contender. Keep in mind, though, that Malta requires a high investment of around $1,300,000+. On the other hand, if your focus is on gaining access to the U.S. market, programs like Grenada and Turkey offer pathways to the E-2 Investor Visa, making them appealing choices. The right program doesn’t just enhance global mobility; it can also play a key role in broader strategies like asset protection.
Next, consider how quickly you need a passport. If speed is a priority, Vanuatu offers one of the fastest options, delivering passports within 1–2 months for an investment of $130,000. However, note that Vanuatu’s visa-free travel now includes only about 95 countries due to a recent suspension by the EU. Alternatively, St. Kitts and Nevis processes applications in 4–6 months and provides visa-free access to 160 destinations – the highest among Caribbean programs.
Residency requirements and family benefits are also crucial factors. Antigua and Barbuda, for example, requires just five days of physical presence over five years, making it an attractive option for digital nomads or those who prefer minimal residency obligations. It’s also a cost-effective choice for larger families.
Citizenship by investment (CBI) programs offer more than just global mobility. They can protect assets, enhance personal safety, and improve access to quality healthcare and education. When budgeting, remember to allocate an additional 10%–20% for fees related to due diligence, processing, and legal requirements.
Given the complexity of these programs – especially with enhanced due diligence measures like biometric data collection and mandatory interviews – working with seasoned advisors is essential. Firms like Global Wealth Protection provide tailored consultations to help entrepreneurs align their citizenship choices with tax planning and asset protection strategies.
FAQs
What tax advantages can Citizenship by Investment programs offer?
Citizenship by Investment programs can offer enticing tax advantages, such as access to countries with little to no personal income tax. For investors, this means the chance to streamline their global tax planning by placing assets in jurisdictions with more favorable tax policies.
On top of that, certain countries provide exemptions on taxes like capital gains, inheritance, or wealth taxes. This setup makes these programs especially attractive to high-net-worth individuals looking to safeguard and expand their wealth in a more efficient way.
What are the residency requirements for Caribbean citizenship-by-investment programs?
Caribbean citizenship-by-investment (CBI) programs are crafted to make life easier for global investors and frequent travelers. These programs, offered by countries like Antigua and Barbuda, Dominica, Grenada, St. Lucia, and St. Kitts and Nevis, let applicants go through the entire process remotely. That means you can secure citizenship without ever needing to move or spend extended time in the country.
Take St. Kitts and Nevis, for example. This program stands out because it doesn’t require applicants to meet a minimum stay or participate in an interview. Other programs might ask for a short visit – just a few days – but even those requirements are far less demanding compared to traditional residency-based pathways. In short, Caribbean CBI programs are designed for individuals looking for greater global mobility without the hassle of uprooting their lives.
What is the fastest citizenship-by-investment program available?
Vanuatu stands out for its fast-track citizenship-by-investment program, with processing times usually falling between 1 and 3 months. This speed is a major draw for individuals aiming to quickly secure a second passport and enjoy visa-free travel perks. With a straightforward process and no extensive residency obligations, it’s an appealing choice for entrepreneurs and investors seeking a hassle-free and efficient solution.
