Easiest countries to get citizenship through investment

Citizenship by investment — a growing trend

As someone who follows investment topics, you will have noticed a global trend in the growth of high-net-worth migration. Countries are offering citizenship by investment programs with attractive benefits that far outweigh the minimum investment amount required. With a second passport, you can travel more freely, operate business on a global scale, and enjoy the healthcare and educational opportunities of a new country. Invest smartly and you’re not just acquiring citizenship; you’re also positioning yourself for greater financial resilience and exciting new prospects. 

What is citizenship by investment?

Citizenship by investment offers you and your family the chance to obtain citizenship legally through financial channels. In established citizenship by investment programs, that could involve buying real estate, financing local enterprises, or supporting educational initiatives. To obtain citizenship of Antigua and Barbuda, for example, there are four different investment options, starting at a USD 100,000 contribution to the national development fund. For citizenship of Türkiye, options include acquiring real estate with a value of at least USD 400,000 or investing at least USD 500,000 in government bonds.

What are the benefits of citizenship by investment?

The main benefit of citizenship by investment is visa-free or visa-on-arrival access to multiple destinations. St Kitts and Nevis has one of the strongest passports of the citizenship by investment programs on offer in the Caribbean. With citizenship of this idyllic, dual-island nation, you get visa-free travel to around 157 countries including Europe’s Schengen Area.

Successful holders of second citizenship also appreciate the benefits of enhanced business and investment opportunities. Beyond the initial investment required for obtaining citizenship, being a citizen of a second country opens doors to new opportunities previously unavailable.

As a parent, the benefits for your family are appealing. Second citizenship offers the potential for access to universal healthcare, comprehensive social services, and a high-quality education for your children.

What are the different investment options for citizenship by investment?

These are some of the most common investment options available to you if you plan on obtaining citizenship by investment:

National development funds: The Grenada Citizenship by Investment Program is a good example. The country has established a National Transformation Fund to finance tourism, agriculture, and alternative energy initiatives on the “Spice Isle”. You can qualify for citizenship of Grenada with a non-refundable contribution of USD 150,000 to this fund.

Real estate: Purchase a residential property costing at least EUR 700,000 for citizenship of Malta to enjoy living in a beautiful Mediterranean destination with quick access to key European financial hubs.

Government bonds: For a minimum investment of  USD 300,000 in non-interest-bearing government bonds, you can obtain citizenship of St. Lucia, regardless of the number of qualifying dependents on your application.

What factors should you consider when obtaining citizenship by investment?

Let’s examine the key factors you should consider if you want to get citizenship by investment. The less complex these factors are for your destination country, the easier it will be for you to obtain citizenship.

Investment amount: Carefully consider the minimum investment amount. An attainable figure will make the program more accessible to you and your family. For the easiest countries to obtain citizenship by investment, amounts start at around USD 100,000.

Application process: Get a good understanding of the application process as this affects how smoothly and quickly you obtain citizenship. Be aware of application processing times. A shorter processing time means you’ll become a citizen sooner and can enjoy the benefits faster. Processing times vary, ranging from around two to thirty-six months.

Residence requirements: Residence requirements dictate how much time you need to spend in your second country to maintain your citizenship. Programs with flexible residence requirements give you more freedom to travel and live where you want. Look for no or short minimum stay requirements.

Visa-on-arrival and visa-free privileges: While visa privileges don’t affect the ease of obtaining citizenship, they’re an important consideration for your future travel plans. Opting for a program with extensive visa-free travel options allows you to enjoy seamless travel once you become a citizen, enhancing the overall value of your investment. European and Caribbean citizenship by investment programs offer visa-free and visa-on-arrival benefits in up to 150 destinations.

Three of the easiest countries for obtaining citizenship by investment

Now that you know what factors to consider when applying for citizenship by investment, let’s look at three countries where obtaining citizenship by investment is easiest. When we talk about ‘easiest’, we mean destinations that offer citizenship with broad travel benefits, minimal investment, quick processing, and short or no residence terms.

The Antigua and Barbuda Citizenship by Investment Program

Overview: The government authority CIU vets all applications. Documentary requirements are reasonable and there is a mandatory online interview following approval of your application.

Investment requirements: There are four different investment options starting with a minimum amount of USD 100,000.

Benefits of citizenship: Antigua and Barbuda ranks second on our Global Citizenship Program Index for travel freedom: with an Antiguan and Barbudan passport, you enjoy visa-free or visa-on-arrival access to 150 countries, including Europe’s Schengen Area, Hong Kong, and the UK. You can also invest, carry out your business, or just enjoy life in this striking Caribbean paradise.

USP: As a citizen of this commonwealth country, you enjoy privileges in the UK and other member states. Furthermore, dual citizenship is recognized in Antigua and Barbuda.

The Dominica Citizenship by Investment Program

Overview: Applicants and dependent family members aged 16 years and older are required by the government of Dominica to attend virtual interviews and take an oath of allegiance.

Investment requirements: Investment sums start at USD 100,000 with a non-refundable contribution to the Economic Development Fund of Dominica.

Benefits of citizenship: Visa-free or visa-on-arrival access to over 140 destinations worldwide, including Europe’s Schengen Area, Hong Kong, China, and Singapore.

USP: Citizenship by descent is available for future generations and there are no dual citizenship restrictions. 

The North Macedonia Citizenship by Investment Program

Overview: The government body Fund for Innovations and Technology Development processes applications for citizenship by investment.

Investment requirements: Investment starts with EUR 200,000 per applicant in a private investment fund.

Benefits of citizenship: Visa-free or visa-on-arrival access to over 120 destinations including Europe’s Schengen Area, Japan, Hong Kong, and Türkiye.

USP: Citizenship by descent is available for future generations.

These are three solid recommendations for you to consider, but there are other attractive citizenship by investment opportunities in the Caribbean and Europe.

What next steps should I take for citizenship by investment?

You want to spread your financial risk, enjoy access to global markets, and provide your family with better educational opportunities. You’ve also thought about factors like location, language, stability, legal system, banking environment, visa-free travel options and reputation. You have concluded that citizenship by investment would be a good move. What are your next steps?

Research the citizenship by investment programs you are interested in to find out if you meet their requirements. Do you have the capital necessary to meet the minimum investment threshold and to cover other fees? Is your preferred destination stable and safe? Will you enjoy an excellent quality of life there? Start collecting all documentation needed to meet requirements. Destination countries may carry out background checks — be prepared to provide additional papers and records to expedite verification processes.

Let us handle your citizenship by investment journey

Talk to us to simplify your citizenship by application process. Henley & Partners has over 25 years of expertise in residence and citizenship by investment applications. We provide tailored solutions to high- and ultra-high-net-worth individuals and their families, ensuring a smooth journey to alternative residence or citizenship. Get in touch for a free initial consultation with one of our advisors.

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