Citizenship by Investment Programs: Top 7 Countries in 2023
Get to know the most attractive citizenship by investment programs in 2023. In this article, you will learn about the top 7 countries that offer the most favorable conditions for obtaining citizenship through investment programs.
Citizenship-by-investment programs are quite popular around the world. The second passport opens up new opportunities for investors to conduct business, study and travel, in turn, the country receives additional foreign investments to revive its own economy. For the first time, the concept of citizenship in exchange for investments appeared in the 1980s, during the period of its existence, the programs became so popular that even European countries now offer them.
The number of investment programs in the world is constantly growing, investment conditions are changing quite dynamically. Each country sets its own rules for acquiring citizenship and provides personal benefits for new residents. Before investing, a foreigner should familiarize himself with the rules of different countries in order to choose the program that best suits your budget, family and business needs.
Read on to see which countries offer the best citizenship by investment programs in 2023.
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Find the cheapest countries to live in in 2023 here.
Why do people invest in Citizenship by Investment (CBI) programs?
You can get a second passport by investment in just three months in exchange for a one-time investment in bonds, real estate, starting a business or donating to a sustainable development fund.
The investor receives many advantages: visa-free travel, loyal taxation systems, access to world-class medical care, additional income from investments and the chance to own a second home in an exotic country.
Best Citizenship by Investment Programs in 2023
Antigua and Barbuda
Antigua and Barbuda is a country in the Caribbean that consists of two islands of the same name and several smaller ones. It is known for its reef beaches, tropical forests and resorts. Also, Antigua and Barbuda is an economically and politically stable country with a low crime rate.
The Antigua and Barbuda citizenship program was approved in 2013. The minimum investment amount is $100,000. Four investment options have been approved:
- The National Development Fund is a non-profit fund that finances state projects, public-private partnerships and other charitable investments in the country. The investment for one applicant is $100,000.
- Real estate - the minimum investment amount is $200,000, and the applicant must undertake to hold the real estate for at least five years.
- Business Investment - To invest in a business, a minimum of $1,500,000 as an individual investor or $5,000,000 with a partner must be invested, and the business must be pre-approved by the Cabinet of Ministers of Antigua and Barbuda.
- University of the West Indies Foundation - This foundation funds the university's fourth campus in Antigua and Barbuda and is available to families of at least six people. The minimum investment amount is $150,000.
Application processing takes about 180 days. Also, in order to obtain citizenship, an investor must live in the state for at least five days.
Importantly! Effective February 1, 2020, the five-day stay has been temporarily lifted in response to travel restrictions due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Currently, this restriction is valid until July 31, 2023.
The investor must also pay fees for verification, information processing and registration certificate. There are no language requirements, no mandatory interview or legal knowledge test. Most often, citizens of the United States, China, and Saudi Arabia obtain citizenship for investments in Antigua and Barbuda. Read more about the program at the link.
Dominica
The main advantage of Dominica is its fantastic nature. The country has everything from waterfalls and volcanoes to beaches and rainforests. Dominica also has an affordable cost of living, free healthcare and rapid economic development.
The minimum amount of investment in the country's economy is $100,000, investment options:
- Economic Diversification Fund - minimum investment amount of $100,000, money is directed to socio-economic initiatives in Dominica.
- Real estate - the candidate must purchase state-approved real estate worth $200,000 or more and not sell it for at least three years.
There are no travel, residency or language requirements in Dominica. There are also no interviews or evaluations. The only condition is that the applicant must not have a criminal record and must be over 18 years old. For four consecutive years, the CBI program in Dominica has been recognized as the best CBI program by the PWM Financial Times magazine. It is popular among citizens of Brazil and France. Read here how to get Dominica citizenship by investment.
Grenada
Grenada is a small island nation in the Caribbean Sea, consisting of one main island and several smaller ones. The country boasts beautiful beaches, bustling coastal towns and landmarks such as Fort George and Fort Frederick.
To obtain Grenada citizenship by investment, you must make a minimum contribution of $150,000 to the country's National Transformation Fund. The process takes about 90 days from application to approval. There are no requirements for residence, language skills, etc.
Applicants have two investment options for Grenada citizenship:
- The national transformation fund - the minimum amount of investment is $150,000, the funds are directed to the transformation of the country's economy.
- Purchase of pre-approved real estate – minimum investment is $350,000, applicants must own the real estate for at least five years after citizenship.
Residents of Russia, Turkey, China, and other countries can obtain Grenadian citizenship in exchange for investments.
Details about the program in our material.
St. Kitts and Nevis
St. Kitts and Nevis is another island nation in the Caribbean that is known for its pristine beaches, amazing volcanoes, and magical rainforests. St. Kitts and Nevis has a population of over 52,000 and an economy based on tourism, export-oriented manufacturing and offshore banking.
The minimum investment contribution to the Sustainable Development Fund (SGF) is $150,000. The St. Kitts and Nevis citizenship process takes approximately 90 days, but can be shortened to 60 days for an additional fee. There are no additional mandatory requirements.
Investment options:
- Sustainable Development Fund - the minimum investment amount is $150,000, the money goes to support sustainable growth initiatives in the country.
- Real Estate - Investing in state-approved real estate, with independent investors having to contribute at least $200,000 and hold the real estate for a minimum of seven years.
- Private houses - the minimum amount is $400,000.
- Publicly beneficial investments - minimum investment volume of $175,000.
The program is most often attended by representatives of India and the United Kingdom.
The procedure for registration of citizenship in exchange for investment has many features. An investor needs to choose a program, prepare an appropriate package of documents, and find the most suitable investment option. Order a consultation from a professional lawyer so that the procedure for obtaining a second citizenship is quick and easy.
Saint Lucia
Saint Lucia is an island nation in the Eastern Caribbean known for its Piton Mountains, cocoa plantations, historic forts and pristine white beaches. The state also has a stable economy and democracy. Among the features are that applicants must take an oath of allegiance to St. Lucia, and there are no language or residency requirements.
The minimum investment amount is $100,000, four investment options are available:
- The National Economic Fund (NEF) was created to receive matching investments to finance projects for the development of the island.
- Real estate - to obtain citizenship, it is necessary to purchase state-approved real estate worth at least $200,000.
- Enterprise project – a minimum investment of $3,500,000 in a pre-approved enterprise project that creates at least three permanent jobs.
- Government bonds - the minimum investment amount is $300,000.
Most often, citizens of Saudi Arabia and Indonesia invest in the economy of Saint Lucia.
Malta
Malta is a member of the European Union, has a stable economy and power.
The Malta Citizenship by Naturalization for Exceptional Service program entitles an investor and his family to naturalization based on the economic development of the country. There is a set minimum investment amount that you must make to qualify for the program. Also, the applicant must confirm his residence in the country for 12 or 36 months.
Under the new rules, this citizenship program will be limited to granting citizenship to a maximum of 400 successful applicants per year. In addition, it will be completed after 1,500 applicants receive citizenship. At the citizenship stage, the applicant must make appropriate investments, the total cost of which depends on how long the applicant has lived in Malta.
Investment options:
- Exceptional direct investment – the investor must contribute €590,000 after 36 or more months of residence or €740,000 after 12 months of residence.
- Property investment - minimum purchase price of €700,000 or rent a residential property in Malta for a minimum annual rent of €16,000.
- Donation - donate up to €10,000 to a registered charitable, cultural, sports, scientific, artistic NGO or society.
The citizenship for investment program in Malta is very popular, with citizens of many countries, including Brazil, China, and India, wishing to obtain an EU passport.
Turkey
Turkey is a transcontinental country located between Europe and Asia. It is known for its bustling cities, fascinating history, scenery and coastal delights. Turkey's economy is among the top 25 in the world with major industries including manufacturing, tourism and agriculture.
Obtaining Turkish citizenship takes three to six months, with no residency requirements. However, you will have to travel to Turkey to provide your biometrics.
The minimum investment amount is $400,000, investment options:
- Real Estate – Candidates must purchase real estate that is recognized by the Ministry of Environment and Urbanization and has a value of at least $400,000. You can sell real estate only after three years.
- Deposit in a Turkish bank - minimum investment amount of $500,000. The deposit must be kept for at least three years.
- Government bonds recognized by the Ministry of Treasury and Finance. The minimum investment amount is $500,000. They must be kept for three years or more.
- Capital – investment of $500,000 in capital recognized by the Ministry of Industry and Technology.
- Job creation – Applicants can obtain Turkish citizenship by creating 50 jobs in Turkey, which must be recognized by the Ministry of Family, Labor and Social Protection.
Most often, citizens of Russia, Kazakhstan and Iran invest in the Turkish economy.
Read more about the citizenship by investment program in Turkey at the link.
Global demand and interest in citizenship programs remains high. Therefore, countries are simplifying the rules and optimizing the application processing time thanks to the digitization of the procedure. Choose the program and maybe very soon you will be able to get a second passport.
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