Nina Out and About contains affiliate links and is a member of the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program. If you make a purchase using one of these Amazon links, I may receive compensation at no extra cost to you. See my Disclosure Policy for more information.
13 Countries Offering Citizenship By Investment [Expat’s Pick]
Looking for countries offering citizenship by investment?
I totally get it. With the way the world looks sometimes, a girl just wants options (it’s me; I’m a “girl”).
Plus, many of these countries offering economic citizenship are coveted holiday destinations, like Malta, Saint Lucia, and Dominica.
So, instead of planning another 2 week vacation, you could actually live on the beach!
I’ve been in full research mode, looking for the most desirable countries to move to, contacting immigration departments, and going down Reddit rabbit holes to find out the best countries offering citizenship by investment. This guide is the result of everything I’ve learned.
Editor’s Picks:
Best Dual Citizenship Combination for U.S. Citizens: Malta
Cheapest Citizenship by Investment Program: Antigua and Barbuda, Dominica, Saint Lucia
Fastest Citizenship by Investment Program: Vanuatu
FYI, I’ll only cover countries where you can buy citizenship directly rather than residency-to-citizenship programs since those usually take 5+ years.
Quick Guide: Countries Offering Citizenship By Investment
| Citizenship Investment Program | Minimum Investment (USD) | Processing Time |
| Malta | $656,000 investment + $11,000 donation + $700,000 property | 1.5 to 3.5 years |
| Austria | $2,200,000 | 2 to 3 years |
| North Macedonia | $220,000 | 6 to 8 months |
| Turkey | $400,000 | 4 to 8 months |
| Antigua and Barbuda | $100,000 | 3 months |
| Dominica | $100,000 | 3 months |
| Saint Lucia | $100,000 | 2 to 3 months |
| Grenada | $150,000 | 3 to 4 months |
| Saint Kitts and Nevis | $250,000 | 4 months |
| Egypt | $250,000 | 6 to 12 months |
| Jordan | $750,000 | 3 to 6 months |
| Vanuatu | $101,500 | 1 to 2 months |
| Cambodia | $245,000 | 3 to 6 months |
Europe
The three European investment programs have a few distinct benefits. They offer tax exemption on almost all global income and assets, include family members for an additional fee, and recognize dual citizenship*.
*Austria doesn’t recognize dual citizenship except in super rare cases, like if you’re the Terminator.
1. Malta
Malta’s EU status makes it super popular with U.S. citizens looking to settle down in Europe. I hear the quality of life here is fantastic! It’s the most LGBTQ-friendly country in Europe, too.
This is the fastest EU citizenship by investment program, and you can expect permission to live and work anywhere in the EU once you acquire your passport!
With so many people applying for this program in recent years, the European Commission closely monitors it. So, if you choose to relocate to Malta, expect ultra-strict oversight throughout the process.
Also, be aware that there’s a 36-month residency period, but you can shorten it to 12 months with a higher investment of $750,000€ ($820,000 USD).
Passport Ranking – #7
Required Investment – €600,000 ($656,000 USD) in the National Development Fund, €10,000 ($11,000 USD) charitable donation, and €700,000 ($765,000 USD) worth of residential property.
Timeline: 1.5 to 3.5 years
Required Visit – 12 to 36 months
How To Apply: Contact the Maltese Citizenship by investment program’s licensed agents.
2. Austria
If you have the funds and business experience to invest in the Austrian economy, you jump on the path to getting EU citizenship through the mighty Austrian passport.
I lived here for a year and love the culture! You’ll end up a fan of Wiener Schnitzel and classical music without even trying.
Like Malta, this path allows you to live and work anywhere in the EU. But it’s pretty tough to qualify for, so if you’re not quite a millionaire yet and can do without citizenship, try their working holiday visa.
Passport Ranking: #3
Required Investment: €2-10 million ($2.2 – 11 million USD) to €10 million ($11 million USD) active investment in joint ventures or businesses that create new jobs or new export sales.
Timeline: 2 to 3 years
Required Visit – None
How To Apply: Work with a local law firm like Law Experts Attorneys.
3. North Macedonia
North Macedonia is the cheapest citizenship by investment in Europe.
It’s not currently a part of the EU, but it’s a prime candidate, which means it may be in the future. This adds extra incentive to move here, and I personally see this as more proof it has a stable, growing economy.
It’s a beautiful, ancient place home to some of the oldest human settlements. I would honestly love all the old-world vibes.
Passport Ranking: #36
Investment Options: €200,000 ($220,000 USD) in the national fund, or € 400,000 ($440,000 USD) in a new business creating 10 new jobs.
Timeline – 6 to 8 months
Required Visit – None
How To Apply – Contact the North Macedonian citizenship by investment program’s appointed law firm.
4. Turkey
Turkey has a unique citizenship by investment program that I really like since it offers a few different options.
You can invest $400,000 USD in real estate, $500,000 USD fixed capital contribution, $500,000 USD deposit into a Turkish bank account, $500,000 USD in government bonds, $500,000 USD in a private pension system, or start a business that creates at least 50 jobs.
I also just learned that the program is popular with real estate investors because Turkey delivers some pretty juicy ROI.
I enjoyed living in Turkey. The cost of living is lower than in Western Europe and the U.S., and Turkish food is AMAZING!
Passport Ranking – #37
Investment Options – $400,000 – 500,000 USD investment into the Turkish economy (multiple options)
Timeline – 4 to 8 months
Required Visit – None
How To Apply – Work with a local law firm like Ketenci & Ketenci.
Caribbean
Caribbean countries are the OGs of citizenship investment programs. Over the years, these programs have become more affordable, even if you aren’t wealthy yet.
All of these countries recognize dual citizenship, have tax exemptions on global income, include family members, and allow you to live in any member state of the Organization of Eastern Caribbean States.
5. Antigua and Barbuda
Antigua and Barbuda are among the cheapest countries to buy citizenship. It blows my mind to think that you can buy a nationality for a lot less than a proper house in the U.S. or Canada.
The $100,000 USD investment can extend to cover a family of 4, making this the cheapest economic citizenship for families.
You don’t have to live here in order to be eligible for citizenship, but I’d probably want to. I already know my dog Theo will enjoy the awesome beaches and hiking areas here.
Passport Ranking – #26
Investment Options – $100,000 USD in the national fund, $150,000 USD donation, $200,000 USD in real estate, or $400,000 USD business investment.
Timeline – 3 months
Required Visit – You must spend 5 days in the country in the first 5 years.
How To Apply – Contact the Antigua and Barbuda citizenship program’s licensed agents.
6. Dominica
The Dominica citizenship program has been around since 1993, and it’s known for being efficient, transparent, and affordable. Dominica also wins extra points in my book for allocating the citizenship investment funds towards environmental initiatives.
The volcanic island has such a unique landscape, and after all my research, I’m definitely adding the Boiling Lake to my bucket list.
Passport Ranking – #33
Investment Options – $100,000 USD in the Dominica Economic Diversification Fund or $200,000 USD in real estate.
Timeline – 3 months
Required Visit – None
How To Apply – Contact the Dominica citizenship program’s licensed agents
7. Saint Lucia
If you’re aiming to invest no more than $100,000 USD mark, Saint Lucia is another investor citizenship program that’s relatively affordable.
Not only is it a warm, tropical destination with beaches, but there are also beautiful hikes, mountains, and even volcanoes to enjoy while living here! You might not expect this, but it’s also home to some of the world’s finest chocolate!
Passport Ranking – #30
Investment Options – $100,000 USD in the National Economic Fund, $200,000 USD in real estate, $300,000 USD in government bonds, $500,000 USD in treasury bonds, or $3,500,000 USD in joint enterprise projects.
Timeline – 2 to 3 months
Required Visit – None
How To Apply – Contact the Saint Lucia citizenship program’s licensed agents.
8. Grenada
Grenada’s citizenship by investment program is the second most family-friendly option after Antigua and Barbuda. Besides adding a spouse and children, both countries allow you to include siblings, parents, and grandparents in the application.
Not only that, but it’s so much more affordable than many programs in Europe and Asia, and there are direct flights every week from global cities like New York, Miami, Toronto, and Frankfurt!
Passport Ranking – #31
Investment Options – $150,000 USD in the National Transformation Fund or $220,000 USD in government-approved real estate projects.
Timeline – 3 to 4 months
Required Visit – No
How To Apply – Contact the Grenada citizenship program’s licensed agents
9. Saint Kitts and Nevis
If you’re a risk-avoidant kind of person, Saint Kitts and Nevis is a solid option. CBI Index names this the #1 investment citizenship program. It’s been around since 1984, and it’s the only country to score a perfect 10 in the Certainty of Product category.
The only downside is that there is more red tape, so it takes longer than other Caribbean islands and has mandatory interviews with all applicants.
Passport Ranking – #23
Investment Options – $250,000 USD in a sustainable growth fund, $250,000 USD in an approved public benefit project, or $400,000 USD in real estate.
Timeline – 4 months
Required Visit – None
How To Apply – Contact the Saint Kitts and Nevis citizenship program’s licensed agents.
Middle East & Africa
There aren’t many countries in the Middle East and Africa that offer Citizenship Programs through investment. But Egypt and Jordan are two solid options if you have your heart set on this area of the world.
You won’t get access to any other networks through these programs, but they both recognize dual citizenship, and you can bring immediate families into your application for an extra fee.
10. Egypt
I really like that Egypt’s citizenship program offers a few types of investment, including both buying property and a straightforward bank deposit.
It is pricey, though, and Egypt has a pretty low-ranking passport compared to other countries on this list, so for most people, it’s not going to improve your visa-free mobility. I’m concerned about instability in the country, so this program isn’t high on my list.
For instance, I’m Canadian, and the only countries that would become new Visa-Free for me are Benin, Yemen, and Iran.
However, you will get tax benefits for businesses launched in 9 free zones in Egypt.
Passport Ranking – #78
Investment Options – $250,000 USD in the public treasury, $300,000 USD in real estate, $350,000 USD business investment plus a $100,000 USD contribution, or $500,000 USD bank deposit.
Timeline – 6 to 12 months
Required Visit – Yes. You’ll need to apply in Egypt
How To Apply – Work with a local law firm like Andersen Egypt
11. Jordan
I broke out into a sweat looking at how much this citizenship costs, but I can see how this investment makes sense if you’re from an even more restricted or volatile country.
Jordan is known to be one of the most peaceful countries in the Middle East. Jordanians are some of the most hospitable people in the world, too!
Passport Ranking – #78
Investment Options – $750,000 USD in projects out of Amman (capital city) that create 10 jobs, $1,000,000 USD in projects within Amman that create 20 jobs, $1,000,000 USD in treasury bonds, or $1,500,000 USD in Jordanian company shares.
Timeline – 3 to 6 months
Required Visit – Yes. You’ll need to apply in Jordan.
How To Apply – Work with a law firm like Bayat Group.
Asian & Oceania
The last area of the world I’ll touch on is Asia and Oceania.
These programs also have tons of benefits for people willing to invest in the economy. They offer Dual Citizenship recognition, include family members, and give you a ton of tax exemptions on global income and assets.
But there are only two of them available in the entire region.
12. Vanuatu
Vanuatu is a small island in the South Pacific, and its paid citizenship program is an absolute dream if you’re looking for a cheap and quick way to get a second passport.
In fact, it’s the fastest investment citizenship program in the world!
The only downside (well, maybe not to everybody) is that it’s a pretty long flight if you’re coming from North America like me. Also, you’ll need to show proof of a $250,000 USD bank balance in addition to your investment.
Passport Ranking – #51
Required Investment – $130,000 USD in the national fund or $150,000 AUD ($101,500 USD) in government bonds.
Timeline – 1 to 2 months.
Required Visit – None
How To Apply – Contact the Vanuatu citizenship program’s licensed agents.
13. Cambodia
Cambodia is part of the ASEAN Economic Community, which opens investors up to plenty of business opportunities in the Southeast Asian region.
The country also has beautiful landscapes and a rich history worth exploring if you decide to settle down here. There’s a charming feel here thanks to a unique blend of Khmer and French culture.
Passport Ranking – #73
Investment Options – $245,000 USD donation to the Royal Government or $305,000 USD in government-approved projects.
Timeline – 3 to 6 months
Required Visit – Yes, you’ll need to apply in Cambodia.
How To Apply – Work with a local law firm like Husky & Partners.
Requirements to Apply for Investment Citizenship
So, you’re probably thinking, “Okay, well, how do I know if I’m eligible for any of these programs?” A few requirements vary from country to country, but the basic criteria are pretty easy to meet across the board.
You must be
- Over 18 years old
- Have a clean criminal record
- Prove legitimate sources of income
- Be free from serious illnesses
Some programs have extra requirements. For example, Austria’s applicants must be high-net-worth business professionals with international influence.
Investment Citizenship vs Golden Visa – What’s the Difference?
An investment citizenship grants you citizenship in return for investment in the country’s economy. A golden visa usually grants you a residence permit in exchange for investment, not citizenship.
Final Thoughts
After all of my analysis of countries around the world that offer citizenship by investment, the countries that are most appealing to me are those that don’t require millions of dollars, have a strong passport, and have high economic stability (after all, I want a good ROI on my investment!)
Malta is easily the best option if you want to settle down in Europe and get EU citizenship. Antigua and Barbuda is the best option for people living in North America or families of 4, and Vanuatu is best if you need to get your citizenship ASAP.
Malta and most Caribbean countries also offer short-term digital nomad visas, so you can always live and work here for a few months and see if it’s something you’d like long-term!
Read More About Living Abroad:
- How Living Abroad Changes You: 15 Ways You’ll Grow
- Inspirational Living Abroad Quotes for Expats [Best Moving Abroad Quotes]
- Moving and Living Abroad Guide
- Pros and Cons of Living Abroad: Why You Should Move to Another Country
- Best Suitcases for Moving Abroad
- Challenges of Moving to a New Country to Overcome
- I Regret Moving to Another Country for Love
- Quiz: What Country Should I Move To?
- Best Laptops for Digital Nomads Remote Work
- 50+ Countries with Digital Nomad Visas
- 40+ Countries with Working Holiday Visas
Living Abroad Travel Planning Guide
🚑 Should I buy expat travel insurance?
100% YES! — With basic coverage averaging just $5-10 USD per day, enjoy peace of mind with a plan from Safety Wing!
🌎 What is the best country to live in as an expat?
It depends – the best country to live in as an expat will depend on your unique needs. I developed this free quiz to help you figure out where is right for you!
📍 How do I pick a country to live abroad?
It depends – picking a country to live in is hard. That’s why I developed this $7 course to share all of the steps I’ve taken when deciding to move to 20+ different countries, and how I handle homesickness when I get there.
Ultimately, making the choice of where to move is going to be hard. But the hardest thing is deciding to move abroad at all!
💼 How do I get a job as an expat?
You can find work abroad via local job boards or temp agencies. My favourite way to work is remotely, so I always look for jobs on FlexJobs.com when I live abroad. They hire for 100% remote roles only.
If you’re looking to teach English abroad, Premier TEFL has the best online course to get you great work!
💰 How do I open a bank account abroad?
Wise.com offers free global accounts, and the cheapest money transfers. Since it can be a headache to open bank accounts in different countries (it took me 2 months in the UK!), Wise.com is a great solution.
I actually use it as my primary bank now worldwide due to the multi-currency debit card. (Read more)
👯♀️ How do you make friends abroad?
Meetup.com – Meet likeminded people who share a similar hobby with Meetup! It’s free to join, but some activities may cost money, like if you go to a cafe and get a coffee.
🙀 I don’t speak the language. Can I still live abroad?
Learn languages in no time with iTalki! Moving abroad is an opportunity to learn the language. You don’t need to know it before you leave home.
💻 Do I need a VPN?
Yes! – VPNs allow you to access more of the internet. From US Netflix in the UK to social media sites banned in Asia. It’s a really helpful and cheap thing to ensure your online activities aren’t restricted.
🧳 What’s the best luggage for living abroad?
This is my favourite luggage set for long term travel. You can read more about my review of types of suitcases for travel here.
🏡 How do I tell my friends and family I want to live abroad?
Take this $7 course and learn the exact script I used to tell my family I was moving abroad … and then when I did it again. I even include tips for prepping your family, and for how to handle family who aren’t supportive.
✈️ What’s the best site to buy cheap flights?
To find cheap flights, I recommend Skyscanner. (Read more)
🏨 What’s the best site to find cheap hotels?
To find cheap hotels, I recommend Booking.com. (Read more)
Or stay for free with Trusted Housesitters!
🚗 What’s the best site to rent cars abroad?
To find cheap rental cars, I recommend Discover Cars.
🚗 What’s the best site to find tours?
To find epic tours, I recommend Viator.
