Would you like to access visa-free travel opportunities, get better healthcare and education for your children, or gain tax benefits? Sometimes, the only way to achieve these goals is by obtaining a second citizenship. For many, acquiring a second passport offers more than just a sense of global mobility—it’s a gateway to new opportunities, greater security, and financial freedom. This article explores the nations where investment can buy you citizenship and unlock a world of possibilities, based on information from Get Golden Visa and other trusted sources.
Dominica
Often called the Nature Island of the Caribbean, Dominica is a lush part of the Windward Islands. It lies between Guadeloupe and Martinique as a hidden gem in the Caribbean Sea. To gain citizenship, you must make a real estate investment of $200,000 or donate the same amount. However, applicants must pass background checks and provide proof of a legal source of funds.
Montenegro
Serbia, Croatia, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Kosovo, and Albania border Montenegro. Its beautiful coastline is along the Adriatic Sea. The citizenship-by-investment program requires a minimum investment of $279,500 in approved real estate projects in the northern region or $502,000 in the southern region. As per Guide Consultants, you can also contribute $117,000 to the state budget and another equivalent as a gift for development.
St. Lucia
St. Lucia is another Caribbean island north of Saint Vincent and the Grenadines. This island changed hands between the British and French 14 times before gaining independence in 1979, earning it the nickname Helen of the West Indies. Get Golden Visa states that you can become a citizen by investing at least $300,000 in government-approved real estate for five years. This citizenship grants visa-free travel to 147 countries.
Austria
As one of the few EU countries that grants citizenship by investment, Austria represents an appealing choice for those interested in its cultural and artistic heritage. It also offers visa-free or visa-on-arrival access to 190+ countries, the EU’s extensive social, healthcare, and education benefits, and Austria’s strong business opportunities. However, according to Citizen Lane, the minimum requirement is between 7 and 8 million euros or $8 to $9 million of investments made over three years.
St. Kitts & Nevis
You can become a St. Kitts & Nevis citizen within 4 to 6 months after investing $250,000 in the Sustainable Growth Fund or $400,000 in real estate as per Get Golden Visa. This twin-island federation is famous for its picturesque beaches and lush rainforests. Once you become a citizen, there will be no income, inheritance, or wealth tax, which makes it a haven for investors seeking favorable tax regimes.
Turkey
Turkey strategically connects Europe and Asia, and this makes it an ideal destination for international business entrepreneurs. It allows dual citizenship if you invest at least $500,000 in fixed capital for at least five years. Get Golden Visa highlighted that your spouse and children under the age of 18 will be eligible for citizenship, while parents and children over the age of 18 can apply for residency.
Grenada
North of Venezuela and Trinidad and Tobago, Grenada grants citizenship to a family of four after donating $235,000 or making a $220,000 real estate investment, as mentioned by Get Golden Visa. Grenadian citizenship provides visa-free travel to 140+ countries, and it’s also the only Caribbean country with a citizenship program that offers access to the U.S. E-2 Investor Visa, which allows individuals to live and work in the U.S.
Portugal
Invest at least $500,000 in investment funds, scientific research, or a local company to create at least five jobs, and you can get Portugal’s Golden Visa. This visa makes you eligible for citizenship after five years. You can also donate $267,500 to reconstruct the national heritage, invest $299,600 in an old property, or $535,000 in a new one.
Antigua & Barbuda
Get Golden Visa mentioned that Antigua & Barbuda offers various investment and donation options starting at $100,000 to get citizenship. Citizens of Antigua & Barbuda enjoy visa-free access to many countries, including the EU and Canada. Additionally, the country’s favorable tax policies—no personal income, wealth, or inheritance tax—make it an attractive option for global investors. Moreover, you can keep your original citizenship.
Malta
Known for its rich history, Malta is home to UNESCO World Heritage sites like the city of Valletta and the Megalithic Temples. To gain citizenship, Get Golden Visa states that applicants must contribute €600,000 or $670,000 to the National Development Fund, hold residency for 36 months or pay €750,000 or $837,000 for a 12-month residency, invest in real estate for €700,000 or $782,000 for five years, or rent and donate €10,000 or $11,000 to a local charity.
Canada
Canadian citizenship offers visa-free access to 175+ countries. The country is globally recognized for its high quality of life, excellent healthcare, diverse culture, and economic stability. However, Art on Capital mentioned that it requires an investment of CA $1.2 million or $883,000 in a government-guaranteed bond, which is fully refundable after five years for permanent residency. However, it includes a non-refundable donation/investment of CA $ 200,000 or $147,000. Citizenship can be applied for after three years of residency.
Vanuatu
Vanuatu is a beautiful archipelago of 83 islands in the South Pacific Ocean, west of Fiji and east of Australia. Many seek Vanuatu’s citizenship to enjoy visa-free or visa-on-arrival to 113 countries. Applicants should be over 18 and hold assets of more than $200,000 while contributing at least $130,000 to the Vanuatu Development Support Program as mentioned on Get Golden Visa.
Egypt
Some people consider obtaining Egypt’s citizenship a retirement plan to easily visit the country’s ancient civilization landmarks. Andersen states that Egypt offers citizenship to foreigners who deposit $250,000 in a non-refundable grant to the Egyptian government or invest $300,000 in real estate or a business. It can be a cool choice for investors who want to work in the Middle East, as it’s more affordable than other options.
North Macedonia
Immigrant Invest ensures that no applicant has been approved yet. Still, North Macedonia requires foreigners to pay €50,000 or $55,000 for the application, then invest €200,000 or $223,000 in a government-approved fund or €400,000 or $446,000 in a business expected to create at least ten jobs. This country offers low living costs and a strategic location in the heart of Europe, so it might be worth a try.
Jordan
For those in a rush, Jordan allows foreigners to become citizens by investing a minimum of $750,000 in real estate, renewable energy, or tourism. However, they can also place a zero-interest deposit of $1 million at the Central Bank or buy Jordanian shares of $1.5 million and keep them for three years, according to Henley Global. The processing time is about three months, and the citizenship applies to the applicant’s dependents.
