Citizenship by investment programs provide families with the privilege of acquiring an alternative citizenship, which in turn gives them the right to travel freely to various destinations and to settle in another country. Over 100 countries, including key destinations in Europe and the Caribbean, have some form of legislation in place for residence and citizenship programs. Of these, about 60 residence and/or citizenship by investment programs are running successfully, many of which were designed and set up by Henley & Partners.
More than ever before, wealthy individuals are pursuing citizenship options as the most effective way to access previously unimagined opportunities. Listed below are the details of the most credible and successful citizenship programs offered by Henley & Partners.
Antigua and Barbuda offers one of the most competitive citizenship programs in the Caribbean. Options start from USD 230,000.
Argentina’s citizenship by investment program is currently under development and will launch in the second half of 2026. Register your interest today.
Prospective citizens can make a substantial economic contribution or demonstrate extraordinary achievements that benefit Austria.
Dominica offers an attractive citizenship program with a real estate option. Required contributions start from USD 200,000.
Egyptian citizens benefit from the country’s transcontinental positioning between Africa, Asia, and the Middle East. An investment of USD 250,000 applies for citizenship.
Grenada has the only Caribbean citizenship program that holds an E-2 Investor Visa Treaty with the USA, allowing citizens to be eligible to apply for a non-immigrant visa.
Jordan’s citizenship program grants investors access to a business-friendly location and citizenship of this diverse and peaceful Arab country for an investment of JOD 350,000.
Malta does not operate a citizenship program, but it does provide a legal citizenship by merit framework for individuals who offer exceptional service or contribution to Malta.
The Montenegro Citizenship by Investment Program was concluded on 31 December 2022. Contact us to find the best alternative citizenship for you and your family.
Nauru offers successful applicants a secure second citizenship and an opportunity to support the island’s economic development and climate resilience.
North Macedonia offers foreign nationals the opportunity to acquire citizenship of this upper-middle income country in Southeastern Europe, for an investment of EUR 200,000.
São Tomé and Príncipe grants citizenship to investors and their families for a minimum USD 90,000 donation to the National Transformation Fund.
St. Kitts and Nevis has one of the strongest passports among all the Caribbean citizenship programs. A donation of USD 250,000 is required.
The St. Lucia Citizenship by Investment Program offers a real estate development option and visa-free access to over 140 destinations. A donation of USD 240,000 is required.
The Türkiye Citizenship by Investment Program provides citizenship of a country with links to both Asia and Europe and access to the markets in both regions.
Principal grounds for acquiring citizenship are birth within a certain territory, descent from a citizen parent, marriage to a citizen, and naturalization. The conditions under which the privilege of naturalization is granted vary from state to state, but family relationships or lengthy periods of residence are usually essential, besides character and other requirements. While residence is granted to investors and wealthy individuals in most countries, there are currently only 11 countries that offer citizenship by investment programs that provide a direct route to citizenship based on investment and that have passed Henley & Partners’ country due diligence. These include key destinations in Europe, such as Austria, as well as leading Caribbean programs in Antigua and Barbuda, Dominica, Grenada, St. Kitts and Nevis, and St. Lucia. Other participating countries include Egypt, Jordan, North Macedonia, and Türkiye. The programs of Antigua and Barbuda and St. Kitts and Nevis have been designed by Henley & Partners under relevant government mandates.
Other countries offer a route to citizenship following a reasonable period of residence, such as Australia, Canada, Greece, Portugal, Singapore, the UK, and the USA.
Most countries have provisions that allow their government to grant citizenship in return for major contributions to society, culture, the economy, and other interests of the state. However, this discretion of the government is exercised extremely rarely.
Several countries had programs in place at different times in the past that were specifically designed to attract foreign investors in return for citizenship. These include Ireland, whose program was terminated in 2001, Belize (until 2002), Grenada (terminated 2001 but reopened in 2014), Cape Verde, Seychelles, Slovakia, and several others.
Citizenship by investment programs offer you the opportunity to legally acquire a new nationality and an alternative passport quickly and simply, without major disruption to your life.
Expanding your global access through a citizenship program is no longer a luxury reserved for the ultra-rich. Acquiring citizenship through investment is increasingly accessible as more cost-effective programs are available, and many of the cheapest citizenship by investment programs offer enticing benefits and returns for a surprisingly low investment amount. Whether you are looking to improve your travel freedom, diversify your investment portfolio, or secure your legacy for future generations, there are a number of cheap citizenship by investment programs that can help you achieve your goals.
The programs that Henley & Partners offers are considered sufficiently clear in law and processes and have sufficient reputation and transparency to be considered the top tier of citizenship by investment programs.
We have studied all current programs and constantly monitor new developments. Henley & Partners has a unique position in that we are the only firm to have advised many different governments on projects ranging from strategic consulting to the design, implementation, and operation of investment-related residence and citizenship programs. The firm continues to advise and assist countries around the world in this field.
This record of designing, implementing, operating, and positioning citizenship by investment programs on behalf of governments is unique to Henley & Partners. It is an important and distinct advantage that all our clients enjoy.
Citizenship by investment is a legal process through which qualified individuals can obtain citizenship and a passport from a sovereign country by making a significant, government-approved economic contribution. Unlike traditional naturalization, which requires years of residence, citizenship by investment programs typically grant citizenship within a shorter period of time and often extend eligibility to the applicant’s immediate family members.
Several citizenship by investment countries offer programs in 2026, including Antigua and Barbuda, Dominica, Egypt, Grenada, Jordan, Nauru, North Macedonia, Malta, São Tomé and Príncipe, St. Kitts and Nevis, St. Lucia, and Türkiye. Additional programs are expected in countries such as Argentina, Botswana, and St. Vincent and the Grenadines in 2026.
The citizenship by investment cost varies depending on the country and investment route. Caribbean programs typically start from around USD 200,000–250,000. São Tomé and Príncipe starts at USD 95,000, while Türkiye requires a minimum real estate investment of USD 400,000. Additional due diligence, government, and legal fees also apply.
The difference in citizenship by investment vs. golden visa programs is that citizenship by investment grants full citizenship and a passport directly, often within months. A golden visa provides residence rights, which may lead to citizenship only after several years of meeting residence and naturalization requirements. Citizenship by investment is typically faster but involves a higher upfront investment.
The citizenship by investment processing time varies by program. Some countries process applications in around 3–4 months, while others may take 12–36 months. Timelines also depend on how complete the applicant’s documentation is. Please contact us to find out more about a specific program.
Most citizenship by investment family programs allow the main applicant to include a spouse, dependent children (often up to age 28–30 if in full-time education), and sometimes dependent parents or grandparents. Additional fees may apply but included family members receive the same citizenship and passport benefits.
In most cases, citizenship by investment programs do not require applicants to live in the country. Caribbean programs generally have no residency requirement, although short visits may be introduced in 2026. Malta requires eight months of residence, while Türkiye does not require ongoing physical presence beyond initial procedures.
Yes, these programs are legal, established and regulated by national legislation. Applicants must pass strict due diligence checks, including background screening, source of funds verification, and anti-money laundering compliance, to ensure program integrity.
Most dual citizenship by investment programs allow applicants to retain their original nationality. However, it is important to confirm whether your home country permits dual citizenship, as some countries restrict or do not recognize it.
The cheapest citizenship by investment options are typically found in countries such as São Tomé and Príncipe and Nauru, with entry points starting from approximately USD 90,000–130,000 via donation. Dominica is also one of the most affordable Caribbean options, and emerging programs may introduce lower entry thresholds.
Common citizenship by investment options include non-refundable government donations, purchasing government-approved real estate (usually with a 3–7 year holding period), investing in government bonds or securities, and business or enterprise investments. Each country sets its own requirements and minimum investment amounts.
The citizenship by investment due diligence process involves comprehensive background checks, including identity verification, source of funds analysis, criminal record screening, anti-money laundering compliance, and sanctions checks. Many programs also use independent international due diligence firms alongside government checks.
Regarding second passport tax implications, obtaining a second citizenship does not automatically change your tax residence or obligations. Tax residence is usually based on where you live and have economic ties, although some citizenship by investment countries offer favorable tax regimes. Professional tax advice is recommended.
The main citizenship by investment benefits include greater global mobility with visa-free or visa-on-arrival access to a great number of destinations worldwide, the right to live and work in another country, access to favorable tax environments, expanded business opportunities, and long-term security for families.
Malta provides a legal framework for the acquisition of citizenship for individuals who render exceptional services or contributions, including through job creation, to the Republic of Malta or to humanity. Citizenship may also be granted where an individual’s naturalisation is of exceptional interest to the Republic of Malta, as they are deemed to possess the necessary skills, profile, qualities, talents, and expertise that are considered to significantly advance or benefit the national interest.
Citizenship by investment revocation can occur in rare cases. While citizenship is generally permanent, it may be revoked if obtained through fraud, misrepresentation, or if the individual is later involved in serious criminal activity or national security concerns.
Choosing the best citizenship by investment program depends on your priorities, such as global mobility, tax planning, processing speed, cost, and family inclusion. Other important factors include passport strength, investment type, program reputation, and regulatory stability. As the global leader in residence and citizenship planning, Henley & Partners can provide personalized guidance so you choose the program best suited to your needs.
Henley & Partners assists international clients in obtaining residence and citizenship under the respective programs. Contact us to arrange an initial private consultation.
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