20 Countries Currently Offer Residency or Citizenship by Investment

20 Countries Currently Offer Residency or Citizenship by Investment

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20 Countries Currently Offer Residency or Citizenship by Investment. In fact, there are currently 20 countries around the world that provide residency or citizenship in exchange for a significant financial contribution. Let’s explore this growing trend and some of the key countries that are leading the way in this unique offering.

People report many reasons for becoming citizens of a country other than their birthplace. These range from fleeing political instability to reuniting with family. Sometimes, a citizen becomes a citizen of another country because they live there for several years, have a job, and during this time build a permanent life in their new location. In other cases, this decision is triggered by a business or investment opportunity. Generally, becoming a citizen of a country makes it easier to pursue entrepreneurial and investment endeavors. Some countries have relatively lenient citizenship requirements, while others are more stringent. Similarly, bureaucratic costs vary considerably, with some countries imposing significant expenses while others have minimal costs.

20 Countries Currently Offer Residency or Citizenship by Investment.

20 Countries Currently Offer Residency or Citizenship by Investment

Here is a list of 20 countries with notable programs, categorized by their primary offering. It’s important to note that requirements, investment amounts, and program details change frequently, and professional legal/financial advice is essential.

Citizenship by Investment (CBI) Programs

These grant a passport in exchange for a qualifying investment.

  1. Malta (EU): The Malta Exceptional Investor Naturalisation (MEIN) program requires a substantial multi-year commitment including a direct investment, donation, and property purchase/rental.
  2. St. Kitts and Nevis: The world’s first and most well-known CBI program. Options include a donation to the Sustainable Growth Fund or pre-approved real estate investment.
  3. Antigua and Barbuda: Offers options for a donation to the National Development Fund, investment in approved real estate, or business investment.
  4. Grenada (Unique for E-2 Treaty with USA): Offers citizenship via donation or real estate investment. Grenadian citizens can apply for the U.S. E-2 Investor Visa.
  5. Dominica: Known for its economic citizenship program through donation or real estate, often cited as one of the most affordable.
  6. St. Lucia: Options include a donation to the National Economic Fund, investment in non-interest-bearing government bonds, real estate, or enterprise project.
  7. Vanuatu: The Development Support Program (DSP) offers citizenship through a donation to the government. It has relatively fast processing.
  8. Turkey: A popular program offering citizenship through real estate investment (minimum threshold) or capital investment, providing a powerful passport with visa-free/visa-on-arrival access to many countries.
  9. Egypt: Offers citizenship through various investment routes, including bank deposits, real estate purchases, or capital investment in projects.

Residency by Investment (RBI) / Golden Visa Programs

These grant temporary or permanent residency rights, which may later lead to citizenship through naturalization (subject to separate rules like physical presence).

  1. Portugal (EU): The Golden Visa program, though recently reformed (removing real estate in major cities), still offers routes through capital transfer, job creation, or investment in cultural/ scientific projects. Leads to permanent residency and potential citizenship.
  2. Spain (EU): The Golden Visa is obtained through a substantial real estate investment or other qualifying capital investments. It grants residency with minimal physical stay requirements.
  3. Greece (EU): One of the most affordable EU Golden Visas through real estate investment. Grants 5-year renewable residency.
  4. Italy (EU): Offers investor visas for those making significant investments in Italian government bonds, companies, innovative startups, or philanthropic projects.
  5. Ireland (EU): The Immigrant Investor Programme (IIP) requires a substantial investment in approved funds, enterprises, or philanthropic endowments. It was closed to new applications in 2023 but may be restructured.
  6. United States: The EB-5 Immigrant Investor Program provides a path to a Green Card (permanent residency) through a qualifying investment in a new commercial enterprise that creates jobs.
  7. Canada: While the federal investor program is inactive, Quebec operates its own Immigrant Investor Program (QIIP), requiring a passive investment. It is periodically reopened with quotas.
  8. United Kingdom (Now Closed): The Tier 1 (Investor) Visa was a major program but was closed to new applicants in February 2022 due to security concerns. Existing routes are under review.
  9. United Arab Emirates (UAE): Offers long-term residency (5 or 10-year renewable visas) through real estate investment, business investment, or specialized talent categories.
  10. Singapore: The Global Investor Programme (GIP) offers permanent residency to investors who make a substantial investment in a new or existing business, a GIP-approved fund, or a single-family office.
  11. Australia: The Business Innovation and Investment (Provisional) visa (subclass 188) is a pathway for investors and entrepreneurs, leading to permanent residency.

Important Considerations & Trends:

  • Due Diligence: All reputable programs conduct strict background checks on applicants.
  • EU Scrutiny: European CBI/RBI programs, particularly Malta and the now-closed Cyprus program, face increasing scrutiny from the EU over security and ethical concerns.
  • “Phantom Residence”: Some Golden Visas have been criticized for requiring little to no physical presence, raising questions about true integration.
  • Path vs. Passport: RBI programs are a path to residency, not an instant passport. Citizenship usually requires several years of physical presence, language tests, and integration.
  • Dynamic Landscape: This list is current as of early 2024, but programs are frequently amended, suspended, or closed. Always consult official government sources and authorized agents for the latest information.

Countries that offer direct citizenship

In some countries, interested parties can obtain citizenship immediately with the appropriate amount of money. Programs for economic engagement that offer this immediate citizenship (and minimum investment requirements) include: St. Kitts and Nevis ($250,000), Grenada ($250,000), Dominica (previously discussed), Cyprus ($2.9 million), and Antigua and Barbuda ($250,000).

Of these countries, only Antigua and Barbuda has a residency requirement. In this Caribbean island nation, applicants must spend at least five days every five years in Antigua and Barbuda territory to establish residency and at least 35 days within the first five years to meet citizenship requirements. Applicants have several options under this economic citizenship program, including a $1.5 million business investment, a $400,000 real estate investment, or a $250,000 donation to the government. Another option is to hold a $400,000 share in a $5 million business investment. Citizenship here is particularly attractive for those who need to travel to Canada, as an Antigua and Barbuda passport grants visa-free entry to that country.

Countries that have a citizenship eligibility period

In most countries, programs promoting economic engagement have a waiting period during which citizenship must be granted, allowing applicants to meet before receiving it. This requirement typically means that residents must first establish permanent residency for a certain period before applying for citizenship. Countries with a citizenship requirement (and minimum investment amount) include: the USA ($500,000), the United Kingdom ($1.3 million), Switzerland (between $170,000 and over $1 million), Spain ($582,375), Singapore ($1.83 million), Portugal ($582,375), New Zealand ($1.11 million), Malta ($1.34 million), Latvia ($40,766), Ireland ($582,375), Hungary ($291,187), Greece ($291,187), France ($11.65 million), Canada ($280,000 or $640,000 depending on the province), Bulgaria ($582,375), and Australia ($3.97 million).

Of these countries, Switzerland has the longest citizenship period, with 12 applicants. This country is highly sought after due to its political stability, high standard of living, and developed status. Furthermore, it is considered a top retirement destination for many. Applicants are advised to have at least $1 million available before applying and have two options: to establish a company or to pay an annual residency tax. Depending on the area of ​​residence within Switzerland, the annual tax can range from $170,000 to just over $1 million. If investors choose this option, they do not need to disclose their income or financial assets. This process typically takes between three and four months.

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