Have you ever felt envy for people who have dual citizenship? Besides being a practical tool for freedom of travel, financial flexibility, and personal security, getting a second passport isn’t as hard as it used to be.
With the cheapest citizenship by investment programs starting at $130,000, obtaining a second nationality is now within reach for more people than ever.
However, the cheapest doesn’t equal the best. By investing $200,000 for citizenship in some Caribbean countries, you can enjoy both beautiful beaches and better benefits like Visa-free travel to more than 140 countries. It’s up to you to decide what you value more.
Besides visa-free access to over 140 countries, these programs also offer tax advantages and the freedom to live, work, or retire abroad.
For those looking into what are the cheapest citizenship to buy, Caribbean nations like Dominica and Saint Lucia provide fast, affordable routes with no global income tax.
Meanwhile, countries in Europe and beyond continue expanding their residency and citizenship programs, making citizenship by investment the cheapest route to access many benefits.
With over 20 nations now offering these, the opportunities are growing. If you want easier travel, better business prospects, or a long-term backup plan, finding the cheapest citizenship by investment is a smart move.
What is Citizenship by Investment?
At its core, citizenship by investment (CBI) is a legal mechanism that allows people to obtain a second citizenship by contributing economically to a host country.
In other words, instead of acquiring citizenship through ancestry, marriage, or long-term residence, you gain it through a qualifying investment, often in real estate, a national development fund, government bonds, or even business development.
This isn’t a loophole or workaround. It’s a legitimate policy adopted by more than 20 countries worldwide, many of which are small or emerging economies looking to attract foreign capital. In return, these countries offer one of the most powerful tools available to global citizens: a second passport.
For example, someone investing $200,000 in Dominica’s Economic Diversification Fund can receive full citizenship for themselves and their family within three to four months. This includes the right to live and work in Dominica, access to over 140 visa-free travel destinations, and the ability to pass citizenship on to future generations.
How Citizenship by Investment Works
Every country structures its program differently, but most follow a similar process:
- Choose your investment route
This could be a non-refundable donation to a government fund, the purchase of approved real estate, or investment in a local business or bonds.
- Submit your application
With support from a government-approved agent or legal firm, applicants provide background documents, proof of funds, and personal identification.
- Undergo due diligence
Countries run security and background checks to ensure applicants are reputable, law-abiding individuals.
- Receive approval
Once cleared, you make your investment.
- Obtain citizenship
You receive your passport and citizenship certificate usually within 2–6 months, depending on the country.
While some countries offer a direct path to full citizenship, others, like Portugal, offer a residency route that can lead to citizenship after several years. These are sometimes called “citizenship-by-residency” programs and are particularly popular in Europe.
Who Is Citizenship by Investment For?
These programs were originally popular with investors, business owners, and families who moved around frequently. However, the appeal is expanding.
More remote workers, digital nomads, and people from countries facing political or economic challenges are now turning to citizenship by investment as a way to secure a more stable and flexible future.
For example, a crypto investor from Argentina might find Saint Lucia’s citizenship by investment route appealing, allowing them to bypass capital controls and gain visa-free access to over 140 countries.
Similarly, a family from South Africa might look into the Portuguese Golden Visa to gain access to European healthcare and education, all while working toward EU citizenship in just five years.
Types of Investments for Obtaining a Second Citizenship
When applying for citizenship by investment, you’ll typically have several options to choose from. Each country has its own rules and minimum investment thresholds, but these are the most common types:
- Government donations
Many countries offer a fast-track citizenship route through a non-refundable contribution to a government fund. This is the simplest option, requiring no ongoing management, but you don’t get a return on your investment. For example, Antigua and Barbuda’s National Development Fund allows applicants to secure citizenship with a donation starting at $230,000.
- Real estate investment
Buying property is one of the most popular ways to obtain a second passport. Many Caribbean nations offer citizenship or residency in exchange for real estate purchases above a certain value. This route allows investors to potentially earn rental income while securing their status. However, some programs require you to hold the property for several years before selling.
- Business and job creation
Some countries grant citizenship to those who invest in or start businesses that create jobs for locals. This is common in programs like Malta’s, where applicants must contribute to the economy through business activity. While this option can offer strong financial returns, it also comes with risks, as your eligibility depends on business success and compliance with local laws.
- Investment in government-approved funds
Instead of directly purchasing assets, some programs allow investments in approved venture capital or private equity funds. Portugal’s Golden Visa, for example, has an option where applicants invest at least €500,000 into eligible investment funds, typically focused on industries like technology, healthcare, or energy. These funds are managed by professionals, reducing the burden of actively overseeing an investment.
- Bonds and securities
Certain countries, such as St. Lucia, offer citizenship in exchange for investing in government bonds. These bonds are typically low-risk, but they require a significant upfront investment and must be held for a specified period before they can be redeemed.
Benefits of Obtaining Citizenship by Investment
Let’s say you decide to invest in one of the cheapest citizenship by investment programs from our list.
What would that mean for you?
Visa-Free Travel
One of the most immediate and tangible benefits of a second passport is visa-free or visa-on-arrival access to more countries. For example, a passport from Dominica or Saint Lucia provides access to over 140 countries, including the Schengen Area, Hong Kong, Singapore, and the UK. With one of the cheapest citizenships to buy, you can bypass embassy interviews, visa fees, and administrative delays when planning business trips or family vacations.
Tax Optimization
Many countries that offer the cheapest citizenship by investment options also happen to be tax-friendly jurisdictions. Caribbean nations like Antigua and Barbuda, Grenada, and Dominica impose no taxes on foreign-sourced income, capital gains, inheritance, or wealth. This is ideal for investors, crypto holders, or entrepreneurs with global income streams who want to reduce their overall tax burden legally.
In contrast, countries like Portugal offer favorable tax regimes such as the IFICI program. The program allows qualifying applicants who work in research, innovation, and technology to benefit from reduced income tax rates (just 20%).
It also allows tax exemptions on certain foreign income if qualifying conditions are met, making it one of the best hybrid models in Europe for those looking for both lifestyle and tax efficiency.
Security and Stability
For people living in countries where political or economic conditions are unpredictable, securing a second citizenship offers valuable peace of mind. Consider someone in Argentina, where economic instability and inflation are a constant concern. By acquiring citizenship through investment in a stable country, they gain security for themselves and their family.
This means they don’t have to worry about the financial collapse or political turmoil back home and can rest easy knowing they have options if things take a turn for the worse.
Generational Benefits
One of the biggest benefits of citizenship by investment programs is that they’re often passed down to future generations. This means your children can enjoy the same benefits, like the ability to live and work freely in other countries.
This means your family won’t need to go through the process again or spend more money. It’s a lasting opportunity for them to enjoy the freedom and options that come with it.
Business Expansion and Banking Access
With a second passport, especially one from a country with strong diplomatic ties, it becomes much easier to open international bank accounts, register offshore companies, and expand your business.
Grenada, for instance, is one of the few countries with both the cheapest citizenship by investment program and access to the U.S. E-2 Visa treaty. This allows citizens to invest in and live in the United States, making Grenada an incredibly strategic option for entrepreneurs with U.S. ambitions.
7 Cheapest Citizenship by Investment Programs in 2025
Vanuatu
Vanuatu is a Pacific Island nation offering natural beauty, friendly locals, and one of the world’s fastest citizenship by investment programs. For those who want a second passport in record time, Vanuatu is the way to go.
With a donation of $130,000 to the Development Support Program, applicants can receive a passport in as little as 30-60 days; no residency or language requirements are involved.
While its passport doesn’t offer as much access as the Caribbean options, it’s still strong, and the zero-tax policy is attractive for wealth preservation.
Vanuatu Citizenship by Investment – Key Details
| Information | Details |
| Investment Required | From $130,000 for a single applicant and up to 180,000 for a family with two children. |
| Visa-free Travel | Vanuatu citizens have visa-free or visa-on-arrival access to 90 countries and territories, including Singapore, Russia, and Malaysia. |
| Processing Time | The application process typically takes about 45 days. |
| Residency Requirement | There is no residency requirement for applicants. |
| Tax Benefits | Vanuatu offers favorable tax policies, including no personal income tax, no corporate tax, no wealth tax, and no inheritance tax. |
| Family Inclusion | The program allows the inclusion of spouses and children. |
| Passport Ranking | The Vanuatu passport is ranked 49th globally in terms of travel freedom. |
| Dual Citizenship | Vanuatu recognizes dual citizenship, allowing individuals to retain their original nationality. |
Dominica
Dominica is a lush, mountainous island nation in the Caribbean, known for its natural beauty, eco-tourism, and commitment to sustainability.
It offers one of the most reputable and cheapest citizenship by investment programs, in operation since 1993.
With a minimum donation of $200,000 to the Economic Diversification Fund, applicants can secure citizenship in as little as three months. There are no residency or interview requirements, and the process is highly efficient.
Investors gain visa-free access to over 140 countries, including the EU, much of South America, and Brazil.
Dominica Citizenship by Investment – Key Details
| Information | Details |
| Investment Required | From $200,000 for contribution to Economic Diversification Fund (EDF) for a single applicant or $200,000 investment in approved real estate projects, plus government fees. |
| Visa-free Travel | Dominica citizens have visa-free or visa-on-arrival access to 145 countries and territories, including Singapore, Hong Kong, Russia, Brazil, and South Korea. |
| Processing Time | The application process typically takes approximately 3 to 6 months from submission to approval. |
| Residency Requirement | There is no mandatory residency requirement for applicants. |
| Tax Benefits | Dominica offers favorable tax policies, including no wealth, gift, inheritance, foreign income, or capital gains tax. |
| Family Inclusion | The program allows the inclusion of the spouse, dependent children under 30, and dependent parents or grandparents over 55 years old. |
| Passport Ranking | Dominica’s passport is ranked 27th globally in terms of travel freedom. |
| Dual Citizenship | Dominica recognizes dual citizenship, allowing individuals to retain their original nationality while enjoying the benefits of Dominican citizenship. |
Antigua and Barbuda
Antigua and Barbuda is a twin-island paradise in the Eastern Caribbean that has beautiful beaches, clear waters, and a relaxed atmosphere. With English as the main language, it appeals to retirees, business owners, and remote workers.
Antigua and Barbuda offer one of the cheapest citizenship by investment programs in the world. Starting at just $230,000 for a single applicant via a donation to the National Development Fund, the process is fast, straightforward, and doesn’t require physical residency.
Investors gain visa-free or visa-on-arrival access to over 150 countries, including the EU Schengen Area, the UK, Singapore, and Hong Kong.
Antigua also allows dependents and even parents and siblings to be added to the application at a relatively low additional cost. With no personal income, capital gains, or inheritance taxes, it’s also a smart choice for wealth protection.
Antigua and Barbuda Citizenship by Investment – Key Details
| Information | Details |
| Investment Required | From $230,000 in donations to the National Development Fund (NDF) or $400,000 minimum investment in real estate. |
| Visa-free Travel | Antigua and Barbuda citizens have visa-free or visa-on-arrival access to 151 countries, including Singapore, the United Kingdom, and Russia. |
| Processing Time | Citizenship can be processed in approximately 3-4 months. |
| Residency Requirement | Applicants must maintain residency in Antigua and Barbuda for at least 5 days during the first five years of citizenship. |
| Tax Benefits | Antigua and Barbuda have no inheritance tax, wealth tax, gift tax, or capital gains tax. |
| Family Inclusion | Includes spouse, children under 30, dependent parents, and grandparents. |
| Passport Ranking | The Antigua and Barbuda passport is ranked 20th globally in terms of travel freedom. |
| Dual Citizenship | Dual citizenship is permitted. |
Saint Lucia
Saint Lucia is a Caribbean island country with volcanic peaks, white-sand beaches, and lush greenery as far as the eye can see. Entrepreneurs, remote workers, and retirees alike are drawn to the island’s relaxed atmosphere and growing economy.
Its CBI program, introduced in 2016, is one of the newest and most flexible in the region, making it a top pick among those seeking the cheapest citizenship to buy.
Applicants can invest through a government donation, real estate, or government bonds.
With visa-free access to over 140 countries and zero tax on worldwide income, Saint Lucia has excellent value, especially for people wanting minimal commitment, as no visitation is required during the application process.
Saint Lucia Citizenship by Investment – Key Details
| Information | Details |
| Investment Required | From $240,000 for the main applicant and up to three qualifying dependents for a donation to National Economic Fund (NEF), or $300,000 in real estate investments. |
| Visa-free Travel | Visa-free or visa-on-arrival access to over 140 countries, including the UK, Schengen Area, Hong Kong, and Singapore. |
| Processing Time | Approximately 4 to 8 months, including passport issuance. |
| Residency Requirement | No mandatory physical residency or visitation is required during or after the application process. |
| Tax Benefits | No personal income tax, inheritance tax, or capital gains tax. |
| Family Inclusion | Spouse, dependent children under 31, parents aged 55 and over, and unmarried siblings under 18 can be included in the application. |
| Passport Ranking | Saint Lucia’s passport is ranked 23rd globally in terms of travel freedom. |
| Dual Citizenship | Dual citizenship is permitted; applicants are not required to renounce their current citizenship. |
Saint Kitts and Nevis
Saint Kitts and Nevis has everything from quiet beaches to lush rainforests. Beautiful beaches, many exploration opportunities, along with a welcoming community, make it a great choice for those looking to enjoy a slower pace of life while still holding a strong passport.
Saint Kitts and Nevis is the pioneer of citizenship by investment, launching the world’s first official program in 1984.
The islands have one of the most globally recognized CBI passports, which is why they’re especially attractive to investors who want visa-free access to countries worldwide.
Saint Kitts and Nevis Citizenship by Investment – Key Details
| Information | Details |
| Investment Required | From $250,000 in donations to Sustainable Island State Contribution (SISC) or from $325,000 to $600,000 in real estate investments. |
| Visa-free Travel | Visa-free or visa-on-arrival access to 156 countries and territories, including the UK, Europe, Hong Kong, and Singapore. |
| Processing Time | Typically within 4-6 months. |
| Residency Requirement | No physical residency requirement. |
| Tax Benefits | No personal income tax, inheritance tax, or capital gains tax. |
| Family Inclusion | Can include spouse, children, and other dependents. |
| Passport Ranking | St. Kitts and Nevis passport is ranked 17th globally in terms of travel freedom. |
| Dual Citizenship | Dual citizenship is permitted. |
Grenada
Grenada is a quiet Caribbean island with clear waters, beaches, and a warm climate. It’s known for its spice production, particularly nutmeg, often called “The Spice Island.”
Grenada stands out among Caribbean nations for its access to the U.S. E-2 investor visa treaty. This means that, unlike most CBI countries, Grenadian citizens can apply for a U.S. visa to start and run a business.
Citizenship is available through a $235,000 donation or a $350,000 real estate investment.
Grenada Citizenship by Investment – Key Details
| Information | Details |
| Investment Required | From $235,000 in donations to the National Transformation Fund (NTF) or from $350,000 in real estate investments. |
| Visa-free Travel | Visa-free or visa-on-arrival access to over 140 countries and territories, including the UK, Europe, and most of the Caribbean. |
| Processing Time | Typically 3 to 4 months. |
| Residency Requirement | No physical residency requirement. |
| Tax Benefits | No capital gains, inheritance, or personal income tax. |
| Family Inclusion | Spouse, children, parents, and siblings can be included. |
| Passport Ranking | The Grenada passport is ranked 24th globally in terms of travel freedom. |
| Dual Citizenship | Permitted applicants do not need to renounce their current citizenship. |
Turkey
Turkey bridges Europe and Asia geographically and economically, making it a go-to destination for entrepreneurs and investors from all around the world.
Istanbul’s real estate market, unique culture, and large domestic economy are just some of the perks.
With a real estate investment of $400,000, you can secure Turkish citizenship in under six months. The Turkish passport offers access to 110+ countries, including Japan and South Korea, but doesn’t yet include the Schengen Area.
Turkey Citizenship by Investment – Key Details
| Information | Details |
| Investment Required | From $400,000 in real estate, with a 3-year holding requirement, or an investment of $500,000 in a Turkish business or enterprise. |
| Visa-free Travel | Visa-free or visa-on-arrival access to over 100 countries, including Japan, South Korea, and many in Europe. |
| Processing Time | Typically takes 3-6 months for citizenship approval. |
| Residency Requirement | No physical residency requirement, but the property must be held for at least three years. |
| Tax Benefits | No capital gains, inheritance, or personal income tax for non-residents. |
| Family Inclusion | Includes spouse, children under 18, and dependent children up to 21. |
| Passport Ranking | The Turkish passport is ranked 35th globally in terms of travel freedom. |
| Dual Citizenship | Dual citizenship is permitted. |
The Best Alternative to Citizenship by Investment: The Portugal Golden Visa
Portugal offers one of the most attractive residency by investment programs in the world. Through the Golden Visa program, foreign investors can gain residency by investing in funds, private equity, or job-creating businesses.
After five years of maintaining residency, without the need to live full-time in Portugal, you can apply for full citizenship and receive one of the strongest passports in the world.
Portugal is a Schengen Area country and an EU member, meaning that once you acquire citizenship, you gain full access to live, work, and travel across 27 EU countries. That’s a major benefit, especially for families looking to tap into European education or retirees seeking a stable, sunny place to settle down.
Portugal also provides attractive tax benefits through the IFICI regime, enabling qualified workers in fields like technology and innovation to reduce their taxes to a flat 20% on local income and avoid paying Portuguese taxes on specific types of income earned abroad.
Portugal Residence by Investment – Key Details
| Information | Details |
| Investment Required | From €250,000 for cultural donation, €500,000 in investment funds or job creation (creating 10+ jobs). |
| Visa-free Travel | Travel visa-free within the Schengen Area. |
| Processing Time | Processing can take several months. Average wait time: 12–18 months. |
| Residency Requirement | The minimum stay of 7 days in the first two year and 14 days every 2 years thereafter. |
| Tax Benefits | The IFICI regime provides attractive tax benefits for skilled professionals in research and innovation. |
| Family Inclusion | Can include spouse, dependent children, and dependent parents. |
| Passport Ranking | Ranks 3rd globally, with access to 190+ countries visa-free or visa-on-arrival. |
| Dual Citizenship | Portugal allows dual citizenship. |
How Bitizenship Simplifies Your Portugal Golden Visa Journey
When you’re just starting to look into the Golden Visa, it can quickly overwhelm you with paperwork, regulations, and investment choices. That’s where Bitizenship comes in.
We simplify your journey to acquiring a Golden Visa in Portugal by offering you investment opportunities in crypto. We achieve that by working hand-in-hand with Unbound Fund. Our main advantage is that we help you navigate the entire investment process transparently, securely, and efficiently.
Our team is dedicated to guiding you through every step of securing a residence by investment in Portugal. We understand that everybody is in a unique situation, so we tailor advice based on your needs.
The result?
You can explore Europe with Portugal’s Golden Visa, and we take care of the entire process, handling everything from due diligence to legal paperwork.
And if you’re weighing different passport options, our El Salvador vs. Portugal vs. Argentina Passports comparison provides insight that can help you make that decision.
We’ve worked with clients worldwide, offering advice and clarity throughout their residence journey, including providing them with:
- Concierge service for local guidance
- Opening of a bank account
- Legal support
- Tax representation
So if you want to get a residency in Portugal that can lead to citizenship after 5 years, we will make the process smooth for you!
FAQ – Cheapest Citizenship by Investment
Vanuatu offers full citizenship starting at $130,000, making it the cheapest citizenship to buy globally.
Vanuatu currently offers the fastest citizenship by investment, often completing the process in as little as 30–60 days.
The “best” depends on your goals, but Portugal offers one of the strongest passports and long-term EU residency, while Grenada stands out for U.S. E-2 visa access.
Saint Lucia and Dominica offer minimal residency, simple paperwork, and low investment thresholds, making them among the easiest paths to a second passport.
North Macedonia and Portugal offer the most affordable and strategic paths to European citizenship, especially for long-term investors.
Turkey leads the region, offering citizenship through a $400,000 real estate investment with relatively fast processing.
Portugal, Dominica, Antigua and Barbuda, Saint Kitts and Nevis, and Grenada consistently rank as top options due to their balance of value, benefits, and credibility.
Portugal’s Golden Visa stands out for long-term EU access and tax benefits, while Vanuatu and Dominica lead on price and speed.
Note
The information provided in this blog is from official government websites for each country mentioned.
