We all know that old saying: “Time is money.” And if you’re looking to invest, reaping the benefits of your investment better come sooner, rather than later.
If you want a second passport but don’t want to wait five or ten years for naturalization or go through strict residency requirements, you need to look into the fastest citizenship by investment options.
This guide highlights the fastest countries to get citizenship through legal, government-approved investment programs, and will help you understand all the requirements and benefits for each.
Let’s dive in.
Fastest Citizenship by Investment Programs
When we talk about the fastest citizenship by investment programs, we’re looking at two things:
- Legally recognized citizenship programs backed by legislation.
- Realistic timelines, measured in months, not years, from passport application.
So, before we go in-depth, let’s quickly compare the top 5 fastest countries to get citizenship through investment. These programs have been tested, refined, and successfully used by high-net-worth individuals before.
| Country | Timeline to Passport | Minimum Investment | Visa-Free Travel | Notable Perks |
| Vanuatu | 1.5-2 months | $130,000 donation | 95+ countries | Fastest route available today (but limited perks) |
| Dominica | 3-6 months | $200,000 donation or real estate | 145+ countries | Low cost, no residency, family inclusion |
| St. Kitts & Nevis | 4-6 months | $250,000 donation or from $325,000 to 600.000 in real estate | 150+ countries | Longest-running CBI program |
| Antigua & Barbuda | 4-6 months | $230,000 donation (NDF) or $400,000 real estate | 150+ countries | Up to 6 family members in one application |
| Grenada | 4-6 months | $235,000 donation or 350,000 real estate | 145+ countries | E2 visa access to the U.S., visa-free to China |
You may have noticed that most of the fastest countries to get citizenship by investment are in the Caribbean. There’s a reason for this. They’ve built these programs as a way to bring in foreign capital. They rely on citizenship sales to fund infrastructure, healthcare, and disaster recovery.
But the speed comes at a cost. These passports don’t offer the right to live or work in the EU or the U.S., and some programs have drawn criticism for lax background checks.
In 2023, the European Commission raised concerns about visa-free access being abused, and the UK suspended visa-free travel for nationals of Dominica and Vanuatu due to security and identity verification gaps.
While Caribbean programs are a fast track to citizenship, applicants should consider the long-term value and geopolitical risks attached to them.
What Makes a Country “Fast” for Citizenship by Investment
A lot of agencies throw around the word fast, but here’s what determines the speed of a citizenship by investment process:.
Centralized Screening
The best fast citizenship by investment programs have centralized government units that handle all background checks in-house. St. Kitts & Nevis, for example, has a streamlined Citizenship by Investment Unit (CIU) with a dedicated fast-track option. If the screening is outsourced and slow-moving, it can add months to the process.
Residency Requirements
Some programs say “citizenship by investment,” but sneak in physical residency requirements. That’s a red flag if you’re aiming for speed. Portugal, for example, requires you to spend an average of 7 days per year under its Golden Visa. Vanuatu and Dominica? Zero days.
Real Estate or Donation Route
Donation paths (often called National Development Funds or Government Funds) are almost always faster than real estate. Why? Because property vetting, contracts, and land registry clearance slow things down. If speed is your top priority, go with donation.
Track Record and Processing Volume
Some programs may advertise fast timelines but lack the operational infrastructure to deliver under high demand. For instance, Grenada’s timelines slipped slightly in 2023 due to processing bottlenecks after a spike in demand from U.S.-based investors.
Smart Investment Strategies Behind Fast Citizenship by Investment
If you’re serious about obtaining the fastest citizenship by investment, your speed doesn’t just depend on the country and its system, but the investment itself.
Pick Donation Over Real Estate
Donation routes or crypto investment funds are faster than real estate by default. Why?
- No title deed delays
- No property vetting or escrow checks
- No resale compliance period
For example, Dominica and St. Lucia both complete donation-track citizenship in 3-4 months, while real estate can stretch to 6-9 months.
Have a Trusted Partner
Use a trusted company or agent. Some firms outsource submissions to middlemen, creating a bottleneck. Look for providers with a good track record that have access to lawyers in the country you’re applying in.
Submit a Clean, Fully Pre-Vetted File
CBI units flag errors, unclear source-of-funds documents, and formatting issues that cause 90% of delays. You should:
- Submit fully translated, notarized documents upfront
Any non-English documents should be translated and notarized. Governments will not start reviewing your case until all documents are in order.
- Provide detailed proof of crypto, offshore, or complex income
If your income comes from crypto, online businesses, or trusts, you need to clearly explain it. Include wallet histories, tax filings, and verification from platforms or third parties.
- Explain any large or unusual transactions
If there’s a sudden large transfer in your bank statements, add context. A contract, invoice, or bank letter can help avoid delays caused by questions over unexplained activity.
- Run a background check on yourself before they do
Consider ordering an international background report to see what will show up. Things like old lawsuits, visa denials, or inconsistent IDs can be addressed early instead of derailing your application later.
- Fix inconsistencies in personal data
If your name, birthdate, or place of birth appear differently across documents, include a signed affidavit or clear explanation. Small discrepancies are a major source of slowdowns.
Include All Family in the Initial Application
Adding a spouse or minor children to your citizenship by investment application shouldn’t slow things down if you include them in the initial submission. But if you try to add dependents after your file is already being processed, it often triggers a separate review cycle, new background checks, and additional paperwork.
Use Fast-Track Tiers (When Available)
Some programs, like St. Kitts & Nevis, offer Accelerated Application Processing (AAP) for an additional fee (~$25,000). This cuts timelines down to as little as 45-60 days, assuming your paperwork is flawless.
Fastest Citizenship by Investment Options: Overview
Now that we’ve covered what to look out for, let’s really take a look at what countries are the fastest, what they’re offering, and how long it takes.
Vanuatu
Vanuatu offers the cheapest and fastest citizenship by investment program in 2025. Most applicants receive approval within 30 to 60 days, and the entire process can be done remotely. However, visa-free travel to the EU remains suspended due to past concerns over regulatory compliance.
| Information | Details |
| Timeline | ~6-8 weeks from application to passport |
| Investment Options | Development Support Program (DSP):$130K for single applicant$150K for a couple$180K for a family of fourCIIP (Redeemable Fund):$155K for up to four people$50K refundable after 4 years |
| Visa-Free Access | ~90 countries |
| Additional Benefits | Cabinet-level approvalNo residency or interviewsFully remote processMinimal bureaucracy compared to property-based models |
Dominica
Dominica offers one of the fastest routes to citizenship by investment in 2025, with a clear process. While it’s no longer the cheapest program out there, it still appeals to those who want a second passport without long wait times or the need to relocate.
| Information | Details |
| Timeline | ~3-6 months from application submission to passport |
| Investment Options | Economic Diversification Fund (Donation):$200,000 for a single applicant$250,000 for a family of fourReal Estate Investment:$200,000 minimumPlus government fee of $75,000 for a single applicant |
| Visa-Free Access | ~135 countries |
| Additional Benefits | No physical residency or interview requirementsStrong government infrastructure funded by CBI revenueAffordable entry point for families |
St. Kitts & Nevis
St. Kitts & Nevis runs one of the longest-standing citizenship by investment programs, with approvals in as little as four months. The process is structured, reliable, and attractive to applicants who want minimal delays and added credibility.
| Information | Details |
| Timeline | 4-6 months standard processingAccelerated Application Processing (AAP) option: 45-60 days if pre-approved and documents are flawless |
| Investment Options | Sustainable Growth Fund (Donation):$250,000 for a single applicant (rising to $300,000 in mid‑2025)Real Estate Investment:From $325,000 minimum in government-approved real estate projects |
| Visa-Free Access | ~157 countries, including the Schengen Area, the United Kingdom, Hong Kong, and the Commonwealth nations |
| Additional Benefits | Centralized Citizenship by Investment Unit (CIU) with streamlined processesOne of the oldest CBI programs with trusted global partnershipsAAP route available for time-sensitive applications with complete documentation |
Antigua & Barbuda
Antigua & Barbuda is a good choice in 2025 for those pursuing a fast and value-oriented citizenship path. The process is efficient, the requirements are reasonable, and it’s family-friendly.
| Information | Details |
| Timeline | 4-6 months from application to passport |
| Investment Options | National Development Fund (Donation):$230,000 for a family of up to fourReal Estate Investment:$400,000 minimum with a 5-year holding requirement |
| Visa-Free Access | ~150 countries, including the Schengen Area and the United Kingdom |
| Additional Benefits | Offers the lowest flat-rate donation cap for families of fourOptional university scholarship fund enhances long-term value |
Grenada
Grenada is a powerful and fast citizenship by investment option that has relatively quick timelines and one-of-a-kind strategic perk: access to the U.S. E‑2 visa.
| Information | Details |
| Timeline | 4-6 months total processing timeWell-prepared applications are often approved in 3-4 months |
| Investment Options | National Transformation Fund (Donation):$235,000 minimum for a single applicantReal Estate Investment:$350,000 minimum in approved projects |
| Visa-Free Access | ~140 countries, including the Schengen Area, the UK, China, Singapore, and Russia |
| Additional Benefits | U.S. E‑2 visa eligibility through treaty agreementInclusive for full families: spouse, children, parents, and siblingsBacked by established due diligence and experienced agents for faster timelines |
St. Lucia
St. Lucia offers one of the fastest citizenship by investment timelines in 2025. Most applicants receive approval within a few months, and there’s no requirement to live in or even visit the country.
| Information | Details |
| Timeline | 3-6 months from submission to passportOften completed in 3 months for well-prepared applications |
| Investment Options | National Economic Fund (Donation):$240,000 for a family of up to four$10,000 per additional minor$20,000 per additional adultReal Estate Investment:$300,000 minimum, 5-year holding periodGovernment Bonds:$300,000 non-interest-bearing, redeemed after 5 years |
| Visa-Free Access | Approximately 147 countries, including the Schengen Area, the United Kingdom, and the Commonwealth nations |
| Additional Benefits | Flexible investment options to suit different investor profilesNo physical presence or residency requirementsFamily members included in a single application to prevent delays |
Cambodia
Cambodia offers a rare citizenship by investment path in Asia, with approval typically taking 3 to 6 months. The process requires a government donation or investment, plus in-person visits and a test on Cambodian history.
| Information | Details |
| Timeline | ~3-6 months from application to full citizenship |
| Investment Options | Government Donation:$245,000 direct contributionGovernment-Backed Investment:$305,000 minimum into an approved project |
| Visa-Free Access | ~50-60 countries, with a focus on Southeast Asia |
| Additional Benefits | No physical residency or travel required (except to collect a passport)Limited global mobility compared to Caribbean optionsSuccess depends heavily on working with a licensed, experienced local agent due to procedural inconsistencies |
Turkey
Turkey has an efficient real estate-based citizenship by investment route and a strategic location. The program doesn’t require any language tests or residency, and applicants can secure citizenship within a few months by purchasing qualifying property.
| Information | Details |
| Timeline | 3-6 months from investment to passport |
| Investment Options | Real Estate Investment:$400,000 minimum (Must be held for at least 3 years)Alternative Investment Routes:$500,000 in fixed capital, bank deposits, government bonds, venture funds, or creating 50 local jobs |
| Visa-Free Access | ~120+ countries, including Japan, South Korea, and many in Europe. |
| Additional Benefits | No donation required, entirely investment-basedReal estate market offers strong ROI potential (15-25% annually)Family-friendly: includes spouse, children, and parents under one application |
Egypt
Egypt offers a citizenship by investment program with multiple paths and a typical timeline of 6 to 12 months. The process is open to families, allows dual citizenship, and doesn’t require residency or language tests.
| Information | Details |
| Timeline | 6-12 months from application submission to passport |
| Investment Options | Government Donation:$250,000 non-refundable contributionReal Estate Investment:$300,000 minimum in approved developmentsBusiness + Donation Route:$350,000 into a new or existing business + $100,000 government donationBank Deposit:$500,000 interest-free deposit (refundable after 3-5 years) |
| Visa-Free Access | ~50-60 countries |
| Additional Benefits | No physical residency requirementDual citizenship permittedMultiple investment paths tailored to different investor goals |
Not the Fastest, But the Best: Portugal’s Golden Visa
Fast-track programs are tempting. But quick doesn’t always mean better.
Portugal’s Golden Visa might take longer, but it’s based on value, not speed. From culture and location to long-term legal security and the mobility it offers, Portugal has something that most “instant” programs don’t: a desirable life.
How Portugal’s Golden Visa Program Works
Portugal launched its Golden Visa program to attract foreign investment. It allows non-EU nationals to gain residency, and eventually citizenship, by making qualifying investments in Portugal.
You don’t have to live in Portugal full-time. A minimum of just 7 days per year is enough to maintain your residency. And after 5 years*, you can apply for citizenship without giving up your original nationality.
| Requirement | Details |
| Minimum Stay | 7 days per year |
| Citizenship Timeline | 5 years |
| Dual Citizenship | Allowed |
| Visa-Free Travel | Schengen Zone with residency; 190+ countries with citizenship |
| Minimum Investment | From €250,000 for cultural donation, €500,000 in investment funds or job creation (creating 10+ jobs). |
| Family Reunification | Spouse, children, and dependent parents included |
| Language Requirement | Basic A2 Portuguese proficiency at the citizenship stage |
*The government is currently talking about prolonging this period to up to 10 years.
Investment Options
One of the biggest updates to Portugal’s Golden Visa program is the removal of real estate investments as a qualifying path. This change came into effect to curb rising housing costs and redirect foreign capital into areas with broader economic benefits.
Today, the focus is on productive investment, especially through regulated funds and innovation-driven sectors.
Here’s what you can invest in if you want to secure a Golden Visa in 2025:
| Investment Option | Minimum Amount | Details |
| Venture Capital / Private Equity Funds | €500,000 | Must be regulated by CMVM (Portuguese Securities Market Commission). Often focus on innovation, renewable energy, or tech. |
| Scientific Research Contribution | €500,000 | Donation to research institutions in science, tech, or medicine. No return on investment. |
| Cultural Heritage Support | €250,000-€500,000 | Donation to support art, heritage, or culture. The amount depends on the project location and impact. |
| Job Creation through Company Investment | €500,000 | Create at least 5 jobs by investing in a Portuguese business. |
And, if you’re passionate about cryptocurrency, learn why every Bitcoiner should invest in alternative citizenship.
What You Get With Portuguese Citizenship
Once you complete the 5-year minimum and obtain citizenship, the doors open wide, across Europe and beyond. Here’s what makes Portuguese citizenship far more powerful than many faster alternatives:
- EU citizenship & freedom of movement
Live, work, and study in 27 EU countries, plus Switzerland, Norway, Iceland, and Liechtenstein. That includes cities like Berlin, Paris, Amsterdam, and Stockholm, all of which can be visited without needing new visas or permits.
- World-class healthcare
As a Portuguese citizen, you have access to SNS (Serviço Nacional de Saúde), one of Europe’s most respected public healthcare systems. It’s affordable, efficient, and available nationwide.
- High-quality education
Portugal offers free or low-cost education from primary through university level. Additionally, EU citizenship facilitates studying in other European countries at local tuition rates.
- Business opportunities in the EU
Want to start a company? As an EU citizen, you’ll face fewer regulatory barriers across Europe.
- Stable and democratic legal framework
Portugal ranks highly on global indexes for the rule of law, press freedom, and political stability.
What Makes Portugal Appealing
Portugal is also a beautiful place to live. In fact, many Golden Visa applicants end up falling in love with the country and staying well beyond the program requirements.
- Beaches
The Algarve region offers over 150 beaches, while the dramatic cliffs of the Atlantic coast create postcard views at every turn.
- Architecture and history
The country’s Moorish, Roman, and maritime heritage make every walk worth your time. Lisbon’s cobbled streets and tiled facades are hard not to fall in love with.
- Cuisine
Portugal is the birthplace of port wine, and its food is enough to make you never want to leave.
- Climate
Expect 300+ days of sunshine a year, especially in the southern parts. Portugal’s weather is mild and pleasant, even during winter.
- Peaceful lifestyle
Portugal is consistently ranked as one of the safest countries in the world. It’s calm, welcoming, and family-friendly.
Why Choose Portugal Over Faster CBI Options?
Other countries offer citizenship in under 6 months, but they can lack depth. You get a passport, but not much else.
| Country | Processing Time | Investment Type | EU Access | Reputation & Stability |
| Vanuatu | ~2 months | Donation | No, visa-free access was revoked in late 2024 | The EU permanently revoked Vanuatu’s visa waiver in December 2024 over security and money‑laundering concerns. |
| Dominica | ~3 months | Donation | Yes, still visa‑free to Schengen | Despite tighter vetting, EU scrutiny intensified in 2023 due to security concerns raised by the large number of passports issued. |
| St. Kitts & Nevis | ~3-6 months | Donation or real estate | Yes, visa‑free travel for up to 90/180 days | Travel benefits remain, but the EU has raised concerns over risks tied to CBI programs that prize quick citizenship over meaningful connection. As a response, St. Kitts & Nevis is introducing biometric checks and tighter vetting in order to maintain visa-free travel to Europe and beyond. |
| Antigua & Barbuda | ~4-6 months | Donation or real estate | Yes, visa‑free to Schengen | This program is also under increasing EU and U.S. scrutiny. If Antigua’s CBI program is perceived as being misaligned with EU visa policy, then visa-free access could be temporarily or permanently revoked under the EU’s new suspension mechanism. |
| Grenada | ~3-6 months | Donation or real estate | Yes, visa‑free to Schengen | Recent concerns over illegal discounting could signal instability or limit future visa access. |
| Portugal | 5 years | CMVM-regulated fund investment, job creation, scientific/cultural donation | Yes, full EU citizenship with all associated rights | Fully aligned with EU rule‑of‑law and regulatory oversight; transparent, long‑term framework supported by legal and economic structures. |
Stable Citizenship
The problem with many fast-track programs is that they’re transactional, a passport in exchange for a donation or property. They rarely come with meaningful rights or stable institutions. And as international regulations tighten, some of these schemes are facing scrutiny and reputational risks.
Portugal’s program, by contrast, is built to last. It’s fully aligned with EU standards, carefully regulated, and supported by a country that people genuinely want to move to. It’s a real second home, with all the privileges that come with it.
If you’re thinking long-term, about your future, your family, and your freedom, Portugal is the smart choice.
Quality Over Speed: Bitizenship Makes Getting Portuguese Residency Easy
If you want the top choice for citizenship by investment, Portugal is hard to beat. Through its Golden Visa program, you can gain EU residency by investing in the Unbound Fund, a fully regulated, qualifying option under current rules. It’s a secure path that doesn’t require full-time relocation, and it opens the door to a powerful second passport.
At Bitizenship, we walk you through the entire process. We’ll help you make the investment, prepare all your immigration paperwork, and connect you with experienced legal and tax experts in Portugal.
You don’t need to figure it out on your own. We handle the coordination and make sure everything goes smoothly.
Visa-free access to 190+ countries, the right to live and work anywhere in the EU, public healthcare, education options, and a stable home are definitely worth investing in.
And, after five years, you can apply for citizenship without having to relocate full-time or give up your current passport.
If you’re ready to make the right choice, we’re here to help you get there.
Final Thoughts: Fast is Good, But Smart is Better
If you’re chasing pure speed, countries like Vanuatu, St. Kitts & Nevis, and Dominica deliver passports in under six months. And they’re legitimate options if you need a second citizenship as a Plan B or mobility tool.
But if you’re thinking about legacy planning, tax efficiency, and deep integration into global systems, then Portugal offers unmatched value.
Wherever you’re headed, make sure your second passport works for you, not just on paper, but for your entire portfolio, family, and future.
Frequently Asked Questions
Vanuatu is currently the easiest country to get citizenship by investment, with timelines as short as 6-8 weeks. It requires a minimum donation of $130,000, no residency, and minimal documentation.
The fastest path to citizenship legally available is through a donation to Vanuatu’s Development Support Program. Due to Vanuatu’s revoked access to the EU, more value can be found in countries like St. Kitts & Nevis and Grenada.
Countries like the UAE and Panama offer fast permanent residency programs that can be approved in weeks and eventually lead to citizenship. However, these are residency, not direct citizenship by investment programs.
Vanuatu is the fastest and cheapest citizenship by investment in 2025. At just $130,000 for a single applicant, it delivers a second passport in 1-2 months.
Following Malta’s CBI program cancellation in 2025, no European Union country currently offers citizenship by investment. However, Portugal offers one of the most efficient paths to citizenship through its residency-by-investment route, which currently grants a passport in just 5 years with minimal physical stay requirements and full EU access.
No country offers truly free citizenship without effort. However, countries like Ireland, Italy, and Poland allow people of descent to apply for citizenship at no cost beyond documentation. Others like Argentina and Paraguay offer low-cost, time-based naturalization routes.
Some countries offer fast citizenship by marriage, but timelines still range from 1-3 years. Portugal allows naturalization after 3 years of legal marriage to a Portuguese citizen, even without residency. Argentina and Brazil allow spouses to apply after 1-2 years of residence and marriage.
There are no EU countries offering free citizenship to foreigners. That said, those with European ancestry may qualify for citizenship by descent in countries like Italy, Ireland, and Poland, without needing to invest or reside.
