Citizenship by investment is a means of becoming a citizen of a country. This means of obtaining citizenship is rarely harnessed dues to the heavy financial involvement and requirements despite being the easiest means of obtaining foreign citizenship.
What is CIPs? Citizenship by Investment Programs is a process where an individual can acquire citizenship or permanent residency in a foreign country by investing in its economy. The concept is also referred to as economic citizenship or investor citizenship. Citizenship by investment programs (CIPs) are offered by various countries around the world as a means of attracting foreign investment and boosting their economy.
Citizenship by investment programs typically require a substantial financial investment in the form of a donation to the country’s government or the purchase of real estate or other assets in the country. In exchange for the investment, the individual is granted citizenship or permanent residency, along with all the associated rights and benefits.
List of Countries That Offer Citizenship by Investment Programs
Some of the countries that offer citizenship by investment programs include:
- Antigua and Barbuda
- Dominica
- Grenada
- Saint Kitts and Nevis
- Saint Lucia
- Vanuatu
- Cyprus
- Malta
- Bulgaria
- Portugal
- Spain
- Hungary
- Austria
- Belgium
- United Kingdom
Please know that the requirements and benefits of citizenship by investment programs vary by country, and the programs may be subject to changes in regulations and policies. Additionally, citizenship by investment should not be viewed as a shortcut to citizenship, and the process typically requires a significant financial investment and extensive due diligence.
Here I will be listing the various countries that grant citizenship by investment, their requirements and the benefits you stand to gain should you obtain your citizenship via this route.
1. Antigua and Barbuda:
Antigua and Barbuda is a country located in the Caribbean, consisting of two main islands and several smaller ones. The country offers a Citizenship by Investment Program (CIP) that allows foreign individuals to obtain citizenship in exchange for investment in the country.
Requirements:
- A minimum investment of $100,000 USD in the National Development Fund or $400,000 USD in real estate or a business
- Background checks and due diligence on the applicant and their family members
- Proof of source of funds and net worth
- Compliance with tax and other regulatory requirements
- English language proficiency
- Residency requirement of five days within the first five years of citizenship
Benefits:
- Visa-free or visa-on-arrival travel to over 150 countries, including the UK, EU Schengen Zone, and Canada
- Right to live, work and study in Antigua and Barbuda
- Access to the country’s healthcare and education systems
- Ability to open bank accounts and conduct business in the country
- No personal income tax, wealth tax, or inheritance tax
2. Antigua and Barbuda:
Antigua and Barbuda is a country located in the Caribbean, consisting of two main islands and several smaller ones. The country offers a Citizenship by Investment Program (CIP) that allows foreign individuals to obtain citizenship in exchange for investment in the country.
Requirements:
- A minimum investment of $100,000 USD in the National Development Fund or $400,000 USD in real estate or a business
- Background checks and due diligence on the applicant and their family members
- Proof of source of funds and net worth
- Compliance with tax and other regulatory requirements
- English language proficiency
- Residency requirement of five days within the first five years of citizenship
Benefits:
- Visa-free or visa-on-arrival travel to over 150 countries, including the UK, EU Schengen Zone, and Canada
- Right to live, work and study in Antigua and Barbuda
- Access to the country’s healthcare and education systems
- Ability to open bank accounts and conduct business in the country
- No personal income tax, wealth tax, or inheritance tax
3. Grenada:
Grenada is a small island nation located in the Caribbean that offers a Citizenship by Investment Program (CIP) to foreign investors seeking to obtain citizenship in the country.
Requirements:
- A minimum investment of $150,000 USD in the National Transformation Fund or $220,000 USD in real estate
- Background checks and due diligence on the applicant and their family members
- Proof of source of funds and net worth
- Compliance with tax and other regulatory requirements
- English language proficiency
- Residency requirement of five days within the first three years of citizenship
Benefits:
- Visa-free or visa-on-arrival travel to over 140 countries, including the UK, EU Schengen Zone, and China
- Right to live, work and study in Grenada
- Access to the country’s healthcare and education systems
- Ability to open bank accounts and conduct business in the country
- No personal income tax, wealth tax, or inheritance tax
Additionally, Grenada’s CIP offers unique benefits, including the ability to apply for E-2 visa status in the United States, which allows for temporary residency and the ability to run a business in the US.
4. Saint Kitts and Nevis:
This is a small island nation located in the Caribbean that offers a Citizenship by Investment Program (CIP) to foreign investors seeking to obtain citizenship in the country.
Requirements:
- A minimum investment of $150,000 USD in the Sustainable Growth Fund or $200,000 USD in real estate
- Background checks and due diligence on the applicant and their family members
- Proof of source of funds and net worth
- Compliance with tax and other regulatory requirements
- English language proficiency
- Residency requirement of five days within the first five years of citizenship
Benefits:
- Visa-free or visa-on-arrival travel to over 150 countries, including the UK, EU Schengen Zone, and Singapore
- Right to live, work and study in Saint Kitts and Nevis
- Access to the country’s healthcare and education systems
- Ability to open bank accounts and conduct business in the country
- No personal income tax, wealth tax, or inheritance tax
Saint Kitts and Nevis’ CIP is one of the oldest and most established programs of its kind, having been established in 1984.
6. Saint Lucia:
Saint Lucia is a small island nation located in the Caribbean that offers a Citizenship by Investment Program (CIP) to foreign investors seeking to obtain citizenship in the country.
Requirements:
- A minimum investment of $100,000 USD in the National Economic Fund or $300,000 USD in real estate or $3.5 million USD in government bonds
- Background checks and due diligence on the applicant and their family members
- Proof of source of funds and net worth
- Compliance with tax and other regulatory requirements
- English language proficiency
- Residency requirement of one day within the first five years of citizenship
Benefits:
- Visa-free or visa-on-arrival travel to over 145 countries, including the UK, EU Schengen Zone, and Hong Kong
- Right to live, work and study in Saint Lucia
- Access to the country’s healthcare and education systems
- Ability to open bank accounts and conduct business in the country
- No personal income tax, wealth tax, or inheritance tax
Furthermore, Saint Lucia’s CIP offers unique benefits, including the ability to add dependents, including parents and grandparents, to the citizenship application.
7. Cyprus:
Located in the eastern Mediterranean, Cyprus offers a Citizenship by Investment Program (CIP) to foreign investors seeking to obtain citizenship in the country.
Requirements:
- A minimum investment of €2 million EUR in real estate or €2.5 million EUR in a combination of real estate and other approved investments
- Background checks and due diligence on the applicant and their family members
- Proof of source of funds and net worth
- Compliance with tax and other regulatory requirements
- English language proficiency
- No residency requirement
Benefits:
- Visa-free or visa-on-arrival travel to over 170 countries, including the UK, EU Schengen Zone, and Canada
- Right to live, work and study in Cyprus
- Access to the country’s healthcare and education systems
- Ability to open bank accounts and conduct business in the country
- Low tax rates and favorable tax regime for new residents
Again, Cyprus’ CIP offers benefits for family members, including parents and children up to 28 years of age.
8. Malta:
Just like other island mentioned above, Malta is a small island nation located in the Mediterranean that offers a Citizenship by Investment Program (CIP) to foreign investors seeking to obtain citizenship in the country.
Requirements:
- A minimum investment of €600,000 EUR in the Malta Individual Investor Program (MIIP) or €750,000 EUR in real estate
- Background checks and due diligence on the applicant and their family members
- Proof of source of funds and net worth
- Compliance with tax and other regulatory requirements
- English language proficiency
- Residency requirement of one year
Benefits:
- Visa-free or visa-on-arrival travel to over 180 countries, including the UK, EU Schengen Zone, and United States
- Right to live, work and study in Malta
- Access to the country’s healthcare and education systems
- Ability to open bank accounts and conduct business in the country
- No personal income tax, wealth tax, or inheritance tax
Malta’s CIP is known for its high standards of due diligence and its strict regulations, making it one of the most reputable programs of its kind.
9. Bulgaria:
Bulgaria is a country located in southeastern Europe that offers a Citizenship by Investment Program (CIP) to foreign investors seeking to obtain citizenship in the country.
Requirements:
- A minimum investment of €1 million EUR in government bonds or €1.5 million EUR in a Bulgarian company that is publicly traded on the Bulgarian Stock Exchange
- Background checks and due diligence on the applicant and their family members
- Proof of source of funds and net worth
- Compliance with tax and other regulatory requirements
- No language proficiency requirement
- No residency requirement
Benefits:
- Visa-free or visa-on-arrival travel to over 150 countries, including the EU Schengen Zone
- Right to live, work and study in Bulgaria
- Access to the country’s healthcare and education systems
- Ability to open bank accounts and conduct business in the country
- Low tax rates and favorable tax regime for new residents
More so, Bulgaria’s CIP offers benefits for family members, including spouses, children, and parents.
10. Portugal:
This is a country located in southwestern Europe that offers a Citizenship by Investment Program (CIP) to foreign investors seeking to obtain citizenship in the country.
Requirements:
- A minimum investment of €500,000 EUR in real estate or €350,000 EUR in a government-approved investment fund or business
- Background checks and due diligence on the applicant and their family members
- Proof of source of funds and net worth
- Compliance with tax and other regulatory requirements
- No language proficiency requirement
- No residency requirement, but a physical presence of at least seven days per year is recommended
Benefits:
- Visa-free or visa-on-arrival travel to over 180 countries, including the EU Schengen Zone, the United States, and Canada
- Right to live, work and study in Portugal
- Access to the country’s healthcare and education systems
- Ability to open bank accounts and conduct business in the country
- Low tax rates and favorable tax regime for new residents
Additionally, Portugal’s CIP offers benefits for family members, including spouses, children, and parents.
11. Spain:
Just like Portugal, Spain is also located in southwestern Europe that offers a Citizenship by Investment Program (CIP) to foreign investors seeking to obtain citizenship in the country.
Requirements:
- A minimum investment of €500,000 EUR in real estate
- Background checks and due diligence on the applicant and their family members
- Proof of source of funds and net worth
- Compliance with tax and other regulatory requirements
- No language proficiency requirement
- No residency requirement, but a physical presence of at least one day per year is recommended
Benefits:
- Visa-free or visa-on-arrival travel to over 190 countries, including the EU Schengen Zone, the United States, and Canada
- Right to live, work and study in Spain
- Access to the country’s healthcare and education systems
- Ability to open bank accounts and conduct business in the country
- Low tax rates and favorable tax regime for new residents
Additionally, Spain’s CIP offers benefits for family members, including spouses, children, and parents.
12. Hungary:
Hungary is a country located in Central Europe that offers a Residency Bond Program to foreign investors seeking to obtain a residence permit in the country.
Requirements:
- A minimum investment of €300,000 EUR in government bonds, which will be returned to the investor after five years with no interest earned
- Payment of a processing fee
- No language proficiency requirement
- No residency requirement, but a physical presence of at least one day per year is recommended
Benefits:
- Residence permit for the investor and their family members, allowing for travel and stay in Hungary
- Access to the country’s healthcare and education systems
- Ability to open bank accounts and conduct business in the country
- No personal income tax on foreign source income for the first five years of residency
Please note that the Residency Bond Program does not lead to citizenship in Hungary, but it does provide a pathway to permanent residency.
It is worth noting that Hungary has made changes to its residency bond program in the past, so applicants should carefully consider the program’s requirements and consult with professional advisors before applying.
13. Austria:
Austria, a country located in central Europe also offers a Citizenship by Investment Program (CIP) to foreign investors seeking to obtain citizenship in the country.
Requirements:
- A minimum investment of €10 million EUR in an Austrian business or foundation, or €3 million EUR in an approved investment fund, or €2 million EUR in a business with a significant public benefit, or a combination thereof
- Background checks and due diligence on the applicant and their family members
- Proof of source of funds and net worth
- Compliance with tax and other regulatory requirements
- German language proficiency (A2 level)
- Residency requirement of 10 years with at least six months of physical presence per year
Benefits:
- Visa-free or visa-on-arrival travel to over 180 countries, including the EU Schengen Zone, the United States, and Canada
- Right to live, work and study in Austria
- Access to the country’s healthcare and education systems
- Ability to open bank accounts and conduct business in the country
- Favorable tax regime for new residents
Austria’s CIP offers benefits for family members, including spouses, children, and parents.
14. The United Kingdom:
The UK offers a Tier 1 Investor Visa program to foreign investors seeking to obtain residency in the country.
Requirements:
- A minimum investment of £2 million GBP in UK government bonds, share capital or loan capital in active and trading UK registered companies
- Background checks and due diligence on the applicant and their family members
- Proof of source of funds and net worth
- No language proficiency requirement
- No residency requirement, but a physical presence of at least 180 days per year is recommended
Benefits:
- Residence permit for the investor and their family members, allowing for travel and stay in the UK
- Right to work and study in the UK
- Access to the country’s healthcare and education systems
- Ability to open bank accounts and conduct business in the country
- Pathway to settlement and citizenship in the UK
The UK offers an Entrepreneur Visa program for those who wish to start a business in the country, and a Graduate Entrepreneur Visa program for those who have graduated from a UK university and wish to start a business in the country.
15. Belgium:
Belgium does not offer a Citizenship by Investment Program (CIP), but it does offer several options for foreign investors seeking to obtain residency in the country.
One of these options is the Belgian Investor Visa, which allows investors to obtain residency in Belgium by investing in a Belgian company or by making a significant contribution to the Belgian economy.
Requirements:
- A minimum investment of €350,000 EUR in a Belgian company, or €1,000,000 EUR in a non-profit organization that benefits the Belgian economy
- Background checks and due diligence on the applicant and their family members
- Proof of source of funds and net worth
- Compliance with tax and other regulatory requirements
- No language proficiency requirement
- No residency requirement, but a physical presence of at least 90 days per year is recommended
Benefits:
- Residence permit for the investor and their family members, allowing for travel and stay in Belgium
- Right to work and study in Belgium
- Access to the country’s healthcare and education systems
- Ability to open bank accounts and conduct business in the country
- Pathway to permanent residency and citizenship in Belgium
In conclusion, it is important to note that the benefits and requirements of the for Citizenship By Investments in the countries above may change over time, hence you carefully consider the program’s requirements and consult with professional advisors before applying.
I hope this helps? Do you have any question(s)? Please feel free to hit the comment section below and I will be more than glad to assist.