Cheapest Citizenship by Investment – Get a Second Passport

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

Undergo

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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?
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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

Which country gives citizenship for the lowest investment?

Vanuatu offers full citizenship starting at $130,000, making it the cheapest citizenship to buy globally.

Which country gives the fastest citizenship by investment?

Vanuatu currently offers the fastest citizenship by investment, often completing the process in as little as 30–60 days.

Which citizenship by investment is best?

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.

What is the easiest passport to get through investment?

Saint Lucia and Dominica offer minimal residency, simple paperwork, and low investment thresholds, making them among the easiest paths to a second passport.

What’s the cheapest citizenship by investment in Europe?

North Macedonia and Portugal offer the most affordable and strategic paths to European citizenship, especially for long-term investors.

What’s the cheapest citizenship by investment in Asia?

Turkey leads the region, offering citizenship through a $400,000 real estate investment with relatively fast processing.

What are the top citizenship by investment countries?

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.

What is the best citizenship by investment program overall?

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.