Second Citizenship
Citizenship-by-investment programmes give individuals and their families the privilege of a second citizenship. With it, citizens can travel freely to many other countries. Worldwide there are around 30 investment programmes through which an investor can obtain citizenship directly.
More than ever, investors are treating naturalisation options as a way to obtain citizenship and a return on their investment at the same time.
Second citizenship programmes
Antigua and Barbuda
Antigua and Barbuda offers one of the most attractive second citizenship programmes, with investment starting from US$230,000.
Dominica
Dominica runs one of the longest-standing citizenship programmes in the Caribbean, with a contribution to the government development fund starting from US$200,000.
Grenada
Grenada is the only Caribbean country whose citizenship programme comes with an E-2 investor treaty with the United States, allowing eligible citizens to apply for a non-immigrant visa.
Nauru
Nauru offers the Pacific region's newest citizenship programme through a contribution to its Climate and Community Resilience Fund, from US$105,000.
Saint Kitts and Nevis
Saint Kitts and Nevis runs the world's oldest citizenship programme, launched in 1984. Investment starts from US$250,000.
Saint Lucia
Saint Lucia offers citizenship through several flexible investment routes — a national fund contribution, real estate or government bonds — from US$240,000.
Türkiye
Türkiye is one of the few countries with territory in both Europe and Asia. Its citizenship programme requires an investment from US$400,000.
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About
The basic grounds for acquiring a country's citizenship may be birth on its territory, being the child of a citizen, marriage to a citizen, or naturalisation. Naturalisation requirements vary by country, but family ties or a long period of residence are usually the decisive factors, alongside background checks and other requirements.
While most countries grant residence rights to investors, only a handful currently offer citizenship-by-investment programmes that confer citizenship directly on the basis of an investment.
Citizenship through investment
Most countries have provisions allowing the government to grant citizenship in return for a major contribution to society, culture, the economy or other national interests. In practice, however, that discretion is rarely exercised.
A number of countries have run programmes at various points in the past, designed specifically to attract foreign investors in exchange for citizenship. They include Ireland (closed in 2001), Belize (until 2002), Grenada (closed in 2001 but reopened in 2014), Cape Verde, Seychelles, Slovakia and others.
Citizenship options
Citizenship-by-investment programmes offer a quick, straightforward and lawful way to acquire a new citizenship and an alternative passport, without disrupting your life.
Widening your global access through a citizenship programme is no longer the preserve of the ultra-wealthy. Citizenship by investment keeps becoming more accessible as more cost-effective programmes appear, many of them offering attractive benefits at a lower entry point.
Benefits of a second citizenship
A second passport
If for any reason you cannot obtain or renew a passport in your own country, holding a second passport can be extremely useful.
At its simplest: if you lose your passport, it can take some time before a replacement is issued.
Security
Holding two citizenships means both countries can extend protection to you. Citizenship gives you the highest level of protection available from any state while you are abroad.
This matters most when you are in a country with political tensions with your first country: your second citizenship, free of such conflict, can protect you.
An investment in the future
Your citizenship is for life, your spouse and children can usually be included, and in most cases you need not renounce your current citizenship while still enjoying the lawful benefits of a second passport.
You should check the law of the country where you currently hold citizenship to confirm that you may lawfully acquire an additional one.