VIEN
A woman's hand holding a passport pointing towards the sky, with Japan's Mount Fuji in the distance

Second citizenship

Citizenship by investment programmes offer individuals and their families the privilege of acquiring a second citizenship. With a second citizenship, citizens can travel freely to many other countries. Globally, there are around 30 investment programmes through which investors can acquire direct citizenship.
More than ever, investors view citizenship options as an opportunity to gain citizenship rights and investment returns.

Second citizenship programmes

Coat of arms of Antigua and Barbuda

Antigua and Barbuda

Antigua and Barbuda offers one of the most attractive second citizenship by investment programmes, with investments starting from US$230,000.
Coat of arms of Bulgaria

Dominica

Dominica is one of the Caribbean nations offering the oldest citizenship programmes, with contributions to the government development fund starting from US$200,000.
Coat of arms of Grenada

Grenada

Grenada is the only Caribbean country with a citizenship programme linked to the E-2 Investor Treaty with the United States, allowing eligible citizens to apply for a non-immigrant visa.
Coat of arms of Nauru

Nauru

Nauru offers the Pacific region’s newest citizenship programme through a contribution to the Climate and Community Development Fund, with investments starting from US$105,000.
Coat of arms of Saint Kitts and Nevis

Saint Kitts and Nevis

Saint Kitts and Nevis has the world’s oldest citizenship programme, launched in 1984. The investment for citizenship in Saint Kitts and Nevis starts from US$250,000.
Coat of arms of Saint Lucia

Saint Lucia

Saint Lucia offers a citizenship programme with flexible investment options, including national fund contributions, real estate, or government bonds, with investments starting from US$240,000.
Coat of arms of Türkiye

Türkiye

Türkiye is one of the countries with territory spanning both Europe and Asia. Türkiye’s citizenship programme is available with an investment starting from US$400,000.

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    Introduction

    USA Passport (United States passport) on a map of North America
    The basic conditions for acquiring citizenship of a country can include being born within its territory, being the child of a citizen, marriage to a citizen, and naturalisation. Naturalisation requirements vary by country, but family ties or a long period of residence are usually the most important factors, alongside background checks and other requirements.
    Although residence rights are granted to investors in most countries, currently only a few countries offer citizenship by investment programmes, allowing direct citizenship based on investment.

    Citizenship by investment

    Most countries have provisions allowing the government to grant citizenship in exchange for significant contributions to the nation’s society, culture, economy, and other interests. However, this governmental discretion is rarely exercised.
    Several countries have had programmes at various times in the past, specifically designed to attract foreign investors in exchange for citizenship. These countries include Ireland (programme ended in 2001), Belize (until 2002), Grenada (programme ended in 2001 but reopened in 2014), Cape Verde, Seychelles, Slovakia, and several others.

    Citizenship options

    Citizenship by investment programmes offer investors the opportunity to legally acquire a new citizenship and an alternative passport quickly and simply, without disrupting their lives.
    Expanding global access through citizenship programmes is no longer a privilege reserved only for the ultra-wealthy. Acquiring citizenship by investment is becoming increasingly accessible with more cost-effective options, as many low-cost citizenship by investment programmes offer attractive benefits.

    Benefits of second citizenship

    United States passport next to a patriotic flag.

    Second passport

    If for any reason an investor cannot apply for or renew a passport in their home country due to various circumstances, holding a second passport can be extremely useful.
    Most simply, in the event that an investor loses their passport, it may take some time before they can apply for a new one.
    Close-up of the sculpture of Themis, the mythological Greek goddess, symbol of justice, blindfolded and holding empty scales in her hand

    Safety

    Investors can receive protection from both countries when holding dual citizenship. With citizenship, investors will receive the highest level of protection from either country when they are abroad.
    This is highly effective when the investor is in a country that has political tensions with their home country. The investor will be protected by their second citizenship, where no political conflict exists between the two countries.
    A family immersing themselves in lush green nature together

    Future investment

    The investor’s citizenship is for life, their spouse and children can be included, and there is typically no requirement to renounce their current citizenship while still enjoying the legal benefits of a second passport.
    Investors should check the laws of their current country of citizenship to ensure they are eligible to legally acquire additional citizenship.