Citizenship by Investment
Second citizenship is your strategic asset in times of instability, and a pass to a world of new opportunities: moving with the whole family, education at the best universities and schools, visa-free travel, business development in international markets and tax optimisation.
Get a Free Consultation$90,000
Minimum investment
From 2 months
Processing time
Freedom of movement
Access to the international financial system
Plan B
Passports for the whole family
Citizenship by Investment: Available Programs
Grenada
Citizenship
from $235,000
Minimum investment
~6 months
Processing time
- Non-refundable contribution / real estate investment
- Visa-free access to 145+ countries, including the UK and Schengen states
- Eligibility for US E-2 visa
Turkey
Citizenship
from $400,000
Minimum investment
~8 months
Processing time
- Real estate purchase
- Visa-free access to 110+ countries
- Eligibility for US E-2 visa
Antigua & Barbuda
Citizenship
from $230,000
Minimum investment
~8 months
Processing time
- Non-refundable contribution / real estate investment
- Visa-free travel to 150+ countries, including the UK and Schengen states
- MOST AFFORDABLE CARIBBEAN PROGRAM FOR LARGE FAMILIES
Dominica
Citizenship
from $200,000
Minimum investment
~4 months
Processing time
- Non-refundable contribution / real estate investment
- Visa-free access to 140+ countries, including Schengen states
- Lowest investment threshold in the Caribbean
El Salvador
Citizenship
from $1,000,000
Minimum investment
~2 months
Processing time
- Non-refundable contribution
- Crypto-friendly program
- Visa-free access to 130+ countries
Nauru
Citizenship
from $90,000
Minimum investment
~3 months
Processing time
- Non-refundable contribution
- Special price until June 2026
- Visa-free access to 80+ countries
Saint Lucia
Citizenship
from $240,000
Minimum investment
~10-12 months
Processing time
- Non-refundable contribution / real estate or bonds investment
- Visa-free access to 140+ countries, including Schengen states
- No travel requirements
Vanuatu
Citizenship
from $130,000
Minimum investment
~3 months
Processing time
- Non-refundable contribution
- One of the fastest programs
- Visa-free access to 100+ countries
Egypt
Citizenship
from $250,000
Minimum investment
~8 months
Processing time
- Non-refundable contribution or investment in real estate or business
- Visa-free access to 50 countries
- Eligibility for US E-2 visa
Sao Tome and Principe
Citizenship
from $90,000
Minimum investment
~2 months
Processing time
- Non-refundable contribution
- Most affordable program
- Visa-free access to 60+ countries
- The government due diligence process takes from 2 months, while citizenship is typically granted within 4–6 months
Argentina
Citizenship
TBC
Minimum investment
TBC
Start in 2026-2027
- Contribution to the economy
- Expected launch in 2026–2027
- Visa-free access to 170+ countries
let’s talk
Receive a Personalised Investment Immigration Solution
It’s time to take control of your future. Start your citizenship or residency journey today with a personalised consultation.
Alena Lesina
Senior Citizenship & Residency Advisor, Head of U.S. Office
Benefits of a Second Passport
A second passport offers security for the future, the freedom to plan ahead, and the ability to stay mobile no matter the circumstances. Citizenship by investment allows individuals to fast-track obtaining a passport through a contribution to the country’s economy, whether by investing in a business, purchasing property, or making a donation to a government fund.
Top 3 Fastest Citizenship by Investment Programs
The programs below offer investors some of the quickest routes to secure second citizenship, combining efficiency with global mobility benefits.
Who Can Take Part in the Program?
Eligibility Criteria for Applicants
Applications can be submitted by adult investors who meet standard eligibility criteria and can demonstrate financial transparency. Each country carries out a comprehensive due diligence process for both the main applicant and any adult family members included in the application. This review examines the applicant’s background, verifies the legitimacy of funds, and ensures there are no legal or reputational risks, in line with international compliance standards. The process is conducted by authorised agencies and government bodies, after which the application proceeds within the established timeframe and a final decision is issued based on the official review. The main requirements for applicants include:
- Certificate of no criminal record
- Availability of investment capital
- Medical certificate
- Completing the Due Diligence check
Costs Involved
Participation Fees
The total budget depends on the chosen country, the type of investment, and the number of family members included in the application. In addition to the core investment, applicants should account for a range of mandatory government and processing costs, which are paid at different stages of the procedure. These expenses vary by program but together form the overall cost of obtaining residency or citizenship through investment. The total cost typically consists of:
- Investment contribution (government fund, real estate or bonds)
- Government application fees
- Due diligence fees
- Passport and document processing fees
- Legal support and licensed agent services
Challenges of Citizenship by Investment
Your Security Comes First
A passport obtained through an investment programme grants full citizenship rights in the chosen country. It can only be revoked under the law — for example, for providing false information or breaching program rules. Most countries allow applicants to retain their original passport, giving investors freedom for travel, tax planning, and asset protection. With Astons, the process becomes predictable and secure: the company assesses your profile in advance, selects the optimal program, prepares all documents, and supports you at every stage, reducing the risk of refusal.
- Personal assessment and risk evaluation of refusal
- Program selection based on existing citizenship
- Monitoring of timelines and application stages
- Preparation of a complete document package
Alternatives
Residence Permit or Citizenship by Investment: What to Choose?
If you need a legal presence in a specific country — for example, to open bank accounts, work with financial institutions, or establish a base — residency by investment is typically the more suitable option.
If your priority is visa-free travel, certain residency programs — particularly in Europe — can also provide access to the Schengen Area.
Citizenship by investment addresses a different need. It provides a second passport and an additional legal status, which can simplify international travel and broaden your overall mobility.
Key benefits of a second passport by investment are as follows:
- Lifetime status for the whole family
- Visa-free travel
- Access to all rights and benefits of citizenship
- Ability to pass citizenship to children and heirs
- Legal protection for assets and investments
Eligibility Made Easy for Your Loved Ones
Family Participation in Citizenship by Investment Programs
Family members of the investor can also obtain a second passport, enjoying the same rights and benefits as the main applicant.
Spouse
- Official marriage or proof of co-habitation
- Police clearance certificate
- Security check
Children
- No restrictions for those under 18 or incapacitated
- Over 18: financially dependent
- Inclusion in all programs
Parents & grandparents
- Not in all programs
- Age requirements met
- Financial dependence on the main applicant
Siblings
- Inclusion in select programs
- Age requirements met
- Financial dependence on the main applicant
Program Selection
How to Choose a Country of Second Citizenship?
Participants in investment citizenship programs are usually guided by the following criteria:
Passport processing times
Basic and additional expenses
List of relatives who can be included in the application
Availability of a return investment option
List of visa-free countries
SCHEDULE A MEETING
Expert Guidance for Your Decision
It’s time to take control of your future. Start your citizenship journey today with a personalised consultation.
Your Access to Approved Citizenship Programs
A licensed partner ensures a secure and compliant process, professional guidance at every stage, and direct entry to government-approved programs. Astons operates across multiple jurisdictions — including Vanuatu and the Caribbean — and acts as one of a limited number of licensed agents for the Nauru and Sao Tome and Principe programs, delivering structured support throughout the entire process.
With Astons, you benefit from:
- Participation in authorised and government-approved programs
- Full legal compliance and risk mitigation throughout the process
- Structured guidance from application to approval
- Direct coordination with government bodies
- Ongoing support beyond approval, tailored to your international needs
Frequently Asked Questions About Citizenship by Investment
What is citizenship by investment?
Citizenship granted in exchange for investment in a country’s economy. The required investment amount and eligibility criteria vary by country.
Alena Lesina
Senior Citizenship & Residency Advisor, Head of U.S. Office
Which countries offer citizenship by investment?
Antigua & Barbuda, Grenada, Dominica, St. Lucia, Vanuatu, Turkey, Egypt, Nauru, Sao Tome and Principe, and El Salvador.
Alena Lesina
Senior Citizenship & Residency Advisor, Head of U.S. Office
How can I apply for a second passport?
A second passport can be obtained through real estate purchases, business investments, bank deposits, non-refundable government donations, etc. Options vary by country.
Alena Lesina
Senior Citizenship & Residency Advisor, Head of U.S. Office
Why get a second passport?
A second passport provides security, expanded visa-free travel, international banking access, and public healthcare and education benefits.
Alena Lesina
Senior Citizenship & Residency Advisor, Head of U.S. Office
How long does it take to obtain a second passport?
Processing times vary by country, typically ranging from 2 to 12 months.
Alena Lesina
Senior Citizenship & Residency Advisor, Head of U.S. Office
Which program is the fastest?
Sao Tome and Principe and Nauru offer the some of the quickest processing times — as little as 2-3 months.
Alena Lesina
Senior Citizenship & Residency Advisor, Head of U.S. Office
Do I need to visit the country to obtain citizenship?
No long stays are required. Passports from Caribbean countries can be obtained entirely online. For Turkey, applicants need to be present for a few days to provide biometric data, but the main process is conducted remotely.
For Vanuatu citizenship, personal attendance is also required for biometric enrolment: investors and their family members must visit one of the official centres in Vanuatu, Dubai, Hong Kong, Nouméa, or Brussels. Astons has an office in Dubai and is ready to provide full support and assistance with biometrics and all other formalities at any stage convenient for you.
Alena Lesina
Senior Citizenship & Residency Advisor, Head of U.S. Office
Can my family members apply with me?
Yes, you can include your spouse, children, and parents, while certain programs also extend eligibility to grandparents and siblings.
Alena Lesina
Senior Citizenship & Residency Advisor, Head of U.S. Office
Case Studies
Stories of Global Mobility
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Bespoke Citizenship Consultation
It’s time to take control of your future. Start your citizenship or residency journey today with a personalised consultation
Official Provider of Investment Immigration Programs
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about the company
Secure Your Future with Astons’ Expertise
Astons is a leading investment immigration company with over 35 years of experience. We provide tailored solutions for obtaining residence permits and citizenship in the EU, the Caribbean, Oceania, the Middle East, Latin America, and the United States. Astons has facilitated over $2.6 billion in investments across immigration and real estate and has assisted more than 9,000 clients from 50+ countries.
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