To obtain citizenship by naturalization, you have to live in the country for 5-10 years, depending on the laws in a particular state. Citizenship by Investment Programs offer a faster path, but Due Diligence and bank compliance are time consuming.
Let’s get acquainted with the most popular and fastest programs for obtaining a second passport.
Vanuatu
Citizenship in 2-3 month
As of now, this is the fastest route to get citizenship by investment in the world. This powerful passport allows visa-free access to 100 countries in the world, including UK and Singapore. Vanuatu is also famous for its very attractive tax regime, where there are no income, inheritance or gains taxes.
To benefit from this program, investors shall donate $133,000 to a local development fund ($183,000 for a family of four) and in only two or three months they can enjoy all the benefits that come with the passport of this small island in the South Pacific.
Saint Kitts and Nevis
Citizenship in 6-8 months
This is the oldest citizenship by investment program in the world and one of the most popular ones.
There are various options to obtain citizenship under this program:
- Investment of $200,000 in an approved real estate object that should be kept for 5 years
- Investment of $400,000 in an approved real estate object that should be kept for 7 years
- Non-refundable donation in the amount of $150,000
- In 2022 you have a opportunity to invest in any real estate developments on the island.
The process can be passed completely remotely without visiting the island and usually takes 6 to 8 months, however, there is an option to speed up this process for additional fee, and in this case, you can obtain the passport that allows visa-free travel to 157 countries of the world in only 2 months.
Dominica
Citizenship in 4-6 months
This is another very popular program, which is also one of the most affordable ones in the world.
Investor can opt for one of the following programs:
- Investment of $200,000 in real estate
- Non-refundable donation of $100,000
Getting the passport of this Caribbean jurisdiction can take up as little as four-six months, after which investors and their family have access without any visa restrictions to 143 countries of the world, including European Union and United Kingdom.
Antigua and Barbuda
Citizenship in 6-8 months
Another Caribbean country that offers citizenship in exchange for investment of as low as $100,000. If investors choose this option, this amount will be non-refundable. However, there is another way which is investing $400,000 in a real estate project that can be sold in five years.
This passport that just within 6-8 months upon making the investment can be granted to a family of up to 4 members (+2 children; for an additional fee it’s also possible to include dependent parents and grandparents) allows visa-free travel to 150 countries of the world.
Saint Lucia
Citizenship in 6-8 months
This citizenship by investment program is also one of the most affordable and fastest among its kind. To get this Caribbean passport, it is enough to make a government donation of $100,000 or invest $300,000 in real estate or $250,000 in government bonds.
The process of obtaining the passport is very convenient: in just 3–4 months without even having to visit the island investors, along with their family, can get the passport of Saint Lucia, which gives visa-free access to 140 countries, including European Union, Singapore and Hong Kong.
Grenada
Citizenship in 6-8 months
Grenadian passport is the only one in the Caribbean that allows its holders not only to travel without visas to 144 countries of the world, but also apply for E-2 investor visa in the USA.
The minimum investment amount for a single applicant is $150,000 (through government donation), but the threshold increases if the investor wishes to include into the application their family members, such as spouse, children, parents and grandparents and even unmarried siblings.
Malta
Citizenship in 12-36 months
Maltese passport in exchange for investment program is among the most popular ones in the European Union.
The investment value depends on the chosen contribution option, and whether the applicant decides to purchase a property at €700,000 or above, or rent a residence for at least five years at €18,000 per annum or higher.
Investors may contribute €600,000 (36 months of residency, with citizenship application thereafter), or by exception a higher investment of €700,000 and a period of 12 months of residence before citizenship application).
Additionally, a €10,000 donation to a registered and compliant NGO is mandatory.
Maltese passport allows its holders to travel to 182 countries of the world without restrictions.
Turkey
Citizenship in 6-8 months
Turkey has been lately gaining its popularity as a destination for investment in real estate in exchange for passport. Due to its coastal location and a huge amount of tourists coming here every year, buying a property in this country that connects Europe and Asia is always a good idea.
After purchasing real estate worth over $400,000 investors only in two months can get Turkish citizenship and enjoy visa-free travel to 110 countries. Another great advantage of Turkish passport is being able to apply for US E-2 visa or UK Business person visa.
Which country’s passport would you like to get?
Our team of international specialists at Astons can give you expert advice on all these programs. Contact us here for a free initial consultation.
