Buy property, earn passport: Citizenship-by-investment made simple

Thinking of a golden ticket to a new passport? 

Here’s the scoop on Citizenship by Investment (CBI) in 2025.

Every year, around 50,000 savvy globetrotters drop some serious cash to snag a second citizenship through CBI programmes — a clever shortcut to visa-free travel, business perks, and a new global identity. 

But don’t rush to pack your bags yet because only about 20 countries worldwide have legal pathways to citizenship through investment.

Want to know who’s playing in this elite club? 

Picture paradise islands and economic hubs like Antigua and Barbuda, Dominica, Grenada, Saint Kitts and Nevis, Saint Lucia—caribbean charm with a citizenship twist. Then add in Mediterranean glamour from Malta.

In 2014, the Republic of Malta, a small island country in Southern Europe (316 km², in the Mediterranean Sea), launched the “Individual Investor Programme”. 

The pitch was simple: Pay €650,000+, buy/rent property for 5 years, and donate €10,000 to charity. 

Boom!

You’re now a European citizen with access to all 27 EU countries.

What's changed?

Malta has since tweaked this programme (see grid below), proof that CBI scheme is evolving.

Years prior, the Caribbean islands offered a passport if you buy a home. In 1984, St. Kitts and Nevis became the first country to launch a formal citizenship by investment (CBI) programme.

Then Antigua & Barbuda, Dominica, Grenada & St Lucia followed – offer such “citizenship by investment” (CBI).

From as little as $200,000 — an applicant can get a second passport that grants visa-free access to up to 150 countries including the UK & Schengen area.

In Ecuador, a $40,000 real estate investment will get you a residence permit and a path to citizenship.

Second passport

In general, CBI grants you a second passport and full rights as a citizen, permanently. 

Cultural crossroads like North Macedonia, Egypt, Jordan, and Türkiye, and even tropical vibes from Vanuatu offer a similar scheme.

Today, many countries offer citizenship by investment programmes, sometimes known as “golden visa” schemes. 

These programmes give you the opportunity to secure a second citizenship or residency relatively fast by investing in a country’s economy — often through real estate purchases or significant financial contributions. 

Residency by investment gives you legal stay, often leading to citizenship over time. 

However, while it offers global access, the timelines, benefits, and goals differ, so a more nuanced understanding of what’s offered is a must.

What’s on offer

Here’s the lowdown on these pathways, what’s on offer at the moment, and tips to help you find the best way to save time and money, according to experts.

Who pioneered citizenship by property investment?

The first country to launch a formal citizenship by investment (CBI) programme was St. Kitts and Nevis in 1984. 

This model inspired other nations, especially in the Caribbean and Europe, to introduce similar schemes. 

Which is the easiest to pursue?

The Caribbean countries, especially Antigua and Barbuda, St. Kitts and Nevis, St. Lucia and Dominica, are generally considered the easiest routes to citizenship by property investment, notable for their low barriers and processing times.

Reasons include:

• Low minimum investment: Often starting at $200,000–$250,000.

• No residency requirements: No need to live or even visit in most cases.

• Fast processing: Passports typically issued in 3–6 months.

• Family inclusiveness: Often extends to spouse, children, and sometimes grandparents.

• Minimal background checks: Fewer prerequisites than Europe or North America, as per Visa Guide World.

Why do these programs exist?

Countries offer citizenship and residency by investment to attract foreign capital, stimulate the property market, and boost economic growth. 

Key reasons include:

• Revenue generation: Funds are used for public sector investment, healthcare, infrastructure, and national development.

• Economic diversification: Especially important for small island nations or countries facing fiscal gaps.

• Boosting real estate and business sectors: Direct capital inflows spur job creation and development.

• Talent and network attraction: Some countries introduce skilled investors and their global connections.

These programmes offer a mutually beneficial route: applicants get new mobility and benefits, and countries get vital economic support, according to Holborn, a residency and citizenship by investment consultancy.

Minimum investment & options

Here's the summary of key countries, minimum investment amounts, and which options are available (citizenship, residency, "golden visa"):

*Note: Malta remains attractive due to its EU membership, high-quality lifestyle, and strategic location. But the investment-for-passport route is no longer available following EU legal decisions. Malta’s current citizenship framework favours applicants who contribute exceptional services to Maltese society or humanity (“citizenship by merit”), beyond financial investment alone.

Quick tips to save time and money

• Check programme reputation & legal stability: Some schemes have been closed or suspended due to international pressure (e.g., Cyprus, Montenegro).

• Compare total costs: Factor legal fees, due diligence, and extra family member costs.

• Future-proof your passport: Choose a program with strong visa-free travel benefits and a track record of longevity.

• Work with accredited/professional agents: Skips fraud and ensures you meet legal criteria.

Reality check

Here’s a reality check: out of the 20-plus, only 9 programmes are truly polished, popular, and properly structured, making them the go-to choices for global investors chasing that coveted second passport. 

The rest? 

Let’s just say they’re still working on their VIP lounge.

So whether you’re dreaming of sun-soaked beaches or strategic business hubs, if a passport-by-investment is on your bucket list, aim for those well-oiled programmes making waves — and keep an eye out for updates, because this high-stakes game is always evolving.

By understanding the landscape, you can find the most cost-effective and strategic path to a second citizenship or golden visa that suits your goals.