What is citizenship by investment?

Today, citizenship by investment is offered by many countries: Vanuatu, Saint Kitts and Nevis, Dominica, Grenada, Turkey, and even Austria, each with its own conditions, timelines, and benefits. Some of them allow obtaining a passport in just 3–6 months without visiting the country. Our legal team supports clients at all stages: from the initial assessment of chances to receiving the passport in hand. We guarantee complete confidentiality, transparency, and legality of the transaction.

Citizenship by Investment: Essence and Key Aspects

Citizenship by Investment is a legal scheme under which foreign citizens can become full-fledged citizens of another country by investing funds in its development. In most cases, these are investments in government funds, real estate, approved commercial projects, or government bonds. Such programs operate in Caribbean countries, as well as in Turkey, Malta, Austria, and other jurisdictions.

Contrary to widespread myths, CBI programs are not shadow schemes and do not contradict international law. These are officially approved state initiatives regulated by relevant legal acts. In each case, a due diligence check of the applicant is provided, and the citizenship application process takes place with the participation of authorized bodies and licensed agents.

Such programs allow:

• Attract direct investments into the state budget;
• Develop priority sectors of the economy (tourism, construction, energy);
• Create new jobs;
• Strengthen international presence and connections.

In turn, the investor receives:

• A second passport with the possibility of visa-free travel to dozens of countries;
• Access to an alternative tax residency;
• Protection of assets and personal safety;
• Improved prospects for the family and future generations.

The procedure for obtaining citizenship by investment requires competent support, preparation of a reliable dossier, and compliance with all legal requirements. A professional legal team will provide a preliminary audit of chances, selection of the optimal program, preparation and verification of all documents, and protection of the client’s interests at all stages.

How does the obtaining a passport through investments work?

The mechanism for obtaining a passport through investments is based on official programs launched by the governments of various countries to attract capital into the economy. The investor chooses one of the approved forms of investment, most often a non-refundable contribution to a state fund or the purchase of real estate. After selecting the investment option, a legally regulated procedure for submitting documents begins.

All applications undergo a Due Diligence check, which includes an analysis of income sources, the reputation of the applicant and their family. The application is submitted through a government-accredited agent; self-submission is not possible. Only after a positive conclusion by the reviewing authorities does the state make a decision on citizenship approval.

If the application is approved, the investor makes an investment, after which they receive a certificate of naturalization and a passport. Along with them, citizenship is also granted to the family members specified in the application.

The state controls the entire process: from approving the program’s conditions to issuing documents. The involvement of experienced lawyers and certified agents is the key to successfully completing all stages.

The difference from naturalization and other ways of obtaining citizenship

Citizenship by investment fundamentally differs from traditional ways of obtaining it. In classic cases, obtaining a passport requires long-term residence in the country (usually from 5 to 10 years), knowledge of the language, integration into society, and renunciation of previous citizenship. These processes are accompanied by numerous bureaucratic procedures and do not always guarantee a positive outcome.

In contrast, investment citizenship implies a simplified and expedited procedure. The candidate contributes a specified amount to the country’s economy and, upon successful due diligence, receives a passport in just 2–6 months. The applicant is not required to reside permanently in the country, pass language exams, or have knowledge of local culture.

Why investors choose a second passport through investments: main advantages

In an era of instability and a rapidly changing world, more and more wealthy individuals are striving for strategic diversification not only of assets but also of citizenship. Citizenship by Investment (CBI) programs provide the opportunity to obtain a second passport legally and quickly—in exchange for a significant contribution to the state’s economy. But why do investors need this?

Global mobility: visa-free travel and freedom of movement

One of the main incentives for obtaining a second passport remains the ability to travel freely around the world. Many countries with CBI programs (Saint Lucia, Antigua and Barbuda, Dominica, Turkey, Vanuatu) provide citizens with visa-free or simplified entry to more than 140–160 countries, including the Schengen area, the United Kingdom, Singapore, Hong Kong, and even some South American countries.

This is especially valuable for investors who need to quickly move for business matters, close deals, participate in international forums, and personally oversee business processes in different jurisdictions. Moreover, a second passport allows for faster responses to unforeseen circumstances, from pandemics to geopolitical crises, which may restrict departure from the country of first citizenship.

Tax planning and optimization: opportunities for business and personal finances

Many CBI states do not tax global income, dividends, capital gains, or inheritance. This allows investors to legally reduce their tax burden and protect assets.

Moreover, with the proper structuring of assets and choice of country, it is possible to create an international tax residency with minimal obligations. This is especially relevant for owners of holding structures, investment funds, IT businesses, and startups operating in a transnational environment.

Security and stability for family and assets

A second passport serves as a kind of insurance against political instability, conflicts, sanctions pressure, and economic catastrophes. It provides an alternative in case the situation worsens in the country of first citizenship — the opportunity to relocate safely, protect the family, and gain access to the social institutions of another state.

Many investors use a second passport as an asset protection tool, including for company registration, opening accounts in high-trust banks, as well as for transferring inheritance to children without the risks associated with the jurisdiction of the country of residence.

Access to quality education and healthcare in other countries

Citizenship in another country can provide a direct path to better universities, schools, and medical institutions. For example, citizens of Caribbean countries have easier access to universities in the UK and the EU, can use student visas and benefits.

In addition, many healthcare programs in Europe or OECD countries (for example, in Austria, Malta) become available only to citizens. A second passport expands access to vaccination programs, surgeries, long-term treatment, and high-level medical insurance. This is especially relevant for families with children or elderly relatives.

New opportunities for business and investments on an international level

Citizenship of another country provides access to new markets, opportunities for business scaling, participation in tenders, and preferential government programs. For example, citizens of Turkey can obtain an E-2 visa in the USA and start a legal business in America. And citizenship of Malta and Austria opens the path to business immigration and residency in all EU countries.

The second passport also facilitates the procedure of opening companies, bank accounts, obtaining licenses in jurisdictions with a high level of regulation. This is especially important in the context of global deoffshorization and tightening compliance checks.

Our legal team specializes in international citizenship-by-investment programs. We will help you choose the optimal jurisdiction, calculate tax and legal implications, prepare documents and undergo the Due Diligence procedure, organize investments and communication with government authorities, maintain anonymity, and support the process until obtaining the passport.

Who can apply for citizenship by investment?

Each state providing citizenship through investment establishes clear financial and non-financial requirements for applicants, as well as determines which family members can be included in the application.

Financial criteria: minimum investment size

A key requirement for participation in the citizenship by investment program is the contribution of a certain amount to the state’s economy. Investment options may vary depending on the country but generally include one or more of the following formats:

1. Non-refundable contribution to the state fund or national development fund (from $100,000 in Caribbean countries);
2. Purchase of real estate: investments in government-approved real estate objects (from $200,000–$400,000);
3. Investments in business, creation of jobs, or participation in approved startups (in Turkey and Austria);
4. Purchase of government bonds or a deposit in a local bank, as provided in some European jurisdictions.

The minimum investment threshold varies from country to country: for the Caribbean region, it starts from $100,000, in Turkey — from $400,000 (when purchasing real estate), and in Austria — from €10 million, provided a significant contribution to the economy is made.

Administrative fees, agent fees, legal support costs, Due Diligence, document processing, and other mandatory payments are added to the investment amount. As a result, the total cost of obtaining citizenship may significantly exceed the basic threshold.

Non-financial requirements: age, no criminal record, health condition

Financial solvency is not enough. The states participating in CBI programs impose a number of non-financial requirements on applicants, aimed at protecting national security and the country’s image.

The primary applicant must be of legal age. In some cases, special conditions are provided for elderly applicants or retirees.

A mandatory condition is the absence of criminal records or ongoing criminal cases. This implies both the absence of actual convictions and involvement in investigations related to serious crimes, financial fraud, terrorism, money laundering, and other offenses. Each application is accompanied by a check for compliance with international sanction lists (OFAC, Interpol, etc.).

All jurisdictions conduct their own multi-stage verification of the applicant and their family members. In case risks are identified, the state has the right to reject the application without providing reasons.

Some countries require undergoing a medical examination and providing health certificates. This is important for ensuring the applicant’s social security and minimizing government expenses.

Funds used for investments must be obtained legally. This is confirmed by bank statements, income documents, purchase and sale agreements, and other evidence of the source of funds.

The possibility of including family members in the application

One of the significant advantages of most CBI programs is the opportunity to obtain citizenship not only for the main applicant but also for their family members. Most commonly allowed are:

1. Spouse of the principal applicant;
2. Children under the age of 18;
3. Adult children up to 25 years old, if they study full-time and are dependents;
4. Parents of the principal applicant or spouse, if they are older than a certain age (usually from 55 years) and are also dependents;
5. In some countries — grandmothers, grandfathers, or even brothers and sisters, but this is rather an exception.

When including a family, the overall investment threshold increases, as well as additional fees for due diligence checks for each adult family member. Each family member must also meet all requirements: no criminal record, passing a medical examination, and providing proper documentation.

Types of investments for obtaining economic citizenship

1. Non-refundable contribution to the state fund

One of the most popular and simple ways to obtain citizenship is an irrevocable contribution to a state development fund or a similar structure. These funds are aimed at financing infrastructure projects, education, healthcare, or other social needs of the country. The contribution amount starts from $100,000 for a single applicant. Advantages: simplicity of the procedure, no need to manage assets. Disadvantage: the invested funds are non-refundable.

2. Investments in real estate

Many programs offer the option to acquire government-approved real estate. Typically, this refers to residential or tourist properties: apartments, villas, resort complexes. The minimum investment amount ranges from $200,000 (Caribbean programs) to €500,000–€2 million in Europe. The holding period for the property is from 3 to 7 years, depending on the country. Advantages: potential rental income, return on investment upon sale.

3. Investments in business and job creation

Some countries offer the option of direct investments in commercial activities: creating or acquiring a business, participating in startups, developing agriculture or industry. It requires the development of a business plan, confirmation of job creation or added value for the economy. Suitable for active investors seeking not only to obtain a passport but also to expand their business.

4. Investments in government bonds

Some programs provide the opportunity to invest in government securities for a fixed term. The return of funds occurs after several years (for example, 5–7 years). Advantages: low risk, investments are returned. Disadvantage: limited profitability or its complete absence.

5. Investments in approved funds

An alternative method is investing in government-approved investment and venture funds operating under state control. Suitable for those who want to delegate asset management to professionals. The minimum threshold is from $250,000 and above.

The process of obtaining citizenship by investment

At the stage of the initial consultation, the potential applicant discusses their goals, budget, country preferences, passport acquisition timelines, and family composition with the lawyers. A risk assessment and analysis of compliance with the requirements of various programs are conducted. The client receives information about the cost, list of documents, timelines, and procedure. Timeline: 1–3 days.

Before submitting documents, an internal compliance analysis is conducted to minimize the risk of rejection by the state. Sources of income, criminal record history, and business reputation are checked. A dossier is prepared with a biography, financial history, and certificates. Timeframe: 1–2 weeks.

Depending on the chosen country, the client determines the appropriate type of investment. Lawyers handle the contract preparation, property inspection, or legal structure of the fund. Duration: 1–4 weeks.

After the investment, all documents are translated, certified, and submitted to government authorities through licensed agents or accredited lawyers. The main application for citizenship is filed. Evidence of investments and documents for family members are attached. The processing time for the application depends on the country and usually takes from 2 to 6 months.

The official authorities of the country conduct Enhanced Due Diligence. Sources of income, criminal records or sanctions, public activities, PEP status are checked. Duration: 1–3 months.

If the application is approved, a certificate of naturalization or a similar official document is sent to the client. In some countries, remote receipt is possible, while in others a personal visit is required. At this stage, an oath or document certification at the embassy may be required. Timeframe: 1–2 weeks.

After naturalization, the applicant obtains a foreign passport of the new country. The procedure takes from 1 to 3 weeks. The passport can be issued in person, through the consulate, or sent by proxy.

Ready to take the first step towards a second citizenship?

We offer comprehensive support in obtaining citizenship by investment: from a preliminary assessment of your chances and selecting the appropriate country to submitting documents and receiving a passport. Our team works only with official programs accredited by governments and guarantees the legal integrity of the transaction. We will select the optimal investment option, arrange a secure transfer of funds, conduct compliance analysis, and ensure complete confidentiality.

You can count on transparency, efficiency, and a personalized approach. With us, you will avoid mistakes, save time, and reduce the risks of rejection. Ready to take the first step? Contact our team to get a free consultation and start your journey to your second citizenship right now.