Citizenship‑by‑investment (CBI) programs that use real‑estate purchases are available in Turkey, Egypt and Grenada. Each country sets its own investment threshold, holding period, and family‑inclusion rules, while also imposing verification and due‑diligence requirements.
Turkey – Real‑Estate Route
- Minimum investment: US $400,000 in qualifying residential or commercial property.
- Holding period: At least 3 years; the restriction is recorded in the land registry.
- Verification: Official property valuation and land‑registry checks of purchase documents and payment records.
- Family inclusion: Citizenship can be extended to eligible family members.
Egypt – Real‑Estate Route
- Minimum investment: US $300,000 transferred from abroad.
- Holding period: If the property is sold before 5 years from the date citizenship is granted, the applicant must place a US $250,000 deposit with the Central Bank of Egypt to retain citizenship.
- Alternative routes: Investment project, bank deposit, or direct contribution to the Egyptian Treasury.
- Processing time: Initial review stated to take “several months.”
- Family inclusion: Available under the broader program rules.
Grenada – Approved‑Project Real‑Estate Route
- Minimum investment (tourism projects): US $270,000 paid to the developer plus a US $50,000 government contribution (covers a single applicant or a family of up to four).
- Minimum investment (non‑tourism projects): US $350,000.
- Project type: Only government‑approved hotels, resorts, villas or similar developments; investors often receive usage rights (e.g., weeks of stay per year).
- Dual citizenship: Permitted.
- Family inclusion: Spouse, dependent children and dependent parents may be included.
- Due diligence: Mandatory background checks and an interview.
Comparative Considerations
| Factor | Turkey | Egypt | Grenada |
|---|---|---|---|
| Lowest entry amount | $400,000 | $300,000 | $270,000 + $50,000 gov’t fee |
| Holding requirement | 3 years | 5 years (or $250k deposit) | No explicit holding period, but investment tied to approved project |
| Real‑estate market scope | Broad residential/commercial market across the country | Any qualifying property, but must be retained for 5 years | Limited to a government‑approved list of tourism or select non‑tourism projects |
| Geographic appeal | Large, diversified market (e.g., Istanbul) | Growing market, lower cost of living | Caribbean location, tourism‑linked assets |
| Family eligibility | Yes | Yes (under program) | Yes (spouse, dependent children, parents) |
| Additional costs | Government fees, due‑diligence, legal fees, property expenses | Similar ancillary costs; possible Central Bank deposit if sold early | Government contribution, developer fees, due‑diligence, legal fees |
Practical Advice
- Budget beyond the headline investment: Include government fees, due‑diligence, legal representation, and ongoing property costs (maintenance, taxes, insurance).
- Assess holding‑period risk: Early resale may trigger additional financial obligations (e.g., Egypt’s $250k deposit).
- Verify project eligibility: For Grenada, confirm that the chosen development remains on the approved list at the time of investment.
- Check dual‑citizenship rules: All three programs permit dual citizenship, but home‑country restrictions should be reviewed.
- Monitor regulatory changes: CBI program requirements can be amended; obtain the latest official guidelines before committing funds.
Choosing between Turkey, Egypt and Grenada depends on the desired investment amount, preferred property type, acceptable holding period, and the strategic benefits of the target passport (e.g., visa‑free travel zones, tax considerations, lifestyle preferences).
Source article: apexcapital.one
