Citizenship‑by‑investment (CBI) programs that use real‑estate purchases allow investors to obtain a second passport while acquiring property abroad. Turkey, Egypt and Grenada each offer a real‑estate route, but they differ in investment thresholds, holding periods, eligible property types and ancillary costs.
Turkey – Real‑Estate CBI
- 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 are required.
- Family inclusion: Citizenship can be extended to eligible family members.
Investors can choose from a broad market that includes Istanbul and other regions, provided the property meets program eligibility criteria.
Egypt – Real‑Estate CBI
- Minimum investment: US $300,000 transferred from abroad.
- Retention rule: If the property is sold before 5 years from the date citizenship is granted, the applicant must deposit US $250,000 with the Central Bank of Egypt to retain citizenship.
- Alternative routes: Investment project, bank deposit, or direct contribution to the Egyptian Treasury are also available.
- Processing time: Initial review is stated to take several months.
- Family inclusion: Eligible family members may be added under the same application.
The real‑estate option is positioned as an asset‑based alternative to non‑refundable contributions.
Grenada – Approved‑Project Real‑Estate CBI
- Minimum investment (tourism projects): US $270,000 paid to the developer plus a US $50,000 government contribution for 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 qualify.
- Dual citizenship: Permitted.
- Family inclusion: Spouse, dependent children and dependent parents may be included.
- Due diligence: Mandatory background checks and an interview are required.
Investors participate in commercial hospitality projects, often receiving usage rights (e.g., several weeks of hotel stay per year). The list of approved projects can change, so ongoing monitoring is necessary.
Comparative Considerations
| Factor | Turkey | Egypt | Grenada |
|---|---|---|---|
| Entry threshold | US $400,000 | US $300,000 | US $270,000 + $50,000 contribution (tourism) |
| Holding period | 3 years | 5 years (or $250k deposit) | No explicit holding period; investment tied to approved project |
| Property market | Broad residential/commercial market | Any qualifying property; foreign transfer required | Only government‑approved tourism or selected non‑tourism projects |
| Dual citizenship | Allowed | Allowed | Allowed |
| Family eligibility | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Additional costs | Government fees, due‑diligence, legal fees, property expenses | Government fees, due‑diligence, legal fees, possible deposit if sold early | Government contribution, due‑diligence, legal fees, developer fees |
| Geographic benefit | Access to Turkey, EU‑related travel | Access to Egypt, African and Middle‑East markets | Caribbean passport with visa‑free travel to EU, UK, China, etc. |
Practical Advice
- Budget beyond the headline amount: Include government fees, due‑diligence, legal representation, and ongoing property costs (maintenance, taxes, insurance).
- Assess holding requirements: 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.
- Consider mobility goals: Each passport offers different visa‑free travel networks; align the choice with the investor’s travel or business needs.
- Monitor regulatory changes: CBI programs are subject to policy updates; obtain the latest official guidelines before committing.
Choosing between Turkey, Egypt and Grenada hinges on the investor’s preferred investment size, real‑estate strategy, tolerance for holding periods, and the specific benefits sought from a second citizenship.
Source article: apexcapital.one
