The landscape of citizenship‑by‑investment (CBI) programs expected to launch in the final months of 2022 and the first quarter of 2023 is limited and uncertain. While many jurisdictions have been discussed in the media, only a few have provided concrete details, and most are still subject to political or legal hurdles.
Confirmed programs with pending launch
| Country | Investment amount | Type of contribution | Status |
|---|---|---|---|
| Central African Republic (CAR) | US $60,000 | Non‑donation; includes a purchase of a government‑issued cryptocurrency | Announced, but launch delayed by political/legal issues; targeted for Q1 2023 |
| Laos | US $1 million | Not specified (high‑value investment) | Announced, but the price is considered prohibitive and the program has not generated significant interest |
Programs with the highest likelihood of launching in Q1 2023
- Armenia – The government has outlined a CBI scheme with an investment requirement of roughly US $150,000 (some sources mention a reduced amount of US $100,000 under limited conditions). Official statements indicate a target launch in the first quarter of 2023, though final approval depends on political developments.
Regions where programs remain speculative
Balkans
- Albania – Preliminary information released, but no firm timeline or detailed requirements. Expectation of a Q1 2023 launch appears overly optimistic.
- North Macedonia – Existing program, but no recent updates; the lack of progress suggests it should be treated as a rumor.
Africa (other than CAR)
- Suriname – Early hints of a CBI offering, but no official announcement; unlikely to materialize by early 2023.
- Kenya, Zimbabwe, Maldives, Mauritius – Frequently mentioned in media reports; no confirmed details, so they remain speculative.
Latin America
- El Salvador – Proposed “Bitcoin citizenship” linked to cryptocurrency investment. No concrete rollout schedule; unlikely to be available in the near term.
- Uzbekistan – Similar to the Laos proposal, a US $1 million investment program has been discussed, but the high cost and lack of detail make it a low‑priority option.
Practical considerations for prospective investors
- Verify official sources: Until a program is formally enacted by legislation or an official decree, details can change or be withdrawn.
- Assess political risk: Many of the announced programs are delayed by political or legal obstacles. Investors should consider the stability of the host country and the likelihood of future policy shifts.
- Understand the nature of the contribution: Some programs require a donation, while others involve investment in real estate, government bonds, or, as in the CAR case, a state‑issued cryptocurrency. The financial and legal implications differ markedly.
- Plan for timelines: Even when a launch is announced for a specific quarter, implementation can be postponed. Allocate sufficient time for due diligence and application processing.
- Consider passport strength: The utility of a new passport varies. The CAR passport is currently weak in terms of visa‑free travel, whereas Armenia’s passport offers broader access, though still limited compared to established programs in the Caribbean or Europe.
Bottom line
As of early 2023, the only CBI schemes with a realistic chance of becoming operational are Armenia (investment around US $150 k) and the Central African Republic (US $60 k with a cryptocurrency component). All other discussed programs remain speculative, lack firm commitments, or involve investment levels that may not justify the potential benefits. Prospective applicants should prioritize verification, risk assessment, and realistic expectations before committing capital.
