Second‑passport programs—often called citizenship‑by‑investment (CBI)—allow individuals to obtain a new nationality by making a qualifying contribution, typically a donation, real‑estate purchase, or a deposit. The options differ widely in cost, required investment type, processing time, and the travel freedom the resulting passport provides. Below is a concise overview of the programs that are currently available or expected soon, grouped by region and price tier.
Low‑cost Pacific programs
Country
Approx. cost*
Investment type
Visa‑free access
Processing time
Notable considerations
Vanuatu
US $130 k
Donation (≈ US $130 k) – can be paid in crypto
Limited; no Schengen or UK access
2–3 months
Reputation is poor; passport offers little travel freedom. Often chosen only for an extra layer of privacy or to open offshore accounts.
Nauru
US $135‑140 k
Donation (≈ US $135‑140 k)
Limited; UK access may be withdrawn
2–3 months
Similar to Vanuatu; recent program launch may trigger future restrictions on UK travel.
Solomon Islands (planned)
≈ US $135‑140 k
Donation (expected)
Claims Schengen access, but EU may object to selling EU entry
Not yet launched
Still under development; potential for higher‑tier passport if program proceeds.
*Costs include government fees; additional legal, due‑diligence and consultancy fees can add US $40‑50 k.
Caribbean programs (mid‑range costs)
Country
Cost (donation)
Real‑estate option
Visa‑free access
Typical processing time
Remarks
Dominica
US $200 k
Real‑estate ≥ US $200 k (recoverable after a few years)
Schengen, UK, many Latin‑American and Asian countries
8–9 months (often 6‑7 months)
Popular for its relatively low price and option to recoup investment.
Antigua & Barbuda
US $230 k (incl. fees)
Real‑estate ≥ US $200 k
Schengen, UK, Canada, many Caribbean states
3–6 months
Similar to Dominica; higher price reflects stronger travel list.
Grenada
US $235 k
Real‑estate ≥ US $270 k + US $50 k fee
Schengen, UK, China (E‑visa), no hurricane risk
4–6 months
Located outside the hurricane belt; real‑estate less likely to be damaged.
St. Kitts & Nevis
US $250 k
Real‑estate ≥ US $200 k
Schengen, UK, many Caribbean states
3–4 months
Long‑standing program with extensive EU due‑diligence; higher price but strong reputation.
St. Lucia
US $240 k (donation)
Government bonds ≥ US $300 k (5‑year hold)
Schengen, UK, many Caribbean states
12–14 months
Bond option allows eventual capital return; slower processing.
St. Vincent & Grenadines
US $150 k (donation)
–
Schengen, UK, many Caribbean states
2–3 months
Cheapest Caribbean option; limited to donation route.
Caveats:
Some offers in the Middle East claim ultra‑low prices (e.g., US $80‑100 k) but are often under‑priced and may be fraudulent.
Late payments or under‑payment can trigger revocation of the passport, as seen in recent enforcement actions.
Southeast Asian option
Country
Cost
Investment route
Visa‑free access
Processing time
Suitability
Cambodia
US $245 k (donation) or US $35 k (government‑endorsed project)
Donation or small project investment
Limited to Southeast Asia, Iran, Ecuador
6–12 months
Useful mainly for investors seeking a low‑cost passport; travel freedom is minimal.
Middle Eastern and North African programs
Country
Cost
Investment type
Visa‑free access
Processing time
Remarks
Egypt
US $300 k (real‑estate)
Real‑estate purchase
Limited; EU entry not granted
6–12 months
Current political and economic climate makes the passport less valuable; locals consider it low‑value.
Turkey
US $400 k (real‑estate)
Real‑estate purchase
Schengen‑compatible (visa‑free to many countries), strong airline network
> 12 months (increasing due diligence)
Popular for its sizable diaspora and diplomatic support; recent tightening of checks may lengthen timelines.
Jordan
US $1 M (bank deposit ≥ 3 years)
Fixed‑term deposit
Limited; no Schengen access
Few months
Mostly attractive to high‑net‑worth individuals seeking a “safe‑haven” deposit rather than travel benefits.
Latin American option
Country
Cost
Investment type
Visa‑free access
Processing time
Additional benefits
El Salvador
US $1 M (cryptocurrency or USDT)
Crypto‑based investment or real‑estate
Schengen, UK, many Latin‑American states
6–12 months
Crypto‑friendly; holding an El Salvador passport can accelerate naturalisation in other Latin‑American countries.
European Union options
Country
Cost
Investment type
Visa‑free access
Residency requirement
Processing time
Malta
US $1.2‑1.3 M
Donation, real‑estate, or charitable contribution
Full EU passport (Schengen, UK, US visa‑free for many)
Minimum 2 years residence (with strict due‑diligence)
2 years+; extensive background checks can uncover historic financial activity.
Serbia (and other Eastern EU states)
Varies (generally lower than Malta)
Real‑estate or business investment
EU access (Schengen via visa‑free travel)
Usually shorter residency
Emerging alternatives with comparable travel rights and lower cost.
Countries with discontinued or uncertain programs
North Macedonia – program no longer active.
Montenegro – previous CBI program paused; future relaunch uncertain.
Croatia, Slovenia, etc. – not mentioned as active CBI providers.
Practical considerations when choosing a CBI program
Purpose of the passport – travel freedom, tax planning, privacy, or investment diversification.
Total cost – include government fees, legal fees, due‑diligence, and any required residence or deposit periods.
Processing time – faster programs (2–4 months) often have higher risk of limited due‑diligence; longer timelines usually indicate stricter vetting.
Reputation and future stability – programs with a history of EU scrutiny (e.g., Vanuatu, Nauru) may lose visa‑free access later.
Investment liquidity – real‑estate can be sold later, but market conditions affect recovery; bond or deposit options may have fixed terms.
Legal and tax implications – acquiring a new nationality can affect tax residency, reporting obligations, and inheritance rules. Professional advice is essential.
When evaluating any citizenship‑by‑investment opportunity, verify the legitimacy of the service provider, confirm the exact fees, and ensure compliance with both the host country’s requirements and your own jurisdiction’s tax laws.
Latest video briefings
Recent video briefings on residence, citizenship, tax, migration, passports, and international living.
