Citizenship by investment isn’t just for millionaires anymore.
In a world where global mobility, tax advantages, and lifestyle freedom are more valuable than ever, “citizenship by investment” has become a powerful option for those who want to expand their horizons. Whether you’re looking for visa-free travel, a financial haven, or a fresh start, some countries offer legal citizenship in exchange for economic contributions and many for far less than you’d expect.
Buying citizenship isn’t just for the ultra-wealthy anymore. For a growing number of global citizens, a second passport is about freedom, opportunity, and security. Whether you want travel flexibility, better taxes, a Plan B, or just a new chapter somewhere sunny and stable there’s never been a better time to explore your options.
This guide breaks down 15 countries where you can “buy” citizenship through investments, donations, or real estate purchases legally, efficiently, and often affordably.
Note: “Buying citizenship” means participating in official Citizenship by Investment Programs (CIP) not backdoor deals or illegal shortcuts.
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Why Consider Buying Citizenship?
Visa-free travel to over 100+ countries
Second passport as a safety net or travel freedom tool
Business access to global markets
Tax optimization or relocation
Retirement in paradise with better healthcare and lower living costs
Plan B during geopolitical uncertainty
What to Know Before You Buy Citizenship
It’s legal, but not cheap—factor in legal, processing, and due diligence fees
Most programs allow dual citizenship, but check your home country’s rules
Use a licensed immigration attorney or CIP agent—avoid scams
The passport is real and internationally recognized, but residency requirements vary
Some countries require renewals or continued investments
Why Buying Citizenship Has Become a Real Option
Around the world, more people are looking for mobility, safety, tax diversification, or just a fresh start and one of the most direct ways to get it is through citizenship by investment (CBI) programs. These programs allow foreign nationals to obtain citizenship (and a passport) in exchange for making a approved investment, such as a donation to a national fund, a real-estate purchase, a business investment or other economic contribution.
Originally these programs were confined to a handful of Caribbean islands. Over time, however, dozens of countries adapted versions of golden-visa or golden-passport schemes to attract foreign capital.
The key appeal? Within a relatively short timeframe you can gain access to visa-free travel in many countries, new business or investment opportunities, second-home options or simply a backup plan in uncertain times. But as you’ll see, “cheap” is relative and the details matter.
Quick Easy Tips
Look beyond the Caribbean: While St. Kitts and Dominica are popular, countries like Turkey and North Macedonia offer competitive options.
Always calculate total costs: Some countries advertise low investment thresholds, but hidden fees, legal costs, and background checks can add up fast.
Check visa-free travel lists: Not all passports are created equal. A “cheaper” passport may have fewer global travel perks than you expect.
There’s no denying that citizenship for sale is a controversial concept. Critics argue that it turns nationality a deeply rooted identity into a luxury commodity available only to the wealthy. It raises ethical questions about fairness, especially when locals struggle for the same rights that can be bought with a wire transfer.
Others worry about security risks and corruption, claiming that easy passport programs can attract individuals looking to evade legal systems or financial accountability. Some countries have tightened their due diligence procedures as a result, but scandals have still emerged, raising doubts about transparency.
On the flip side, many governments see citizenship-by-investment as a practical solution for funding development, especially post-pandemic. For small nations with limited resources, selling citizenship supports infrastructure, creates jobs, and invites foreign capital. The debate continues, but for now, these programs remain legal and widely utilized.
Countries Where You Can Buy Citizenship
1. St. Lucia
Minimum investment: $100,000 donation (single applicant)
Why it’s a great deal:
St. Lucia’s program is one of the most affordable in the Caribbean, with a streamlined process and visa-free access to 140+ countries, including the EU, UK, and parts of Asia.
Options:
$100,000 donation to the National Economic Fund
$300,000 in government-approved real estate
Timeline: 3–6 months
Tax perks: No wealth, inheritance, or capital gains taxes
2. Dominica
Minimum investment: $100,000 donation
Why it stands out:
Dominica’s citizenship program is highly respected, with low entry costs and solid global access. The country is also politically stable and English-speaking.
Options:
$100,000 donation to the Economic Diversification Fund
$200,000 in real estate investment
Timeline: 3–4 months
Bonus: Entire family can apply with scaled fees
3. Turkey
Minimum investment: $400,000 in real estate
Why it’s interesting:
Turkey offers a fast-track passport through real estate investment. It provides visa-free access to 110+ countries and access to a large domestic and regional market.
Options:
$400,000 real estate purchase (held for 3 years)
$500,000 bank deposit or government bond
Timeline: 3–6 months
Bonus: Citizenship includes spouse and kids automatically
4. Montenegro (Closing in 2025 – act fast!)
Minimum investment: €450,000 total (real estate + donation)
Why it’s a hidden gem:
This Balkan beauty is on track for EU membership, meaning current investors could have future EU citizenship access at a fraction of the usual cost.
Options:
€250,000 in government-approved real estate
€200,000 donation to a national development fund
Timeline: 3–5 months
Bonus: Low taxes and stunning Adriatic coast
5. Antigua and Barbuda
Minimum investment: $100,000 donation
Why it’s family-friendly:
Antigua offers one of the best deals for larger families. You can include up to 4 dependents for the base donation amount.
Options:
$100,000 to the National Development Fund
$200,000 real estate purchase
$150,000 to the University of the West Indies (includes 1 year of tuition)
Timeline: 3–6 months
Perks: Visa-free access to 150+ countries including the UK and Schengen Area
6. St. Kitts and Nevis
Minimum investment: $250,000 donation (revised as of 2024)
Why it’s historic:
St. Kitts runs the longest-standing citizenship-by-investment program (since 1984). It offers strong due diligence and visa-free access to 150+ countries.
Options:
$250,000 donation to the Sustainable Island State Contribution Fund
$400,000 real estate (held for 7 years)
Timeline: 3–5 months
Bonus: No personal income tax
7. Vanuatu
Minimum investment: $130,000 donation
Why it’s unique:
This South Pacific paradise offers the fastest citizenship program—some applicants are approved in as little as 30 days.
Options:
$130,000 donation to the Development Support Program (DSP)
Timeline: 1–2 months
Perks: Zero income tax and stunning scenery
8. Malta
Minimum investment: €690,000+ (contribution, real estate, and fees)
Why it’s elite:
Malta’s program is one of the few in the EU that leads directly to European citizenship—including the right to live and work in all 27 EU countries.
Requirements:
€600,000 contribution (after 3 years residency)
€700,000 for faster 1-year route
€16,000 annual rent or €700,000 property purchase
Additional government fees
Timeline: 12–36 months
Visa-free: 180+ countries, including U.S., UK, EU, Canada
9. Austria
Minimum investment: €3 million+ (direct investment, not real estate)
Why it’s ultra-exclusive:
Austria doesn’t offer a standard “program,” but grants citizenship through exceptional contributions—typically for investors or individuals making significant economic impact.
Perks:
EU citizenship, visa-free travel to 180+ countries
No requirement to renounce original nationality
Note: Requires strong legal support and government approval
10. Comoros (historical only)
Minimum investment: $45,000 (program discontinued but notable)
Why it’s notable:
While no longer active, Comoros once offered the cheapest passport in the world. It’s a reminder that new programs can emerge—and old ones can vanish.
More Honorable Mentions (Coming or Changing):
North Macedonia
Investment route: Starting around €200,000 (or similar) for investment.
Highlights: One of the more affordable European-adjacent options; route to EU region advantages.
Consideration: Visa-free travel access and economic opportunities may not match premium programs.
11. Egypt
Investment route: Investment thresholds vary; one of the less-publicized non-Caribbean / non-European options.
Highlights: Low cost of living, large population, historical and cultural richness.
Consideration: Legal and bureaucratic systems may differ substantially from Western norms; language and local adaptation matter.
12. Jordan
Investment route: Often high, but the opportunity exists; includes broader Middle East options.
Highlights: Strategic geography, market access, cultural intrigue.
Consideration: Political/cultural differences are greater, which may require careful adaptation.
13. Cambodia
Investment route: One of the more emerging Asian options; some programs listed for citizenship by investment.
Highlights: Affordable living, Southeast Asia lifestyle, second-passport potential.
Consideration: Overseas investors may face less transparency and different legal protections than in developed nations.
14. Portugal (Golden Visa with Citizenship Possibility)
While not purely “buy citizenship” instantly, Portugal’s golden visa route allows residency via investment and eventually citizenship after years, making it a strategic option.
Highlights: EU membership, high quality of life, pathway to citizenship for lower initial investment.
Consideration: Requires residence and time; not a direct purchase as some Caribbean programs.
15. Cyprus (Formerly)
Investment route: Previously offered direct investment-citizenship programs (now ended).
Highlights: EU access, strategic Mediterranean location.
Consideration: Program was terminated in 2020 due to abuse and legal pressure—serves as a caution about risks of relying solely on “buy citizenship” schemes.
Final Thoughts
Buying a second citizenship is more than a financial decision it’s a lifestyle shift that can open doors to new freedoms, new cultures, and even new identities. But it’s not a move to take lightly. You’ll need solid legal advice, thorough research, and a clear understanding of both short-term benefits and long-term obligations.
It’s also important to think beyond the passport. Where do you see yourself thriving? Which cultures align with your values? What kind of lifestyle do you want to build? The best “value” isn’t just in price it’s in how well that country supports the life you want to create.
Whether you’re chasing global mobility, business freedom, or a simpler, slower way of life, these 10 countries could be your launchpad. And while it may seem radical, in a rapidly changing world, owning more than one identity might be the smartest investment you ever make.
About the Author: Ruben, co-founder of Gamintraveler.com since 2014, is a seasoned traveler from Spain who has explored over 100 countries since 2009. Known for his extensive travel adventures across South America, Europe, the US, Australia, New Zealand, Asia, and Africa, Ruben combines his passion for adventurous yet sustainable living with his love for cycling, highlighted by his remarkable 5-month bicycle journey from Spain to Norway. He currently resides in Spain, where he continues sharing his travel experiences with his partner, Rachel, and their son, Han.