FAQ

Citizenship by Investment — Frequently Asked Questions

Everything you need to know about citizenship by investment programs, second passports, and the application process.

What is citizenship by investment?

Citizenship by investment (CBI) is a legal process where individuals obtain citizenship and a passport from a foreign country in exchange for a qualifying economic contribution. This contribution can take the form of a government donation, real estate investment, business investment, or government bond purchase. Over 20 countries worldwide offer official citizenship by investment programs.

How much does citizenship by investment cost?

Citizenship by investment costs vary widely by program. The most affordable programs start from $130,000 (Vanuatu) and $200,000 (Dominica). Caribbean programs range from $200,000 to $250,000. European programs typically require €250,000 to €2,000,000 depending on the country. All costs include the qualifying investment plus government fees, due diligence fees, and professional service fees.

Is citizenship by investment legal?

Yes. Citizenship by investment programs are completely legal and operate under official government legislation in each country. All programs are administered by government ministries and comply with international anti-money laundering and due diligence standards. CBI programs have been operating legally for over 40 years, with St Kitts and Nevis launching the first program in 1984.

How long does citizenship by investment take?

Processing times vary significantly by program. Vanuatu is the fastest at 45-90 days. Caribbean programs like Dominica, Grenada, and St Kitts take 3-6 months. Turkey takes 3-6 months. Montenegro takes 6-12 months. European golden visa programs take 6-24 months. Malta MEIN takes 12-36 months.

Can I include my family in my application?

Yes. Most citizenship by investment programs allow you to include your spouse, dependent children under 26-30 years old, and often dependent parents and grandparents over 55-65 years old. Some programs like Antigua and Barbuda also allow unmarried siblings. All qualifying family members receive citizenship simultaneously with the main applicant for an additional per-person contribution.

Do I need to live in the country to get citizenship?

Most citizenship by investment programs have no or minimal residency requirements. Vanuatu, Dominica, Grenada, Turkey, and Montenegro have zero residency requirements. Antigua and Barbuda requires just 5 days within the first 5 years. Portugal requires 7 days per year. Spain requires significantly more residency time for full citizenship.

What documents do I need for a CBI application?

Standard documents required for most CBI applications include valid passport copies for all applicants, birth certificates, marriage certificates, police clearance certificates from all countries of residence in the past 10 years, medical examination certificates, bank reference letters, proof of source of funds and wealth, professional references, and completed application forms. Some programs require additional documentation.

What is due diligence in citizenship by investment?

Due diligence is the comprehensive background check process conducted by the government on all CBI applicants aged 16 and over. It includes criminal record checks, financial background and source of funds verification, international sanctions screening, politically exposed persons checks, and overall compliance review. Due diligence typically takes 30-90 days and is a mandatory part of every legitimate CBI program.

Can I hold dual citizenship?

Whether you can hold dual citizenship depends on your home country laws. Countries that generally permit dual citizenship include the United States, United Kingdom, Canada, Australia, and most EU countries. Countries that typically do not allow dual citizenship include China, India, Japan, Singapore, and some Middle Eastern nations. We strongly recommend consulting with a legal expert about your specific situation before applying.

Which citizenship by investment program is the best?

The best program depends entirely on your individual goals, budget, and timeline. For maximum affordability, Dominica ($200,000) and Vanuatu ($130,000) are leading choices. For fastest processing, Vanuatu delivers passports in 45-90 days. For EU citizenship and Schengen access, Malta MEIN and Montenegro are excellent options. For the most powerful passport by visa-free access, Malta offers the strongest EU passport available through CBI. Book a free strategy call and we will help you identify the ideal program for your specific situation.