Whether it is to expand business opportunities, or as a plan B for your family, many countries offer the possibility to obtain a second citizenship by investment, along with all the benefits that come with it through an investment fund. In some cases, a one-time contribution of $100,000 can grant the investor a lifetime citizenship and the opportunity to travel to more than 100 countries without the need of any additional visa.
Here are the countries that offer the best deals for citizenship by investment programs in terms of affordability, time process and tax benefits.
Vanuatu citizenship
Investors that apply for the Vanuatuan passport can get it through an investment of $130,000 and after a 45 to 60-day process, the fastest and simplest citizenship programme among all. There are two programs to choose from, the DSP (the Development Support Program) which issues honorary citizenship, and the VCP (Vanuatu Contribution Program), for ordinary citizenship. Both programs are through the same amount of funds and its increment relies upon the number of dependents (family members) that are included in the application.
The Vanuatu citizenship by investment allows its holders to have short-stay visits without the need of additional visas to a total of 129 countries, including countries in Europe and the USA. Moreover, another advantage of living in the Pacific country is that the country has zero taxation for both residents and non-residents.
Malta Individual Investor Programme
The Maltese citizenship is one of the most popular programs for it allows non-residents to become citizens of a country with one of the most stable economies in the EU.
These are the different investment options for this citizenship by investment:
- Individual investor – contribution of EUR 600,000, citizenship will be released after 3 years
- Individual investor – contribution of EUR 750,000, citizenship will be released after a year
An additional EUR 25,000 for every dependent family member included in the application.
Once you have acquired this citizenship by investment, you will be eligible to live, work and study anywhere in the EU and enjoy visa-free travel to 180 countries, including the USA.
Caribbean citizenship: Antigua and Barbuda and Dominica
The tempting weather and fine scenery of the Caribbean makes these citizenship by investment perfect for those who want to live in a never-ending summer with a great potential for businesses to succeed in the long-term because of the thousands of tourists that visit the island every year.
Antigua and Barbados offers these investment options:
- Real estate investment of $400,000 for not less than five years
- Contribution of $100,000 to the Antigua National Development Fund ($125,000 if your family consists of five or more members)
- Establish a business worth $1.5 million or $5 million (for more two or more investors)
This citizenship by investment will allow you to travel to more than 130 countries.
On the other hand, the small island of Dominica offers a more affordable option of either making a one-time contribution of $100,000, or an investment in a government approved property of a minimum of $200,000 for three years.
Afterwards, lifetime citizenship will be issued and you will be able to travel to over 118 countries with your Caribbean passport. Moreover, once you are a holder of Caribbean citizenship, you will not be subject to capital gains tax.
Turkish Citizenship by Investment
The recent updates allow individuals to acquire citizenship by investment without a minimum residence requirement and the minimum investment funds have been reduced. Family members that apply for citizenship as dependent applicants are not required for a separate investment. The process usually takes 2-3 months to be completed. Once completed, you can live and work in Turkey, and travel visa-free to many countries.