Global Citizenship: Financial & Lifestyle Program Rankings

Comparing Citizenship by Investment Programs

While choosing between citizenship by investment programs, it’s essential to have a clear understanding of what each country offers. The key areas that need to be compared are points like financial security, lifestyle benefits, and the due diligence process. In our global citizenship comparison guide, we’ve decided to focus on:

St. Kitts and Nevis Citizenship By Investment

St. Kitts and Nevis Citizenship by Investment Program, launched in 1984, is considered one of the oldest CBI programs in the world. The main goal of the program is to help individuals or families receive St. Kitts and Nevis citizenship by making a significant contribution to their country’s economy. Here are the main options for getting citizenship by investment in St. Kitts and Nevis:

Contribution to the Sustainable Inland State Contribution Fund (SISC)

If you choose this option, you need to make a non-refundable contribution whose main goal is to develop spheres like healthcare, education, and tourism.

Here are the financial points that you need to consider before making an investment:

• The main applicant needs to invest at least $250,000 in the fund (for the family up to 4 members).
• You need to pay +$25,000 for a child under 18, starting from the 5th family member.
• You need to pay +$50,000 for a dependent over 18, starting from the 5th family member.
• The due diligence fee is $10,000 for the main applicant and $7,500 for each dependent who is at least 16 years old.
• The application processing fee is $250 per applicant.
• The passport fee is $361 per applicant.

Public Benefit Option

This option is more like a donation to a government-approved public benefit project. It is specifically designed to support infrastructural, educational, or social welfare projects aligned with public interest. The minimum investment amount is $250,000.

Real Estate Investment

Investors can buy real estate if it meets one of the following requirements:

• Minimum investment of US$325,000 for a condominium unit or share in a real estate development designated as Approved Private Real Estate.
• Minimum investment of US$600,000 for a single-family private dwelling home designated as Approved Private Real Estate.

The annual rental income varies from 2% to 5%. As an investor, you need to hold the property for at least 7 years.

Here are some financial points that you need to consider:

• The minimum amount of investment should be $325,000.
• The state fee for buying a property for an investor is $25,000, for a spouse is $15,000, for a child is $10,000, and for a dependent over 18 is $15,000.
• The due diligence fee is $10,000 for an investor, while for each dependent over 16 it’s $7,500.
• The passport fee is $361.
• The application processing fee is $250 per application.

Document Requirements For St. Kitts and Nevis Citizenship by Investment Program

There are several required documents that you need to provide to get a St. Kitts and Nevis citizenship. They include:

International passport and internal passport (if applicable)

• Birth certificate
• Marriage certificate (if applicable)
• Diplomas, degrees, and certificates for higher education
• Police clearance certificate
• Proof of residential address (e.g., utility bills)
• Evidence of the source of funds (e.g., income certificate, tax returns)
• Bank statements
• Professional and bank reference letters
• HIV test results
• Medical certificate
• Wealth history report
• Recent passport-sized photographs

Malta Citizenship by Naturalisation for Exceptional Services by Direct Investment

The Maltese Citizenship by Investment program, or officially known as Citizenship by Naturalisation for Exceptional Services by Direct Investment launched in 2020. To be eligible for this program, you need to make the following three investments. Key note: You don’t need to pick just one option, all 3 are mandatory.

Exceptional Direct Investment

As a first step, you need to make a non-refundable investment in the National Development and Social Fund (NDSF). It is designed for projects like public health, education, job formulation, social improvement, etc. To make this investment, you need to reside in Malta for at least a year.

The minimum amount of investment is:

• As a single applicant, you need to invest at least €600,000 if you’ve already resided in Malta for at least 3 years. If you’ve resided there for just one year, the minimum amount of investment is €750,000,
• Additionally, you’ll need to invest €50,000 for your spouse and each other dependents.

Highlight that you need to make this investment within 4 months after receiving a letter of approval for your Malta citizenship. 

Real Estate Investment

During the first 4 months after receiving approval for Maltese citizenship, you need to:

• Buy a property in Malta for €700,000 or more.

Or

• Lease a property in Malta that has a minimum annual rent of €16,000. Subleasing the property is not allowed.

The purchased or rented property must be held for at least five years.

Charity Donation

Within the first 4 months of receiving approval, you need to donate at least €10,000 to a local non-profit organization. You can select from various eligible philanthropic, artistic, sports, scientific, or cultural non-governmental organizations (NGOs) and societies registered in Malta.

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Before applying for the golden visa, you need to consider the following costs and fees:

• For the property investment, the applicant must maintain the property for at least five years. They can either purchase real estate valued at €700,000 or lease a property with a minimum annual rental of €16,000.
• Other legal fees will apply and may vary depending on the number of individuals included in the application.

Document Requirements For Malta Citizenship by Exceptional Service by Direct Investment 

As an applicant, you need to meet the following eligibility criteria:

• Be a non-EU, non-EEA and non-Swiss citizen,
• Not be a citizen of the currently sanctioned countries, which include Afghanistan, North Korea, Iran, the Democratic Republic of the Congo, Somalia, South Sudan, Sudan, Syria, Yemen, Venezuela, Russia, and Belarus,
• Have proof of financial stability and regular income for the residency duration.
• Have health insurance for the residency duration,
• Have the minimum amount of investment,
• Have a valid travel document,
• Have a clean criminal record,
• Be a good character.

Dominica Citizenship By Investment Program

Established in 1993, Dominica’s citizenship by investment program is considered one of the oldest. There are two main investment options:

Real Estate Investment

To be eligible for Dominica’s citizenship, you can buy government-approved real estate. The minimum amount of investment is at least $200,000.

Economic Diversification Fund (EDF) Donation

As an applicant, you have another investment option as well. You can make a non-refundable investment to Dominica's Economic Diversification Fund (EDF), which supports projects in spheres like education, healthcare, and infrastructure development. Similar to the real estate investment option, the minimum amount of investment here is $200,000. The family of four needs to invest at least $250,000. For each additional applicant above 18, the main applicant needs to pay an additional amount for each additional applicant. You also need to consider the following fees for both of the investment options:

• The processing fee is $1,000 for each applicant.
• The due diligence fee is $7,500.
• The certificate of naturalization fee is $500 per applicant.
• The mandatory interview fee is $1,000 per applicant.
• The property needs to be held for at least 3 years.

After deciding which investment option is the most suitable for you, the next steps include contacting a specialized agent who will guide you through the whole process, gathering all the required documents, and submitting the application, going through the due diligence, during which the Citizenship by Investment Unit (CIU) conducts thorough background checks. Afterwards, if you receive approval from the principal, you need to make the chosen investment, based on which you’ll receive a Certificate of Naturalization. After all these steps, you’ll be eligible to apply for the passport.

Document Requirements for Dominica Citizenship By Investment Program

Here is the list of documents that are required to apply for Dominica citizenship by investment:

• Completed Government application forms.
• Valid identity documents, including passports or ID cards.
• Birth certificates.
• Marriage certificate (if applicable).
• Educational certificates, diplomas, or degrees for higher education.
• Investment agreement for the selected investment option (fund contribution or real estate purchase).
• Police clearance certificates for all applicants over the age of 16.
• Sworn affidavits from parents confirming that children aged 12 to 15 have no criminal record (if applicable).
• Proof of residential address.
• Documents verifying the source of funds.
• Bank statements covering the last 12 months and a reference letter from the bank.
• Medical certificate and HIV test results.
• Proof of payment for all relevant fees.
• Completed disclosure form.
• Fingerprint verification and photo verification forms.
• Passport-sized photographs.

Antigua and Barbuda Citizenship By Investment

Antigua and Barbuda offers one of the most attractive citizenship by investment programs. Applicants can choose one of the following investment options:

National Development Fund (NDF) Contribution

For this investment option, the applicant needs to invest at least $230,000 in the NDF for a family of up to four members. An additional government processing fee applies.

Real Estate Investment

As an investor, you need to purchase a government-approved real estate which valued at least $300,000. You need to hold the property for at least 5 years.

Business Investment

You need to invest at least $1.5 million directly into an eligible business. Alternatively, a joint investment of $5 million is possible, with each individual investing a minimum of $400,000.

University of the West Indies (UWI) Fund Contribution

This investment option is suitable for families of 6 or more. It’s about making a non-refundable contribution of $260,000, which includes one year of tuition for one family member at the University of the West Indies.

Document Requirements for Antigua and Barbuda Citizenship By Investment Program

Here are the key document requirements for the Antigua and Barbuda citizenship by investment program:

• Completed government application forms.
• Valid passports and ID documents.
• Birth and marriage certificates.
• Police clearance certificates for applicants aged 16 or older.
• Proof of investment or donation.
• Bank reference letters and financial statements.
• Medical certificate, including HIV test results.
• Evidence of residential address.
• Passport-size photos.

Grenada Citizenship By Investment Program

There are two main options for Grenada’s citizenship by Investment program. 

National Transformation Fund (NTF) Donation 

The minimum amount of donation for a single applicant or a group family up to four family members is $235,000.For any additional dependent (child/ parent/grandparent) who’s under 18 or above 55, you need to pay an additional $25,000. For each additional dependent (parent/grandparent under 55), you need to pay $50,000. For each sibling, you need to pay an additional $75,000.

Real Estate Investment

If you choose this option, you need to purchase government-approved real estate worth at least $270,000 (shared ownership) or $350,000 (single ownership). The property must be held for a minimum of 5 years.

Document Requirements for Antigua and Barbuda Citizenship By Investment Program

Here are the main required documents for the Antigua and Barbuda citizenship by investment program:

• Client Facilitator Agreement
• Personal Data and Information (Form 1)
• Fingerprints collected in the presence of a licensed officer (Form 2)
• Office of Home Affairs Details (Form 3)
• Medical Certificate (Form 4)
• Employment, Wealth, Business, and Related Information (Form 5)
• Investment Confirmation (Form 6)
• Thomson Reuters Consent Form (mandatory for applicants over 16 years old)
• Purchase and Sale Agreements in four copies (for real estate investments) or Escrow Agreement and Local Agent Engagement Letter (for NTF option)
• Passport Application Form
• Interview Application Form
• Oath of Allegiance (for all applicants aged 18 and above)
• Sworn Affidavit confirming the names of dependent parents

St. Lucia Citizenship By Investment Program

Having a beautiful nature, welcoming people, and an investor-friendly tax system, St. Lucia offers 4 investment options to be eligible for citizenship.

Making a contribution to the National Economic Fund (NEF)

For this option, applicants need to make a non-refundable contribution to the National Economic Fund, whose main goal is to boost the country’s economy. Depending on the number of applicants, the minimum amount of investment differs:

• Single applicant (with up to 3 qualifying dependents): $240,000
• Spouse: $35,000
• Additional qualifying dependents  (under 18 years): $10,000 each
• Additional qualifying dependents  (above 18 years): $20,000 each
• Qualifying dependent in addition to a family of four: $15,000 each
• Newborn child of a citizen (child of 12 months of age & below): $5,000

Investing in government-approved real estate

Investors who choose this option need to make an investment in government-approved real estate. Here are the key points that need to be considered:

• Minimum investment: $300,000
• Government administrative fees for the real estate route: $50,000

Administrative Fees:

• Applying alone: $30,000
• Applying with a spouse: $45,000
• Applying with a dependent (over the age of 18): +$10,000 (per person)
• Applying with a dependent (under the age of 18): +$5,000 (per person)
• Applying with a spouse and 4+ dependents: $10,000 (per person)

Participating in an approved enterprise project

Enterprise projects are designed to foster national development and create job opportunities.

• Single Investor: The minimum investment required is $3,500,000, along with a non-refundable administration fee of $50,000.
• Joint Investment: The total investment amount is $6,000,000, with each investor contributing at least $1,000,000. A non-refundable administration fee of $50,000 applies.
• For applicants:
• Single Applicant: The minimum investment is $100,000.
• Applicant and Up to 3 Qualifying Dependents: The minimum investment is $250,000, plus a non-refundable administration fee of $15,000.

Administrative Fees:

• Single Application: $15,000
• Application with a Spouse: $20,000
• Application with Two Dependents: $25,000
• Application with Three Dependents: $30,000
• Additional Dependents (+3): $10,000 per dependent

Investing in government bonds

To increase the national treasury and become a citizen, the applicant needs to invest at least $300,000 in government bonds and hold them for 5 years. An additional, non-refundable administration fee of US$ 50,000 is applicable.

Document Requirements for St. Lucia Citizenship By Investment Program

To apply for the St. Lucia citizenship by investment program, you need the following documents:

• Completed Application Forms
• Valid Passport
• Birth Certificate
• Government-Issued Photo Identification
• Proof of Residential Address (e.g., utility bill, bank statement)
• CV or Resume
• Police Clearance Certificate 
• Medical Certificate confirming good health
• Two Professional References
• Bank Reference Letter
• Source of Funds Documentation to verify the legality of the investment funds

Financial Security Factors in CBI Programs

While researching Citizenship By Investment programs, you need to consider the following financial security factors.

Government-Approved Investments

All investments under CBI programs must be made through government-approved projects or funds. Thanks to this process, the risk of fraud is minimized, and applicants can be sure that their investments are secure and regulated.

Escrow Arrangements

While making a real estate investment, funds are typically held in escrow accounts managed by licensed financial institutions. This ensures that the developer receives funds only after meeting specific construction or project milestones, protecting the investor’s financial interests.

Refund Policies

Some of the Citizenship by Investment programs provide a refund for those investors whose applications are denied.

Due Diligence Fees and Non-Refundable Costs

Before making the investment, applicants need to be aware of due diligence fees and non-refundable costs, which prevent unexpected financial losses.

Investment Exit Strategies

Some CBI real estate investments come with minimum holding periods (e.g., 3–5 years).

Licensed Agents and Legal Advisors

Working with licensed agents and legal advisors makes sure that the whole process is handled correctly, documents are properly filed, and the investment complies with all legal requirements, reducing financial risk.

Tax Implications

Citizenship by Investment programs have different tax implications and consequences depending on the country of citizenship.

Lifestyle Benefits of Second Citizenship

Obtaining a second citizenship isn’t just a smart financial move, it’s going towards a better quality of life. Second citizenship comes with many advantages, such as:

Program Costs and Investment Options

Citizenship by Investment programs offer different types of investment options such as contributions to national development funds, approved real estate purchases, or business investments. There are several countries that come with very flexible offers that are suitable for different budgets, with some starting as low as $100,000.

Economic Stability of CBI Countries

Second citizenship offers political and economic stability, which creates a secure environment for raising families, investing in businesses, and protecting long-term wealth.

Healthcare and Education Access

Second citizenship provides access to modern healthcare and education systems with high international standards.

Visa-Free Travel Benefits

One of the greatest advantages of having a second citizenship is the visa-free travel among 00+ countries, which may include the Schengen Zone, the United Kingdom, Hong Kong, and Singapore. This global mobility may be a great advantage for not only personal but also business needs.

Enhanced Business Opportunities

The second passport opens doors to many business opportunities․. Entrepreneurs can establish their startups and businesses and enjoy the favorable tax system and global banking.

Improved Quality of Life

Citizenship by Investment programs allow you to have a fancy lifestyle full of beautiful climates, safe communities, and historical views.

Due Diligence: Assessing CBI Program Risks

Due diligence is a very important process in assessing and managing risks associated with applying for citizenship by investment programs. Here are the most popular risks that need to be considered:

Risk of Application Rejection

If the applicant doesn’t fit the eligibility criteria or if any red flags are raised during due diligence, there’s a significant risk of the application being rejected. To prevent the risk, it’s important to complete and submit all the necessary documents in the appropriate and trustworthy way, and meet the investment criteria.

Risk of Financial Loss

The required minimum amount of investment is often significant, which means that applicants may face risks related to their investment. For example, real estate investors can not gain the expected amount of returns. Additionally, there are cases where donations and fees associated with the CBI aren’t refunded even if the application is rejected. To minimize the risks, you need to conduct thorough research for the appropriate real estate and be fully aware of the non-refundable nature of certain fees and contributions before committing.

Legal and Tax Risks

As an applicant, you need to be careful while learning the consequences of getting a second citizenship. Is your new country tax-friendly? Will you be eligible to keep your first citizenship, or is there a requirement to renounce the first citizenship?

Risk of Political and Economic Instability

Applicants need to consider the political and economic stability level of the country for which they’re applying for citizenship. Stay informed about the updates on the country’s situation.

2025 Citizenship Program Rankings

Here are the top 6 citizenship by investment programs.

St. Kitts and Nevis Citizenship By Investment

Established in 1984, this program offers citizenship to individuals who make one of the following investments:

• Sustainable Inland State Contribution Fund (SISC)

The main applicant and a family of up to four members should make at least a $250,000 investment in the fund

• Public Benefit Option

The main applicant needs to make a donation starting at $250,000.

• Real Estate Investment

The minimum investment amount is $325,000 for a condominium unit or $600,000 for a private home. The property must be held for at least 7 years.

Additionally, the main applicant needs to pay $10,000 for the due diligence, with additional fees for dependents over 16 years of age. The processing fee is $250 per applicant.

Malta Golden Visa

Malta has one of the strictest and costliest investment requirements. To receive a golden visa, you need to make all of these investments:

• Exceptional Direct Investment

This is a non-refundable contribution to the National Development and Social Fund. The minimum investment is €600,000 for those applicants who have resided in the country for at least 3 years, or €750,000 if the applicant has resided in Malta for only a year.

• Real Estate Investment

As an investor, you need to purchase property valued at €700,000 or more, or rent a property for at least €16,000 annually.

• Charity Donation

You need to make at least a €10,000 donation to a local non-profit organization.

Besides these points, you also need to consider:

• Government contribution fee: €28,000.
• Philanthropic donation: €2,000.
• Administrative fee for the main applicant: €40,000, with additional costs for dependents.

Dominica Citizenship By Investment Program

To become a citizen in Dominica, you need to make either of these investments:

• Real Estate Investment

The purchased property should be valued at least $200,000 and be listed in government-approved real estate.

• Economic Diversification Fund (EDF) Donation

A non-refundable contribution should be at least $200,000, with a family of four contributing at least $250,000.

Additionally, consider that the due diligence fee is $7,500 per applicant, the processing fee is $1,000, and the property needs to be held for at least 3 years.

Antigua and Barbuda Citizenship By Investment

Antigua and Barbuda provide several options for those who want to make an investment and be granted citizenship.

• National Development Fund (NDF)

The minimum amount of contribution should be $ 100,000 for a family of four.

• Real Estate Investment

As an investor, you need to purchase government-approved real estate starting at $200,000, held for at least five years.

• Business Investment

For this option, the applicant needs to make a $1.5 million direct investment into an eligible business or a joint investment of $5 million.

Depending on the family size, you may need to pay additional fees.

Grenada Citizenship By Investment Program

Grenada offers two main investment types:

• National Transformation Fund (NTF)

The minimum amount of donation starts from $235,000 for a family of four.

• Real Estate Investment

The applicant needs to make an investment of at least $270,000 for shared ownership or $350,000 for single ownership. Property must be held for at least five years.

The due diligence fee for the main applicant is $10,000. Additional fees (for the family members) may apply.

St. Lucia Citizenship By Investment Program

St. Lucia offers four different investment options:

• National Economic Fund (NEF)

The single applicant needs to make at least a $100,000 investment.

• Government-Approved Real Estate

The minimum amount of investment for the government-approved property is $200,000.

• Enterprise Project

Single applicants need to invest at least $3.5 million or $6 million for joint investments.

• Government Bonds

Applicants who choose this option need to make at least a $300,000 investment and hold it for 5 years.

In addition, the main applicant needs to pay $15,000 in administrative fees. There may be more fees for each additional dependent.

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