Citizenship by investment programs offer a way for individuals to gain a second passport and the benefits that come with it. In 2025, these programs will continue to be a popular choice for investors seeking global mobility, tax advantages, and a better lifestyle. Albert Ioffe, Legal and Compliance Officer at Immigrant Invest, will cover the top 10 citizenship by investment programs and explain the benefits of each.
What Is Citizenship by Investment?
Citizenship by investment is a process that allows individuals to obtain a country’s citizenship through a financial contribution. This contribution can take the form of an investment in real estate, government bonds, or a donation to a national development fund. By obtaining citizenship in another country, investors gain numerous benefits such as easier travel, tax advantages, and a stronger global position.
In most cases, the process is relatively quick, taking anywhere from a few months to a year. For individuals looking for flexibility and opportunities to live, work, or do business in different countries, CBI programs can be highly beneficial.
10 Best Second Passports by Investment
Several countries offer citizenship by investment with varying benefits. The following are the Best citizenship by investment programs for 2025.
Malta. Malta grants citizenship by naturalisation for exceptional services by direct investment. Applicants must pass strict Due Diligence checks, contribute to the National Development and Social Fund, invest in real estate or government bonds, and reside in Malta for at least one year:
- Contribution to the National Development and Social Fund. Applicants must make a non-refundable contribution to Malta’s National Development and Social Fund. The required amount starts at €600,000 for a minimum 36-month residency, or €750,000 for a reduced 12-month residency period.
- Investment in Property. Applicants are required to invest in property, either by purchasing a property valued at a minimum of €700,000 or renting a property with a minimum annual rental cost of €16,000.
- Investment in Government Bonds. Applicants must invest in government bonds or stocks, which must be held for a period of five years.
Turkey. Turkey offers a fast-track citizenship option through a real estate investment, requiring a minimum property investment of $400,000. The program is a popular choice due to its relatively low cost and fast processing time.
Turkey’s citizenship allows visa-free travel to over 110 countries. Investors also gain access to Turkey’s growing economy, while enjoying a favorable climate for business expansion in key sectors like tourism and real estate.
Vanuatu. Vanuatu’s CBI program offers one of the quickest routes to citizenship, typically taking just 1—4 months. The investment is made as a non-refundable contribution to the government.
Vanuatu provides visa-free access to more than 130 countries, including the EU and the UK. Additionally, Vanuatu has no income tax, inheritance tax, or capital gains tax, making it an attractive choice for investors seeking to minimize their tax liabilities.
Antigua and Barbuda allows individuals to obtain citizenship by making a contribution to the National Development Fund, investing in real estate, or establishing a business.
The minimum contribution is $230,000 to the National Development Fund for a single applicant.
St Kitts and Nevis citizenship is one of the oldest and most well-known CBI programs. It offers two primary routes for obtaining citizenship: a donation to the country’s Sustainable Growth Fund or an investment in real estate.
St Kitts and Nevis is again a top contender for second passports. The program’s flexibility, with options for both donations and real estate investments, continues to make it one of the best investment citizenship opportunities.
The Sustainable Island State Contribution requires a minimum of $250,000 for a single applicant.
The Dominica citizenship program is well-regarded for its affordability and fast processing times. Applicants can secure citizenship with a donation to the Economic Diversification Fund or an investment in real estate by investing at least $200,000.
Grenada citizenship program requires either a donation to the National Transformation Fund or an investment in real estate. The National Transformation Fund requires a minimum donation of $235,000 for a single applicant.
Grenada is one of the few Caribbean countries that offer access to the US E-2 Investor Visa, making it an excellent choice for business-minded individuals.
St Lucia offers a relatively low-cost investment citizenship option, with choices including a donation to the National Economic Fund or an investment in real estate. The minimum donation is $240,000 to the National Economic Fund.
Egypt citizenship program, though newer compared to some others, offers an investment route through real estate or a deposit in a local bank for at least $300,000.
Egypt grants visa-free access to more than 50 countries, including many in the Middle East and Africa. The country’s strategic location and growing economy provide excellent opportunities for investment, particularly in infrastructure and tourism.
Conclusion
Citizenship by investment programs are an effective way to enhance global mobility, secure tax benefits, and access new business opportunities. The top 10 programs in 2025, ranging from well-established options like Malta and St Kitts and Nevis to emerging markets like Egypt, offer a variety of benefits to suit different needs. Whether seeking better tax planning, greater travel freedom, or new business prospects, these programs provide an attractive option for investors.