Citizenship by Investment (CBI) programs support global mobility, opening a door for securing a second passport. For some investors, business opportunities could be closer through the benefit of international travel. As a safety net, dual nationality could be your option by making the type of investment needed.
Through this guide, we will share the compiled list of the fastest citizenship by investment countries. Discovering what these countries offer and each program’s tax details, benefits, and investment types might enable you to go another way. Let us show you the alternative ways to choose where your global footprint expands.
What to Discover in This Guide?
- Overview: Citizenship by Investment Countries
- Top 7 Reasons to Get a Second Citizenship
- Step-by-Step Process to Get a Second Citizenship by Investment
- Main Documents for Citizenship by Investment Programs
- The Top 8 Fastest Citizenship by Investment Countries List in 2025
- Countries with The Fastest Citizenship: Comparison of Investment Options
Overview: Citizenship by Investment Countries
Year by year, the number of countries that offer immigrant investor programs is increasing. The potential of investing in and getting European citizenship in an EU country or a Caribbean country is appealing.
The numerous and diverse investment options lie behind these citizenship programs. Some include property investment, government bonds, development funds, and stocks and shares. The eligibility criteria and investment requirements of countries vary and may bring different benefits to the table.
Dual citizenship in a foreign country will help you contribute to the country’s economy through your financial investment. Unless you can claim birthright citizenship in a second country or have a spouse who is a citizen of the country with the quickest citizenship by marriage, citizenship programs will be the quickest method for you to obtain legal citizenship and enjoy the rights and privileges that come with it. Benefits may include lower taxes, wealth protection, and a higher standard of living.
Many countries provide citizenship by investment in a short period of time. However, some programs do better than others. Certain countries may grant you citizenship for as little as a month of investment. Others will make you wait for 7–10 years.
Top 7 Reasons to Get a Second Citizenship
1. Efficiency and Speed
Some programs can process applications in a short time frame. For instance, Vanuatu’s citizenship program processing is completed in one or two months. That is the fastest citizenship-by-investment program.
2. Business and Investment Opportunities
Second citizenship can open up new business and investment opportunities. This can lead to understanding new markets and resources, so investors can discover new economic environments.
3. Global Mobility
A second passport generally offers visa-free or visa-on-arrival access to numerous countries. This can be particularly beneficial for you in case your current passports have significant travel restrictions.
4. Tax Advantages
You can discover some countries offering favorable tax regimes as foreign investors. These can include no taxes on worldwide income, capital gains, or inheritance.
5. Quality of Life
In some circumstances, second citizenship can provide access to better healthcare, education, and lifestyle opportunities. It is possible to consider it as a safety net in times of political instability or economic downturn in one’s home country.
6. Family Security
Citizenship by investment programs often extend to the investor’s family, with the same benefits and security.
7. No Requirement for Residency
Many citizenship by investment programs do not require investors to reside in the country. So, it is a convenient option for those who do not wish to relocate.
Step-by-Step Process to Get a Second Citizenship by Investment
Step 1: Understand Dual Citizenship Benefits
Find out more about the benefits of getting a second passport and nationality, such as increased access to opportunities for investment and improved movement throughout the world.
Step 2: Consider Family Reunification Options
To ensure that your family members can benefit from dual citizenship as well, consider enrolling them in your citizenship application.
Step 3: Access Full Citizenship Rights
Learn about all of your citizenship rights, such as the ability to travel, live, work, study, and receive healthcare anywhere in the EU, as well as the freedom to choose which EU nation to call home.
Step 4: Explore Business and Investment Opportunities
Examine the business and investment prospects that arise from obtaining second citizenship, as it grants entry to novel markets and economic settings.
Step 5: Submit your Residency & Citizenship Application
Examine the residency requirements of the different citizenship by investment programs; several of them allow you to keep your existing way of life without requiring you to dwell in the nation. Having all the required documents, submit your application.
Main Documents for Citizenship by Investment Programs
- Identity Documents: Copies in color of all identity cards and documents.
- Driver’s License: A copy of the license in color.
- Documents related to military service and discharge: Color copies of any relevant military service and discharge paperwork, if applicable.
- Name Change Documents: Color copies of any documents attesting to a name change are necessary if one has occurred (apart from marriage).
- Funds Document Source: Color-scanned copy of the funding source documentation.
The Top 8 Fastest Citizenship by Investment Countries List in 2025
In 2025, countries offer citizenship by investment programs, and these top 7 are among the fastest ones.
1. Antigua and Barbuda Citizenship
- Processing time: 6-9 Months
- Residency requirement: minimum 5 days within the first 5 years
- Minimum investment: $230,000
Getting Antigua Barbuda citizenship by investment entitles you to an Antigua and Barbuda passport. You also contribute significantly to the nation’s economy.
Antigua and Barbuda are islands in the Caribbean. It is home to one of the world’s most alluring and reasonably priced citizenship-by-investment programs. Since its 2013 inception, the initiative has drawn many international investors and stimulated the nation’s economy.
Requirement:
- Being of good character
- Having no criminal record
- Passing a thorough due diligence process
- Submitting various documents, including proof of identity and financial stability
- Ability to cover the cost of the Antigua and Barbuda passport, including application fees and due diligence charges
Benefits:
- Entry to more than 153 nations worldwide.
- One of the most alluring and reasonably priced citizenship-by-investment programs in the world.
- A large number of international investors stimulated the nation’s economy.
2. Grenada
- Processing time: 9-12 Months
- Residency requirement: No
- Minimum investment: $235,000
Through the National Transformation Fund, this government effort enables individuals and families to participate in real estate projects that have been approved by the government or to make contributions to the growth of the nation. International investors find Grenada citizenship by investment program appealing because it makes acquiring a USA E-2 Treaty Investor Visa easier, grants visa-free or visa-on-arrival entry to 148 countries, and has tax laws that do not impose inheritance or foreign income taxes.
Requirement: Completing all required documentation is necessary. The CBIC (Citizenship by Investment Committee) requirements must be adhered to in the paperwork.
Benefits:
- Grenadian passport holders have access to a number of countries, including popular locations inside the Schengen Area, without the need for a visa.
- Entry point to the USA becomes easier. Grenadian citizens are better suited to apply for the E-2 Treaty Investor Visa.
- There are no taxes on foreign wealth, income, or inheritance.
- Grenada’s citizenship by investment program does not require a continuous physical presence or permanent residency in the country, in contrast to certain other citizenship systems.
- For family inclusion, not all investors are eligible for the program. The application may include immediate family members, including a spouse, dependent children, and perhaps some dependent parents.
- Participants directly support the growth of the country’s economy by funding government-approved real estate projects.
3. St. Kitts and Nevis
- Processing time: 4-6 Months
- Residency requirement: No
- Minimum investment: $250,000
Applicants for the St. Kitts and Nevis Citizenship by Investment program can expect a simple application process.
Benefits:
- St. Kitts and Nevis has one of the quickest and fastest citizenship systems out there; citizenship is sometimes granted in a matter of months as opposed to years.
- There are no inheritance, wealth, or personal income taxes in the country, which is a beneficial tax regime with significant financial advantages.
- A variety of investment alternatives, including government funds and real estate, offer chances for financial success.
- The program makes it possible for family members to participate, guaranteeing that loved ones can profit as well.
- The program offers a safe and legal route to citizenship and is governed by well-established rules and regulations.
- Children who have access to foreign schools and high-quality education can look forward to a bright future.
4. Malta
- Processing time: 12 Months
- Residency requirement: 1-3 Year
- Minimum investment: €600,000
As a European country, Malta citizenship by investment program offers a highly valuable passport. In fact, it is the easiest and fastest way to get citizenship in Europe by investment. If an investor wishes to become a citizen of Malta, they must invest a minimum of €600,000, completing 36 months of residency in Malta.
For the contribution to the National Development and Social Fund, applicants need to invest a minimum of €750 000, with an additional €50 000 for each dependent, to apply for EU citizenship after residing in Malta for a year.
Benefits of getting an EU passport via Malta:
- Maltese passport holders can enter several countries without a visa or with one upon arrival.
- Malta does not tax foreign wealth, income, or inheritance.
- Malta does not require a long-term physical presence or permanent stay in the nation, in contrast to several other citizenship processes.
Note that the program faced legal jurisdiction due to violating the law by the European Court of Justice. It no longer accepts direct investments. However, the government is now introducing a new scheme: citizenship by merit.
5. Dominica
- Processing time: 6-9 Months
- Residency requirement: No
- Minimum investment: $200,000
The Dominica Citizenship by Investment Program requires applicants to select a property among the government-approved projects. After selecting a property and making a reservation, applicants must submit their citizenship application.
Benefits:
- The program allows for the inclusion of your spouse, parents or grandparents over 55, and dependent children under the age of 30.
- Applicants can receive their passports within 3 to 6 months.
- Travel to 144 countries with your Dominica passport without an additional visa.
- Maintain your citizenship without any stay requirement.
- Processing time: 12 Months
- Residency requirement: 1-3 Year
- Minimum investment: €600,000
6. Saint Lucia
- Processing time: around 12-15 months
- Residency requirement: No
- Minimum investment: $240,000
The St. Lucia Citizenship by Investment Program necessitates that candidates be at least eighteen years old. For a contribution or other flexible alternatives in real estate and enterprise, they must invest a minimum of $240,000; this is something that a wide variety of investors can afford.
Benefits:
- One application can include certain extended family members as well as dependents.
- St. Lucia has a range of citizenship options to suit your financial plan, whether you’re interested in real estate, business investments, or just donating.
- More than 140 countries allow entry without a visa or with a visa upon arrival for holders of a St. Lucian passport.
- The application procedure is very quick, usually taking three to six months to finish.
- You are free to come and go anytime you choose because there are no minimum stay requirements.
- Residents of St. Lucia enjoy advantageous tax laws.
7. Vanuatu
- Processing time: around 1-2 months
- Residency requirement: No
- Minimum investment: $130,000
You will need to be of good character and undergo the Vanuatu government’s full due diligence formalities. Citizenship processing time takes between 30-60 days, making it the fastest option. Investors interested in Vanuatu citizenship must make a government donation of $130,000 for a family of up to four applicants, as the cheapest citizenship by investment option.
However, the country has faced some challenges recently due to the political issues, as it still accepts Russian applicants. This caused it to lose its appeal as Vanuatu passport holders no longer have visa-free access to the Schengen Area.
Benefits:
- Applicants can receive their passports within 3 to 6 months.
- Travel to 143 countries with your Vanuatu passport without an additional visa.
- Maintain your citizenship without any stay requirement
8. Turkey Citizenship
- Processing time: 3-4 Months
- Residency requirement: No
- Minimum investment: $400,000
Turkey’s Citizenship by Investment program was launched in 2017 to encourage and attract foreign direct investment in the Turkish economy and stimulate the real estate market.
To qualify for Turkish citizenship by investment, here are some of the investment routes available:
- Acquire at least $400,000 worth of real estate.
- Invest a minimum of $500,000 in fixed capital contributions.
- Deposit at least $500,000 into a Turkish bank account.
The Turkish passport provides visa-free access or visa on arrival to 126 destinations worldwide, including Hong Kong, Japan, and Singapore. However, visa-free travel is not possible in EU countries with a Turkish passport.
Countries with The Fastest Citizenship: Comparison of Investment Options
|
Feature / Country |
St. Kitts & Nevis |
Antigua & Barbuda |
Dominica |
Grenada |
St. Lucia |
Vanuatu |
|
Family Inclusion |
Yes |
Yes |
Yes |
Yes |
Yes |
Yes |
|
Residency Requirement |
No |
5 days in 5 years |
No |
No |
No |
No |
|
Processing Time |
4–6 months |
6–9 months |
6–9 months |
9–12 months |
12–15 months |
1–2 months |
|
Visa-Free Countries |
147 |
143 |
133 |
145 |
139 |
137 |
|
Donation (min.) |
$250,000 |
$230,000 |
$200,000 |
$235,000 |
$240,000 |
$130,000 |
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Frequently Asked Questions on Fastest Citizenship Countries
Which country is the fastest to obtain citizenship?
Vanuatu is the fastest country to obtain citizenship, with its citizenship program. The process can be completed in as little as one month. However, it’s worth noting that Argentina also has a relatively fast process, where citizenship could be granted in as short as two years.
What is the easiest country to get citizenship in Europe?
In Europe, Portugal is considered the easiest country to get citizenship. It offers one of the most affordable investment options for citizenship through Portugal Golden Visa. After you have five years of legal residency, you can apply for citizenship, which grants you an EU passport and the freedom to live, work, and study anywhere in the EU.
Which European country gives the fastest citizenship?
Malta is the European country that gives the fastest citizenship. Its citizenship-by-investment program is the fastest in Europe, allowing individuals to obtain Maltese citizenship in return for a significant financial contribution to the country.
Which country gives the fastest citizenship without investment?
According to the latest data, Argentina gives the fastest citizenship without investing. You can obtain citizenship by birth, descent, or naturalization. By birthright citizenship, you can obtain citizenship without any restrictions. By descent, you have to prove that you have ancestry. When it comes to citizenship by naturalization, you have to live there for two years.
Which country gives free citizenship in Europe?
A free citizenship in Europe can be obtained by birth, descent, marriage, or naturalization. So, almost any country in Europe gives free citizenship, including Portugal, Greece, Italy, and Hungary. However, the requirements can change, and the process can take longer than CBI programs.
What is the fastest citizenship in the world?
The fastest citizenship in the world can be obtained in Cape Verde. If you marry a local, you are granted instant citizenship. This is a unique case and not a common route for most people seeking citizenship.
Which country's citizenship is the most powerful?
The most powerful citizenship is held by Japan. The country grants visa-free or visa-on-arrival access to 193 countries. This means Japanese citizens have the freedom to travel to many countries without the need for a visa.
What are the three most powerful passports?
The three most powerful passports are from Japan (193 countries), Singapore and South Korea (192 countries), and Germany and Spain (190 countries). These countries offer their citizens the most travel freedom, with access to a large number of countries without the need for a visa.
