Citizenship by Investment 2026: Complete Worldwide Guide
From Caribbean islands to Mediterranean nations: which CBI programs are open in 2026, what they cost, and what you actually get.
Citizenship by investment (CBI) allows qualifying individuals to obtain citizenship and a passport through approved investments or contributions to a country's economy. The concept dates to the 1984 St. Kitts program, but the landscape has evolved significantly. This guide covers programs active in 2026.
How CBI programs work
CBI programs share a basic structure: make a qualifying investment or contribution, pass due diligence screening, and receive citizenship (and passport) after processing. The specifics vary considerably:
- Investment options: Real estate purchase, government bond subscription, donation to national fund, business investment
- Processing time: 2-12 months depending on program and application complexity
- Physical presence: Most programs require little to no physical presence before or after citizenship
- Family inclusion: Spouse, children, and sometimes parents/siblings can be included in applications
The key benefit is a second passport, which provides visa-free travel, Plan B residency options, and (in some cases) tax planning opportunities.
Caribbean programs
The oldest CBI program. Citizenship by Investment Unit requirements: Real estate investment starting at $325,000 (shared ownership allowed) or $400,000 sole ownership, held 7 years. The Sustainable Island State Contribution starts at $250,000 for a single applicant. Processing: 60-90 days. Visa-free access: 150+ countries including Schengen. Note: St. Kitts eliminated the $125,000 donation option in 2023.
Often considered the best value Caribbean program. Economic Diversification Fund contribution: $100,000 single applicant, $150,000 couple, $175,000 family of four. Real estate: $200,000 minimum (approved projects), held 3 years. Processing: 60-90 days. Visa-free access: 140+ countries including Schengen.
Unique advantage: E-2 treaty with the US allows Grenada citizens to apply for E-2 investor visas. National Transformation Fund: $150,000 single, $200,000 family. Real estate: $270,000+ (approved projects). Processing: 90-120 days. Visa-free: 140+ countries including Schengen, China, and Russia.
National Development Fund: $100,000 single applicant (time-limited offer), standard $130,000. Real estate: $300,000 (can be shared between two applicants). Processing: 90-120 days. Visa-free: 140+ countries. Note: Requires 5 days physical presence within first 5 years.
National Economic Fund: $100,000 single applicant. Real estate: $200,000 (approved projects). Government bonds: $300,000 held 5 years. Processing: 90 days. Visa-free: 140+ countries.
European programs
The only EU citizenship-by-investment program. Community Malta Agency requirements: EUR 600,000 contribution (36-month residency track) or EUR 750,000 (12-month track), plus EUR 50,000 charitable donation, plus property purchase (EUR 700,000+) or rental (EUR 16,000+/year for 5 years). Total cost: EUR 1M+ realistic minimum. Processing: 12-36 months. Visa-free: Full EU citizenship, 180+ countries. Note: Very limited annual quota, extensive due diligence, genuinely selective.
Real estate investment: $400,000, held 3 years. Bank deposit: $500,000 held 3 years. Government bonds: $500,000 held 3 years. Processing: 3-6 months. Visa-free: 110+ countries (not Schengen, but e-visa to US). Note: Turkey tightened requirements and increased minimums several times. The program remains popular despite geopolitical complexity.
Other programs
Pacific island nation with fastest processing. Development Support Program contribution: $130,000 single applicant. Processing: 30-60 days (fastest major program). Visa-free: 90+ countries. Note: Vanuatu citizenship doesn't provide EU or UK visa-free access. Useful for certain business purposes and as emergency backup.
Investment in Treasury bonds (JOD 1 million) or company shares/active investment (JOD 1.5 million) or small/medium enterprise (JOD 1 million + 20 jobs). Processing: 3-6 months. Visa-free: Limited (40+ countries). Note: Not a travel document play; more relevant for regional business purposes.
Deposit in Central Bank: $500,000 held 5 years (returned without interest) or $250,000 non-refundable. Real estate: $300,000+ (specific developments). Processing: 6-12 months. Visa-free: Limited. Note: Emerging program with uncertain track record.
Argentina (New 2026)
South America's first CBI. Government contribution: $150,000 + $25,000 fees. Real estate: $200,000. Business investment: $500,000 + job creation. Processing: Claimed 24 months to citizenship. Visa-free: 170+ countries including Schengen. Note: New program, execution unproven.
Due diligence reality
All legitimate CBI programs conduct due diligence on applicants. The intensity varies:
Enhanced due diligence: Criminal record checks, financial background verification, source of funds documentation, political exposure screening. Malta and EU-adjacent programs conduct the most thorough reviews.
Rejection rates: Programs don't publish statistics, but industry estimates suggest 5-15% rejection rates at reputable programs. Higher-risk profiles face longer processing and more questions.
Red flags: Criminal history, sanctions exposure, unverified source of funds, politically exposed person status without adequate documentation, ongoing litigation in home country.
Programs that accept everyone quickly are programs that face international pressure and potential visa-free travel revocation.
What CBI doesn't provide
Automatic tax benefits: Citizenship alone doesn't change your tax residency. Most countries tax based on residency, not citizenship. US citizens are taxed on worldwide income regardless of residence.
Guaranteed visa-free access forever: Countries can and do revoke visa-free arrangements. Several Caribbean programs have faced EU scrutiny.
Privacy from your home country: Many countries have information-sharing agreements. Obtaining a second passport doesn't automatically shield assets or income from your primary tax authority.
Perfect Plan B: Citizenship is different from residency. Having a Dominica passport doesn't mean you can move there tomorrow. Practical residency requires additional planning.
Choosing a program
Match the program to your actual needs:
For visa-free travel: Caribbean programs (Dominica, St. Kitts, Grenada) offer good value. Malta for EU access if budget allows.
For US E-2 access: Grenada is the only Caribbean CBI with an E-2 treaty.
For fastest processing: Vanuatu (30-60 days) or Caribbean programs (60-90 days).
For EU citizenship: Malta is the only option. Expect 12-36 months and EUR 1M+ total cost.
For lowest cost: Dominica ($100,000 contribution) or Vanuatu ($130,000).
Work with licensed agents who specialize in your chosen program. The application process has many technical requirements where professional guidance matters.
