Sure, money doesn’t buy you happiness, but it’ll buy you a second passport! In fact, there’s quite a few countries across Europe and the Caribbean that offer citizenship in exchange for financial investments. This is known as the Citizen by investment (CBI) program.
Moving abroad is scary enough, but obtaining citizenship through CBI can alleviate some of the headaches that come along with managing visas and insurance, so long as you have the necessary funds.
What investments options are considered under CBI?
Financial investments accepted under CBI programs include real estate purchases, business and bond investments, or contributions to government funds.
Why is being a citizen easier than being on a visa?
There are many ways being a citizen of a country may prove more beneficial than being on a visa, depending on your plans to stay in said country.
Being a citizen offers permanent residence in the country, whereas visas are only temporary. Citizens of a nation have full legal rights in the country, such as voting power and access to healthcare. Those under visas may have to jump through more hoops to get medical care in a foreign country and can’t hold certain positions like public office.
Moreover, if you’re trying to obtain dual citizenship to make it easier to travel, being on a visa can potentially come with certain limitations.
Which countries let you buy a second passport?
These countries offer CBI programs to U.S. citizens, based on different criteria.
- Antigua and Barbuda – $230,000 donation or $300,000 in real estate
- Austria – significant investment
- Cambodia – $240,000 donation or $305,000 investment
- Dominica – $200,000 donation or in real estate
- Egypt – $250,000 donation or $300,000 in real estate
- Grenada – $235,000 donation or $270,000 in real estate
- Jordan – $750,000 in real estate, bonds, bank deposit, investment
- Malta – $640,000 (€600,000) government contribution or in real estate
- North Macedonia – $214,000 donation
- St. Kitts and Nevis – $250,000 in real estate
- St. Lucia – $240,000 contribution
- Turkey – $400,000 in real estate
- Vanuatu – $130,000 donation or in real estate
How long does the CBI process take?
Processing time for CBI can typically take anywhere from three to 12 months. In certain cases it can take even longer.
Do I have to give up my U.S. citizenship?
Most countries with CBI programs allow you to keep your U.S. citizenship, but you will need to check with the specific country’s requirements and regulations.