Fast Citizenship-by-Investment Programs for an Instant Second Passport

We get many requests from people all asking the same questions – how and where can they get the quickest-possible second citizenship?

The answer is almost always the same: they need the world’s fast-track option to a second passport – citizenship by investment. 

We’ve written extensively on whether citizenship by investment might be the right choice for you. 

But if you do believe that it’s a fitting solution, this article covers the fastest programs out there. 

Most citizenship-by-investment programs can offer you two of the three things most people are looking for in a second passport: a fast timeline, a low price and a powerful travel document. 

In this in-depth guide, we’ll start by looking at the passports that provide a fast and affordable pathway to citizenship. 

But it always pays to remember that there is no one-size-fits-all solution to this problem. Everyone’s answer looks different. 

Which means there’s no substitute for a bespoke strategy that’s uniquely tailored to your needs. That’s exactly what we provide so, if you’re considering obtaining a second passport, contact the Nomad Capitalist team. 

Fast and Affordable Citizenship-by-Investment Programs

Dominica

Dominica’s citizenship by investment program offers a reputable, quality passport. In fact, Dominica’s passport is ranked 66th in the world, with access to 133 countries, including Europe’s Schengen Area. 

Taking advantage of strong demand, Dominica decided to increase the price for citizenship from US$100,000 to US$200,000 for a single applicant in June 2024. Unlike its neighbours’ programs, Dominica does not offer government bond investments. However, it has attractive options for making a general donation or purchasing real estate.

If you’re interested in Dominica citizenship, we’d suggest you start now before any further price increases. The good news is that the timeline for citizenship in this Caribbean nation is only three to six months. 

Grenada

Way back in 1997, Grenada established its CBI program, enabling non-citizens to acquire a Grenadian passport through investment in the country. However, in 2001, the program was halted, to be revamped and reintroduced in 2013. 

You can be approved within four months with a one-time donation of US$235,000 for a single applicant and up to three dependents. Plus, there is no requirement to travel to Grenada to qualify. 

While your investment into the national fund is a non-refundable contribution, you can also be granted citizenship by investing at least US$350,000 in approved real estate with a reasonable possibility of making a return on your investment. 

You would not be able to sell your property within five years (if you do, you would lose your citizenship). The Grenada passport is a step up from the passport of Dominica, ranking 63rd in the world with access to 136 countries.

Grenada’s E-2 visa agreement with the United States is an attractive feature of its CBI program. 

This visa is highly sought after, and Grenada is the only country in the Caribbean CBI program to offer it. This presents a good opportunity for individuals looking for the perfect Plan B. However, a substantial investment is required.

Antigua and Barbuda

Antigua and Barbuda offers a similarly priced citizenship by investment with a shorter timeline. For a donation of US$230,000 to the country’s National Development Fund, you can submit your citizenship application and be approved in an average of just three to four months. 

Like in Grenada, if you’re willing to invest substantially more, you can purchase real estate, invest in a local business or donate to the University of the West Indies. 

An investment of at least US$300,000 in an approved real estate project or a joint business investment (totaling US$5,000,000) in which each individual invests at least US$400,000 can also qualify you for a second passport. 

The passport of Antigua and Barbuda is ranked 54th in the world, permitting access to 142 countries, including Europe, much of the Americas and other developed countries. 

St Kitts and Nevis

Just slightly more expensive than the Antigua and Barbuda or Grenada programs, St Kitts and Nevis will exchange a one-time contribution of US$250,000 to the Federal Consolidation Fund for citizenship. 

As the original citizenship-by-investment program, now running for nearly 40 years, St Kitts is regarded as having a well-run model with an average processing time of four to six months. 

The real estate option is almost identical to the other Caribbean programs mentioned, with a US$400,000 price tag stipulating that your property cannot be resold until five years after purchasing.

While still reasonably priced, the St Kitts and Nevis CBI program is not the most affordable option within the Caribbean, and real estate prices are somewhat inflated. Even so, the St Kitts and Nevis passport is ranked 50th, allowing access to 145 countries either without a visa, through a visa on arrival or via an electronically linked visa.

Instant Citizenship for Wealthy Investors

If you can make the required investment, there’s a good chance you will be granted citizenship in any number of countries. 

Here’s the reality: If you want to invest a million dollars, many countries will find a way to open their doors to you. 

Take, for example, Austria’s passport, the 25th most powerful in the world, with visa-free access to 191 countries. With a qualifying investment of between €800,000 and €10 million, it’s far from the best option for your money, and it’s definitely not fast.

The difference between a place in the Caribbean and somewhere like Austria is that the former has faster, more affordable programs. The truth is, Austria doesn’t need anybody else. 

The ultimate question is, what are you trying to accomplish? If you’re trying to find the best program for you, there may be options that don’t require mega-dollar investments. 

Instead of looking for the fastest passport, start with the best.

If you’re looking for a second citizenship but can’t bring yourself to donate to a Caribbean country to get one in months, you might want to consider the alternatives. 

There are now excellent permanent residence programs in interesting off-the-radar countries and emerging markets that can lead to citizenship. 

At Nomad Capitalist, we help seven and eight-figure entrepreneurs and investors legally go where they’re treated best. You can learn more by signing up for our Newsletter or subscribing to our YouTube channel.