Insights
Getting a second nationality can cost millions of dollars in investments and fees and take years to process. There might even be restrictions requiring history and language tests. Nevertheless, you should not despair. While there are many paths to a second passport, getting it through Citizenship by Investment programs is more accessible. With these programs, you can quickly apply for a new nationality. Still, this is an important investment, and you should carefully weigh the different costs to ensure you make the best decision for you and your family.
This article will reveal the cheapest Citizenship by Investment and its close seconds. We will also explore the different costs your application may include.
Before we explore the least expensive investment-based migration options, let us first examine what Citizenship by Investment is.
Citizenship by Investment is a path to nationality that requires an investment in your new country. Your investment can either boost the country's economy in targeted sectors or improve social welfare.
It's important to note that you may not earn any direct profit from this investment. Instead, the primary benefit is gaining a second nationality, which can offer various advantages such as increased travel freedom, better economic opportunities, and enhanced security for you and your family.
Here are the different costs your application will most likely require:
An important portion of these costs is usually the investment itself. Vanuatu is the cheapest country to buy citizenship in because its investment rates are very low. The country has a $130,000 investment requirement for its Development Support Program option, yet there are other investment options in this country, and other countries offer differing options.
The following are the main types of investments you can make as part of your citizenship application process:
The next largest cost in your application is the due diligence fees. You and other family members who are joining your application will be investigated. This investigation will help the government determine whether you meet their criteria, have a criminal record, and if your investment comes from a legal source. For example, when you apply through the St. Lucia program, you must pay $10,000 in due diligence fees.
Another considerable cost is the government processing fees. The government uses this fee to pay for any procedures required to process your application quickly. Each country sets its own processing fees. For example, while the Dominica minimum investment is $200,000, the processing fees for an individual applicant are only $1,000.
When you apply for Citizenship by Investment, you may require professional help. This help could come from an agent or lawyer, and the government may demand that you use these services whose costs are subjective. While opting out of these services is an option, any mistake you make could delay your application or lead to a rejection. Conversely, these services may streamline your application and help avoid common pitfalls.
Lastly, there are other costs you may need to pay to complete your application. These costs will differ by country. Nevertheless, you can usually expect to pay for a medical examination, insurance coverage, certificate, and passport fee.
Here are some of the cheapest programs you can apply to receive second citizenship:
| Single Applicant | ||
| Country | Minimum Investment | Other Fees |
| Vanuatu | $130,000 | $5,500+ |
| Antigua and Barbuda | $230,000 | $38,500+ |
| St. Lucia | $240,000 | $10,000+ |
| Grenada | $150,000 | $8,000+ |
| Dominica | $200,000 | $8,500+ |
| St. Kitts and Nevis | $250,000 | $10,250+ |
| Family of Four Application | ||
| Country | Minimum Investment | Other Fees |
| Antigua and Barbuda | $230,000 | $43,500+ |
| St. Lucia | $240,000 | $16,500+ |
| Vanuatu | $165,000 | $5,500 |
| St. Kitts and Nevis | $395,000 | $18,250+ |
| Dominica | $250,000 | $12,500+ |
| Grenada | $220,000 | $63,000+ |
With a minimum cost of $135,500, Vanuatu Citizenship by Investment is the cheapest program. This total is based on both the $130,000 investment to their Development Support Program and the $5,500 in due diligence fees. Additionally, while the due diligence fees remain the same for a family of four, the investment increases by $35,000.
The second most inexpensive program is the Antigua and Barbuda Citizenship by Investment. Though it requires an investment of only $230,000 to their National Development Fund, it has processing and due diligence fees worth $38,500. As a family of four, you will need to invest $230,000 and pay $43,500 in processing and due diligence fees. Therefore, it is more expensive than the Vanuatu program.
Another inexpensive program is the St. Lucia Citizenship by Investment. It requires a non-refundable donation of $240,000 to the National Economic Fund. This amount remains the same whether you are a single applicant or wish to include your family (of up to four members) in your application.
What changes are the additional fees? For a family of four, you will need to pay at least $8,000 more than if you were a single applicant.
One of the cheapest countries to buy citizenship is Grenada. Among the Grenada Citizenship by Investment, you should consider the option to purchase shares for $220,000 in a government-approved real estate project. Though this option requires you to maintain your investment for 5 years, you can then sell your shares and recoup your investment.
The Dominica Citizenship by Investment program is also inexpensive. To receive this citizenship, you must make a minimum investment of $200,000 to the Economic Diversification Fund. Furthermore, there are government processing fees worth at least $1,000.
Lastly, you should consider the St. Kitts and Nevis Citizenship by Investment. It only requires a $250,000 donation to the Sustainable Island Contribution or to invest in the Public Benefit Option. Nonetheless, the donation requires less involvement from you. Meanwhile, the Public Benefit Option requires you to invest in a project to benefit the local population through real estate, among other means. Out of the two options, the Public Benefit Option has lower additional fees.
Here are the advantages of getting the Antigua and Barbuda Citizenship by Investment:
As a citizen, you can conduct business freely in this country. According to reports, these islands have had a steadily increasing GDP for the past 9 years. Therefore, you should consider investing in its fastest-growing industries and taking advantage of this positive economic environment. The main well-performing industries include construction, tourism, and other services catering to tourists.
With this citizenship, you will be able to plan your taxes more effectively. Since there is no personal income, capital gains, wealth, or inheritance tax, you can arrange your finances to minimise your tax burden.
Another benefit of getting this citizenship is that it will offer you a second home with a stable political environment. According to reports, these islands have a low-risk rating. In the foreseeable future, there will be no political tension that could cause civil unrest or trigger sanctions.
Lastly, these islands give you access to the luxurious life of a tourist. You can visit many hotels and other tourist attractions.
As much as this country is a tourist destination, it also has good infrastructure, allowing you to live there comfortably on a permanent basis. These islands have a suitable healthcare system and reliable infrastructure.
Malta is the cheapest official EU Citizenship by Investment. It requires a minimum investment of $655,600 (€600,000), a $10,926 (€10,000) donation, and a $764,900 (€700,000) purchase or rent of a property worth $17,500 (€16,000) a year.
The Antigua and Barbuda Citizenship by Investment is the cheapest for a family of four. The investment remains the same as if you applied by yourself. In addition, the other fees are some of the lowest for a family of four.
The cheapest European country in which to buy a passport is Türkiye. In their Citizenship by Investment program, they have a real estate option which only costs $400,000. However, you need to maintain this investment for 3 years.
Now you know that Antigua and Barbuda offer the cheapest Citizenship by Investment. The minimum investment is $130,000 for a single applicant or a family of four. Though this program has a lower price, it means that the passport it offers is still powerful. With this citizenship, you can access their tourism industry, tax planning, and secure yet luxurious lifestyle. Therefore, select your second citizenship with a more holistic approach. With experts, such as Vancis Capital, you can discuss your goals and get guidance for your application. This way, you will find the right citizenship or residency solution to meet your needs.
Get in touch to discuss how we can help you with your citizenship or residency by investment goals. One of our investment migration experts will contact you to discuss your case. With over 16 years of combined experience our team has helped hundreds of families achieve freedom.
