Information By Country

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Portugal 

One of the oldest countries in Europe, Portugal tops the list of most popular destinations for wealthy expats, looking to purchase a second home abroad. The enchanting coast, rich culture, friendly communities, high quality of life yet low cost of living, unparalleled climate, and a stable economy are among the factors that make Portugal an ideal destination to relocate to. Portugal is becoming an increasingly popular place to buy property, whether for relocation or investment.

After getting a residency permit, non-EU residents can live, work or study in Portugal. They also get visa-free access to Europe's Schengen Area consisting of 26 countries. Portugal offers one of the most attractive Golden Visa Residency program as it can potentially lead to citizenship in a few years. 

How Portugal's Golden Visa Program Stands Out 

Portugal's Golden Visa is one of the most flexible residency-by-investment schemes in Europe, backed and actively promoted by the Portuguese government. The government aims to incentivize foreign investment through this scheme. 

An investor is eligible to apply for citizenship after five years. 

You don't need to live in the country for long durations. 

You have a wide variety of investment options to obtain a residency permit under the Golden Visa Program – real estate being the most attractive one. 

Eligibility criteria for Portugal Golden Visa Scheme

The Golden Visa Scheme offers a 5-year residency permit to non-EU citizens

You must renew your permit in the first year and then the third yea.

You must also spend a minimum of seven days in Portugal for the first year, then no less than 14 days each subsequent two-year period (whether or not they're consecutive during every two years)

You can obtain a residency permit by investing a minimum of €500,000 in real estate. The reduced investment of €350,000 is accepted if you invest in approved real estate projects requiring renovations. Capital transfer of at least 1 million into a Portuguese bank account, €350,000 for research activities of public or private entities, and €250,000 in support of artistic production or the recovery or maintenance of national cultural heritage are some other options you can explore to obtain residency permit under the Golden Visa Scheme

You need to hold the investment for five years

You can apply for citizenship in five years after obtaining a residency permit

Investors may be required to pass a basic language test for citizenship 

Once you obtain citizenship, you'll hold a Portuguese passport that conveys the right to live, work, and study anywhere in the European Union

The applicant's dependents are also eligible to part of his/her application, but for a fee. The dependent children and dependent parents also qualify for the same benefits as you

Key highlights 

· 2012 – Scheme launched 

· €350,000* - Minimum real estate investment

· 5 years – Residency permit duration & then the possibility of citizenship

· 3-8 months – Estimated application processing time 

Portugal real estate market at a glance 

Most European countries were hit hard by the 2007-08 financial crisis, and Portugal was no exception but this small yet vibrant country was among the first to recover. Many real estate markets in Portugal, including its capital city Lisbon, have reported strong growth. High ROI prospects coupled with the attraction of lots of sunshine - right by the water, is a big draw. 

Leading the pack of the most desirable destinations in Portugal for foreign investors is Lisbon which reported an increase of over 9% in real estate prices in 2018 and 2019. The Golden Visa scheme has turned Lisbon into a magnet for foreign investors. This has helped put the city on the map as a top tourist destination. 

Compared to other capital cities in Western Europe including Paris, London, Amsterdam, Berlin, and Madrid, the Lisbon real estate prices are the lowest despite the recent boom in the market. This creates opportunities for global investors, looking for good deals with a prospect of high returns on their investment in the future. 

Why act fast

As the Golden Visa Program is attracting investors, the Portuguese government has announced to tighten the eligibility criteria. The new rules will come into force on January 1, 2022. 

Properties in Lisbon, Porto, and other high-density coastal towns will not qualify for property investments under the Golden Visa scheme

Though the minimum threshold for investment in real estate will not change, it will increase for the investment fund amount option (from €350,000 to €500,000) and capital transfer amount option (from €1 million to €1.5 million) 

Germany 

Rated as the world's second most popular destination for foreigners after the United States, Germany boasts an excellent social welfare system, robust economy, world-class infrastructure, and government-backed programs and laws supporting entrepreneurship. No wonder, Germany is home to nearly 9 million foreign nationals. 

You can obtain German residency by investing in real estate in addition to a non-refundable contribution to a regional development fund. Three years after obtaining residency by investment, you can apply for permanent residency and then citizenship. A German passport is currently one of the most powerful passports in the world, with visa-free or visa-upon-arrival access to nearly 135 destinations.

Eligibility criteria for residency and citizenship by investment in Germany 

The applicant must be at least 18 years old 

The applicant must have no criminal record 

You can obtain temporary residency by buying an off-plan property with a minimum value of €250,000. You then need to contribute a minimum of €100,000 to a regional development fund. So, you can apply for a temporary residency with a minimum investment of €350,000

You need to pass a basic German language test

You can apply for permanent residency 3 years after obtaining temporary residency and citizenship after eight years. Your dependents (children and/or spouse) can apply for permanent residency five years after obtaining temporary residency

For citizenship, you must reside in Germany permanently for at least 8 years

Residency Permit Highlights 

· €350,000 – minimum investment threshold 

· 3-6 months – application processing time for temporary residency by investment

· 3 years – application accepted for permanent residency after obtaining temporary residency 

· 8 years – application accepted for citizenship after obtaining temporary residency

Germany real estate market at a glance 

Low-interest rates, urbanization, healthy household finances, high migration rate, and strong economic growth are keeping the demand strong in real estate markets across Germany. 

Otherwise known as a stable market, Germany has been reporting a strong appreciation in property values since 2015. Germany is the most populated country in Europe, making it one of the largest players in the real estate market.

Malta 

An English-speaking population, 122 square miles of coastline, easy access to cities like Paris and Rome, visa-free access to the European Schengen zone consisting of 26 countries are some of the features that attract investors to Malta. This small archipelago boasts a world-class healthcare system, year-round sunshine, and warm weather, making it a perfect destination to retire. 

You can obtain Malta citizenship with a minimum investment of €700,000 into residential real estate in addition to a minimum contribution of €600,000 to the national development fund set up by the government. Malta Citizenship Program - known as Maltese Citizenship by Naturalization for Exceptional Services by Direct Investment (MEIN) is suitable for ultra-high net worth individuals. 

Eligibility criteria for citizenship-by-investment in Malta

The applicant must first apply for a Malta residency card. The application along with any dependents must apply for citizenship within one year of obtaining the residency card

You can get Malta citizenship by holding the residency card for a minimum of either 12 months or 36 months. The minimum investment threshold for citizenship depends on the length of your residency period

You need to stay in Malta at least 183 days in any one year

The total investment required for Malta citizenship can be broken down into three parts – an exceptional direct investment (non-refundable), real estate investment, and donation (non-refundable). If you want to apply for citizenship in 12 months after obtaining a residency card, you will need to make an exceptional direct investment of a minimum of €600,000. If you want to apply in 36 months, the exception direct investment threshold will be €750,000 for the main applicant. An extra €50,000 is required for each dependent regardless of the residency period

A residential property lease for a minimum of €16,000 per year for 5 years or the purchase of a property for a minimum of €700,000 must be kept for at least 5 years

A donation of €10,000 to a registered sport, cultural, scientific, philanthropic, animal welfare, or artistic non-governmental organization or society

You must hold your real estate investment for a minimum of five years

You must be medically fit and have no criminal record

Global health insurance with a minimum coverage of €50,000

Once you have met these different eligibility criteria including investment and residency period, you can apply for your Maltese Certificate of Naturalization. When you become a naturalized citizen of Malta, you can apply for and receive a Maltese passport

Malta Citizenship Highlights 

· 3: types of investments/contributions required to obtain Malta citizenship

· 183: minimum number of days you must stay in Malta in every one year

· 4: tire due diligence process 

· 180+: countries the UK, USA, and Canada you can travel without a visa after obtaining citizenship

Malta real estate market at a glance 

Malta's real estate market was hardly affected by the 2007-08 financial crisis, a testimony to the country's resilient economy. Malta boasts a fast-growing economy with an average growth of 9.6% in 2014 and 2015, followed by 6.3% from 2016 to 2018. The country enjoys a sustainable boom in real estate markets due to many factors such as a low-interest-rate environment, buoyant disposable income, and the rising number of foreign workers.

Spain

Over 300 days of sunshine, Mediterranean diet, gorgeous sandy beaches, and plenty of investment opportunities are some of the factors that are drawing wealthy individuals and their families to Spain. Considered a retirement heaven by many, the country offers one of the most flexible residency-by-investment programs. It launched the Golden Visa Residence Scheme in 2013. You can get family residency by investing €500,000 in real estate. Renewable every two years, the scheme makes you eligible to apply for permanent residency after five years and citizenship after 10 years. 

Unlike many other European countries, you or your dependents don’t need to reside in Spain for long durations to be eligible for residency under the Golden Visa Scheme; however, if you want to obtain citizenship, you will need to live full time in Spain for 10 years. Permanent residents must live half the year—183 days—in Spain.

Spain has become a lucrative destination for individuals looking for investment opportunities because the real estate prices have started to rebound after hitting rock bottom in the 2007-08 financial crisis. The step taken by the government to incentivize foreign investment has apparently paid dividends as Spain Golden Visa Scheme has become very popular among investors across the world.   

Eligibility criteria for residency-by-investment in Spain 

You must be at least 18 years, have no criminal record, hold medical insurance, and have not previously been refused visas or entry into the Schengen zone

You can obtain temporary residency with any of the four types of investment options – real estate being the most attractive one:  €500,000 in real estate, €1,000,000 in bank      deposit, €1,000,000 in shares, or €2,000,000 in government bonds. If you are choosing the real estate investment path, you can invest €500,000 in more than one property. Alternatively, you can also obtain residency by starting a business that generates employment, contributes to technological and/or scientific innovation, or has a strong socio-economic impact

You need to visit Spain only once every year to renew the residency permit

The spouse, children aged below 18 years, and dependents (parents upon financial proof that      they are dependent) are eligible for applying for residency permit along with the main applicant

After investing in a property in Spain, your residency permit will be processed very quickly. You will get the permit for one year. You will need to visit Spain in person within the first year to renew the visa for the next two years

While the applications for citizenship are accepted after the applicant has lived for 10 years, nationals from certain countries can apply for fast-track citizenship. The countries include Mexico, Peru, Argentina, Philippines, Cuba, Bolivia, Chile, Colombia, Costa Rica, Dominican Republic, Ecuador, El Salvador, Guatemala, Honduras, Venezuela, Panama, and Paraguay. The nationals from these countries can apply for citizenship after living full-time in Spain for 730 days (approximately 2 years). 

Key Benefits

Applications filed under the Spain Golden Visa Scheme are usually processed within 60 days. 

Visa-free access to Europe’s Schengen Area consisting of 26 countries.

You can work, live, or study in Spain.

You don’t have to stay in Spain to renew your residency permit.

Your spouse and dependents are eligible to visit or stay in Spain with you. 

You don’t need to make any non-refundable donations. 

Key Highlights 

2013 – the year Spain Golden Visa Scheme was launched 

60 Days – Average application processing period 

5 years – temporary      residency permit duration 

€500,000 – Real estate investment threshold

Real estate market in Spain at a glance 

Spain has reported a modest, yet steady gain in real estate prices since 2015. With GDP growth predictions in the coming years, Spanish real estate markets will likely continue to boom on the back of economic growth and more savings available with local residents to buy properties. 

Antigua & Barbuda

Antigua and Barbuda is one of the Caribbean's most prosperous nations, primarily due to the tourism industry and offshore financial services. Being the ninth largest country in the Caribbean with a combined size of 442 square kilometers and a population of over 80,000, Antigua and Barbuda offer investors unapparelled opportunities to obtain citizenship for them and their entire family with a very low-cost investment.

You and your family get a second passport with citizenship that allows visa-free travel to nearly 150 countries including Hong Kong, the UK, Europe's Schengen Area, and Singapore. While you will be eligible to get citizenship by contributing a non-refundable amount of US$100,000 to the National Development Fund, you can consider the real estate investment route if you want returns on your investment along with second citizenship. You will be eligible to apply for Antigua citizenship by investing US$200,000 in any approved real estate project. 

The country is home to some of the most beautiful white and pink sand beaches in the Caribbean. There are plenty of hiking trails. Comparatively low humidity, active nightlife, mouth-watering cuisine, English-speaking population, and affordable homes close to the beaches make Antigua and Barbuda one of the best places to retire. 

Eligibility criteria for citizenship-by-investment in Antigua

• A non-refundable contribution of US$100,000 to the island’s National Development      Fund. 
• A contribution of a minimum of US$150,000 to the University of the West Indies
• An investment in real estate with a minimum value of US$200,000. 
• Antigua also offers the options of joint investment. You can jointly invest US$400,000 (each applicant needs to invest a minimum of $200,000).
• You need to hold the investment for at least five years. 
• You can also obtain citizenship by taking over an approved existing business by investing a minimum of US$1.5 million. The joint investment threshold is US$5 million with each applicant investing a minimum of $400,000. 
• You and your family need to reside at least 5 days within the first five years. 
• Application processing time is usually 3-4 months. 
• You should be of outstanding character and have no criminal record.
• The main application should be high net worth
• You should be in excellent health 

Key Benefits

• The main applicant’s spouse, one unmarried sibling, dependent children (under 30) dependent parents (aged 55 or above) are eligible for citizenship along with you. 
• Visa-free travel to nearly 150 countries 
• Second citizenship 
• Low-cost investment option 
• No requirement of a lengthy stay on the island to be eligible for citizenship
• Faster application processing time
• No need to be physically present on the island for application processing
• No taxes on world income 

Key Highlights

• 2012: the citizenship-by-investment program was launched 
• 3-4 months: the application processing time
• US$100,000: minimum investment/contribution to be eligible for citizenship
• 5 years: Minimum investment holding period
• 5 days: Minimum stay period within first five years
• 150 countries: Right of free movement with an Antigua passport.  

Antigua & Barbuda real estate market at a glance 

Antigua has reported high rental price growth and fastest growth as a tourist destination in the Caribbean on the back of the citizenship-by-investment program since the program’s launch in 2012. As the island has direct flights to popular destinations such as the USA, Canada, and Europe, it has emerged as a desirable destination for high-net-worth individuals looking to invest in the tourism industry. The 95 miles of sun-soaked coastline features many beach-facing properties and some of the Caribbean's most luxurious hotels. 

Greece

The world’s first democracy – Greece – is now a popular destination for foreign nationals for several reasons including its breath-taking tourist spots, super affordable cost of living, exquisite cuisine, rich culture and heritage, and an excellent healthcare system. 

Greece offers one of the most flexible and lowest-cost Golden Visa Residency Programs in Europe. You and your family are eligible for a 5-year-residency permit under the scheme with a minimum real estate investment of just €250,000. Unlike many other European countries, Greece’s Golden Visa Program doesn’t require any minimum stay period. The visa is renewable after every five years. The permit entails visa-free travel to Europe’s Schengen Area. You and your family have the right to live, study, or work in Greece. 

Eligibility criteria for citizenship-by-investment in Greece

• A minimum investment of €250,000 in real estate. 
• Two other real estate investment options are either a 10-year lease agreement or a 10-year time-sharing agreement for hotel accommodation. 
• Alternatively, a minimum of €400,000 capital contribution to a company with a registered office in Greece. 
• A capital contribution with a minimum value of €400,000 to a real estate investment company
• A capital contribution with a minimum value of €400,000 to a closed-end investment company
• Term deposit of a minimum value of €400,000 to a domestic credit institution, for at least      one year, with a standing order for renewal
• Other options include the purchase of Greek government bonds, shares/ bonds of Greek government bonds, units of an incorporated Greece mutual funds, and shares/units of      an alternative investment fund with a minimum purchase value ranging from €400,000 to €800,000.
• The applicant must be 18 years or older
• The applicant must have no criminal record and be of good character. 
• The applicant must have a medical insurance policy covering co-applicants (family members) in Greece. 

Key Benefits 

• Most flexible Golden Visa Program in Europe
• Low-cost real estate investment option 
• No need to visit Greece in order to apply for Golden Visa 
• No minimum lengthy stay requirement for renewing residency permit after every five years. 
• Right to live, work, or study in Greece
• Visa free access to Europe’s Schengen zone.
• The residence scheme allows you to include in the program your spouse, children under the age of 21, the principal applicant’s parents and parents-in-law.
• Investor-friendly taxation regime.
• Specific incentive programs for retirees, digital nomads, and foreign nationals from many other segments. 

Key Highlights

• 2013: Greece Golden Visa Residency Program launched 
• €250,000: Minimum real estate investment threshold
• 5 years: Residency permit period. Renewable after every 5 years. 
• 0 days: minimum stay period requirement 

Greece real estate market at a glance

More than 300 days of sunshine per year, azure waters and Mediterranean landscapes have turned Greece into a popular tourist destination. With nearly 10,000 Golden Visa applications processed in seven years – drawing about 25,000 foreign nationals, Greece offers excellent investment opportunities in all types of real estate including commercial, retail, and residential. 

Montenegro

A small country of nearly 650,000 people in Eastern Europe, Montenegro is famous for black mountains, sun-drenched beaches, and about 300 km of coastline among several other things. The country is a tourist hotspot and attracts millions of international visitors each year. 

Many investors are also drawn to the Montenegro citizenship program amid reports that the citizenship may potentially lead to the right of free movement across European Union in the near future. Two years after its separation from the State Union of Serbia in 2006, Montenegro applied for EU membership.

Eligibility criteria for citizenship-by-investment in Montenegro

• A minimum investment of €250,000 in an approved real estate project. The minimum investment threshold depends on your choice of location for purchasing real estate.      While in the Central and North Region, the threshold is €250,000, it can go up to €450,000 in the coastal region. 
• In addition to the real estate investment, the applicant is also required to donate a minimum of €100,000 to the government funds. 
• No minimum stay-period is applicable. 
• You, your spouse and children up to the age of 18 years are eligible to apply for citizenship      in one application. 
• The average application processing time is 3-4 months.
• The applicant should have no criminal record and may be required to submit proof establishing the source of funds used for the real estate investment. 
• Montenegro is geographically located in Europe, but is currently not part of European      Union (EU). However, a Montenegro passport entitles you to visa-free access to nearly 137 countries. 

Key Benefits

• Immediate citizenship. No need to go through the residency permit route
• A second passport provides you visa-free access to nearly 137 countries
• Faster application process time compared to other European countries 
• The application is allowed to include spouse and dependent children

Key Highlights 

• 2019: Citizenship-by-investment scheme was launched by Montenegro
• €250,000: Minimum real estate investment threshold
• €100,000: Non-refundable donation required

Montenegro real estate market at a glance

Tourism is the main driving force behind Montenegro’s real estate market in most locations as the sector accounts for about 20% of GDP. The coastal areas of Kotor, Tivat, Budva, Herceg Novi, and Bar are key destinations that draw real estate investors in large numbers. The real estate markets in the coastal areas showed no sign of slowdown even during the COVID-19 pandemic. The World Tourism and Travel Council (WTTC) placed Montenegro first on its list of countries where tourism is a strategic industry. Tourism in the country is expected to grow at a rate of 8.8 percent over the next ten years, according to reports.

Turkey

Turkey is known for its high mountains, gigantic coastline, transcontinental location, traditional bazaars, and mouthwatering cuisine among many other things. Turkey is one of the few countries with citizenship-by-investment programs that has an E2 Visa treaty with the USA. The treaty allows Turkish citizens to apply for US residency by making a business investment. 

Turkey is a reliable economy, characterized by stable growth. The Turkish government actively promotes schemes meant to incentivize foreign investment in real estate. Citizenship-by-investment is one of those schemes that enables foreign investors to obtain citizenship with a real estate investment of just $250,000. 

Eligibility criteria for citizenship-by-investment in Turkey

• Minimum real estate investment of $250,000 
• Alternatively, a bank deposit or capital investment with a minimum value of $500,000
• Alternatively, a business generating at least 50 jobs in Turkey makes you eligible to apply for citizenship 
• The applicant is required to hold the investment for a minimum of three years. 
• The application processing may take up to 6 months, but in most cases, it takes no more      than 3-4 months. 
• Your spouse and dependent children are also eligible for citizenship
• You will first get a residency permit before being eligible to apply for citizenship
• There is no minimum stay period requirement to obtain residency permit as well as citizenship 

Key benefits 

• One of the lowest cost citizenship-by-residency program in the world 
• Visa-free travel to over 110 countries
• Possibility of getting a business person visa for the UK and eventually a citizenship 
• As a Turkey citizen, the E-2 investor visa enables you to obtain a residency permit for the      USA. 
• Turkey can potentially become part of the European Union in the near future. If this happens (a strong possibility), you will get visa-free access to Europe. 
• No need for wealth declaration

Key Highlights

• 2017: Turkey citizenship-by-investment scheme was launched 
• $1M: Initial minimum real estate investment threshold 
• 2019: Minimum real estate investment threshold reduced to $250,000

Cyprus 

Mediterranean weather with 365 days of sunshine, the lowest crime rate in Europe, comparatively low cost of living, favorable tax regime, and the opportunity to enjoy a relaxed, laid-back lifestyle make Cyprus a dream destination for those looking for a place to retire. Cyprus offers the fastest procedure to obtain citizenship. With a real estate investment of €2 million (excluding VAT), you can obtain Cyprus citizenship within six months and a second passport that entails free movement throughout European Union. 

Alternatively, you can apply for a residency permit with a non-refundable contribution of €300,000. It means Cyprus promotes two types of Golden Visa Schemes with real estate investment being the more attractive route for high-net worth individuals. 

Cyprus – the third largest island in the Mediterranean Sea with nearly 50 blue-flagged beaches – is one of the few EU countries where English is widely spoken. As the Golden Visa Scheme and favorable environment for business growth is attracting more and more entrepreneurs and digital nomads, Cyprus now features diverse communities where you will find it easy to meet like-minded people and develop social ties. 

Eligibility criteria for citizenship by investment in Cyprus 

• A minimum investment of €2 million in approved real estate projects. Your real estate investment can be in a single property or several properties, but the investment      amount should add up to the threshold. 
• In additional to the real estate investment, the applicant must donate €100,000 to the Cypriot Government Research and Development Fund and another €100,000 to the      Cypriot Land Development Organization
• While spouse and children can be included in the citizenship application at no additional      cost, the applicant has to invest an additional €500,000 to include parents. 
• You should hold the investment for five years after which you can reduce it to €500,000. You must hold the reduced investment for life. 
• The citizenship application is processed within six months after you meet the investment      criteria. 
• There is no need to visit Cyprus in person to apply for citizenship; however, you must hold the residency permit for six months. 

Key Benefits 

• Direct citizenship for you and your family 
• Fastest application processing for citizenship
• Dual citizenship allowed 
• Free movement across EU
• No tax if you maintain residency in another country 
• No inheritance taxes
• No minimum stay-period requirements

Cyprus real estate market at a glance 

The main driver of the country’s economy is the tourism sector. Compared to popular second-home destinations in Europe including Spain and Portugal, Cyprus housing market is affordable. For this reason, Cyprus offers investors a great opportunity to obtain citizenship by investing in real estate and at the same time, prospects of good return on their investment. Seafront properties and second homes in master planned communities are particularly popular among foreign investors. 

Grenada 

The only Caribbean country to have an E-2 Investor Visa Treaty with the USA, Grenada has emerged as the latest investment hot-spot for foreign nationals – particularly those looking to obtain easy access to the USA and visa-free or visa-on-arrival travel to nearly 145 countries including China, Hong Kong, Singapore, the UK, and Europe’s Schengen Area. In fact, Grenada is the only country that entails visa-free access to China. You can obtain Grenada citizenship with an investment of $220,000 in a government-approved real estate project, or a non-refundable contribution of $150,000 to the country’s development fund. 

The lower investment threshold and comparatively fewer restrictions have made Grenada a popular citizenship-by-investment scheme. Since the scheme’s launch in 2013, many foreign individuals have obtained a second passport that entails them to operate a substantial business in the U.S and reside there. 

Grenada is known for pristine rainforests, mountainous terrains, craggy coastline, location outside of the hurricane belt, plenty of beautiful beaches, and friendly local communities. It makes this island of over 1 million people very popular among expats looking for a place to retire in the Caribbean.

Eligibility criteria for citizenship-by-investment in Grenada

• There are two options to obtain Grenada citizenship – first is by a contribution to a project that benefits the economy, and the second by a real estate investment.
• The first option requires the applicant to contribute a minimum of $150,000 to economically beneficial projects in sectors like renewable energy, agriculture,      infrastructure, and tourism. The contribution amount depends on the number of applicants in a single application (the main applicant and his/her family). The amount will increase for additional applicants.
• The second option requires a minimum investment of $220,000 in real estate projects such as hotels, villas and resorts. No additional amount is to be paid for co-applicants      (family).
• The application processing time is usually 3-4 months. 
• Dual citizenship is allowed
• The main application should be over 18 years of age. 
• The main applicant’s spouse, children, parents, and grandparents are eligible to apply for citizenship. 
• The applicant is required to permanently reside in Grenada. 
• The applicant should have no criminal record and be in excellent health
• The applicant should be of high net worth. 

Key Benefits 

• Citizenship in 90 days 
• Eligibility to apply for the USA E-2 Visa which entails Grenada citizens to live and operate a business in the USA.
• Visa-free or visa-on-arrival travel to nearly 144 countries including the UK and Europe’s Schengen 
• No inheritance tax, capital gains tax and wealth tax.
• Freedom to include family members in the application
• Dual citizenship
• No restrictions based on the original citizenship of the applicant. 

Key Highlights 

• 2013: Citizenship-by-Investment Act was passed
• $150,000: Investment/contribution threshold 
• $220,000: Real estate investment threshold 
• 90 Days: Citizenship for eligible investors

Grenada real estate market at a glance

Grenada is largely a tourism-based economy. The citizenship-by-investment program has fueled the tourism industry with an increasing number of wealthy individuals investing in luxury resorts and hotels. This makes Grenada one of the most sought-after real estate markets in all of the Caribbean.

St Kitts and Nevis

St Kitts and Nevis has been running a citizenship by investment program since 1984 – one of the first Caribbean countries to introduce one. While most Caribbean countries feature pristine beaches, beautiful tropical forests, and friendly locals, St Kitts and Nevis stand out in many respects. This two-island country’s passport is the strongest among all Caribbean countries with citizenship-by-investment programs. A St Kitts and Nevis citizen enjoys visa-free or visa-on-arrival access to 156 countries including the European Union, the United Kingdom, Ukraine, Russia and practically all of South America.

What makes St Kitts and Nevis even more attractive to wealthy individuals is the low investment threshold and super-fast citizenship application processing. You can obtain St Kitts and Nevis in 60 days or less. 

Eligibility criteria for citizenship by investment in Grenada

• St Kitts and Nevis offers two options to foreign nationals looking to obtain citizenship, the      first option is real estate investment, and the second option is a contribution to the Sustainable Growth Fund Contribution.
• A real estate investment of at least $200,000 when you opt for a minimum investment holding period of 7 years, or $400,000 for five years. 
• The investment must be in an approved real estate development project. 
• Alternatively, a non-refundable contribution of $150,000 for the main applicant, and      $195,000 for a family of four including the main applicant. 
• Additional fees ranging from $4,000 to $10,000/applicant may be applicable.
• Dependents under the age of 30 and parents and grandparents over the age of 55 can be included in the citizenship application.

Key Benefits

• Visa-free or visa-on-arrival access to nearly 155 countries 
• No inheritance, capital gains, or wealth taxes 
• Expedited application processing. 
• Financial privacy if you are planning to operate an offshore business here. The government won’t public any information about business ownership. 
• Flexible business incorporation rules.
• No minimum residency or visits required to maintain citizenship 
• Dual citizenship is allowed. 
• Full citizenship for family, children, parents, and grandparents. 

Key Highlights 

• 1984: St Kitts and Nevis launched the citizenship-by-investment program
• 155: the number of countries where you can travel visa-free or visa-on-arrival with a St      Kitts and Nevis passport
• 0: Inheritance or wealth tax 
• 60 Day: Processing time for citizenship-by-investment application 

St Kitts and Nevis real estate market at a glance 

As the low-cost citizenship-by-investment program has contributed to getting St Kitts and Nevis recognized as a popular tourist destination in the Caribbean, the real estate values have reported a steep appreciation over the past few years, particularly in the hospitality sector. Despite this boom, St Kitts and Nevis properties remain affordable compared to many other Caribbean countries. This offers investors opportunities to potentially enjoy fast capital appreciation by investing in many ongoing real estate projects.  

Dominica

Dominica offers one of the lowest-cost citizenship-by-investment programs in the Caribbean. You can obtain Dominican citizenship by contributing a non-refundable amount of $100,000, but the more attractive option is citizenship through real estate investment. A minimum investment of $200,000 can get you and your family second citizenship for life, and also visa-free or visa-on-arrival access to more than 150 countries including Europe’s Schengen zone, the UK, Hong Kong, Singapore, Malaysia, and Turkey. Favorable tax environment is also one of the factors that draw expats to this island country.

Eligibility criteria for citizenship by investment in Dominica 

• Dominican citizenship      can be obtained through two types of investment – either a non-refundable contribution to the Economic Diversification Fund (EDF), set up by the      government for supporting various socio-economic projects, or real estate investment. 
• A minimum contribution of $100,000 for the main application to the EDF is required. An additional amount of $75,000 if the spouse is added to the application. A contribution of $200,000 will entail citizenship for three family members in addition to the main applicant. If the number of applicants is more than 4, an additional amount of $25,000 per family member is applicable. 
• The real estate investment threshold is $200,000. In addition, the applicant must also pay      various government fees which range from $25,000 to $75,000 depending on the number of applicants in a single application.
• The investment must be in a government-approved project, usually a hotel, resort, or a tourist accommodation. 
• The main applicant must be 18 years or older and should have no criminal record. 
• The application processing period is usually 3 months. 

Key Benefits 

• Low investment threshold 
• A Dominican passport entails visa-free or visa-on-arrival entry into over 120 countries 
• No taxes on worldwide income if you reside less than six months per year. 
• Fast citizenship application processing. 
• Dual citizenship
• No minimum stay-period requirements 

Key Highlights 

• 2015: The real estate option was allowed under the citizenship-by-investment program
• $100,000: Investment threshold
• 150 Countries: You can visit visa-free or visa-on-arrival
• 3 Years: Minimum investment holding perio

Dominica real estate market at a glance

Real estate markets in Dominica have been particularly popular among buyers from North America and the UK, but as the country is gaining recognition as one of the best tourist attractions in the Caribbean, an increasing number of real estate investors with many other nationalities are investing in the government-approved luxury real estate projects. They are drawn to Dominica by the low-cost investment threshold as well as faster capital appreciation prospects. 

St Lucia

St Lucia is known for mesmerizing Piton mountains, pristine beaches, rainforests, and beautiful waterfalls. St Lucia is not only a popular tourist destination in the Caribbean, but also rated as one of the best places to retire in. Citizenship by Investment program makes this beautiful island even more alluring to foreign nationals as the investment/contribution options for obtaining citizenship start at just $100,000. 

Many expats purchase second homes in St Lucia due to easy connectivity with the rest of the world, unlike many other Caribbean countries. There are direct flights to the US, UK, Canada, and Germany. 

Eligibility criteria for citizenship by investment in Dominica 

• A foreign resident can apply for citizenship through four types of investment. 
• A non-refundable contribution of $100,000 for a single applicant, $140,000 for a couple,      and $150,000 for a family of four. If the number of applicants is more than four, an additional contribution of $15,000 is required from each additional dependent.
• A minimum investment of $300,000 in a government-approved real estate project. 
• You will need to hold the real estate investment for at least five years. The same is true for government bonds. 
• A minimum investment of $500,000 in government issued non-interest-bearing bonds ($250,000 in the COVID Relief Bond with a five-year hold period until December 31,      2021). 
• A minimum investment of $3.5 million for a sole investor, and $6 million for joint investment (with each partner contributing at least $1 million) in an enterprise project.
• Additional fees and charges are applicable depending on the number of applicants and their age for each investment option.
• You must have no criminal record.
• The applications are processed within 3 months in most cases. 

Key Benefits

• Lower investment threshold compared to many other Caribbean countries 
• Visa-free or visa-on-arrival travel to nearly 145 countries including Hong Kong,      Singapore, the UK, and Europe’s Schengen Area.
• Fast application processing
• Freedom to include family members
• No taxes on inheritance or income from abroad. 
• A wide range of investment options 
• No minimum stay-period requirements

Key Highlights 

• 2016: Citizenship by Investment Scheme was launched by St Lucia
• $100,000: Investment/contribution threshold
• 144 Countries: Visa-free or visa-on-arrival travel with a St Lucia passport 
• $0: Inheritance or wealth tax 

St Lucia real estate market at a glance

Since the government’s primary objective behind offering citizenship to foreign nationals through real estate investment is to strengthen the tourism industry, you will find the majority of pre-approved projects to be hotels, resorts, or boutique properties. Their prices usually start at $300,000 – the investment threshold for citizenship. St Lucia is stunningly beautiful and a big draw for international tourists. Despite this, St. Lucia’s property prices are about 40% to 60% lower compared to neighboring Barbados that doesn’t have a citizenship-by-investment program. This leaves plenty of room for capital appreciation in the near future.