Citizenship by investment, often called CBI, is gaining attention in 2026 as more people look for flexibility in where they can live and travel. The system allows individuals to obtain citizenship in another country by making a financial contribution. This can take the form of a donation to a government fund, an investment in real estate, or support for a national development project. While it may sound like buying a passport, it is important to understand that applicants must first become citizens before they can receive official travel documents. These programmes are legal but differ widely depending on the country.
The idea of selling citizenship is not new. The first official programme was introduced in 1984 by St. Kitts and Nevis, a small Caribbean nation looking for new sources of income. Over time, other countries in the Caribbean followed, including Antigua and Barbuda, Dominica, Grenada, and Saint Lucia. These nations often rely on tourism and limited exports, so citizenship programmes provide an alternative way to generate revenue. In most cases, applicants are not required to live in the country, making the process attractive for those who simply want more travel options. Today, citizenship by investment has grown into a global industry.
The Caribbean remains one of the main regions offering these programmes. In St. Kitts and Nevis, applicants can qualify with a donation of around $250,000 (€231,000) or by investing in approved real estate starting at $325,000 (€300,000). Antigua and Barbuda offers similar options, with contributions starting at $230,000 (€212,000) or property investments from $300,000 (€277,000). Other countries such as Dominica, Grenada, and Saint Lucia also provide comparable opportunities, often without strict residency requirements. These programmes are among the most established and are known for relatively straightforward application processes. However, applicants still need to pass strict background checks.
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Outside the Caribbean, several countries have introduced their own versions of citizenship by investment. Türkiye, for example, grants citizenship to those who invest at least $400,000 (€369,000) in real estate or deposit $500,000 (€461,000) in a bank account for a set period. In the Pacific, Vanuatu offers one of the most affordable options, with a donation starting at around $130,000 (€120,000). Egypt has multiple routes, including a $250,000 (€231,000) donation or larger investments in property or business projects. Other countries such as Jordan ($1.4 million / €1.29 million), North Macedonia (€200,000–€400,000), and Cambodia ($245,000–$305,000 / €226,000–€281,000) also run similar schemes, each with its own rules and costs. These programmes often require investors to keep their assets for several years.
One of the main reasons people consider a second citizenship is travel freedom. According to the Henley Passport Index, passports from countries like Singapore, Japan, and several European Union member states offer access to the highest number of visa-free destinations. This creates a clear gap between stronger and weaker passports. For individuals from countries with limited travel access, a second passport can open doors to more destinations without the need for visas. It can also provide a sense of security and a backup plan in uncertain times. However, the benefits depend heavily on the country offering the citizenship.
Despite its advantages, citizenship by investment is not without controversy. In the past, concerns were raised about security risks, including the possibility of criminals using these programmes to gain easier access to other countries. As a result, stricter rules and background checks have been introduced. Some programmes have even been closed, particularly in Europe, where authorities have taken a stronger stance against selling citizenship. Countries that continue to offer these schemes must now follow tighter regulations to maintain visa-free agreements with other nations. This has made the process more transparent but also more complex.
The market for second citizenship is expected to keep growing, although it is also changing. Prices are rising, and governments are paying closer attention to who is applying. At the same time, demand remains strong among wealthy individuals seeking greater mobility and financial flexibility. While citizenship by investment can offer clear advantages, it is not a simple decision. Costs are high, and the long-term value depends on personal goals, including whether the applicant plans to travel, relocate, or simply hold a second passport as a form of security.
