Global Citizenship By Investment Solutions

Citizenship by Investment and Residency by Investment: How to Get a Second Passport

Investment migration has become one of the most effective ways to secure a second passport or citizenship around the world. For high-net-worth individuals and internationally mobile families, residence and citizenship by investment are a counter against geopolitical risk and unfavourable investment environments. For those approaching or in retirement, citizenship by investment can represent a lifestyle upgrade.

While favourable, ‘easy’ routes to citizenship have always been popular, multiple factors have meant a significant rise in recent years. Many are much more conscious of contingency planning, multi-jurisdictional diversification, market access and global mobility.

• Businesses are considering ‘where to expand’ based on many pressing factors; stability, security, tax, compliance, risk and market access.
• Meanwhile, fast access, optionality and favourable tax environments are additional priorities for investors.
• For retirees and similarly for families, the focus is largely on quality of life, with some emphasis placed on optionality and contingencies.

Where mobility and migration was once the red-tape, it is now the green light. It comes much earlier in the decision-making process.

Caribbean Citizenship by Investment

Caribbean Citizenship by Investment programmes have historically and remain the fastest way to obtain a second passport. These programmes are effectively instant (3–6 months) for qualifying applicants who are willing to donate a set amount to local causes.

• Countries in the Caribbean harmonised their minimum donations in 2024–25, with most programmes now starting at around $200,000. However, this can vary depending on the structure and programme.
• Most Caribbean countries with a programme take around 3–6 months to process your citizenship application.

European Residency by Investment & Golden Visas

Europe has tighter regulations, and citizenship is generally not automatic. Some routes remain relatively easy, but most require a period of reckonable residence and higher minimum investment amounts.

• Malta and Cyprus are the easiest entry in Europe and most closely resemble a ‘citizenship by investment’ route. Time to residency is typically short, granting most of the same rights as citizenship, but citizenship itself normally takes longer.
• Portugal and Greece offer Golden Visa programs that offer a direct route to citizenship. Beyond that, programmes still exist, which is often not realised.
• France, Ireland and Italy, for example, offer direct investor visas that lead to permanent residence and citizenship, but the timelines to both are typically longer, and the investment levels are higher.
• Other countries in Europe, like the UK, have options; they are just more disguised. Contribution is a key factor in the UK. An innovative, viable and scalable business plan, for example, can unlock the Innovator Founder visa. Alternatively, it is partly possible to ‘self-sponsor’ or, more accurately for your business to sponsor you, but you must be Home Office approved and meet multiple other conditions which make it a complicated process.

North American Citizenship by Investment

As in Europe, the USA and Canada do not offer a direct citizenship-by-investment route, but their investor visas offer more favourable terms than some European alternatives. Both have benefits and drawbacks:

• Processing is time-consuming
• The minimum investment amount is high
• Citizenship is not immediate and requires long-term residence
• Applications are heavily scrutinised and compliance-driven

The United States offers the EB-5 Immigrant Investor Program, which leads to a Green Card and eventual citizenship, but typically requires $800,000–$1,050,000 and a multi-year process.

Canada historically offered the Start-Up Visa for founders, but this route is now closed to new applicants. Other Canadian options are more limited and generally require active business involvement rather than passive investment.

Citizenship by Investment vs Residency by Investment? Are They the Same?

• Citizenship by investment (CBI) allows you to obtain a second passport directly through a qualifying contribution or investment, typically without any requirement to live in the country.
• Residency by investment (RBI), often referred to as “golden visas”, grants residence first, with the option to apply for permanent residence or citizenship over time.

Understanding this distinction is critical. Citizenship by investment programmes are designed for speed and simplicity, while residency routes provide access to major economies such as the UK, EU, or US but require long-term planning and compliance.

In practice, the right route depends on your objective. Some applicants prioritise immediate second citizenship, others focus on EU relocation, and many are now exploring founder-led routes that combine business activity with immigration outcomes.

Reasons for Seeking Citizenship by Investment

There are several reasons why people seek Citizenship by Investment applications. It depends on their profile. In most cases, it is a combination of factors, though it typically comes down to one or more of the following:

• Managing risk
• Opportunity
• Security
• Diversification
• Cost
• Compliance
• Contingency

Geopolitical Risk Factors

• Trade and tariff tensions
• Conflicts

Increased Governance

• Regulatory changes
• Compliance overwhelm
• Rising fees for hiring international talent
• Rising export/import costs
• Market access and global mobility

Better Life

• Remote work freedoms
• Lower living costs
• Safety and security
• Work-life balance

Key Considerations Before Choosing a Route

Before selecting a programme, it is important to assess its structure, not just the headline investment figure.

You should consider:

• The minimum investment compared to the total cost, including government fees and due diligence
• The processing timeline and whether expedited options are available
• Whether physical residence is required
• The path to settlement or citizenship, including timelines and conditions
• The long-term stability of the programme, particularly in light of recent regulatory changes

In recent years, several traditional golden visa schemes have been tightened or closed, while others have shifted away from passive real estate investment towards more regulated structures. At the same time, Caribbean citizenship by investment programmes remain active, and founder-led routes are becoming increasingly prominent. Governments value ‘contribution’ differently, and while ‘money talks’ it is not necessarily the only factor in access to a country.

Choosing the Right Investment Migration Strategy

There is no single “best” citizenship or residency by investment programme — only the route that aligns most closely with your objectives, timeline, and long-term plans.

• If your priority is speed and global mobility, Caribbean citizenship by investment programmes remain among the most direct routes.
• If your focus is long-term relocation to Europe, residency by investment routes such as Portugal or France may be more appropriate.
• For those building a business, founder-led visas can offer faster settlement timelines with lower upfront capital, but require genuine and ongoing involvement.

Long-Term Planning Matters More Than Entry Cost

A common mistake is to focus only on the minimum investment. In reality, the long-term structure of the route is far more important. In many cases, the most effective strategy is not the cheapest or fastest option, but the one that provides certainty, flexibility, and a clear path to settlement. You should carefully consider:

• Whether the route leads to permanent residence or citizenship, and how long that takes
• Ongoing requirements such as residence, taxation, or business activity
• The risk of policy changes, particularly in European programmes
• Whether your family members can be included and remain eligible throughout the process

Speak to an Investment Migration Specialist

Investment migration is highly regulated, and small errors in structuring or eligibility can lead to delays, refusals, or unnecessary costs. IAS immigration lawyers are ready to work with you to remove the stress from any immigration process, maximising your chances of a successful outcome.

Whether you are exploring citizenship by investment, residency by investment, or founder-led routes, our specialists can assess your position across jurisdictions, advise on the most suitable programme, and support your application from start to finish.