Find programmes, countries, sources, and verification notes.

Cyprus offers investment-based permanent residence and an income-based renewable Pink Slip; neither grants citizenship directly.

Investors seeking the most affordable CBI with Schengen access. No UK requirement. Budget-conscious second passport. Short RE holding (3 years).

Egypt citizenship by investment programme. Arab Republic of Egypt (North Africa / Middle East; transcontinental — Sinai Peninsula in Asia)

Crypto/Bitcoin investors with significant holdings seeking territorial tax base + Schengen access + 0% Bitcoin CGT. Very niche use case.

Georgia offers property-based residence from USD 150,000 and separate HNWI tax residency, with no minimum stay for the property permits.

Greece offers renewable Schengen residence from EUR 250,000 on specialist routes, with no annual stay needed to maintain the permit.

Investors targeting the US market via E-2 Treaty. Only Caribbean CBI that unlocks a US business visa pathway. Also good for Schengen + UK access.

Budget-conscious EU Schengen residency with zero presence. 9% corporate tax for business structuring. Alternative to Greek GV for investors accepting Orbán political risk.

Italy combines a residence-by-investment visa with separate flat-tax regimes for qualifying new residents and foreign pensioners.

Arab-world investors specifically needing Jordanian citizenship for MENA connectivity and regional business operations.

Programme information pending.

Latvia provides renewable investor residence from EUR 50,000, with annual re-registration and a pending but not-yet-effective reform.

Malta's MPRP provides indefinite Schengen residence with no annual stay requirement, broad family inclusion and a structured property-and-contribution package.

Investors wanting Pacific CBI alternative to Vanuatu with better mobility (101 countries including UAE, HK, Singapore). Only for high risk-tolerance investors.

HNWIs seeking Five Eyes Pacific passport + strong APAC connectivity + clean/safe lifestyle + 5-year citizenship pathway.

Panama offers investment, treaty, employment and pension residence routes within a territorial-tax, US-dollar economy.

Paraguay offers direct permanent investor routes and a standard temporary-to-permanent pathway within a territorial-tax system.

Early retirees and digital nomads (40+) wanting affordable Southeast Asia permanent residency. Excellent lifestyle and low cost of living. Flexible — deposit can be converted to property.

HNWIs seeking EU residency with pathway to Portuguese/EU citizenship in 5 years. IFICI tax regime attractive for high global income. Minimal stay requirement (7 days/year).

Budget-conscious investors wanting the world's cheapest CBI with Schengen access. CPLP strategic value (Portugal/Brazil preferential access). Crypto-friendly source of funds.

Sierra Leone citizenship by investment programme. Republic of Sierra Leone (West Africa; member of ECOWAS and the Commonwealth)

UHNWI ($50M+ net worth) wanting Asia-Pacific hub + world's strongest passport. Wealth management center. Genuine business interest in Singapore/APAC essential.

LatAm HNWIs (2-year Spanish citizenship pathway). Expats using Beckham Law for 6 years of 24% flat tax. High-net-worth investors with €1M+ in financial instruments.

Non-EU investors seeking a strong second passport with Schengen+UK access, zero tax obligation, and zero residency requirements. Best established CBI brand globally.

HNWIs preferring the refundable bond route for capital preservation. Schengen access maintained. UK travel no longer possible visa-free.

Residence for qualifying financially independent foreigners through a negotiated annual lump-sum taxation agreement; no capital investment route.

HNWIs wanting Southeast Asia lifestyle base with 10-year visa security. Remote professionals. Retirees with $250k–$500k Thai investment. No daily presence required.

MENA/OIC investors seeking Islamic finance-compatible jurisdiction with strong regional connectivity. RE in Istanbul + citizenship combo. 111 visa-free countries.

The UAE Golden Visa provides renewable long-term residence through investment, business, professional or talent categories, with no minimum stay to maintain the permit.

Uruguay offers legal residence through income, investment, work or family ties and a legally separate set of investment-based tax-residence incentives.

Non-US investors with genuine desire to live and work in the USA. US market access. Children's education in US. Non-Chinese/Indian nationals (no backlog).

ONLY suitable for investors needing the fastest possible passport at minimum cost, with Asia-Pacific/Africa travel focus and NO requirement for EU/Schengen/UK access.

One of the strongest Caribbean CBI programmes for families, with dependants up to age 30, flexible family inclusion and competitive overall costs. Antigua & Barbuda also offers strong global mobility, including visa-free access to the Schengen Area and the UK. In my view, it remains one of the best-balanced CBI programmes in the Caribbean. Timeline: Typically 7 to 9 months.

Permanent residence and tax residency route requiring a local place of abode, at least 30 days’ annual presence, USD 100,000 minimum annual income and a USD 20,000 annual flat tax. Timeline: 4 - 5.

Bolivia does not operate a formal golden visa. Foreign nationals may obtain temporary residence under the country's general immigration framework on qualifying grounds such as work, business activity, family links and other recognised purposes. Temporary residence may be granted for up to three years, after which qualifying residents may apply for permanent residence. Timeline: Typically 1–3 months, depending on the residence category, documentation and DIGEMIG processing..

Ultra-low-cost Southeast Asia base. Digital nomads. Crypto entrepreneurs. ASEAN market access. No presence requirement. Timeline: 1–3 months.

Cyprus offers both temporary and permanent residence options for non-EU nationals. The Pink Slip provides renewable residence for financially independent applicants, Category F offers a traditional income-based permanent residence route, while Regulation 6(2) provides accelerated permanent residence through a qualifying €300,000 investment. Timeline: Pink Slip: approx. 4-6 months. Fast-Track PR: generally several months. Category F: significant processing backlog..

Dominica CBI offers From USD 200,000. Timeline: 4 - 6.

Egypt Citizenship by Investment Programme offers From USD 250,000 (non-refundable donation route); other routes range up to USD 500,000 (see 'Investment Options' tab). Visa-free / visa-on-arrival access reported in a wide range across sources (approximately 50 destinations); US E-2 Investor Visa Treaty eligibility (Egypt–US treaty signed 27 June 1992) Timeline: Typically 6–12 months for the main applicant; approximately 24 months in total for an included spouse due to the mandatory 2-year waiting period.

El Salvador Freedom Passport offers fast-track citizenship through a USD 1,000,000 contribution payable in Bitcoin (BTC) or USDT. Includes family eligibility and access to 131 visa-free/visa-on-arrival destinations, including the Schengen Area, Japan, Singapore and Hong Kong. Timeline: Among the fastest in the world: approximately 6–8 weeks from application to passport, fully remote.

Georgia offers renewable property-based residence from USD 150,000 and an initial 5-year investment residence permit from USD 300,000, both without a minimum-stay requirement. A separate HNWI programme can establish Georgian tax residency without the standard 183-day test for applicants who satisfy its asset or income criteria. Timeline: Processing time varies by route; no verified timeline is supplied..

A renewable 5-year Greek residence permit with no minimum stay for maintenance. Entry starts at EUR 250,000 for specified conversion, restoration, bond, startup and fund routes, while mainstream real estate is tiered at EUR 400,000 or EUR 800,000 by location. Timeline: 8–14 months.

Grenada Citizenship by Investment Programme (CBI) offers From USD 235,000 (National Transformation Fund contribution, single applicant or family of up to 4). Visa-free / visa-on-arrival access to 140+ destinations, including the Schengen Area, UK, China (30 days), Hong Kong and Singapore Timeline: 6–8 months.

Budget-conscious EU Schengen residency with zero presence. 9% corporate tax for business structuring. Alternative to Greek GV for investors accepting Orbán political risk. Timeline: 3–5 months.

This record combines three distinct Italian tools: a non-EU Investor Visa from EUR 250,000, a EUR 300,000 annual substitute tax for qualifying new residents, and a 7% foreign-income regime for pensioners relocating to eligible Southern municipalities. Immigration status and tax elections remain separate. Timeline: 3–5 months (move + registration).

Arab-world investors specifically needing Jordanian citizenship for MENA connectivity and regional business operations. Timeline: 4–7 months.

Kyrgyzstan offers a simplified citizenship pathway for qualifying applicants with former USSR links. The route is based on origin and historical citizenship connections rather than investment. The process is presented as taking from 7 months and requires three short visits to Bishkek. Timeline: From 7 months.

Latvia offers EU/Schengen residence through qualifying investment. From 15 September 2026, the long-standing real-estate and bank-deposit Golden Visa routes close to new applicants. The company-equity route remains available from €50,000 plus a €10,000 state payment, although the permit is reduced to up to two years. A new €150,000 alternative investment fund route is legislated but is not yet operational. Timeline: Approximately 3–4 months.

Malta's MPRP grants indefinite residence status with a 5-year renewable card and no minimum stay. The rental route is approximately EUR 169,000 before legal and ancillary costs, alongside a separate asset test; MPRP is distinct from Malta's citizenship and tax regimes. Timeline: Officially 4-6 months; realistic full processing may extend to approximately 12 months.

Nauru Economic and Climate Resilience Citizenship Program offers USD 90,000 for a single applicant under the temporary Iruwa Initiative discount (available through 2026); standard contribution is USD 115,000. Visa-free entry to approximately 71 destinations, including Singapore — limited additional mobility compared with Caribbean or Turkish programmes Timeline: Typically 3–5 months, among the faster CBI programmes globally, though slower than Vanuatu's or Nauru's own headline 3-month best-case figure.

HNWIs seeking a Five Eyes Pacific passport, strong APAC connectivity, a safe lifestyle, and a 5 year pathway to citizenship through active investment in New Zealand Timeline: Approval in principle averages around 37 working days. Investment must then be held for 36 months (Growth) or 60 months (Balanced).

Panama offers multiple permanent residency options, including the fast-track Qualified Investor route and a special treaty route for Italian citizens. It combines political stability, a US-dollar economy, territorial taxation and strong international connectivity. Timeline: Typically 45 days under the Qualified Investor route.

Paraguay offers a low-cost standard residency route and direct permanent residence through SUACE and the 2026 Investor Pass, combined with territorial taxation and limited physical-presence requirements. Timeline: Typically 4-9 months depending on route and document processing.

Early retirees and digital nomads (40+) wanting affordable Southeast Asia permanent residency. Excellent lifestyle and low cost of living. Flexible - deposit can be converted to property. Timeline: 4–8 weeks.

Portugal's Golden Visa (ARI) provides qualifying non-EU/EEA/Swiss investors with Portuguese residence through investment funds, cultural or artistic support, scientific research, company capitalisation or job creation. Real estate no longer qualifies. The programme offers low physical-presence requirements, Schengen mobility and family reunification. Timeline: Approximately 12-24 months in practice, depending on AIMA processing and biometric appointment availability. AIMA does not publish a fixed end-to-end processing time..

São Tomé and Príncipe Citizenship by Investment Programme offers citizenship from USD 90,000 through the National Transformation Fund. The programme is fully remote, with no residency requirement, and processing typically takes around 2 months. Timeline: 4–6 months.

Sierra Leone offers two citizenship pathways: Fast-Track Special Naturalisation from USD 140,000 and African Heritage Naturalisation from USD 100,000 for applicants who establish African ancestry through qualifying DNA evidence. Both routes can be completed remotely and provide Sierra Leone citizenship with access to ECOWAS regional mobility. Timeline: 2 - 3.

Sierra Leone's GO-FOR-GOLD Programme offers lifetime Permanent Residency through gold-backed and no-gold pathways. The programme can be completed remotely, requires no ongoing physical presence and provides an optional pathway toward citizenship. Timeline: Up to approximately 40 days.

UHNWI ($50M+ net worth) wanting Asia-Pacific hub + world's strongest passport. Wealth management center. Genuine business interest in Singapore/APAC essential. No dual citizenship permitted. Timeline: 6–12 months (application to approval).

CLOSED to new applicants since 3 April 2025. Historically: LatAm HNWIs (2-year Spanish citizenship pathway). Expats using Beckham Law for 6 years of 24% flat tax. This entry is retained for reference and comparison purposes only. Timeline: 3–5 months.

St. Kitts and Nevis Citizenship by Investment Programme (CIP) offers From USD 250,000 (Sustainable Island State Contribution route, single applicant or family of up to 4). Visa-free / visa-on-arrival access to a large share of global destinations, including the Schengen Area( Around 156 countries); Timeline: 4–6 months.

St Lucia Citizenship by Investment Programme (CIP) offers From USD 240,000 (National Economic Fund contribution, single applicant or family of up to 4). Visa-free / visa-on-arrival access to 140 countires Timeline: 12.

Switzerland's lump-sum taxation regime allows qualifying foreign nationals who relocate to Switzerland and do not engage in gainful activity there to be taxed on an agreed expenditure-based amount rather than ordinary worldwide income and wealth. No qualifying capital investment is required. For 2026, the federal minimum deemed-income base is CHF 435,000, although the taxable base and resulting annual tax can be significantly higher depending on lifestyle, housing costs, canton and the statutory control calculation. Timeline: Typically 3-6 months, depending on the canton, immigration approval and negotiation of the lump-sum tax ruling..

HNWIs wanting a Southeast Asia lifestyle base with 10-year visa security. Remote professionals and skilled workers. Retirees with $250k–$500k Thai investment. No daily presence required. Wealthy Global Citizen track no longer requires proof of income (Feb 2025). Timeline: 1–2 months.

From 2026, qualifying individuals who become tax resident in Turkey can benefit from a 20-year exemption from Turkish income tax on foreign-source income and gains. No minimum investment is required. Timeline: Tax exemption available for up to 20 years from becoming a qualifying Turkish tax resident..

Turkish Citizenship by Investment offers several qualifying routes, including real estate from USD 400,000 and financial investment options from USD 500,000, including bank deposits, government bonds, investment funds and the private pension system. No minimum residence period is required for citizenship. Turkish citizens benefit from broad international mobility, although the passport does not provide visa-free access to the Schengen Area, UK or USA. Timeline: Typically 4–12 months from application to citizenship, depending on the route, document quality, and case complexity.

The UAE Golden Visa is a self-sponsored, renewable long-term residence permit rather than a citizenship route. The principal 10-year investment routes require AED 2,000,000, while qualifying entrepreneurs, skilled professionals and nominated talent may use lower-capital or no-investment categories. Timeline: Typically 2-3 weeks from a complete application file.

Uruguay separates legal residence from tax residence. Legal residence can be based on income, a USD 100,000 investment, business or family ties, while the 11-year foreign-income tax holiday requires a separate 2026 investment threshold such as USD 2 million real estate or USD 100,000 per year to the National Innovation Fund. Timeline: Approximately 4 to 12 months for legal residence processing.

Non-US investors with genuine desire to live and work in the USA. US market access. Children's education in US. Non-Chinese/Indian nationals face no backlog in the unreserved category; investors from backlogged countries can still access reserved (Rural, High Unemployment, Infrastructure) categories, which remain current for everyone. Timeline: 30 to 90 months depending on country of birth. Non-China/India nationals typically 30 to 48 months. China and India nationals in the unreserved category face multi-year backlogs; reserved (Rural, High Unemployment, Infrastructure) categories remain current for all countries and move faster..

Vanuatu Development Support Program (VDSP), From USD 130,000 . Visa-free / visa-on-arrival access to approximately 86 destinations as of 2026 (materially reduced from 130+ prior to 2022 — see 'Updates' tab for the loss of Schengen and UK access) Timeline: Among the fastest in the world: typically 30–45 days, or 6–8 weeks, for the DSP route.

Official government portal. Approved agents listed. UWI Fund option documented.

Official government portal. Approved agents listed. UWI Fund option documented.

Official government portal. Approved agents listed. UWI Fund option documented.

Purely discretionary. §10(6) StbG. <50 approvals/year. €3M+ genuine business investment. NOT a standard programme.

Purely discretionary. §10(6) StbG. <50 approvals/year. €3M+ genuine business investment. NOT a standard programme.

Purely discretionary. §10(6) StbG. <50 approvals/year. €3M+ genuine business investment. NOT a standard programme.

$100k RE or deposit. Zero presence. Crypto-friendly. 64 visa-free (weak passport). No formal nationality restrictions. Very low due diligence bar.