27 Countries Where You Can Buy Citizenship for Cheap

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Attaining citizenship in foreign countries has become more accessible than ever. Many countries offer citizenship through investment at surprisingly low costs. Many reasons make citizenship in another country appealing, including greater global mobility, better financial opportunities, or a secure future for your family. These are 27 countries where you can buy citizenship for cheap:

Antigua and Barbuda

Antigua and Barbuda offers one of the most affordable citizenship-by-investment programs in the Caribbean. A minimum contribution of $100,000 to the National Development Fund can secure a second passport within four to six months. This can offer a range of benefits, including visa-free travel to over 150 countries, including those in the UK and Schengen Zone. The program also offers a family-friendly option, allowing a family of four to apply at the same cost. Additionally, no wealth, inheritance, or capital gains tax makes it financially appealing.

Austria

Austria offers one of the most exclusive citizenship-by-investment options, requiring a substantial financial commitment. Unlike other programs, there’s no fixed investment amount, but applicants typically invest $3 million to $10 million in the Austrian economy through business or government-approved projects. Austrian citizenship provides visa-free access to over 190 countries, including the U.S., Canada, and the EU. While Austria generally prohibits dual citizenship, exceptions are made for significant contributors, making this a high-cost but highly prestigious option.

Canada

Canada does not offer direct citizenship by investment, but its Startup Visa Program provides a pathway to permanent residency, leading to citizenship. To qualify, applicants must secure at least $200,000 from a designated venture capital fund or $75,000 from an angel investor. This program can be very appealing to individuals. It grants immediate permanent residency and access to universal healthcare and world-class education. After several years of residency, investors can apply for citizenship, making it a stable and attractive option.

Cyprus

Cyprus no longer offers a direct citizenship-by-investment program after it was discontinued in 2020. However, investors can still gain permanent residency through the Cyprus Permanent Residency Program (PRP) by investing at least $325,000 in real estate. After five years of residency, they can apply for citizenship through naturalization. Cyprus offers a business-friendly tax system, a high quality of life, and visa-free travel to the Schengen Zone, making it a strong option for long-term investors seeking European access.

Dominica

Dominica offers one of the most affordable citizenship-by-investment programs, starting at $100,000 for a single applicant through a government donation. Alternatively, investors can purchase real estate worth at least $200,000, which must be held for three years. Dominican citizenship grants visa-free access to over 140 countries, including the UK and the Schengen Zone. With no wealth, inheritance, or capital gains taxes, Dominica’s program is a budget-friendly and tax-efficient option for global investors.

Greece

Greece offers a Golden Visa Program, which is appealing to people worldwide. The program grants permanent residency through real estate investment of at least $270,000 (€250,000). It also provides visa-free access to the Schengen Zone and a pathway to citizenship after seven years of residency. Unlike other programs, there’s no minimum stay requirement, making it flexible for investors. Greece’s low cost of living, Mediterranean lifestyle, and tax incentives make it a popular choice for those seeking European residency with long-term citizenship potential.

Grenada

Grenada offers citizenship through investment starting at $150,000 via a government donation or $220,000 in real estate. A significant advantage is visa-free access to over 140 countries, including the UK, China, and the Schengen Zone. Grenadian citizens are also eligible for the U.S. E-2 Investor Visa, allowing them to live and work in the U.S. With no income, wealth, or inheritance taxes, Grenada’s program is a strong option for investors seeking global mobility and business opportunities.

Ireland

Ireland does not offer direct citizenship by investment, but its Immigrant Investor Programme (IIP) provides a pathway to citizenship. Investors must contribute at least $550,000 (€500,000) to an approved project or $1.1 million (€1 million) to an Irish business. After five years of residency, applicants can apply for citizenship, gaining visa-free access to over 190 countries, including the U.S. and EU. With low corporate tax rates and a strong economy, Ireland is a valuable but costly option for long-term investors.

Latvia

Latvia offers a residency-by-investment program that can lead to citizenship after ten years. The most affordable option is investing $65,000 (€60,000) in a Latvian business or $275,000 (€250,000) in real estate. This program grants individuals access to the Schengen Zone and a low cost of living, making it one of the cheapest routes to European residency. While the path to citizenship is longer, Latvia’s business-friendly policies and EU benefits make it an attractive option for budget-conscious investors.

Malta

Malta offers one of the fastest European citizenship-by-investment options through its Maltese Exceptional Investor Naturalization (MEIN) program. Investors must contribute at least $780,000 (€700,000) to the national development fund and maintain residency for one to three years before applying for citizenship. Malta provides visa-free access to over 180 countries, including the U.S., UK, and EU. With low taxes, a stable economy, and a Mediterranean lifestyle, it remains a premium but relatively quick route to EU citizenship.

New Zealand

New Zealand does not offer direct citizenship-by-investment, but investors can gain residency through its Investor Visa Program. The cheapest option requires an investment of $2.1 million (NZD 3 million) in approved assets. After four years of residency, applicants can apply for permanent residence and later for citizenship. The high quality of life, political stability, and strong economy that New Zealand offers make it an attractive but high-cost option.

Portugal

Portugal offers a Golden Visa Program, designed to provide a pathway to citizenship through investment. The cheapest option requires an investment of $270,000 (€250,000) in cultural or research projects, while real estate investments start at $540,000 (€500,000). After five years of residency, investors can apply for citizenship without living full-time in Portugal. The program grants visa-free access to the Schengen Zone, low taxes, and a Mediterranean lifestyle, making it a popular and affordable route to EU citizenship.

Saint Kitts and Nevis

Saint Kitts and Nevis has the oldest citizenship-by-investment program, offering a fast-track process in just four months. Investors can contribute $250,000 to the Sustainable Island State Contribution (SISC) or $400,000 in real estate. This program grants visa-free travel to over 150 countries, including the UK and Schengen Zone. With no personal income, wealth, or inheritance taxes, Saint Kitts and Nevis remains a top choice for those seeking quick and affordable second citizenship.

Saint Lucia

Saint Lucia offers one of the most affordable citizenship-by-investment programs, with options starting at $100,000 for a single applicant through a government donation. Alternatively, investors can purchase $300,000 in real estate or invest in government-approved bonds. Saint Lucia offers visa-free access to over 140 countries, including the UK and Schengen Zone. Without wealth, inheritance, or capital gains taxes, it’s a cost-effective option for global mobility and financial privacy.

Singapore

Singapore does not have a direct citizenship-by-investment program, but it offers a Global Investor Program (GIP) that can lead to permanent residency. Applicants must invest at least $2.5 million in a new or existing business to qualify. After two to three years of residency, investors can apply for citizenship and have easy access to world-class infrastructure, a strong economy, and visa-free access to over 190 countries. This is one of the more high-cost options for citizenship in another country, but it can also lead to global opportunities, making it very appealing.

Spain

Spain offers a Golden Visa Program, granting residency through an investment of at least $540,000 (€500,000) in real estate. While it doesn’t provide immediate citizenship, investors can apply for naturalization after ten years of residency. The program allows visa-free access to the Schengen Zone, a high quality of life, and a strong EU economy. With no minimum stay requirement, Spain’s program is a flexible and affordable route to European citizenship for long-term investors.

Thailand

Thailand offers the Thailand Elite Visa, which provides long-term residency but not direct citizenship. The cheapest option costs $19,000 (THB 600,000) for a five-year visa, while a 20-year visa costs $60,000 (THB 2 million). This visa grants multiple-entry access, VIP perks, and an easy residency process. While citizenship requires continuous residency for ten years, Thailand remains a budget-friendly choice for those seeking extended stay privileges in a business-friendly, tax-efficient environment.

Turkey

Turkey offers one of the cheapest and fastest citizenship-by-investment programs. Investors can obtain citizenship within six months by purchasing real estate worth at least $400,000 or making a $500,000 deposit in a Turkish bank. Turkish passport holders get visa-free or visa-on-arrival access to more than 110 countries, and the country offers low living costs, strong economic opportunities, and dual citizenship. With no residency requirement, Turkey is an attractive and cost-effective option for investors seeking quick second citizenship.

United Kingdom

The United Kingdom does not offer direct citizenship-by-investment but provides a pathway through its Innovator Founder Visa. Investors must establish an innovative business and secure at least $64,000 (£50,000) in funding. After three years, they can apply for permanent residency and, after five years, for citizenship. The UK offers global business opportunities, top-tier education, and visa-free travel to more than 180 countries, making it an appealing but structured route to citizenship for serious entrepreneurs.

United States

United States does not offer direct citizenship-by-investment but provides a pathway through the EB-5 Immigrant Investor Program. Investors must invest at least $800,000 in a government-approved project in a Targeted Employment Area (TEA) or $1.05 million in other areas. This program grants a Green Card, allowing permanent residency, and after five years, investors can apply for citizenship. The U.S. offers a strong economy, world-class education, and global business opportunities, making it a high-cost but structured route to citizenship for serious investors. Also, the new administration is now setting up a Gold Card that requires a $5,000,000 payment to acquire. 

Italy

Italy offers a Golden Visa (Investor Visa Program) that can lead to citizenship. The cheapest option requires an investment of $270,000 (€250,000) in an Italian startup or $540,000 (€500,000) in a company. Investors receive a renewable two-year residency permit, and after ten years of residency, they can apply for citizenship. With visa-free Schengen access, a strong economy, and no physical stay requirement, Italy’s program is a flexible and affordable route to EU citizenship.

Hungary

Hungary recently relaunched its Golden Visa Program, which provides individuals with a pathway to citizenship. It requires a minimum investment of $280,000 (€250,000) in Hungarian real estate funds. This grants permanent residency in four months, with a pathway to citizenship after eight years. Hungary offers low living costs, a central European location, and visa-free Schengen travel, making it one of the most affordable options for EU residency and long-term citizenship.

United Arab Emirates

United Arab Emirates (UAE) does not offer direct citizenship-by-investment but provides a Golden Visa for long-term residency. Investors can qualify by purchasing real estate worth at least $545,000 (AED 2 million) or investing $2.7 million (AED 10 million) in a company. While citizenship is granted in rare cases, UAE residency offers tax-free income, a booming economy, and access to global business opportunities. With no personal income tax and world-class infrastructure, the UAE is a prime destination for high-net-worth individuals.

Montenegro

Montenegro previously had a citizenship-by-investment program requiring a $275,000 (€250,000) real estate investment and a $110,000 (€100,000) government donation, but it ended in 2022. After ten years, investors can obtain residency through business investment, with a pathway to citizenship. Montenegro offers visa-free access to more than 120 countries, a low cost of living, and a strategic location near the EU, making it an affordable long-term option for investors seeking European residency.

Bulgaria

Bulgaria previously had a citizenship-by-investment program, but it was discontinued in 2022. Investors can obtain permanent residency by investing $280,000 (€250,000) in government bonds, real estate, or Bulgarian businesses. Citizenship is possible after five years of residency. Bulgaria offers low taxes, visa-free Schengen access, and a cost-effective EU residency option, making it an attractive choice for long-term investors.

Jordan

Jordan offers citizenship through investment. It requires a $750,000 deposit in a Jordanian bank or a $1 million investment in a business that creates at least 20 jobs for locals. Citizenship is granted in about three months and provides visa-free access to over 50 countries. With a strategic Middle Eastern location and affordable real estate, Jordan is a unique and niche investor option.

Vanuatu

Vanuatu has one of the fastest and cheapest citizenship-by-investment programs, requiring a $130,000 donation to the government. Processing takes as little as one month, making it one of the quickest routes to a second passport. Vanuatu offers visa-free travel to over 100 countries, zero income tax, and a tropical island lifestyle, making it a budget-friendly option for investors seeking financial privacy and global mobility.

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