Citizenship by investment programs provide wealthy individuals with the opportunity to obtain a second passport through significant financial contributions. While requirements differ by country, these programs generally focus on investments in businesses, development funds, or direct donations.

Securing a second passport can offer several advantages, including visa-free travel, tax benefits, and a safeguard against political or economic instability.

In this report, Visual Capitalist’s Marcus Lu outlines the required contributions for obtaining citizenship in 13 countries, detailing how much applicants need to invest to qualify.

Data & Discussion

The information for this report is sourced from Henley & Partners, which highlights the minimum contributions necessary for select countries offering citizenship by investment.

It’s important to note that this list is not exhaustive; many other countries have their own investment migration laws.

At the lower end of the scale, Nauru presents a relatively inexpensive program starting at about $130,000. Its passport grants access to nearly 90 countries without a visa or provides visa-on-arrival, though it doesn’t offer the extensive travel benefits associated with Caribbean or European citizenship programs.

Countries like Dominica, Antigua & Barbuda, and St. Lucia also offer budget-friendly options, requiring investments between $200,000 and $240,000. These Caribbean programs are favored for their affordability and the travel flexibility they provide within the region.

Benefits of Dominica’s Citizenship by Investment Program:

• Visa-free travel to over 140 destinations
• Inclusion of a spouse, unmarried children under 31, and parents or grandparents aged 65 and older
• Citizenship by descent available for future generations

To qualify, applicants can either make a non-refundable contribution of $200,000 to Dominica’s Economic Development Fund (for a single applicant) or invest in real estate valued at a minimum of $200,000.

Mid-Tier Investment Thresholds

Countries such as Türkiye, Grenada, and Egypt fall into the mid-range, with required contributions between $235,000 and $400,000.

Launched in 2017, Türkiye’s program has gained popularity due to its vast real estate market and access to both European and Middle Eastern travel routes.

Applicants have various ways to participate in the program, including:

• Purchasing real estate valued at $400,000
• Depositing at least $500,000 in a Turkish bank account
• Creating jobs for at least 50 people, as confirmed by the Ministry of Family, Labour and Social Services

High-End Citizenship Programs

At the high end, Malta and Montenegro require investments close to or exceeding $500,000, while Austria demands a “substantial contribution,” often running into several million.

These elevated thresholds reflect the perceived value of EU citizenship, which provides extensive visa-free access, stability, and economic advantages. As of 2025, Austria’s passport ranks as the fourth most powerful worldwide.