Citizenship by Investment: Which Program Should You Choose?

Citizenship by Investment (CBI) offers eligible individuals and families a way to acquire a second nationality through a qualifying financial contribution or investment. Depending on the country and its program offerings, applicants may qualify through several routes, such as contributing to a government fund, purchasing approved real estate, or making another designated investment.

For investors beginning their search, and with multiple avenues available, which program is best for you? The right choice ultimately depends on what an applicant wants their end goal to be.

Some will prioritize international travel access, while others prefer an investment backed by real estate. Families, on the other hand, may place greater emphasis on dependent eligibility, processing times, and the ability to include multiple generations. With established Caribbean programs, Türkiye’s property-based route, emerging opportunities in Africa and the Pacific, and Argentina preparing to enter the market, there are now several distinct pathways worth considering.

Key Takeaways

• Citizenship by Investment programs differ in their qualifying investments, family eligibility, processing times, and travel benefits
• Türkiye offers a real estate route with a minimum qualifying property investment and a three-year holding requirement
• The established Caribbean programs considered in this guide are Antigua and Barbuda, Grenada, and St. Lucia.
• Argentina has announced plans to open its Citizenship by Investment program in the fourth quarter of 2026
• São Tomé and Príncipe and Naoero also offer alternative citizenship routes through government contributions, with different investment thresholds and family provisions
• For some, a Citizenship by Merit program could be an alternative to CBI

Why This Matters for International Families

A second citizenship can provide additional options for international travel, family planning, business activities, and future relocation. It may also offer greater flexibility when family members have different nationalities, can study in different countries, or anticipate living and working across multiple jurisdictions.

Citizenship, however, is not the same as residence. Obtaining a second passport does not automatically convert into a right to live, work, or access public services in every country a passport holder can visit. Applicants should also consider the rules of their existing nationality, including whether dual citizenship is permitted, and whether acquiring another nationality affects their current rights.

Eric Major, Chairman and CEO of Latitude Group, has worked in investment migration for more than 30 years. His experience highlights an important consideration for applicants evaluating different programs:

“Citizenship planning is a long-term decision. The investment amount is one part of the assessment, but the applicant’s family structure, intended use of the passport, source of funds, and expectations for the future are equally important. A program that suits one family may not offer the same advantages to another.”

Citizenship by Investment: The Main Programs Explained

1. Türkiye Citizenship by Investment

Türkiye is a prominent option for investors who want a direct citizenship route linked to a tangible asset. Its program offers several qualifying investment categories, including real estate, bank deposits, government bonds, and fixed capital investments.

The property route is particularly relevant to applicants who prefer to purchase an asset rather than make a non-refundable contribution to a government fund.

Minimum investment and requirements

There are multiple potential investment routes, including:

• Real estate: Purchase qualifying property worth at least USD 400,000
• Holding period: Maintain the qualifying investment for at least three years
• Family inclusion: A spouse and eligible children under 18 may be included
• Residence: There is no minimum physical stay requirement for the citizenship application
• Alternative job creation route: Applicants may qualify by creating jobs for 50 Turkish citizens
• Other investment routes: Qualifying bank deposits, government bonds, real estate or venture capital fund investments, and fixed capital investments start at USD 500,000

Türkiye can be attractive to investors for its international appeal. The country sits between Europe and Asia and has substantial commercial links with both regions. Turkish nationals may be eligible to apply for a US E-2 Treaty Investor visa. However, where Turkish nationality was acquired through financial investment, a first-time E-2 applicant will generally need to have been domiciled in Türkiye continuously for at least three years before applying. The E-2 visa is a separate application with its own investment, business, nationality, and eligibility requirements.

Earlier this year, Latitude conducted a dedicated webinar on the Türkiye real estate route, which can be viewed here.

2. Argentina Citizenship by Investment

Argentina has just introduced a new Citizenship by Investment program, adding a major South American jurisdiction to the investment migration market.

On October 2, 2026, Argentina’s Minister of Economy, Luis Caputo, announced the government’s plan to open the program to applications in the fourth quarter of 2026.

What has been announced so far?

Latitude is a founding member of Argentina Mobility for Investment and Global Opportunity Limited (AMIGO Ltd), an international consortium appointed to provide technical and strategic advisory support to the Argentine government.

The announced framework includes two principal routes:

• A non-refundable contribution of USD 350,000 to Argentina’s National Treasury for a single applicant, with additional contributions according to family composition. A family of four is expected to contribute USD 500,000.
• An investment of USD 800,000 in an Argentine sovereign bond.

The principal applicant’s spouse and children are also expected to be eligible. The anticipated additional Treasury contribution is USD 100,000 for a spouse and for each child aged 18 to 24 inclusive who has never married and has no children, and USD 25,000 for each child under 18. Adult children within the qualifying age range are not expected to have to demonstrate financial dependency.

Final operational rules, application procedures, fees, and the commencement date remain subject to official confirmation. Prospective applicants should therefore verify the requirements before making any commitment.

Argentina is attracting interest because of its international profile and economic importance in South America. Citizenship may also be relevant to investors seeking a different regional base and additional international mobility.

For families considering this option, it’s important to stay up to date with details around the program’s official launch. Preparatory work can include reviewing family eligibility, organizing identity and civil-status documents, assessing the lawful source of funds, and considering how a second citizenship fits into wider plans.

Eric Major’s involvement in the advisory work provides a useful perspective on the development:

“Argentina has the potential to become one of the most significant new entrants to the global investment migration market in many years. It is a G20 economy with extraordinary natural resources, a highly educated population, a globally recognized culture and an internationally respected passport,” he said.

“The opportunity goes well beyond attracting capital. Done properly, Citizenship by Investment can connect Argentina with a new community of internationally mobile entrepreneurs, investors and families while generating meaningful economic benefits for the country.”

3. Caribbean Citizenship by Investment

The Caribbean remains an important region for Citizenship by Investment, with established programs available; each offers qualifying routes, although their investment structures and family provisions differ.

These programs can appeal to applicants seeking a second citizenship without necessarily relocating to the country. Depending on the jurisdiction, applicants may qualify through a government contribution, approved real estate, government bonds, or other designated investment options.

The contribution thresholds below are starting points, not complete application budgets. Government charges, due diligence fees, processing fees, and other costs may apply.

Antigua and Barbuda

Antigua and Barbuda offers a choice of qualifying contribution and investment routes, making it an option for applicants who want flexibility in how they qualify.

Minimum contribution: USD 230,000 for a family of up to four through the National Development Fund route.

Approved real estate: Minimum investment of USD 300,000, with the qualifying property subject to a five-year holding requirement.

Other options include a contribution to the University of the West Indies Fund and approved business investment.

Successful applicants must spend at least five days in Antigua and Barbuda during the first five calendar years after citizenship is granted.

The country’s English-speaking environment and established tourism sector may appeal to families looking for a Caribbean connection. Applicants should compare the contribution route with the property route, taking account of the size of their family, and whether they prefer a non-refundable contribution or an asset-backed investment.

Grenada

Grenada’s Citizenship by Investment can be done through either a contribution to the National Transformation Fund or an approved real estate investment.

Minimum contribution: USD 235,000 for a family of up to four.

Approved real estate: Minimum investment of USD 270,000.

Grenada is notable for its potential relevance to applicants interested in future business activities in the United States. Grenadian nationals may be eligible to apply for a US E-2 Treaty Investor visa. However, where Grenadian nationality was acquired through financial investment, a first-time E-2 applicant will generally need to have been domiciled in Grenada continuously for at least three years before applying. Citizenship alone does not guarantee E-2 eligibility or approval.

The program also offers family inclusion provisions that can extend to qualifying dependent children aged up to 30, dependent parents aged over 55, and certain unmarried adult siblings without children, subject to the applicable requirements.

For applicants with wider family or business objectives, these provisions may be important factors when comparing programs.

St. Lucia

St. Lucia’s Citizenship by Investment program offers several routes, including a contribution to the National Economic Fund, approved real estate, qualifying enterprise or project investment, and government bonds.

Minimum contribution: USD 240,000 for a main applicant through the National Economic Fund route, and up to three qualifying dependents.

Other options include an approved enterprise or project investment starting at USD 250,000 and a government bond investment of USD 300,000, with the bonds held for at least five years. Approved real estate is another qualifying route.

The government bond option may appeal to investors who prefer a defined holding period over a property purchase. As with any application, investors should assess the investment terms and any associated fees.

4. São Tomé and Príncipe Citizenship by Investment

São Tomé and Príncipe provides an alternative in the Gulf of Guinea, off the western coast of Central Africa. Its Citizenship by Investment program is based on a non-refundable contribution rather than a qualifying property or bond investment.

Minimum contribution: USD 90,000 for a single applicant.

Applicants should currently allow approximately six months or longer from submission to receipt of citizenship documents. Actual timelines depend on document readiness, due diligence, government approval, payment of the contribution, and post-approval document issuance.

Eligible family members may include a spouse or de facto partner, dependent children up to age 30, and parents and grandparents aged 55 or older.

The country is also a member of the Community of Portuguese Language Countries (CPLP). This creates cultural and economic links with Portuguese-speaking markets, but it’s worth noting that citizenship does not automatically grant residence or employment rights in other CPLP member states.

São Tomé and Príncipe may suit applicants who want a lower entry contribution than the Caribbean programs and who do not require a property-based route.

5. Naoero Citizenship by Investment

Naoero, formerly known internationally as Nauru, offers a Citizenship by Investment route designed to support national development and climate resilience.

The Economic and Climate Resilience Citizenship Program is based on a non-refundable contribution to the country’s Treasury Fund.

Standard minimum contribution: USD 115,000 for a single applicant.

A limited-time contribution of USD 90,000 for a single applicant is available through December 31, 2026, subject to the program rules remaining in force. Additional contributions and government fees may apply, depending on family composition and the application.

The program has an estimated processing period of three to four months and does not require applicants to meet a physical presence requirement.

Naoero offers an alternative to the more established Caribbean programs for individuals interested in a Pacific citizenship option. Its climate resilience focus also distinguishes the contribution route from programs centered on approved real estate.

As with any citizenship program, applicants should compare the passport’s current travel access, family eligibility, and total costs with their own requirements.

Related Reading

• An Exclusive Webinar: How to Choose a Residence or Citizenship Route in Latin America
• Naoero Citizenship by Investment: What Applicants Should Know
• Why Timing Matters in Residence and Citizenship Planning 

How to Choose the Right Citizenship by Investment Program

Comparing headline investment amounts is a useful starting point, but a sound decision also requires a full assessment of each program’s conditions.

Consider the Investment Structure

Applicants should first establish whether they prefer a non-refundable contribution or an investment that may retain an asset value.

A contribution route, such as those offered by São Tomé and Príncipe, or Naoero, does not involve purchasing a qualifying property. By contrast, Türkiye provides a real estate route starting at USD 400,000, while several Caribbean programs such as St. Lucia also allow applicants to invest in approved developments.

A qualifying property should be assessed on its own commercial merits, including acquisition costs, holding requirements, potential resale conditions, and the risks associated with the particular development. Eligibility for citizenship does not establish that a property will appreciate or generate rental income.

Review Family Eligibility

Family composition can materially affect the cost and suitability of a program. Some programs define eligible dependents primarily by age and dependency, while others permit certain parents, grandparents, or siblings to be included.

Applicants should verify the rules governing spouses, children, adult dependents, and other family members, including any additional contribution or fee for each person.

Understand Processing Times and Residence Requirements

Processing estimates vary by jurisdiction and should be treated as indicative rather than guaranteed. The time required to obtain citizenship may depend on due diligence, document preparation, government review, and the complexity of the application.

Applicants should also distinguish between a program’s physical presence rules and any residence or engagement requirements that may apply under a different citizenship framework. For example, Türkiye and the Caribbean programs highlighted above do not require applicants to relocate as a condition of the standard investment application, while other citizenship pathways may involve residence or continuing engagement.

Evaluate Travel Access and Longer-Term Objectives

Applicants should identify the countries they expect to visit frequently, verify current entry rules for those destinations, and check that their new passport will grant them easier access to destinations.

Business objectives can also influence the choice. Grenada and Türkiye, for example, can be relevant to applicants exploring the US E-2 visa, but citizenship acquired through investment is subject to the applicable three-year domicile rule, and every E-2 application is assessed separately.

Finally, applicants should consider the laws of their existing country of citizenship, including restrictions on dual nationality, and obtain appropriate legal and tax advice where needed.

What to Expect From the Citizenship by Investment Market

The CBI landscape continues to evolve as governments review investment thresholds, application procedures, and due diligence standards. As we’ve seen, the Caribbean programs have established frameworks with defined contribution and investment routes, while Argentina’s planned entry creates a new development to monitor in South America.

For prospective applicants, planning is essential. Program terms should be verified at the time of application, and emerging programs, such as Argentina, require particular care until their final rules and procedures are published.

Speak With Latitude Today

Latitude’s role in advising clients across multiple jurisdictions can help applicants assess the differences between established programs and developing opportunities. A structured comparison can identify suitable routes based on family eligibility, investment preferences, processing expectations, and intended use of a second citizenship.

Our advisers assist internationally mobile individuals and families with:

• Residence planning
• Citizenship planning
• Relocation strategies
• Cross-border structuring
• Global mobility solutions

To learn more or to discuss your options:

• Contact the Latitude team: Contact Us
• Book a complimentary consultation with one of our experts: Schedule a consultation

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Citizenship by Investment?

Citizenship by Investment is a legal pathway through which eligible foreign nationals can apply for citizenship by making a qualifying contribution or investment under a country’s program. Applications are subject to eligibility requirements, due diligence, and government approval.

Which Citizenship by Investment program has the lowest starting contribution?

Among the programs discussed here, São Tomé and Príncipe and Naoero offer entry contributions of USD 90,000 for a single applicant under their stated terms. Naoero’s USD 90,000 offer is time-limited through December 31, 2026, while São Tomé and Príncipe’s stated minimum contribution is USD 90,000. Additional fees and dependent contributions may apply.

The lowest starting contribution is not necessarily the most suitable option for every applicant. Travel requirements, family eligibility, and total costs should also be considered.

Can I obtain citizenship through real estate investment?

Yes. Türkiye offers a qualifying real estate route starting at USD 400,000, with a minimum three-year holding period. Antigua and Barbuda, and Grenada also offer approved real estate routes, subject to their respective investment thresholds and holding requirements.

Applicants must ensure that the property and transaction meet the relevant program rules.

Can my family be included in a Citizenship by Investment application?

Many programs permit eligible spouses and dependent children to be included. Some also allow qualifying parents, grandparents, or other relatives. The permitted age limits, dependency conditions, and additional costs vary by country, so family eligibility should be confirmed before selecting a program.

Do I have to live in the country to obtain citizenship?

The programs discussed here generally do not require applicants to relocate. However, Antigua and Barbuda requires successful applicants to spend at least five days in the country during the first five calendar years after citizenship is granted. Other physical-presence or engagement requirements may also apply depending on the jurisdiction and route.

Is Citizenship by Investment guaranteed if I make the required investment?

No. Meeting the investment threshold does not guarantee citizenship. Applicants must satisfy eligibility conditions, provide the required documentation, establish the lawful source of funds, and pass the relevant due diligence checks. The final decision rests with the responsible government authority.