Feb 23, 2022 11:28:01 PM
The pandemic has increased the expectancy of changes to come from unexpected quarters. While nations are becoming more pliant to propelling transformations, infusion of fresh capital has become a critical need for them to revitalize their economies. This has incited the hanker to attract investments, new talent, and skills into the countries. Au contraire high-net-worth individuals are seeking citizenship, hoping to diversify investment options and quality of life. Real estate investment options have been in the offing for a while and they offer transparency, efficiency, and preeminent return-on-investment (RoI).
There are quite a few countries that offer citizenship or residence by investment to foreign nationals. Each country offers certain unique advantages, benefits, and processes for investors to invest and acquire citizenship in the host country.
The Top destinations for investment in real estate and to acquire a residence or citizenship in 2022 are: Dubai, Portugal, Spain, Greece, Cyprus, Malta, Montenegro, Turkey, Dominica, Antigua & Barbuda, St. Kitts & Nevis.
Antigua & Barbuda
Launched in 2013 the Antigua and Barbuda Citizenship by Investment program is an excellent solution for investors to acquire citizenship and get access to Europe, the Caribbean, and a few key Asian nations. The applicant must purchase real estate from an approved real estate project worth a minimum of USD 200,000. The citizenship allows applicants to include spouses, children up to the age of 31, and dependent parents of 55+. Learn more: Antigua & Barbuda CBI
Cyprus
Cyprus is known for its low crime rate in Europe, high-quality healthcare, a comparatively low cost of living, and no inheritance tax. The Government issues residence permits to non-EU nationals on the purchase of real estate worth a minimum of EUR 300,000 plus applicable taxes. The application and issue of residence take ~2 months and can be done from outside the country. Residents do not have to live in Cyprus; they must visit once every two years. Residence applies to the applicant’s spouse, children below 25, parents, and parents-in-law.
Dubai (United Arab Emirates)
Dubai is one of the most famous of the lot and has vivid opportunities for growth and business. It provides favorable conditions for conducting business with good returns and a beneficial tax regime. It boasts an excellent healthcare system and is considered one of the safest places.
Dubai has multiple pathways for entrepreneurs. Real estate investment is an easy and efficient way to gain the Dubai Golden Visa. The residence permit is typically valid for 3 years and is extendable. There is no specification of the number of days one needs to live in Dubai; however, if the investor doesn’t stay in Dubai for a continuous period of 6 months there may be consequences on visa validity. Real Estate Investors can apply for a 5-year residency with an investment of AED 5 million. Explore: Dubai Golden Visa
Dominica
The Dominica Citizenship by Investment program, functional since 1993, is ranked among the best CBI programs. An applicant must invest USD 200,000 in approved real estate to acquire citizenship. It takes ~90 days to apply and be granted. Dominica citizenship allows visa-free travel to 144 countries, and enables inclusion of spouse, children under 31, and dependent parents. No residency is required. Learn more: Dominica CBI
Greece
The Greece Golden Visa program is one of the most economical residence programs in Europe. Investors can acquire Greek residence while maintaining residence elsewhere. The residence can be acquired within 30–60 days, allows visa-free travel to the Schengen Area, has an unlimited expiry period (subject to conditions), enables rental income from the invested property, and applies to the entire family (children under 21, dependent parent and spouse). Applicant must acquire real estate worth a minimum of EUR 250,000 plus applicable taxes to obtain a residence permit. Explore: Greece Golden Visa
Malta
Malta—in the Mediterranean—offers a good climate, welcoming people, low crime, and high quality of life. An investor can acquire citizenship of Malta by purchasing residential property of at least EUR 700,000 (held 5 years), or by leasing property at EUR 16,000 per annum (for 5 years). Citizenship is granted after 36 months of residence or 12 months with an approved exception. Maltese residence allows visa-free travel to 180 countries and rights to hold dual citizenship. Learn more: Malta Residency & Citizenship
Montenegro
Montenegro, in the Balkans, is a NATO member and a candidate for EU membership. Launched in 2019, the Montenegro Citizenship by Investment program channels FDI. Applicants must invest EUR 250,000–450,000 in real estate (north/central vs. Podgorica), plus a government fee of EUR 200,000. Residence allows visa-free travel to 123 countries.
Portugal
The Golden Visa (Golden Residence Permit Program), Portugal’s residence by investment program, launched in 2012. As an EU member, the residence permit allows visa-free travel to Schengen countries. The residence is valid for 5 years for non-EU nationals and allows 7 days of stay per year. The program allows investors to acquire residence while living elsewhere.
An applicant must invest between EUR 250,000–500,000 in government-approved real estate (per 2022 framework). Processing to residence permit takes around 3–4 months. After 5 years, eligible investors may apply for citizenship; the permit grants the right to live, work, and study in Portugal and visa-free travel to Schengen. Portugal is known for international-quality healthcare, strong education, mild climate, security, and quality of life. Explore: Portugal Golden Visa
Spain
Spain is a sought-after residence destination. Real estate investment is the most effective way to acquire residence. The government grants residence on proof of acquisition of real estate worth a minimum of EUR 500,000. As a leading EU economy, a resident has visa-free access to the EU/Schengen area. Spanish residence allows inclusion of spouse or unmarried partner, financially dependent school-going children, and financially dependent parents (65+). A resident can apply for Spanish citizenship upon completing 10 years. An applicant is typically granted residence within ~1 month of submitting the application. Learn more: Spain Golden Visa
St. Kitts & Nevis
St. Kitts & Nevis (West Indies) offers Citizenship by Investment to attract foreign investment. By donation or real estate investment, investors and families can qualify directly for citizenship. To qualify via real estate, the main applicant must purchase property worth a minimum of USD 200,000. The passport enables visa-free or visa-on-arrival travel to 150+ destinations (including EU Schengen, UK, Russia, Hong Kong, Singapore). Explore: St. Kitts & Nevis CBI
Turkey
The Turkey Citizenship by Investment program (launched 2017) allows investors access to both European and Asian markets, and lifelong citizenship. To acquire citizenship, an applicant must invest a minimum of USD 250,000 in real estate. The residence allows visa-free access to ~110 countries, grants full citizenship to family members, and eligibility for a U.S. E-2 investor visa (5-year renewable). The citizenship application is typically approved within ~120 days. Learn more: Turkey Investor Program
The question which weighs on an investor’s mind is how to choose a country. Quality of life, safety & security, political stability, social freedom, economic opportunity, and healthcare infrastructure are the basic needs for an investor to start looking for second citizenship. Since Citizenship or Residence by Investment terms of each country may vary—from minimum investment to RoI timelines and mobility access—careful program selection is essential.
To Know more about the Application Process and your Eligibility
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FAQs
Which real estate citizenship programs are the most economical? Among Caribbean CBI options, Dominica and Antigua & Barbuda often feature lower real estate minimums (from USD 200,000), while Greece is known for a competitive residence threshold (EUR 250,000).
Do I need to live in the country to keep the status? Many residency/citizenship programs via real estate investment have minimal or no stay requirements (e.g., Portugal historically 7 days/year; Dominica none). Always check program rules for specifics.
Can my family be included in the application? Yes. Most CBI/Golden Visa routes allow inclusion of spouse, dependent children, and in several cases dependent parents, subject to age and dependency criteria.
What are the typical processing times? Timelines vary: some CBI programs (e.g., Caribbean) may complete in 3–4 months, while EU residence programs can range from 1–4 months to initial permits, with citizenship eligibility after longer residency periods.
