Citizenship by Investment with VisaVoy.
Citizenship by investment empowers qualified investors to secure a second citizenship and passport through a structured, lawful contribution to a host country’s economy — without putting their lives or businesses on hold.
Citizenship by investment provides a legally recognized second nationality and passport, offering greater freedom of movement, enhanced security and access to new opportunities for you and your family.
With VisaVoy, the process is strategic, transparent and aligned with your long-term vision — not just your next trip.
What is citizenship?
Citizenship is the legal and political bond between an individual and a country. It grants citizens key rights — including the ability to vote, work, own property, receive state protection and participate in the civic life of the nation. In return, citizens commit to upholding the country’s laws and values.
Traditionally, citizenship is obtained by birth, descent, naturalization after years of residence, or marriage. Since 1984, a targeted and regulated route has joined these classic pathways: citizenship obtained through investment in the host country.
What is citizenship by investment?
Citizenship by Investment (CBI) is a legal process that allows qualified investors to obtain a second citizenship and passport through an approved contribution to the host country’s economy.
Compared to traditional naturalization, CBI frameworks:
- Offer accelerated timelines to citizenship.
- May not require permanent relocation or full-time residence.
- Provide lifetime citizenship, subject to the country’s laws.
VisaVoy helps you navigate this route responsibly, aligning program selection with your mobility needs, family priorities and global planning objectives.
A second passport from a stable, peaceful country can act as a critical safeguard in times of political or economic uncertainty at home. For many families, this additional layer of protection is invaluable.
Some passports provide limited visa-free access. A second citizenship can dramatically reduce the need for visa applications, unlocking smoother business travel and more spontaneous personal trips around the world.
Second citizenship often opens new markets and banking relationships, enabling you to incorporate businesses, invest and operate in jurisdictions that may otherwise be difficult to access.
Some CBI countries have favorable tax environments — such as limited or no tax on foreign-sourced income or capital gains. Used properly and compliantly, this can support more efficient global wealth management.
Most programs allow inclusion of spouses and dependent children, sometimes parents. Together, you gain access to better healthcare, a safer environment and a stronger long-term lifestyle.
A second citizenship can offer access to top-tier education systems worldwide. Children may qualify for domestic tuition rates, significantly reducing long-term costs and expanding their academic options.
Why countries offer citizenship by investment
Countries launch CBI programs to attract targeted foreign direct investment. These inflows can support infrastructure, real estate, tourism, business development, job creation, innovation and cultural initiatives, while also bringing in globally connected citizens.
In some jurisdictions, contributions are channeled into dedicated national funds or strategic projects. For example, development foundations in small states have directed millions toward economic transformation and community-building initiatives.
Examples of citizenship by investment programs
Program details and minimums change regularly. The table below is for illustration and does not represent current or exhaustive program information. VisaVoy provides up-to-date details as part of a tailored review.
| Country (example) | Indicative time to citizenship | Indicative minimum investment |
|---|---|---|
| 🇦🇬Antigua & Barbuda | Approx. 4–5 months | From ~US$230,000 |
| 🇩🇲Dominica | Approx. 3 months | From ~US$200,000 |
| 🇬🇩Grenada | Approx. 7–8 months | From ~US$235,000 |
| 🇱🇨Saint Lucia | Approx. 9–12 months | From ~US$240,000 |
| 🇰🇳St. Kitts & Nevis | Approx. 6–12 months | From ~US$250,000 |
*Not all countries allow dual citizenship. It is essential to confirm your home country’s rules before proceeding with any application.
Common requirements for obtaining a second passport
Each CBI program has its own eligibility rules, but most share core requirements. Typically, applicants must:
- Provide evidence of a clean criminal record and a clear security background.
- Demonstrate the legal source of all investment funds.
- Make a qualifying contribution to government-approved options (real estate, funds, bonds, donations, etc.).
- Undergo due diligence checks for themselves and included family members.
Meeting each requirement is essential. VisaVoy walks you through documentation, structure and timing so your application is as strong and complete as possible.
Dual citizenship considerations.
Not all jurisdictions allow dual or multiple citizenship. Before proceeding, we assess how a second
citizenship would interact with your existing nationality, obligations and long-term objectives.
A brief history of citizenship and passports
The roots of modern passports and citizenship stretch back thousands of years. In ancient times, travelers relied on letters of “safe conduct” requesting that foreign authorities grant them safe passage. A notable reference appears around 450 BC in the Book of Nehemiah.
The Roman Empire recognized different levels of citizenship, issuing certificates that granted rights within specific cities or across the wider empire. In the Medieval era, merchants depended on similar documents to secure safe travel across borders.
In England, mentions of safe conduct date back to 1414 under King Henry V. By 1540, issuing travel papers became more formalized under the Privy Council, with the term “passport” already in circulation. Passports did not fully evolve into standardized identity and travel documents until the 19th and early 20th centuries, especially after World War I and the work of the League of Nations.
Early investor residency.
Switzerland’s 1862 lump-sum taxation framework is sometimes seen as an early version of residency by
investment. The canton of Vaud sought to tax wealthy foreign residents who benefited from local
infrastructure but were not otherwise contributing. This model later evolved into attractive residency
and tax options for high net worth individuals.
The first official citizenship-by-investment program appeared in St. Kitts & Nevis in 1984. Other nations soon followed, using well-regulated programs to attract capital, develop their economies and build long-term resilience.
Citizenship by investment timeline
Over the last few decades, CBI has grown from a single pioneering program into a recognized component of international migration and investment planning:
How VisaVoy supports your CBI journey
VisaVoy helps individuals and families secure a second citizenship through structured, compliant and expertly guided pathways. We combine global insight with personalized strategy, focusing on security, mobility, wealth preservation and multi-generational opportunity.
In an era where international mobility is central to both personal and professional success, we act as a trusted partner to investors and their advisors — turning intentions into well-executed solutions.
What makes VisaVoy different
VisaVoy is built on integrity, transparency and long-term commitment. We stand beside you from the first strategy conversation to the issuance of your passport — and beyond.
We simplify complex requirements, coordinate with trusted legal, tax and financial partners, and provide clear, strategic guidance at every step. With VisaVoy, you are not just applying for a document; you are designing a truly global lifestyle.
VisaVoy tools for smarter citizenship decisions
Choosing the right CBI program means balancing cost, benefits, timelines and long-term consequences. VisaVoy uses a suite of analytical tools and frameworks to help you compare options clearly and confidently.
Review the core features of leading citizenship programs side-by-side — from investment types to eligibility criteria.
Understand estimated total costs, including contributions, fees and due diligence expenses for you and your family.
See how each citizenship translates into real-world mobility and where you can travel, live and work more freely.
Align your priorities — security, lifestyle, business, tax — with programs that genuinely fit your profile and goals.
Benchmark programs based on stability, mobility, cost-efficiency and long-term value to understand their relative strengths.
Explore global passports and discover how different combinations can support a resilient, multi-country strategy for you and your family.