Fastest Path to Citizenship Through Investment
The timeline to citizenship varies from instant (all CBI programs) to 20 years (Andorra). For RBI programs, citizenship requires sustained residence over several years followed by a naturalization application. Paraguay offers one of the fastest RBI-to-citizenship paths at 3 years. Portugal reaches EU citizenship in 5 years. Australia and New Zealand grant citizenship within 4-5 years of permanent residency. This ranking covers every program where a citizenship path exists.
Programs
46
Countries
38
Types
CBI & RBI
From
Income-based
Key Takeaways
- ✓ Instant citizenship: all 13 active CBI programs (no residency required)
- ✓ Fastest RBI to citizenship: Paraguay at 3 years, Singapore at 2 years (after PR)
- ✓ EU citizenship through RBI: Portugal (5 years), Bulgaria/Ireland (5 years), Greece/Cyprus (7 years)
- ✓ Longest: Andorra (20 years), Switzerland (10-12 years), South Africa (10 years)
All Programs at a Glance
Sorted by minimum investment. Click any country to explore in detail.
| Country | Program | Type | Min. Investment | Processing | Citizenship Path |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 🇵🇹 Portugal | D7 Passive Income Visa | RBI | Income-based | 3 months | 5 years |
| 🇪🇸 Spain | Non-Lucrative Visa | RBI | Income-based | 5 months | 10 years |
| 🇪🇸 Spain | Digital Nomad Visa | RBI | Income-based | 1-3 months | 10 years |
| 🇮🇹 Italy | Elective Residence Visa | RBI | Income-based | 3-6 months | 10 years |
| 🇨🇷 Costa Rica | Rentista (Passive Income) | RBI | Income-based | 3-6 months | 7 years |
| 🇨🇷 Costa Rica | Pensionado (Retiree Residency) | RBI | Income-based | 3-6 months | 7 years |
| ðŸ‡ðŸ‡· Croatia | Temporary Residence for Business Activity | RBI | Income-based | 1-3 months | 8 years (5 years continuous residence + 3 years permanent residence) |
| 🇦🇺 Australia | National Innovation Visa (NIV) | RBI | Income-based | 12-24 months | 4 years (after PR) |
| 🇿🇦 South Africa | Critical Skills Visa | RBI | Income-based | 4-8 weeks | 10 years (5 years to PR, then 5 years to citizenship) |
| 🇧🇿 Belize | Qualified Retired Persons Programme (QRP) | RBI | $24,000 | 2-3 months | 5 years (via standard naturalisation after 1 year residency + 4 years PR) |
| 🇱🇻 Latvia | Golden Visa | RBI | €50,000 | 1-3 months | 10 years (PR after 4 years) |
| 🇵🇾 Paraguay | Investor Residency (SUACE) | RBI | $70,000 | 1-3 months | 3 years |
| 🇳🇷 Nauru | NECRCP (Climate Resilience Citizenship) | CBI | $90,000 | 3-6 months | Direct |
| 🇸🇹 São Tomé and PrÃncipe | Citizenship by Investment | CBI | $90,000 | 2-3 months | Direct |
| 🇰🇠Cambodia | Cambodia My Second Home (CM2H) | RBI | $100,000 | 4-6 months | 5 years (by naturalization under 1996 Nationality Law) |
| 🇦🇹 Austria | Residence Permit (Financially Independent) | RBI | €100,000 | 3-6 months | 10 years (6 years under certain conditions) |
| 🇸🇱 Sierra Leone | Citizenship by Investment | CBI | $100,000 | 2-3 months | Direct |
| 🇻🇺 Vanuatu | Development Support Program (DSP) | CBI | $130,000 | 1-3 months | Direct |
| 🇨🇷 Costa Rica | Investor Residency | RBI | $150,000 | 3-6 months | 7 years |
| 🇩🇲 Dominica | Citizenship by Investment | CBI | $200,000 | 3-4 months | Direct |
| 🇵🇦 Panama | Friendly Nations Visa | RBI | $200,000 | 3-6 months | 5 years |
| 🇦🇬 Antigua and Barbuda | Citizenship by Investment | CBI | $230,000 | 3-6 months | Direct |
| 🇬🇩 Grenada | Citizenship by Investment | CBI | $235,000 | 4-6 months | Direct |
| 🇱🇨 St Lucia | Citizenship by Investment | CBI | $240,000 | 3-4 months | Direct |
| 🇬🇷 Greece | Golden Visa | RBI | €250,000 | 2-3 months | 7 years |
| 🇰🇳 St Kitts and Nevis | Citizenship by Investment | CBI | $250,000 | 3-6 months | Direct |
| 🇮🇹 Italy | Investor Visa | RBI | €250,000 | 3-6 months | 10 years |
| 🇪🇬 Egypt | Citizenship by Investment | CBI | $250,000 | 6-12 months | Direct |
| ðŸ‡ðŸ‡º Hungary | Guest Investor Program (Golden Visa) | RBI | €250,000 | 3-6 months | 8 years + language exam |
| 🇧🇿 Belize | Investor Residency | RBI | $250,000 | 3-6 months | 5 years |
| 🇨🇾 Cyprus | Permanent Residence Permit | RBI | €300,000 | 2-3 months | 7 years (by naturalization) |
| 🇹🇷 Turkey | Citizenship by Investment | CBI | $400,000 | 6-12 months | Direct |
| 🇨🇠Switzerland | Lump-Sum Taxation Residence | RBI | CHF 450,000 | 3-6 months | 10 years (12 years for non-EU nationals) |
| 🇯🇴 Jordan | Citizenship by Investment | CBI | $490,000 | 3-6 months | Direct |
| 🇵🇹 Portugal | Golden Visa (ARI) | RBI | €500,000 | 12-18 months | 5 years |
| 🇲🇨 Monaco | Residence Permit (Carte de Séjour) | RBI | €500,000 | 2-6 months | 10 years (application to the Prince; dual citizenship not permitted at naturalisation) |
| 🇧🇬 Bulgaria | Investor Residence Permit | RBI | €512,000 | 3-6 months | 5 years (PR), then citizenship after additional residency |
| 🇺🇸 United States | EB-5 Immigrant Investor Program | RBI | $800,000 | 12-24 months | 5 years (after green card) |
| 🇦🇩 Andorra | Passive Residence Permit | RBI | €1,000,000 | 2-3 months | 20 years |
| 🇸🇻 El Salvador | Freedom Visa (Bitcoin Passport) | CBI | $1,000,000 | 2-3 months | Direct |
| 🇦🇪 UAE | Golden Visa | RBI | AED2,000,000 | 1-3 months | No direct path (UAE does not offer CBI) |
| 🇳🇿 New Zealand | Active Investor Plus | RBI | NZD 5,000,000 | 6-12 months | 5 years |
| 🇿🇦 South Africa | Business/Investment Visa | RBI | ZAR 5,000,000 | 3-12 months | 10 years (5 years to PR, then 5 years to citizenship) |
| 🇸🇬 Singapore | Global Investor Programme (GIP) | RBI | SGD 10,000,000 | 6-12 months | 2 years (eligible to apply after PR) |
| ðŸ‡ðŸ‡° Hong Kong | Capital Investment Entrant Scheme (CIES) | RBI | HKD 30,000,000 | 6-12 months | 7 years (permanent residency) |
| 🇿🇦 South Africa | Financially Independent Person Permit | RBI | ZAR 37,000,000 | 6-12 months | 10 years (5 years to PR, then 5 years to citizenship) |
Explore Each Program
Detailed cards with investment requirements, timelines, and key benefits.
D7 Passive Income Visa
Income-based
Proof of passive income (approx. €900/month minimum)
3 months
183+ days/year
2 years (renewable)
Yes
5 years
191
- ✓ No investment required, income-based
- ✓ Pension income accepted
- ✓ Must reside in Portugal
Non-Lucrative Visa
Income-based
Proof of passive income of ~€2,300/month (400% of Spain's IPREM index) for main applicant, plus ~€575/month per dependent. Private health insurance mandatory. Property lease or purchase required. Cannot work for Spanish employers.
5 months
183+ days/year in Spain (6 months continuous absence risks permit loss)
1 year (renewable)
No
10 years
191
- ✓ No investment required — income-based route only
- ✓ Beckham Law available: flat 24% tax on Spanish income for first 6 years
- ✓ Pension, dividend, and rental income all qualify as passive income
Digital Nomad Visa
Income-based
No investment. Must demonstrate remote employment or freelance activity for a non-Spanish company, with minimum income of approximately €2,520/month (200% IPREM).
1-3 months
Must reside in Spain
1 year visa, then 3-year residence permit (renewable)
Yes
10 years
191
- ✓ Beckham Law eligible: 24% flat tax on Spanish-source income for first 6 years
- ✓ No investment required, income-based qualification
- ✓ Full Schengen access
Elective Residence Visa
Income-based
Proof of stable passive income (no fixed minimum, typically €31K+/year) + property.
3-6 months
Must reside in Italy (183+ days/year). No work permitted.
1 year (renewable)
No
10 years
191
- ✓ Income-based, no investment required
- ✓ Cannot work in Italy
- ✓ Flat tax regime available
Rentista (Passive Income)
Income-based
Proof of $2,500/month stable passive income for 2+ years.
3-6 months
Visit once/year
2 years (renewable)
No
7 years
153
- ✓ Income-based, no investment
- ✓ Pension income accepted
- ✓ Must not work in Costa Rica
Pensionado (Retiree Residency)
Income-based
Proof of $1,000/month pension income from a recognised pension source.
3-6 months
Visit once/year
2 years (renewable, permanent residency after 3 years)
No
7 years
153
- ✓ Lowest income threshold of the three Costa Rica routes ($1,000/month)
- ✓ Pension income accepted from any country
- ✓ Must not work in Costa Rica
Temporary Residence for Business Activity
Income-based
Company registration in Croatia or appointment as director/board member. No minimum capital requirement for d.o.o. (LLC equivalent).
1-3 months
Must reside in Croatia
1 year (renewable annually, leads to permanent residence after 5 years)
Yes
8 years (5 years continuous residence + 3 years permanent residence)
188
- ✓ EU + Schengen + Eurozone access from 2023
- ✓ Actual path to Croatian (EU) citizenship via 8-year integration
- ✓ Full work rights, unlike the Digital Nomad Visa
National Innovation Visa (NIV)
Income-based
No minimum investment threshold. Invitation-only based on exceptional achievement and recognised contribution to innovation, research, entrepreneurship, investment, sport, or arts. Must submit Expression of Interest (EOI); Department issues invitations. State nomination required for most streams.
12-24 months
Must reside in Australia
Permanent (direct PR)
Yes
4 years (after PR)
189
- ✓ Merit-based, not investment-based — no minimum capital threshold
- ✓ Grants permanent residence directly, not a provisional visa
- ✓ Highly selective: ~300 invitations issued from 9,000+ EOIs as of 2025
Critical Skills Visa
Income-based
No investment. Must hold qualifications in a gazetted critical skill (engineering, IT, finance, healthcare, etc.).
4-8 weeks
Must reside and work in South Africa
5 years (renewable, leads to PR)
Yes
10 years (5 years to PR, then 5 years to citizenship)
106
- ✓ No investment required, skills-based entry
- ✓ Fast processing (4-8 weeks typical)
- ✓ Full work rights from day one
Qualified Retired Persons Programme (QRP)
$24,000
$2,000/month income proof ($24,000/year) from a pension, annuity, or other stable source outside Belize.
2-3 months
Approximately 1 visit per year
Permanent (annual renewal of QRP status)
No
5 years (via standard naturalisation after 1 year residency + 4 years PR)
96
- ✓ Income-based, no lump-sum investment required
- ✓ All foreign income and assets fully tax-exempt under QRP
- ✓ English-speaking, common law jurisdiction
Golden Visa
€50,000
Real estate: €250K+ in Riga or within 30km (freehold, 5-year hold, +5% government fee). Business: €50K into Latvian company (<50 employees) or €100K (50+ employees), plus €10K government fee. Bank deposit: €280K fixed for 5 years. Income proof: €2,220/month required.
1-3 months
Must maintain investment
5 years (renewable)
Yes
10 years (PR after 4 years)
188
- ✓ Lowest EU Golden Visa business investment route at €50K
- ✓ Corporate tax on distributed profits only — reinvested profits untaxed
- ✓ Permanent residency available after 4 years
Investor Residency (SUACE)
$70,000
$70K bank deposit or business investment.
1-3 months
Minimal
Permanent
Yes
3 years
143
- ✓ Fastest citizenship in South America — 3 years from permanent residency
- ✓ $70K investment threshold — lowest in the Americas for a PR+citizenship path
- ✓ Flat 10% territorial tax — no tax on foreign income whatsoever
NECRCP (Climate Resilience Citizenship)
$90,000
$90,000 standard contribution to Nauru Economic and Climate Resilience Programme. Promotional rate of $80,000 available through June 2026.
3-6 months
None
Citizenship (permanent)
Yes
Direct
48
- ✓ Direct citizenship from $90K standard ($80K promotional through June 2026)
- ✓ Zero-tax jurisdiction: no income, corporate, capital gains, or VAT
- ✓ Only 48 countries visa-free — chosen for cost diversification, not mobility
Citizenship by Investment
$90,000
$90K donation to National Transformation Fund (single applicant). $95K for families of 2-4. Total cost with fees ~$105K.
2-3 months
None
Citizenship (permanent)
Yes
Direct
61
- ✓ Cheapest CBI program globally ($90K)
- ✓ Fastest processing (as little as 6 weeks)
- ✓ CPLP member: fast-track to Portuguese/Brazilian residency
Cambodia My Second Home (CM2H)
$100,000
$100K+ in approved real estate project (government-approved developments only, including residential and mixed-use in Phnom Penh). Includes KHCA membership fee. Total cost typically $50K–$100K depending on chosen project. Work rights included from day one.
4-6 months
Minimal
10 years
Yes
5 years (by naturalization under 1996 Nationality Law)
54
- ✓ USD de facto currency — eliminates exchange rate risk for dollar investors
- ✓ Citizenship eligible after 5 years — fastest path to SE Asian passport
- ✓ Work rights included — unlike some competing programs
Residence Permit (Financially Independent)
€100,000
€100K+ in demonstrable financial means. No specific investment vehicle required but must prove financial independence.
3-6 months
Must reside in Austria
1 year (renewable, PR after 5 years)
No
10 years (6 years under certain conditions)
191
- ✓ Vienna rated world's most livable city multiple years running
- ✓ Strict annual quota — apply early in the year, spots fill fast
- ✓ German language certification required for permit renewals
Citizenship by Investment
$100,000
$100K Heritage track (African descent) or $140K standard track contribution. Total cost with fees approximately $117K–$157K depending on track.
2-3 months
None
Citizenship (permanent)
Yes
Direct
64
- ✓ Two tracks: $100K Heritage (African descent) or $140K standard
- ✓ Fully remote, no visit required
- ✓ Fast processing (2 months)
Development Support Program (DSP)
$130,000
$130K government contribution (single applicant). Additional fees for family members.
1-3 months
None
Citizenship (permanent)
Yes
Direct
89
- ✓ World's fastest CBI (approvals routinely in 30-60 days, some in 3 weeks)
- ✓ Zero-tax jurisdiction: no income, corporate, capital gains, or inheritance tax
- ✓ Schengen access revoked March 2022; UK requires a Standard Visitor visa
Investor Residency
$150,000
$150K+ in real estate (must be in applicant's personal name), business investment, private equity funds, shares, securities, or sustainable tourism projects. Note: $150K is a temporary threshold (reduced from $200K under Law No. 9996); may revert to $200K if not extended past mid-2026.
3-6 months
Visit once/year minimum
2 years (renewable, PR after 3 years)
No
7 years
153
- ✓ Territorial tax — foreign income fully exempt
- ✓ No military since 1948 — one of Latin America's most stable democracies
- ✓ Permanent residency available after 3 years of actual residence
Citizenship by Investment
$200,000
$200K donation to Economic Diversification Fund or $200K+ real estate (3-year hold).
3-4 months
None
Citizenship (permanent)
Yes
Direct
145
- ✓ Most affordable CBI globally
- ✓ No residency or visit requirement
- ✓ No interview required
Friendly Nations Visa
$200,000
$200K+ in Panamanian real estate or 3-year Certificate of Deposit in a Panamanian bank. Alternatively, employment with a Panamanian company qualifies. Provisional residency within ~72 hours, permanent residency after 2 years. Available to 50+ eligible nationalities including US, UK, EU, and most Commonwealth countries.
3-6 months
Visit every 2 years
Permanent Residence
Yes
5 years
143
- ✓ Territorial tax — zero tax on all foreign-source income
- ✓ USD-based economy — no currency risk for dollar-denominated wealth
- ✓ Provisional residency granted in ~72 hours
Citizenship by Investment
$230,000
$230K donation to National Development Fund (covers family of up to 4 at same price, unique among Caribbean CBI). Or $260K University of the West Indies Fund (family of up to 6, one member enrolled, inclusive of processing fees). Or $300K+ real estate (5-year hold, joint investment option: two families invest $200K each in same property). Or $1.5M direct business investment.
3-6 months
5 days in first 5 years
Citizenship (permanent)
Yes
Direct
154
- ✓ Family of 4 covered at same $230K donation price (best family value in Caribbean CBI)
- ✓ Only Caribbean CBI with any residency requirement (just 5 days in 5 years)
- ✓ UK access via Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA, £20, valid 2 years)
Citizenship by Investment
$235,000
$235K donation to National Transformation Fund (single applicant or family of up to 4), or $270K+ shared real estate (+$50K NTF), or $350K+ sole ownership real estate (+$50K NTF).
4-6 months
None
Citizenship (permanent)
Yes
Direct
147
- ✓ E-2 treaty with US (can apply for US investor visa)
- ✓ Only Caribbean CBI with US E-2 access
- ✓ Visa-free access to China and Russia
Citizenship by Investment
$240,000
$240K donation to National Economic Fund (single applicant; $300K for family of 4). Or $300K+ approved real estate (5-year hold). Or $300K+ government bond (non-interest-bearing, 5-year hold, plus administration fee set by the CIU). Or enterprise investment from $3.5M (3+ jobs created).
3-4 months
None
Citizenship (permanent)
Yes
Direct
144
- ✓ UK: full Standard Visitor visa required (added to UK visa national list April 2026)
- ✓ Schengen visa-free; 144 countries total (Henley March 2026)
- ✓ Only Caribbean CBI with a capital-recoverable bond route
Golden Visa
€250,000
Property: €800K in Athens/Thessaloniki/Mykonos/Santorini, €400K other areas, €250K for commercial-to-residential conversions only. Also bank deposits (€500K), gov bonds (€500K), funds (€350K).
2-3 months
No minimum stay
5 years (renewable)
No
7 years
188
- ✓ Broadest family inclusion in EU (parents + in-laws of both partners)
- ✓ No stay requirement
- ✓ Schengen access
Citizenship by Investment
$250,000
$250K Sustainable Island State Contribution (SISC, flat rate for family of up to 4). Real estate: $325K+ (Developer's Real Estate, 7-year hold) or $600K+ (Private Real Estate, 7-year hold).
3-6 months
None (genuine-link due diligence required)
Citizenship (permanent)
Yes
Direct
157
- ✓ No mandatory physical residency requirement for citizenship
- ✓ Genuine-link principle enforced: enhanced due diligence, background checks, no illicit ties (CARICOM 2024 agreement)
- ✓ Oldest CBI program (since 1984)
Investor Visa
€250,000
€250K in qualifying innovative startup (registered, <5 years old, <€5M revenue), €500K in Italian company (SME or larger), €1M philanthropic donation, or €2M in government bonds. Startup route is most popular entry point.
3-6 months
Must maintain Italian tax residency (183+ days/year or centre of vital interests in Italy)
2 years (renewable)
Yes
10 years
191
- ✓ Lowest EU investor visa entry point at €250K (startup route)
- ✓ Flat tax regime: €300K/year on all foreign income (up to 15 years)
- ✓ Path to EU citizenship and passport after 10 years
Citizenship by Investment
$250,000
$250K+ real estate or $300K+ government treasury deposit (refundable after 5 years).
6-12 months
None
Citizenship (permanent)
Yes
Direct
53
- ✓ Affordable entry point for CBI
- ✓ Property investment qualifies
- ✓ Treasury deposit is refundable
Guest Investor Program (Golden Visa)
€250,000
€250K in HNB-approved residential real estate fund (40%+ of NAV in Hungarian residential property, 5-year minimum hold). Or €1M non-refundable donation to a public interest trust supporting Hungarian higher education. Direct real estate route removed January 2025.
3-6 months
Must maintain investment
10 years (renewable)
Yes
8 years + language exam
188
- ✓ Lowest-cost EU Golden Visa entry point at €250K (fund route)
- ✓ 10-year renewable permit — longest duration in EU
- ✓ Flat 15% personal income tax, 9% corporate tax (lowest in EU)
Investor Residency
$250,000
$250K+ real estate investment.
3-6 months
Approximately 1 visit per year (not strictly quantified in statute)
Permanent
Yes
5 years
96
- ✓ Only English-speaking country in Central America — common law legal system
- ✓ No capital gains tax on any asset class
- ✓ Territorial tax — all foreign income exempt
Permanent Residence Permit
€300,000
Property purchase (€300K+ new build from developer).
2-3 months
Visit once every 2 years
Permanent
No
7 years (by naturalization)
176
- ✓ 12.5% corporate tax, no inheritance tax, 15-year non-dom regime
- ✓ €50,000/year foreign-source income required (plus €15,000 per dependent)
- ✓ Fast processing
Citizenship by Investment
$400,000
Property purchase ($400K+) or bank deposit ($500K+) or government bonds ($500K+).
6-12 months
None
Citizenship (permanent)
Yes
Direct
118
- ✓ Strategic location (Europe/Asia bridge)
- ✓ E-2 treaty with US
- ✓ Property can be sold after 3 years
Lump-Sum Taxation Residence
CHF 450,000
CHF 450K+ annual tax payment (lump-sum taxation based on living expenses, not income). Varies by canton.
3-6 months
Must reside in Switzerland
1 year (renewable)
No
10 years (12 years for non-EU nationals)
191
- ✓ Tax based on living expenses, not actual income — ideal for very high earners
- ✓ CHF 450K+ annual minimum tax payment — not a fixed investment
- ✓ Cantons Vaud, Valais, Geneva, Ticino offer lump-sum; Zurich and Basel abolished it
Citizenship by Investment
$490,000
Framework reformed July 2025; all passive treasury-bond routes eliminated. Five active citizenship routes (thresholds in JOD; approximate USD conversions at 2026 rates): Existing Project retroactive recognition JOD 350K-700K (~USD 490K-990K); New Project with 10-20 Jordanian jobs JOD 500K-700K (~USD 700K-990K); Share Purchase in Jordanian companies JOD 1M (~USD 1.4M, 3-year profit lock-up); Sector-Specific in pharmaceuticals/logistics/priority sectors up to JOD 3M (~USD 4.2M); Employment-Only (no capital floor) with 100-150 Jordanian national hires. Annual cap of 500 approvals across all routes.
3-6 months
None specified
Citizenship (permanent)
Yes
Direct
51
- ✓ July 2025 reform eliminated all passive routes; citizenship now requires active investment or job creation
- ✓ Approximately 51 countries visa-free (Henley 2026), chosen for regional business access, not mobility
- ✓ Dual citizenship recognised (no renunciation of existing nationality required)
Golden Visa (ARI)
€500,000
Qualifying investment fund (€500K min, 60%+ allocated to Portugal-based companies, 5-year lock-up). Also: €250,000 standard contribution to Portuguese cultural heritage, artistic production, or national scientific research (Law 56/2023). Reduced to €200,000 for projects in low-population-density regions including Azores, Madeira, and interior NUTS III areas. €1.5M capital transfer. Job creation (10 positions). Property route closed Oct 2023.
12-18 months
7 days/year average
2 years (renewable)
Yes
5 years
191
- ✓ Only 7 days/year physical presence required
- ✓ Path to EU passport in 5 years — one of Europe's fastest
- ✓ IFICI flat tax regime (20% on qualifying PT income, 10 years)
Residence Permit (Carte de Séjour)
€500,000
Minimum ~€500K bank deposit with a Monaco-licensed bank (bank-set threshold, not legislated). Secure housing in Monaco (rental ~€3,000-5,000/month minimum for a studio; purchase typically €3M+ for a one-bedroom). Proof of financial self-sufficiency, clean criminal record, and private health insurance required.
2-6 months
Genuine residence required (no hard day-count in law; renewal requires demonstrated actual presence)
1 year (renewable)
No
10 years (application to the Prince; dual citizenship not permitted at naturalisation)
- ✓ Zero income tax since 1869 (French nationals excepted under 1963 bilateral convention)
- ✓ Bank deposit is your money in your account, not a fee, but bank sets the floor at ~€500K
- ✓ Housing cost is the real barrier: Monaco is the world's most expensive real estate per sqm
Investor Residence Permit
€512,000
€512K+ investment in Bulgarian government bonds, business, or designated projects.
3-6 months
Must maintain investment
1 year (renewable, PR after 5 years)
Yes
5 years (PR), then citizenship after additional residency
175
- ✓ Lowest flat tax in the EU — 10% personal and 10% corporate
- ✓ Joined Air Schengen 2024 — full land border Schengen access pending
- ✓ EU citizenship path — one of Europe's lowest-cost routes to an EU passport
EB-5 Immigrant Investor Program
$800,000
$800K in targeted employment area (TEA) or $1.05M standard. Must create/preserve 10+ full-time jobs.
12-24 months
Must reside in US
Green card (permanent)
Yes
5 years (after green card)
186
- ✓ Only investment route to a US green card and eventual citizenship
- ✓ TEA threshold: $800K (vs $1.05M standard) — most invest through regional centres
- ✓ US taxes worldwide income permanently from green card issuance — irreversible
Passive Residence Permit
€1,000,000
€1M minimum investment in Andorran assets (real estate, shares, or bank deposits) + €50K government deposit under 2026 regulations. Alternative: €400K via the Andorran Housing Fund.
2-3 months
90 days/year
1 year (renewable)
No
20 years
- ✓ Residency only — no Andorran passport; your home-country passport continues to govern travel
- ✓ Zero tax on foreign-source income — Andorran income taxed at max 10%
- ✓ Only 90 days/year physical presence needed
Freedom Visa (Bitcoin Passport)
$1,000,000
$1M contribution (can be paid in Bitcoin or USD).
2-3 months
None
Citizenship (permanent)
Yes
Direct
134
- ✓ First Bitcoin-accepting CBI program
- ✓ 100% online, no visit required
- ✓ No capital gains tax on Bitcoin
Golden Visa
AED2,000,000
Property: AED 2M+ (equity portion, no 50% threshold since Feb 2026 — off-plan and mortgaged accepted). Or: AED 2M+ public investment/deposits. Entrepreneurs: AED 500K+ in approved startup. Expanded categories include content creators, educators, nurses (15+ years), e-sports professionals.
1-3 months
None (can stay outside UAE without visa cancellation)
10 years (renewable)
Yes
No direct path (UAE does not offer CBI)
183
- ✓ Zero personal income tax — no employment, investment, or capital gains tax
- ✓ Off-plan and mortgaged property now qualify (rule change Feb 2026)
- ✓ Can sponsor unlimited family members including adult children
Active Investor Plus
NZD 5,000,000
Growth category: NZD 5M+ in approved managed funds or NZ business direct investment, held 3 years (21 days/year stay). Balanced category: NZD 10M+ in mixed investments including bonds and new residential property, held 5 years (105 days/year stay). Both restructured April 2025.
6-12 months
21 days/3 years (Growth) or 105 days/5 years (Balanced)
4 years (leads to PR)
Yes
5 years
189
- ✓ Two-tier structure since April 2025 — Growth (NZD 5M) or Balanced (NZD 10M)
- ✓ Growth category: only 21 days presence over 3-year investment term
- ✓ No capital gains tax on shares or portfolio investments
Business/Investment Visa
ZAR 5,000,000
ZAR 5M (~$270K USD) in a South African business.
3-12 months
Must reside
3 years (renewable, leads to PR)
Yes
10 years (5 years to PR, then 5 years to citizenship)
106
- ✓ ZAR 5M (~$270K USD) — among lowest investment thresholds for a direct PR pathway globally
- ✓ Africa's largest and most diversified economy — gateway to continental markets
- ✓ GMT+2 timezone — convenient for Europe-facing business operations
Global Investor Programme (GIP)
SGD 10,000,000
Option A: SGD 10M into new/existing Singapore business (30+ employees, 50%+ Singaporean). Option B: SGD 25M into EDB-approved fund investing in Singapore companies. Option C: Single Family Office with SGD 200M AUM, SGD 50M deployed locally. Application fee SGD 20,000 (from May 2025).
6-12 months
Must be based in Singapore
Permanent Residence
Yes
2 years (eligible to apply after PR)
195
- ✓ World's strongest passport by visa-free access (195 countries)
- ✓ Grants PR directly — no provisional period
- ✓ Citizenship eligible after just 2 years of PR
Capital Investment Entrant Scheme (CIES)
HKD 30,000,000
HKD 30M (~$3.8M USD) in permissible financial assets. No property.
6-12 months
Must ordinarily reside in HK
2 years (renewable, leads to PR at 7 years)
Yes
7 years (permanent residency)
171
- ✓ No capital gains tax, no dividend tax, no estate duty — territorial tax system
- ✓ HKD 30M threshold (up from HKD 10M) — property excluded, financial assets only
- ✓ Relaunched 2024 after 9-year suspension (2015–2024)
Financially Independent Person Permit
ZAR 37,000,000
Proof of net worth of ZAR 37M (~$2M USD). No active business requirement.
6-12 months
Must reside
4 years (renewable, leads to PR)
No
10 years (5 years to PR, then 5 years to citizenship)
106
- ✓ Net-worth-based, no active business or employment required
- ✓ ZAR 37M (~$2M USD) threshold targets HNW retirees and passive investors
- ✓ Path to PR after maintaining status for 5 years
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