Citizenship by investment (CBI) — sometimes called investment citizenship — is a legal mechanism that allows individuals to obtain a second passport by making a qualifying financial contribution to a country. Minimum amounts range from under $100,000 to over $1 million depending on the program.
People compare these programs for a variety of reasons: visa-free travel access, tax planning, political security, business flexibility, or simply holding a second passport as a contingency. In 2026, the landscape includes more than 15 active programs across five continents, with significant differences in cost, processing time, due diligence standards, and the actual value of the passport obtained.
This article lists the minimum investment thresholds for 15 active programs as of 2026. These are starting figures only — final total costs are typically higher once due diligence fees, government processing fees, legal fees, and dependent costs are added. Always consult a licensed immigration attorney before committing to any program.
Cheapest citizenship by investment programs in 2026
The lowest entry points globally are currently in West Africa and the Pacific. São Tomé and Príncipe and Nauru offer programs starting under $100,000 USD — making them the most accessible by price. However, low cost does not always mean high passport value: visa-free access, processing credibility, and residency requirements vary widely.
Caribbean programs — Dominica, Antigua and Barbuda, Grenada, Saint Lucia, and St. Kitts and Nevis — remain among the most popular globally because they combine relatively low minimums ($200,000–$250,000) with strong Visa-free travel access to the UK, EU Schengen, and other destinations.
15 citizenship by investment countries: minimum investment amounts (2026)
The following table ranks programs by minimum investment threshold, from lowest to highest. All amounts are minimums — actual costs will be higher.
| # | Country | Region | Min. Investment |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | São Tomé and Príncipe | Africa | USD 90,000 |
| 2 | Nauru | Pacific | USD 95,000 |
| 3 | Vanuatu | Pacific | USD 130,000 |
| 4 | Sierra Leone | Africa | USD 140,000 |
| 5 | Dominica | Caribbean | USD 200,000 |
| 6 | North Macedonia | Europe | EUR 200,000 |
| 7 | Cambodia | Asia | USD 200,000 |
| 8 | Antigua and Barbuda | Caribbean | USD 230,000 |
| 9 | Grenada | Caribbean | USD 235,000 |
| 10 | Saint Lucia | Caribbean | USD 240,000 |
| 11 | Egypt | Middle East / Africa | USD 250,000 |
| 12 | St. Kitts and Nevis | Caribbean | USD 250,000 |
| 13 | Turkey | Europe / Asia | USD 400,000 |
| 14 | Jordan | Middle East | USD 750,000 |
| 15 | Samoa | Pacific | USD 1,100,000 |
Sources: Individual country CBI authority disclosures and established immigration advisory data, 2025–2026. All figures represent minimum investment thresholds only.
Notes on key programs
Caribbean programs — most popular globally
The five Caribbean programs (Dominica, Antigua and Barbuda, Grenada, Saint Lucia, St. Kitts and Nevis) consistently rank among the most sought-after. Grenada is unique in that its passport holders can apply for a US E-2 investor visa — a route unavailable to many nationalities. St. Kitts and Nevis runs one of the oldest CBI programs in the world, established in 1984. Dominica has historically had one of the lowest entry points of the Caribbean group. All five offer Visa-free or visa-on-arrival access to the EU Schengen area and the UK, though individual terms vary.
Vanuatu — fastest processing
Vanuatu's Development Support Program is widely cited as offering one of the fastest processing timelines — often within 30–60 days. This, combined with its price point, makes it attractive for applicants prioritizing speed. Passport visa access is more limited than Caribbean options.
Turkey — large economy, strategic location
Turkey's program requires a real estate investment of at least USD 400,000, significantly higher than most on this list. What it offers in return: access to one of the largest economies in the region, a passport with reasonable travel access, and the ability to maintain dual citizenship. Turkey also has an active E-2 treaty relationship with the United States.
North Macedonia — Europe proximity
North Macedonia's EUR 200,000 threshold makes it the lowest-entry European option on this list. It is not an EU member state, so the passport does not confer EU rights, but the program is structured around business investment and is notable for its European geography.
São Tomé and Príncipe and Nauru — lowest thresholds
These two programs have the lowest published minimums globally. Both are relatively newer entrants to the CBI space and carry less established reputations than Caribbean programs. Due diligence on the specific structure and legitimacy of these programs is especially important for prospective applicants.
Practical cautions before investing
Minimum ≠ total cost. Every program listed here charges additional fees on top of the investment minimum. Common additions include due diligence fees (typically $5,000–$15,000 per adult), government processing fees, legal and advisory fees, and dependent fees for spouses and children. For family applications, total costs can be 30–80% higher than the minimum investment figure alone.
Tax implications vary significantly. Obtaining a second citizenship does not automatically change your tax residency or obligations. US citizens, for example, are taxed on worldwide income regardless of second citizenship. Other countries have their own rules on exit taxes, controlled foreign corporation rules, and reporting requirements for foreign financial accounts. These must be evaluated before, not after, applying.
Due diligence standards differ. Some programs conduct more rigorous background checks than others. A passport from a program with weak due diligence may face heightened scrutiny at borders or when opening financial accounts.
Programs can change or close. CBI programs are governed by national law and can be amended, suspended, or terminated by the host government. Grenada and Dominica have both adjusted their terms in recent years. Verify current program status through official government channels or a licensed advisor before proceeding.
Legal representation matters. Use a licensed immigration attorney or registered CBI advisor. Many jurisdictions require that applications be submitted through authorized agents. Beware of unlicensed intermediaries.
Conclusion
In 2026, citizenship by investment programs span a wide range of price points — from under $100,000 in West Africa and the Pacific to over $1 million in Samoa. The right program depends on far more than the minimum investment amount: passport strength, processing reliability, due diligence quality, tax implications, and your personal and business goals all factor in.
Caribbean programs remain the most popular for good reason — they offer a reasonable balance of cost, passport utility, and established track record. Lower-cost programs in Africa and the Pacific may appeal to budget-conscious applicants but require more careful independent verification.
Before committing capital, consult a licensed immigration attorney and a tax advisor who understands the laws of both your country of origin and the target CBI country. The investment is only one part of the total cost and commitment involved.
