CBI.me Research Desk · editorial guide ·
Citizenship by investment in 2026: countries, costs and how it works
Citizenship by investment is a legal route to nationality through a qualifying contribution or investment, subject to eligibility checks and government approval. A payment alone does not guarantee citizenship. This inventory separates 11 citizenship routes from residence, noncitizen travel passports, closed schemes and announcements.
| Programme | Single base | Family base | Single subtotal |
|---|---|---|---|
| Antigua and Barbuda | $230,000 | $230,000 | $248,800 |
| Dominica | $200,000 | $250,000 | $210,000 |
| Egypt | $250,000 | — | $260,000 |
| Grenada | $235,000 | $235,000 | $244,000 |
| St Kitts and Nevis | $250,000 | $250,000 | $262,750 |
| Saint Lucia | $240,000 | $240,000 | — |
| Nauru | $90,000 | $92,000 | $102,700 |
| El Salvador | $1,000,000 | $1,000,000 | $1,000,000 |
| São Tomé and Príncipe | $90,000 | $95,000 | — |
| Türkiye | $400,000 | — | — |
| Vanuatu | $130,000 | $180,000 | $135,000 |
Family: principal, spouse and two under-12 children. Subtotals include itemised charges only; extras and eligibility apply.
Which countries have citizenship by investment routes?
This collection profiles Antigua and Barbuda, Dominica, Grenada, St Kitts and Nevis, Saint Lucia, Türkiye, Egypt, Vanuatu, Nauru, São Tomé and Príncipe and El Salvador as current citizenship routes, with programme-specific limits. This is the reviewed inventory, not a legal census of every country. The comparison below links to the legal outcome, family rules, limitations and sources for each route.
How much does citizenship by investment cost?
Compare the qualifying contribution or invested capital with the subtotal of listed government charges. Those figures exclude costs that have not been independently consolidated. A family quote depends on dependant ages and eligibility. Property can preserve capital value but adds holding obligations, taxes and exit risk; a contribution is generally spent permanently.
How does an application work?
Check nationality restrictions, family eligibility and source-of-funds requirements with the responsible authority. Where an authorised agent is required, verify the agent through the official programme office. Obtain a written itemised quote, prepare documents and complete screening and interviews. Follow the programme’s payment instructions and milestones. Citizenship approval, certificates, biometrics and passport delivery are separate stages.
Is citizenship by investment guaranteed?
No. Meeting a financial threshold does not remove the government’s eligibility, screening and approval requirements. Published processing targets are not a guaranteed date for a usable passport. Check holding, presence and continuing duties as well as initial approval conditions.
What is outside this citizenship list?
Investor residence permits, merit grants, proposals, historic schemes and special noncitizen passports are listed separately. Malta’s former direct-investment scheme is closed. Argentina’s announced route is not treated as verified open intake. A document called a passport does not necessarily establish nationality.
How current is this guide?
This guide uses the dated CBI.me research snapshot. Official sources can change, conflict or omit charges. Check the source dates and qualifications on the linked profile before taking action; the website is not automatically refreshed.
Sources
- Citizenship: options and obligations ↗Antigua and Barbuda CIU · Government guidance · Checked
What this source supports
US$230,000 NDF; US$300,000 property; five days in first five years; family and screening.
- Economic Diversification Fund ↗Dominica CBIU · Government guidance · Checked
What this source supports
US$200,000 single; US$250,000 up to four; additional fees and dependants. | Published contribution and fee schedule; applicant age bands and per-person/application distinctions
- Becoming a citizen ↗Investment Migration Agency Grenada · Government guidance · Checked
What this source supports
NTF US$235,000; approved-project investment options; fees, interview and personal requirements. | Published contribution and fee schedule; applicant age bands and per-person/application distinctions
- Sustainable Island State Contribution ↗St Kitts and Nevis CIU · Government guidance · Checked
What this source supports
US$250,000 main applicant or family of four; interview and due diligence. | Published contribution and fee schedule; applicant age bands and per-person/application distinctions
- Citizenship by investment: investment amounts ↗Saint Lucia CIP · Government guidance · Checked
What this source supports
NEF US$240,000 up to four; bonds US$300,000 plus US$50,000 administration; other options. | Published contribution and fee schedule; applicant age bands and per-person/application distinctions
- Acquiring property and citizenship ↗Presidency Investment Office, Türkiye · Government guidance · Checked
What this source supports
US$400,000 property with three-year hold; US$500,000 financial/capital routes or 50 jobs; discretionary decision.
- Citizenship investment options ↗Egyptian Cabinet citizenship unit · Government guidance · Checked
What this source supports
250000 contribution;300000 property;350000 project capital+100000 contribution;500000 three-year deposit with EGP repayment;five-year asset-retention conditions.
- Citizenship fees and charges ↗Vanuatu Citizenship Office and Commission · Government guidance · Checked
What this source supports
Published government tariff: US$130,000 single; US$180,000 married couple and two children; US$5,000 FIU diligence.
- Citizenship programme costs ↗Naoero Program Office · Government guidance · Checked
What this source supports
US$90,000 offer through 31 December 2026; US$5,000 application, US$6,000 due diligence, US$1,200 bank charge and US$500 passport. | Published contribution and fee schedule; applicant age bands and per-person/application distinctions
- Citizenship by investing ↗Honorary Consulate of São Tomé and Príncipe, Berlin/Potsdam · Official consular guidance · Checked
What this source supports
US$90,000 single, US$95,000 up to four; no residence/visit; advertised timing, not a guarantee.
- Freedom Passport programme ↗Government of El Salvador · Government guidance · Checked
What this source supports
US$1m BTC/USDt; naturalisation authorisation required; family; 1,000 annual participants.
- Amendments to the Maltese Citizenship Act ↗Community Malta Agency · Government guidance · Checked
What this source supports
Direct-investment scheme discontinued; statutory references removed.