In 2025, countries around the world are continuing to attract wealthy investors by offering fast-track citizenship programs. These programs, often referred to as “golden visas” or citizenship-by-investment (CBI), allow individuals to obtain citizenship in exchange for significant financial investments in the country’s economy, such as real estate purchases, government bonds, or business ventures. Below, we explore the top five countries offering fast-track citizenship for investors in 2025, detailing the requirements, benefits, and unique features of each program.
Table of Contents
1. MALTA
Malta remains one of the most attractive destinations for citizenship-by-investment in 2025. Located in the Mediterranean, Malta’s CBI program allows investors to obtain citizenship in a relatively short amount of time while offering access to the European Union (EU).
1.1 Investment Requirements
- Contribution to the National Development and Social Fund (NDSF): €750,000 (minimum)
- Real Estate Investment: A property purchase of at least €700,000 or a rental agreement of €16,000 per year (minimum) for five years
- Charitable Donation: A donation of €10,000 to a registered Maltese charity
- Residency Requirement: Applicants must reside in Malta for 12 to 36 months, depending on the level of investment.
1.2 Benefits
- Full EU citizenship, providing freedom of movement and the right to live, work, and study in any EU country.
- Malta is part of the Schengen Area, allowing visa-free travel across much of Europe.
- Access to a robust financial and healthcare system.
2. PORTUGAL
Portugal’s Golden Visa program continues to attract investors in 2025 due to its flexible requirements and a clear pathway to citizenship after five years. While the program is technically a residency-by-investment scheme, it offers one of the fastest routes to citizenship for investors looking to settle in Europe.
2.1 Investment Requirements
Real Estate Investment: A minimum property purchase of €500,000 (or €350,000 in designated low-density areas)
Investment in Business or Research: €500,000 in qualifying investment funds or €350,000 in research and development projects
Job Creation: Creation of at least 10 jobs in Portugal.
2.2 Benefits
- After five years of residency, investors can apply for permanent residency or citizenship.
- No requirement to reside in Portugal full-time, with just seven days per year needed.
- Full access to the Schengen Area, with visa-free travel across Europe.
3. TURKEY
Turkey continues to offer one of the most accessible and affordable citizenship-by-investment programs. With a strategic location bridging Europe and Asia, Turkey’s program attracts investors looking for easy access to both continents.
3.1 Investment Requirements
- Real Estate Investment: A minimum purchase of $400,000 in real estate
- Bank Deposit: A deposit of $500,000 in Turkish banks
- Government Bonds: An investment of $500,000 in government bonds
- Business Investment: Establishing a business with a capital investment of $500,000.
3.2 Benefits
- Fast-track citizenship within six months of the investment.
- No residency requirements before or after obtaining citizenship.
- Visa-free or visa-on-arrival access to over 110 countries, including Japan and South Korea.
4. St. Kitts And Nevis
The Caribbean nation of St. Kitts and Nevis has long been a popular choice for investors seeking a straightforward and efficient path to second citizenship. Known for its beautiful beaches and favorable tax regime, the country’s citizenship-by-investment program remains a top choice in 2025.
4.1 Investment Requirements
- Real Estate Investment: A property purchase of at least $200,000, held for seven years, or $400,000 held for five years
- Sustainable Growth Fund (SGF) Contribution: A non-refundable donation of $150,000 for a single applicant or $195,000 for a family of four.
4.2 Benefits
- Full citizenship granted within four to six months.
- Visa-free or visa-on-arrival access to over 160 countries, including the EU, UK, and Hong Kong.
- No personal income tax, wealth tax, or inheritance tax.
- The ability to pass citizenship down to future generations.
5. DOMINICA
Dominica’s citizenship-by-investment program remains one of the most affordable and efficient in the Caribbean. Offering excellent value, it’s ideal for investors seeking second citizenship without the hefty price tag associated with some European programs.
5.1 Investment Requirements
- Economic Diversification Fund (EDF) Contribution: A non-refundable donation of $100,000 for a single applicant or $175,000 for a family of four
- Real Estate Investment: A property purchase of at least $200,000, held for three years.
5.2 Benefits
- Citizenship granted within three to four months.
- Visa-free or visa-on-arrival access to over 140 countries, including the EU, UK, and Singapore.
- No residency requirements, allowing applicants to live anywhere in the world.
- Dominica’s citizenship-by-investment program is considered one of the most cost-effective in the world.
CONCLUSION
The growing trend of citizenship-by-investment programs offers investors a valuable opportunity to secure second citizenship, which brings a range of benefits such as visa-free travel, improved financial opportunities, and lifestyle advantages. Countries like Malta, Portugal, Turkey, St. Kitts and Nevis, and Dominica have tailored their programs to attract global investors, providing fast-track routes to citizenship that suit a variety of investment goals and budgets.
When choosing the right program, it’s essential to consider factors like the required investment amount, processing times, and the specific benefits of the country’s passport. Whether you’re looking for European Union access, tax advantages, or a second home in the Caribbean, there’s a citizenship-by-investment program to fit your needs in 2025.
