About the CBI Index | Citizenship by Investment Research

Everything you need to know about the CBI Index

The CBI Index evaluates the performance and appeal of operational citizenship by investment programmes against a consistent set of measures. These programmes allow eligible applicants and qualifying family members to seek citizenship after meeting the financial and statutory requirements of the host country.

Programme structures differ across jurisdictions, making direct comparison difficult. The Index applies a common methodology so readers can compare overall performance and understand the differences that shape each programme.

FAQs

What is citizenship by investment?

Citizenship by investment is a legal process whereby, subject to the fulfilment of certain requirements, an applicant receives citizenship of a country in return for an investment in that country’s economy. Investment options vary from country to country, routes commonly include a non-refundable contribution to a government fund or an investment in approved real estate.

The CBI Index scores each programme across nine pillars, covering both the programme itself and the wider jurisdiction: Standard of Living, Freedom of Movement, Investment Options and Threshold, Mandatory Travel or Residence, Citizenship Timeline, Ease of Processing, Due Diligence, Family, and Certainty of Product. Read more about the CBI Index methodology here.

The CBI Index is an independent rating system for operational citizenship by investment programmes. It scores each programme across nine pillars using a consistent methodology, so readers can compare performance overall and on the factors that matter most to them. Read more about the CBI Index.

The CBI Index is intended as a practical tool, both for those who wish to compare CBI programmes as a whole, and for those who wish to compare specific aspects of each programme including but not limited to Ultra-High and High Net worth Individuals, Family Offices, Wealth Managers, Private Bankers, Accountants, Immigration Lawyers and anyone else in the industry with an interest in Citizenship by Investment.

The CBI Index assesses all countries with operational CBI programmes, which include the following 14 nations: Antigua and Barbuda, Austria, Cambodia, Dominica, Egypt, Grenada, Jordan, Malta, Nauru, St. Kitts and Nevis, Saint Lucia, São Tomé and Príncipe, Türkiye, and Vanuatu. Nauru and São Tomé and Príncipe are the latest additions to the CBI Index in 2024 and 2025, respectively.

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“The CBI Index independently evaluates and compares operational Citizenship By Investment programmes through a consistent methodology, providing an established benchmark for understanding programme performance and how the global CBI landscape is evolving.” – James McKay

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ABOUT OUR RESEARCHER

The CBI Index was created by James McKay, an independent research consultant with expertise in global trend analyses and the end-to-end implementation of data-driven research projects.

James McKay

Independent Research Consultant | McKay Research

James McKay is an independent research consultant specialising in global trend analysis and data-driven research. As founder and principal of McKay Research, he has more than 18 years of experience delivering research for market intelligence firms and private clients.

Guided by the OECD’s Handbook on Constructing Composite Indicators, James uses a three-stage process to produce each edition of the CBI Index.

Stage One: This first stage entailed extensive primary and secondary research to map significant developments in the field of economic citizenship over the preceding 12 months.

Stage Two: This stage involved an in-depth analysis of official macroeconomic and programme statistics to assess the performance of countries within the CBI Index.

Stage Three: The third and final stage focused on the critical analysis and integration of all collected data, with meticulous attention to preserving the statistical continuity and integrity of the original index framework.