Rankings

In 2019, Dominica remained the best-scoring citizenship by investment nation, retaining first place for the third year in a row.

Two options for economic citizenship
Single applicant minimum outlay: US$100,000
No travel or residence requirements
No interview requirement; no language or culture test
Very fast processing
Spotlight: the Dominica Citizenship by Investment Unit is highly competent and adheres to strict due diligence procedures

II.

Four options for economic citizenship
Single applicant minimum outlay: US$150,000
No travel or residence requirements
No interview requirement; no language or culture test
Fast processing, with an Accelerated Application Process
Spotlight: the world’s oldest citizenship by investment programme, commonly referred to as the ‘Platinum Standard’

III.

Three options for economic citizenship
Single applicant minimum outlay: US$150,000
No travel or residence requirements
No interview requirement; no language or culture test
Processing improved from last year’s “prolonged delays”
Spotlight: citizens of Grenada can apply for an E-2 Visa to the United States and travel without a visa for up to 30 days to China

IV.

Five options for economic citizenship
Single applicant minimum outlay: US$100,000
No travel or residence requirements
No interview requirement; no language or culture test
Fast processing
Spotlight: there is some lack of clarity around real estate investment options and programme continuity

Six options for economic citizenship
Single applicant minimum outlay: US$125,000
Adult applicants must make one trip to take the oath of allegiance and show five days of residence within five years of citizenship. The travel and residence requirements can be fulfilled contemporaneously, and can be completed by minors after they turn 18
No interview requirement; no language or culture test
Average processing speed
Spotlight: lost visa-free travel to Canada in June 2017, but signed an agreement for visa-free travel to Russia in June 2019

VI.

One option for economic citizenship
Single applicant minimum outlay: US$130,000
Applicants must travel to Vanuatu, Dubai, Hong Kong, or Singapore to take the oath of allegiance
No interview requirement; no language or culture test
Very fast processing
Spotlight: the Development Support Programme now offers full – not honorary – citizenship

VII.

Three requirements plus one of three options for economic citizenship (or combination)
Single applicant minimum outlay: €2,150,000
All applicants must own a €500,000 Cypriot residence and must be resident permit holders prior to applying. Travel is required twice, to give biometrics and take the Oath of Faith
No interview requirement; no language or culture test
Processing takes around six months
Spotlight: due diligence includes showing a valid Schengen Visa and no rejection for citizenship of the EU; a 700-applicant per year cap applies

VIII.

One option for economic citizenship
Single applicant minimum outlay: €880,000
Applicants must show 12 months of Maltese residence, and travel to apply for a residence card, give biometrics, and take the oath of allegiance
No interview requirement; no language or culture test
Processing can take no less than 12 months
Spotlight: applicants must maintain global health insurance; the IIP is capped at 1,800 main applicants

IX.

Five options for economic citizenship
Single applicant minimum outlay: US$250,000
No residence requirements, but the applicant must obtain an investor residence card
No interview requirement; no language or culture test
Processing has slowed significantly due to increased demand fuelled by a drop in minimum investment requirements
Spotlight: to be valid, all investments must first be recognised by the relevant Government ministry

Two options for economic citizenship
Single applicant minimum outlay: BGN 1 million
Minimum physical presence is not required, but multiple trips must be made to apply for and register permanent residence
Interview requirement; no language or culture test
Citizenship takes at least three years, and five years where the most affordable investment option is selected
Spotlight: economic citizenship is only available to non-EU nationals

XI.

One option for economic citizenship
Single applicant minimum outlay: actual or expected outstanding achievement of an economic nature
Applicants must make one trip to Austria to take the oath of allegiance
Interview requirement; no language or culture test
Processing takes around two years
Spotlight: lack of clarity as to requirements and likelihood of success has generated reluctance towards applying for Austrian economic citizenship

XII.

Two options for economic citizenship
Single applicant minimum outlay: KHR 1 billion
No residence requirement for applicants for the donation route; nominal residence requirement for the approved investment route. Travel is required to obtain certificates and take the citizenship oath
No interview requirement; Khmer language and history test
Quick processing
Spotlight: applicable law is expected to be amended to increase the minimum outlay

XIII.

Five options for economic citizenship
Single applicant minimum outlay: US$1 million
No travel or residence requirements
No interview requirement; no language or culture test
Fast processing
Spotlight: naturalised Jordanians face bars to pursuing political or diplomatic positions