Every Country Where You Can Buy Citizenship in 2026
As of 2026, there are 10 countries that offer legitimate, government-authorized citizenship by investment (CBI) programs. This number has actually decreased — several programs have closed in recent years due to EU pressure and political changes.
This is the most comprehensive and up-to-date list available online. We cover every active program, plus the ones that have been shut down so you don’t fall for outdated information.
The Complete List of CBI Countries (2026)
🏝️ Caribbean Region (5 Programs)
1. 🇰🇳 St Kitts and Nevis
- Established: 1984 (world’s first CBI)
- Minimum investment: $250,000 (SISC donation)
- Real estate option: $325,000+
- Processing: 2-4 months (45-60 days with AAP)
- Visa-free access: 100+ countries
- Official body: CIU St Kitts
- Best for: Those wanting the most established program with the strongest Caribbean passport
2. 🇩🇲 Dominica
- Established: 1993
- Minimum investment: $200,000 (donation to EDF)
- Real estate option: $200,000+
- Processing: 3-6 months
- Visa-free access: 95+ countries
- Official body: Dominica CBIU
- Best for: Budget-conscious applicants seeking best value in the Caribbean
3. 🇦🇬 Antigua and Barbuda
- Established: 2013
- Minimum investment: $230,000 (NDF donation for family of 4)
- Real estate option: $300,000+
- Processing: 3-4 months
- Visa-free access: 96+ countries
- Official body: Antigua CIU
- Best for: Families (best per-person pricing)
- Note: Requires 5-day visit within first 5 years
4. 🇬🇩 Grenada
- Established: 2013 (relaunched)
- Minimum investment: $235,000 (NTF donation)
- Real estate option: $270,000+
- Processing: 3-4 months
- Visa-free access: 97+ countries
- Official body: Grenada CBI
- Best for: Those wanting US E-2 treaty access
- Unique feature: Only Caribbean CBI with US E-2 Investor Visa treaty
5. 🇱🇨 St Lucia
- Established: 2016
- Minimum investment: $240,000 (NEF donation)
- Real estate option: $300,000+
- Government bonds: $300,000 (held 5 years)
- Processing: 3-6 months
- Visa-free access: 93+ countries
- Official body: St Lucia CIU
- Best for: Those wanting multiple investment options including government bonds
🇪🇺 Europe (2 Programs)
6. 🇲🇹 Malta (MEIN Program)
- Established: 2020 (replaced old IIP)
- Minimum investment: €600,000 donation + €700,000 property (or €16K/year rent)
- Fast track: €750,000 donation (12-month processing)
- Processing: 12-36 months
- Visa-free access: 172+ countries
- Official body: Community Malta Agency
- Best for: Those seeking EU citizenship, world’s top-10 passport
- Note: Residency requirement during first year
7. 🇹🇷 Turkey
- Established: 2017 (current form)
- Minimum investment: $400,000 (real estate)
- Processing: 3-6 months
- Visa-free access: 110+ countries
- Official body: Invest in Turkey
- Best for: Those wanting a strong passport + tangible real estate asset + E-2 US access
🌍 Rest of World (3 Programs)
8. 🇻🇺 Vanuatu
- Established: 2017 (DSP)
- Minimum investment: $130,000 (DSP contribution)
- Processing: 30-60 days (FASTEST IN THE WORLD)
- Visa-free access: 96+ countries
- Best for: Speed, affordability, tax planning (zero tax jurisdiction)
- Unique feature: Fastest CBI globally, no income/capital gains/inheritance tax
Learn more: Is Vanuatu CBI safe? | Family inclusion guide | Passport & mobility guide
9. 🇯🇴 Jordan
- Minimum investment: $750,000+ (bank deposit or business investment)
- Processing: 3-6 months
- Visa-free access: 52 countries
- Best for: Those with business interests in the Middle East
10. 🇪🇬 Egypt
- Minimum investment: $300,000+ (various routes)
- Processing: 6-12 months
- Visa-free access: 51 countries
- Best for: Those with MENA business connections
❌ Programs That Have Closed
Do not trust agents still selling these programs:
| Country | Program | Closed | Reason |
|---|---|---|---|
| 🇨🇾 Cyprus | CBI | November 2020 | Corruption scandal, EU pressure |
| 🇲🇪 Montenegro | CBI | December 2022 | EU accession requirements |
| 🇧🇿 Belize | CBI | Early 2000s | Program discontinued |
| 🇵🇹 Portugal | Golden Visa (property) | 2023 | Housing market concerns |
| 🇮🇪 Ireland | IIP | 2023 | Government decision |
| 🇬🇧 UK | Tier 1 Investor | 2022 | Anti-money laundering concerns |
How to Choose the Right Program
Use this decision tree:
- Lowest budget? → Vanuatu ($130K)
- Fastest passport? → Vanuatu (30 days)
- US E-2 access? → Grenada or Turkey
- EU citizenship? → Malta (only option)
- Best family deal? → Antigua & Barbuda
- Strongest passport? → Malta (172+ countries)
- Real estate investment? → Turkey ($400K) or Caribbean real estate options
- Zero tax? → Vanuatu
For a detailed cost comparison, see our cheapest CBI programs guide.
For understanding the difference between residency and citizenship programs, read Golden Visa vs CBI explained.
The Market Outlook: Act Now
The trend is clear: CBI programs are becoming more expensive and fewer in number. According to the Henley & Partners research, demand for investment migration has grown 30%+ year-over-year since 2020.
Key predictions for 2026-2027:
- Caribbean programs likely to increase minimum investments again
- EU pressure may force one or more Caribbean programs to close
- Turkey may raise its threshold above $400,000
- New programs may emerge in Africa and Central Asia
- Due diligence requirements will continue to tighten
The bottom line: if you’re considering a second citizenship, the best time to apply was yesterday. The second best time is today.
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