Top Citizenship by Investment Programs in 2026
Contents
Key Regulatory Takeaways
- Grenada is the fastest Caribbean CBI program, processing in 3 to 4 months, and the only Caribbean passport enabling the US E-2 Treaty Investor Visa.
- Nauru's limited-time special offer, valid until end of June 2026, starts from USD 90,000 and includes siblings and grandchildren regardless of age or dependency: a unique industry feature.
- Nauru accepts stateless applicants, Bedoon, Russian and Belarusian nationals under applicable due diligence conditions. São Tomé and Príncipe also accepts stateless applicants, Bedoon, and Russian and Belarusian nationals under applicable conditions.
- São Tomé and Príncipe offers the lowest investment entry point of any currently active CBI program, making it the most accessible option for cost-conscious investors.
- Egypt's citizenship by investment program provides access to citizenship in one of the Arab world's largest economies, with multiple investment routes available.
- NTL International provides specialized advisory services across all citizenship by investment programs listed below.
Top Citizenship by Investment Programs in 2026: Global Overview
Citizenship by investment (CBI) programs provide qualifying investors and their families with a pathway to a second citizenship and passport through a qualifying financial contribution to a sovereign nation. These programs are operated directly by governments and are subject to comprehensive due diligence processes administered by official citizenship investment units.
NTL International is a specialized advisory firm supporting clients across citizenship by investment programs in the Caribbean, Pacific, Middle East, and European jurisdictions. The ranking below reflects application volume observed across NTL International's client base and is intended as a general reference. Every applicant's profile is evaluated individually against the requirements of the relevant program authority.
The programs below range from the fastest Caribbean jurisdictions to specialized options for applicants with unique nationality or stateless circumstances. Investors are encouraged to assess each program against their personal, family, and strategic objectives before proceeding.
At a Glance: Top Citizenship by Investment Programs 2026
| Rank | Country | Region | Processing Time | Key Differentiator | Stateless / Bedoon |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| #1 | Grenada | Caribbean | 3 to 4 months | US E-2 Treaty Investor Visa access | No |
| #2 | Türkiye | Europe/Asia | 6 to 12 months | G20, global-scale passport | Conditions apply (Russian, Belarusian) |
| #3 | Saint Kitts and Nevis | Caribbean | 4 to 6 months | World's longest-running CBI program | No |
| #4 | Nauru | Pacific | 3 to 4 months | Special offer until June 2026; accepts stateless, Bedoon, Russian and Belarusian (conditions); siblings and grandchildren included regardless of age or dependency | Yes |
| #5 | São Tomé and Príncipe | Atlantic/Africa | 3 months | Lowest-cost CBI program globally; accepts stateless, Bedoon, Russian and Belarusian (conditions) | Yes |
| #6 | Antigua and Barbuda | Caribbean | 8 to 12 months | Established Caribbean program | No |
| #7 | Malta by Merit | European Union | Contact NTL | EU citizenship via exceptional contribution | No |
| #8 | Saint Lucia | Caribbean | 12 months plus | Recognized and established CBI program | No |
| #9 | Dominica | Caribbean | 6 to 12 months | Consistently high-rated due diligence standards | No |
| #10 | Egypt | Middle East/Africa | Contact NTL | Accepts Russian and Belarusian applicants, subject to due diligence conditions | Conditions apply (Russian, Belarusian) |
Processing times and eligibility conditions are subject to change at any time by the relevant program authority. All information should be verified with NTL International before initiating an application.
Grenada Citizenship by Investment
Grenada ranks first by NTL client application volume and holds a consistently strong position among the world's leading citizenship by investment programs. It is the fastest CBI program in the Caribbean, with a standard processing timeline of 3 to 4 months, and it delivers a passport recognized for broad international visa-free travel.
Grenada's most strategically significant attribute is its unique eligibility for the United States E-2 Treaty Investor Visa. Grenada is the only Caribbean CBI jurisdiction with a qualifying bilateral investment treaty with the United States, enabling Grenadian passport holders to apply for an E-2 visa, which provides the right to live and work in the United States while managing a qualifying investment. This benefit is not available through any other Caribbean CBI program, making Grenada a preferred choice for investors with business or professional plans involving the US market.
Program Highlights
- Fastest processing in the Caribbean: 3 to 4 months from complete application submission
- The only Caribbean CBI passport enabling US E-2 Treaty Investor Visa applications
- Strong passport with extensive visa-free and visa-on-arrival access globally
- No physical presence requirement before or after citizenship grant
- Family inclusion: spouse, dependent children, dependent parents, and qualifying siblings
- Government-authorized agent: NTL International works directly with Grenada's CIU
For investors seeking both speed and strategic value in a Caribbean citizenship, Grenada offers a combination not matched by any other program in the region. Explore the full Grenada CBI program details at NTL International.
Türkiye Citizenship by Investment
Türkiye ranks second by application volume, driven by the significant scale and international standing of the Turkish state. As a G20 member bridging Europe and Asia, Türkiye offers investors citizenship in a large, geopolitically significant nation with a major economy and deep commercial relationships across multiple continents.
With a processing timeline of 6 to 12 months, Türkiye appeals to investors who prioritize substance and international standing over processing speed. The Turkish passport provides access to business environments across Europe, the Middle East, and Central Asia, while Türkiye's Customs Union relationship with the European Union adds further commercial utility. Dual citizenship is recognized, and there is no residency requirement prior to or following the grant of citizenship.
Program Highlights
- G20 member state: globally recognized and substantive passport
- Strategic geographic position bridging Europe, Asia, and the Middle East
- Processing timeline: 6 to 12 months
- Real estate investment route with a minimum qualifying threshold
- Dual citizenship permitted: no requirement to renounce existing nationality
- No physical residency requirement before or after citizenship
Review the Türkiye citizenship by investment program at NTL International.
Saint Kitts and Nevis Citizenship by Investment
Saint Kitts and Nevis operates the world's oldest citizenship by investment program, established in 1984. This program's four-decade operational record has produced a rigorous, internationally recognized due diligence framework and a passport that is respected across government and banking institutions globally.
With a processing timeline of 4 to 6 months, Saint Kitts and Nevis represents a fast, credible option for investors who value the program's legacy, regulatory depth, and the strong reputation of the Saint Kitts passport. The Citizenship by Investment Unit of Saint Kitts and Nevis maintains strict application standards, and NTL International works directly with the CIU as a government-authorized agent.
Program Highlights
- The world's first CBI program, operational since 1984
- Processing time: 4 to 6 months
- Multiple investment routes: National Development Fund contribution and approved real estate
- No physical presence or residency requirement
- Strong international due diligence standards, recognized by OECD member states
- Family-inclusive application structure
Explore the Saint Kitts and Nevis CBI program at NTL International.
Nauru Citizenship by Investment
The Republic of Nauru has become one of the most strategically important citizenship by investment programs for investor profiles that face restricted access to mainstream CBI jurisdictions. As a sovereign Pacific island nation, Nauru's program operates with a distinct eligibility framework that accepts applicant categories excluded from most other programs, including stateless individuals, Bedoon, and nationals of Russia and Belarus, subject to applicable due diligence conditions.
Nauru's program currently features a significant limited-time offer, valid until the end of June 2026, that extends both the investment accessibility and the family inclusion scope of the program in ways that are without parallel in the current global CBI market.
Nauru CBI Program: Special Offer Full Details
Nauru's current special offer represents a meaningful departure from standard program parameters. The following details apply to applications submitted and qualifying under the offer period, which expires at the end of June 2026.
Starting Investment
Entry-level investment threshold under the current special offer, covering the primary applicant and providing a pathway for full family inclusion as detailed below.
Eligible Applicant Nationalities
- Stateless individuals
- Bedoon applicants
- Russian nationals (subject to conditions detailed below)
- Belarusian nationals (subject to conditions detailed below)
- All other qualifying nationalities
Extended Family Inclusion: The Key Differentiator
Nauru's special offer introduces an extended family inclusion framework that is without precedent among active CBI programs. Under standard CBI program rules globally, family inclusion is limited to the spouse, financially dependent children below a set age threshold (typically 18 to 26), and in some programs, financially dependent parents.
Under Nauru's current offer, the following family members may be included in a single citizenship application, regardless of age and regardless of financial dependency:
- Spouse
- Children of any age
- Siblings, regardless of age or financial dependency on the primary applicant
- Grandchildren, regardless of age or financial dependency on the primary applicant
- Other qualifying dependents
The removal of age and dependency restrictions for siblings and grandchildren is a significant structural change that allows entire extended family units, including adult siblings with their own families and grandchildren from multiple family lines, to be covered under a single primary application. This is particularly relevant for clients from Gulf Cooperation Council countries, where extended family structures are standard, and for stateless families where multiple generations may need to regularize their international status simultaneously.
Conditions for Russian and Belarusian Applicants in the Nauru Program
Nauru's citizenship by investment program accepts Russian and Belarusian nationals under specific and strict conditions that distinguish it from programs that restrict these nationalities outright. Holding a Russian or Belarusian passport alone is not sufficient for eligibility. The program requires that all of the following criteria be met:
- Residence outside the country of origin: The applicant must have been residing outside Russia or Belarus for a continuous period of more than five years at the time of application submission.
- No active financial ties: The applicant must have no active financial relationships or interests connected to Russia or Belarus, including through companies, bank accounts, assets, or business interests operating under either jurisdiction.
- Comprehensive due diligence: Every application undergoes an independent and thorough review by the Nauru program authority. No outcome is pre-determined or guaranteed.
- Individual assessment: Each file is evaluated independently. Meeting the baseline criteria does not guarantee approval.
Nauru's sovereign status as a Pacific island nation provides it with an independent legal framework for citizenship determination that operates outside the European regulatory sphere. The program runs under Nauru's national legislation, and NTL International supports it as a government-authorized agent. For applicants who satisfy the conditions listed above, Nauru represents one of the few available pathways to citizenship of a sovereign nation.
Strategic Importance for Gulf-Region and Stateless Clients
For Bedoon families in the Gulf region, Nauru currently represents one of the most viable routes to securing a recognized travel document and citizenship for an entire family unit in a single process. The combination of stateless eligibility, extended family inclusion, and the accessible starting investment of USD 90,000 positions this offer as a significant advisory priority for the remaining period of its validity.
Clients are strongly advised to initiate the eligibility assessment process promptly given the June 2026 deadline. NTL International's advisory team is available to conduct a confidential case review for all applicant profiles.
All eligibility determinations are subject to Nauru's official due diligence process and the program authority's final decision. The offer terms and investment thresholds stated apply to the period of the offer and are subject to change by the program authority. Contact NTL International for verified current program parameters before initiating any application.
View the full Nauru citizenship program page at NTL International or contact our advisory team for a confidential eligibility review before the June 2026 deadline.
São Tomé and Príncipe Citizenship by Investment
São Tomé and Príncipe offers the lowest investment threshold of any currently active citizenship by investment program globally. This positions it as the primary option for applicants who require an accessible entry point and for those whose nationality or stateless status limits their access to higher-cost programs.
Like Nauru, São Tomé accepts applications from stateless individuals and Bedoon, making it one of two programs in this ranking specifically suitable for applicants without a recognized national travel document. The program provides citizenship in a sovereign Atlantic island nation with membership in the African Union and the Community of Portuguese Language Countries, offering a distinct geographic and diplomatic passport profile.
Eligibility Note: Stateless, Bedoon, Russian and Belarusian Applicants
São Tomé and Príncipe accepts stateless individuals and Bedoon, providing one of the few viable CBI pathways for applicants without a recognized national travel document. The program also accepts Russian and Belarusian nationals under applicable due diligence conditions. Every application is reviewed individually by the program authority, and NTL International provides case-specific eligibility assessments for all restricted or stateless profiles.
Program Highlights
- Lowest investment requirement of any active CBI program
- Accepts stateless applicants and Bedoon
- Accepts Russian and Belarusian nationals, subject to due diligence conditions
- Atlantic island jurisdiction with African Union membership
- Suitable for applicants with limited access to mainstream CBI programs
- Pathway to a recognized travel document for stateless individuals
Explore the São Tomé and Príncipe CBI program at NTL International.
Antigua and Barbuda Citizenship by Investment
Antigua and Barbuda maintains a well-established position in the Caribbean CBI market, operating a program recognized for its regulatory transparency and the breadth of its investment routes. NTL International advises clients on this program as a government-authorized agent, supporting applications through Antigua and Barbuda's Citizenship by Investment Unit.
The Antigua and Barbuda passport provides access to a broad range of countries on a visa-free or visa-on-arrival basis, and the program includes a nominal residency condition of five days within the first five years following the grant of citizenship, which is among the lightest physical presence obligations of any program that includes such a condition.
Program Highlights
- Established Caribbean CBI with a long track record and stable regulatory framework
- Multiple investment routes available, including National Development Fund contribution and approved real estate
- Minimum residency requirement: 5 days within 5 years of citizenship grant
- Family-inclusive application structure
- NTL International is a government-authorized agent for the Antigua and Barbuda program
View the Antigua and Barbuda CBI program at NTL International.
Malta Citizenship by Merit
Malta Citizenship by Merit provides a route to full European Union citizenship for individuals who have made exceptional contributions to Malta in the fields of art, science, culture, sport, economics, philanthropy, or public service. As a member of the European Union, Maltese citizenship confers the right to live, work, and move freely throughout all 27 EU member states, making it among the highest-value citizenship outcomes accessible through a merit or contribution-based process.
This program differs structurally from investment-based CBI programs in that it is awarded on the basis of recognized exceptional service rather than a defined financial contribution. NTL International works with clients eligible for this route through our specialized legal advisory team.
Program Highlights
- Full EU citizenship, including EU freedom of movement across 27 member states
- Route based on recognized exceptional contribution or distinguished service
- Malta passport: strong international travel document
- Access to European business, academic, and cultural environments
- Advisory provided through NTL International's specialized legal team
Learn about Malta Citizenship by Merit at NTL International.
Saint Lucia Citizenship by Investment
Saint Lucia operates a recognized and competitive citizenship by investment program within the CARICOM Caribbean framework. Launched in 2016, it is among the newer Caribbean programs but has established a solid regulatory foundation under the oversight of the Saint Lucia Citizenship by Investment Unit. The Saint Lucia passport provides access to a broad range of destinations on a visa-free or visa-on-arrival basis.
Saint Lucia's program includes investment options across National Economic Fund contributions, approved real estate, enterprise projects, and government bonds, providing flexibility for investors with varying investment profiles and preferences.
Program Highlights
- Recognized Caribbean CBI program with CARICOM standing
- Multiple investment options: NEF contribution, real estate, enterprise, bonds
- No residency requirement before or after citizenship grant
- Family-inclusive application structure
- NTL International is a government-authorized agent for the Saint Lucia program
Dominica Citizenship by Investment
Dominica operates one of the most long-standing and reputable citizenship by investment programs in the global CBI market. Consistently cited in independent assessments for its rigorous due diligence standards, transparent governance, and stable regulatory environment, the Dominica program has maintained strong credibility with international financial institutions and correspondent banking relationships.
For investors who prioritize program integrity and regulatory standing over processing speed, Dominica represents a well-regarded choice. NTL International supports Dominica applications as a government-authorized agent working directly with the Citizenship by Investment Unit of the Commonwealth of Dominica.
Program Highlights
- One of the most reputable CBI programs by regulatory standing and due diligence quality
- Long operational history with a stable and transparent program framework
- Investment options: Economic Diversification Fund contribution and approved real estate
- No residency requirement before or after citizenship
- Competitive investment thresholds for single applicants and family units
Review the Dominica citizenship program at NTL International.
Egypt Citizenship by Investment
Egypt's citizenship by investment program provides access to citizenship in one of the Arab world's largest nations, with deep historical, cultural, and economic significance across the Middle East, Africa, and internationally. The Egyptian passport provides access to a range of countries within the Arab League and African Union frameworks.
Egypt's program is currently accepting applications from Russian and Belarusian nationals under applicable due diligence conditions, making it an important option for these applicant groups who face restricted eligibility in many other jurisdictions. Investment routes include real estate acquisition and bank deposit options, subject to the program's qualifying thresholds and conditions.
Eligibility Note: Russian and Belarusian Applicants
Egypt's citizenship by investment program is currently open to Russian and Belarusian nationals. All applications from these nationalities are subject to Egypt's standard due diligence framework and any specific conditions imposed by the program authority at the time of submission. NTL International provides dedicated advisory for these applicant groups, assessing each profile individually before application preparation begins.
Program Highlights
- Citizenship in a major Arab world nation with significant regional and international standing
- Currently accepting Russian and Belarusian applicants, subject to due diligence conditions
- Investment routes include real estate and bank deposit options
- Arab League and African Union membership provide a distinct passport profile
- Advisory provided by NTL International's specialized advisory and legal team
Explore the Egypt citizenship by investment program at NTL International.
Explore All NTL International Programs
- Browse All Citizenship by Investment Programs
- Nauru: Full Program Details and June 2026 Special Offer
- Grenada: Caribbean CBI with US E-2 Visa Access
- Türkiye Citizenship by Investment: Global Passport Benefits
- São Tomé and Príncipe: Lowest-Cost CBI for Stateless Applicants
- Saint Kitts and Nevis: World's Oldest CBI Program
- Malta Citizenship by Merit: EU Citizenship Route
- Explore Residency by Investment Programs
Frequently Asked Questions: Top Citizenship by Investment Programs in 2026
Which citizenship by investment programs accept Bedoon and stateless applicants?
Nauru and São Tomé and Príncipe are the two leading programs in this ranking that accept stateless applicants and Bedoon under specific qualifying conditions. Nauru's special offer, valid until end of June 2026, is particularly significant for this applicant group given its inclusive family structure and accessible starting investment of USD 90,000. Every application is assessed on a case-by-case basis through the program's official due diligence process.
What are the full details of Nauru's special offer valid until June 2026?
Nauru's special offer is valid until the end of June 2026. It sets the starting investment at USD 90,000 and allows the inclusion of all family members, including siblings and grandchildren regardless of age or financial dependency, in a single application. The offer also accepts stateless applicants, Bedoon, and Russian and Belarusian nationals under applicable due diligence conditions. Terms are subject to change by the program authority. Contact NTL International for a current verified summary.
Which is the fastest citizenship by investment program in the Caribbean?
Grenada is the fastest CBI program in the Caribbean, with a standard processing timeline of 3 to 4 months. Saint Kitts and Nevis follows at 4 to 6 months. Grenada also uniquely provides access to the US E-2 Treaty Investor Visa, a benefit no other Caribbean CBI program offers.
Can siblings and grandchildren be included in a citizenship by investment application?
In most CBI programs, family inclusion is limited to the spouse, dependent children below a fixed age threshold, and in some cases financially dependent parents. Nauru's current special offer, valid until end of June 2026, is a recognized exception: siblings and grandchildren may be included regardless of age or financial dependency on the primary applicant, enabling an entire extended family to obtain citizenship through a single application process.
Can Russian and Belarusian nationals apply for citizenship by investment?
Yes. Nauru and Egypt are among the programs in this ranking currently accepting Russian and Belarusian applicants, subject to the relevant program's due diligence requirements and conditions. NTL International can advise on current eligibility status and the specific conditions applicable to each applicant's profile.
Which CBI program provides access to the US E-2 Treaty Investor Visa?
Grenada is the only Caribbean citizenship by investment jurisdiction whose passport holders are eligible to apply for the United States E-2 Treaty Investor Visa. This eligibility derives from a bilateral investment treaty between Grenada and the United States and is not available through any other Caribbean CBI program.
What is the lowest-cost citizenship by investment program currently available?
São Tomé and Príncipe currently offers the lowest investment entry point of any active CBI program globally. For investors who also require stateless or Bedoon eligibility, São Tomé provides this alongside its accessible investment threshold. Nauru's special offer starting at USD 90,000 may represent strong relative value for extended family applications given its unique inclusion framework.
Is NTL International authorized to represent clients in all 10 programs listed?
NTL International is a government-authorized agent for citizenship by investment programs across Caribbean, Pacific, Middle Eastern, and other jurisdictions. The firm works directly with official citizenship investment units for CBI programs. For programs requiring legal advisory support, NTL International works in collaboration with specialized legal teams. Contact NTL International directly to confirm current authorization status for a specific jurisdiction.
Book Your Private Consultation
NTL International's advisory team is available for confidential consultations on all citizenship and residency programs listed above, including complex profiles involving stateless applicants, restricted nationalities, and extended family structures. All enquiries are handled with complete discretion.
About NTL International
NTL International is a specialized advisory firm providing strategic global mobility solutions for citizenship by investment and residency by investment programs. The firm serves high-net-worth individuals and families across Caribbean, Pacific, European, and Middle Eastern jurisdictions, with particular expertise in complex applicant profiles and extended family structures. For citizenship by investment programs where NTL International holds government authorization, the firm works directly with the relevant citizenship investment units.
Advisory services include:
- Caribbean CBI programs (all five jurisdictions)
- Pacific citizenship programs (Nauru, Vanuatu)
- Middle Eastern CBI programs (Egypt, Türkiye)
- European residency programs
- Stateless and Bedoon applicant advisory
- Restricted nationality advisory (Russian, Belarusian)
- Extended family inclusion strategy
- Pre-application due diligence assessment