Which is the best citizenship by investment program?  

This question is frequently asked by investors and entrepreneurs seeking second citizenship and a supportive investment environment with broader opportunities to access global markets. Consequently, there is competition among countries to offer the best possible benefits to second citizenship holders. As we approach the middle of this year, we can review the most in-demand citizenship by investment programs for 2024, highlighting the latest updates and modifications for each program.

Top 10 Countries Offering citizenship by investment Programs:

Grenada:

Grenada’s Citizenship by Investment Program topped the list of the best investment programs for acquiring citizenship in 2024, surpassing Saint Lucia, which led the list in 2023. Grenada’s passport is currently ranked 33rd globally. Key benefits include:

• Grenadian citizenship allows visa-free entry to China.
• Eligibility to apply for the E2 visa in the United States, valid for up to 5 years.
• Recently, Saudi Arabia announced that Grenadians can enter the country through an electronic visa. Read more

Investors favor Grenada’s citizenship by investment program due to its stability, and the government’s well-planned steps to develop the program and strengthen diplomatic relations with economically powerful countries such as China, the United States, and Saudi Arabia. These strengths have made it a preferred destination for many businesspeople and investors. Watch a summary of the  Grenada webinar

Antigua and Barbuda:

Antigua and Barbuda’s citizenship by investment program is preferred by large families, especially since it allows adding unmarried siblings of both the applicant and their spouse without an age limit, unlike other programs. Saint Lucia is also the second most affordable program for adding individuals to the citizenship application.

A new investment option was added, allowing citizenship acquisition through a donation to construct a university in Antigua and Barbuda. Key benefits include:

•    Antigua and Barbuda citizens can enter Canada through the ETA agreement. 
•    Visa-free travel to Qatar and Turkey.

Saint Lucia:

This is the most affordable citizenship by investment program globally for a single applicant acquiring citizenship through a donation. Saint Lucia’s passport is ranked 32nd worldwide. Key benefits include:

•    The program allows adding parents and spouses under 65 years old.
•    Eligibility for an electronic visa (eVisa) for the UAE and Kuwait, and visa on arrival for Qatar.
•     The program also encourages investment in pioneering projects like agriculture, ports, universities, and more, fostering an environment conducive to investment on the island while obtaining second citizenship.

Saint Kitts and Nevis:

Saint Kitts and Nevis’ Citizenship by Investment Program is the oldest in the Caribbean, established in 1984. Key benefits include:

•   Citizens can enter Canada through the ETA agreement.
•   Visa-free access to Russia and the United Kingdom for passport holders.

Dominica:

Despite being the smallest Caribbean island offering a citizenship by investment program and losing visa-free access to the United Kingdom, Dominica maintained its ranking from last year. Dominica’s passport is ranked 41st globally, with visa-free access to numerous countries.

Malta:

Malta offers the only investment citizenship program in the European Union, surpassing Turkey’s program last year. Citizenship can be obtained through renting or purchasing property, along with a contribution to the national fund. Detailed application information is available here. Key benefits include:

•    Visa-free access to over 183 countries, including the Schengen Area, the USA, Russia, and Canada.
•    Malta’s passport is ranked 9th globally, among the top 10 passports.

Vanuatu:

 Vanuatu is known as the best option for Russian investors and other nationals who cannot apply for many global investment programs, such as Afghanistan and Iran. Vanuatu’s passport is ranked 24th globally. The program is notable for its quick processing and competitive pricing compared to other global citizenship programs.

Türkiye:

Türkiye’s investment citizenship program once ranked first after the five Caribbean islands, is now ranked 8th for 2024. Strict regulatory changes on property transactions and rising inflation have made Turkey a less attractive destination for foreign investors. Key benefits include:

•   Ranked 49th globally for its passport.
•   Eligibility to apply for the E2 visa Investor Visa in the United States.
•   Turkish citizens benefit from the Ankara Agreement between Turkey and the United Kingdom for business purposes.
•   The program is ideal for investors seeking a stable environment for their families and better living standards.

Jordan:

Jordan offers citizenship by investment through three main options: real estate investment, financial deposit, and economic projects. Jordan’s program was added to the top 10 list for 2024 due to its passport ranking of 73rd globally and its popularity among investors. Jordanian passport holders can access around 60 countries visa-free or with visa-on-arrival, including Turkey, Malaysia, and GCC countries.

Egypt:

Egypt’s investment citizenship program began in 2019 and continues to be modified to suit a wider range of investors. The Egyptian passport is ranked 94th globally, allowing visa-free access to 52 countries. Key benefits include the ability to start a business without needing a local sponsor, and attracting investors from countries like Syria and Palestine experiencing political and economic challenges.

This list provides a general overview of the best programs that could guide any investor wondering about the criteria for choosing the most suitable citizenship by investment program. At NTL, we recommend directly contacting our specialized team for necessary consultation and suggestions tailored to your criteria and requirements.