Comparing the Top 5 Citizenship by Investment Programs in 2025: Which One Fits Your Lifestyle?

What is Citizenship by Investment (CBI)?

Today, we explore the best citizenship programs: 2025 is coming to an end, and it's imperative to have an analytical view in order to decide the right moves for the upcoming year. To avoid the lengthy processes usually related to naturalization, governments have created what we know today as citizenship by investment, with Saint Kitts and Nevis being the very first jurisdiction to set forward one of these in 1984.

This means that for over 40 years, the world has had these options called “CBI”, or “citizenship by investment”, thanks to which they can become eligible to citizenship without relying on previous nationalities, ancestors, or birthplace.

Key Benefits of Citizenship by Investment

Financial Resilience

To understand which were the best programs in 2025, we need to have a clear comprehension of how such initiatives can help Canadians, Americans, and even European citizens in some cases. Financial resilience is important, especially in such hectic times as the ones we live in.

Having a second citizenship can help individuals enhance their possibilities, open more bank accounts, and gain access to new currencies, thus protecting their legacy and finances.

Global Mobility

As we explained recently, having more than one passport enhances any person's global mobility alternatives. Let's stop for a minute and think about how much tuition costs in a country like the US ($40,000 or $60,000, at least) while a new destination can offer significant discounts or scholarships, as we find in Grenada’s Saint George's University.

Business Opportunities

Coming back to our previous point, a dual nationality can help you access more suitable investment options, with real estate being key, as it requires a certain amount of presence. Another advantage is the possibility of finding the right business partner or operating in foreign currencies.

Education and Family Benefits

In the island of Grenada, there are branch universities from US colleges that allow a straight path to work in Europe immediately after graduation, as well as in other jurisdictions like the United Kingdom and the US. 

With a model based on British education, the tuition fees are 45,000 U.S. dollars a year to study medicine in a best-in-class and reputable institution. Furthermore, for those with citizenship and who live (physically present) in Grenada can get discounts of 90%*.

*Disclaimer: this information may be outdated at the time of reading, hence it should be confirmed with certified professionals. 

Overview of CBI Programs by Region

Before delving into comparing the best Programs in 2025, lets introduce a list that will give us an overview of the available alternatives. For the reader's convenience, we added the region right next to the country.

• Nationality in Saint Kitts and Nevis (Caribbean)
• Nationality in Antigua and Barbuda (Caribbean)
• Citizenship in Dominica (Caribbean)
• Nationality in Grenada (Caribbean)
• Nationality in Saint Lucia (Caribbean)
• Nationality in Turkey (Asia)
• Nationality in Sao Tome (Africa)
• Nationality in Vanuatu (South Pacific)
• Greece (Europe, residency)
• Portugal (Europe, residency)

Caribbean Citizenship by Investment Programs

St. Kitts & Nevis

At the beginning of this article, you will find that Saint Kitts and Nevis is mentioned when we refer to the very first citizenship by investment program to ever be created. More than 40 years later, the country maintains its solid program, which is focused on enhancing and maintaining its reputation, as well as the safety of the applicants.

Antigua & Barbuda

A neighbor of Saint Kitts, Antigua is yet another trustworthy CBI jurisdiction citizenship offering both investment and donation pathways. 

Dominica

Maybe the least familiar one of the Caribbean, Dominica brings an accessible path to citizenship through a minimum donation of 200,000 in its economic diversification fund. 

Grenada

Known as the island of spices, Grenada’s donation option starts at 230,000, and one of its best benefits is easy access to tuition in Saint George's.

St. Lucia

The island of Saint Lucia is mainly known for having a government bond option, which constitutes the only alternative that allows you to get a full cash back after the stipulated period, which is usually five years.

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Comparing different Investment Routes for CBI

Next, you will find the different ways in which Canadians, Americans, and European citizens can obtain their sought-after second nationality.

Real Estate Investment

Real estate is naturally more costly than donation. Nevertheless, while the donation is non-reimbursable, the property can eventually be sold (the minimum periods are usually between five and seven years) to obtain capital gains. 

Donation to National Development Funds

The donation is much cheaper, but it won't give you any ROI, or rental income. It will, however, eventually be destined to develop the local economy and infrastructure. 

Those who are investment-oriented will probably go for the real estate purchase; however, many others are not happy with a property that they cannot choose freely (each project must be government-approved). 

For them, a donation is a better way to acquire nationality at a relatively low cost, with the extra benefit of participating in initiatives that end up helping the people.

Investment in Government Bonds

Government bonds are the ideal middle path between donation and real estate because they entail a simple approach and allow you to get your money back in five years, albeit without interest. The downside? Currently, it's only available in Saint Lucia. 

Comparison of CBI Programs

Caribbean CBI Comparison

We all can rest assured that all programs are equally reliable and trustworthy, especially after they signed an MoA and committed to strengthening monitoring and enforcement across the five nations. Now the differences lie in the costs. 

St Kitts vs Dominica

We can see the greatest contrast in the West Indies when comparing St Kitts vs Dominica. The latter offers a minimum donation of $200,000 while the former starts from 250,000 for the Sustainable Island state contribution and also 250,000 for the Public Benefit Option. 

So far, nothing seems to be tilting the balance in any direction. The real difference rises when looking at the real estate purchase alternative with St Kitts surpassing Dominica by 125,000 (200,000 in Dominica, and 325,000 in St Kitts).

European CBI Comparison

In Europe, we recommend applying for the golden visas, instead of citizenship, programs that provide residency through real estate or investment. In 2025, we have recommended that Canadians and Americans choose either Greece or Portugal. 

The main difference between these two is the entry which is through real estate in the former and business investment with job formation in the latter. The reader should keep in mind that the programs offer residency: citizenship is only attainable after several years of connection with the country. Only then will they be able to apply for naturalization and ultimately obtain a passport.

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Global CBI Comparison

On the one hand, Antigua and Barbuda, Dominica, and their neighbors offer access to freer environments with more benefits (the island of Nevisn for example, has a territorial taxation system in place). On the other hand, Greece and Portugal offer an entry to the old continent, a place filled with history and culture. 

It goes without saying that Greece is a significant cultural destination for western civilization, and Portugal is the oldest country in Europe since it has maintained its borders intact for centuries. That is, of course, if you're willing to wait a few years to get your passport.

Disclaimer: The fees provided here may be outdated at the time of reading. This article doesn’t constitute migration or investment advice. 

Application Process for CBI

We will focus on Granada for the sake of simplicity. This may be only one of the examples, yet it reflects the general approach to the CBI process.

Steps to Apply

• Step 1: Contact the Mundo team to act as intermediaries for you to apply. When it comes to CBI, the process is undertaken through certified marketing agents that will connect you with local agents.
• Step 2: One of our team members will gladly help you gather your documentation, complete all official forms, and meet all requirements. We can give you the advice that you need in this step, but applicants are responsible for submitting good quality documents (readable and clean copies).
• Step 3: documents and forms are submitted to the corresponding CBI unit.
• Step 4: the due diligence check starts right away in order to confirm the applicant's impeccable character, the absence of a criminal history, and the legal source of funds
• Step 5: once the application is approved, applicants can proceed to transfer their donation or purchase the corresponding property. We strongly recommend starting to review options from the beginning and be ready in advance.

Due Diligence Requirements

Generally, all programs require that the main applicant is older than 18 years old and they must submit a certificate of good health, two IDs, proof that the funds come from a legal source, and some governments may ask for an interview (online or in person).

Processing Times

Applicants can expect the process to take from a few weeks to a few months once all documents have been submitted and accepted. At the time of writing this article, the fastest processing CBI is in Saint Kitts and Nevis, while other nations are experiencing delays due to backlogs accumulated in 2024.

Common Misconceptions about CBI

Myth: CBI is Only for the Wealthy

A common misconception about CBI is related to who can access it. After a thorough comparison, we can see that some programs only require an investment of $200,000. Adding fees and expenses, this doesn't add up to an astronomical number, but it can be within reach for middle-income or mid-to-high-income individuals. 

Myth: Residency is Required

Indeed, residency is required if the naturalization is done through traditional migration methods, which involve having a link to the country (through studies, work, relatives, or marriage) for several years. Nevertheless, this is not the case with CBI. 

Myth: CBI Programs are Unregulated

This statement is not only incorrect but downright wrong and misleading. If anything, CBI structures are among the most regulated migration frameworks. Their due diligence and follow-up are considerably stricter than those in traditional processes.

Frequently Asked Questions

Which countries offer citizenship for free?

Any country offers citizenship for free, following the typical migration pathways. The innovation of CBI lies in generating a faster process and allowing eligibility in exchange for a contribution.

What is the strongest passport in the world?

We've been asked this frequently; therefore, we've added it to a recent article as well. According to Mundo and our experts, the strongest password in the world is the one that best fits your goal, allowing you global mobility access, access to higher education, and a wider business scope.

How much money is needed to invest in Canada for citizenship?

At the moment, Canada doesn't have a CBI program; therefore, the costs mainly include the fees, which are 649.75 Canadian dollars for an adult, and 119.75 Canadian dollars for applicants under 18 years of age. 

Conclusion: Why Consider a Second Passport?

In an ever-challenging world, a CBI program can represent a Plan B for the main applicant and the family. Without falling into pessimistic thoughts, we can also see the benefits when it comes to improving lifestyle and widening opportunities. Whatever program you choose, Mundo is here to walk you through the process. You just have to click below and write us a message.

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