OVERVIEW OF GLOBAL INVESTMENTS MIGRATION PROGRAMS
In today’s interconnected world, many investors seek greater freedom, security, and flexibility through investment migration programs. These structured pathways—ranging from Citizenship by Investment (CBI) to Residency by Investment (RBI) or Golden Visa programs—allow individuals and families to gain second citizenship or long-term residence rights in exchange for a qualifying economic contribution.
Through citizenship by investment programs, investors can obtain a second passport that offers visa-free travel, enhanced global mobility, and the right to settle in a new country. Residency by investment programs, meanwhile, provide long-term residence permits that allow investors to live, work, and study abroad—often with a future path to citizenship.
At Global Investments, we help clients compare leading jurisdictions, evaluate program benefits, and structure their applications efficiently. Our experienced advisors provide end-to-end guidance to ensure every investment aligns with your long-term wealth, mobility, and legacy goals.
WHAT ARE CITIZENSHIP BY INVESTMENT (CBI) PROGRAMS?
Citizenship by Investment (CBI) programs are legal government programs that allow foreign individuals to obtain full citizenship and a passport in a country in exchange for a significant, qualifying financial contribution to that country's economy.
Often referred to as "economic citizenship" or a "golden passport," this process provides an expedited path to a new nationality compared to traditional routes like naturalization, which typically require long periods of physical residence.
DEFINITION
Programs that grant families the privilege of alternative citizenship in exchange for a significant economic contribution to the host country.
KEY BENEFIT
Grants the right to settle in the new country and offers greater global mobility (visa-free or visa-on-arrival travel) through a second passport.
PROCESS
Provides a direct route to citizenship quickly and simply, bypassing typical onerous visa and passport application processes.
KEY CHARACTERISTICS OF CBI PROGRAMS:
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Direct Citizenship: The primary outcome is the immediate (or very fast) acquisition of full citizenship and a second passport.
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No (or Minimal) Residency: Most CBI programs, particularly those in the Caribbean, require little to no physical residence in the country to obtain or maintain citizenship.
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Investment Requirement: The investor must make a substantial financial contribution, which typically falls into one of these categories:
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Non-Refundable Donation/Contribution: A lump-sum donation to a government-designated national fund (often the most affordable route).
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Real Estate Investment: Purchase of government-approved property, which must be held for a minimum period (usually 5 to 7 years).
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Government Bonds/Securities: Investment in financial instruments issued by the government.
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Business Investment: Creating a new commercial enterprise that meets specific job creation requirements.
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Benefits to the Investor:
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Enhanced Global Mobility: Visa-free or visa-on-arrival access to a wide range of countries (e.g., the Schengen Area, UK, China).
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A "Plan B": A secure second residence and passport for political or economic uncertainty.
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Tax Benefits: Potential non-resident tax advantages (no income, wealth, or inheritance tax on worldwide income in many Caribbean CBI nations).
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Family Inclusion: The investor can usually include a spouse, children, and sometimes parents and siblings in the same application.
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Benefits to the Host Country: CBI programs are a crucial source of Foreign Direct Investment (FDI) for smaller nations, funding public infrastructure projects (schools, hospitals), tourism, and national debt reduction.
CITIZENSHIP BY INVESTMENT (CBI) PROGRAM OVERVIEW
The table below provides a regional breakdown of active Citizenship by Investment (CBI) programs. The minimum investment listed generally represents the lowest available entry cost for a single applicant or family, typically through a one-time non-refundable donation to a government fund or an investment in approved real estate projects.
Region | Country | Program Name | Minimum Investment (Approximate) | Main Investment Options |
|---|---|---|---|---|
Caribbean | Antigua and Barbuda | Citizenship by Investment Program | $100,000 (Donation) | Donation, Real Estate |
Dominica | Citizenship by Investment Program | $100,000 (Donation) | Donation, Real Estate | |
Grenada | Citizenship by Investment Program | $150,000 (Donation) | Donation, Real Estate, Business | |
St. Kitts and Nevis | Citizenship by Investment Program | $250,000 (Donation) | Donation, Real Estate | |
St. Lucia | Citizenship by Investment Program | $100,000 (Donation) | Donation, Real Estate, Government Bonds, Enterprise | |
Europe | Malta | Exceptional Investor Naturalisation (CBI) | €600,000 - €750,000 (Contribution) | Contribution, Real Estate Purchase/Lease |
Turkey | Citizenship by Investment Program | $400,000 (Real Estate) | Real Estate, Capital Transfer, Job Creation | |
North Macedonia | Citizenship by Investment Program | €200,000 (Private Fund) | Investment in a Private Investment Fund | |
Middle East/Africa | Egypt | Citizenship by Investment Program | $250,000 (Donation) | Donation, Real Estate, Bank Deposit, Investment |
Jordan | Citizenship by Investment Program | $750,000 (Bank Deposit) | Investment, Bank Deposit, Securities | |
Oceania | Vanuatu | Development Support Program (DSP) | $130,000 (Donation) | Donation |
WHAT ARE RESIDENCE BY INVESTMENT (RBI) PROGRAMS (GOLDEN VISAS)?
Residence by Investment (RBI) programs, often called "Golden Visa" schemes, are government initiatives that grant a high-net-worth individual and their family legal residence rights in a country in exchange for a substantial, qualifying financial investment in the local economy.
RBI is primarily a path to a residence permit (either temporary or permanent) that grants the right to live, work, and study in the country, and often allows for visa-free travel within a major bloc, such as Europe's Schengen Area. Critically, it is a precursor to—not an instant grant of—citizenship.
DEFINITION
Programs that provide high-net-worth individuals with a residence permit (often called a "golden visa") in exchange for an investment.
KEY BENEFIT
Grants the right to live, work, study, and receive healthcare in the new country of residence, offering a valuable "Plan B" and enhancing international planning
PROCESS
May offer a path to permanent residence, and in some cases, a route to citizenship after a reasonable period of residence.
KEY CHARACTERISTICS OF RBI (GOLDEN VISA) PROGRAMS:
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Residence Permit: The immediate outcome is a residence permit (visa), which is typically renewed every few years, leading eventually to Permanent Residency (PR) status if investment and residency conditions are maintained.
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Required Physical Presence: Unlike CBI, RBI usually stipulates a minimum stay requirement to maintain the residence permit and qualify for eventual citizenship. This is often minimal (e.g., 7 days per year), but it is a legal requirement.
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Investment Requirement: The investor must make a significant financial contribution, which is generally one of the following:
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Real Estate Investment: Purchase of residential or commercial property (a common option in programs like the Greece Golden Visa).
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Capital Transfer/Fund Investment: Investment in government-approved funds, securities, or bank deposits.
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Business/Job Creation: Investment in a new or existing enterprise to stimulate the local economy.
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Benefits to the Investor:
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Relocation Rights: The right to live, work, and study in the host country.
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Regional Travel: For EU programs, this includes visa-free travel throughout the Schengen Area.
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Pathway to Citizenship: After meeting the required residency period (e.g., 5 to 10 years) and other naturalization criteria (language tests, local ties), the resident can apply for full citizenship.
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Family Inclusion: The residence permit extends to a spouse and dependent children, offering access to the country's social services.
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Benefits to the Host Country: RBI is a powerful tool to attract Foreign Direct Investment (FDI), especially into the real estate market, and to stimulate business creation.
RESIDENCE BY INVESTMENT (RBI) PROGRAM OVERVIEW
This table outlines various global Residence by Investment (RBI) programs, also known as "Golden Visas," organized by geographical region. The minimum investment is shown in the currency of the program and typically represents the least expensive investment route to obtain residency, which can be a key step toward eventual naturalization as a citizen.
Region | Country | Program Name | Minimum Investment (Approximate) | Main Investment Options |
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Europe | Greece | Golden Visa Program | €250,000 (Real Estate) | Real Estate, Capital Transfer, Funds |
Portugal | Golden Visa Program | €250,000 (Cultural Donation) or €500,000 (Private Equity Fund) | Fund Investment, Capital Transfer, Cultural Donation | |
Spain | Golden Visa Program | €500,000 (Real Estate) | Real Estate, Bank Deposit, Government Bonds | |
Cyprus | Permanent Residence Program (Golden Visa) | €300,000 (Real Estate) | Real Estate, Investment in Cypriot Company Shares, Investment in Funds | |
North America | United States | EB-5 Immigrant Investor Program | $800,000 (Targeted Employment Area) | Investment in a Commercial Enterprise |
Canada | Start-up Visa Program (SUV) | Varies (Proof of Funds) | Support from a designated organization (Venture Capital, Angel Investor, Incubator) | |
Middle East/Asia | UAE (Dubai/Abu Dhabi) | Golden Visa | AED 2,000,000 (Real Estate) or AED 750,000 (Public Investment Fund) | Real Estate, Public Investment, Talent/Professional |
Qatar | Investor Residence Permit | $200,000 (Real Estate) | Real Estate | |
Oceania | Australia | Business Innovation and Investment Program (BIIP) | Varies by stream (e.g., A$1.5 million) | Investment in Australian State/Territory Government Bonds |
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CBI (CITIZENSHIP BY INVESTMENT) VS. RBI (RESIDENCE BY INVESTMENT)
This table provides a concise comparison of Citizenship by Investment (CBI) and Residence by Investment (RBI) programs. It highlights the fundamental differences between the two options, focusing on the core benefit received (citizenship vs. residency), the typical time frame to acquire the status, and the pathway to obtaining full citizenship in the case of RBI programs.
Feature | Citizenship by Investment (CBI) / Golden Passport | Residence by Investment (RBI) / Golden Visa |
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Outcome | Full Citizenship and Passport | Residence Permit (Visa/Green Card) |
Physical Presence | Minimal to None: No physical presence is typically required. | Required: Must spend a minimum number of days/weeks in the country annually to maintain the visa and apply for citizenship. |
Path to Citizenship | Direct and Fast: Citizenship is granted quickly (often 3–6 months) upon approval of the application. | Indirect and Long: Requires a period of legal residency (5–10 years) and adherence to naturalization rules. |
Examples | St. Kitts & Nevis, Dominica, Vanuatu. | Portugal Golden Visa, Greece Golden Visa, UAE Golden Visa, US EB-5. |
