Frequently Asked Questions About Citizenship by Investment

Citizenship by Investment (CBI) is a legal, government-authorised pathway that allows qualified individuals and their families to obtain full citizenship in a sovereign nation through a qualifying economic contribution — typically a non-refundable donation to a national development fund or an approved real estate investment. Successful applicants receive a passport with the same rights as citizens by birth, including the right to live, work, and travel under that nationality.

Investment thresholds vary by program. Caribbean CBI programs start at $200,000 (Dominica) and range up to $250,000 (Saint Kitts & Nevis) for a single applicant via the donation route. European Golden Visa residency programs range from €250,000 (Greece) to €500,000+ (Portugal). Government fees, due diligence costs, and professional advisory fees are additional and depend on family size.

Caribbean Citizenship by Investment programs typically take 3 to 6 months from submission of a complete application to passport issuance. European Golden Visa residency programs generally take 6 to 12 months. Timelines depend on the completeness of documentation, the speed of due diligence clearance, and the responsiveness of the applicant during the process.

A Golden Visa grants residency rights — the right to live and travel within a country (and often the wider Schengen Area) — while CBI grants immediate full citizenship and a passport. Golden Visa holders typically must wait 5 to 7+ years and meet residency, language, and integration requirements before they can apply for citizenship. CBI delivers a passport in months, with no residency obligations in most Caribbean programs.

Three programs are particularly popular among Americans. Grenada is the only Caribbean CBI nation with a U.S. E-2 Treaty, allowing citizens to apply for the E-2 investor visa. Saint Kitts & Nevis offers the world's oldest and most prestigious CBI passport. Dominica delivers the most cost-effective entry point, starting at $200,000. The right choice depends on your strategic objectives, family structure, and budget.

Yes. CBI programs are fully legal and government-sanctioned, established under specific national legislation. Each program is administered by a dedicated government unit and applicants undergo rigorous multi-stage due diligence, often involving international vetting agencies. Caribbean programs in particular have strengthened their compliance frameworks to align with FATF, OECD, and EU standards.

The Investment Migration Council is the worldwide association for the investment migration industry, setting ethical standards, professional qualifications, and best-practice guidelines for advisors and government programs. IMC membership signals a commitment to compliance, transparency, and client-centric advisory. Our founder Tatiana Muntean is an IMC member.

Yes. We offer a confidential, obligation-free initial consultation to discuss your objectives, family situation, timeline, and the program options most aligned with your goals. There is no cost or commitment involved in this first conversation.