In the wave of globalization, second citizenship planning has become an important tool for high-net-worth individuals to optimize asset allocation and expand their life’s horizons. Through investment citizenship programs, investors can not only obtain a “global passport” but also unlock multiple benefits such as tax optimization, children’s education, and overseas asset allocation. However, policies vary significantly across countries. Which programs offer the fastest and most accessible citizenship transition? The following analysis examines the world’s fastest investment citizenship programs from three dimensions: “approval speed,” “investment cost,” and “passport value.”
Approval Speed: Vanuatu, Nauru, São Tomé and Príncipe “Lead the Way”
If “approval speed” is the core indicator, Vanuatu is arguably the “fastest in the world.” The minimum investment threshold is only US$100,000, supporting various investment methods (such as purchasing financial products, tourism real estate, and business operations), and there is no requirement to land in the country or residency requirement. More importantly, its approval cycle is only one month, with efficiency and transparency throughout the entire process from application to passport issuance. This speed advantage makes it the preferred choice for families seeking “fast-track” citizenship.
Following closely behind are Nauru and São Tomé and Príncipe. Nauru, a new project launched in 2025, requires a minimum investment of US$105,000, with an approval cycle of approximately 3-4 months. It offers visa-free access to 89 countries and regions, including popular destinations like the UK and Singapore. São Tomé and Príncipe, with its “fast approval in 6-8 weeks,” has emerged as a rising star in Africa. Its individual investment threshold is only US$90,000, and it supports simultaneous applications from four generations of the family. The passport grants visa-free access to over 100 countries worldwide, making it suitable for investors seeking low costs and high efficiency.
Investment Costs: Dominica and St. Kitts and Nevis Offer “Outstanding Value”
When considering “investment costs,” Dominica and St. Kitts and Nevis in the Caribbean offer the best value. Dominica’s minimum donation is US$200,000, the lowest threshold among the five Caribbean countries. It also supports family applications (main applicant + spouse + 2 children), with a total cost of only US$250,000. Its passport offers visa-free access to over 140 countries, including the Schengen Area, the UK, and Singapore, and has no personal income tax or capital gains tax, making it suitable for families with limited budgets who wish to achieve global travel.
St. Kitts and Nevis, as one of the world’s oldest investment citizenship programs (established in 1984), requires a minimum investment of US$250,000, with a processing time of approximately 7-9 months. While slightly slower than Vanuatu, its policy stability and passport value are widely recognized: visa-free access to over 160 countries, no residency requirements, and no global taxation make it a classic choice for high-net-worth individuals seeking asset allocation and privacy protection.
Passport Value: Grenada and Turkey Offer Maximum Added Value
For investors seeking added value in their citizenship, the programs in Grenada and Turkey are more attractive. Grenada’s minimum investment is US$235,000, and its core advantage lies in the E-2 treaty with the United States: citizens holding a Grenada passport can apply for an E-2 visa for long-term residency by establishing a business and investing in the United States. This “stepping stone” function makes it a popular choice for entrepreneurs and high-net-worth individuals. Furthermore, its passport offers visa-free access to over 140 countries, with an approval period of approximately 6 months, balancing the need for a “US gateway” with global travel.
Turkey stands out for its strategic Eurasian location and educational advantages. Investors can obtain citizenship by purchasing real estate worth over $400,000 or depositing $500,000. The passport grants visa-free access to over 100 countries, and children can gain admission to top Chinese universities like Tsinghua and Peking University without entrance exams. Moreover, the Turkish real estate market has seen stable appreciation in recent years, potentially generating asset returns while investing in citizenship, achieving a double increase in “citizenship + asset” value.
A Rational Choice with a Global Perspective
The core of investment citizenship lies in balancing “speed,” “cost,” and “value.” For those seeking maximum speed, Vanuatu, Nauru, and São Tomé and Príncipe are preferred; for those prioritizing cost-effectiveness, Dominica, St. Kitts and Nevis are more noteworthy; and for those seeking access to the “US gateway” or “educational advantages,” Grenada and Turkey are more attractive. Investors should consider their own needs (such as travel convenience, tax planning, and children’s education) and risk appetite when choosing target countries with transparent policies, stable markets, and high passport value.
In today’s deeply globalized world, citizenship by investment is not merely a cross-border flow of wealth, but a strategic move for the future of families. By accurately selecting target countries, investors can achieve citizenship advancement while unlocking broader living opportunities for their families—this is perhaps the most compelling value of citizenship by investment.
