Top European Citizenship by Investment: How to Obtain a Second Passport and Expand Your Opportunities
Have you considered getting a second passport and opening doors to international possibilities? The concept of citizenship by investment (CBI) has gained a lot of attention in recent years as more and more people look for ways to secure a second passport and expand their global opportunities. Numerous countries offer CBI programs that provide investors with the chance to obtain citizenship in exchange for a significant financial investment.
We chose 5 European countries offering interesting citizenship programs for investors. Explore this article, find your paradise destination and let yourself be guided by Citizen Lane experts.
Malta Citizenship by Investment Program
The Malta Individual Investor Program (MIIP) is widely regarded as the best European citizenship by investment program. Launched in 2014, the MIIP requires applicants to make a non-refundable contribution to the National Development and Social Fund (NDSF) of at least €650,000. In addition, investors must purchase or rent property in Malta and invest in government-approved financial instruments.
One of the main advantages of the MIIP is its speed – successful applicants can obtain citizenship in as little as 12 months. Malta also offers a high quality of life, a favorable tax regime, and excellent access to the rest of Europe. Furthermore, Malta is a member of the European Union, meaning that citizens have the right to live and work in any EU member state.
The Malta Citizenship by Investment Program has a rigorous due diligence process, which ensures that only applicants with a clean criminal record and strong financial standing are granted citizenship. The program has a limit of 1,800 applicants, after which it will be closed to new applicants.
Turkey Citizenship by Investment Program
Launched in 2017, Turkey’s Turquoise Card program requires applicants to make a minimum investment of $500,000 in real estate or a business, or to deposit at least $500,000 in a Turkish bank account for a period of three years.
Successful applicants are granted a Turquoise Card, which allows them and their families to live and work in Turkey for an indefinite period. While Turkey is not a member of the EU, it offers investors access to a large and growing economy, favorable tax conditions, and a strategic location between Europe and Asia.
The Turquoise Card program has a limit of 1,000 applicants and a strict due diligence process, requiring a strong financial standing and a clean criminal record.
Montenegro Citizenship by Investment Program
Montenegro’s Citizenship by Investment Program (MCBI) was launched in 2019 and has quickly gained popularity among investors. The program requires applicants to make a minimum investment of €250,000 in a government-approved development project in the northern or central regions of the country.
Successful applicants are granted citizenship in Montenegro, which is not a member of the EU but is a candidate for membership. Montenegro offers investors access to a rapidly developing economy, stunning natural scenery, and a beneficial tax regime.
The MCBI has a limit of 2,000 applicants, and, as with other European programs, only applicants with a clean criminal record and a stable financial situation may be granted citizenship.
Armenia Citizenship by Investment Program
Armenia’s Investment Program (AIP) was launched in 2019 and has quickly gained popularity among investors. The program requires applicants to make a minimum investment of $150,000 in a government-approved business or charity.
Successful applicants are granted citizenship in Armenia, which offers investors access to a strategic location between Europe and Asia, and a growing economy.
The AIP requires a clean criminal record and has a limit of 1,000 applicants.
Cyprus Citizenship by Investment Program (currently suspended)
Cyprus’ CBI program, officially known as the Cyprus Investment Program (CIP), was launched in 2013. It required applicants to make a minimum investment of €2 million in real estate, a business, or government bonds. Successful applicants were granted citizenship in Cyprus, which is a member of the EU.
However, the CIP was suspended in 2020 following allegations of corruption. While it is possible that the CIP will be reinstated in the future with stricter regulations, for the time being we recommend different options for those seeking European citizenship by investment.