Savory & Partners Guide to Second Citizenship and Golden Visas in 2025

Global citizenship has evolved far beyond a travel privilege. It’s now a key strategy for wealth protection, family security, and international freedom.

In 2025, investors and families are increasingly turning to second citizenship and residency programs to diversify assets, access better opportunities, and secure a long-term plan for global mobility.

At Savory & Partners, we’ve helped more than 11,000 clients obtain citizenship or residency through government-approved investment programs across the Caribbean, Europe, the Middle East, and Africa.

This guide breaks down the world’s top options, how they work, what they cost, and which program fits your goals best.

Understanding Global Citizen Solutions

What Is Global Citizenship and Why Does It Matter in 2025?

Global citizenship means having the legal right to live, work, and invest beyond one country’s borders.

It gives individuals and families a way to access new markets, secure backup residency, and ensure freedom of movement no matter how political or economic conditions shift.

As nations adjust their immigration policies, the concept of “global mobility” has become a strategy for security, tax efficiency, and future planning.

Key facts:

• Global investment migration market value: $30+ billion
• Average program approval success rate: over 90%
• Savory & Partners: 15+ years of government-authorized expertise

What Are the Benefits of Global Mobility?

Becoming a global citizen means having the flexibility to move freely, protect wealth, and access top-tier healthcare and education systems.

The benefits go far beyond travel convenience, and shape long-term stability and opportunity.

Main advantages include:

• Visa-free access to over 100+ destinations, including Schengen Area, UK, and Singapore
• Ability to live and do business internationally
• Security for your family during global uncertainty
• Expanded options for healthcare, education, and property ownership

Explore the top-rated second passports for this year in our blog Best Second Passports in 2025.

How Does Investment Migration Work?

Investment migration covers both Citizenship by Investment (CBI) and Residency by Investment (RBI), for individuals who contribute financially to a country’s development in exchange for legal status.

Here’s a quick comparison of how they differ:

At Savory & Partners, our role as a government-authorized agent ensures that every application is legally compliant, transparent, and optimized for success, from consultation to citizenship approval.

Premium Citizenship by Investment Programs

For investors who want full citizenship without the wait, Citizenship by Investment (CBI) programs offer a proven, legal path, often completed in under six months.

In 2025, the Caribbean and select African nations continue to lead the way with efficient processing, reliable benefits, and strong international mobility.

What Are the Best Caribbean Citizenship Programs?

The Caribbean is the most established CBI region, combining transparent due diligence with global access and family inclusion.

Saint Kitts and Nevis

• Best For: Trusted, reliable choice for global investors.

• Minimum Investment: $250,000 (Sustainable Island State Contribution).

• Processing Time: 4–6 months.

• Visa-Free Access: 150+ countries, including the UK, EU Schengen Zone, and Singapore.

Grenada

• Best For: Access to the U.S. E-2 Investor Visa.

• Minimum Investment: $235,000 (real estate or donation option).

• Processing Time: 6–8 months.

• Visa-Free Access: 145+ countries, including Hong Kong and the Schengen Area.

Dominica

• Best For: A budget-friendly route to strong global mobility.

• Minimum Investment: $200,000 (real estate or government fund contribution).

• Processing Time: 6–8 months.

• Visa-Free Access: 140+ countries.

For lifestyle insights and regional comparisons, read our blog Living the Caribbean Island Life.

What Are the Emerging African Citizenship Options?

Africa’s new programs are creating a major shift in the investment migration landscape, offering accessible, fast, and globally recognized citizenship routes.

São Tomé and Príncipe

• Best For: Investors seeking the lowest entry point and quick processing.

• Minimum Investment: $90,000 donation to the National Development Fund.

• Processing Time: 1–2 months.

• Visa-Free Access: 95+ countries.

Discover full program details in our blog São Tomé and Príncipe: The New Citizenship Program.

Egypt

• Best For: Entrepreneurs seeking a bridge between Africa and the Middle East.

• Minimum Investment: $250,000–$500,000, depending on option (donation, real estate, or deposit).

• Processing Time: 3–6 months.

• Visa-Free Access: 50+ countries.

Comparison Overview

Golden Visa Programs Worldwide

Golden Visas provide long-term residency through investment, granting families the freedom to live, work, and study in top-tier destinations, often leading to citizenship after several years.

In 2025, Europe remains the leader in residency-by-investment programs, combining lifestyle benefits with secure pathways to permanent residence and eventual naturalization.

Which Are the Top European Golden Visas in 2025?

Malta MPRP

• Best For: Families seeking immediate and permanent European residency.

• Minimum Investment: Around €150,000 (government contribution + fees + property lease or purchase).

• Processing Time: 4–6 months.

• Path to Citizenship: Available through a separate process after 5 out of 7 years of full-time residence.

• Citizenship Timeline: 5-10 years

• Highlights: One of the few EU programs granting permanent status from the start, with strong family inclusion and access to the Schengen Area.

Greece Golden Visa

• Best For: Investors seeking affordable EU residency with property ownership.

• Minimum Investment: €250,000 in real estate (the lowest threshold in the EU,).

• Processing Time:6–12 months.

• Path to Citizenship: Eligibility after 7 years of residence, with language and integration requirements.

• Lifestyle Benefits: Access to Greece’s healthcare, education, and Schengen Zone mobility.

Portugal Golden Visa

• Best For: Investors seeking a stable, long-term route to EU citizenship.

• Minimum Investment: €500,000 (fund investment option).

• Path to Citizenship: Eligible after 5 years of legal residence.

• Processing Time: 24+ months, depending on region and application volume.

• Tax Benefits: Non-residents may avoid global taxation; eligible professionals can access the NHR 2.0 regime.

For a detailed comparison of the best European residency options, read our blog Best Residency Programs in 2025.

Comparison Overview

Second Passport Benefits and Advantages

A second passport is a key to freedom, protection, and opportunity.

In 2025, holding dual citizenship or long-term residency has become a global strategy for entrepreneurs, investors, and families who value flexibility and security in a fast-changing world.

How Does a Second Passport Enhance Global Mobility?

A second passport dramatically expands visa-free travel and removes dependency on a single country’s passport ranking.

Main advantages include:

• Visa-free or visa-on-arrival access to up to 180 countries
• Simplified business travel and smoother border control
• The ability to reside or study in multiple jurisdictions
• Access to international healthcare and education

Compare the world’s strongest travel documents in our blog Best Second Passports in 2025.

How Can It Help with Tax Planning?

A well-chosen second citizenship can provide access to favorable tax regimes and wealth management structures.

For example:

• Caribbean nations such as Grenada and Dominica offer no personal income tax, inheritance tax, or wealth tax.
• Portugal’s NHR 2.0 regime benefits foreign professionals with reduced tax on global income.
• Malta offers numerous tax treaties that prevent double taxation.

For international investors, this means the ability to structure assets across multiple jurisdictions with legal efficiency.

How Does It Expand Business and Investment Reach?

A second citizenship or residency unlocks access to new financial and commercial opportunities:

• Open international bank accounts and establish credit in stable economies.
• Access foreign real estate and investment funds.
• Participate in global markets without heavy bureaucratic restrictions.
• Qualify for business visas, such as the U.S. E-2 Investor Visa through Grenada.

This flexibility helps entrepreneurs and digital businesses operate globally with greater ease.

How Does It Secure Family Legacy?

Residency and citizenship programs build a lasting legacy.

• Citizenship is transferable to future generations, ensuring continuity.
• Family inclusion allows spouses, children, and often parents to gain the same rights.
• Access to top-tier education and healthcare systems in countries such as Portugal, Malta, and Greece.
• A stable base in politically and economically secure regions.

A second passport ensures your family’s safety and global options, no matter how circumstances change.

How to Choose the Right Program

Choosing the right investment migration program depends on your goals, whether you’re seeking speed, long-term EU access, or family inclusion.

Every country offers something unique, and understanding those differences is the first step toward a smart, compliant decision.

What Budget Should You Plan For?

Investment requirements vary significantly by region and program:

• Caribbean programs start from $200,000.
• African programs like Egypt range are available from $90,000.
• European Golden Visas require €150,000 – €500,000, depending on residency or citizenship goals.

Investors should also plan for additional fees (due diligence, legal, and government charges), which vary by family size and program type.

How Fast Do You Need Approval?

Timelines can define the right choice:

• Fast-track citizenship: Caribbean and African programs can complete in 1–6 months.
• Residency with citizenship path: EU programs like Portugal and Greece require 5–7 years of legal residence before naturalization.
• Immediate PR: The Malta MPRP grants permanent residency from day one.

Which Programs Cover Your Family?

Most investment migration programs allow applicants to include family members.

This flexibility makes CBI and Golden Visa programs powerful tools for family protection and long-term planning.

What Happens During Due Diligence?

Every application undergoes strict background and financial screening to ensure compliance.

• Verification of identity and source of funds.
• Criminal record checks across all countries of residence.
• Financial review to confirm legitimate capital origin.

At Savory & Partners, our due diligence success rate is among the highest in the industry, with zero rejections for compliant applications.

Application Process and Requirements

Whether you’re applying for citizenship or residency, the process follows a clear and structured path.

With the right preparation and professional guidance, most applications can be completed smoothly, and in some cases, entirely remotely.

What Documents Are Needed?

Each program has specific documentation rules, but most require the following:

• Valid passport and birth certificate
• Police clearance from current and past countries of residence
• Proof of source of funds (bank statements, tax returns, or audit reports)
• Proof of residence or address verification
• Marriage certificate (if applicable)
• Medical certificate confirming good health
• Investment documents (fund receipts, purchase contracts, etc.)

All documents must be translated into English (or the official language of the destination country) and properly legalized or apostilled.

What Investment Options Exist?

Depending on the program, you can qualify through one of several routes:

• Government contribution: A one-time donation to a national development or sustainability fund.
• Real estate investment: Purchase of approved property with a minimum hold period.
• Investment funds or bonds: Available in select EU programs.
• Business creation or job generation: Required in some African and Middle Eastern residency schemes.

What Are the Legal Requirements?

To qualify, applicants must:

• Be at least 18 years old
• Have a clean criminal record
• Provide evidence of legal income and fund origin
• Pass all security and background checks
• Fulfil all program-specific obligations, such as minimum stay or tax compliance

As a government-authorized agent, Savory & Partners ensures every application is prepared according to each jurisdiction’s legal framework, avoiding costly errors or rejections.

How Long Does Processing Take?

Processing times vary by region and complexity, but average timelines include:

• Caribbean CBI programs: 4–12 months
• African programs: 1–6 months
• European Golden Visas: 6–24 months

Some applicants may receive approval in principle even faster, depending on the completeness of their documentation and the country’s due diligence process.

Savory & Partners manages every stage, from submission and follow-up to final passport or residence issuance, ensuring full confidentiality and compliance.

Savory & Partners Services

For over 15 years, Savory & Partners has helped investors, families, and entrepreneurs secure global mobility through fully authorized citizenship and residency by investment programs.

As one of the first government-approved firms in the Middle East, our team handles every stage of the process, from eligibility checks to post-citizenship services, with complete confidentiality and transparency.

Consultation and Advisory

Every client’s situation is unique. Our experts begin with a confidential consultation, assessing your goals, family structure, and investment capacity.
You’ll receive:

• A custom eligibility assessment
• Personalized program recommendations (CBI or Golden Visa)
• Full breakdown of investment and processing timelines
• Guidance on tax, family inclusion, and dual citizenship options

Contact us for a private consultation.

Application Processing

Our in-house processing team handles all documentation, certification, and government submissions on your behalf.

This includes:

• Collecting and verifying required documents
• Translating, notarizing, and legalizing paperwork
• Preparing full application files for government due diligence
• Coordinating directly with official CBI and RBI units

With over 11,000 successful applications, our firm is known for precision, speed, and compliance.

Legal Support

All applications are reviewed by our internal legal department to ensure alignment with local and international regulations.

Our team works closely with:

• Program government authorities
• Financial intelligence units (FIUs)
• Authorized notaries and legal representatives

This ensures a zero-risk, 100% compliant process, protecting clients from regulatory or reputational issues.

Post-Citizenship Services

Our relationship doesn’t end with approval, we assist with everything that comes after.

Post-citizenship support includes:

• Passport renewals and replacements
• Adding family members after approval
• Assistance with property management and local compliance
• Banking introductions and global relocation support

With regional offices and multilingual experts, Savory & Partners continues to support clients long after they receive their citizenship or residency.

Investment Migration Success Stories

Behind every successful application is a story, a family seeking stability, an entrepreneur looking for new markets, or a professional pursuing a better life.

Client Testimonials

Our clients represent diverse backgrounds, from tech founders and CEOs to families relocating for better education and healthcare.

“Savory & Partners made what seemed complex feel effortless. My family obtained Grenadian citizenship in under six months, and now we travel visa-free across Europe.”
— A.B., Business Owner, Dubai

“We wanted a secure EU base for our children’s education. The Portugal Golden Visa was perfect, and the Savory team handled every detail from investment to residence cards.”
— M.K., Entrepreneur, South Africa

Each story reflects the same result: professional handling, confidentiality, and a lifetime of global access.

Program Success Rates

Our approval rate is among the highest in the industry, the result of precise document preparation and strong partnerships with government authorities.

Our partnerships with official units and our deep program knowledge help clients experience a seamless path, from eligibility to citizenship certificate.

ROI Case Studies

Investment migration is all about smart portfolio growth.

Portugal:

An investor obtained EU residency via a €500,000 fund route in 2020. After four years, their capital grew by 28%, while their family now prepares for citizenship eligibility.

Grenada:

A Dubai-based entrepreneur secured citizenship in 2023, opened a U.S. business under the E-2 Visa, and expanded his operations internationally within one year.

Malta:

A retired couple obtained permanent residency in under six months and are now renting their Maltese property, generating stable annual returns while maintaining EU access.

Every program offers a unique form of ROI, whether financial growth, freedom of movement, or intergenerational security.

FAQs on Global Citizenship and Residency by Investment in 2025

Which citizenship programs are the fastest in 2025?

The fastest options remain in the Caribbean and Africa.

• São Tomé and Príncipe can issue citizenship in as little as 1–2 months.
• Saint Kitts and Nevis and Dominica typically complete in 4–8 months.

These are ideal for investors who want quick approval and visa-free global mobility.

Can I include my family in one application?

Yes. All major CBI and Golden Visa programs include family members such as:

• Spouse
• Children (age limits vary by program)
• Parents and grandparents (if financially dependent)

Programs like Malta and Grenada offer the most comprehensive family inclusion structures.

Do I need to live in the country after obtaining citizenship or residency?

Not necessarily.

Most Caribbean CBI programs have no physical residence requirement, allowing investors to maintain their current lifestyle.

However, European residency programs like Portugal and Greece may require minimal annual visits or proof of residence to maintain status and qualify for citizenship later.

Are these citizenships for life?

Yes. Citizenship-by-investment programs such as Saint Kitts and Nevis, Dominica, and Grenada offer lifetime citizenship, which is also transferable to future generations.

Residency programs like Portugal and Malta can lead to permanent status and later full citizenship.

What is the difference between Citizenship by Investment and Golden Visa?

Citizenship by Investment (CBI): Provides a passport and full citizenship rights within months, with no stay requirement.

Golden Visa (RBI): Grants residency rights first and can lead to citizenship after maintaining residence for several years.

How secure are these programs?

All programs represented by Savory & Partners are government-approved and legally regulated. Each includes robust due diligence procedures to protect applicants and the host country alike.

References

Government of Saint Kitts and Nevis. (n.d.). Citizenship by Investment Unit – Official Program Guidelines. Retrieved from https://www.ciu.gov.kn

Government of the Commonwealth of Dominica. (n.d.). Citizenship by Investment Unit – Official Portal. Retrieved from https://cbiu.gov.dm

Government of Grenada. (n.d.). Citizenship by Investment Programme. Retrieved from https://imagrenada.gd/