Blogs • January 14, 2026 • 12 Min

What Investors Are Asking About Citizenship by Investment in 2026

If you’re considering a second passport in 2026, you probably have questions that need clear, accurate answers before you make a decision. These are the same questions we hear every week from investors, entrepreneurs, and internationally mobile families. So we’ve taken the most relevant ones and provided straightforward, expert answers to each. Read this guide to understand how Citizenship by Investment actually works in practice, what it costs, who qualifies, and what to expect at each stage of the process. Essential Citizenship by Investment FAQs What Is Citizenship by Investment? Citizenship by Investment (CBI) is a legal mechanism that allows qualified investors to obtain citizenship in a country by making an approved economic contribution. After approval, the investor becomes a citizen and can apply for that country’s passport. The short version: You invest, the government conducts due diligence, and if you are cleared and complete the investment, you receive citizenship without having to live there for years first. CBI is different from residency programs, which only provide the right to live in a country with the possibility (not a guarantee) of citizenship later through longer-term naturalisation. Which Countries Offer Citizenship by Investment in 2026? Only a limited number of countries offer true, legislated Citizenship by Investment programs. Most countries you see advertised online actually offer residency or long-term naturalisation pathways, not direct citizenship. Savory & Partners is a government-authorized agent for multiple Citizenship by Investment programs, and also provides legal advisory and application support for the following jurisdictions: Antigua and Barbuda Dominica Grenada Saint Kitts and Nevis Saint Lucia Türkiye São Tomé and Príncipe Nauru Botswana Sierra Leone Vanuatu Egypt These programs are backed by national legislation, include structured due diligence procedures, and lead to the issuance of citizenship certificates and passports upon approval. Beyond Citizenship, What are the Benefits? The value of a second passport depends on the investor’s goals, but several practical benefits come up repeatedly: Mobility: A second passport often adds visa-free or visa-on-arrival access to key business and travel regions, removing the need for pre-travel embassy approvals. Optionality: Citizenship creates a permanent legal right to enter and reside in another country, giving families a contingency option without relocation requirements. Family Mobility and Education: Easier movement, access to international education, and future relocation paths are major drivers for families planning long-term. Succession Planning: Many CBI citizenships are inheritable, meaning children and future generations can benefit from the same mobility and residency rights. Business Access: Entrepreneurs and internationally mobile professionals use second citizenship for smoother travel to meetings, banking setups, compliance onboarding, and regional market access. Tax Planning (Case-Dependent): Citizenship alone does not change tax status, but it can complement relocation and tax residency strategies in jurisdictions with favorable tax regimes. A useful distinction: tax status is determined by residency rules, not by which passport you hold. This is why CBI is often paired with separate tax planning when needed. What is The Process of Citizenship by Investment? While each country has its own rules, the process follows a consistent structure: Eligibility and Program Selection: Applicant confirms that CBI is suitable based on mobility, family, or succession goals. Document Preparation: Includes IDs, civil records, police clearance, financial statements, and source-of-funds evidence. Government Due Diligence: Authorities verify identity, background, and financial integrity through internal and third-party checks. Approval in Principle: If cleared, the investor proceeds to fulfill the investment requirement. Investment Execution: Applicant completes the fund contribution, real estate purchase, or other approved investment. Citizenship & Passport Issuance: Certificate of naturalisation is issued, followed by passport. Timelines typically range from a few months to over a year, depending on the program and due diligence complexity. Can Citizenship Be Revoked? Yes, but only on specific legal grounds. Revocation typically occurs if citizenship was obtained through: fraud or misrepresentation concealment of criminal history forged documentation serious security or sanctions issues It does not occur simply because an investor sells property after the required holding period or stops economic activity once obligations are met. Some jurisdictions now introduce post-approval compliance (e.g., physical presence or fiscal reporting), but these are designed to protect program credibility, not penalize legitimate applicants. Is Dual Citizenship Allowed? In most Citizenship by Investment jurisdictions, yes. Caribbean countries, Türkiye, São Tomé and Príncipe, Vanuatu, and others allow dual nationality, and investors are not required to renounce their current citizenship. However, two rules matter: CBI country rules – most allow dual citizenship Your home country’s rules – some restrict or prohibit it This is why applicants from certain regions check domestic nationality laws before applying. In practice, dual citizenship compatibility is rarely an obstacle, but it must be confirmed case by case. What Is the Difference Between Citizenship and Residency by Investment? In short, CBI gives nationality, while RBI gives living and residence rights with potential (but not guaranteed) future citizenship. How Can I Verify a Citizenship Program Is Legitimate? Legitimate programs are created by law and administered by government units with due diligence and compliance procedures. To verify legitimacy, check: Official government websites (CBI units, ministries, or investment authorities) Legal framework (acts, regulations, or citizenship amendments) Government-authorised agents and service providers Official public communications (gazettes, notices, CIU announcements) Red flags to avoid: “Citizenship from the US/UK/EU” offers – these countries do not have CBI “Guaranteed approvals” – genuine programs never guarantee approvals “Citizenship in weeks with no checks” – real CBI has strict due diligence Providers that avoid government documentation or legal references If a company or website can’t point you to the legal basis of the program, it’s not legitimate. What Are the Main Risks of Citizenship by Investment? CBI is structured and legal, but investors should understand practical risks, such as: Regulatory shifts – programs evolve (fees, categories, physical presence rules) Geopolitical pressure – may influence visa access or program reforms Real estate exposure – depends on developer quality and liquidity Reputational risk – applying through non-authorised intermediaries Approval uncertainty – due diligence can result in rejection if issues arise The key point: Approval is not guaranteed simply because an investor can pay. Due diligence is central, and working with authorised channels minimizes avoidable risk. Citizenship by Investment Eligibility Requirements FAQs Who Qualifies for Citizenship by Investment? CBI is designed for applicants who meet set legal, financial, and security standards. While criteria vary by jurisdiction, governments typically expect applicants to: have a clean criminal record pass security and background checks show legitimate, traceable funds not appear on sanctions or watchlists meet minimum financial thresholds provide all required civil documentation Family inclusion: Most programs allow spouses, children, and in many cases dependent parents or siblings, with specific age and dependency rules that vary by country. What Is the Financial Threshold for Citizenship? Financial thresholds differ by jurisdiction and investment route, but most CBI programs fall into three categories: Totals increase when adding dependents or selecting premium tiers. Is the Investment Refundable? Depends on the route: Holding periods for real estate or business routes usually range from 3–7 years, depending on the jurisdiction. Can the Investment Be Financed? Generally no, because governments require qualified personal funds. However, there are exceptions: In Türkiye, bank financing is possible as long as the financed property is not used as collateral for the CBI investment itself. For real estate globally, some developers offer installment schedules, but the qualifying amount must be paid. Governments focus on source-of-funds compliance, not loan structures. Can I Invest in Off-Plan Real Estate Projects? Many CBI programs allow approved off-plan projects, but due diligence matters. Key points investors consider: project must be government-approved completion risk exists (developer reputation matters) valuation reports are required holding period applies after completion or title transfer resale may be restricted to future CBI investors For passive investors seeking lower execution risk, donations are simpler and faster; for those seeking capital preservation, real estate requires vetting but offers exit potential. Are There Non-Financial Routes to Citizenship? Very rare, but possible in certain jurisdictions through: heritage/descent marriage long-term naturalisation exceptional services or merit economic contribution not tied to formal CBI However, these routes are not equivalent to CBI and often involve longer timelines, interviews, integration requirements, or country-specific nuances. Citizenship by Investment Application Process FAQs How Long Does the Process Take? Processing times vary by jurisdiction, application complexity, and due diligence outcomes. A realistic range for most programs is from 3–6 months for straightforward cases, or 6–12+ months for enhanced due diligence or complex family profiles There are no “instant passports” in legitimate CBI. If someone promises citizenship in a few weeks with no checks, it is not genuine. How Does the Application Process Work? While each program has its own rules, the CBI flow is similar across jurisdictions: Pre-Screening and Program Selection: Applicant objectives (mobility, family, succession, banking, etc.) are matched to the appropriate CBI jurisdiction. Document Compilation: Includes IDs, civil documents, police certificates, financial statements, source-of-funds evidence, and application forms. Submission and Due Diligence Fees: The full file is submitted to the Citizenship Unit (CIU) and due diligence begins. Government Due Diligence: Authorities review security, criminal history, sanctions exposure, financial integrity, and personal background. Approval in Principle: Once cleared, the government issues a conditional approval. Investment Fulfilment: Applicant completes the required investment (contribution, real estate, or other qualifying option). Citizenship Grant: Certificate of naturalisation is issued. Passport Issuance: The applicant applies for their passport as a newly granted citizen. Most governments now use third-party due diligence firms to maintain compliance and international credibility. Are Interviews Mandatory? Increasingly, yes, especially within the Caribbean. In most Citizenship by Investment programs, including Antigua and Barbuda, Dominica, Grenada, Saint Kitts and Nevis, and Saint Lucia, applicants are now required to undergo interviews as part of the due diligence process. Interviews may apply to main applicants, spouses, and adult dependents depending on each program’s rules. Agents and advisers cannot attend these interviews, as they are conducted directly between the Citizenship Unit and the applicant for integrity and compliance reasons. What Happens If My Application Is Rejected? If a CBI application is denied due to due diligence concerns, governments do not issue citizenship and donation or contribution-based investments are not executed, also non-refundable fees (due diligence, processing) remain non-refundable. For real estate or fund options, the financial structure determines refund sequence, but investments are generally executed only after approval in principle. Rejection typically occurs for: undisclosed criminal history sanctions exposure financial crime risk inconsistent identity information misrepresentation or withheld information Pre-screening with an authorised agent reduces avoidable risk. What Documents Are Usually Required? Document lists vary by country, but common requirements include: valid passport copies birth and civil status certificates marriage/divorce/death certificates (if applicable) police clearance certificates (from relevant jurisdictions) bank statements proof of source of funds and wealth medical certificates (in certain programs) passport-style photographs completed government application forms Additional documents may be required for dependents (school records, dependency proof, etc.) Citizenship by Investment Tax & Mobility FAQs What Are the Tax Implications After Obtaining Citizenship? Tax outcomes depend on where you live, not which passport you hold. Citizenship alone does not automatically change your tax status. In practice, CBI citizenship can be useful when paired with separate tax residency or relocation strategies, especially in jurisdictions that do not tax foreign income and capital gains or offer territorial tax systems. However, individuals remain subject to their home country tax rules until their tax residency changes. This is why investors often seek tax advice alongside CBI, particularly if they are moving assets, companies, or personal residence. Does a CBI Passport Provide Visa-Free Travel? Yes, but global mobility varies by jurisdiction. CBI passports typically offer visa-free or visa-on-arrival access to regions such as: parts of Europe, the Caribbean Community (CARICOM), parts of Asia and Latin America, key business hubs in the Middle East, and selected countries in Africa. Each passport has a different mobility profile. This is why applicants choose programs for different reasons; for example, Caribbean passports for general travel, or Türkiye for regional business and banking access. Do You Need to Live in the Country That Grants You Citizenship? You usually don’t need to live in the country before or after approval. You can keep your current home, travel freely, and retain your existing routines without relocation. For example, in most Caribbean programs and Türkiye, citizenship has been granted without any physical stay requirement. Recent changes worth noting Beginning in 2026, several Caribbean countries have introduced or are introducing a physical presence expectation for new citizens. These include: St. Kitts and Nevis Commonwealth of Dominica Saint Lucia Antigua and Barbuda Grenada Under the updated policy, investors must spend at least 30 days of physical presence within five years of being granted citizenship. Can Citizenship Be Revoked Later? Yes, but only under clear legal grounds. Revocation generally occurs if citizenship was obtained through fraud, false documentation, concealed criminal history, or significant security issues. It does not occur because an investor sells real estate after meeting the required holding period or stops economic activity once their obligations are met. Some jurisdictions now introduce post-approval compliance frameworks, but these are designed to protect program credibility rather than penalize legitimate applicants. Citizenship by Investment Family FAQs Can Family Members Also Obtain Citizenship? Yes. Most programs allow the main applicant to include a spouse and dependent children. Some also accept parents and, in select cases, siblings if they meet eligibility criteria. The exact age limits and dependence rules vary by jurisdiction. What If My Family Situation Changes During the Process? Changes such as marriage, divorce, or newborn children can usually be handled through updated filings and fees. Informing your authorised agent quickly is important, as some changes are time-sensitive. Can Citizenship Be Inherited? In many cases, yes. Citizenship is often inheritable, allowing children born after naturalisation to acquire citizenship by descent. In other jurisdictions, inheritance rules depend on the nationality laws in place, some pass citizenship automatically, while others require administrative registration or residency. Because inheritance frameworks vary by country, applicants with long-term succession planning in mind review this aspect carefully when selecting a program. How Authorised Agents Help with Citizenship by Investment What Is the Role of an Authorised Agent? Authorised agents guide applicants through the entire process, from program selection and documentation to compliance checks and government submission. They act as the communication channel between the applicant and the Citizenship Unit and ensure that all due diligence requirements are correctly met. How Do I Verify That an Agency Is Legitimate? Legitimate Citizenship by Investment programs list their authorised local and international agents on government websites. These firms undergo due diligence screening and pay annual licensing fees. Working through unlisted intermediaries is one of the main avoidable risks in the industry. Where Do I Start if I Want to Apply? The typical starting point is a consultation with an authorised agent. They confirm eligibility, assess family profiles, and recommend suitable programs based on mobility, taxation, or succession goals. Once aligned, the application process begins with documentation and due diligence preparation. How Savory & Partners Can Help Savory & Partners is a government-authorised agent for multiple Citizenship by Investment programs. We assist clients with eligibility assessment, documentation, due diligence preparation, and government submission. If you’re considering a second passport and want guidance based on verified criteria, not marketing claims, our team can help. Need help deciding which program fits your goals? Contact Savory & Partners to book a consultation with an expert. References Antigua and Barbuda Citizenship by Investment Programme. Citizenship by Investment Unit. Referred from: https://cip.gov.ag/ Dominica Citizenship by Investment Unit. Government of Dominica. Referred from: https://www.cbiu.gov.dm/ Vanuatu Citizenship Office. Government of Vanuatu. Referred from: https://vancitizenship.gov.vu/