7 Most Famous Citizenship by Real Estate Investment Programs

Henley & Partners report that over 23% of all Citizenship by Investment (CBI) applications now come from U.S. citizens, showing a massive 1,000% increase compared to previous years.

In Grenada, 74% of citizenship approvals in early 2025 came from people who invested in property.

By 2024, Turkey had approved around 5,100 citizenships through real estate investment, with nearly 9,000 more applications still being processed.

In this blog, we’ll explore the 7 most popular citizenship programs in 2025 that let you invest in real estate to get a second passport.

What is Citizenship by Real Estate Investment

Citizenship by real estate investment is a program run by governments that gives foreign investors citizenship or a second passport when they buy approved property in that country. Unlike a residency permit, which only lets you live or work there for a limited time, citizenship means you have full legal rights, such as voting, holding a passport, and living there without limits.

Usually, investors need to buy new or approved properties that cost above a certain amount. In return, they get ownership of a valuable property and a new nationality, which can give them visa-free travel, tax advantages, and more security for their future.

How Does Real Estate Lead to Citizenship

Real estate leads to citizenship through special government programs called Citizenship by Investment (CBI). These programs let people from other countries become citizens by buying specific properties.

Here’s how it usually works:

1. Program Rules and Investment Amount: Each country sets rules about how much money you need to invest and what kind of property you can buy. For example, some Caribbean countries ask for investments between $200,000 and $400,000, while Turkey’s minimum is $400,000. The properties must be approved by the government, such as new homes or buildings.
   
2. Choosing the Property: Investors pick a property from a list of approved projects, like apartments, villas, or resorts. Usually, you need to keep the property for a few years (about 3 to 5) before you can sell it.
   
3. Application and Background Checks: After buying the property, you will need to send your application to the government with proof of purchase and personal documents. The government carefully checks your background and where your money came from to make sure everything is legal and safe.
   
4. Getting Approved and Receiving Citizenship: If everything is in order, you will get citizenship and a passport, often within 6 to 12 months. Your close family, like your spouse and children, can also become citizens and enjoy the same rights.
   
5. What Citizenship Means: You will get full citizenship, which gives you legal rights, the chance to travel without many visas (more than 150 countries), and access to better schools, healthcare, and job chances.

The process helps both sides: investors can protect their money and gain new freedoms, and countries get important funds that help grow their economy and create jobs.

In short, buying government-approved real estate is a legal way to get a second citizenship through Citizenship by Investment programs.

Top 7 Citizenship by Real Estate Programs

Here are the 7 most popular countries that give citizenship by buying real estate –

1. Turkey Citizenship by Real Estate Investment

Turkey launched its Citizenship by Investment program in 2017, and since then, it has become one of the most popular options in the world. As of 2025, more than 40,000 investors have received Turkish citizenship – most of them by buying real estate. It’s a favorite because it’s more affordable compared to other countries and doesn’t have many restrictions.

Program Summary

How Much You Need to Invest

To qualify, you need to buy real estate in Turkey worth at least $400,000. This can be a house, apartment, shop, or even land (if it’s part of an approved project). You can also buy more than one property, as long as the total value meets the minimum. The property must have a title deed restriction, which means you can’t sell it for at least 3 years.

New Rules in 2024 – 2025

• You now need a Real Estate Investment Certificate (TYTB).
• Property value is checked more carefully to avoid fake pricing.
• You must send the money through a Turkish bank, and they will check where the funds came from.
• You can’t apply by yourself. You must apply through a government-approved lawyer or agent.

Who Can Apply

• The main investor
• Their husband or wife
• Children under 18
• Children over 18 only if they have a disability

Everyone over 18 must have a clean criminal record. Also, you’ll need to come to Turkey to give fingerprints, as it’s part of the ID process.

How Long Does It Take

After buying the property and submitting the documents, it usually takes about 3 to 6 months to get your passport. You must keep the property for at least 3 years, or your citizenship may be taken away.

What You Will Get

• Visa-free or visa-on-arrival access to 110+ nations, including Japan, Singapore, and most of Latin America.
• You can apply for the U.S. E-2 visa, which lets you move to the U.S. and start a business.
• Turkey is not in the Schengen Zone, but as a Turkish citizen, you can apply for a C-2 visa, which lets you stay in Europe for 90 days within a 180-day period.
• You can also apply for a U.S. E-2 visa, which allows you to live and work in the U.S. if you start or invest in a business.
• Dual citizenship is allowed so that you can keep your original passport.
• Turkey offers a lavish lifestyle, affordable health care, good schools, and a growing economy.

2. St. Kitts & Nevis Citizenship by Real Estate Investment

St. Kitts & Nevis started the world’s first Citizenship by Investment program back in 1984. Even today, it’s one of the most trusted and popular ways to get a second passport through property purchase. In 2025, many investors are choosing this Caribbean country because the process is simple, and you don’t need to live there or even visit.

Program Summary

How Much You Need to Invest

To join the program, you need to buy approved property worth at least $325,000. This can be a condo, villa, or hotel unit from a project approved by the government. You must keep the property for 7 years, but after that, you can sell it. In some cases, two people can invest together. If you choose this option, each person must invest at least $200,000.

New Rules in 2024 – 2025

• All real estate projects must be government-approved.
• Funds must come through legal channels with full proof of source.
• Investors must complete a mandatory interview (in-person or online).
• Only authorized real estate agents and developers can sell CBI-eligible property.

Who Can Apply

• The main investor
• Husband or wife
• Children under 18
• Children 18 – 25, if they are full-time students and depend on you
• Parents or grandparents over 55 if who depend on you

Everyone over 16 must pass a background check and have no criminal record. There’s no language requirement or residency needed – you don’t have to visit the country at all.

How Long Does It Take

After you buy the property and send your papers, the process usually takes 3 to 6  months. Once approved, you and your family will get full citizenship and passports. But remember – you must keep the property for 7 years, or your citizenship may be affected.

What You Will Get

• Visa-free or visa-on-arrival access to over 140 countries, including the EU Schengen Zone, UK, Hong Kong, and Singapore.
• No tax on worldwide income, capital gains, or inheritance.
• Access to the Caribbean Community (CARICOM) with business and travel benefits.
• You can live, work, or open a business in St. Kitts & Nevis anytime.
• Dual citizenship is allowed, and your home country won’t be notified.
• There’s no requirement to live in or even visit St. Kitts & Nevis.

3. Dominica Citizenship by Real Estate Investment

Dominica’s CIB program is one of the oldest and most trusted in the world. It started in 1993 and has become a popular choice for people who want a second passport without spending too much money. Dominica is known for its natural beauty, peaceful lifestyle, and low-cost investment.

Program Summary

How Much You Need to Invest

To get citizenship in Dominica through real estate, you need to buy property approved by the government worth at least $200,000. These are usually eco-friendly hotels, resorts, or luxury homes. You must keep the property for at least 3 years, or 5 years if you want to sell it to another person applying for citizenship.

New Rules in 2024 – 2025

• Only approved real estate projects are allowed.
• You must send the money through a Dominican bank and show where the money came from.
• There is stronger background checking for all applicants over 16 years old.
• You must apply through a government-approved agent. You can’t apply by yourself.
• All documents must be in English and include a notarized application letter to the Minister of Citizenship.

Who Can Apply

• Husband or wife
• Children under 18
• Children aged 18 – 31, if they depend on the investor and are studying
• Parents and grandparents aged 65+ who are fully dependent
• Unmarried brothers or sisters under 25 without children (some conditions apply)

Everyone over 16 needs to show police clearance and medical papers. You don’t need to visit Dominica, but you may have to give fingerprints at an embassy or a local office.

How Long Does It Take

After you buy the property and send your documents, the process takes around 4 to 6 months. If everything is okay, you’ll get your Dominican passport. You don’t need to live or stay in Dominica.

What You Will Get

• Travel to 140+ countries without a visa or get a visa on arrival, including the UK, EU countries, Singapore, and Hong Kong.
• Pay no taxes on income, wealth, inheritance, or capital gains.
• Use public healthcare for free and get private medical care if needed.
• Start and run businesses in Caribbean countries that are part of CARICOM.
• Pass citizenship to your children.
• Keep your original citizenship because dual citizenship is allowed.

You don’t need to live in or visit Dominica, and there are no language tests or interviews. It’s one of the easiest and most affordable programs for families.

4. Grenada Citizenship by Real Estate Investment

Grenada’s CIB program is one of the top choices in the Caribbean for real estate investors. It started in 2013 and has become even more popular in recent years. In early 2025, around 74% of people who got citizenship did so by investing in property. Grenada is special because it’s the only Caribbean country with a CBI program that gives you visa-free travel to China and also lets you apply for a U.S. E-2 visa.

Program Summary

How Much You Need to Invest

To get Grenadian citizenship through real estate, you need to invest at least $270,000 in a government-approved property with an additional donation of $ 50,000 or more. These are mostly high-end resorts or eco-friendly hotels. You have to keep the property for at least 5 years before you can sell it. This makes it a good long-term investment that also gives you a powerful second passport.

New Rules in 2024 – 2025

• The property must be paid through a special escrow account.
• Everyone 17 and older must do an interview for background checks.
• Your passport must be valid for at least 6 months during the process.
• The program is strict about no loans or fake prices for buying property.

Who Can Apply

• Husband or wife
• Children under 30 years old
• Parents and grandparents of any age
• Unmarried brothers or sisters

Everyone over 18 must pass a background check. Also, people over 17 will go through a basic due diligence process.

How Long Does It Take

The full process usually takes 4 to 6 months. You send your documents to the Citizenship by Investment Unit (CBIU), and they do a full background check. Everyone who is 17 or older must attend a short interview, which can be done online. After you get Approval in Principle, you make your investment, and your passport arrives in about 4 weeks.

What You Will Get

• Visa-free or visa-on-arrival access to 140+ countries, including the UK, EU, China (30 days), Russia, and Singapore.
• Access to the U.S. E-2 visa, so you can live and run a business in the U.S.
• A 10-year U.S. tourist visa lets you visit America for up to 180 days per year.
• No tax on money you earn outside Grenada, and no tax on inheritance or capital gains.
• The chance to start a company overseas and lower your taxes.
• Full privacy – your name won’t be listed in public business records.
• Grenada also allows dual citizenship, so you can keep your original passport.

5. Antigua & Barbuda Citizenship by Real Estate Investment

Antigua & Barbuda is a popular Caribbean country that offers citizenship when you invest in real estate. Since starting this program in 2013, more than 10,000 people from around the world have chosen it. Known for its beautiful beaches and friendly environment, Antigua & Barbuda has a family-friendly process.

Program Summary

How Much You Need to Invest

To qualify, you must buy government-approved real estate worth at least $300,000. You need to keep the property for 5 years before you can sell it. During this time, you can make rental income from it.

New Rules in 2024 – 2025

• Stronger background checks for all applicants and their family members
• Money must be sent through official banks to make sure it’s legal
• You must apply through licensed agents who are approved by the government
• All adults must have a clean criminal record and pass background checks
• Everyone 16 and older must do a short online interview

Who Can Apply

• The main investor must be at least 18 years old
• Your spouse or legal partner
• Children under 30 who are unmarried and depend on you financially
• Dependent parents or grandparents over 55

How Long Does It Take

It usually takes 4 to 6 months after submitting your documents and investment. You must also visit Antigua & Barbuda for at least 5 days during the first 5 years after getting citizenship.

What You Will Get

• Visa-free or visa-on-arrival access to over 150 countries, including the Schengen Area, the UK, Hong Kong, and Singapore.
• You can stay in Schengen countries up to 90 days in any 180-day period and the UK up to 180 days a year without a visa.
• You can apply for a 10-year U.S. visitor visa that lets you stay up to 180 days a year.
• Dual citizenship is allowed, so you keep your original passport.
• No personal income tax, capital gains tax, inheritance tax, or taxes on dividends.
• A safe place for you and your family, with beautiful beaches and good opportunities.

6. St. Lucia Citizenship by Real Estate Investment

St. Lucia’s Citizenship by Investment program started in December 2015 and has quickly become one of the top choices for investors looking for a second passport through real estate. Known for its beautiful nature, stable government, and tax-friendly rules, this Caribbean country offers a great mix of lifestyle and travel benefits. As of 2025, thousands of investors have used the program, with real estate being a popular option because of its long-term value and easy process.

Program Summary

How Much You Need to Invest

To qualify, you need to buy government-approved real estate in St. Lucia worth at least $300,000. This can be a luxury resort unit, a villa, or other approved property types. You must keep the property for at least 5 years. You can’t sell it before that, or your citizenship could be cancelled.

New Rules in 2024 – 2025

• Investors need to finish their investment within 90 days after approval.
• Only government-approved properties are allowed.
• You only pay after your application is approved (no paying before approval).
• The process now aims to finish within 90 to 120 days.
• You must apply through approved or licensed agents only.

Who Can Apply

• The main investor (must be 18 or older)
• Husband or wife (or legally recognized partner)
• Children under 31, if they are unmarried and dependent on you
• Children with disabilities
• Parents or grandparents over 55 if who depend on you

Everyone over 16 must go through a background check. You also need to show that your money comes from a legal source and that you’re in good health. All papers must be in English, and you don’t need to live in or visit St. Lucia at any point.

How Long Does It Take

After you send all the documents and pass the background checks, it usually takes 3 to 6 months to get approved. Once approved, you have 90 days to complete your real estate purchase. After that, you’ll get your Certificate of Naturalization, and then you can apply for your St. Lucian passport.

What You Will Get

• Travel without a visa to over 140 countries, including the UK, Europe, and Singapore.
• You can apply for a 10-year U.S. B1/B2 visa, which lets you visit the U.S. for up to 6 months a year.
• No tax on your income, inheritance, or capital gains.
• Open international bank accounts and register offshore companies more easily.
• You don’t need to visit or live in St. Lucia.
• You can keep your original nationality – dual citizenship is allowed.

7. Egypt Citizenship by Real Estate Investment

Egypt has recently become popular with its Citizenship by Investment program, which officially started in 2019. It attracts investors who want to enjoy the country’s rich culture along with the useful benefits of having a second passport. Even though Egypt’s program is newer than others, it gives a good chance to get citizenship by investing in real estate.

Program Summary

How Much You Need to Invest

You need to buy government-approved real estate worth at least $300,000. This can be an apartment, villa, or commercial building. You must keep the property for at least 3 years before you can sell it.

New Rules in 2024 – 2025

• The Egyptian government checks property prices carefully to stop fake prices. 
• You must send money through an Egyptian bank, which checks where the money comes from.
• Everyone over 18 must have a clean criminal record and pass background checks.
• You cannot apply alone; you need to use a government-approved agent or lawyer.

Who Can Apply

• The main investor must be at least 21 years old
• Their spouse and children under 21 can also apply
• Parents or grandparents over 50 who depend on you can be included

How Long Does It Take

After buying the property and sending all papers, it usually takes 3 to 6 months to get your citizenship. You don’t need to live or speak Egyptian to apply.

What You Will Get

• Visa-free or visa-on-arrival access to more than 50 countries.
• The chance to apply for the U.S. E-2 visa to live and work in the U.S. by investing in or starting a business.
• Dual citizenship is allowed, so you can keep your original passport.
• You can open bank accounts in Egypt and get tax benefits in special zones.
• The right to live and work freely in Egypt without needing to live there all the time.

Common Mistakes to Avoid When Investing for Citizenship

To help you avoid problems, here are the most common mistakes to watch out for:

1. Buying Non-Approved Property

That is one of the biggest mistakes. Most countries only give citizenship if you buy real estate from a list of approved projects. If you buy a house or apartment that’s not on the approved list, you won’t get the passport – no matter how much you paid. So, always check first that the property is approved.

2. Not Using a Government-Authorized Agent

You can’t apply by yourself. Every country asks you to go through an official agent or a lawyer. If you don’t, your application won’t be accepted. Some people also get scammed by fake agents. So, make sure your agent is on the government’s official list before you start.

3. Ignoring the Source of Funds Rules

Governments want to know where your money came from. If you can’t prove that your money is legal, they will reject your application. Your money should come from a clean source and go through the right bank, usually one inside the country.

4. Forgetting the Holding Period

In every country, you have to keep the property for a few years, usually 3 to 7. If you sell it before that time, you could lose your citizenship. Some people forget this and sell too soon. Always plan to keep the property for the full time they ask for.

5. Choosing Only the Cheapest Option

Many people try to pick the cheapest property just to save money. But cheap is not always better. It could be hard to rent out, hard to sell later, or in a bad location. A better option is to choose a property that gives you good value, even if it costs a bit more.

6. Not Counting the Extra Costs

The property price is just one part of the total cost. You also have to pay government fees, lawyer fees, agent charges, and due diligence fees. If you don’t plan for these, you might run out of money during the process. Always ask for a full cost list before you begin.

7. Thinking All Programs Are the Same

Every country has its own rules. Some allow big families, some don’t. Some give access to Europe or the U.S., others don’t. You need to study each program carefully or talk to an expert who knows the details. Don’t assume they’re all the same.

8. Sending the Wrong or Incomplete Documents

Even small mistakes in your documents can cause big delays. Some people forget to sign, some send outdated papers, and some don’t translate them into English. Always check your papers carefully, and make sure everything is signed, up-to-date, and in the correct language.

9. Not Taking Background Checks Seriously

Every country does a background check. If you or a family member has a criminal record – even an old or small one – it can lead to rejection. They also check if your name is on any global watchlist. Be honest in your application, and check your own records first.

10. Skipping Interviews or Visits

Some countries ask you to come in person for a short interview or visit after approval. If you ignore this or delay it too long, your passport might get delayed. Always find out if a visit is required, and plan for it early.

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the best countries for real estate investment in 2025?

Some of the best countries for real estate investment in 2025 are Turkey, St. Kitts & Nevis, Dominica, Grenada, Antigua & Barbuda, St. Lucia, and Egypt.

Can I apply for citizenship by real estate investment if I have a criminal record?

Most programs need you to have a clean criminal record. Serious crimes usually cause rejection.

How does the citizenship by investment impact my tax obligations in my home country?

Tax rules depend on your home country. It’s best to ask a tax expert about your case.

Can I finance the real estate purchase through loans or mortgages?

Most programs want full payment up front. Loans or mortgages usually aren’t allowed for the investment.

How do these programs affect dual citizenship if my home country does not allow it?

If your home country doesn’t allow dual citizenship, you may need to give up your original citizenship.

What is the difference between citizenship by real estate investment and other types, like business or donation?

Real estate means buying property, business means investing in companies, and donation means paying money to government funds without getting property.

Can I rent out the property while it’s under the holding period?

Usually, yes, renting is allowed and can bring income, but check each program’s rules.

How does the application process differ if applying as a single investor versus a family?

Family applications need more papers for each person, but follow the same steps.

Can investors visit the country before buying the property?

Yes, visiting is allowed but not always required.

What documents are usually required for the application?

Usually, passports, birth certificates, proof of money, police clearance, health papers, and property purchase papers are needed.

How do I verify if a real estate project is government-approved?

Check official government websites or ask authorized agents or lawyers.

What support or services do agents or lawyers provide in the application process?

They help with paperwork, legal advice, background checks, submitting applications, and communicating with government offices.

Final Thoughts

The best citizenship by real estate program for you depends on your budget, how fast you want the passport, and what kind of benefits you want for your family.

If you want both U.S. access and visa-free travel to China, Grenada is a smart choice. If you’re looking for something quicker, Turkey gives you a fast and simple process.

If you want a low-cost option with fast results, St. Kitts & Nevis, Dominica, and St. Lucia are good picks. They don’t ask you to visit or live there.

If you have a big family, Antigua & Barbuda and St. Lucia make it easy to include your kids and older parents or grandparents. If you want to live closer to the Middle East or North Africa, Egypt can be a good option.

Still not sure which one is right for you? Contact WeRWealthy, our expert team is here to help you choose the best program for you and guide you through every step.

Book your free consultation