Also known as:CBIEconomic citizenshipCitizenship-by-investment
Definition
A government programme granting full citizenship and a passport in exchange for a qualifying economic contribution — typically a non-refundable donation or an approved real-estate purchase.
Citizenship by Investment (CBI) programmes grant full national citizenship — and the associated passport — in exchange for an economic contribution to the issuing state. Programmes are codified in domestic legislation and administered by a dedicated CBI Unit that conducts due diligence, scores applications, and recommends approvals.
As of 2026, the active Caribbean CBI states are Antigua and Barbuda, Dominica, Grenada, St Kitts and Nevis, and St Lucia (collectively the "Caribbean 5"). Malta operates the only EU citizenship programme (MEIN), and Vanuatu, Egypt, Jordan, Turkey, and Cambodia operate further programmes with varying credibility.
CBI is distinct from naturalisation via residency — there is no minimum physical-presence requirement before the passport is issued. Investments range from approximately USD 200,000 (Caribbean donation route) to EUR 750,000+ (Malta MEIN).
Where Citizenship by Investment comes up
Programme
Malta Citizenship
Malta Citizenship by Investment: citizenship for qualifying investors from Closed (2025), typical processing of 12–14 months, visa-free access to 186 destinations and family inclusion.
Programme
St. Kitts & Nevis Citizenship
St Kitts & Nevis Citizenship by Investment: citizenship for qualifying investors from $250,000, typical processing of 45–60 days, visa-free access to 157 destinations and family inclusion.
Programme
Antigua & Barbuda Citizenship
Antigua & Barbuda Citizenship by Investment: citizenship for qualifying investors from $230,000, typical processing of 3–4 months, visa-free access to 151 destinations and family inclusion.
Insight
The EU's Evolving Stance on Citizenship by Investment: What Applicants Must Know
The European Commission continues to scrutinise CBI programmes. We explain the regulatory environment and implications for prospective applicants in 2026.
