As global mobility and financial planning become more interconnected, high-net-worth individuals are increasingly exploring strategic options like Citizenship by Investment (CBI) and Golden Visas.
While both pathways offer unique benefits, understanding their differences is key to choosing the right solution for your lifestyle, business, and long-term plans.
Speak to an expert to see which route suits your needs.
What is Citizenship by Investment?
Citizenship by Investment programmes allow individuals to acquire full legal citizenship and a passport from a country in exchange for a qualifying investment. These are most commonly found in Caribbean nations such as St Kitts & Nevis, Dominica, and Grenada, as well as countries like Vanuatu.
Key Features:
- Direct path to full citizenship within months
- No residency or language requirements
- Visa-free or visa-on-arrival travel to over 140 countries (depending on the programme)
- Often require a donation to a national development fund or investment in real estate or government bonds
What Are Golden Visas?
Golden Visas are residency-by-investment programmes that grant individuals and their families the right to live, and sometimes work, in a host country. These schemes are popular across Europe, particularly in Portugal, Greece, and Spain, and typically require an investment in real estate, funds, or government bonds.
Key Features:
- Offer temporary or long-term residency
- Require minimal physical presence (e.g. 14 days every two years in Portugal)
- Pathway to citizenship after 5-10 years in some jurisdictions
- Include family members
- Allow access to healthcare, education, and often visa-free travel in the Schengen Zone
Citizenship by Investment vs Golden Visa: Key Differences at a Glance
| Feature | Citizenship by Investment | Golden Visa |
| Legal Status | Full citizenship and passport | Residency permit |
| Residency Requirements | None | Minimal (varies by country) |
| Time to Obtain | 3-6 months (average) | 3-12 months |
| Path to Citizenship | Immediate | 5-10 years |
| Travel Freedom | Global access (140+ countries) | Limited to region (e.g. Schengen) |
| Investment Amount | From $130,000+ (e.g., Nauru) | From €100,000+ (e.g., Latvia) |
| Work/Business Rights | Depends on country | Depends on country |
Regional Examples
EU Golden Visas
- Portugal: €500,000+ investment, minimal stay, family included
- Spain: Programme recently closed, highlighting changing landscapes
UAE Golden Visa
- AED 2 million investment in property or funds
- 10-year residency, renewable, includes family
CBI Programmes
- St Kitts & Nevis: $250,000 donation, citizenship in ~6 months
- Dominica: $200,000 donation, no physical presence needed
- Grenada: Unique access to E-2 US investor visa
Pros & Cons of Citizenship by Investment vs Golden Visas
Understanding the advantages and disadvantages of each route is essential for making an informed decision. While both Golden Visas and Citizenship by Investment offer significant benefits, the right choice depends on factors like mobility goals, investment preference, and time horizon.
Here’s a breakdown to help you evaluate each option effectively.
Citizenship by Investment
| Pros | Cons |
| Full legal citizenship granted quickly | Higher initial financial outlay, often through non-refundable donations |
| Global mobility with visa-free access to 140+ countries | Programmes typically offered by smaller or less globally prominent nations |
| No need to relocate or reside in the issuing country | Limited local benefits unless the citizen relocates (e.g. access to services or voting rights) |
| Often includes spouse, children, and sometimes extended family | Subject to increased scrutiny and evolving due diligence measures |
| Enhanced security and a strong backup option amid geopolitical uncertainty |
Golden Visa
| Pros | Cons |
| Residency in attractive and stable countries | Does not grant immediate citizenship; naturalisation can take 5-10 years |
| Access to world-class healthcare and education systems | Physical presence requirements may apply |
| Ability to live, study and work (in some cases) within the country or broader region (e.g. EU) | Programmes subject to political or regulatory changes |
| Family members typically included | Limited global travel benefits compared to full citizenship |
| Investment can yield returns (e.g. rental income or asset appreciation) |
Choosing the Right Option
Selecting between a Golden Visa and Citizenship by Investment depends on your goals:
- Do you need immediate global mobility?
- Are you planning to relocate or simply invest?
- What is your budget and timeline?
- Do you want a path to citizenship in a major economy or prefer fast-track citizenship elsewhere?
Speak to an expert to see which route suits your needs.
Both Citizenship by Investment and Golden Visas offer strategic routes to enhanced freedom, security, and opportunity. The right choice depends on your personal objectives, investment capabilities, and desired outcomes.
Explore our Citizenship by Investment service and get in touch for a free consultation today.
