Second Citizenship by Investment (CBI)
At E&S Consultancy UK Limited, we take pride in offering a seamless, end-to-end service for clients pursuing Citizenship by Investment (CBI) and Residence by Investment (RBI) programmes. We partner exclusively with trusted, locally licensed lawyers in each country of application to ensure every process is compliant with national laws and executed with precision. From the initial consultation to the successful issuance of your citizenship or residence permit, our experienced team will personally manage, monitor, and oversee the entire process on your behalf.
Our goal is to provide you with peace of mind, transparency, and confidence—knowing that your application is in the hands of qualified professionals, backed by a firm with a reputation for integrity and results.
Second Citizenship by Investment Programs
St. Kitts & Nevis
- Eligibility – Applicants must be over 18, have a clean criminal record, and pass due diligence checks.
- Investment Options:
- Sustainable Island State Contribution (SISC): Non-refundable donation of $250,000 for a single applicant or a family of up to four.
- Real Estate: Investment of at least $400,000 in government-approved real estate projects.
- Processing Time –Approximately 4–6 months.
- Benefits: Visa-free or visa-on-arrival access to over 150 countries, including the EU Schengen Area and the UK.
Dominica
- Eligibility – Applicants must be over 18, have a clean criminal record, and demonstrate good health.
- Investment Options:
- Economic Diversification Fund (EDF): – Non-refundable contribution starting at $200,000 for a single applicant.
- Real Estate – Investment of at least $200,000 in government-approved real estate projects.
- Processing Time – Approximately 3–4 months.
- Benefits – Visa-free access to over 140 countries, including the UK and Schengen Area.
Antigua & Barbuda
- Eligibility – Applicants must be over 18, have a clean criminal record, and be in good health.
- Investment Options:
- National Development Fund (NDF): Non-refundable contribution of $100,000 for a single applicant.
- Real Estate – Investment of at least $200,000 in approved real estate projects.
- University of the West Indies Fund: Contribution of $150,000 for a family of six or more.
- Processing Time – Approximately 6–9 months
- Residency Requirement: Minimum of 5 days within the first 5 years of obtaining citizenship.
- Benefits – Visa-free access to over 150 countries, including the UK and Schengen Area.
St. Lucia
- Eligibility – Applicants must be over 18, have a clean criminal record, and be in good health.
- Investment Options:
- National Economic Fund (NEF): Non-refundable contribution starting at $100,000 for a single applicant.
- Real Estate: Investment of at least $300,000 in approved real estate projects.
- Government Bonds: Investment of at least $300,000 in non-interest-bearing government bonds, held for 5 years.
- Enterprise Projects: Investment of at least $3.5 million in approved enterprise projects.
- Processing Time – Approximately 3–4 months.
- Benefits – Visa-free access to over 140 countries, including the UK and Schengen Area.
Grenada
- Eligibility – Applicants must be over 18, have a clean criminal record, and pass due diligence checks.
- Investment Options:
- National Transformation Fund (NTF): Non-refundable contribution of $150,000 for a single applicant.
- Real Estate: Investment of at least $220,000 in government-approved real estate projects.
- Processing Time – Approximately 3–5 months.
- Benefits – Visa-free access to over 140 countries, including China, Russia, and the Schengen Area. Eligibility for the U.S. E-2 visa.
Malta
- Eligibility – Citizenship by investment in Malta is no longer available since April 29, 2025. But it is still possible to apply for residency through investment.
- Investment Options:
- Contribution to National Development and Social Fund:: €600,000 (36 months residence) or €750,000 (12 months residence).
- Property Investment: Buy property for a minimum of €700,000 or rent property for €16,000 per annum (for 5 years).
- Donation: €10,000 to a Maltese NGO.
- Residence Requirement: 12 to 36 months before applying for citizenship.
- Due Diligence: Multi-tiered, rigorous background checks.
- Benefits – EU citizenship with access to 180+ countries. Reside and work anywhere in the EU. Stable EU jurisdiction with strong governance.
- Timeline – Minimum of 12 months with fast-track option.
Cyprus
- Overview – Cyprus previously ran a popular CBI program, which was officially suspended in November 2020 due to EU concerns. There are currently no direct citizenship options, but permanent residency and naturalisation pathways still exist.
- Former Requirements (prior to suspension):
- Minimum Investment: €2 million in real estate or development projects.
- Donation: €150,000 total (€75,000 to Research & Innovation Fund and €75,000 to Land Development Organisation).
- Clean criminal record and due diligence.
- Benefits (when active): EU citizenship with full rights of movement, work, and residence.
- Timeline – Quick processing time of 6–9 months.
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Current Status (2025): The direct CBI route is no longer available.
Investors can consider Cyprus Permanent Residency Program, with naturalisation possible after 5–7 years of residence.
Montenegro
- Overview – Montenegro's CBI program was launched in 2019 and closed on 31 December 2022. It offered a pathway to citizenship through real estate and government donations.
- Previous Requirements: Donation: €100,000 to a government development fund.
- Real Estate Investment: €250,000 in underdeveloped areas or €450,000 in developed areas.
- Processing Time: Around 6 months.
- Benefits: Visa-free access to over 120 countries. EU candidate country (possible future EU citizenship). Citizenship granted to main applicant and eligible dependents.
- Current Status (2025): Officially closed. No new applications being accepted.
- Investors can now consider Montenegro’s residency programs or naturalisation through long-term residency.
North Macedonia
- Overview – North Macedonia introduced a formal CBI program in 2021 with an investment-based route under Decree No. 6096/1, aiming to attract foreign capital and business innovation.
- Key Requirements: Investment Options: €200,000 in a private investment fund (5-year lock-in period). €400,000 in a local business employing at least 10 people for 1 year. Clean criminal record and strong due diligence process.
- Benefits: Citizenship in a European country with aspirations for EU membership. Visa-free or visa-on-arrival access to around 130 countries. Eligibility to apply for Schengen visa more easily. Family members can be included.
- Timeline: Approximately 4–6 months
- Notes: Less prestigious than EU citizenship but offers strategic business advantages in Europe and the Balkans.
Austria
- Overview – Austria offers one of the most exclusive and prestigious citizenship-by-investment programs in the world, although it is not publicly advertised and is governed by Article 10 (6) of the Austrian Citizenship Act.
- Key Requirements: Substantial Investment: Typically €3 million to €10 million in direct investment (job creation, business innovation, or development projects). Passive Investment Not Accepted: Real estate or donations alone do not qualify. Exceptional Contribution: Citizenship is granted for extraordinary economic benefit to Austria (e.g., innovative tech ventures, industrial development).
- Benefits: EU citizenship with visa-free or visa-on-arrival access to over 190 countries. Right to live and work in any EU country. No residency requirement prior to or after citizenship.
- Timeline: Approximately 24–36 months.
- Notes: Highly discretionary and case-specific.
- Requires direct engagement with Austrian government channels or top-tier legal representatives.
Other Citizenship by Investment Programs
Turkey
- Eligibility – Applicants must be over 18, have a clean criminal record, and provide proof of investment.
- Investment Options:
- Real Estate: Purchase property worth at least $400,000, with a commitment not to sell for at least 3 years.
- Bank Deposit: Deposit of at least $500,000 in a Turkish bank, held for a minimum of 3 years.
- Capital Investment: Investment of at least $500,000 in fixed capital.
- Processing Time – Approximately 6 months.
- Benefits – Citizenship in a country that bridges Europe and Asia, access to a dynamic economy, and eligibility for a U.S. E-2 visa
Vanuatu
- Eligibility – Applicants must be over 18, have a clean criminal record, and pass due diligence checks.
- Investment Options:
- Development Support Program (DSP): Non-refundable contribution of $130,000 for a single applicant.
- Processing Time – Approximately 1–2 months.
- Benefits – Visa-free access to over 95 countries, including the UK and Schengen Area. No residency or language requirements.
| Country | Program Type | Min. Investment (Local Currency) | Min. Investment (EUR/USD approx.) | Second Citizenship | Citizenship Path | Family Included | Schengen Access | Program Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Austria | CBI | €3M - €10M (active business only) | €3M - €10M | None | Immediate (discretionary) | Yes | Active | (elite only) |
| Malta (CES) | CBI | €690,000+ total | €690,000+ | 12-36 months residence | Yes (naturalisation) | Yes | Yes | Suspended (2025) |
| North Macedonia | CBI | €200,000 - €400,000 | €200,000 - €400,000 | None | Yes (4-6 months) | Yes | No | Active |
| Cyprus (old CBI) | CBI | €2 million (real estate) | €2 million | N/A | Program suspended | Yes | Yes | Suspended (2020) |
| Montenegro | CBI | €350,000+ (donation + real estate) | €350,000+ | None | Yes (6 months) | Yes | No | Closed (2022) |
| St. Kitts & Nevis | CBI | $250 ,000 donation | €230,000 | None | Yes (3-6 months) | Yes | No | Active |
| Antigua & Barbuda | CBI | $100,000 donation / $200 ,000 real est. | €90,000 - €180,000 | 5 days in 5 years | Yes (3-6 months) | Yes | No | Active |
| Grenada | CBI | $150,000 donation or real estate | €135,000+ | None | Yes (3-6 months) | Yes | No | Active |
| Dominica | CBI | $100,000 donation or $200,000 real est. | €90,000 - €180,000 | None | Yes (3-6 months) | Yes | No | Active |
| St. Lucia | CBI | $100,000 donation / $200,000 real est. | €90,000 - €180,000 | None | Yes (3-6 months) | Yes | No | Active |
| Turkey | CBI | $400,000 in real estate | €370,000 | None | Yes (3-6 months) | Yes | No | Active |
| Vanuatu | CBI | $130,000+ donation | €120,000+ | None | Yes (2-3 months) | Yes | No | Active |
Disclaimer: E&S Consultancy UK Limited does not provide legal advice in any Citizenship by Investment (CBI) jurisdiction. All legal services are carried out by locally licensed lawyers in the country of application. We act as international consultants, overseeing and coordinating the application process to ensure a smooth and fully compliant experience for our clients.
If you need further assistance or more detailed information on any of these programs, feel free to ask!
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