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Five best countries for second citizenship in 2023: An updated guide

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It is important that you do your research and choose the country that is right for you

As the world continues to change, so do the options for obtaining a second citizenship.

In this updated guide, we highlight the top five countries for second citizenship in 2023, taking into account factors such as ease of process, investment requirements, and travel opportunities.

It’s worth noting that since the original publication of this article in 2022, certain programs and policies have undergone changes.

For example, the Citizenship by Investment program in Cyprus was suspended in November 2020, and is no longer available as an option for obtaining a second citizenship.

Additionally, it’s important to note that while a Portugal real estate investment and its golden visa program remains a popular choice, it does not offer a direct path to citizenship. It serves as a shortcut to obtaining a permanent residency after 5 years and then being eligible to apply for a Portuguese passport.

1. St. Kitts and Nevis
St. Kitts and Nevis’s Citizenship by Investment program is one of the most popular options for those seeking a second citizenship. The program allows individuals to obtain St. Kitts and Nevis citizenship by making a real estate investment or a contribution to the government’s Sustainable Growth Fund.

The processing time is relatively quick, with a processing time of around 3-6 months. As a member of the Commonwealth, a second citizenship in St. Kitts and Nevis grants visa-free travel to over 150 countries, including the UK, Canada and the EU.

St Kitts is one of the best countries to consider, being a very popular program among wealthy individuals and families. St Kitts is a beautiful Caribbean island nation that is known for its luxury resorts and pristine beaches. It is also one of the most stable countries in the region. St Kitts has a tropical climate and an average temperature of 27 degrees Celsius. English is the official language of St Kitts.

St Kitts is an excellent choice for second citizenship due to its stability, English-speaking environment, and beautiful scenery.

2. Malta
Malta is a small island nation located in the Mediterranean Sea. It is known for its sunny weather, stunning beaches, and rich history. Maltese and English are the official languages of Malta.

The Malta Individual Investor Program is one of the most popular programs for obtaining second citizenship. It requires a minimum investment of €650,000 in Maltese government bonds or property. The money must be invested in a property that is located in Malta and is not older than five years old. The Malta Individual Investor Program also requires the applicant to spend a minimum of 183 days in Malta every year. Once the application is approved, the applicant will receive their Maltese passport within six to eight weeks.

Malta is an excellent choice for second citizenship due to its stunning landscape, business opportunities, and friendly people.

Malta’s Individual Investor Program is one of the most reputable and established programs in Europe. The program requires a significant investment, but the process is relatively quick, with a processing time of around 12-14 months. Malta is a member of the EU, and Malta’s second citizenship grants you visa-free travel to over 180 countries, including the US and Canada.

3. Antigua and Barbuda
Antigua and Barbuda’s Citizenship by Investment program is one of the most affordable options for obtaining a second citizenship. The program requires a one-time donation to the government’s National Development Fund, along with a real estate investment.

The processing time is relatively quick, and Antigua and Barbuda grants visa-free travel to over 130 countries.

4. Grenada
Grenada’s Citizenship by Investment program is another viable option, with a processing time of around 4-6 months. The country offers visa-free travel to over 130 countries, including China and Russia.

The program requires a one-time donation to the government’s National Transformation Fund, along with a real estate investment.

In conclusion, the above-mentioned countries are the best options for obtaining a second citizenship in 2023. Each country has its own unique benefits and requirements, and it’s important to do thorough research and consult with a professional before making a decision.

5. St. Lucia
St. Lucia’s Citizenship by Investment program is another affordable option, with a processing time of around 4-6 months. The program requires a real estate investment or a contribution to the government’s National Economic Fund.

The country offers visa-free travel to over 130 countries, including China and Russia. St. Lucia’s CBI program also offers the opportunity to include dependents such as spouse, children and parents, making it a great option for families seeking a second citizenship.

Please note that the specific investment amount and stay requirement may vary based on the program, it’s important to verify with the government or professional consultant before making any decision.

Here is a table, summing up all the info about the best 5 citizenship by investment programs worldwide.

Country Time until Citizenship Type of Investment Minimum Investment Best for
Malta 12-14 months Significant Investment varies High-net-worth individuals, families
St. Kitts and Nevis 3-6 months Real Estate or Government Fund Contribution $200,000 High-net-worth individuals, families
Antigua and Barbuda 3-4 months Real Estate or Government Fund Contribution $100,000 High-net-worth individuals, families
Grenada 4-6 months Real Estate or Government Fund Contribution $150,000 High-net-worth individuals, families
St. Lucia 4-6 months Real Estate or Government Fund Contribution $100,000 High-net-worth individuals, families
Dominica 3-4 months Real Estate or Government Fund Contribution $100,000 High-net-worth individuals, families

 

Other routes for a Second Citizenship. The Best Residency by Investment Programs in 2023
While Citizenship by Investment programs offer a direct path to obtaining a second citizenship, Residency by Investment programs serve as an alternative option for those looking to obtain a second citizenship. These programs, also known as Golden Visa programs, provide a shortcut to obtaining permanent residency, which can then lead to citizenship in the long term.

In this section, we will highlight the best Residency by Investment programs available in 2023.

Portugal
Portugal is a European country located on the Iberian Peninsula. It is known for its stunning coastal towns, Mediterranean climate, and friendly people. Portuguese is the official language of Portugal.

The Portuguese Golden Visa program is one of the most popular programs for obtaining residency permits in Europe. It requires a minimum investment of €350,000 in Portuguese real estate through some specific scenarios. The money must be invested in a property located in Portugal. The Golden Visa program also requires the applicant to spend seven days in Portugal every year. Once the application is approved, the applicant will receive their Portuguese passport within six to eight weeks.

Recently, in the beginning of 2022, there were some changes in the program, namely the limitation on the type of investments possible to make and that are eligible for the program, more specifically for some of the most popular areas to invest in real estate, namely Lisbon, Porto or the Algarve.

Even with such recent limitations, Portugal is still an excellent choice for residency and citizenship by investment, due to its proximity to other European countries, its Mediterranean climate, and its friendly people.

Spain
Another similar option to Portugal, is Spain, a European country located on the Iberian Peninsula. Spain is famous for its stunning coastal towns, Mediterranean climate, and friendly people. Spanish is the official language of Spain.

There are some requirements for obtaining Spanish residency permits. The applicant must have lived in Spain for at least ten years, have a clean criminal record, and be able to speak Spanish fluently. Then, he or she will be able to apply for citizenship, when the applicant must pass a Spanish citizenship test. Once the application is approved, the applicant will receive their Spanish passport within six to eight weeks.

Conclusion
There are many excellent choices for second citizenship in Europe. Each country has its own requirements and benefits. It is important that you do your research and choose the country that is right for you

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