realestate

Citizenship by Investment: 22 Nations Offering Residency through Real Estate

Satisfy your expat dreams in these top destinations.

T
he United Arab Emirates (UAE) offers a popular real-estate-to-residency option due to its tax-free environment and high quality of life. To qualify, individuals must meet eligibility requirements, prove property ownership, and receive a golden visa granting residency for at least five years. This can be extended to ten years with simple renewal processes. Exceptional individuals contributing to the nation's development may gain citizenship through this route.

    Turkey offers a more straightforward process for gaining citizenship via real estate investments. By purchasing property and agreeing not to sell it for three years, applicants can apply for citizenship. The country boasts beautiful historic cities, stunning natural landscapes, and a universal healthcare system.

    In Dominica, dual citizenship can be obtained by purchasing a government-approved project with a minimum investment of $200,000. Additional fees include an extra $75,000 paid to the government, which must not be sold within three years after citizenship is granted.

    St. Kitts and Nevis offers a reduced minimum real estate investment requirement of $325,000 for approved condos and resort hotel shares, making it an appealing option for a second passport. The country holds one of the strongest passports in the Caribbean, with no income, investment, or wealth taxes.

    Antigua and Barbuda is another popular destination for those seeking a second citizenship through real estate investments. A minimum investment of $300,000 is required, along with spending at least five days in the country within the first five years of obtaining citizenship.

    Grenada's investment program requires a background check and a lengthy process but offers a healthcare system rated as the best in the Caribbean. The home purchased must be from a list of government-approved projects, and an additional non-refundable contribution of at least $50,000 is required.

    Vanuatu's citizenship by investment program was launched in 2021, with a minimum real estate investment requirement of $200,000. However, applicants must attend an in-person interview and hold the property for at least five years.

    St. Lucia offers a real estate investment option with a minimum requirement of $300,000, but currently, there are no approved projects available. The country requires applicants to spend at least five days in St. Lucia within the first five years of obtaining citizenship.

    Greece allows residence permits through real estate investments, which can be renewed indefinitely. A minimum investment of €250,000 is required for a single property or €400,000 for commercial properties or listed buildings.

    Spain's Golden Visa program offers a residence permit with an initial duration of three years, renewable every five years as long as the real estate investment is maintained. Once ten years have passed, applicants can apply for citizenship.

    Malta requires a minimum investment of €300,000 in South Malta or Gozo, along with additional fees and a mandatory donation to a non-governmental organization. The country offers a safe and welcoming environment with beautiful beaches and quaint villages.

    Hungary is opening its golden visa program to real estate purchases starting January 1, 2025, with a minimum spend requirement of €500,000. Applicants can apply for citizenship after eight years of residence.

    Colombia does not have a minimum investment amount but requires real estate purchases worth multiples of the country's national minimum monthly salary. This qualifies applicants for temporary residency visas that can be renewed continuously.

    Brazil offers permanent residency through real estate investments with varying minimum costs depending on the region, ranging from $140,000 to $200,000. Applicants must keep the property for at least five years and visit the country once every two years before applying for citizenship.

    Cambodia is a realistic option for gaining permanent residency through real estate investments, with a relatively low minimum cost requirement of $100,000. The ten-year renewable visa offers no minimum stay requirements.

    Anguilla offers permanent residency through real estate investments with a minimum requirement of $750,000. Applicants must hold the purchase for at least five years and can apply to become British Overseas Territories Citizens after that.

    The Cayman Islands require a high minimum investment of $2.4 million but offer permanent residency and possible eventual British Citizenship. Applicants must visit the country at least once per year.

    Curaçao offers various real estate investment options, with different minimum costs determining the length of residence permits. A minimum investment of $280,000 grants a renewable permit valid for three years.

    Cyprus requires a minimum investment of €300,000 plus VAT and an annual income of at least €50,000 from abroad to qualify for residency. After seven years, applicants can apply for citizenship.

    Namibia offers residency through real estate investments in the President's Links Estate with a minimum requirement of $365,000. Applicants receive a five-year renewable work permit, which can be converted to permanent residency after seven years.

Map of 22 nations offering residency via real estate investment programs globally.