Fastest Countries for Citizenship – Complete Top 13 Destinations

Citizenship by investment programs allow individuals to obtain citizenship in a country by making a significant financial investment.

These programs vary greatly in terms of investment amount, processing time, and benefits offered.

Here is a comprehensive list of countries that provide citizenship through investment, ranked from the fastest to the slowest processing times, along with important details about each program.

Fastest Countries for Citizenship

Here is a full list of countries that offer citizenship by investment, from the fastest to the slowest, along with key details about each program:

1. Vanuatu

Vanuatu, a stunning archipelago in the South Pacific Ocean, is renowned for its pristine beaches, volcanic landscapes, and rich cultural heritage.

With its friendly locals and laid-back atmosphere, Vanuatu offers a truly unforgettable experience for travelers seeking adventure and relaxation.

• Donation: $130,000
• Timeline: 1-3 months
• Main Perk: Fast processing, but the program has been heavily scrutinized due to lax due diligence. Limited access to Europe and the UK.

2. Turkey

Turkey offers a straightforward real estate investment route for citizenship, making it a popular choice for those looking to invest in vibrant cities.

• Real Estate Investment: $400,000 (expected to increase)
• Timeline: 3-4 months
• Main Perk: A legitimate option with relatively easy access to real estate in major cities like Istanbul and Antalya. Good passport with potential for name changes.

3. Jordan

Jordan‘s program is geared more towards business opportunities and investment, particularly for individuals from the Middle East.

• Deposit: $1 million in a Jordanian bank for 3 years
• Timeline: 3-6 months
• Main Perk: Limited appeal for Westerners, but useful for business in the region, especially for people from certain Middle Eastern countries.

4. Cambodia

Cambodia offers an investment option in government-approved real estate, making it an attractive place for investors.

• Investment in Government-Approved Real Estate: $305,000 or $245,000 as a donation
• Timeline: 3-5 months
• Main Perk: Grants land ownership rights in a rapidly developing country with growing Chinese investments.

5. El Salvador (Questionable Approval Status)

El Salvador is exploring a unique option with Bitcoin investment for citizenship. Known for its beautiful beaches and vibrant culture, the country is making strides in embracing cryptocurrency. This innovative approach allows investors to secure citizenship while participating in a growing financial movement.

However, the program’s approval status remains uncertain, and potential investors should stay informed about any developments.

With its friendly locals and rich culture, El Salvador offers a promising environment for those looking to relocate or invest.

• Bitcoin Investment: $1 million in Bitcoin (USDT also accepted)
• Timeline: 6 weeks (No confirmed approvals yet)
• Main Perk: Bitcoin-friendly country with fast-growing safety and economic stability under current leadership.

6. Antigua and Barbuda

This Caribbean nation offers an attractive citizenship program with good benefits.

Known for its stunning beaches, clear waters, and vibrant culture, Antigua and Barbuda is a popular destination for tourists and expatriates alike.

The country offers a favorable tax regime and a high quality of life, making it appealing for those looking to relocate.

The citizenship program allows investors to gain access to a solid passport and explore living and working options within the Caribbean community, enhancing its attractiveness.

• Donation: $100,000 + $30,000
• Timeline: 5-6 months
• Main Perk: Solid Caribbean passport with new visa-free access to China. Can live in other Caribbean nations under a shared agreement.

7. Saint Lucia

Saint Lucia provides a more affordable citizenship option in the Caribbean, known for its stunning natural beauty, including the famous Pitons and lush rainforests.

The island offers a range of attractions, from beautiful beaches to vibrant festivals. Investors can enjoy a relaxed lifestyle while exploring business opportunities in tourism and hospitality.

• Donation: $100,000
• Timeline: 6 months
• Main Perk: Cheaper option among the Caribbean islands, but fewer visa-free countries compared to others.

8. Grenada

Grenada is known for its investment opportunities and visa-free access to China, making it an attractive option for investors.

The country boasts a stunning landscape filled with beaches, waterfalls, and spice plantations.

It is a growing destination for eco-tourism and real estate investment, offering a peaceful lifestyle with warm weather year-round.

• Donation: $150,000
• Timeline: 6 months
• Main Perk: Known for visa-free access to China, and investment opportunities in real estate outside the hurricane belt. Lost popularity after the exclusion of Russians.

9. Dominica

Dominica‘s program is one of the most cost-effective but faces scrutiny.

Known as the “Nature Island,” Dominica is renowned for its lush landscapes, hot springs, and hiking trails. It offers a tranquil lifestyle with a strong emphasis on environmental conservation.

• Donation: $100,000
• Timeline: 8-10 months
• Main Perk: One of the cheapest options, but under constant scrutiny. Recently lost access to the UK, and may lose access to Schengen countries.

10. St. Kitts and Nevis

St. Kitts and Nevis is known for its prestigious citizenship program, which has been running for several decades.

The twin-island nation offers stunning beaches, lush rainforests, and a friendly community. With a thriving tourism sector and a favorable tax environment, it presents an excellent opportunity for investors.

Citizenship program is popular among individuals seeking a second passport and offers a stable and secure environment.

Investors can enjoy a high quality of life while taking advantage of the program’s long-standing reputation.

• Donation: $250,000 (previously $125,000-$150,000)
• Timeline: 8-12 months (due to high demand)
• Main Perk: Known as the “platinum” option in the Caribbean. Longest-running citizenship program in the region, offering stability.

11. Egypt

The country is experiencing growth in tourism and real estate, making it an attractive option for investors.

By securing citizenship, individuals gain access to a developing market with opportunities for business and investment, along with the ability to explore a land steeped in history.

• Real Estate Investment: $300,000
• Timeline: 9-12 months
• Main Perk: Good for those interested in the North African region, particularly in Cairo. Limited appeal for others.

12. Malta

This Mediterranean island is known for its rich history, stunning architecture, and vibrant culture. Malta provides a favorable business environment, with a strong economy and access to EU markets.

Investors can enjoy a high standard of living while gaining citizenship that opens doors to 190+ countries, including visa-free travel to the US.

• Investment: $1-1.5 million (combination of donation and real estate)
• Timeline: 12+ months
• Main Perk: High-quality passport with access to 190+ countries, including visa-free travel to the US. Full EU residency rights. The program may be closed in the future due to EU pressure.

13. Austria

Austria offers one of the most prestigious passports but comes with a complex process.

Known for its beautiful landscapes, rich history, and high quality of life, Austria is a desirable location for many. The country provides excellent education, healthcare, and social services, making it appealing for families.

By investing a substantial amount, applicants can gain access to the EU and enjoy a stable environment.

• Investment: $3-5 million
• Timeline: 2-3 years or more
• Main Perk: One of the most prestigious European passports, offering access to the EU. However, it has a slow and complex process with high taxes for residents.