What if your current passport was no longer enough to protect your money, your privacy, or your future?
In 2025, more and more people are asking themselves how fast or when you can have dual citizenship. But real strategy begins with researching and understanding how to get a second passport through a Citizenship by Investment (CBI) program — a legal pathway that lets you choose where to live, pay taxes, and grow.
In today’s global landscape, where governments move toward taxing worldwide income, propose nationality-based taxation, and implement increasingly sophisticated surveillance systems like the CRS led by the OECD, citizenship by investment is no longer just a fast track to visa-free travel. It’s now a legal and fiscal shield.
And while Europe is closing ranks, there are still countries that offer citizenship by investment legally — with active programs, stable frameworks, and tangible advantages.
In this blog, we’ll show you:
- What real requirements these programs involve
- How to obtain second nationality legally without falling into empty promises
- Which are the best passports by investment in 2025
- And how to use that new citizenship to open accounts, start companies, and build a more free and efficient life
This is your practical guide — for those who understand that freedom, too, must be strategically planned.
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Citizenship by investment in 2025: Opportunity, refuge or trap?
What is citizenship by investment and why are so many people pursuing it today?
In a world where your passport can turn into a fiscal sentence, citizenship by investment is no longer a luxury for multimillionaires, it’s a strategy for those who want to protect their freedom. It’s a legal mechanism through which a country grants second nationality in exchange for a specific economic contribution, ranging from real estate purchases to donations to state funds.
Why are so many people choosing this path in 2025?
Because global tax pressure is increasing.
Because many governments no longer respect your right to leave without continuing to tax you.
Because obtaining second nationality legally can be the difference between being trapped or finding a way out.
Citizenship by investment is, more than ever, an emergency exit.
How does an investment passport work: real requirements and timelines
Beyond the marketing promises of “total freedom,” citizenship by investment programs are regulated under each country’s legislation. And every country has its own model: some require non-refundable donations, while others allow you to invest in real estate and recover the capital years later. But all of them — without exception — demand more than just money: a coherent narrative, background checks, and a great deal of paperwork.
General process steps:
- Application and pre-screening
- Investment and compliance with financial requirements
- Due diligence: thorough verification process and proof of source of funds
- Maintenance and renewal
Average timeline? Between 3 and 12 months, depending on the country.
When you can have dual citizenship without giving up your original one
This is one of the most common questions before starting the process: when you can have dual citizenship without being forced to give up your current nationality.
The answer depends on your country of origin. Some allow a second passport with no restrictions. Others require that you renounce your original nationality in order to adopt a new one.
But there are countries — like Spain, Argentina, or Germany — that make exceptions if the new citizenship comes from nations with bilateral treaties, or if giving up your original nationality would result in significant harm.
Nomad, before starting any process, make sure you can obtain second nationality legally without losing essential rights. And if that’s not possible… ask yourself whether you’re still willing to take the step.
Countries that offer citizenship by investment in 2025: Europe shuts down, Turkey gains attention, the Caribbean holds strong…
Malta, Cyprus and Montenegro: the fall of Europe’s strongholds
For years, Malta, Cyprus and Montenegro led the market for the best passports by investment within Europe. But in 2025, that map has changed dramatically.
Malta: the last active program in the European Union is now technically in the process of closing, following a ruling by the European Court of Justice that accused the country of selling nationalities without requiring real ties to its territory.
Montenegro: shut down its program under direct pressure from Brussels, despite offering one of the most balanced schemes in the region.
Cyprus: its program collapsed after a corruption scandal revealed that citizenships had been granted to individuals with criminal records.
Europe’s message? The European passport is not for sale. Malta, Montenegro and Cyprus were once golden doors into the EU system. Today, they are either closed or on their way to being shut. And there’s no guarantee that others won’t follow.
Turkey: the fast lane to global mobility (and the U.S. E-2 visa)
Far from Brussels but close to everything, Turkey has emerged as one of the most strategic options in 2025 for those looking to obtain second nationality legally in just 3 to 6 months — with concrete benefits, such as:
- Visa-free access to over 110 countries, including Japan, South Korea, Singapore, South Africa and much of Latin America (but excluding the Schengen Area)
Investment options:
- Real estate investment from $400,000 USD (with a 3-year holding requirement)
- Bank deposit of $500,000 USD in a Turkish institution, blocked for 3 years
- Government bonds or investment funds for the same amount and duration
- Business creation generating at least 50 local jobs, certified by the Ministry of Labor
The program includes the spouse and children under 18.
There’s no need to reside, travel, or speak the language.
What makes this passport so powerful?
The E-2 treaty with the United States — which allows Turkish citizens to apply for a visa to start a business and reside legally in the U.S. (not available to Spanish nationals). A gateway even many European passports don’t offer.
And tax-wise?
Turkey does not tax the worldwide income of individuals who are not tax residents.
Schedule your consultation today.
The Caribbean holds strong in 2025: the best passports by investment?
While Europe is closing its doors, the Caribbean stands as the last stronghold for nomads seeking citizenship by investment that is fast, legal and efficient. Although still active, some of the citizenship by investment programs in the Caribbean have come under scrutiny by the OECD due to transparency concerns. Rather than weakening them, this has driven reforms and tighter controls — which now demand more strategy to obtain second nationality legally.
Dominica: the fastest and most discreet path
Its Citizenship by Investment (CBI) program is a vital source of revenue for the State.
- Citizenship in 4 to 6 months
- Donation from $200,000 USD or real estate investment from $250,000 USD
- 100% remote process
- No residence, interviews, or cultural integration required
- Passport grants visa-free access to over 140 countries, including Schengen and South America
- Territorial tax system: no tax on worldwide income
Antigua and Barbuda: flexibility and visa-free access to 150 countries
You can acquire citizenship in 4 to 12 months. Antigua’s passport allows visa-free access to over 150 countries, including the UK, Schengen Area, Hong Kong and Singapore.
- Donation from $230,000 USD (for a family of 4) or real estate investment from $400,000 USD
- Only 5 days of physical presence required within 5 years
- Crypto payments accepted
- No tax on foreign income and maintains a territorial tax system
Grenada: the Caribbean gem with direct U.S. access
- Citizenship in 4 to 6 months
- Donation from $235,000 USD or real estate investment from $270,000 USD
- Includes extended family members
- Access to over 145 countries and eligibility for the U.S. E-2 visa
- Territorial tax system: no tax on worldwide income, inheritance, or wealth
- In 2023, launched a fiscal “Golden Visa” for digital nomads
St. Kitts and Nevis: pioneer, fast, and with zero physical presence
The first country in the world to launch a Citizenship by Investment program (back in 1984):
- Citizenship in 4 months (or 60 days with fast-track option)
- Donation from $250,000 USD or real estate investment from $400,000 USD
- Visa-free access to over 150 countries
- No physical presence or exams required
- Territorial tax model
Saint Lucia: accessible, strong, and tailored for global nomads
- Citizenship in 4 to 6 months
- Donation from $180,000 USD (family of 4) or government bonds of $300,000 USD
- No residence, interviews, or exams required
- Access to over 140 countries
- Territorial tax system
- Ideal for freelancers, investors, and entrepreneurs with mobile structures
These countries that offer citizenship by investment not only provide an alternative passport — they offer a legal and strategic framework to protect your financial freedom in 2025. Choosing wisely is more than an investment: it’s a declaration of sovereignty.
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How to use the best passports by investment in 2025 to open accounts, businesses, and live better
Obtaining second nationality legally doesn’t just expand your travel options — it also unlocks financial and business opportunities that can transform your professional and personal life.
This is one of the most powerful —and least discussed— benefits of citizenship by investment: it gives you access to banking systems, investment platforms, and corporate opportunities that were previously out of reach.
Banking access as a citizen (not as a foreigner)
With a passport issued by one of the countries that offer citizenship by investment, you can open international bank accounts more easily.
Many banks in Europe and Asia tend to apply strict filters to certain nationalities, but by presenting an alternative passport from a fiscally neutral jurisdiction, the process becomes smoother and less intrusive.
CBI passport holders, for example, often find more flexibility to:
- Access private banking platforms
- Avoid restrictions from treaties like FATCA.
- Protect capital in stable jurisdictions
Advantages for starting a business
Citizenship by investment also positions you as a national in front of governments and commercial entities. This can reduce bureaucracy, allow you to participate in tenders, or open companies in jurisdictions where you were previously considered a foreigner.
Countries like Malta or the United Arab Emirates provide their citizens with access to preferential tax regimes and more flexible international business conditions.
This is how getting a second passport can give you a competitive edge: fewer obstacles, more doors opened.
Countries where your new passport makes life easier
Depending on the country you choose, you can benefit from:
- Opening accounts in strong banking systems
- Preferential access to special economic zones
- Territorial taxation or zero tax on foreign income
- Bilateral agreements that facilitate trade and investment
Caribbean programs, for example, offer access to regional blocs with fiscal and financial advantages — making them some of the best passports by investment for entrepreneurial and global profiles.
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Rights and obligations of the new citizenship by investment holder
Obtaining citizenship by investment gives you much more than a nice passport and visa-free access. It also makes you, legally, a full citizen. That comes with tangible benefits… but also with commitments that not everyone mentions when trying to obtain second nationality legally.
What rights do you acquire?
Freedom of movement: you can access over 100 or even 150 countries visa-free, depending on the program you choose (Schengen, UK, Asia, Latin America).
Banking and financial access: you can open accounts as a national, not as a foreigner — and in some cases qualify for private banking, credit, or exclusive investment opportunities.
Business opportunities: some of the countries that offer citizenship by investment allow their citizens to participate in tenders, enter special economic zones, and benefit from more flexible tax regimes.
Consular protection: in case of emergencies, travel bans or conflict, you can turn to the diplomatic assistance of the country that granted you citizenship.
What obligations should you consider?
Maintain the investment: many programs require you to keep the property or fund for a minimum period (typically between 3 and 5 years).
Comply with due diligence: if it is later discovered that you provided false information, some countries can revoke the citizenship — even years after issuance.
Monitor legal changes: some of the best passports by investment may face pressure from international organizations such as the OECD.
Understand tax rules: although these programs don’t require physical residence, if you don’t properly structure your plan —for example, by not clearly defining how to get a second passport with a solid tax residency— you could be exposed to global taxation.
And what if I don’t want to move to any of these countries?
Good news: you don’t have to.
The great advantage of citizenship by investment is that, unlike naturalization through residency, some countries allow you to obtain second nationality legally without ever living there, without interviews, exams, or cultural integration.
You can have a real, valid, and strategic second passport, without giving up your original nationality (if your home country allows it), and without compromising your nomadic lifestyle.
Now, don’t confuse a passport with full protection. No matter how powerful it is, a passport is useless if it’s not backed by a solid structure that includes:
- Documentation consistent with your new legal identity
- A clear tax residency
- A coherent banking strategy
The best time to act was yesterday. The second-best time is now.
In a world where your passport defines your access, your taxes, and even your financial freedom, having citizenship by investment is not a luxury — it’s a real advantage.
It allows you to move without asking permission, protect your assets, obtain second nationality legally, and plan your future with more options than excuses.
And the best part: there are still countries that offer citizenship by investment through active, agile, and strategic processes.
Are you evaluating how to get a second passport or which of the best passports by investment fits your strategy?
At Nomad Tax, we can help you structure your residency, your tax planning, and your citizenship by investment — legally and efficiently.
👉 Book your personalized consultation and discover how to obtain second nationality legally with international backing and strategic vision.
