Dreaming of a second passport? What if you could unlock citizenship simply by buying a house abroad? For investors, expats, and global citizens, real estate investment isn’t just about property—it’s a golden ticket to visa-free travel, tax benefits, and a secure future.
Several countries offer citizenship-by-investment (CBI) or residency-by-investment (RBI) programs, where purchasing a home can fast-track your way to a new passport or long-term residency. Whether you’re looking for Caribbean citizenship in months, a European residency permit, or even Turkish citizenship in under a year, this guide breaks down the best property-for-passport opportunities in 2024.
Key questions we’ll answer:
- Where can you obtain citizenship fastest by purchasing real estate?
- What’s the cheapest and fastest route to a second passport?
- How much do you need to invest—and can you sell the property later?
- What are the tax implications and visa-free travel benefits?
If you’re ready to turn bricks and mortar into a powerful passport, keep reading—your global future starts here!
Top Countries Offering Residency (Golden Visa) by Buying Property
| Country | Minimum Investment | Notes |
| Antigua and Barbuda | $200,000 | Includes family, donation optional |
| Dominica | $200,000 | Government-approved properties only |
| Grenada | $220,000 – $350,000 | Shared or sole ownership |
| St. Kitts and Nevis | $400,000 – $800,000 | Pre-approved commercial property |
| St. Lucia | $200,000 | Government-approved properties |
| Jordan | $750,000 | Other investment options also |
| Malta | €700,000 (~$767,000) | Plus additional fees and donations |
| Turkey | $400,000 | Direct citizenship via property |
| Greece | €250,000 – €800,000 | Residency with path to citizenship |
| Cyprus | €300,000 + VAT | Permanent residency first |
Countries offering citizenship by buying property in 2025 include several primarily in the Caribbean, Europe, and the Middle East. These countries have formal citizenship by investment (CBI) programs that allow foreign investors to obtain citizenship by purchasing real estate meeting minimum investment thresholds. Top citizenship-by-investment countries:
Caribbean Countries
- For a $200,000 real estate investment, foreign nationals can acquire citizenship in Antigua and Barbuda. You can add three immediate family members to your application at no additional cost. Donation option of $100,000 also available.
- Eligibility for Dominican citizenship requires acquiring designated real estate with investments beginning at $200,000. Additional processing fees apply for family members
- Grenada offers citizenship through real estate investment, with options starting at $220,000 (shared commercial) or $350,000 (sole ownership) in approved developments. Donation option of $150,000 also possible.
- St. Kitts and Nevis, home to the world’s longest-running citizenship-by-investment program, requires a minimum $400,000 joint investment or $800,000 sole ownership in approved commercial real estate. Donations are also possible.
- To obtain St. Lucian citizenship, investors can purchase government-approved property starting from $200,000. Donation option requires $100,000.
Middle East
- Jordan: Real estate purchase of at least $750,000 to qualify for citizenship, with options for other types of investment starting at $1 million.
Europe
- Malta: Requires purchasing property for about €700,000 (approx. $767,000) or renting for five years at €16,000 annually, plus additional investments and donations for citizenship by naturalization.
- Turkey: Citizenship via property purchase starting from $400,000.
- Greece: Offers a residency program via property investment starting around €250,000 to €800,000 depending on location, with a path to citizenship after several years.
- Cyprus: Offers permanent residency through real estate starting at around €300,000 (plus VAT), with citizenship possible after several years under certain conditions.
Other Notable Mentions
- The United Arab Emirates offers citizenship options via property investment but under stricter and rarer conditions.
- Several British Overseas Territories such as Anguilla offer residency (not direct citizenship) by real estate investment.
Purchasing property alone does not always guarantee immediate citizenship; many countries require additional conditions like donations, government fees, or a waiting period before naturalization.
NOTE: Countries like Italy, the UK, and Portugal offer residency or visas through property investment but not direct citizenship upon purchase.
Countries Offering Residency (Not Full Citizenship)
Countries offering residency (not full citizenship) through buying property in 2025 include a range of options in Europe, the Caribbean, Asia, Africa, and the Americas. These residency-by-investment programs typically require property purchase thresholds and grant residence permits or permanent residency, often with renewal conditions and potential pathways to citizenship after several years.
Your roadmap to residency and Investing in property across these key nations:
Europe
Greece: Offers a Golden Visa with residency for property investments starting at €250,000 in certain areas, €400,000 in others, and €800,000 in high-demand zones like Athens and Mykonos. Residency permits are renewable every five years, with no strict minimum stay requirement.
Malta’s Permanent Residence Programme (MPRP) offers residency for a €350,000 real estate investment (reduced to €300,000 in designated zones), a rental option, and mandatory government contributions. It grants permanent residency with Schengen Area travel rights.
Cyprus: Permanent residency through a €300,000 real estate investment plus VAT and other fees. No renewal required as long as investment is maintained.
Turkey: Residency available through property investment, with minimum property purchase amounts around $400,000. Pathway to citizenship is also possible under certain conditions.
Caribbean
Anguilla: Permanent residence from a real estate investment of $750,000. Zero taxes on income, inheritance, capital gains, and wealth.
Curaçao: Residency permits from property investments starting at $280,000, with longer residency terms and indefinite residency available at higher investment levels. Pathway to citizenship after five years.
Americas
Brazil: Permanent residency available with property purchases of about BRL 1,000,000 (around $208,000), with some regional variations and favorable treatment for certain applicants.
Asia
Secure a 10-year, renewable Cambodian residency permit by investing $100,000 in property through the My Second Home program. Citizenship eligibility after five years.
Africa
Namibia: Permanent residency granted by investing in specific projects with property purchases starting at around $316,000.
Key Notes About Residency Programs:
Residency permits often require maintaining property ownership. Many programs do not require the resident to live full-time in the country to maintain residency.
Residency may lead to citizenship after several years of continuous residence, subject to additional requirements. Renewal periods and fees vary by country, ranging from indefinite renewals to fixed terms like three or five years.
Summary Table of Residency by Property Investment (approximate minimum investments)
| Country | Minimum Property Investment | Residency Details | Path to Citizenship |
| Greece | €250,000 – €800,000 | Renewable every 5 years, no minimum stay required | Citizenship possible after years |
| Malta | €300,000 – €350,000 | Permanent residency, Schengen travel | Citizenship via separate investment program |
| Cyprus | €300,000 + VAT | Permanent residency, no renewal required | Citizenship possible after years |
| Turkey | $400,000 | Residency with property ownership | Citizenship possible by separate program |
| Anguilla | $750,000 | Permanent residency, tax haven status | No direct citizenship by investment |
| Curaçao | $280,000 – $850,000 | Residences 3-year to indefinite | Citizenship possible after 5 years |
| Brazil | BRL 1,000,000 (~$208,000) | Permanent residency | Citizenship possible after years |
| Cambodia | $100,000 | 10-year renewable residency | Citizenship eligibility after 5 years |
| Namibia | $316,000 | Permanent residency project investment | No direct citizenship by investment |
These programs provide diverse options for investors seeking residence rights without immediately requiring full citizenship. Each country has its specific terms, fees, and residence conditions.
Factors to Consider Before You Invest
When considering countries that offer residency or citizenship by property investment, several key factors should be carefully evaluated to make an informed decision:
1. Investment Amount and Property Requirements
Minimum investment thresholds vary widely by country, from as low as $100,000 in some places (e.g., Cambodia residency) to over $800,000 (e.g., citizenship in St. Kitts and Nevis).
Some countries require investment in government-approved or specific types of real estate (commercial, tourism-related, new developments). Additional fees may apply such as due diligence fees, application fees, and taxes (VAT, property transfer, etc.).
2. Type of Status Granted
Distinguish between residency permits and full citizenship: Residency allows living, working, or traveling in the country but typically does not confer political rights or a passport.
Citizenship grants full rights, including a passport, but often requires longer processing times or additional conditions. Consider whether the program offers permanent residency or a renewable temporary visa.
3. Residency Requirements and Stay Obligations
Some programs require minimum physical presence in the country (e.g., a few days per year), while others have no stay requirements. Residency renewal may require continued ownership or investment.
4. Path to Citizenship
Many residency programs offer an eventual pathway to citizenship after several years (typically 5–7 years). Citizenship-by-investment programs may offer faster routes but often come with higher investment amounts and stricter criteria.
5. Visa-Free Travel Benefits
The quality of the passport or residency permit matters in terms of visa-free access to other countries, especially within the Schengen Zone or key global markets.
Residency in Schengen countries like Malta, Greece, or Cyprus provides extensive travel freedom within Europe.
6. Tax Implications
Tax residency rules vary; investing in property or obtaining residency may have income, capital gains, inheritance, and wealth tax implications.
Some countries offer favorable tax regimes or tax incentives to attract foreign investors.
7. Legal and Political Environment
Stability of the country’s legal system and respect for property rights are crucial. Political stability and relations with other countries can impact the investment’s security and benefits.
8. Program Reputation and Transparency
Choose programs with clear legal frameworks, low risk of sudden policy changes or revocation. Understand the due diligence process and compliance requirements to avoid legal issues.
9. Family Inclusion
Many programs allow family members (spouse, children, sometimes parents) to be included in the application, often at an extra cost. Consider the ease and cost of including dependents.
10. Additional Requirements
Some countries may require health insurance, background checks, or minimum net worth. Language, education, or integration requirements may apply for citizenship.
11. Time to Process
Residency and citizenship processing times vary from a few months to several years. Consider urgency if timing is important.
12. Exit Strategies and Liquidity
Understand resale restrictions on the property. Some programs require holding the property for a minimum period (e.g., 3 to 5 years). Assess the real-estate market to ensure liquidity if you need to exit.
Taking all these factors into account will help ensure that the chosen country and program align with your long-term personal, financial, and lifestyle goals.
The Step-by-Step Journey from Property Purchase to Citizenship
The step-by-step journey from property purchase to citizenship by investment generally involves a series of important stages, although exact procedures may vary by country. Here’s a typical process:
- Research and Selection
- Discover countries that provide citizenship or residency pathways through real estate investment programs. Different countries have varied criteria, investment thresholds, and timelines.
- Choose a country and a property that meets program requirements — often a minimum property value is specified (e.g., €700,000 in Malta, $400,000 in Turkey, $200,000 in Caribbean countries).
- Obtain Necessary Pre-Approvals and Documentation
- Apply for any required tax ID, residency permits, or eligibility certificates before purchasing property.
- Secure pre-approval from the relevant immigration authorities if applicable.
- Property Purchase
- Make a deposit and finalize purchase agreements following local legal procedures.
- Complete full payment and obtain the property deed or title registration.
- Ensure the property meets the investment requirements (some programs prohibit reselling within a few years).
- Application Preparation and Submission
- Prepare all necessary documents, such as proof of ownership, financial statements, police clearance certificates, and medical records.
- Submit citizenship or residency application with supporting evidence and fees.
- Due Diligence and Screening
- All applicants are subject to a rigorous government vetting process, which includes comprehensive background checks and a detailed review of the application.
- This process ensures the applicant poses no risk and meets all legal criteria.
- Approval and Citizenship Issuance
- Upon successful evaluation, pre-approval and then full approval are granted.
- Applicants may be required to attend interviews or take an oath of allegiance.
- Citizenship certificates and rights are formally issued.
- Passport Application
- After receiving citizenship, apply for the national passport to enjoy visa-free travel and other benefits.
- Ongoing Requirements
- Investors are required to maintain ownership of the property for a minimum holding period, which typically lasts between three and five years.
- Some programs allow rental of the property during this period or eventual resale after the holding period.
Example: Malta requires residence permit acquisition first, then €700,000 real estate investment with a 5-year holding period before naturalization can be granted, alongside contributions to national and cultural funds. Turkey requires a minimum $400,000 real estate purchase with an official title deed, a certificate of eligibility, and processing that takes 3-4 months. In Caribbean nations, investments of $200,000 or more in approved properties can lead to citizenship within about four months, with a five-year mandatory holding period on the property.
This framework ensures a reliable path for investors from property purchase through to obtaining citizenship. It’s balancing investment security and government due diligence.
Conclusion
While you can’t directly buy citizenship with a house, you can absolutely use real estate investment as a powerful key to unlock residency and a proven pathway to a second passport.
This is a major legal and financial decision. Your journey requires meticulous planning. We strongly recommend consulting with an accredited immigration lawyer specializing in citizenship and residency by investment programs to navigate the process successfully.
Citizenship or a foothold through residency, property investment remains a popular and viable pathway worldwide.
FAQ Section
Q. What is the cheapest country to get residency by buying property?
Ans: Greece, with its €250k threshold.
Q. Can I get residency in the USA by buying a house?
Ans: No, the EB-5 visa requires investing in a business that creates jobs, not just passive real estate purchase.
Q. How long does it take to get citizenship through real estate investment?
Ans: It varies; 5 years in Portugal, 7 in Greece, 10 in Spain. Caribbean CBI is much faster.
Q. Do I have to live in the country full-time to maintain my Golden Visa?
Ans: It depends on the country; Portugal has very low stay requirements, others are stricter.