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Second passport

A second passport or a second citizenship serves as a "Plan B".

It offers you more personal freedom, increased physical security in times of crisis, better opportunities for tax and wealth optimization, and greater travel comfort through worldwide access to consular assistance.

Over a dozen countries worldwide offer official programs to obtain a second passport directly through a financial investment.

These programs are known as Citizenship by Investment (CBI).

They grant full citizenship, usually without long waiting times or the obligation to live permanently in the area.

In principle, it is also possible to obtain a second citizenship without a long waiting period from a country that does not have an official program for this.

In each individual case, the only relevant factor is whether the state has a particular interest in this person. Often, these are individuals from the arts and culture sector, sports, or major investors.

Examples in Europe include Germany, Austria and Switzerland.

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CBI programs

(Citizenship by Investment)

These programs offer the most direct and fastest way to citizenship and a real passport.

They require a government-regulated donation or investment.

The most important advantages in detail:

  • Unrestricted freedom of travel: Certain passports grant visa-free access to countries that are difficult or impossible for holders of your primary passport. This also significantly facilitates changing residence and purchasing property abroad.

  • Personal security: If political unrest, wars or crises break out in your main place of residence, second citizenship offers you the guaranteed right to enter and stay in a safe haven.

  • Economic flexibility: A second passport simplifies starting businesses, buying property, opening international bank accounts, and accessing new labor markets outside the EU.

  • Tax planning: Depending on the country chosen, you may be able to benefit from attractive tax conditions, double taxation agreements or lower taxes.

  • A legacy for families: Citizenship, and with it all privileges, freedom of travel and security benefits, can in many cases be passed on to future generations (your children and grandchildren).

CBI Programs

(Citizenship by Investment)

 

These programs offer the direct and fastest route to citizenship and a real passport. They require a government-regulated donation or investment.

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Overview of countries and states:

 

1. Caribbean States (The Most Established Programs)

The Caribbean is considered a pioneer of this market. After tightening within the framework of agreements, the minimum amount is uniformly at least 200,000 US dollars for all five countries.

The processing takes about 4 to 8 months. Investments are made either through a non-repayable donation to a sovereign wealth fund or the purchase of state-approved real estate.

  • Antigua and Barbuda: From $230,000 (donation). Very popular for families, as cheap rates apply for several people.

  • Dominica: From $200,000 (donation).

  • St. Lucia: From $240,000 (donation).

  • Grenada: From $235,000 (donation). Special advantage: Grenada has an E-2 visa alliance with the USA, which makes it easier to move there.

  • Saint Kitts and Nevis: From $250,000 (donation). The oldest program in the world (since 1984).

 

2. Europe and European proximity

Direct CBI programs in Europe have become extremely rare, as the EU exerts massive pressure on the "passport sale".

  • Malta: The only remaining EU country with a direct naturalisation pathway for investors (Etiqal/MEIN Directive). The costs are over 1 million euros (combination of donation, real estate purchase/rent and charitable gift). The passport is issued after 12 or 36 months of stay.

  • Turkey: From $400,000. By far the most popular way is to buy real estate. Citizenship is often granted in less than 6 months.

  • North Macedonia: Offers a smaller, lesser-used program starting at around €200,000 via investment funds.

 

Pacific & Oceania

  • Vanuatu: From US$130,000 (donation). Considered the fastest program in the world (often approved in as little as 1 to 2 months). However, since visa restrictions, the passport no longer offers visa-free access to the EU Schengen area.

  • Nauru: A relatively new program in the Pacific. The starting price is currently $90,000, but is scheduled to rise to $115,000 from the end of June 2026.

 

Africa & Middle East

  • São Tomé and Príncipe: From $90,000 (donation). It is one of the cheapest and fastest programs next to Vanuatu (approx. 2 months processing).

  • Egypt: From $250,000 (purchase of real estate, bank deposit or donation).

  • Jordan: From $750,000 (bank deposits, project investments).

 

 

⚠️ Important alternative: Golden Visas (Residency by Investment)

Many countries do not offer a direct passport for purchase, but a "Golden Visa".

You invest money, immediately receive a permanent residence permit and can be legally naturalized after a few years.

  • Portugal: From €250,000 (cultural investments) or €500,000 (funds). After 5 years of minimal residence (only a few days per year), you can apply for EU citizenship.

  • Greece, Spain, Hungary: Also offer residency programs through real estate or funds. However, the path to the passport usually takes 7 to 10 years with stricter requirements for physical presence.

 

 

If you would like to deepen this path, please let me know:

  • What freedom of travel (e.g. Schengen area, USA) your second passport must offer.

  • What budget you plan for the investment.

  • Whether you actually want to live in the country or are just looking for the document as a "plan B".

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