Citizenship by donation: how to get a second passport following the easiest path

Several countries offer citizenship by donation programs, each with unique processes, requirements, and benefits. The financial contributions start at $130,000 and depend on the country.

Citizenship by donation is always cheaper than other options, such as real estate purchases or bank deposits. On the other hand, a donation is a non-refundable way to obtain a second passport.

Citizenship by investment programs with a donation option

Obtaining citizenship through donation is a key aspect of economic citizenship programs. This pathway allows individuals and families to gain citizenship in a country by making a considerable financial contribution, typically through donations to state funds.

Caribbean nations: Antigua and Barbuda, Grenada, St Lucia, Dominica, and St Kitts and Nevis are well-known for their streamlined and cost-effective citizenship by donation programs.

Middle Eastern countries: Egypt has recently introduced a citizenship by donation program aimed at attracting foreign investment.

Oceania: Vanuatu offers a quick and efficient program with attractive tax benefits and a beautiful natural environment.

Where investors can get citizenship by donation

Country

Vanuatu

Donation for a single applicant

$130,000

Processing time

1+ month

Country

Dominica

Donation for a single applicant

$200,000

Processing time

6+ months

Country

Antigua and Barbuda

Donation for a single applicant

$230,000

Processing time

6+ months

Country

Grenada

Donation for a single applicant

$235,000

Processing time

8+ months

Country

St Lucia

Donation for a single applicant

$240,000

Processing time

6+ months

Country

St Kitts and Nevis

Donation for a single applicant

$250,000

Processing time

6+ months

Country

Egypt

Donation for a single applicant

$250,000

Processing time

10+ months

1. Global mobility. Citizenship by donation programs offer visa-free or visa-on-arrival access to a large number of countries, often including key destinations such as the Schengen Area, the United Kingdom, Hong Kong, and Singapore.

2. Quick application process. Citizenship by donation programs often provide a fast-track route to citizenship, with processing times significantly shorter than traditional immigration paths of more than half a year. For example, investors obtain a Vanuatu passport within 1—4 months.

3. Financial diversification. Acquiring a second citizenship can open doors to new banking systems, financial markets, and investment opportunities that may not be available to non-citizens.

4. Tax benefits. Dominica offers a favourable tax environment with no wealth, gift, inheritance, or capital gains taxes, making it an attractive option for investors looking to protect and grow their wealth. Similarly, St Kitts and Nevis provides a highly favourable tax regime with no personal income tax.

New companies in Vanuatu and their shareholders don’t pay taxes on corporate profits during the first 20 years. Besides, there are no personal income, capital gains, inheritance, or donations taxes.

5. Personal security. A second passport provides a valuable alternative in the event of political or economic instability in the home country. This can be particularly crucial for individuals from regions with volatile political climates or those facing economic uncertainties.

For example, Antigua and Barbuda offers a peaceful and stable environment. Egypt provides access to its growing economy and strategic location, offering a gateway to African and Middle Eastern markets.

Vanuatu’s citizenship by donation program is one of the fastest in the world, with 1—4 months of processing time. Established to attract foreign investment, the program requires a minimum donation to the state fund of $130,000 for a single investor and $150,000 for a married couple.

Vanuatu also offers a favourable tax regime with no income, wealth, or capital gains taxes, making it an attractive option for investors looking to minimise their tax burden. Additionally, the country boasts a beautiful environment and a high standard of living.

Dominica’s citizenship by donation program is one of the oldest and most respected in the Caribbean, established in 1993.

The required donation to the Economic Diversification Fund of at least $200,000 for a single applicant supports a range of public and private sector projects, aiming to improve the country’s infrastructure and economy.

Dominica citizens can enjoy visa-free or visa-on-arrival access to more than 140 countries, including, Schengen Area, and Singapore. Dominica also offers a favourable tax environment with no wealth, gift, inheritance, or capital gains taxes, making it an attractive option for investors looking to protect and grow their wealth.

Antigua and Barbuda citizenship by donation program is one of the most popular in the Caribbean. Established in 2013, the program has attracted investors due to its relatively low cost of $230,000 for up to families of four. Another option is available to big families of six people or more, offering a contribution to the University of the West Indies Fund of at least $260,000.

The donation to the National Development Fund helps finance public and private sector projects, fostering economic growth in the country.

Antigua and Barbuda citizens enjoy visa-free or visa-on-arrival access to over 140 countries, including the UK, the Schengen Area, and Hong Kong.

Grenada’s citizenship by donation program is unique due to its inclusion of visa-free access to China, which is a significant advantage for business travellers.

The National Transformation Fund, with at least $235,000 for a single investor or married couple, supports various development projects in the country, including tourism, agriculture, and alternative energy.

The program’s cost is higher than that of some other Caribbean nations, but the benefits are substantial. Besides visa-free travel to over 140 countries, Grenadian citizens can also apply for the E‑2 business visa to the USA, allowing them to live and work in the US.

Saint Lucia launched its citizenship by donation program in 2015, making it one of the newer options in the Caribbean.

The program requires a donation to the National Economic Fund, which supports national development projects. The cost is competitive, with a minimum donation of $240,000 for up to four applicants.

St Lucia citizenship provides visa-free or visa-on-arrival access to more than 140 countries, including the Schengen Area, the UK, and Hong Kong. Also, Saint Lucia offers attractive tax incentives with no tax on global income, capital gains, wealth, or inheritance, making it a good option for high-net-worth individuals seeking to minimise their tax burden.

St Kitts and Nevis’s citizenship by donation program is the longest-running in the Caribbean, established in 1984.

The program requires a donation to the Federal Consolidated Fund under the Sustainable Island State Contribution (SISC) Option of at least $250,000 for a single investor or married couple.

The application process is efficient, taking on average six months from submission to approval, and the country’s beautiful natural environment and high standard of living add to its appeal. Also, St Kitts and Nevis offers a highly favourable tax regime with no personal income tax.

Egypt’s citizenship by donation program, launched in 2020, provides a unique opportunity for investors looking to gain a foothold in the Middle East. The program requires a donation to the State’s public treasury of at least $250,000.

The benefits of Egyptian citizenship include access to the country’s growing economy and strategic location, providing a gateway to African and Middle Eastern markets. The program also offers potential tax benefits and the right to own property and invest in Egypt’s diverse economy.

Vanuatu and the Caribbean country of Dominica offer some of the most cost-effective and attractive citizenship by donation programs available. Each provides unique benefits, from extensive visa-free travel to opportunities for business expansion.

Vanuatu offers the most cost-effective citizenship by donation program, with a minimum donation requirement of $130,000 for a single investor, $150,000 for a married couple, and $180,000 for a family of four. This program is not only affordable but also one of the fastest, with processing times ranging from 1 to 4 months.

Dominica presents another affordable option with a minimum donation of $200,000, or $250,000 covering up to four applicants, this program offers the opportunity for easy travel to 140+ popular destinations.

1. Citizenship by donation programs in countries like Dominica, Antigua and Barbuda, Grenada, Saint Lucia, and Vanuatu offer some of the most affordable and accessible pathways to obtaining a second citizenship.

2. Dominica stands out for its long-standing program, with a minimum donation of $200,000, offering extensive visa-free travel and a favourable tax environment.

3. Antigua and Barbuda attract families with its $230,000 donation option for up to four applicants, providing access to over 140 countries.

4. Grenada is unique with its visa-free access to China and the opportunity to apply for the US E‑2 visa, though at a slightly higher cost of $235,000.

5. St Lucia offers competitive pricing at $240,000 for up to four applicants and attractive tax incentives.

6. Vanuatu provides the fastest and one of the most cost-effective options at $130,000, with quick processing times and no income or capital gains taxes.

7. Egypt’s citizenship by donation program provides a gateway to Africa and Middle Eastern markets for a minimum donation of $250,000.