Fastest Citizenship by Investment Programmes in 2025

While many view citizenship by investment programmes purely as a gateway to increased travel freedom, the Caribbean approach offers far more. The fastest citizenship by investment schemes, like Grenada Citizenship by Investment, are becoming powerful tools for nation-building—attracting entrepreneurs, diversifying economies, and creating new global networks. As the island welcomes high-skilled entrepreneurs, investors, and innovators, it demonstrates how second citizenship can catalyse genuine national transformation. 

Five Caribbean Countries with the Fastest Citizenship by Investment Programmes

Caribbean countries have consistently led the way with efficient and well-regulated CBI schemes. Here’s a detailed look at the five fastest programmes currently available:

1. Dominica

• Timeline: 3 to 4 months
• Minimum Real-Estate Investment: USD 200,000
• Key Benefits:
  
  • Visa-free or visa-on-arrival access to over 145 countries.
  • No mandatory interview, education, or management experience requirements.
  • No residency obligations before or after citizenship is granted.
• Highlights:
  Dominica’s programme is often cited when people ask what the fastest citizenship by investment is. 

2. St. Kitts and Nevis

• Timeline: 4 to 6 months
• Minimum Real-Estate Investment: USD 400,000
• Key Benefits:
  
  • Visa-free travel to over 155 countries.
  • An accelerated application process is available for an additional fee.
  • No personal visit required, and no tax on worldwide income.
• Highlights:
  As the first ever CBI programme, St. Kitts and Nevis is seen as a leader in offering the fastest citizenship under special expedited procedures.

3. Antigua and Barbuda

• Timeline: 3 to 4 months
• Minimum Real-Estate Investment: USD 300,000
• Key Benefits:
  
  • Visa-free access to over 150 countries.
  • Family-friendly options include the ability to add siblings, parents, and grandparents.
  • Minimal residency requirement of just 5 days within 5 years.
• Highlights:
  Antigua and Barbuda’s reputation for streamlined processing makes it a contender for those looking for the fastest places to get citizenship.

4. St. Lucia

• Timeline: 4 to 6 months
• Minimum Real-Estate Investment: USD 300,000 
• Key Benefits:
  
  • Visa-free access to over 145 countries.
  • No physical residency requirement or visit needed.
• Highlights:
  St. Lucia stands out as an accessible and flexible programme for those researching the fastest citizenship by investment in the world options with attractive cost structures.

5. Grenada

• Timeline: 4 to 6 months
• Minimum Real-Estate Investment: USD 270,000 
• Key Benefits:
  
  • Visa-free access to over 140 countries, including China.
  • Eligibility to apply for a US E-2 Investor Visa for residents.
  • No requirement to live in Grenada either before or after citizenship is granted.
• Highlights:
  The unique combination of access to Europe’s Schengen states, the UK, China, India, Russia, Brazil and Argentina, combined with the US via the E-2 Visa for residents, makes Grenada Citizenship by Investment especially appealing for global entrepreneurs seeking new markets quickly.

Grenada Citizenship by Investment stands out compared to the other four other citizenship by investment programmes in the Caribbean, so let’s focus more on Grenada for the rest of this article.

 Why Choose the Fastest Citizenship by Investment?

Citizenship by Investment enables applicants to obtain citizenship by making a financial contribution to the country.  In the Caribbean, the process typically takes around six months, and this timeline remains highly competitive internationally, especially for those seeking the fastest country to get citizenship.

The true distinction of Grenada’s CBI programme lies in its efficiency and how it has become a catalyst for sustainable national development.

Opting for the fastest citizenship to get programme offers numerous advantages:

• Increased Global Mobility: A second passport can open visa-free or visa-on-arrival access to over 140 countries, facilitating both personal and business travel.
• Enhanced Personal and Financial Security: Political instability or economic downturns in one’s home country can be mitigated through the safety net of alternative citizenship.
• Business Expansion Opportunities: Fast citizenship can unlock access to regional markets and international business hubs more swiftly.
• Family Security: Many programmes extend citizenship benefits to family members, ensuring better education, healthcare, and lifestyle opportunities.
• Tax Optimisation: Some jurisdictions offer more favourable tax regimes for global entrepreneurs and investors.

In a rapidly changing world, securing the fastest citizenship by investment offers flexibility, resilience, and opportunities that are simply not available through traditional immigration routes. 

Fastest Citizenship by Investment — a Launchpad for Entrepreneurs

Take the case of Amir, an Indian med-tech entrepreneur who selected Grenada not merely for ease of travel, but as a strategic business base. Grenada’s access to North American and CARICOM markets, its political stability, and welcoming business environment provided the perfect foundation for Amir’s health technology company. Within a year, he had established operations in Grand Anse, hired local professionals, and initiated development workshops for students from St. George’s University. Amir exemplifies a growing trend: many new citizens bring expertise, networks, and business ventures actively contributing to Grenada’s socio-economic development.

Fastest Citizenship by Investment - Beyond Financial Contributions

While the financial influx from CBI applicants strengthens Grenada’s fiscal health, the benefits stretch much further. New citizens enhance community development, transfer valuable skills, and diversify the economy. Entrepreneurs have launched eco-resorts and wellness retreats, reducing Grenada’s reliance on traditional sectors like agriculture and pure hospitality.

Amir’s efforts, including free tech workshops and partnerships with Indian med-tech firms, have begun linking Grenada to international markets. This form of knowledge and network exchange enriches the local business ecosystem and elevates Grenada’s standing on the global stage.

Building Global Connections Through Fastest Citizenship by Investment

Grenadian citizens by investment often maintain strong ties to their countries of origin, creating vital bridges between Grenada and key global economies. These invaluable connections offer Grenadian enterprises easier access to international suppliers, investors, and expertise. Such intangible gains are harder to quantify than immediate financial contributions, yet they represent a strategic advantage that positions Grenada for long-term growth and resilience.

Fastest Citizenship by Investment - A Dynamic, Long-Term Strategy

The true value of Grenada Citizenship by Investment lies not in the upfront payments but in the dynamic, cumulative benefits of attracting ambitious, skilled citizens. Entrepreneurs like Amir act as catalysts, raising local standards, introducing innovative industries, and offering young Grenadians access to global opportunities. For example, Amir’s company recently secured a contract to develop a digital health platform for small clinics across CARICOM states.

Addressing the Critics of Fastest Citizenship by Investment Programmes

Like any CBI programme, Grenada’s has faced criticism concerning transparency and the commodification of citizenship. These concerns are legitimate and have led Grenada to strengthen its due diligence processes and reporting standards. Nevertheless, focusing solely on the transactional aspects misses the broader picture. When managed responsibly, CBI becomes more than a revenue tool—it evolves into a comprehensive development strategy that seeds innovation, cultivates talent, and amplifies Grenada’s influence globally.

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Fastest Country to Get Citizenship in Europe

While the Caribbean continues to lead in offering the fastest citizenship by investment, Malta was—until recently—a popular European option through its Citizenship for Exceptional Services by Direct Investment scheme.

• Timeline: Approximately 12 to 36 months
• Minimum Investment: Around €700,000
• Key Benefits:
  
  • Visa-free access to over 180 countries.
  • Right to live, work, and study in any EU country.
  • Strong, reputable passport ranked among the top globally.

However, as of 29 April 2025, Malta’s CBI programme has been declared incompatible with EU law by the European Court of Justice. This ruling effectively ends the country’s golden passport scheme and significantly alters the European landscape for investment migration.

Learn more about the ruling and its implications for Caribbean CBI programs and the future of investment migration in our The EU Court's Judgment on Malta Citizenship by Investment article.

Though Malta once offered the fastest route to EU citizenship for investors, this path is no longer viable. Investors seeking global mobility through legal, transparent means are increasingly turning to well-regulated Caribbean programs that remain unaffected by EU jurisdiction.

Other Fastest Countries to Get Citizenship

Beyond the Caribbean and Europe, several other nations offer rapid and structured pathways to citizenship:

Jordan

• Timeline: Approximately 6 to 9 months
• Minimum Investment: From USD 750,000 in investment projects or USD 1 million in deposits or treasury bonds.

Jordan’s CBI programme suits investors seeking economic opportunities in the Middle East while securing citizenship through a well-structured framework. Visa-free access to fewer countries compared to the Caribbean CBI countries.

Egypt

• Timeline: 6 to 12 months
• Minimum Investment: USD 250,000 non-refundable government contribution, or USD 300,000 real estate investment.

Egypt provides a quick and efficient route to second citizenship, aligning with the demand for accessible and affordable fastest citizenship by investment options. Visa-free access to fewer countries compared to the Caribbean CBI countries.

Türkiye

• Timeline: Approximately 6 to 9 months
• Minimum Investment: USD 400,000 (real estate) or alternative options such as USD 500,000 in bank deposits or government bonds.

Türkiye’s Citizenship by Investment Programme remains one of the most accessible options among the fastest citizenship by investment programmes worldwide. However, applicants should note that new property purchase regulations may restrict resale options. Visa-free access to fewer countries compared to the Caribbean CBI countries.

Vanuatu

• Timeline: 2 to 3 months
• Minimum Investment: From USD 130,000 contribution to the Development Support Programme.

Vanuatu’s visa-free agreement with the Schengen Area has been suspended for passports issued after 2015. While offering remarkable speed, potential applicants should be aware of the limitations in European travel privileges compared to Caribbean alternatives.

Comparison of the Fastest CBI Programmes in the Caribbean

Cost is a critical factor when evaluating the fastest citizenship by investment options. Yet, understanding what influences total expenditure is essential for making a smart decision. Three major considerations stand out: the number of family members included in the application, the type of investment selected, and the range of additional fees associated with the application process.

Fastest Citizenship by Investment - What Drives the Total Cost?

The total cost of a CBI programme can differ widely depending on whether you're applying alone or as a family. While most programmes advertise a base rate for a single applicant, fees for spouses, children, and dependants can substantially increase the final amount. This means that although some programmes appear cost-effective upfront, families may find that additional charges quickly inflate the budget.

Moreover, governments typically impose further costs such as application fees, due diligence checks, and processing charges, each adding another layer to the investment.

Fastest Citizenship by Investment - Investment Type: Donation vs. Real Estate

Another key factor influencing overall expense is the form of investment. All five fastest places to get citizenship in the Caribbean offer two main pathways: a donation to a national fund or a real estate purchase.

Non-refundable donations are usually the lower-cost option, with typical contributions beginning at US$200,000 for an individual. However, since this is a one-time gift with no return, it doesn’t offer future value. On the flip side, real estate investments, while generally requiring a higher upfront amount (for example, US$270,000 in Grenada versus US$235,000 for its donation option), offer a tangible asset. These properties are often rentable and can be resold after five years. 

Many investors, focused on long-term benefits, choose the real estate route, seeing it as more than just a path to a passport—it’s a strategic asset. Below, two comparison tables across the five Caribbean CBI countries show that Grenada real estate Citizenship by Investment stands out compared to the other fastest citizenship by investment in the Caribbean that offer real estate Citizenship by Investment.

Fastest Citizenship by Investment - Cost of Golden Passport for a Single Applicant

Here's a comparison of estimated costs for an individual applicant across five Caribbean CBI programmes. Note that these figures exclude application and due diligence fees:

• Antigua and Barbuda – $355,000
• Dominica – $275,000
• Grenada – $320,000
• St. Kitts and Nevis – $425,000
• St. Lucia – $330,000

These base costs can help identify the fastest country to get citizenship while balancing financial outlay and benefits.

Fastest Citizenship by Investment - Cost of Golden Passports for Families

For families applying together—typically two adults and two children—the per-person cost drops significantly. Here's a look at family pricing, again excluding standard government fees:

• Antigua and Barbuda – $107,500
• Dominica – $75,000
• Grenada – $80,000
• St. Kitts and Nevis – $115,000
• St. Lucia – $88,750

Among these, Dominica stands out as the most economical option for both individuals and families. However, lower cost doesn't always equate to better value. For example, Dominica does not offer visa-free access to the UK, which Grenada does, along with Schengen countries, China, India, Russia, Brazil, and Argentina. This makes Grenada an appealing candidate for those seeking a more globally connected passport.

For estimates tailored to specific family configurations, please consult our Indicative Cost Calculator or request a custom quote.

Understanding the Fees in Fastest Citizenship by Investment

In addition to the investment amount, there are also several fees, which typically include:

1. Application Fees – Charges for submitting and processing your application.
2. Due Diligence Fees – Costs related to in-depth background checks on applicants.
3. Government Fees – Additional approval or processing costs charged by the host country.
4. Legal and Professional Fees – Payments to lawyers or authorised agents assisting in the application.
5. Bank Fees – Transfer, escrow, and currency conversion charges related to fund movement.
6. Passport Issuance Fees – Final charges for issuing citizenship documents.
7. Dependant Fees – Extra costs for including family members, including further due diligence and processing fees.

These fees vary significantly by country, so prospective applicants should always review a full breakdown before proceeding. For country-specific details, explore our dedicated pages for each programme.

Final Thoughts

Grenada Citizenship by Investment, a programme in a small island with big ambitions, is using its fastest citizenship by investment programme both as a financial and transformative strategic tool. In the race for the fastest citizenship by investment, Grenada is increasingly standing out—not just for speed, but for substance. By attracting skilled entrepreneurs and creating powerful global linkages, Grenada is expanding its influence far beyond its size and stands out among Caribbean Citizenship by Investment programmes, which offer some of the fastest places to get citizenship. Our team is here to guide you toward the most suitable Caribbean CBI programme — reach out via our Contact form or WhatsApp, and we will respond promptly.

Which country has the fastest citizenship by investment programme?

Five Caribbean countries—Antigua, Dominica, St. Kitts, and St. Lucia— currently offer citizenship the fastest, often within four to six months.

How long does Grenada’s citizenship by investment programme take?

The Grenada Citizenship by Investment process generally takes between six to nine months.

Is it possible to include family members in a CBI application?

Yes, spouses, dependent children, and sometimes parents and siblings can be included.

How long do I need to hold the investment property?

Typically 5-7 years. It varies from country to country. In Grenada, the minimum holding period for reselling the property while maintaining citizenship eligibility is five years.

Do I need to live in the country to maintain my citizenship?

No. Residency requirements for Caribbean CBI programmes are generally minimal or nonexistent.

What types of investments are accepted?

Applicants typically have the choice of making a non-refundable contribution to a government fund or investing in pre-approved real estate projects.

Is Grenada the best option for real estate citizenship by investment comparison?

Based on investment threshold, visa-free access, family policies, and flexibility, Grenada appears as the best choice in the Caribbean.

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