Citizenship demand hits record high: Here are the countries where it is easiest to obtain citizenship

Since the first months of the new year, interest in countries offering citizenship by investment has risen higher than ever before. According to current reports prepared by expert institutions in the field, applications for acquiring a second passport have increased nearly fourfold since the beginning of 2026.

The search for security on a global scale and the need for international mobility play a major role in this increase. Experts point out that the phrase "buying a passport" is not a legally accurate definition, reminding that citizenship programs are based on the existing laws and investment criteria of the respective countries.

Jennifer Stevens stated that a second citizenship offers strategic advantages in terms of investment and long-term living abroad. Ted Baumann, an expert working on global diversification, emphasized that the increase in applications reached three to four times by the beginning of 2026.

HERE ARE THE MOST IN-DEMAND LOCATIONS

The countries receiving the most interest and their updated investment conditions are listed as follows:

The Caribbean region continues to lead in citizenship-by-investment programs. Those wishing to obtain citizenship in Saint Kitts and Nevis are required to make a $250,000 donation to the state fund or a $325,000 real estate investment. This real estate must be held for at least seven years. While there is no residency requirement in the country, applicants in Antigua and Barbuda are required to stay in the country for at least five days within the first five years. In Antigua, applications can be made with a $230,000 donation or a $300,000 real estate investment.

Dominica stands out among the options for being low-cost; citizenship can be obtained with a contribution or investment of around $200,000, and there is no requirement to live in the country. Grenada grants the right to apply for a US E-2 investor visa along with citizenship, and accepts applications for its program in exchange for a $235,000 donation or investment. Saint Lucia grants citizenship with a $240,000 government contribution or a $300,000 real estate investment.

In Europe, North Macedonia is among the countries offering citizenship with an investment requirement of approximately 200,000 euros. The investment amount must be held for three years; however, the country is not a member of the European Union.

Turkey continues to grant citizenship rights to foreigners who purchase real estate or make a deposit or investment at the $500,000 level. The lower limit for real estate investment is $400,000, and these investments are generally required to be maintained for at least three years.

In the Middle East and Africa, Egypt is a relatively new country in citizenship programs and opens the path with a $100,000 donation or a $500,000 bank deposit to be held for three years. Jordan is one of the countries that has set the highest limits; here, there is a qualified investment requirement reaching $1.4 million for citizenship.

Within the scope of Asia and the Pacific, Cambodia offers citizenship in exchange for an investment or donation of approximately $245,000, while Vanuatu has one of the fastest programs with costs starting from $130,000. However, Vanuatu has recently experienced some issues with visa-free travel agreements between countries.

As global citizenship programs continue to update their conditions and pricing in the face of increasing demand, investors are also closely following the opportunities between existing advantages and new regulations.

News Source: 12punto