Main Blog Citizenship by Real Estate Investment (2025): Countries and Rules

Citizenship by Real Estate Investment (2025): Countries and Rules

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9/23/2025

Citizenship by Real Estate Investment (2025): Countries and Rules

Citizenship by real estate investment remains one of the most tangible ways to secure a second passport in 2025. Unlike residency-by-investment schemes, these programs grant full nationality through purchasing approved property. This article compares the main countries still offering such routes, minimum thresholds, timelines, and benefits.

Key terms in 20 seconds

CBI (Citizenship by Investment): direct nationality granted after an approved investment and due diligence.
Approved project: real estate vetted by the government as qualifying.
Holding period: usually 5–7 years of mandatory property ownership.
Passport benefits: visa-free travel, relocation flexibility, family coverage.

Countries offering citizenship by real estate — 2025 comparison

Country	Minimum property value	Processing time	Family inclusion	Passport benefits
Turkey	US$400,000+	6–8 months	Spouse, children under 18	Visa-free to 110+ countries
Dominica	US$200,000+	4–6 months	Spouse, children, parents	Visa-free to 140+ countries
St. Kitts & Nevis	US$200k (7-year hold) / US$400k (5-year hold)	4–6 months	Spouse, children, dependents	Visa-free to 150+ countries
Antigua & Barbuda	US$200,000+	4–6 months	Spouse, children, parents	Visa-free to 150+ countries
Grenada	US$220,000+	5–7 months	Spouse, children, parents	Visa-free to 145+ countries (incl. China)
St. Lucia	US$200,000+	5–7 months	Spouse, children, parents	Visa-free to 140+ countries

Which programs stand out in 2025?

Turkey: unique for offering citizenship in a large economy.
Caribbean states: low entry points and strong travel rights.
Grenada: extra advantages — China access and US E-2 treaty.

Mini case #1 — Family in Turkey

A family invests US$420,000 in Istanbul property. Citizenship is granted in eight months. The property is rented, generating a 4% yield during the holding period.

Mini case #2 — Investor in Grenada

An entrepreneur acquires US$230,000 in Grenadian real estate. After seven months, his family secures citizenship with visa-free travel to Europe and China.

Mini case #3 — Lifestyle choice in the Caribbean

A couple invests US$220,000 in St. Kitts. Within six months they obtain passports, plus immediate access to 150+ countries.

Advantages of citizenship by real estate

Direct nationality: faster than naturalisation-based residency routes.
Family coverage: spouse and children usually included.
Mobility: broad visa-free travel footprint.
Dual citizenship: generally permitted in these programs.
Asset value: property may yield rent and resale potential after the hold.

Risks and compliance

Liquidity: resale markets are narrow; plan ahead.
Eligibility: only approved projects qualify.
Extra fees: government and due diligence fees add to total cost.
Program stability: thresholds and rules can change quickly.

Step-by-step application

Choose country and confirm property threshold.
Select an approved project.
Prepare documents: passports, police record, source-of-funds proof.
Transfer funds via escrow with MT103 proof.
Submit application with due diligence and biometrics.
Receive approval, oath, and passports within 4–8 months.

Expert notes

“Real estate remains the most tangible route to second citizenship, combining lifestyle with investment.” — Carrie, Head of Sales

“Applicants must always check the project is officially approved; otherwise the property won’t qualify.” — Daniel, Legal Counsel

Common mistakes (and quick fixes)

Buying below the threshold → confirm current minimums.
Assuming any property qualifies → only approved projects count.
Expecting instant passport → allow 4–8 months for checks.
Reselling too early → respect holding rules to retain citizenship.

FAQ

Which is the cheapest? Dominica, St. Lucia, and Antigua from US$200k.
Which is fastest? Turkey and St. Kitts often approve within 6 months.
Which passport is strongest? Grenada and St. Kitts with 145–150+ destinations.
Are families included? Yes, most programs extend to spouse and children.

What this article answers

Which countries offer citizenship via real estate in 2025.
What are the minimum thresholds and timelines.
What are the benefits and risks.
How Caribbean options compare with Turkey.

For detailed comparisons and structured support, see our resources and explore program insights. VelesClub Int. guides clients through property selection, secure transfers, and compliant CBI applications worldwide.