Citizenship by investment (CBI) is a legal route to a second passport where a country grants citizenship to qualifying applicants who make a government-approved investment and pass due diligence.
Citizenship by investment (CBI) is a legal route to a second passport where a country grants citizenship to qualifying applicants who make a government-approved investment and pass due diligence. As an American, you can typically apply for CBI in many countries—either directly (fast-track citizenship programs) or indirectly (residency-by-investment first, then citizenship later through naturalization).
This guide explains the process in plain language, what it costs, and what Americans should watch for in 2026.
First: what “citizenship through investment” can mean
There are two main pathways:
- Direct Citizenship by Investment (CBI):
You invest (often a donation or approved real estate/business investment), pass background checks, and can receive citizenship in months. - Residency by Investment → Citizenship later:
You first get a residence permit (often called a “golden visa”), meet residence and other requirements over time, then apply for citizenship through standard naturalization rules. This typically takes years, not months.
Which one is “right” depends on your goals: speed, budget, family inclusion, ability/willingness to spend time in the country, and whether you want a passport now vs. a longer-term plan.
Can Americans get a second citizenship without losing U.S. citizenship?
Often, yes—many countries allow dual citizenship, and the U.S. generally permits holding another nationality. But two important realities remain:
- U.S. taxes still apply: The U.S. taxes citizens on worldwide income, even if you get another passport. A second citizenship does not end U.S. tax obligations.
- You may have extra reporting: Depending on your accounts and structures, you may need filings such as FBAR, FATCA-related disclosures, and other international reporting.
If you’re considering any plan where U.S. citizenship renunciation is part of the long-term strategy, you should involve qualified U.S. tax counsel early to ensure against any unwanted surprises.
Popular citizenship-by-investment options Americans often consider (2026)
Program availability and rules can change, so treat this as a high-level map—not legal advice.
Direct CBI (typically faster)
- Caribbean citizenship programs (various islands): Often among the most time-efficient routes; investment is commonly a contribution or approved real estate.
- Turkey: Commonly structured around real estate or capital investment routes (requirements can change).
- Other jurisdictions: Options exist, but each comes with different timelines, due diligence requirements, and reputational considerations.
Residency first (citizenship later)
- European and other residency-by-investment programs: Usually provide a residence card first; citizenship may come later if you meet residence, language, and/or integration requirements.
- These are often better for people who want a long-term “Plan B”—not necessarily an immediate passport.
The 10-step process (simple and practical)
- Decide your “why”
- Do you want easier travel, a backup home, family security, business flexibility, or a long-term relocation plan?
- Your goal determines whether you should pursue direct CBI or residency → citizenship.
- Check dual citizenship rules
- Confirm the target country allows dual citizenship (and whether your family members can also qualify).
- Confirm whether any future obligations exist (e.g., military service, local taxes, renewal rules).
- Set a real budget (including fees, not just the investment)
- Many people focus on the minimum investment and forget due diligence fees, legal fees, and government charges.
- Build a buffer for document procurement, translations, and courier costs.
- Choose your investment type
Common options include:- Non-refundable contribution/donation (simple, but you don’t get the money back)
- Approved real estate (potential resale later, but higher transaction complexity)
- Business investment (can be more complex and slower)
- Government bonds/funds (if offered; may have holding periods)
- Pre-screen for eligibility (before you spend heavily)
A professional pre-check can flag issues like:- prior visa refusals or overstays
- criminal or civil matters
- sanctions exposure
- source-of-funds documentation gaps
This step prevents costly surprises mid-application.
- Plan your “source of funds” proof
You’ll typically need to show how you earned the money legally, such as:- tax returns
- bank statements
- business financials
- sale of property/investments
- inheritance/gift documentation
This is one of the most important—and time-consuming—parts of the file.
- Collect documents and get them prepared correctly
Expect to gather:- passports, IDs, birth/marriage certificates
- police clearance certificates
- proof of address
- medical forms (varies)
- certified translations, apostilles/legalizations (as required)
Mistakes here can cause major delays.
- Submit the application and complete due diligence
The government and/or authorized agents run background checks.- If something is unclear, they may issue questions (requests for information).
- Respond quickly and accurately—this is not the stage for guesswork.
- Make the investment (at the correct time, in the correct way)
- Some programs require proof of funds early; others only after approval-in-principle.
- Funds must usually move through traceable banking channels and match your declared source-of-funds story.
- Receive citizenship, passport, and complete post-approval steps
- You may need to take an oath, register locally, or renew/maintain certain documents.
- If you bought real estate, you’ll have ongoing ownership obligations (holding period, insurance, taxes, property management).
Cost layers (what you pay for—and why)
Citizenship-by-investment costs usually come in layers. Understanding them upfront helps you compare programs correctly.
- The investment itself
- Donation/contribution, real estate purchase, business capital, bonds/fund units, etc.
- This is the “headline” number, but not the full cost.
- Government fees
- Application fees, processing fees, passport fees, certificate fees, and sometimes oath/registration fees.
- These fund administration and program operations.
- Due diligence fees
- Background checks on the main applicant and often each dependent.
- These fees reflect the cost of screening and risk controls.
- Professional fees
- Legal and authorized agent fees to structure the case, prepare documents, manage submissions, and respond to government queries.
- This is where experience matters most—especially for complex finances or multi-country documentation.
- Third-party document costs
- Police certificates, notarizations, apostilles/legalizations, certified translations, medical exams, courier fees.
- Investment execution costs (common with real estate)
- Conveyancing, title checks, valuation, escrow, taxes/stamps, agent commissions, and ongoing property management.
- These vary widely by country and project.
How long does it take (realistically)?
Timelines depend on the program, your country of residence, your document readiness, and the complexity of your finances.
- Direct CBI: commonly measured in months, assuming clean due diligence and strong documentation.
- Residency → citizenship: commonly measured in years, because citizenship depends on residence, integration, and eligibility rules over time.
A common cause of delay is not the government—it’s missing documents, inconsistent source-of-funds evidence, or slow responses to due diligence questions.
Key risks to avoid (especially for Americans)
- Buying “citizenship” from a non-authorized intermediary
Work only with government-authorized channels. If someone promises a “shortcut,” that’s a red flag. - Weak source-of-funds documentation
Even if your money is legitimate, you must prove it in the format required. - Choosing a program that doesn’t match your lifestyle
If a residency route requires time on the ground and you can’t meet it, citizenship later may never happen. - Assuming a second passport fixes U.S. tax complexity
It doesn’t. Coordinate with U.S. tax professionals if you have global assets, businesses, trusts, or you’re considering major life changes.
How to choose the right program as an American
A good shortlist usually comes from answering these questions:
- Do you need a passport quickly, or is a long-term residency strategy acceptable?
- Are you comfortable with a donation, or do you want an asset-backed route like real estate?
- Will you include spouse, children, parents, or other dependents?
- Do you need flexibility (minimal travel), or are you willing to relocate and spend time in-country?
- Do you want a simple case—or do you have complex finances that require careful planning?
How FTB Mobility helps
FTB Mobility supports Americans seeking citizenship or residency through investment with a full, end-to-end approach:
- Program breadth: access to 25+ government-approved programs across six continents.
- One-stop execution: immigration process plus help coordinating investment selection, property acquisition, and relocation planning.
- Complex-case readiness: support for multi-jurisdiction document sets and nuanced source-of-funds files.
- Long-standing track record: operating since 2013 in investment migration.
If you want a tailored shortlist (fast passport vs. residency plan, donation vs. real estate, family inclusion), the best next step is a structured eligibility and goals review.
FAQ (quick answers)
Is citizenship by investment legal?
Yes—when you apply through a government-approved program and follow the required legal process.
Do I have to live in the country?
Sometimes. Many direct CBI programs have minimal or no residence requirements, while residency-to-citizenship routes often require physical presence and integration.
Can my family get citizenship too?
Often yes, but rules vary by country (dependents, age limits, parents, etc.). Family inclusion can significantly affect total fees.
Will I still pay U.S. taxes?
Yes. A second citizenship generally does not change U.S. worldwide taxation for U.S. citizens. Speak with U.S. tax counsel for planning.rdinate the legal and practical steps across jurisdictions,so you choose a strategy you can actually maintain.
