Many U.S. citizens obtain a second passport through Citizenship By Investment (CBI) programs for various reasons:
- Some do it to optimize their tax situations.
- Some want to improve the quality of life for their families.
- Some seek greater mobility to travel freely.
- Some simply no longer want to live in the U.S.
Whatever their reasons, this article highlights what we consider the three best CBI programs for U.S. citizens. We’ve taken multiple factors into consideration, including:
- Investment amount
- Processing time
- Visa-free travel options
- Application process
Let’s take a look.
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Contents
Malta
Malta offers the ‘Granting of Citizenship for Exceptional Services Regulations’ which allows for the granting of citizenship by a certificate of naturalization to foreign individuals and their families who contribute to the economic development of Malta. In our opinion, it’s among the best options available for U.S. citizens for several reasons:
- The Maltese passport ranks as the 7th most powerful passport in the world in 2024, according to the Henley Global Passport Index, even higher than the U.S. passport.
- It allows travel to 187 countries under visa-exemption arrangements.
- Malta is part of the Schengen Area, making it extremely easy to travel around Europe.
- Straight forward and streamlined process.
Malta Investment Requirements
To obtain Maltese citizenship there are two main investment options:
- Exceptional Direct Investment: EUR 600,000 to EUR 750,000.
- Residential Property Lease or Purchase: EUR 16,000 per year (five year lease agreement) or EUR 700,000 (with the option to sell the property after five years).
The direct investment option is more popular due to a streamlined process. Property investment requires additional verification from the Maltese government, which can significantly delay the process.
How Long Does it Take to Get a Maltese Passport?
After approval, you must wait 12 to 36 months, depending on your investment choice, before applying for Maltese citizenship.
Disadvantages
There are two main drawbacks to the Maltese citizenship by Naturalization through Exceptional Services by Direct Investment :
- It’s strictly regulated by the Maltese government.
- It takes a minimum of 12 months to obtain a Maltese passport.
More About Malta
Malta is a beautiful island nation located in the Mediterranean, south of Italy. As an EU member, Malta is a strategic gateway with connections to Europe, Africa, and the Middle East, making it an ideal spot for global mobility.
Find out more: Maltese Citizenship by Investment Review: Is It Worth It?
Grenada
If you want to get a second passport as quickly as possible, you should check out Grenada.
Grenada, also known as the “Spice Island,” is a Caribbean nation with lush rainforests, white sandy beaches, and a laid-back lifestyle
Their Citizenship By Investment program has one of the shortest processing times in the world, allowing you to obtain a second passport in just 3 months.
In addition, there are some noteworthy benefits:
- The required investment amount is quite low, at only US$235,000.
- The visa is excellent for traveling around Asia, and it’s one of the few passports that allows visa-free entry to China.
- There’s no inheritance tax or capital gains tax in Grenada.
- You can complete the process without needing to visit Grenada.
- You can include up to 4 family members in the program.
Grenada Investment Requirements
There are two main investment options for Grenada’s Citizenship by Investment Program:
- A minimum non-refundable contribution of US$235,000.
- A minimum real estate investment of US$270,000 in a government-approved real estate project, plus an additional non-refundable contribution of at least US$50,000.
How Long Does it Take to Get a Grenada Passport?
Grenada’s Citizenship by Investment Program has one of the fastest processing times in the world. It may take only 3 months to obtain a Grenada passport.
Disadvantages
The main disadvantage of the Grenada passport is that it can be less powerful than the U.S. passport. While it allows you access to China and Russia without needing a visa, a U.S. passport generally provides broader access to other countries.
More About Grenada
Grenadian passport holders enjoy visa-free or visa-on-arrival access to 147 countries including the United Kingdom, the Schengen area, China, Hong Kong, Singapore, and South Korea. The country has also established a preferential visa treaty with the United States that allows eligible individuals the opportunity to apply for the US E2 visa which enables holders to live, work and study in the country.
Antigua & Barbuda
Antigua and Barbuda is another interesting option for U.S. citizens. As another country in the Caribbean, its passport and Citizenship by Investment program have many similarities to Grenada’s.
Here are some major advantages of the Antigua and Barbuda Golden Passport program:
- The program requires one of the lowest investment amounts, with a minimum of only US$230,000.
- The application process is very streamlined and can take only 3-4 months.
- There’s no personal income tax, capital gains tax, or inheritance tax.
- You can visit over 150 countries visa-free, including Russia.
Antigua and Barbuda Investment Requirements
There are several investment options available, including:
- A non-refundable contribution of US$230,000 to the National Development Fund.
- A non-refundable contribution of US$260,000 to the University of the West Indies.
- A real estate purchase from an approved project with a minimum investment of US$300,000.
- A business purchase (eligible businesses only) with a minimum investment of US$1.5 million.
In our opinion, the non-refundable contribution to either the National Development Fund or the University of the West Indies is the most appealing option. While it requires a higher investment amount than other choices, the process is much more streamlined.
How Long Does it Take to Get an Antigua and Barbuda Passport?
Due to the streamlined process, you can expect to receive an Antigua and Barbuda passport within 3-4 months after submitting your application.
This is one of the fastest processing times in the world.
Disadvantages
There are a few disadvantages of the program:
- The passport is slightly less powerful than a U.S. passport.
- You must stay in Antigua and Barbuda for at least 5 days within the first 5 years after obtaining the passport.
Find out more: Antigua and Barbuda Citizenship by Investment Program Review
Which Citizenship by Investment Program Should I Choose?
- If you need an EU passport, acquiring Maltese citizenship is the most recommended option.
- If you need a second passport quickly and with a low investment amount, Antigua and Barbuda is one of the best options available.
- If you need a second passport with no residency requirement, go with Grenada.
No matter which option you choose, it’s always a good idea to consult with an investment immigration specialist. This way, you get personalized advice to ensure it’s the best choice for you. They can also help with due diligence, which is required regardless of the program.
In many cases, they are also authorized representatives of the Citizenship by Investment Program. This means you need to apply for the program through them. If you need help finding one, use the form below, and we’ll put you in touch with a reputable advisor.
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