Once you’ve decided that a second passport is the right strategic move, the next crucial question is: where? The Citizenship by Investment (CBI) landscape offers a variety of options, each with its own unique set of benefits, investment requirements, and strategic advantages. To help you navigate this important decision, we’ve compiled a comparative guide to the top 5 investment passport destinations for 2025, with a special focus on what they offer South African investors.

1. Grenada: The Gateway to the USA

Known as the “Isle of Spice,” Grenada offers one of the most compelling CBI programmes in the Caribbean, particularly for those with business interests in the United States.

• Minimum Investment: Starts from a $150,000 donation to the National Transformation Fund (for a single applicant) or a $220,000 investment in government-approved real estate.
• Key Benefit: The E-2 Investor Visa Treaty: Grenada is the only Caribbean country with a CBI programme that has an E-2 Investor Visa treaty with the USA. This allows Grenadian citizens to apply to live and work in the US by establishing a business there, an opportunity not directly available to South Africans.
• Global Mobility: Visa-free access to over 140 countries, including the UK, the EU Schengen Area, and, uniquely, China.
• Family Inclusivity: The programme is known for its broad definition of dependents, allowing the inclusion of a spouse, children, parents, and even unmarried siblings.
• Processing Time: Typically 4-6 months.

Best for: Entrepreneurs and investors looking for a pathway to the United States and comprehensive family inclusion.

2. St. Kitts & Nevis: The Original and Most Prestigious

St. Kitts & Nevis established the world’s first Citizenship by Investment programme in 1984. It is often regarded as the “platinum standard” due to its long-standing reputation and rigorous due diligence processes.

• Minimum Investment: A donation of $250,000 to the Sustainable Island State Contribution (SISC) for a single applicant. Real estate options start at $400,000.
• Key Benefit: Reputation and Speed: As the oldest programme, it is highly respected globally. It also offers an accelerated application process (for an additional fee) that can grant approval in as little as 60 days.
• Global Mobility: An excellent passport providing visa-free travel to over 150 countries, including the EU Schengen Area and the UK.
• Family Inclusivity: Allows for the inclusion of a spouse, children, and parents.
• Processing Time: Standard processing is around 4 months.

Best for: Investors who prioritise reputation, security, and a fast, streamlined process.

3. Dominica: The Nature Isle’s Affordable Option

Dominica’s CBI programme is highly regarded for its efficiency, affordability, and integrity. It offers one of the most cost-effective routes to a second citizenship from a stable and beautiful country.

• Minimum Investment: A $100,000 donation to the Economic Diversification Fund (EDF) for a single applicant, making it one of the most affordable options available. Real estate investment starts at $200,000.
• Key Benefit: Cost-Effectiveness and Reliability: Dominica provides a trusted and straightforward path to citizenship with a lower financial barrier to entry, particularly for single applicants or small families.
• Global Mobility: Visa-free access to over 140 countries, including the EU Schengen Area and China.
• Family Inclusivity: The programme accommodates the main applicant, spouse, children, and parents.
• Processing Time: Typically 3-4 months.

Best for: Cost-conscious investors and families seeking a reliable and reputable programme with a quick processing time.

4. Malta: The Gold Standard of EU Citizenship

For those seeking the ultimate in global access and the right to live, work, and study anywhere in the European Union, Malta’s programme is unparalleled. It is not a direct CBI programme but rather offers citizenship through naturalisation for exceptional services by direct investment.

• Minimum Investment: A comprehensive investment is required. This includes a non-refundable contribution of €600,000 (after 36 months of residency) or €750,000 (after 12 months of residency), plus a €700,000 real estate purchase (or €16,000 annual rental) and a €10,000 charitable donation.
• Key Benefit: Full EU Citizenship: This is the main draw. A Maltese passport grants the holder the right to live, work, and study in any of the 27 EU member countries, plus Switzerland.
• Global Mobility: Visa-free access to over 180 countries, including the USA, Canada, and Australia.
• Family Inclusivity: A comprehensive family application is possible.
• Processing Time: The pathway to citizenship takes either 12 or 36 months, depending on the investment level chosen.

Best for: High-net-worth individuals and families for whom full EU access and the world’s best mobility are the primary goals.

5. Turkey: A Bridge Between East and West

Turkey offers a unique and increasingly popular CBI programme, providing a strategic base with a foot in both Europe and Asia.

• Minimum Investment: A real estate purchase of at least $400,000 is the most common route. Other options include a bank deposit or capital investment of $500,000.
• Key Benefit: Real Estate Investment and Strategic Location: The programme is attractive to those who wish to invest in a tangible asset in a vibrant and growing property market. Turkey’s location offers a unique cultural and business environment.
• Global Mobility: Visa-free access to over 110 countries, including Japan, South Korea, and most of Latin America.
• Family Inclusivity: Includes the applicant, spouse, and dependent children under 18.
• Processing Time: Relatively fast, typically within 6-9 months.

Best for: Investors focused on real estate who desire a second home or investment property in a transcontinental country with a rich culture.

Making the Right Choice

Choosing the right investment passport programme is a significant decision that depends entirely on your personal and financial goals. Do you prioritise access to the US, the EU, or a cost-effective solution? Is a tangible real estate investment important to you?

Navigating the nuances of each programme requires expert guidance. The team at immigration-services.co.za is here to provide a detailed, one-on-one analysis of your options and help you select the country that perfectly aligns with your vision for the future.

Apply NOW