Against the backdrop of growing demand for globalized asset allocation and identity planning, the rapid acquisition of a second citizenship (CBI)through investmenthas become an important option for high net worth individuals.
The following 7 mainstream small-country status programs have attracted attention for their clear F cases, relatively low investment thresholds, fast approval processes, and strong visa-free features.
I. Turkey, real estate
Investment: Purchasea property with avalue of not less than 400,000 USD, whichcan be sold after3years ofholdingand the status will not be affected.
Possibility of bringing family members: two generations of a family (spouse andchildren under18years of age).
Application cycle: approximately 6-10months.
Number ofvisa-free/visa-on-arrival/electronic visa countries(regions):134countries(visa-free/visa-on-arrival114 + electronic visa20).
Name change policy: name change is possible,no former name will be shownon the new H-photo.
Core features:
The Eurasian country’s H-photo, which has the attributes of actual residence and life.
The propertycan be sold after3years, and it is expected to achieve“zero cost“naturalization.
Identity is not permanently tied to assets, and identity can be held in perpetuity.
Qualifying for the U.S.E-2Treaty Investor Visa is a popular springboard for fast-tracking to the United States.
Non-global taxing countries for asset segregation and tax planning.
Schematic diagram, source web
II. Antigua and Barbuda, donations
Mode of Investment:Contributionto the National Development Fund (NDF) at acost ofUS$100,000for a single applicant.Depending on the size of the family, the total cost varies, for example, a family of four (2adultsand 2children) totaling about150,000 U.S. dollars.(Note: According tothe latest information in2025, the originalpolicy of“$230,000regardless of the number of persons“has been adjusted, and it is recommended that the latest official bill prevails.)
Portable Family Members: Extremely broad, covering upto five generations of a family, including spouse, children, grandchildren, parents, grandparents and eligible siblings.
Application cycle: approx. 4-7months(background check time will affect progress).
Number ofvisa-free/visa-on-arrival/electronic visa countries(regions):172countries(visa-free/visa-on-arrival144 + electronic visa28).
Name change policy:After5years ofnaturalizationandphysical residence in Antigua, you can apply for a name change without showing your former name.
Core features:
One of the most family-inclusive programs in the Caribbean H-photo.
Visa waiver for Chinese nationals holding diplomatic and official H-license (ordinary H-license requires renunciation of Chinese citizenship to enjoy visa waiver).
The approval process is relatively mature and stable.
Commitment tozeroCRS(Common Reporting Standard) information exchangeand high financial privacy.
Schematic diagram,source web
III. Dominica, donations
Investment approach:
Z to ZF:$100,000 forthe main applicant; $150,000 forthe main applicant+spouse; $175,000 fora family of four (2adultsand 2children); additional members are charged separately.
Or buyZF approved real estate from$220,000 and holdfor 3years.
Family members that can be brought along: a family of four (principal applicant, spouse,eligible children under30years of age, andparents over65years of age).
Application cycle: approximately 4-7months.
Number ofvisa-free/visa-on-arrival/electronic visa countries(regions):172countries(visa-free/visa-on-arrival144 + electronic visa28).
Change of name policy: Similar to Antigua, requires5years ofnaturalizationandphysical residencein Dominica.
Core features:
Known as“the king of the Caribbean H photo cost-effective“, single donor Z low threshold.
Visa waivers are also available for Chinese citizens holding diplomatic and official H-licenses.
The program has a long history, stable policies and global recognition.
The same commitment tozero exchange ofCRSinformation.
Schematic diagram,source web
IV. St. Kitts and Nevis, donations
Investment approach:
Donate Z:$150,000 fora family of four ; $175,000for a single applicant through the Sustainable Growth J Fund (SGF).
Real Estate: Purchase ofZF designated real estate over400,000 USD(can be purchased by two families for200,000 USDeach) and hold itfor 7years.
Family members can be brought: three generations of a family (spouse,eligible children under30,parents/grandparentsover55).
Application cycle:accelerated channel can be as fast as60-90days, normal process about3-6months.
Number ofvisa-free/visa-on-arrival/electronic visa countries(regions):186(154 visa-free/visa-on-arrival+ 32electronic visas),visa-free strength ranked first in the Caribbean.
Name Change Policy: Name change is possible, but the H-photo personal information page willshow the former name.
Core features:
The world’s oldestnaturalization by investment program(since1984) is safe and secure.
Top travel convenience with visa-free access to the UK, EU Schengen Area, Russia and more.
It is a famous offshore financial center with no personal income tax, capital gains tax, inheritance tax, etc., which is a significant tax advantage.
No diplomatic relations with China, H license visa-free Hong Kong, China, Taiwan, and visa-on-arrival Macau, China.
Schematic diagram,source web
V. Saint Lucia, donations
Investment approach:
Donation Z:Contributionto the National Economic Fund (NEF):$100,000 forthe principal applicant; $140,000 forthe principal applicant+spouse; $150,000 fora family of four (2adultsand 2children).
Other options include real estate investment (from $300,000), etc.
Family members may be brought: a family of three (spouse,eligible children under30years of age, andparents over55years of age), and alsosiblings under the age of18under certain conditions.
Application cycle: relatively long, about 10-17months.
Number ofvisa-free/visa-on-arrival/electronic visa countries(regions):178countries(visa-free/visa-on-arrival146 + electronic visa32).
Name change policy: names can be changed, but willshow former names.
Core features:
The project is relatively new (launched in2016) and the donor Z threshold is competitive among Caribbean countries.
Again, no diplomatic relations have been established with China.
Visa-free access to the United Kingdom and Schengen Area and the ability to apply online for a Canadian electronic travel authorization (eTA).
Schematic diagram, source web
VI. Grenada, endowment/equity
Investment approach:
Donation Z:Contributionto the National Transformation Fund (NTF), $150,000 fora family of four; $175,000for a single applicant.
Property: Purchase ofZF-approved property of US$350,000 or more and holdfor 5years.
Family members may be brought: four generations of a family (spouse,eligible children under30years of age,parents/grandparents, and eligible unmarried childless siblings).
Application cycle: approximately 6-8months.
Number ofvisa-free/visa-on-arrival/electronic visa countries(regions):176countries(visa-free/visa-on-arrival147 + electronic visa29).
Name change policy:Direct name changes are not possible. If a name change is required, the legal process must be completed in the country of origin before submitting an application for naturalization.
Core features:
The only Caribbean country with mutual visa exemption with China (for up to30dayswith diplomatic, official and ordinary H-photos).
Signing a treaty with the U.S. and qualifying for a U.S.E-2visa is another important way to curve your way to the U.S.
A wide range of affiliated applicants can be brought in.
Schematic diagram, source online
VII. Vanuatu, contribution
Investment:Contribute Zto ZF Support J Gold (VCP), main applicant US$80,000; main applicant+spouse US$100,000; family of three US$115,000; family of four US$130,000
Possible family members: spouse,children under25years old,parents over50years old.
Application Cycle:Extremely fast, with an official commitment of30-60days, it is currently one of the fastest investment and naturalization programs in the world.
Number ofvisa-free/visa-on-arrival/electronic visa countries(regions): about 129countries(mainly in Oceania and Asia, including Singapore, Russia, the United Kingdom and the Schengen area, etc.).
Name change policy: Changing a name during the naturalization process is generally not recommended or supported.
Core features:
Fastest and suitable for those who need a second identity urgently.
The investment threshold is the lowest, at just$80,000for a single donor.
South Pacific country, non-global taxation, good for tax planning.
The H-photo is visa-free for Russia, the UK and Schengen countries, providing some travel convenience.
Schematic diagram, source web
[Summary and recommendations for selection]
Small country status, how to choose?
*Click on the large image for details
For speed and lowest cost: Vanuatu is preferred.
Look for visa waiver strength and historical credibility: St. Kitts and Nevis is the benchmark.
Hoping to jump-start the U.S.: Turkey or Grenada (E2visa).
Need to cover extended family members: Antigua and Barbuda or Grenada.
Focus on privacy andCRSplanning: Caribbean countries (e.g. Antigua, Dominica) are traditional choices.
Preference for property investment with residency possibilities: Turkey is the ideal option.
Need visa-free access to China: Grenada is an excellent choice.
[Conclusion]
Choosing a second citizenship is a strategic planning exercise for your family’s future, asset allocation and lifestyle.7small country statuses, 7 keys, each one opening a different door:
From Turkey’s Eurasian hub and USE2springboard, to the Caribbean region’s tax planning and visa-free convenience, to Vanuatu’s extreme speed. The key is to identify your core requirements, is it for freedom of travel, tax optimization, asset security, or for children’s education and career expansion?
There is no perfect identity, only the most suitable program for you. In the era of globalization, to plan your second identity in advance is to provide your family with one more choice and one more guarantee for the future. We suggest that you consult a professional organization and take this crucial step to start a new chapter of your life as a global citizen.
Note: The above information is based onofficial information from each program in early2025, and policies may be subject to fine-tuning.
Before making a decision, be sure to consult with a professional immigration attorney or licensed agent and verify the program’s latest bill and specific requirements based on your family structure, financial situation and planning goals.
*Reference sources: Turkey, Antigua and Barbuda, Dominica, St. Kitts and Nevis, St. Lucia, Grenada, Vanuatu.
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