Citizenship & Residency by Investment Programs (2026)

Zitadelle AG assists high-net-worth individuals, entrepreneurs, and families in obtaining second citizenship or EU residency through investment. A second passport provides global mobility, financial privacy, and a secure backup plan; an EU residency permit provides Schengen access, a path to eventual citizenship, and a foothold in Europe without giving up existing nationality. Explore our citizenship by investment programs and our EU residency by investment program below.

Why a second passport in 2026?

A second citizenship provides more than travel convenience. It offers a legal backup residence in case of political instability, expanded banking and financial access, tax optimization opportunities in jurisdictions with zero personal income tax, and the ability to pass citizenship to future generations. For entrepreneurs and investors operating internationally, holding two passports is increasingly standard practice โ€” not a luxury.

Zitadelle AG advises on second citizenship programs in the context of broader corporate structuring, financial licensing, and wealth protection strategies. We combine citizenship advisory with our expertise in offshore financial services, company formation, and international tax planning.

Compare Citizenship Programs

ProgramMin. InvestmentProcessing TimeVisa-Free CountriesEU SchengenTaxView details
St Kitts & Nevis CBI~USD $250,0004โ€“6 months140+Yes0% personal income
St Lucia CIP~USD $100,0003โ€“6 months146+Yes0% wealth/capital gains
Vanuatu DSP~USD $130,0002โ€“3 months90+No (suspended 2024)0% personal income

Compare Residency by Investment Programs

ProgramMin. InvestmentProcessing TimeOutcomeEU/SchengenPath to CitizenshipView details
Latvia Golden VisaEUR 50,000 (business route)2โ€“4 months5-year residence permitYes โ€” full EU/Schengen member10 years

Unlike citizenship by investment, residency by investment does not grant a passport immediately โ€” it grants the right to live in the country, with citizenship possible after a defined residence period. Latvia's real estate, government bond, and bank deposit routes are pending a legislative reform that may remove them from 1 January 2027 โ€” see the full Latvia Golden Visa page for the current status.

Citizenship by Investment Programs

Residency by Investment (Golden Visa) Programs

Residency-by-investment (RBI) programs grant the right to live in a country rather than an immediate second passport โ€” citizenship becomes possible only after a qualifying period of lawful residence. These are distinct from the citizenship-by-investment (CBI) programs above.

Don't see what you're looking for?

Beyond the Latvia Golden Visa detailed above, we also advise on Golden Visa and residency-by-investment programs across Europe (Portugal, Malta, Greece, Cyprus) and the Caribbean. These programs provide residency rather than citizenship, but can lead to citizenship over time. Contact us to discuss your specific mobility, tax, and security objectives.

Ready for your second passport?

Our citizenship advisors will guide you through program selection and the full application process.

Disclaimer: This page is for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal, tax, or immigration advice. Citizenship by investment programs are subject to change by respective governments. Processing times, investment thresholds, and visa-free access are subject to modification. Contact Zitadelle AG or the relevant government authority for current program requirements. Last updated July 2026.