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 a backup travel document and mobility; 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.
Where we focus
We advise across many jurisdictions, but most of our residency work is in Malaysia and Labuan, Latvia, Estonia, Lithuania, Cyprus and Mauritius — where we have offices or long local experience — and our citizenship work centres on St Kitts and Nevis, St Lucia and Vanuatu. For an overview of what changed in 2025–2026 and how to choose, read our residency and second citizenship guide.
Why a second passport in 2026?
A second citizenship provides more than travel convenience. It offers expanded banking and financial access, the ability to pass citizenship to future generations, a backup residence in case of political instability, and — combined with a change of tax residence and proper advice — potential tax planning opportunities. For entrepreneurs and investors operating internationally, holding two passports is increasingly standard practice — 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.
Travel access for several investment-citizenship countries has narrowed in 2025–2026, so we check current access with every client before recommending a programme.
Compare Citizenship Programs
Compare Residency by Investment Programs
Unlike citizenship by investment, residency by investment does not grant a passport immediately — it grants the right to live in the country, with citizenship possible after a defined residence period. Latvia abolished its real estate and bank deposit routes on 15 September 2026 and cut the equity permit from five years to two — see the full Latvia Golden Visa page for the current status.
Citizenship by Investment Programs
St Kitts & Nevis — Citizenship by Investment
World's oldest CBI program (est. 1984). From USD $250,000 SISC contribution. 140+ visa-free countries, EU Schengen access, zero personal income tax. Premium Caribbean passport.
View detailsSt Lucia — Citizenship by Investment
From USD 240,000 (National Economic Fund, main applicant and up to three dependants). 146+ visa-free countries including Schengen. Fully remote application. Since 5 March 2026, St Lucian nationals need a visa to visit the United Kingdom.
View detailsVanuatu — Citizenship by Investment
World's fastest CBI program — 2–3 months. From USD $130,000 DSP contribution. No residency or language requirements. Zero personal income tax. Note: EU Schengen access currently suspended. UK visa required.
View detailsResidency by Investment (Golden Visa) Programs
Residency-by-investment (RBI) programs grant the right to live in a country rather than an immediate second passport — citizenship becomes possible only after a qualifying period of lawful residence. These are distinct from the citizenship-by-investment (CBI) programs above.
Cyprus Residency
All six Cyprus residence routes in one place — permanent residency by investment from EUR 300,000, employment, digital nomad, Blue Card and startup visa. Plus the 2026 tax reform and the Schengen position.
View detailsMalta MPRP
Permanent residence in an EU and Schengen state for EUR 99,000 in government payments plus a qualifying property. Restructured in July 2025. No minimum stay, no work rights, no route to a passport.
View detailsLatvia — Golden Visa (Residency by Investment)
EU and Schengen residence from a EUR 50,000 investment in a Latvian company. Since 15 September 2026 the real estate and bank deposit routes have closed and the permit runs for two years, renewable.
View detailsDon't see what you're looking for?
We also advise on residency in Malaysia (MM2H and Labuan work permits), Estonia, Lithuania and Mauritius, and can advise on or introduce programmes such as the UAE Golden Visa and Grenada citizenship.
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 October 2026.