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 — 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
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 $100,000 NEF contribution. 146+ visa-free countries including UK and Schengen. Fully remote application. Fast-track 3–6 months. Most cost-effective Caribbean CBI.
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.
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 residency from EUR 50,000 business investment. Note: real estate, bond, and bank deposit routes face possible closure from 1 January 2027 under pending legislation. Fastest EU processing at 2-4 months.
View detailsDon'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.