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Investment Migration Explained: Move, Invest, and Gain a Second Passport

Investment migration lets you gain residence or citizenship in another country by making a qualifying investment, often in real estate, business, or government bonds.

It’s a legal and strategic pathway for globally mobile individuals looking to expand their rights, security, and financial options.

In this guide, we’ll explore:

  • What are the top countries for investment migration?
  • What is the difference between residency and citizenship by investment?
  • What are the requirements for investment migration?
  • How much do you need to get into investment migration?

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What Is Investment Migration?

Investment migration refers to the process of acquiring legal residency or citizenship in a country through a financial contribution.

These programs are often offered by governments seeking to attract foreign capital and talent in exchange for immigration privileges.

There are two primary categories:

  • Citizenship by Investment (CBI): Grants full citizenship rights, usually without a long-term residence requirement.
  • Residency by Investment (RBI): Offers legal residency status that may lead to citizenship after several years.

Can I Move My Investments to Another Country?

Yes, in many cases, you can move your investments internationally as part of an investment migration strategy.

However, it’s crucial to distinguish between simply relocating your assets and making qualifying investments under a formal migration program.

There are generally two types of cross-border investment movements:

  • Transferring financial assets such as moving funds to a foreign bank account, purchasing overseas real estate, or opening an offshore investment account.
  • Making a qualifying investment specifically structured to meet a country’s immigration requirements; this might include buying government bonds, investing in a national development fund, or starting a local business.

Not all international investments automatically qualify you for residency or citizenship.

Countries with investment migration programs have strict rules on what types of capital are eligible, how much you must invest, and where the funds must come from.

Additionally, investors should carefully assess:

  • Tax consequences in both their home and destination countries
  • Currency controls or restrictions on outbound transfers
  • Repatriation limits for withdrawing funds in the future

Investment Migration Countries in 2025

Top countries for citizenship by investment:

  • St. Kitts & Nevis, Antigua & Barbuda, Grenada – Known for fast processing and visa-free access to 140+ countries
  • Dominica – One of the most affordable CBI programs, with strong visa-free access and a streamlined process
  • Turkey – Citizenship through real estate from $400,000
  • Malta – Offers EU citizenship through a multi-stage residency route

Top countries for residency by investment:

  • Portugal, Greece, Spain – European golden visas offering Schengen access
  • UAE – Long-term residency with tax advantages
  • Singapore – Global Investor Program for high-net-worth individuals
  • Australia – Significant Investor Visa (SIV) pathway offering residency for investments of AUD 5 million in complying funds

Some countries offer both residency and citizenship, either through direct investment or through a path-to-citizenship model over several years.

Citizenship by Investment vs Residency by Investment

FeatureCitizenship by InvestmentResidency by Investment
Status GrantedFull nationalityLegal residency
Time frame3–12 monthsUsually 1–5 years
Passport IssuedYesNo (just residence card)
Path to CitizenshipImmediateMay require naturalization
Family InclusionSpouse, children, sometimes parentsOften includes dependents

CBI provides more immediate benefits, such as visa-free travel and a second passport.

RBI offers flexibility for those who may not want to give up their original citizenship or who prefer to establish tax residency elsewhere.

How to Apply for Investment Migration

How to apply for investment migration
Photo by Tima Miroshnichenko on Pexels

While each country has different procedures, the general process to apply for investment migration typically includes:

  1. Choose a program based on your goals (mobility, tax, lifestyle)
  2. Work with a licensed advisor or agent authorized by the destination government
  3. Submit required documents including proof of funds, source of wealth, background checks
  4. Make the qualifying investment
  5. Complete interviews or biometric registration if required
  6. Receive approval and residency or citizenship documents

Some countries process applications in as little as 60 days, while others require 6–12 months depending on due diligence and program structure.

Investment Migration Requirements

Typical investment migration requirements include:

  • Minimum investment amount – This varies by country and program, and may involve a real estate purchase, a non-refundable donation to a national fund, or capital investment in a local business or government bonds.
  • Clean criminal record – Most countries require a police clearance certificate to demonstrate the applicant poses no security or reputational risk.
  • Proof of legal source of funds – Applicants must show documentation that the investment capital was obtained lawfully, often requiring bank statements, tax returns, or business financials.
  • Valid passport and health documentation – A valid passport is required, along with health certificates to rule out contagious diseases or conditions that could burden the local healthcare system.
  • No serious immigration violations – Prior visa overstays, deportations, or bans from Schengen, the US, or other major jurisdictions can disqualify applicants.
  • Good standing with sanctions lists – Individuals listed on international watchlists, such as UN, EU, or OFAC sanctions lists, are usually barred from applying.

In addition, some programs may impose physical presence requirements, such as a minimum number of days per year spent in the country, especially for those seeking eventual citizenship.

Others offer flexibility with little or no residency obligations.

How Much Does Investment Migration Cost?

Citizenship by Investment:

  • St. Kitts & Nevis, Antigua & Barbuda, Grenada: From $100,000 (donation) or $200,000 (real estate), plus fees
  • Dominica: From $100,000 (donation) or $200,000 (real estate), with low government fees and quick processing
  • Turkey: $400,000 minimum in real estate
  • Malta: Over €700,000 through a combination of donation, property purchase or lease, and other qualifying contributions

Residency by Investment:

  • Portugal: €250,000 to €500,000 depending on the asset class (arts, funds, or real estate)
  • Greece: Minimum €250,000 in real estate
  • Spain: €500,000 in real estate
  • UAE: AED 2 million (approx. $545,000) in real estate or local savings
  • Singapore: S$2.5 million (approx. USD 1.85 million) in a business or approved fund
  • Italy: €250,000 in innovative startups or €500,000 in established Italian companies

Additional costs may include due diligence fees, legal/agent fees, government application charges, and family member add-ons.

What Are the Advantages and Disadvantages of Investment Migration?

Advantages:

  • Visa-free or visa-on-arrival travel to 100+ countries
  • Tax optimization and strategic relocation
  • Security from political/economic instability
  • Access to better healthcare and education
  • Legacy planning and intergenerational mobility

Disadvantages:

  • High costs and non-refundable contributions
  • Some programs have lengthy or complex procedures
  • Scrutiny from financial institutions and tax authorities
  • Legal and compliance risks if improperly structured
  • Risk of programs being suspended or losing credibility

Is Investment Migration Legal?

Yes, investment migration is legal in countries that explicitly offer such programs through legislation or policy.

These programs are officially regulated and typically include robust due diligence processes to prevent misuse.

However, legal issues can arise when:

  • Investors use unlicensed agents or fake programs
  • There’s a failure to disclose assets to tax authorities
  • Programs are not recognized by other countries (e.g., for visa or reporting purposes)

Conclusion

Investment migration continues to be a powerful tool for global mobility, wealth preservation, and access to better opportunities.

Whether you’re looking for a second passport, long-term residency, or a plan B for your family’s future, there are legal, structured programs designed to meet different goals and budgets.

That said, not all programs are equal, and the landscape is evolving.

Always seek regulated advice to ensure compliance with local laws, tax reporting rules, and eligibility criteria.

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Adam is an internationally recognised author on financial matters with over 830million answer views on Quora, a widely sold book on Amazon, and a contributor on Forbes.

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