Programs
Structured listings of citizenship and nationality pathways.
WIMA Countries & Programs
Citizenship by Investment
A professional reference framework for citizenship, nationality and investment-linked naturalization pathways worldwide.
WIMA provides structured information for professionals, institutions and stakeholders reviewing citizenship by investment programs, exceptional contribution frameworks and citizenship pathways connected to residence or investment.
Independent
Structured
Professionally Maintained
Program Reference
Comparison Interface
Citizenship Program Dashboard
Program StatusOpen / Under Review
Minimum ContributionJurisdiction Specific
Mobility ScoreReviewed Indicator
Due DiligenceScreening Required
Family InclusionProgram Rules Apply
Disclosure StatusProfessional Review
Jurisdictions
Country-level information organized by region, route and status.
Standards
Professional reference aligned with WIMA ethics and disclosure principles.
Verification
Connect program information with certified professionals and members.
Reference Definition
What Is Citizenship by Investment?
Citizenship by investment refers to a legal pathway through which eligible individuals may acquire citizenship or nationality after making a qualifying investment, contribution or exceptional economic commitment, subject to national law and official approval.
Citizenship Status
Citizenship may provide nationality rights, passport eligibility and legal connection to a sovereign state.
Qualifying Contribution
Programs may involve donation, real estate, bonds, enterprise investment or exceptional national contribution.
Government Approval
Citizenship is granted by a sovereign state and remains subject to law, discretion, due diligence and approval.
Family Eligibility
Some programs allow spouses, children and dependent family members to be included.
Important distinction: Citizenship by Investment is not the same as Residence by Investment. Residence grants residence rights first. Citizenship may provide nationality and passport eligibility, but rules vary significantly by jurisdiction.
Program Directory
Citizenship Program Directory
A structured WIMA reference directory for direct citizenship, exceptional contribution, citizenship after residence and emerging program frameworks.
Antigua and Barbuda
CategoryDirect Citizenship
CapitalFrom USD 230,000
RouteContribution or qualifying investment
PresenceProgram-dependent
FamilyAvailable
DualGenerally permitted
MobilityCaribbean citizenship with international mobility benefits
Argentina
CategoryEmerging Program
CapitalPolicy development
RouteTo be confirmed
PresenceTo be confirmed
FamilyTo be confirmed
DualSubject to national law
MobilityEmerging framework pending final confirmation
Austria
CategoryExceptional Contribution
CapitalSubstantial economic contribution
RouteExceptional contribution to national interest
PresenceCase-specific
FamilyCase-specific
DualHighly restricted
MobilityEU citizenship pathway subject to strict discretion
Dominica
CategoryDirect Citizenship
CapitalFrom USD 200,000
RouteContribution or real estate route
PresenceGenerally limited
FamilyAvailable
DualGenerally permitted
MobilityAlternative citizenship with global mobility benefits
Egypt
CategoryDirect Citizenship
CapitalFrom USD 250,000
RouteContribution, real estate or qualifying investment
PresenceProgram-dependent
FamilyAvailable
DualSubject to national rules
MobilityCitizenship in a transcontinental jurisdiction
Grenada
CategoryDirect Citizenship
CapitalFrom USD 235,000
RouteContribution or real estate route
PresenceGenerally limited
FamilyAvailable
DualGenerally permitted
MobilityCaribbean citizenship with business and mobility relevance
Jordan
CategoryDirect Citizenship
CapitalFrom JOD 350,000
RouteBusiness, deposit, bond or qualifying investment
PresenceProgram-dependent
FamilyAvailable
DualSubject to national rules
MobilityCitizenship in a strategic Middle Eastern jurisdiction
Malta
CategoryExceptional Contribution
CapitalExceptional contribution framework
RouteExceptional service or national interest route
PresenceResidence and eligibility requirements apply
FamilyLimited and subject to approval
DualPermitted under national law
MobilityEU citizenship subject to strict eligibility and approval
Nauru
CategoryDirect Citizenship
CapitalFrom USD 120,000
RouteContribution route
PresenceProgram-dependent
FamilyAvailable
DualSubject to national law
MobilityCitizenship pathway supporting national development priorities
North Macedonia
CategoryDirect Citizenship
CapitalFrom EUR 200,000
RouteQualifying investment route
PresenceProgram-dependent
FamilyAvailable
DualSubject to national law
MobilityCitizenship pathway in Southeast Europe
São Tomé and Príncipe
CategoryDirect Citizenship
CapitalFrom USD 95,000
RouteNational development contribution
PresenceProgram-dependent
FamilyAvailable
DualSubject to national law
MobilityEmerging African citizenship pathway
St. Kitts and Nevis
CategoryDirect Citizenship
CapitalFrom USD 250,000
RouteContribution or qualifying investment
PresenceGenerally limited
FamilyAvailable
DualGenerally permitted
MobilityEstablished Caribbean citizenship pathway
St. Lucia
CategoryDirect Citizenship
CapitalFrom USD 240,000
RouteContribution, bond or real estate route
PresenceGenerally limited
FamilyAvailable
DualGenerally permitted
MobilityCaribbean citizenship with global access benefits
Türkiye
CategoryDirect Citizenship
CapitalFrom USD 400,000
RouteReal estate or qualifying investment
PresenceGenerally limited
FamilyAvailable
DualGenerally permitted
MobilityCitizenship connecting European and Asian markets
No programs match the selected filters.
Program Categories
Citizenship Pathway Categories
Direct Citizenship by Investment
Citizenship granted through a defined investment, contribution or approved economic route.
Exceptional Contribution
Citizenship considered through exceptional service, national interest, economic contribution or discretionary framework.
Citizenship after Residence
Citizenship eligibility after years of lawful residence, compliance and naturalization requirements.
Emerging Programs
Programs or frameworks under policy development, review or public discussion.
Comparison Framework
How WIMA Compares Citizenship Programs
WIMA evaluates citizenship pathways through a professional reference framework designed to support comparison, disclosure, due diligence awareness and responsible advisory practice.
| Criteria | Direct Citizenship | Exceptional Contribution | Citizenship after Residence | Emerging Program |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Minimum capital | Published threshold | Substantial or case-specific | Residence route cost | Policy stage |
| Investment route | Contribution, real estate, bonds or enterprise | National interest or exceptional service | Investment-linked residence first | To be confirmed |
| Processing range | Program-defined | Discretionary | Multi-year naturalization | Unconfirmed |
| Physical presence | Limited or program-dependent | Case-specific | Usually material | Unknown |
| Family inclusion | Often available | Limited or discretionary | Subject to residence rules | Unconfirmed |
| Dual citizenship | Must be checked | Often restrictive | National law applies | Unconfirmed |
| Passport mobility | Jurisdiction specific | Jurisdiction specific | Available after naturalization | Not reliable until official |
| Due diligence intensity | High | Very high | Ongoing residence compliance | Not yet defined |
| Tax residence exposure | Separate analysis required | Separate analysis required | Often higher presence exposure | Unknown |
| Refundability | Route-dependent | Case-specific | Route-dependent | Unconfirmed |
| Holding period | Often applies to investments | Case-specific | Residence continuity applies | Unconfirmed |
| Policy stability | Must be monitored | Highly discretionary | Subject to immigration law | High uncertainty |
| Revocation risk | Fraud or legal grounds | Strict review | Naturalization rules apply | Cannot assess fully |
| Professional disclosure needs | High | Very high | High | Enhanced caution |
Investment Routes
Common Citizenship Investment Routes
Government Contribution
Non-refundable contribution to an approved national development or public fund.
Real Estate
Purchase of qualifying real estate subject to minimum value and holding period.
Government Bonds
Investment into approved sovereign securities or public instruments.
Enterprise Investment
Capital investment into qualifying businesses or job-creating enterprises.
Bank Deposit
Approved deposit maintained with a regulated financial institution for a required period.
Exceptional Contribution
Substantial economic, cultural, scientific, philanthropic or national interest contribution.
Hybrid Route
Combination of contribution, investment, fees, residence and due diligence requirements.
Mobility Reference
Passport Strength and Mobility
Passport mobility should be assessed carefully. Visa-free access, visa-on-arrival access, eVisa access and travel restrictions may change based on international agreements and national policy.
Passport mobility dashboard
Passport JurisdictionSelected Program
Mobility ScoreWIMA Indicator
Visa-Free AccessReviewed
Visa on ArrivalReviewed
eVisa AccessReviewed
Visa RequiredJurisdiction List
Regional AccessPolicy Specific
Last ReviewedEditorial Update
Mobility Is Not Permanent
Visa policies can change through diplomatic, security or policy decisions.
Citizenship Is Broader Than Travel
Citizenship may involve nationality rights, duties and long-term legal connection.
Dual Citizenship Must Be Checked
Applicants must confirm whether their original country permits dual nationality.
Integrity Standards
Due Diligence and Integrity Standards
Citizenship by investment requires rigorous due diligence, source-of-funds review and transparent professional conduct. WIMA encourages members to apply high disclosure and integrity standards.
Identity Verification
Civil identity, passports, birth records, marriage records and dependent documentation.
Criminal Record Review
Police clearances and background checks across relevant jurisdictions.
Source of Funds
Evidence of lawful origin of investment capital and supporting documentation.
Sanctions Screening
Review of sanctions exposure, politically exposed persons and restricted parties.
Adverse Media Review
Public-record and reputational risk screening.
Professional Disclosure
Clear explanation of fees, risks, timelines, limitations and referral relationships.
Family and Evidence
Family Inclusion and Documentation
Spouse
Generally eligible where recognized by program rules.
Dependent Children
Age, dependency and education requirements may apply.
Parents and Grandparents
Eligibility varies by age, dependency and program conditions.
Siblings or Other Dependents
Only available in selected programs and subject to strict criteria.
Comparison
Citizenship by Investment vs Residence by Investment
Citizenship by investment may grant nationality directly where permitted by law. Residence by investment grants residence rights first and may lead to citizenship only after further legal requirements are satisfied.
| Area | Citizenship by Investment | Residence by Investment |
|---|---|---|
| Legal outcome | Nationality or citizenship status where approved. | Residence rights first. |
| Passport eligibility | May follow citizenship recognition. | Only after later citizenship eligibility. |
| Physical presence | Varies from limited to program-dependent. | Often required for renewal or naturalization. |
| Processing structure | Program approval and citizenship grant. | Residence approval, maintenance and possible naturalization. |
| Family inclusion | Program-specific dependent rules. | Residence-dependent family rules. |
| Tax residence impact | Separate tax analysis required. | Presence can create tax exposure. |
| Naturalization requirements | May not require ordinary naturalization where direct route exists. | Usually requires years of lawful residence and integration. |
| Program risk | Policy, due diligence and approval risk. | Renewal, compliance and naturalization risk. |
| Revocation risk | Fraud, misrepresentation or legal grounds. | Residence cancellation or citizenship revocation after naturalization. |
| Professional disclosure | High disclosure needs around cost, limits and no-guarantee status. | High disclosure needs around residence obligations and timelines. |
Risk Notice
Risks, Limitations and Revocation
No Guaranteed Approval
Citizenship remains subject to government review, due diligence and legal discretion.
Policy Change
Program rules, investment thresholds and eligibility conditions may change.
Tax Complexity
Citizenship does not automatically determine tax residence or tax obligations.
Dual Nationality Restrictions
Some countries restrict or do not recognize dual citizenship.
Misrepresentation Risk
False information, omitted facts or fraudulent documents may lead to refusal or revocation.
Reputational Risk
Programs and applicants may face enhanced scrutiny from banks, regulators and public bodies.
Professional Guidance
Professional Guidance and WIMA Certification
Citizenship planning requires structured knowledge of nationality law concepts, program rules, due diligence, client disclosure, tax awareness and professional conduct.
FAQ
Citizenship by Investment FAQ
Citizenship by investment is a legal pathway that may allow eligible individuals to acquire citizenship through qualifying investment, contribution or exceptional economic commitment, subject to national law and official approval.
Citizenship pathways are based on national law where available. Applicants must satisfy eligibility, documentation, due diligence and government approval requirements.
Programs and frameworks exist across the Caribbean, Europe, Africa, the Middle East and Oceania. Availability changes over time and should be verified against official sources.
No. Citizenship is a legal nationality status granted by a sovereign state. A passport is a travel document issued after citizenship or nationality rights are recognized.
Costs vary by country, family size, investment route, due diligence fees, government fees, legal fees and holding requirements.
A golden visa usually grants residence rights. Citizenship by investment may grant nationality directly where permitted. A golden visa may only lead to citizenship after naturalization requirements.
Processing time varies by country, documentation quality, due diligence complexity, government workload and program design.
Many programs allow spouses and dependent children. Some allow parents, grandparents or other dependents, subject to dependency and age rules.
Physical presence requirements vary. Some programs require limited or no residence, while others require residence, visits or integration steps.
Many programs allow dual citizenship, but applicants must confirm whether their country of origin permits dual nationality.
Applicants may undergo identity checks, criminal record review, sanctions screening, adverse media review, source-of-funds analysis and independent background verification.
Common routes include government contribution, real estate, bonds, enterprise investment, bank deposit, exceptional contribution or hybrid routes.
Citizenship may be revoked in serious cases such as fraud, misrepresentation, concealment of material facts or national security concerns, subject to national law.
Not automatically. Tax residence usually depends on physical presence, domicile, income source and local tax rules. Specialist tax advice is required.
Professionals should review legality, due diligence standards, cost, family eligibility, passport mobility, dual nationality, tax exposure, policy stability and revocation risk.
Clients should receive clear disclosure on fees, risks, timelines, no-guarantee status, refundability, due diligence, tax issues and limits of professional advice.
Emerging programs should be treated cautiously until official law, regulations, forms, government procedures and due diligence requirements are confirmed.
WIMA provides professional reference, standards, education and verification frameworks. WIMA does not operate, sell, guarantee or administer citizenship programs.
Professional Reference Notice
Professional Reference Notice
WIMA Citizenship by Investment is an independent professional reference resource. Program requirements, investment thresholds, processing times and eligibility criteria may change. Users should verify information against official sources and qualified professional advice before reliance.
WIMA is an independent international professional association and does not act as a government authority, program administrator, regulator, passport issuer or licensing body.
Responsible Use
Use Citizenship Information Responsibly
Explore citizenship pathways through a structured WIMA framework built for professional comparison, disclosure and responsible sector participation.
Independent. Structured. Professionally maintained.