15 Countries Where You Can Buy Citizenship (And What It Costs)

There are many reasons why getting citizenship in another country may be attractive — from simple wanderlust to the opportunity to retire early outside of the U.S. 

While there are several countries where you can buy your way into citizenship, most cost quite a chunk of change — and some also require passing a citizenship test.

If moving overseas is something you're seriously considering, here are 15 countries where you can buy your way in.

Several Caribbean nations have a buy-in policy that lets people pay their way into citizenship. 

There are a few different options for obtaining citizenship to this two-island nation, with the cheapest being a $100,000 nonrefundable contribution to the National Development Fund.

An additional perk is that the $100,000 donation covers a family of four.

There are a few nations in Europe to which you can buy citizenship, but Austria appears to be the most expensive. 

Hopefuls can get immediate citizenship if they make a substantial donation (between roughly $2 million and $10 million) to a government fund or a business that generates jobs and/or export sales.

Those looking to gain European citizenship can also consider Bulgaria. Unfortunately, the country eliminated a fast-track citizenship-by-investment option in 2022. 

However, hopeful citizens can still make a steep contribution (about $560,000) and apply for citizenship after five years.

A thriving nation in Southeast Asia with plenty of natural beauty to offer, Cambodia also has a system where hopeful citizens can buy their way in.

The contribution is quite large, though, at just under $245,000. Processing charges and fees for any additional family members may also significantly increase that cost.

Another relatively cheap (at least comparatively) option in the Caribbean is Dominica, a lesser-known island full of tropical beauty. Citizenship can be purchased with a $100,000 donation to the National Transformation Fund.

Married couples and/or investors with children will need to pay an additional fee.

There are several paths to obtain citizenship through investment in Egypt in less than a year. 

Hopefuls have the option to make nonrefundable contributions, invest in real estate or a business, or deposit money in an Egyptian bank — but they must invest at least $250,000.

Getting citizenship in Greece is a bit more complicated. 

Wealthy hopefuls can earn residency in the stunning Mediterranean nation by investing around $275,000 (250,000 euros) in Greek real estate and then applying for citizenship after living in the country for at least seven years.

You will need to pass a citizenship test, though.

Grenada, another Caribbean option, is considered a top choice by Global Citizen Solutions because it has a lower risk of hurricanes due to its location.

The cheapest way to acquire citizenship in the island nation is to donate $150,000 to the Grenada National Transformation Fund.

Another Mediterranean option that can earn you European citizenship is Malta. 

Through the Malta Citizenship by Naturalization for Exceptional Services by Direct Investment program (CES), you can gain citizenship by investing around $640,000, purchasing a residential property worth around $747,000, and keeping it for five years.

Located just north of Greece, North Macedonia also offers a pricey path to citizenship. 

Hopefuls can obtain citizenship by investing around $218,000 (200,000 euro) into a government fund. It's also possible to invest in real estate, but that contribution would need to be about double.

Another option in Europe is Portugal's "Golden Visa," where aspiring citizens can make a significant investment — about $275,000 (250,000 euros). This will establish residency, and after five years, investors can apply for citizenship.

Dual-island nation Saint Kitts & Nevis is another option in the Caribbean for travelers hoping to purchase a second citizenship. However, this one is a bit pricier than its neighbors.

The cost of gaining citizenship by investment (CBI) in Saint Kitts is $250,000, but Global Citizen Solutions did rate it as the most powerful CBI passport in the Caribbean.

Another solid option in the eastern Caribbean is Saint Lucia. The minimum donation to get citizenship is $100,000 to the island nation's National Economic Fund. Married couples and families moving with children or dependents will have to pay additional fees per person.

Turkey is another possibility for those looking to buy citizenship in Europe, and if you have the cash to spare, there are several paths to citizenship. The cheapest route is to purchase at least $400,000 worth of Turkish real estate.

Vanuatu, a South Pacific nation made up of many small islands, is located just over 1,000 miles east of Australia and has a citizen-by-investment program.

The cheapest route to citizenship is by making a $130,000 donation, with an additional fee required for married couples or families.

If you made the right money moves and have the cash to invest, there are quite a few options for obtaining citizenship overseas. However, CBI is not the only path to dual citizenship.

Several countries around the world — like Ireland, Italy, India, and more — allow Americans to apply for citizenship for a small fee if they can prove lineage.