Fastest Citizenships You Can Get as a Millionaire in 2025

Summary

This video explores fast-track citizenship options for millionaires and multi-millionaires, emphasizing citizenship by investment and merit. It discusses popular Caribbean programs, such as those in St. Kitts and Nevis, and more exclusive routes like those in European and Balkan countries, including Malta, Serbia, and Austria. Alternative options like El Salvador, Cambodia, and Argentina are also covered, highlighting varying investment amounts and residency requirements. The focus is on legal pathways to acquiring citizenship, offering individuals greater privacy, flexibility, and security in their business and personal lives.

Takeaways

• 😀 Millionaires can obtain fast citizenships worldwide through various investment programs, especially in countries with citizenship by investment (CBI) or by merit.
• 😀 Caribbean CBI programs, like those of St. Kitts, St. Lucia, and Dominica, are popular because they allow obtaining citizenship without needing to live in the country, though residency requirements are slowly being introduced.
• 😀 Some countries offer fast-track citizenship through 'citizenship by exception,' 'presidential decree,' or 'merit,' where significant contributions like investments are required.
• 😀 EU countries like Malta and Austria provide citizenship options by investment or merit, with Austria's program being highly selective and requiring donations and investments over several million euros.
• 😀 Several Balkan countries, including Serbia, Georgia, and Albania, also offer fast citizenship through significant contributions like real estate investment or creating businesses that employ locals.
• 😀 El Salvador is a unique example of fast citizenship, where a donation of $1 million or the equivalent in Bitcoin can grant citizenship in less than 30 days, with options for embassy pickup.
• 😀 Cambodia offers citizenship by donation, starting at $250,000, but its passport is considered weak, and the country may not be suitable for everyone due to its unstable reputation.
• 😀 Argentina plans to launch a $500,000 investment route for citizenship, similar to Turkey's, but with an expected residency requirement for a few days each year.
• 😀 Some countries, like Vanuatu, offer citizenship programs aimed at privacy-focused individuals who want an additional layer of protection for wealth and assets.
• 😀 It's important to be cautious with citizenships from countries that could raise red flags for Westerners, like Armenia, Iran, or Russia, due to the potential negative perception of holding such passports.

Q & A

What is the main focus of the Wealthy Expat company in terms of citizenship programs?

Wealthy Expat specializes in helping high-net-worth individuals identify the citizenship programs that best fit their needs, whether through investment or other legal avenues, without necessarily requiring relocation.

Why are Caribbean citizenship by investment programs popular?

Caribbean citizenship by investment programs are popular because they allow individuals to obtain a second passport without requiring residency or relocation. However, some countries are introducing minimal residency requirements, such as spending 30 days over five years.

What are some potential downsides to Caribbean citizenship programs with new residency requirements?

The new residency requirements in Caribbean countries, such as the 30-day stay over five years, may be inconvenient for people who live far away, like in Singapore. This could negatively affect business operations and personal schedules.

What does citizenship by presidential decree or merit entail?

Citizenship by presidential decree, merit, or exception involves making a significant contribution to a country, such as investing in real estate, creating jobs, or donating to the government. In exchange, the individual is granted citizenship.

What is the typical financial requirement for obtaining citizenship by merit or presidential decree?

Typically, a minimum net worth of $1 million or euros is required, with potential contributions of hundreds of thousands in taxes, donations, or investments, depending on the country.

Which countries offer citizenship by presidential decree or merit?

Countries such as Malta, Serbia, Georgia, Albania, North Macedonia, and Montenegro offer citizenship by presidential decree or merit. This often involves contributing to the economy through investments or other means.

How does the citizenship process work in countries like Austria or Hungary?

In Austria and Hungary, citizenship by merit or investment requires substantial investments, often millions of euros. The process is selective, with a low number of successful applicants each year.

What is the citizenship option offered by El Salvador?

El Salvador offers a citizenship program where individuals can donate $1 million or the equivalent in Bitcoin (about 10 BTC at the time of the script) to the government. Citizenship can be obtained in as little as 30 to 45 days, with the option to pick up the passport at an embassy.

What are the benefits of obtaining citizenship from countries with low taxes, such as El Salvador?

Countries with low taxes, like El Salvador, provide financial benefits for those looking to minimize tax obligations. Additionally, such countries often have strong leadership and offer safety, privacy, and low crime rates.

What are the considerations for obtaining citizenship from developing countries like Cambodia or certain African nations?

While some developing countries offer citizenship through donations or investments, these options are less recommended due to concerns over political instability, weak passports, and potential issues with future legal requirements, such as declaring multiple citizenships.