Second citizenship 
21 July 2026 
Reading time: 15 min Where to obtain a second passport by investment and travel visa-free around the world
A business meeting in Singapore, a school visit in Europe, or a medical consultation abroad can depend not only on tickets and hotel bookings, but also on visa rules. Travellers often have to wait for a consulate appointment, collect bank statements and invitation letters, and check new entry requirements.
A second passport reduces this dependence on visa bureaucracy. For example, passports of Caribbean citizenship by investment countries usually give
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5 benefits of citizenship by investment for frequent travelers
Second citizenship can be obtained by investment. This is one of the fastest and most predictable routes, as the investor does not need to live in the country for years, pass exams in the official language, or prove kinship with citizens.
A second passport opens new
1. Freedom of travel
An investor with two or more passports can choose the document that gives easier entry to a specific country. One passport may be better for trips to Europe, another for Asia or the Middle East. This expands the number of destinations available without a visa or with simplified entry.
For example, passports of Caribbean CBI programs allow
At the border, the procedure remains formal but usually simpler: the traveller shows a passport, return ticket, and proof of accommodation if requested. The trip depends less on consular decisions made before departure.
If a person travels to the country of their second citizenship, they enter as a citizen. They do not need to explain the purpose of the visit, confirm the permitted length of stay, or apply for an entry permit. This is useful for those who have business, relatives, or property in the country of their new citizenship.
2. Less bureaucracy when travelling
A second passport helps reduce the number of visa applications an investor needs to prepare. Instead of collecting documents for every trip, the investor can use the passport that already gives the required entry rights.
With one passport, international travel often requires repeated administrative steps:
- checking visa rules;
- booking a consulate appointment;
- collecting bank statements and invitation letters;
- attending an interview if required;
- waiting for a decision.
During busy seasons, appointment slots may be unavailable and processing times may increase.
A
A second passport does not remove all border formalities, but it reduces dependence on consulates and visa centres. Trips can be planned around business, family, or medical needs, rather than around the next available appointment.
3. Predictable procedure with specific timelines
Citizenship by investment is obtained within defined timelines, and the procedure is set out in law. For example, in Vanuatu, investors obtain a passport with the help of a licensed agent.
Lawyers help prepare documents and submit the application. The investor undergoes a Due Diligence check, then transfers money under the selected option and obtains citizenship.
According to Passportivity experts, fast citizenship by investment programs usually take 1 to 4 months in countries such as El Salvador, Vanuatu, Nauru, and São Tomé and Príncipe.
4. Status for the whole family
The investor may include family members in the citizenship application, but the eligible relatives depend on the country and program rules. In most cases, the application can include a spouse and children. Some countries also allow parents, grandparents, siblings, or adult dependent children to apply together with the main applicant.
Family members may apply together with the investor or join the program later, depending on the country’s rules. If they are included in the initial application, the family usually goes through the process together and receives passports within the same timeframe.
5. Additional opportunities for travel
Second citizenship may give access to residence by investment programs that are not available to the investor under their first passport. Some European countries restrict or suspend applications from citizens of certain states. If the investor has another citizenship, they may be able to apply as a citizen of that country, provided the program rules allow it.
For example, an investor may first obtain citizenship by investment and then use the new passport to apply for a Golden Visa or another residence by investment program in Europe. Such programs are available in countries including Portugal, Greece, and Hungary.
Where and how to obtain a second passport by investment to travel visa-free
Citizenship by investment is granted by around 20 countries. Compared with other countries that offer passports by investment, El Salvador and Caribbean states provide some of the broadest
El Salvador
El Salvador citizens can travel
The El Salvador passport is obtained by investors who make a
The costs include a registration fee of $999 for each family member included in the application. The timeframe for obtaining El Salvador citizenship by investment is 1 to 3 months.
The passport document is valid for 6 years and then needs to be renewed, while the citizenship status itself is granted for life.
Grenada
A Grenada passport gives
Grenada offers 2 investment options for obtaining citizenship. The first is a
The application may include a spouse, children up to 30 years old, parents, grandparents, brothers, and sisters. Parents under 55 must be financially dependent on the investor. Parents and grandparents aged 55 or older may also be included. Brothers and sisters must be up to 30 years old, unmarried, and have no children.
The second option is purchasing
Additional expenses include payment for a comprehensive check of the applicant, Due Diligence, of at least $5,000. Related fees and duties amount to at least $4,500.
Antigua and Barbuda
Citizens of Antigua and Barbuda can travel
Antigua and Barbuda grants citizenship by investment for a
Additional fees include:
- Due Diligence fee — at least $8,500;
- interview fee — $1,500;
- passport fee — $300.
When purchasing real estate and investing in the state fund, the applicant also pays a government fee of $10,000.
Dominica
A Dominica passport provides
The Dominica passport is obtained by
For a
If the citizenship application includes more than 5 people, the investor pays an additional:
- $25,000 for each child under 18;
- $40,000 for each child aged 18 or older or parent.
When purchasing real estate, the investor additionally pays a government fee of $75,000 for themselves or $100,000 for a family of four. The fee increases for each applicant starting from the 5еth: by $25,000 for a child under 18 and by $40,000 for a family member aged 18 or older.
The costs of Dominica citizenship also include: a government application processing fee of at least $7,500, an interview fee of $1,000, and related fees and duties of at least $3,850.
St Lucia
St Lucia citizenship gives access to 122 destinations. Passport holders can travel to the Schengen Area, Singapore, Hong Kong, and many countries in Latin America and Asia with no visa or simplified entry.
St Lucia citizenship is obtained by investment of at least $240,000. Investors have 4 options:
Non-refundable contribution to the state fund,- Investments in a business.
- Purchasing real estate.
- Government bond purchase.
The Due Diligence check costs at least $8,000, and other fees and duties amount to at least $4,100. The amount of the minimum administrative fee depends on the investment option: $15,000 for infrastructure projects, $30,000 for purchasing real estate, and $50,000 for government bonds.
St Kitts and Nevis
A St Kitts and Nevis passport allows travel to 133 countries without visas. Popular destinations include the Schengen Area, the UK with an ETA, Hong Kong, and Singapore.
The St Kitts and Nevis investment program has been operating since 1984. Applicants can choose from 3 options:
Non-refundable contribution to the state fund — $250,000+. The amount increases for a family of 5 or more people, by $25,000 for a child under 18 and by $50,000 for each family member aged over 18. The application may include a spouse, financially dependent children up to 29 years old inclusive, and financially dependent parents aged over 55.- Investments in social and infrastructure projects — $250,000+.
- Purchasing
government-approved real estate — $325,000+.
The Due Diligence fee is $10,000 for the investor and $5,000 for each family member aged over 18. Other fees and duties amount to at least $661 per person.
For all options except the
The investor and their family need to submit biometrics to obtain a passport. This can be done at one of the locations in St Kitts and Nevis, the UAE, and China [1] Source: News article on the introduction of mandatory biometric data collection for investors .
Where investors obtain the strongest passports for travel
| Country | Investment | Timeframe | Return of investment |
|---|---|---|---|
| Dominica | $200,000+ | After 3 years | |
| Antigua and Barbuda | $230,000+ | After 5 years | |
| Grenada | $235,000+ | After 5 years | |
| St Lucia | $240,000+ | After 5 years | |
| St Kitts and Nevis | $250,000+ | After 7 years | |
| El Salvador | $1,000,000+ |
Where else one can obtain citizenship by investment
There are countries whose passports provide fewer opportunities for travel, but they have their own strengths. For example, they open
A Nauru passport gives
Nauru grants citizenship to investors who make a
The application may include a spouse, children, parents, grandparents, brothers, and sisters. There are no age requirements for family members.
The process takes at least 3 months. The application is submitted remotely, and the investor does not need to visit Nauru. The passport is valid for 10 years for adults and 5 years for minors.
A Turkish passport allows
In Türkiye,
A Vanuatu passport gives
In Vanuatu, investors obtain citizenship by investment of at least $130,000. The contribution is made to the Vanuatu National Development Fund, the Sustainable Development Fund for cocoa production, or the CNO Future Fund for coconut oil production.
The Vanuatu citizenship by investment program is the fastest in the world. A passport is issued within 3 months.
My business required frequent trips to Asia and the Middle East. I run a trading company and often have to visit partners in Hong Kong, Singapore, Dubai, and Istanbul. With only one passport, each trip depended on visa rules, appointment slots, and processing times.
Passportivity lawyers suggested Vanuatu citizenship because I needed a fast second passport and did not want to move to another country or pass language exams. They also explained the limitations: a Vanuatu passport does not give
The team checked my documents before submission, prepared translations, communicated with the program authorities, and monitored each stage. I provided the originals, confirmed the source of funds, passed Due Diligence, and submitted biometrics.
I obtained Vanuatu citizenship in 3 months. Now I use the passport for business trips where it gives simplified entry, and I keep my European residence permit as a separate solution for travel within the Schengen Area.
Daniel, 39 years old
Founder of an international trading company from China
A Sierra Leone passport gives
In Sierra Leone, investors obtain citizenship if they make a
A São Tomé and Príncipe passport gives
São Tomé and Príncipe has granted citizenship by investment since August 2025. Foreigners obtain a passport if they make a
The process takes at least 4 months.
An Egyptian passport provides
Egypt grants citizenship by investment of at least $250,000. Three options are available: investing in real estate or business, opening an
Investments in real estate and business can be returned after 5 years, and money from the bank account after 3 years.
Citizenship by investment countries beyond the Caribbean and El Salvador
| Country | Investment | Timeframe | Return of investment |
|---|---|---|---|
| Nauru | $90,000+ | No | |
| São Tomé and Príncipe | $90,000+ | No | |
| Vanuatu | $130,000+ | Partial return of investment after 5 years, depending on the option | |
| Sierra Leone | $140,000+ | Partial return of investment after 5 years, depending on the option | |
| Egypt | $250,000+ | At least 3 years, depending on the investment option | |
| Türkiye | $400,000+ | After 3 years |
Which countries investors visit visa-free with a second passport
A second passport removes the need to obtain visas every time and makes it possible to enter countries that are more difficult to access with the first passport.
Schengen countries
Passports of El Salvador and Caribbean countries, St Kitts and Nevis, Grenada, Dominica, St Lucia, Antigua and Barbuda, give the right to visit any Schengen country without a visa and stay there for 90 days within 180 days.
Holders of a Schengen visa need more time to prepare for trips: they need to book a consulate appointment, pay fees, wait for a decision, explain the purpose of the visit, and confirm the itinerary. These formalities are not needed with a second passport.
UK
With passports of Caribbean countries, one can freely enter the UK for up to 6 months. However, an online application for an Electronic Travel Authorisation, or ETA, is required. It is valid for 2 years or until the passport expires and allows multiple trips.
The process is completed remotely: the applicant uploads passport details in the app or through the government website, fills out a short form, and pays a fee of £10. Document processing usually takes 1 to 3 days [2] Source: Official UK ETA website sets out the application procedure, requirements, and processing times .
Asian countries
Japan allows citizens of El Salvador and Türkiye to enter the country
Travellers can enter immigration and customs data in advance through the Visit Japan Web service [3] Source: Visit Japan Web service allows travellers to submit their immigration and customs information in advance of their trip . This means there is no need to fill out paper forms or wait in queues at the airport, showing a QR code at control is enough. This speeds up border crossing, especially at large airports such as Narita and Haneda.
Singapore is open for
Before the trip, they need to fill out the electronic SG Arrival Card. This is an online form submitted 3 days before arrival.
South Korea. Holders of passports of Caribbean countries, Türkiye, and El Salvador enter the country with
The application is completed online in
The authorisation is valid for 2 years and allows a stay in the country for up to 90 days per trip.
Hong Kong. With passports of Vanuatu, Türkiye, El Salvador, Egypt, and Caribbean countries, no visa is required to visit the country. The permitted period of stay depends on citizenship and is 30 or 90 days per visit.
How a second passport simplifies obtaining visas to other countries
A second passport simplifies obtaining visas to countries where they are still required. The investor can submit documents to the consulates of all countries whose citizen they are.
Access to US visas
A second passport may simplify applying for a US
For example, citizens of Türkiye and Grenada may receive a
The rules have become stricter. A second passport no longer means that an applicant can freely choose any US consulate for an interview. Nonimmigrant visa applicants are generally expected to schedule the interview in the country of their nationality or legal residence.
Some passports no longer provide an advantage for US visitor visas. For example, a Vanuatu passport currently allows applying for a
Access to the
Access to Schengen multiple-entry visas
The European Commission may change visa issuance rules for citizens of individual countries. For citizens of other countries, the rules may instead be eased: for example, since July 2025, Turkish citizens have started to be issued
With a second passport, the introduced restrictions do not apply, but this works only when submitting documents to the consulate of another country. In this case, a person applies as a citizen of the second state, so the rules that apply in that state apply to them.
When investors obtain a second passport
Investors obtain a second passport when visa restrictions start affecting their plans, business, or family mobility. In such cases, citizenship by investment becomes a practical tool for reducing travel uncertainty and making
Frequent trips
If a person has to fly often, for example,
Delays in obtaining a visa lead to disrupted business trips and deals. With a second passport, these risks decrease: trips are planned according to need, not according to the schedule of visa centres.
When work involves trips across Europe, the Middle East, and Asia, a second passport noticeably simplifies logistics. With it, the investor can quickly fly to a meeting to sign documents, hold negotiations, or solve a task on site.
Large family
Citizenship by investment can be obtained also by close family members. Depending on the programme, the application may include a spouse, children, parents, grandparents, brothers, or sisters.
This is useful when the investor wants the family to have the same travel opportunities and more predictable mobility. Relatives can travel together with fewer visa formalities, and future trips do not depend on whether each family member receives a separate visa on time.
In some programmes, family members apply together with the main applicant. In others, they can be added later, after the investor has already obtained citizenship.
Children studying abroad
If a child studies or applies to a school or university in another country, parents need to fly to them regularly. For example, for interviews, campus visits, moving into a dormitory, or parent meetings.
Medical treatment abroad
Many investors undergo annual
International business
Entrepreneurs may need a second passport when their business depends on several markets. Visa delays can affect not only trips, but also business operations. A founder may need to arrive quickly to sign documents, pass bank compliance, meet a potential investor, inspect a property, or resolve an issue with a supplier. If the trip depends on a visa appointment, the company may lose time or miss a commercial opportunity.
A second passport makes business mobility more flexible. The investor can choose the document that gives easier entry to the destination country and plan meetings according to business needs rather than visa centre availability.
How to obtain citizenship by investment: step‑by‑step plan
The process of obtaining citizenship by investment depends on the legal requirements of the country, but the stages are similar. First, the investor chooses the country and the suitable type of investment: a contribution to a fund, purchasing real estate, opening a deposit, or participating in a government project.
Together with a licensed agent, the investor prepares the required documents and submits them to the government authority responsible for reviewing applications. The authority carries out a comprehensive check of the applicant, Due Diligence.
After approval, the applicant makes the investment and pays government fees. Then they receive a naturalisation certificate and a new passport. The family goes through the stages at the same time as the main applicant.
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Preliminary check
In most countries, an application for citizenship can only be submitted through a licensed agent. A Passportivity compliance specialist checks whether the investor meets the conditions for obtaining the status to identify the risk of refusal in advance and find a solution to the problem.
The check is fully confidential. The investor provides only a copy of their passport.
-
Document preparation and application submission
Passportivity lawyers prepare a list of documents that the investor needs for the application. The lawyers help translate them, certify copies, and fill out government forms. After that, they submit the documents to the citizenship program authorities of the selected country.
-
Due Diligence check
Specialists of the citizenship program authority check information about the investor and their family members. During the process, officials may request additional documents; the lawyers help the investor prepare and submit them promptly. In some countries, applicants attend an interview.
-
Fulfilment of the investment condition
If the Due Diligence check is successful, the program authority sends the investor an official approval letter. After that, the applicant transfers the investment.
-
Obtaining documents
The passport is issued after the investment condition is fulfilled. The applicant and their family members submit biometrics and receive the documents.
What documents are needed to obtain second citizenship
The list of documents depends on the country and the way of obtaining citizenship. Investors are usually required to provide:
- copies of passports, international and national;
- birth certificate;
- criminal record certificate;
- proof of investment;
- CV résumé: places of study and work in chronological order;
- medical certificate for applicants aged over 18;
- proof of income, a bank statement or employer’s certificate.
If a spouse or children are included in the application, a marriage certificate and birth certificates are added. These documents confirm the degree of kinship.
All documents are translated into the official language of the country. Marriage and birth certificates usually require an apostille, which confirms the authenticity of the document abroad. An apostille is issued only in the country where the document was issued.
Bank statements, income certificates, and other financial documents are also translated and notarised. An apostille is placed on the notarised copy. Some countries accept only translations made by a local sworn translator, so lawyers clarify the final list in advance.
How to choose a country for second citizenship
When an investor chooses a country where they want to obtain second citizenship, they consider not only expenses. The decision is influenced by the geography of future trips, the family composition, and the timeframe in which it is possible to obtain a second passport.
By the number of visa-free trips
When choosing second citizenship, it is important to understand in advance which countries will need to be visited most often. The new passport should provide free or simplified entry specifically to them. For some investors, the priority is the Schengen Area and the UK; for others, Japan, Singapore, and South Korea.
By the timeframe for obtaining the status
The process of obtaining citizenship differs: in some countries, a passport is issued in 3 months; in others, it takes at least 8 months. In such cases, investors take their plans into account, for example, moving by a specific date or opening an office in another country.
Passportivity experts have helped more than 1,000 investors obtain citizenship and know in practice how the process works. They help choose a citizenship program suitable for the investor depending on their goals.
By the cost of obtaining the status
Investments are only part of the expenses. The costs also include government fees, charges, checks, and document preparation for all family members. A family application is often more expensive than an individual one, and this is important to understand at the beginning of the process.
Taking into account restrictions for applicants
Caribbean countries have suspended accepting applications from Russians and Belarusians. They cannot obtain a second passport by investment in St Kitts and Nevis, Grenada, Antigua and Barbuda, Dominica, or St Lucia.
El Salvador issues no more than 1,000 passports to investors per year. If an application is submitted closer to the end of the year, there is a risk that the quota has already been used. In this case, documents can be submitted at the beginning of the next year. This means the process will take several months longer.
Taking into account background specifics
When obtaining citizenship by investment, some applicants undergo enhanced checks: for example, those who have held public office or worked in government structures. For some, this means a couple of additional documents; for others, it means choosing only countries that are ready to work with such investors.
The main disadvantages of second citizenship by investment
High total costs. The investment is only part of the expenses. Applicants also pay government fees, Due Diligence fees, passport fees, document translation costs, and legal support fees.
No guaranteed approval. Citizenship by investment applications are checked by government authorities. They may refuse an applicant if the source of funds is not confirmed, documents contain errors, or there are compliance risks.
Restrictions for some nationalities. Some countries temporarily or permanently suspend applications from citizens of certain states. The list of restricted countries may change.
Tax and reporting considerations. Citizenship itself usually does not create tax residence. However, investors still need to check whether a new status creates reporting obligations or affects banking, business, or inheritance planning.
Renewal and document maintenance. Passports have expiry dates and need to be renewed. Investors also need to keep naturalisation certificates and other documents in order.
Reputational and compliance checks. Banks, visa officers, and business partners may ask how and when the second citizenship was obtained. Investors should keep documents confirming the legal basis for citizenship and the source of investment funds.
Residence by investment with a path to citizenship
If citizenship by investment is not suitable, investors may consider countries that grant residence permits or permanent residence by investment. This route does not provide a passport immediately, but it can become a
Investors usually qualify by purchasing real estate, opening a business, investing in funds, or confirming sufficient income. Some programs grant a temporary residence permit first, while others provide permanent residence from the beginning.
After several years, the investor may apply for citizenship if they meet the country’s naturalisation requirements. These usually include:
- living in the country for a required period;
- maintaining legal residence;
- passing a language or integration test;
- having no serious criminal record;
- proving stable income or accommodation.
This option is also useful when the investor needs access to the Schengen Area, the right to live in a particular country, or a more predictable
Comparison of residence by investment options
| Country | Minimum investment | Obtaining period | Time to citizenship |
|---|---|---|---|
| Greece | €250,000 | 7 years | |
| Italy | €250,000 | 10 years | |
| Latvia | €50,000+ | 10 years | |
| Portugal | €250,000 | 10 years | |
| Hungary | €250,000+ | 11 years | |
| Cyprus | €300,000 | 8 years | |
| Malta | €169,000 | 5 years | |
| Panama | $300,000 | 5 years |
Reasons why second citizenship may be refused
Countries that grant citizenship by investment make decisions not for personal reasons, but on the grounds set out in law. Refusals are rare, but possible, and are almost always explained by incorrect documents or
Unconfirmed source of funds. The migration authority requires proof that the money for investment was obtained legally. If the applicant cannot explain the source of capital, the application is rejected.
Inconsistencies and errors in documents. These include different spellings of a surname, incorrect dates of birth, missing passport pages, and discrepancies in marriage certificates or children’s birth certificates.
Criminal records, active criminal cases, and international sanctions are direct grounds for rejecting an application. Even old cases may affect the decision if there is no official document confirming that the case was closed or the charges were dropped.
Medical restrictions. Some countries do not accept applications from people with infectious diseases that are dangerous to others. For example, smallpox, cholera, and other diseases that cause high mortality and risk of spread.
To prepare documents in accordance with the country’s requirements, investors contact licensed agents who support the citizenship by investment process.
At Passportivity, a preliminary compliance check is carried out before the application is submitted. It is needed to assess possible risks, identify potential issues, and find a solution in advance.
Main points about freedom of movement with a second passport
- A second passport allows one to enter more countries in addition to the first passport. For example, with a Caribbean passport, one can visit Schengen countries.
- A new status simplifies obtaining visas to other countries. For example, an investor with a second passport may choose which citizenship to use when applying for a US visa. The application is assessed by the consulate, but the validity period and entry conditions are determined by the passport used for the application.
- Citizenship by investment is also granted to the investor’s family. With passports, relatives can travel together and avoid situations where one person receives a visa and another does not.
- The conditions for obtaining citizenship by investment are set out in law. The risk of refusal is linked to facts in the applicant’s background and the source of funds, not to a shortage of appointment slots or consular workload.
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Frequently asked questions
A second passport does not replace visas that have already been issued, but it often makes them unnecessary. If the new passport gives
Obtaining a new passport does not cancel valid visas and does not require giving them up. The exception is the laws of the country of first citizenship.
If a second passport allows
The risk of refusal in citizenship by investment is considered low because decisions are made according to specific requirements set out in law. States assess the legality of the source of funds, absence of sanctions, serious offences, and health problems. All criteria are transparent and known in advance.
Vanuatu has the fastest citizenship program: a passport is issued there within 3 months. To obtain citizenship, there is no need to visit the country; biometrics can be submitted and the passport collected at a consulate of the country.
In the case of dual citizenship, states recognise a person as a citizen of both countries. The right to dual citizenship is confirmed by an international treaty.
Investors with dual citizenship retain rights and obligations in both states. However, they pay taxes, perform military service, receive a pension, and other social benefits only in the country of residence.
If citizenship is second citizenship, each state considers the person only its own citizen and does not recognise their obligations towards another country.
Holders of residence permits in European Union states that are part of the Schengen Area can travel around it without visas. It is enough to show a residence permit card and a valid international passport.
A residence permit also gives
- In Greece, a passport is issued after 7 years of permanent residence in the country. It allows
visa-free entry to 156 countries. - In Portugal, naturalisation is possible after 10 years of residence. A Portuguese passport gives the right to enter 156 countries freely, including the US, Canada, and the UK.
Second citizenship does not affect taxes by itself. Tax obligations are determined not by passports, but by where a person actually lives, receives income, or has their centre of vital interests.
If the investor has not moved after obtaining a second passport, their tax status does not change. New obligations arise when tax residence changes, for example, when they spend more than 183 days in another country or receive income there.
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