Global Citizen Solutions unveils Residency and Citizenship by Investment Report
FORT LAUDERDALE, FLA. – As the world navigates geopolitical instability, market volatility and shifting regulations, Global Citizen Solutions, a leading advisory firm specializing in investment migration, has released its first-ever Global Residency and Citizenship by Investment (RCBI) Report. The report evaluates Citizenship by Investment (CBI) and Residency by Investment (RBI) programs currently available across 37 countries, providing key insights for those seeking a new beginning beyond their home nation. This timely report is the most comprehensive, data-driven analysis of global CBI and RBI programs to date, highlighting the top destinations where individuals can obtain a second passport or secure long-term residency. Antigua and Barbuda, St. Kitts and Nevis, and Grenada lead the CBI rankings, while Greece and Malta lead the global RBI list.
'This groundbreaking new report reveals a growing interest in dual and multiple citizenships, made possible by the fact that more than 75% of countries now allow some form of dual nationality. In today's world, investment migration is no longer just about obtaining a second passport – it's about unlocking global mobility, securing long-term opportunities and building a legacy,' said Patricia Casaburi, CEO of Global Citizen Solutions. 'Our Global RCBI Report, designed to serve as an essential guide to navigating complex RCBI programs, helps individuals understand how and where they can protect their wealth, move freely and hedge against global uncertainty.'
Whether seeking a long-term home or exploring the best options for dual citizenship, the report offers a new perspective on how legal frameworks of RBI and CBI programs can serve as platforms for greater freedom, improved quality of life and financial advantages aligned with individuals' mobility goals. The report evaluated programs using 18 key indicators across the following five dimensions:
Procedure Index: Minimum Investment Threshold, Average Processing Time, Path to Citizenship (RBI only), Investment Options, Visit and Residency Requirements, Family Member Inclusion and Program Reputation
Tax Optimization Index: Type of Tax System and Tax Rates
Mobility Index: Visa-Free or Visa-on-Arrival Access and Destination Attractiveness
Quality of Life Index: Human Development, Migrant's Acceptance, Global Peace, and Healthcare
Investment Environment Index: Ease of Doing Business and Economic Stability
Top Countries for Global Citizenship by Investment (CBI) Programs – programs where full citizenship and a passport are granted in exchange for an economic contribution, such as real estate, bonds or a business:
Rank Country Total Score 1 Antigua and Barbuda 94.33 2 St. Kitts and Nevis 93.62 3 Grenada 93.16 4 Dominica 90.51 5 St. Lucia 89.79
The Caribbean region, known for its flexible investment options, moderate cost of living, and efficient processing timelines, suit individuals and families seeking fast-track citizenship with moderate investments, no residency requirements and attractive tax regimes. The region accounts for 36% of all active programs and ranks among the top five in the CBI Index.
European countries such as Malta, which is still processing pending applications despite the recent decision of the European Court of Justice (ECJ) to end Malta's Exceptional Investor Naturalization (MEIN), and Austria offer access to the European Union and high-quality healthcare, education and lifestyle, though tagged with significantly higher investment thresholds and processing times. Both programs appeal to investors seeking enhanced global mobility and seamless EU access, thanks to the strength of the passports they confer.
Asia, Oceania, Middle East, Africa regions including Cambodia in Asia and Vanuatu and Nauru in the Pacific, feature lower investment thresholds and accelerated timelines, making them attractive to cost-conscious investors seeking rapid access and flexible requirements, though their passports offer more limited, regionally focused mobility. Türkiye's CBI program stands out by offering a low investment threshold, expedited processing, and a passport granting visa-free access to important parts of the world.
Top Countries for Global Residency by Investment (RBI) Programs – commonly referred to as 'golden visa' programs, these initiatives allow foreign nationals to obtain a legal residency through investment:
Rank Country Total Score 1 Greece 91.47 2 Malta 89.97 3 Switzerland 89.94 4 Luxembourg 89.26 5 Portugal 89.2
European RBI programs are heavily weighted toward Europe, which accounts nearly for 50% of the 23 active programs worldwide. This reflects a shift in EU strategy toward longer-term integration and development goals, with countries like Portugal, Greece, Malta, and Luxembourg offering well-structured RBI options.
Asia and the Middle East offer RBI programs characterized by business-friendly climates and favorable tax regimes, with the UAE and Singapore standing out for their global connectivity and zero-tax policies, attracting tech entrepreneurs and ultra-high-net-worth individuals.
Oceania, led by New Zealand, targets innovative entrepreneurs and venture capitalists through high-threshold programs tied to business creation and job development. The country also ranks highly for quality of life, appealing to families and retirees seeking long-term relocation.
In Africa, Mauritius is the option for regional diversification and future mobility. The country draws real estate and business investors with strong legal protections and tax incentives.
Additional key takeaways that emerged from Global Citizen Solutions' RCBI Report include:
Increased Interest in Wealth Preservation and Security Through Global Mobility: Global mobility is no longer a luxury but a necessity for individuals navigating a world of shifting borders, regulations and economic realities. Second citizenship can simplify this process, allowing heirs to reside in or manage assets from locations with more favorable inheritance laws.
New-Generation Programs Emphasize Talent, Innovation, and Sustainability: Countries like Canada, and Singapore are moving away from passive capital inflows and focusing on attracting skilled entrepreneurs and professionals in strategic sectors such as artificial intelligence, clean energy and biotechnology.
Dual Citizenship: Most of Europe and the Anglosphere RBI jurisdictions (61%) allow dual citizenship, with most offering a pathway to naturalization, making them attractive to globally mobile individuals. In contrast, 26% of countries require renunciation of prior citizenship, mainly in Asia, which limits their appeal. Another 13%, in the Middle East, operate in legal gray zones where dual nationality is restricted but inconsistently enforced, creating uncertainty.
Tax Optimization: The Caribbean remains the go-to region for CBI, offering minimal residency requirements, straight forward procedures and favorable tax structures. These programs operate under zero or territorial tax regimes, making them ideal for high-net-worth individuals focused on global mobility and tax neutrality, with relatively little regulatory friction.
'This is the first report of its kind to offer a holistic, transparent and comparable view of both CBI and RBI programs worldwide,' added Dr. Laura Madrid Sartoretto, research lead at Global Citizen Solutions. 'Our goal was to provide a resource that empowers stakeholders to make informed, forward-looking decisions.'
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