Real Estate BlogLast updated June 21, 2026Published by Maximos Real Estate

Top Citizenship by Investment Programs of Popular Countries

Forget private jets, Cartier jewels, or super-yachts. The latest must-have element for investors with deep pockets is a second passport or a residence in a foreign land.

It is interesting to note that a considerable number of countries across the world are offering residency and citizenship programs in exchange for a minimum investment of pre-decided amounts. In this article, we have enlisted top countries that could either get you a residency or full citizenship through investment. However, let’s begin with understanding the basic differences between citizenship programs and residency and the benefits of obtaining a second passport Citizenship by Investment Programs.

Residence by investment versus Citizenship by investment

Depending on the country of choice, there are different and separate routes to availing citizenship.

For instance, you can get a European residency in a nation that can ultimately lead to European citizenship. This can be done through an initiative often referred to as residency by investment and popularly known as the Golden Visa Program.

The Golden Visa provides the option to grab a higher-ranking second passport, however, it comes at a very big price. The passport is often received in five years or more.

However, it is important to note that the Golden Visa is NOT the same as citizenship by investment. It is basically a residency program that eventually leads to availing citizenship through naturalization, provided that the following mandates are fulfilled:

Applicant should be eligible to participate
Applicant should fulfill the minimum stay requirements in the country
Applicant should fulfill all Golden Visa investor requirements

The other way of obtaining citizenship is through real estate investments. It is the most sought-after program as the eligibility requirements are minimum and the overall process is simple and hassle-free.

Why obtain a second passport and citizenship?

Along with the fact that a foreign residency and citizenship broadens lifestyle standards and extends access to an array of new living opportunities, there are several reasons why investing in a second passport is a lucrative decision:

Visa-free travel to a lot of new countries
As security against economic and financial stability
Increases business options
Reduces fiscal obligations
To protect assets from excessive taxation

Comparison of Citizenship by Real Estate Investment programs of different countries

Country
Turkey
Spain
Greece
Malta
Portugal
Cyprus
Dominica
Grenada
United States
Ireland
Montenegro
LatviaMedium
St Kitts & Nevis
Antigua & Barbuda
Bulgaria
Saint Lucia
Moldova
Colombia
United Arab Emirates
Seychelles

Citizenship by Investment program

Citizenship by Investment (CBI) program garners a multitude of high net worth investors seeking to add a second passport and citizenship to their investment portfolio. A recent study suggests that the CBI passport market across the world has morphed into a mega $5billion industry annually. The substantial inflows of capital from such programs have aided in the economic development and financial growth of several countries.

Considering the simplicity of the process and minimum stay requirements, Turkey checks all the boxes as an ideal country for living and working. Here are the crucial details for availing a Turkish passport through real estate investment.

What are the ways to get Turkish citizenship?

To be able to acquire citizenship of the Republic of Turkey, there is a myriad of relaxations and opportunities investors might benefit from. There are several routes to obtaining Turkish citizenship including:

A minimum of $250k worth of real estate investment is mandatory to be eligible for the program.
Another option is to invest in a company with an initial minimum capital of $500,000.
Also, a deposit of $500,000 in any Turkish bank can pave the way for acquiring citizenship.
Purchase state investment instruments/government bonds/venture capital investment funds worth $500,000.
Open a company in Turkey and provide jobs to at least 50 Turkish employees.

What are the merits of obtaining Turkish citizenship by investment?

Turkey is steadily emerging as one of the most economically stable countries in the world. Its strategic location extends a direct route to both Asian and European continents and the country nurtures an intricate mixture of eastern and western influences. Turkey has the world’s 13th largest GDP by Purchasing Power Parity (PPP) and the 19th largest nominal GDP. Here are some of the advantages of obtaining Turkish citizenship:

Full access to national services
Right to vote
Investor tax benefits
Access to education
Free health and medical care
Visa-free travel to 117+ countries
Entitlement to pension
Enhanced business opportunities
No minimum residency requirement
Dual citizenship allowed
Family and children below 18 years also entitled to citizenship
Better quality of life

Avail Turkish passport with Maximos Real Estate Turkey

We, at Maximos Real Estae Turkey, transform lifestyle dreams and visions into reality. Having years of experience in the Turkish real estate market, we have successfully delivered bespoke citizenship by investment solutions to international investors and families. Citizenship by Investment Programs. With a team of seasoned real estate experts and legal advisors, we have assisted property buyers from all around the world to buy high ROI properties and acquire Turkish citizenship. We guide you from initial to final steps, taking you beyond the constraints of residency or citizenship applications.

If you wish to buy an apartment in Turkey or participate in Turkish citizenship by investment program, consult our real estate professionals here.

Please contact Maximos Real Estate for full Informtion