Citizenship by Investment: Caribbean vs. European Programs (2024 Comparison)

Below, we compare Caribbean CBI programs (St. Kitts, Dominica, etc.) with European options (Malta, Portugal, Greece, Türkiye) to help you decide which suits your needs.

Key Differences at a Glance

European Citizenship & Residency by Investment Options

1. Malta (MEIN Policy – Citizenship by Exception)

✅ Investment: €600,000–€750,000 (donation + real estate + charity)
✅ Processing Time: 14–36 months
✅ Residency Requirement: 12–36 months
✅ Visa-Free Access: 190+ countries (EU & Schengen)
✅ Taxation: 15% flat tax for non-domiciled residents

Why Consider Malta?

• Strongest CBI passport in Europe (full EU citizenship)

• Visa-free access to USA, Canada, UK, and entire EU

• But: Very expensive and requires physical presence

2. Portugal (Golden Visa → Citizenship in 5 Years)

✅ Investment: €250K–€500K (real estate, funds, or job creation)
✅ Processing Time: 6–12 months (residency), +5 years for citizenship
✅ Residency Requirement: 7 days/year for 5 years
✅ Visa-Free Access: 187 countries (after citizenship)
✅ Taxation: NHR tax benefits (10% on foreign income for 10 years)

Why Consider Portugal?

• Path to EU citizenship (one of the cheapest in Europe)

• No language test if applying after 5 years

• But: Real estate option now restricted to non-urban areas

3. Greece (Golden Visa → Citizenship in 7 Years)

✅ Investment: €250K–€800K (real estate)
✅ Processing Time: 3–6 months (residency), +7 years for citizenship
✅ Residency Requirement: 7 years (183 days/year for citizenship)
✅ Visa-Free Access: 187 countries (after citizenship)
✅ Taxation: Non-dom tax benefits available

Why Consider Greece?

• Cheapest EU Golden Visa (€250K real estate)

• Schengen access immediately

• But: Long wait for citizenship (7+ years)

4. Türkiye (Citizenship by Investment – Fastest in Europe)

✅ Investment: $400K (real estate or bank deposit)
✅ Processing Time: 3–6 months
✅ Residency Requirement: None
✅ Visa-Free Access: 110+ countries (not as strong as EU)
✅ Taxation: Favorable for foreign income

Why Consider Türkiye?

• Fastest European CBI (no residency required)

• E-2 Visa treaty with the USA

• But: Weaker passport than EU options

Caribbean vs. Europe: Which is Better?

Choose the Caribbean If You Want:

✔ Fastest citizenship (2–6 months)
✔ Lowest cost (100K–100K–250K)
✔ No residency or travel requirements
✔ Tax optimization (no global income tax)
✔ Good visa-free access (but not EU/Schengen)

Best For: Investors prioritizing speed, affordability, and tax benefits.

Choose Europe If You Want:

✔ EU citizenship or residency (Schengen access)
✔ Stronger passport (190+ visa-free countries)
✔ Business opportunities in Europe
✔ Long-term settlement in the EU

Best For: Those willing to invest more for EU benefits and stronger global mobility.

Final Verdict: Which is the Easiest?

• Easiest overall (fast & cheap): St. Kitts & Nevis or Dominica

• Easiest in Europe (fast but expensive): Türkiye

• Best for EU citizenship (but slow): Malta or Portugal

If you need a quick second passport, the Caribbean is unbeatable. If you want EU access and long-term benefits, European programs are worth the extra cost and time.

Would you like a personalized recommendation based on your budget and goals? Let me know!

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