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5 destinations that offer easy second passports and citizenship-by-investment from US$100,000 – Austria, Bulgaria, the Caribbean, Malta and Cyprus

Looking for a second passport? Postcard perfect Austria is one of the most sought-after but also most expensive destinations for citizenship-by-investment schemes. Photo: Unsplash

During these tumultuous times when the world is slowing down, the greatest luxury the affluent can own is an escape plan, which may come in the form of a second citizenship. If the investment price is right, one can be flying out to a new address in a matter of months. For those who don’t have the luxury of time, these citizenship-by-investment options are some of the easiest and quickest ways to gain a second – or maybe even third – passport.

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Austria

 

Austria is one of the most sought-after citizenships, as it allows visa-free travel to 187 countries and the right to live and travel anywhere else in the European Union. The only downside is that it may take a year for the citizenship-by-investment to take effect. It’s also one of the more costly investments starting with a contribution of €800,000 (US$915,175) to €10 million to a local business venture or public project.

Malta

 

Malta’s established citizenship-by-investment programme is known for its strict due diligence in evaluating prospective residents, so model neighbours are assured. The programme is said to be one of the easiest ways to gain an EU citizenship, starting at €800,000 for a single applicant and a further €25,000 contribution for each family member.

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Cyprus

 

If you’ve ever dreamed of living the island life in a remote destination along the Mediterranean, then citizenship at Cyprus is a possibility. While the contribution sum sits at a hefty €2 million investment, the approval time is one of the quickest at six to eight months. The programme also provides its newly-minted citizens with benefits for their families and for citizenship to be passed on to the next generation.

The Caribbean

 

The Caribbean is home to many island nations such as St Kitts and Nevis, St Lucia, and Antigua and Barbuda, which all offer smooth routes to citizenship. This option is perfect for those on the brink of retirement because of the countries’ secure economic situations, low population count and offer a strategic location for a vacation property, with easy access to Europe and North America, according to Henley Global. Minimum investments start at US$100,000 for Antigua and St Lucia, which both will produce a passport in five months.

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Bulgaria

 

Bulgarian citizens possess the 8th most powerful passport in the annual Passport Index. It’s also one of the more affordable methods to get an EU citizenship at €1.024 million, and the local migration council promises to help the main applicant’s family gain citizenship at no extra cost. A fast-tracked application can get potential citizens permanent residency at six months and citizenship after 18 months. They’re also not required to live in the country to apply.

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Where can I get a second passport? How much does it cost and how long does it take? What countries offer citizenship-by-investment? In these uncertain times more people than ever are looking at their options, but these 5 destinations all offer an easy entryway – if you have the money