← Back to Insights
Cheapest Citizenship by Investment Programmes in 2026
The lowest-cost citizenship by investment programme in 2026 is São Tomé and Príncipe, from a $90,000 government contribution. Dominica is the cheapest Caribbean option from $200,000, while Turkey is the lowest-cost G20 passport from $400,000 in real estate. There is no longer any citizenship by investment route to an EU passport.
Key facts
- São Tomé and Príncipe: from $90,000, 2 to 3 months, visa-free access to around 93 destinations, no Schengen access.
- Dominica: from $200,000 (Economic Diversification Fund), around 9 months, roughly 137 destinations.
- Antigua and Barbuda: from $230,000, around 6 months, roughly 150 destinations, lowest total cost for a family of four.
- Grenada: from $235,000, 4 to 6 months, roughly 145 destinations, the only Caribbean programme with a US E-2 treaty.
- St Lucia: from $240,000, around 10 months, roughly 146 destinations, government bond option available.
- St Kitts and Nevis: from $250,000, 3 to 6 months, roughly 157 destinations, the strongest Caribbean passport.
- Turkey: from $400,000 in real estate held for three years, 3 to 6 months, roughly 110 destinations plus US E-2 eligibility.
- Malta's citizenship by investment programme closed in 2025 after a European Court of Justice ruling, so Europe is now reached through residency by investment and naturalisation.
- Real all-in cost for a single Caribbean applicant runs $25,000 to $60,000 above the headline contribution once due diligence, government and professional fees are added.
Frequently asked questions
What is the cheapest citizenship by investment programme in 2026?
São Tomé and Príncipe, from a government contribution of around $90,000 for a single applicant, with processing in two to three months.
What is the cheapest Caribbean citizenship by investment?
Dominica, from $200,000 into the Economic Diversification Fund, with processing of around nine months.
Is there a cheap route to an EU passport by investment?
No. Malta closed its citizenship by investment programme in 2025, so the EU is now reached through residency by investment followed by naturalisation after five to ten years.
Speak to Ascot Advisory Group for confidential, tailored advice.