European Golden passport programs, also known as citizenship by investment programs have become so popular in 2017 have have attracted wealthy chinese, russians, indians and arabs. European passport programs require atleast 1 million euros or more investment to become an ‘EU citizen’. There are currently only 2 official and 2 unofficial citizenship programs in Europe. All programs require a minimum residency requirement.
1. Cyprus
- Official european citizenship by investment program
- €2 million investment in real estate or government bonds
- Must buy a home for €500,000 and obtain residence permit in Cyprus
- Approval time is 3 months.
- Passport time is 6 months.
- EU citizenship for family and children
- Cyprus passport is european passport.
- Access to dual citizenship
- Ranked #16 in world passport rankings
- Visa free travel to 158 world countries except United States.
- Live anywhere in Europe after becoming a cypriot citizen.
2. Malta
- Official european citizenship by investment program
- €900,000 one time investment in Malta (donation plus bonds)
- Must rent a home or buy a property for address.
- Must hold a residence permit for 12 months before citizenship.
- Approval time is 3 months.
- Passport time is 15 months
- EU citizenship for family and children
- Maltese passport is european passport.
- Access to dual citizenship
- Ranked #10 in world passport rankings
- Visa free travel to 167 world countries except United States
- Live anywhere in Europe including Switzerland as Maltese citizen.
4. Montenegro
Montenegro special investor citizenship by investment program may open in the future.
