Antigua and Barbuda, Cyprus, Grenada, Jordan, Malta, St Kitts and Nevis, and Vanuatu are among the many countries that have offered such deals. There are few figures about the trade in passports given the overall opacity of these programs.
Sweden is one of the easiest and non-restricted countries for citizenship in the European continent. Like Portugal, Sweden requires at least a five-year resident permit without any language obligations to get citizenship.
French nationality remained the best in the world according to the 2018 edition of the Quality of Nationality Index, earning a score of 83.5% out of a possible 100%, fractionally ahead of Germany and the Netherlands.
The most difficult countries to obtain citizenship include Vatican City, Liechtenstein, Bhutan, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, Kuwait, Switzerland, China, and North Korea. If you have ever submitted an application for citizenship, you will know just how difficult the process can be.
To obtain a US passport, you need to invest $900,000 in an American company, live in the country for five years and obtain citizenship by naturalization.
The investor, his or her spouse and children under 18 years old can apply for UK citizenship by investment one year after receiving permanent residence. During this period, it is important not to travel outside the UK for more than 90 days.
Canadian government provides wealthy foreigners with the opportunity to obtain citizenship by investing in the country's economy. The investment program allows potential investors to receive permanent residency through the purchase of government bonds.
Luckily, a number of countries offer Citizenship by Investment (CIP) programs where money — normally invested in real estate — can actually buy a second passport, and the elite status that comes along with owning citizenship in another country.
Buying Swiss citizenship is not allowed. Rather, citizenship by naturalization is allowed, provided that the main applicant holds his/her investment and residence for at least twelve years.
An authentic passport on the dark web is priced at $13,500 on the average, while a forged physical booklet sells for around $1,500. Proof of ID.
1) Portugal
What make Portugal the easiest country in Europe to gain citizenship is that there are no physical presence requirements. Meaning you only need to hold your resident permit in order to qualify for naturalization. You don't need to spend most of the year in the country like most other countries.
Portugal, Spain, Latvia and Ireland offer temporary residence permits in exchange for real estate investment. In these countries, the residents can apply for a permanent residence permit and citizenship later, usually after five years.
Although Germany does not have a Golden Visa programme, you can still obtain German citizenship by investment if you start a business that fulfils an economic interest or need. Through this pathway, you can get a residency permit and become a German citizen after six to eight years.
Unfortunately, no. You can't directly acquire Ireland citizenship by investment. Your residence in Ireland can lead to citizenship, but there is no way to purchase an Irish passport by investing in the country.
Becoming an Australian Citizen
The world is a big place. Purchasing citizenship is a legal and government approved method of obtaining citizenship in Australia. In Australia achieving Permanent Residency status on specific visa classes is the pathway to citizenship by investment.
Apply for a Green Card
Find out if you're eligible. If you are eligible, file Form I-485 - Application to Register Permanent Residence or Adjust Status with USCIS, including all supporting documents and fees. USCIS will review your application and schedule an interview with you.
Antigua and Barbuda Citizenship by Investment program is one of the cheapest on the market. This program is highly appealing to those seeking dual citizenship and visa-free travel opportunities. The price of a second passport starts from $100,000, which is a relatively low sum compared to other investment schemes.
Japan has the world's most powerful passport - providing hassle-free entry to 193 countries. Just one country short, Singapore and South Korea are tied in second place, according to the latest Henley Passport Index from Henley & Partners, an immigration consultancy.
Which country's passport can be obtained in the fastest way? A Vanuatu passport can be obtained in one month by an investment of $130,000. Together with the investor, a spouse, children under 25 and parents over 50 can participate in the program.