Citizenship by Investment Programmes

Citizenship by investment allows qualifying individuals and families to obtain a second nationality and passport through a qualifying financial investment. Hudson McKenzie provides independent advisory across citizenship by investment programmes in the Caribbean, Europe, and beyond — matching each client's profile, goals, and investment capacity to the right jurisdiction.

A second citizenship offers significant strategic advantages: visa-free or visa-on-arrival access to a wider range of countries, political and economic security as a hedge against instability in your home country, the ability to conduct business across more jurisdictions, and a lasting legacy for your family. For individuals holding passports with restricted travel access, a second citizenship can be transformative — opening markets and opportunities that were previously out of reach.

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Citizenship by investment is distinct from citizenship by naturalisation, which typically requires years of residency, language tests, and cultural integration requirements. Under a citizenship by investment programme, a qualifying financial contribution — to a government fund, real estate development, or national infrastructure project — provides an accelerated route to a new nationality.

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Due diligence is a central feature of every legitimate programme. All established programmes require applicants to pass rigorous background checks before citizenship is granted. Hudson McKenzie guides clients through the due diligence process and helps ensure applications are presented in the strongest possible light.

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We provide independent advisory across all seven programmes below. We do not promote a single jurisdiction, and we do not receive commissions from programme governments or real estate developers. Our recommendation is always based on what is right for the individual client.

Citizenship by Investment Programmes We Advise On

Citizenship of Malta

Malta's citizenship by investment programme — formally known as the Maltnaturalisation for Exceptional Services by Direct Investment — grants full EU citizenship to qualifying applicants who make a significant contribution to Malta's National Development and Social Fund, hold a qualifying property, and satisfy a minimum residency period of twelve months. Maltese citizenship provides access to the European Union, the Schengen Area, and visa-free or visa-on-arrival travel to over 180 countries. Malta operates one of the most rigorous due diligence processes of any citizenship programme, making it a programme of genuine prestige.

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Citizenship of St. Kitts & Nevis

St. Kitts & Nevis operates the world's oldest citizenship by investment programme, established in 1984. The programme offers qualifying investors St. Kittitian and Nevisian citizenship — and a passport providing visa-free or visa-on-arrival access to over 157 countries including the UK, Schengen Area, and Singapore. Investment routes include a contribution to the Sustainable Island State Contribution (SISC) fund or qualifying real estate. The programme is well-established, administratively efficient, and carries strong international recognition.

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Citizenship of Cyprus

Cyprus offers a route to EU citizenship through naturalisation for qualifying foreign nationals. As a full member of the European Union, Cypriot citizenship grants freedom of movement, the right to live and work across EU member states, and access to the Schengen Area. The programme is particularly attractive for clients seeking European access and the tax advantages associated with Cypriot residency, including non-domicile status. Hudson McKenzie advises on current eligibility requirements and the application process.

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Citizenship of St. Lucia

St. Lucia's citizenship by investment programme offers one of the most competitive processing timelines in the Caribbean, with applications typically completed in three to four months. The programme provides qualifying investors with St. Lucian citizenship and a passport granting visa-free or visa-on-arrival access to over 146 countries. Investment routes include the National Economic Fund contribution, qualifying real estate, government bonds, and enterprise projects. St. Lucia is a full Commonwealth member, and its passport provides visa-free access to the UK.

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Citizenship of Antigua & Barbuda

Antigua & Barbuda's citizenship by investment programme offers a well-established route to a second passport with visa-free or visa-on-arrival access to over 150 countries, including the UK and the Schengen Area. The National Development Fund contribution starts from USD 100,000 for a single applicant. The programme also offers real estate and business investment routes. Holders of Antiguan citizenship benefit from the country's Commonwealth membership and its strong bilateral relations with the UK, Canada, and the European Union.

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Citizenship of Grenada

Grenada's citizenship by investment programme is the only Caribbean programme that provides access to the US E-2 Treaty Investor Visa — a significant differentiator for investors seeking a pathway to the United States. Grenadian citizenship grants visa-free or visa-on-arrival access to over 140 countries. Investment routes include a contribution to the National Transformation Fund and qualifying real estate. Grenada is a Commonwealth member, and Grenadian passport holders enjoy visa-free access to the UK and Schengen Area.

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Hudson McKenzie provides independent advisory on citizenship by investment programmes across the Caribbean and Europe. We do not promote a single jurisdiction and do not receive commissions from programme governments or developers. Our recommendation is always based on what is right for the individual client.For clients seeking long-term residency rather than full citizenship, please see our Residency by Investment Programmes page.