For high-net-worth individuals in Iran, pursuing global mobility, long-term security, and access to international opportunities is more critical than ever. According to OECD data, Iran recorded the fastest global migration growth between 2020 and 2021, with migrant numbers surging from 48,000 to 115,000, a 141% increase. Migration data reflects a growing trend across all segments of society to build a future beyond Iran’s borders, such as among the youth. According to the Iran Migration Observatory’s 2022 report, Iran ranked 17th globally for the number of individuals seeking education abroad. A recent Khorasan report found that 67% of university graduates are willing to emigrate.
Today, estimates of the Iranian diaspora range from four to ten million people, reflecting a significant outflow of talent and capital. Turkey has emerged as a key destination, with Iranians leading real estate investment and establishing 1,661 companies between 2020 and 2021—a clear sign of accelerating elite migration. Iranians increasingly turn to countries like the United States, the United Kingdom, Canada, Australia, and Germany for stability and opportunity. In 2011, Iranians were reported to have invested nearly $400 billion in the United States, almost equal to Iran’s GDP, highlighting the vast economic potential of this migrant community.
One of the least powerful travel documents
However, the geopolitical situation and the state of their current passport mean that opportunities beyond their borders feel out of reach for many. As of 2025, the Iranian passport ranks 173rd out of 199 countries, making it one of the least powerful travel documents globally. Iranian passport holders have visa-free access to just 21 countries. Some of the countries Iranian citizens can enter without a visa include Armenia, Azerbaijan, Georgia, Iraq, Kazakhstan, Malaysia, Oman, Tajikistan, and Turkey in Asia; Kenya, Seychelles, and Tunisia in Africa; Dominica, Guyana, Suriname, and Venezuela in the Americas; and Cook Islands, Micronesia, Niue, and Samoa in Oceania.
Iranian nationals also have visa on arrival to just 24 countries, and eVisa access in 30 countries, while they require a visa to enter 149 countries, including Europe, North America, and East Asia. With a passport score of 16.14 out of 100, Iranians have unrestricted access to only about 10.55% of the world.
Golden Visas vs CBI Programmes
Unsurprisingly, an increasing number of Iranian nationals are turning to Golden Visa and Citizenship by Investment (CBI) programmes to secure a more stable future for their families, access world-class healthcare and education, and unlock international business opportunities.
However, understanding the differences between these two options is crucial to selecting the one that best aligns with personal and professional goals. A Golden Visa is a residency-by-investment programme that grants temporary or permanent residence in return for a qualifying investment, usually in real estate, business, or government bonds for a minimum of EUR 250,000. While it often provides the right to live, work, and study in the host country, most Golden Visa schemes require several years of physical residency and integration before applicants can apply for full citizenship.
In contrast, CBI programmes can offer full citizenship in as little as 4 to 6 months, without any physical residency requirements from USD 130,000. These programmes typically allow investors to include spouses, children, and sometimes even parents in a single application, providing immediate security for the entire family.
Moreover, CBI programmes offer passports with visa-free or visa-on-arrival access to over 140 countries, including the Schengen Area, the UK, and much of the Asia-Pacific region, a major advantage for Iranian nationals currently facing significant travel restrictions.
Considering realistic options
Each option offers clear advantages, but for Iranian nationals, choosing the correct route requires careful consideration of visa-free access, processing timelines, legal restrictions, and long-term goals.
This is because the shifting political climate has continued to pose challenges for Iranian citizens, particularly when accessing residency and citizenship-by-investment (CBI) programmes.
Despite the recent restrictions, Iranian nationals still have several options. They are still eligible to apply for RCBI schemes in some Caribbean countries, Portugal, and Turkey, albeit with varying conditions.
Antigua & Barbuda
While Antigua and Barbuda does not impose broad restrictions beyond those on Russian applicants, it does maintain partial limitations on individuals born in Afghanistan, Iran, North Korea, Somalia, Yemen, and Sudan. Exceptions are possible, provided the applicant:
Antigua and Barbuda citizenship can be obtained through a government contribution of USD 230,000 or a real estate investment starting from USD 300,000.
Dominica
Iran has also been classified as a “specified country” or region in Dominica. As a result, Iranian citizens or those domiciled in Iran can still apply for their program but will be subjected to stringent enhanced due diligence procedures. Applicants from Iran should also note the applicable due diligence fees: US$25,000 for the principal applicant, US$15,000 for a spouse or any dependent over 16, and US$10,000 for dependents under 16, in addition to a government contribution or real estate investment of USD 200,000.
Turkey
Thanks to its strategic location, business-friendly environment, and high quality of life, Turkey has also become an increasingly attractive destination for Iranian nationals seeking new opportunities. The Turkish government offers multiple pathways for Iranians to obtain citizenship, including the popular Citizenship by Investment programme, which allows applicants to qualify through real estate purchases worth at least $400,000, bank deposits or government bonds of $500,000, or by creating jobs for at least 50 Turkish citizens.
This has been a compelling option for Iranians seeking greater mobility and long-term security, as Turkish citizenship offers visa-free or visa-on-arrival access to over 110 countries, access to European markets, the ability to include family members, and the right to hold dual nationality.
Portugal
The Portugal Golden Visa remains one of the most attractive residency-by-investment programs in Europe especially for Iranian investors seeking enhanced global mobility, security, and a pathway to EU citizenship. With a minimum investment starting from EUR 250,000, it offers visa-free access to the Schengen Area, flexible stay requirements (just 7 days per year), and the ability to apply for full citizenship after five years without the need to relocate permanently.
Portugal also offers a stable economy, high quality of life, and critically, has no nationality-based restrictions, making it one of the few EU residency programs still fully accessible to Iranian nationals.
Making the right decision
A second passport can provide powerful advantages for Iranian investors, from unrestricted travel and financial freedom to new educational and business opportunities. However, navigating the landscape is not always easy.
At Citizenship Invest, we provide tailored advice based on your nationality, background, and long-term aspirations. Whether your priority is global mobility, security, or generational planning, we can help you choose the best program.
