The Most Affordable Citizenship by Investment Programs in 2026

The global market for citizenship by investment continues to evolve, with some of the lowest-cost options ever seen now available alongside traditional Caribbean offerings. For investors seeking global mobility, asset protection, or a strategic second passport, understanding the real cost of popular programs, including emerging ones, is essential.

This guide highlights the most affordable citizenship by investment programs in 2026, ranking them by minimum investment requirement and overall value, and explains what you need to know before applying.

What Defines an “Affordable” CBI Program?

A true assessment of affordability goes beyond the headline investment amount. When comparing programs, you should consider:

• Minimum contribution or investment requirement
• Government fees and due diligence costs
• Family inclusion fees
• Processing timelines
• Whether the investment is refundable or donation-based

Some programs require a donation (non-recoverable), while others involve real estate or business investment (potentially recoverable but with market risk). The most affordable programs typically have low minimum requirements and simple donation-based paths.

Most Affordable programs for 2026

1. São Tomé and Príncipe – World’s Most Affordable CBI (≈$90,000)

One of the most significant developments in 2025–2026 is the new São Tomé and Príncipe Citizenship by Investment Program, which has set an exceptionally low entry point compared to traditional options.

Key Features

• Minimum donation: approx. USD 90,000 for a single applicant, one of the lowest globally.
• Family package: around $95,000 for up to four people, with additional dependents at approx. $5,000 each.
• Processing time: as quick as 4 weeks in many cases.
• No residency requirement: applicants do not need to live or visit São Tomé.

São Tomé’s passport offers visa-free or visa-on-arrival access to 93 countries. This program is attractive for investors who want cost-efficient citizenship without the high donation thresholds typical of Caribbean or European programs.

Best for: Investors seeking the cheapest second passport and a fast-processing route.

2. Nauru – Ultra-Low CBI Starting Around USD 105,000

Another emerging but highly affordable option is Nauru, a Pacific island nation that launched its Citizenship by Investment Program recently.

Investment Requirements

• Minimum donation: approx. USD 105,000 for a single applicant.
• Family costs: higher for multiple dependents

Despite being lesser-known, the Nauru program is often listed alongside other low-cost programs, offering visa-free or visa-on-arrival access to about 88 countries.

Best for: individual applicants prioritizing low upfront cost and a straightforward donation route.

3. Vanuatu – Low-Cost and Fast (≈USD 130,000)

Although outside Africa and the Caribbean, Vanuatu’s CBI program remains one of the most affordable established options with a long track record.

Highlights

• Minimum donation: about USD 130,000.
• Processing time: among the fastest in the world (often 2 months).

While not the cheapest, Vanuatu’s combination of low cost and speed makes it a competitive choice for investors who want quick results and reliable administrative processes.

4. Traditional Caribbean Options – Still Value Leaders

The Caribbean remains a core region for Citizenship by Investment programs, and while not the lowest overall compared to São Tomé and Principe or Nauru, several programs remain highly competitive.

Dominica

• Minimum donation or real estate: approx. USD 200,000.
• Offers visa-free travel to many destinations and a trusted program structure.

Antigua & Barbuda

• Minimum donation: approx. USD 230,000.
• Known for being family-friendly and offering competitive processing times.

Grenada

• Minimum donation: around USD 235,000.
• Attractive due to strategic visa access (E-2 eligibility for the U.S. under certain conditions).

Saint Lucia

• Minimum donation: around USD 240,000.

Saint Kitts and Nevis

• Minimum donation: approx. USD 250,000.

These programs remain popular for their credibility, broader visa-free networks, and longer market presence.

How to Compare CBI Costs in 2026?

When evaluating citizenship by investment opportunities, it’s crucial to analyze all cost components:

1. Base investment or donation.
2. Government fees: administrative, passport, and due diligence fees.
3. Family inclusion structure: how many dependents are covered and at what cost?
4. Processing time, a faster timeline may justify a slightly higher contribution.
5. Global mobility benefits, visa-free access and broader travel freedom can weigh heavily on value.

Why Global Investors Still Choose citizenship by investment programs?

Despite rising costs in some regions, citizenship by investment programs continue to offer:

• Enhanced global mobility
• Tax and estate planning optimization
• Security through alternative citizenship
• Business and lifestyle flexibility

New entrants like São Tomé and Principe and Nauru are expanding access for investors who previously considered CBI out of reach due to high donation thresholds.

Source - Citizenship Invest