What is a Golden Passport? Benefits and Process Explained

Vago Barseghyan

•

January 13, 2025

“Golden Passport” and “Golden Visa” are colloquial terms used to describe Citizenship by Investment (CBI) and Residency by Investment (RBI) programmes, which allow an individual can acquire citizenship or residency in a host country through a substantial financial contribution (typically a real estate investment or a donation to the government). Golden Passport programmes represent an opportunity for individuals and families seeking enhanced global mobility, security, and the flexibility of holding a second passport.

‍

Table of contents

Example H2

Example H3

What is a golden passport programme exactly? It's more than just a pathway to a second passport; it also offers significant Golden Passport benefits such as enhanced global mobility, security, and even greater freedom regarding business opportunities. How to get a Golden Passport often depends on meeting specific investment and other criteria set by participating countries.

Globally, just over 20 countries have legal provisions for citizenship by investment; however, only 12 of these golden passport programmes (Antigua and Barbuda, Dominica, Grenada, Saint Kitts and Nevis, Saint Lucia, Malta, North Macedonia, Egypt, Jordan, Türkiye, and Vanuatu) are formal and active and less than 10 of these are adequately structured and popular.

Approximately 50,000 people apply for Golden Passports each year. These Golden Passports are more desirable than Golden Visas, offered by ~50 countries worldwide, as they grant full citizenship rights rather than just residency.

In a world full of misleading information about second passports, it’s essential to know that if global mobility is your priority, only six Golden Passport programmes are truly worth considering. These include the five Caribbean CBI programmes - Grenada, Antigua and Barbuda, St. Kitts and Nevis, Dominica, and Saint Lucia - and Malta. These passports are the only ones that provide visa-free or visa-on-arrival access to the most important global destinations, including Europe.

Golden Passport Investment Options

Golden Passport programmes require investment in the host country. Each Golden Passport country have different options but the most common are:

donation to a government fund
real estate investment
business or entrepreneurial investment.

Each of these options comes with its own requirements and benefits, making it important for applicants to understand their priorities when deciding how to get a Golden Passport.

Golden Passport Cost and Financial Requirements

How much does a Golden passport cost? The headline costs vary considerably among the CBI programmes offered by Golden Passport countries, ranging from under US$ 200K to over EUR 700K. For the costs involved in the Caribbean programmes, we have a Passport Cost Calculator.

These figures are only part of the true cost as an applicant will also need to incur various costs such as processing and legal fees, which should be considered part of the ‘real’ cost of application.

A final important factor to consider in the cost analysis is the ability to obtain passports for family members. In most Golden Passport countries, obtaining citizenship for additional family members is possible. On average, three people gain citizenship from one investment. For those curious about how much a Golden Passport costs, these financial factors are essential to evaluate.

Visa-Free Access for Golden Passport Holders

What is a golden passport without the benefit of visa-free travel where previously a visa would have been required? For example, a Grenada passport carries visa-free access to 144 countries, including the EU Schengen countries, the UK, Russia, China, India, Argentina, and Brazil as well as the coveted E-2 US visa for people resident in Grenada for at least three years.

Caribbean Golden Passport programmes

Among the Golden Passport countries available worldwide, the five Caribbean Citizenship by Investment programmes are known for their transparent processes, ease, and speed in obtaining a second passport.

Grenada Golden Passport

Minimum Investment: US$235,000 for a donation or US$270,000 for real estate.
Passport Processing Time: Approximately 4–6 months.
Travel Freedom: Includes visa-free or visa-on-arrival access to over 140 destinations, such as the UK, Schengen Area, Argentina, Brazil, China, India, and Russia.

Antigua and Barbuda Golden Passport

Minimum Investment: A donation of US$230,000 or a real estate investment of US$325,000.
Passport Processing Time: Typically 3–4 months.
Travel Freedom: Over 150 visa-free countries, including the UK, Schengen Area, Brazil, China, India, and Russia.

St. Kitts and Nevis Golden Passport

Minimum Investment: A donation of US$250,000 or a real estate purchase of US$400,000.
Passport Processing Time: 4–6 months.
Travel Freedom: More than 150 countries, such as the UK, Schengen Area, Argentina, Brazil, India, and Russia.

Dominica Golden Passport

Investment Requirement: US$200,000.
Passport Processing Time: Around 3–4 months.
Travel Freedom: Access to over 140 countries, including the Schengen Area, Argentina, Brazil, India, and Russia.

Saint Lucia Golden Passport

Minimum Investment: US$240,000 for donations or US$300,000 for real estate.
Passport Processing Time: 4–6 months.
Travel Freedom: Visa-free or visa-on-arrival to 140+ countries, including the UK, Schengen Area, Argentina, Brazil, and India.

European Golden Passport programmes

Malta is the only EU country offering a Golden Passport. However, this programme is more of a hybrid between a Golden Visa and a straightforward CBI scheme, as it requires a residency period before citizenship is granted. This makes it somewhat distinct from the five Caribbean CBI programmes, which offer a more direct path to citizenship without needing prior residency.

Residency, Investment, and Other Obligations:

Residency: Maintain legal residence for either 12 months (requiring a larger contribution) or 36 months. This residency is evidenced by a valid residence card.
Economic Contribution:
- €600,000 for a 36-month residency or €750,000 for a 12-month residency.
- Purchase real estate worth €700,000 or rent a property for at least €16,000 annually, with a 5-year holding requirement.
Philanthropy: Contribute €10,000 to a Maltese organisation promoting cultural, scientific, philanthropic, or animal welfare causes.

Applicants and dependents must submit to thorough background checks and due diligence assessments, with fees ranging from €10,000 to €15,000 per individual. A sworn oath of allegiance and proof of good health are also required.

‍

Key Drivers for Golden Passport Demand

What is a golden passport for individuals from countries with restricted mobility across borders? It's a gateway to the rights and benefits of second passports, and the advantages and privileges offered by different countries’ citizenships drive the demand for these golden passports. As long as there are disparities in citizenship rights and benefits, the appeal of golden passports is expected to continue growing.

The demand for golden passports is often driven by lifestyle choices. Many applicants seek a better quality of life, including access to superior healthcare, education, or simply the opportunity to live in a more stable and desirable environment. Golden passports offer the flexibility to choose where to live based on personal preferences rather than being tied to one’s country of origin.

Emerging economies in the countries of Asia, Africa, and the Middle East have created a new class of wealthy individuals whose home-country passports often limit travel mobility. The desire for easier cross-border movement drives these individuals to seek golden passports. By obtaining a Caribbean passport through a golden passport programme, they gain visa-free access to the UK, the European Union, and other desirable regions, significantly enhancing their travel freedom.;==

Wealthy individuals, particularly those living under authoritarian regimes, are frequently wary of political uncertainties and need a “Plan B”. In countries with unpredictable governments, successful business people face the constant threat of asset seizure or sudden law changes, jeopardising their wealth. By securing a second citizenship, they gain not only the ability to relocate or move some of their wealth offshore but also the potential to access international arbitration, thus bypassing often corrupt or unreliable domestic legal systems.

Wealth structuring and business opportunities are also an important motivation. A golden passport can provide access to favourable tax regimes, investment opportunities, and the ability to conduct business in more favourable economic environments. What is a golden passport for these CBI investors? It is not just about gaining a second citizenship but about strategically positioning themselves and their assets globally.

Key Differences between Golden Passports and Golden Visas

Security of Status: Citizenship is far more secure than residency. Once granted, citizenship is difficult to revoke and is typically subject to judicial review. In contrast, residency has certain conditions, such as mandatory minimum stay requirements and regular renewals, making it less secure and more easily lost if certain conditions are not met. Moreover, residency does not provide the same level of benefits as citizenship, such as access to educational or social services and protections for citizens.
Inheritance: Citizenship can be passed down to future generations, providing a long-term benefit to an investor's descendants. Residency, on the other hand, is not inherited and must be renewed or reapplied for by each subsequent generation, limiting its value as a lasting legacy.
Travel and Global Mobility: A second passport from a Caribbean country allows for visa-free or visa-on-arrival access to numerous countries worldwide. This level of global mobility is far superior to that offered by a residency permit, which does not typically include a passport or the same breadth of travel freedom.
Identification and Business Opportunities: A second passport obtained through a Caribbean CBI programme serves as an official identification document, which can facilitate business opportunities, such as opening bank accounts and establishing financial relationships. With a Golden Visa, individuals are still left with their original passport. If their original passport posed challenges in conducting business or opening bank accounts, especially in Western countries, a residency permit does not alleviate these issues.
Golden Visa to Golden Passport: Most Golden Visa schemes provide a path to citizenship, but not all do. For example, the United Arab Emirates does not allow Golden Visa holders to become citizens.

When Each Golden Passport Programme was Introduced

Golden Passport programmes have developed over the last four decades; here is a timeline of currently active programmes:

1984: St. Kitts and Nevis launched the first formal CBI programme, which was later relaunched in 2006.
1995: Grenada launched its first CBI programme, which was suspended in 2001, but reintroduced in 2013.
1997: Dominica started its CBI programme.
2007: Antigua and Barbuda announced its CBI programme, officially launching it in 2013.
2012: Malta introduced a quasi-CBI programme, later replaced in 2020 with stricter residency requirements.
2014: St. Lucia introduced its CBI programme, becoming the last of the five Caribbean countries to do so.
2017: Türkiye introduced its CBI programme.
2020: Vanuatu fast-track CBI programme with little due diligence
2021: Egypt launched its CBI programme.
2022: Jordan introduced its CBI programme.

‍

Understanding the Various Fees in Golden Passport Programmes

Each Golden Passport programme comes with its own set of real estate investment thresholds and additional fees, varying based on the number of family members included in the application.

A more detailed look into fees associated with the five Caribbean Citizenship by Investment programs can be found by checking our relevant CBI country pages here.

To understand the specific cost for your family, please visit our Passport Cost Calculator page to check the estimated cost per passport. For a more detailed and personalised quote for your chosen country, complete the Passport Cost form, and our team will provide you with tailored information.

‍

Final Thoughts

What are golden passport programmes? They are opportunities to acquire a second passport for individuals seeking global mobility and financial security.

Among the various options available, the five Caribbean Golden Passport programmes stand out for their affordability, transparency, and speed in granting citizenship. These programmes offer visa-free access to numerous countries and a quick time to citizenship without residency requirements.

At Caribbean Golden Passport Advisors, we are dedicated to helping you navigate these options, ensuring you find the best property investment that aligns with your goals while guiding you through Golden Passport benefits and the most suitable CBI programme in the Caribbean.

FAQs on Golden Passports

Are Golden Passports legal?

Yes, Golden Passports are legal and are offered through government-approved Citizenship by Investment (CBI) programmes.

What are Golden Passports for?

Golden Passports provide enhanced global mobility, security, and access to new business opportunities.

Does the whole family get a Golden Passport?

Yes, most programmes allow family members, including spouses and dependents, to obtain citizenship and passports under a single application.

What are Golden Passport countries?

Golden Passport countries include Antigua and Barbuda, Dominica, Grenada, Saint Kitts and Nevis, Saint Lucia, Malta, North Macedonia, Egypt, Jordan, and others.

When does a Golden Passport expire?

Golden Passports do not expire, but the physical passport document requires periodic renewal, similar to any other passport.

How to get a Golden Passport?

Golden Passports can be obtained by investing in government-approved programmes, typically involving donations, real estate purchases, or business investments.

How much does a Golden Passport cost?

The cost ranges from US$200K to over EUR700K+, depending on the country and type of investment.

Can people live and work in their Golden Passport country?

Yes, Golden Passports grant full citizenship rights, allowing individuals to live and work in the issuing country.

Can people travel to the EU with their Golden Passports?

Yes, holders of Caribbean Golden Passports enjoy visa-free access to the EU Schengen Area.

Vago Barseghyan

Our blog covers a combination of industry trends and professional insights. We provide updates on real estate investment opportunities through citizenship by investment programs, global mobility and more! Sign up for our newsletter to stay on top of industry trends!

Vago Barseghyan

Antigua and Barbuda enjoys a tropical maritime climate, characterised by warm temperatures year-round, with an average of 27°C (81°F). The islands have a relatively dry season from January to April, with a wetter season from May to November. The islands have robust infrastructure and emergency systems in place to manage such events.

Originally inhabited by the Arawak and Carib peoples, the islands were colonised by the British in the 17th century. The cultural landscape is a blend of African, British, and indigenous influences. This rich history is reflected in local music, dance, and festivals, with calypso, reggae, and steelpan music being particularly popular. Cricket, a legacy of British rule, is the most popular sport, and sailing is also popular, reflecting the islands' strong maritime culture.

Antigua and Barbuda boasts 365 beaches, one for each day of the year, along with coral reefs, lagoons, and lush vegetation. The country’s landscape is primarily flat, with rolling hills and volcanic rock formations. The islands are also home to rich biodiversity, making them a haven for nature lovers.

Antigua and Barbuda have a stable democratic government based on the British parliamentary system. The country is generally regarded as having a manageable level of bureaucracy, with a reasonably straightforward process for interacting with government agencies. Retirees will find that essential services like renewing a driver’s licence, paying taxes, or obtaining necessary permits are relatively simple, although some processes can be slow due to limited resources. The government has been making strides in digitising services to reduce in-person visits and streamline processes.

Antigua and Barbuda is known for its lively events and festivals, particularly Carnival, one of the year's most anticipated events. Antigua Sailing Week is another major event, attracting sailors and spectators from around the world. These festivals are deeply rooted in the local culture and provide a vibrant social scene for retirees.

Dominica has a tropical rainforest climate, with high humidity and heavy rainfall, particularly on the windward side of the island. Temperatures are warm year-round, averaging 26°C (79°F), with cooler conditions in themountainous interior. The island’s lush greenery is a result of its abundantrainfall.

Dominica's culture is a vibrant mix of indigenous Kalinago heritage, African traditions, and European colonial influences, particularly French and British. The island was originally settled by the Kalinago people, and their influence is still present today, especially in the Kalinago Territory. African traditions have also left a profound mark, particularly in the island’s music, dance, and festivals. Dominica’s outdoor sports are heavily influenced by its rugged terrain, with hiking and diving being popular among locals and expatriates alike, although there is of course cricket for those with more sedentary dispositions.

Known as the "NatureIsland," Dominica is characterised by its rugged terrain, rainforests ,waterfalls, and geothermal activity. The island is home to the UNESCO-listed Morne Trois Pitons National Park, as well as numerous rivers and lakes. Dominica’s unspoiled natural beauty is a major draw for retirees who appreciate ecotourism and outdoor adventures.

Dominica’s government operates under a parliamentary democracy, with a legal system rooted in English common law. While the country’s bureaucracy is smaller and more accessible, some processes can be slow, particularly in rural areas. However, the government is generally cooperative and accommodating, particularly for expatriates. It’s advisable to have local assistance or a legal advisor to navigate more complex processes, such as property transactions or dealing with land registries.

Dominica hosts several unique cultural events, including the World Creole Music Festival and Carnival. The island’s festivals are deeply connected to its Creole heritage, offering retirees a chance to immerse themselves in local traditions and music. Dominica’s Independence celebrations also feature traditional dances, music, and cuisine.

Grenada has a tropical climate with relatively consistent temperatures throughout the year, averaging around 28°C (82°F). The dry season runs from January to May, while the wet season is from June to December. Although Grenada is located on the southern edge of the hurricane belt and is less impacted the another Caribbean islands, it is not immune to these storms as has been seen recently with Hurricane Beryl. The island has since improved its hurricane preparedness and infrastructure resilience and the value of these improvements has led to greater preparedness for such events.

The island was originally inhabited by the Arawak and Carib peoples before being colonised by Europeans. Grenadian culture is characterised by a strong sense of community, vibrant music, and dance traditions, such as calypso and soca. French influence on the island is evident in its place names and culinary traditions. Cricket and football are the most popular sports, and sailing and water sports are also widely enjoyed.

Known as the "SpiceIsle," Grenada is famous for its aromatic plantations, waterfalls, and pristine beaches. The island’s volcanic origin provides a diverse landscape of mountains, rainforests, and coastal areas. Grenada’s natural beauty is complemented by its extensive marine life, making it ideal for snorkelling and diving.

Grenada also follows a British-style parliamentary democracy. The country’s bureaucracy is relatively user-friendly, with many government processes being straightforward and accessible. Retirees generally find it easy to interact with government departments for routine tasks such as registering a vehicle, renewing licences, or paying taxes.

Grenada’s Spicemas Carnival is the island’s most significant cultural event, celebrated with colourful parades, music, and dance. The island also hosts the Grenada Sailing Festival and the Pure Grenada Music Festival, both of which attract international visitors. These events provide a lively social calendar for retirees.

Saint Kitts and Nevis has a tropical climate, with temperatures ranging between 24°C (75°F) and 31°C (88°F) throughout the year. The islands have a dry season from December to April and a wet season from May to November. Located within the hurricane belt, Saint Kitts and Nevis is vulnerable to hurricanes, especially between June and November, but the islands have strong building codes and disaster response plans in place to reduce the impact of the senatural events.

The cultural heritage of Saint Kitts and Nevis is shaped by its history of indigenous Carib and Arawak inhabitants and European colonisation. Saint Kitts was the first Caribbean island to be colonised by the British, and Nevis has a rich history as a major sugar producer. The islands' cultural roots are a blend of African, British, and French influences, reflected in the local cuisine, music, and festivals. Cricket and football are deeply ingrained in the local culture and, along with sailing and hiking, are integral to the islands' cultural life.

The twin islands of Saint Kitts and Nevis are known for their volcanic mountains, rainforests, and beaches. The islands are home to the UNESCO World Heritage site of Brimstone Hill Fortress and offer stunning views from places like Mount Liamuiga. The islands’ natural beauty is one of their strongest appeals to retirees.

Saint Kitts and Nevis operates under a stable parliamentary democracy, with governance structures similar to those of other Commonwealth countries. The islands have a relatively low level of bureaucracy, and dealing with the government on a day-to-day basis is generally straightforward. Most routine administrative tasks, such as obtaining permits, paying taxes, or registering property, are manageable, although some processes can take longer than expected due to limited staffing. The government is trying to modernise its operations, including digitising more services, which should help reduce delays and improve overall efficiency.

The islands of Saint Kitts and Nevis host several vibrant festivals, including Carnival, the Saint Kitts Music Festival, and Culturama, which is unique to Nevis. These events celebrate local culture, music, and heritage, offering retirees plenty of opportunities to engage with the community and enjoy local traditions.

Saint Lucia enjoys a tropical climate with warm temperatures year-round, typically ranging from 25°C (77°F) to 30°C (86°F). The dry season extends from December to May, while the wet season is from June to November. Saint Lucia is situated near the edge of the hurricane belt, making it prone to hurricanes and tropical storms but less so than those further north. The government has invested in improving hurricane preparedness and infrastructure resilience to protect the island from future storms better.

Saint Lucia's culture is a unique blend of African, French, and British influences, reflecting its complex history of colonisation. The island was originally inhabited by the Arawak and later the Carib people, before being contested by the French and British for centuries. The French influence is particularly strong in the island's Creole language, cuisine, and Catholic traditions, while British colonial rule has left its mark on the legal system and sports, particularly cricket. The island’s dramatic landscapes, including the iconic Pitons, provide a stunning backdrop for outdoor sports like hiking and diving, which are popular among locals and retirees alike.

Saint Lucia is famous for its dramatic Pitons, volcanic peaks that rise sharply from the sea. The island’s landscape includes rainforests, beaches, andSulphur Springs, the Caribbean’s only drive-in volcano. Saint Lucia’s natural beauty is among the most striking in the Caribbean, attracting retirees who enjoy outdoor activities and scenic views.

Saint Lucia’s government is a parliamentary democracy, and the country has a reputation for a relatively efficient bureaucracy compared to other Caribbean nations. For retirees, dealing with the government is typically hassle-free for most day-to-day tasks like renewing a driver’s licence, paying taxes, or obtaining residency permits. Saint Lucia has been proactive in improving its e-government services, allowing for easier access to information and quicker processing of certain requests online.

Saint Lucia is famous for its Jazz and Arts Festival, which attracts international artists and music lovers. The island’s Carnival is another major event, featuring parades, music, and dancing. Additionally, the La Rose and La Marguerite festivals celebrate the island’s unique cultural heritage, offering retirees a rich cultural experience.

What is a Golden Passport? Benefits and Process Explained

Golden Passport Investment Options

Golden Passport Cost and Financial Requirements

Visa-Free Access for Golden Passport Holders

Caribbean Golden Passport programmes

European Golden Passport programmes

Key Drivers for Golden Passport Demand

Key Differences between Golden Passports and Golden Visas

When Each Golden Passport Programme was Introduced

Understanding the Various Fees in Golden Passport Programmes

Final Thoughts

FAQs on Golden Passports

Are Golden Passports legal?

What are Golden Passports for?

Does the whole family get a Golden Passport?

What are Golden Passport countries?

When does a Golden Passport expire?

How to get a Golden Passport?

How much does a Golden Passport cost?

Can people live and work in their Golden Passport country?

Can people travel to the EU with their Golden Passports?

Request a call back

Thank you for contacting us!

Thank you for contacting us!