Getting a second passport can be a life-changing decision, offering benefits like increased travel freedom, business opportunities, and better security. However, the cost varies significantly based on the method of acquisition—Citizenship by Investment, naturalization, ancestry, or residency programs. Here’s a breakdown of the costs and whether it’s worth the investment.
Methods & Costs of Acquiring a Second Passport
Citizenship by Investment (CBI)
Some countries offer fast-track citizenship in exchange for investment.
Saint Kitts & Nevis – Minimum investment of $250,000 (donation) or $400,000 (real estate), processing time of 3–6 months, visa-free access to 150+ countries, including the UK and EU.
Antigua & Barbuda – Minimum investment of $100,000 (donation) or $200,000 (real estate), processing time of 3–6 months, visa-free access to 150+ countries, including the Schengen Zone.
Dominica – Minimum investment of $100,000 (donation) or $200,000 (real estate), processing time of 3–4 months, visa-free access to 140+ countries, including China and the UK.
Grenada – Minimum investment of $150,000 (donation) or $220,000 (real estate), processing time of 4–6 months, visa-free access to 140+ countries, including China and the USA through the E-2 visa program.
Malta – Minimum donation of €600,000+, processing time of 12–36 months, visa-free access to the EU, UK, and USA.
Turkey – Minimum real estate investment of $400,000, processing time of 6–12 months, visa-free access to 110+ countries, including Japan and Singapore.
This method is worth it for those who need visa-free travel, investment opportunities, or a strong passport. It may not be ideal for those seeking a low-cost option.
Citizenship by Ancestry
Some countries grant citizenship based on family heritage, often at a lower cost.
Ireland – Requires a grandparent to be Irish, processing time of 6–12 months, estimated cost between $1,000 and $3,000.
Italy – Requires a parent, grandparent, or great-grandparent to be Italian, processing time of 12–36 months, estimated cost between $2,000 and $10,000.
Portugal – Available for individuals of Sephardic Jewish descent, processing time of 12–24 months, estimated cost between $2,000 and $5,000.
Poland – Requires ancestry up to great-grandparents, processing time of 6–12 months, estimated cost between $1,000 and $5,000.
If eligible, this is one of the most affordable ways to obtain a second passport. If ancestry is not an option, other routes must be explored.
Residency & Naturalization
Some countries offer citizenship after years of residency.
Portugal – Requires five years of residency through the Golden Visa program with a minimum investment of €280,000.
Spain – Requires ten years of residency, but only two years for Latin American applicants. No investment is required.
Canada – Requires three years as a permanent resident before applying for citizenship.
USA – Requires five years as a Green Card holder before applying for citizenship.
This option is best for those who want a strong passport without making a large financial investment upfront. It may not be suitable for those who need citizenship quickly.
Is a Second Passport Worth the Cost?
A second passport can be highly valuable depending on personal needs and financial capacity.
It is beneficial for frequent travelers, entrepreneurs seeking business-friendly environments, individuals from countries with restricted travel access, and those looking for long-term security and stability.
It may not be necessary for individuals who already have a strong passport, do not travel often, or find the cost outweighs the benefits.
