Did you know that some nationalities face restrictions on citizenship by investment (CBI) programs?

These programs offer a unique opportunity for individuals to invest in a country's economy in exchange for citizenship. 

However, some people may not be eligible to apply. 

Are you ready to unravel the motivations behind nationality exclusions and learn how they may impact aspiring CBI investors?

Read on to find out more…

Which Nationalities Are Banned From Entering Certain Countries?

One example is the United States, which has implemented travel restrictions on citizens from several countries including Iran, Libya, Somalia, Syria, Yemen, North Korea, and Venezuela.

These restrictions vary in scope, from full travel bans to certain limitations depending on the country of origin.

Similarly, Australia has imposed bans on individuals from specific countries, such as Afghanistan, Iraq, and North Korea, for security reasons.

These restrictions aim to protect national security while acknowledging the unique circumstances of each nation.

Additionally, some countries have placed travel bans on specific nationalities due to political or diplomatic reasons.

For instance, Saudi Arabia does not allow entry to citizens of Israel, as the two countries do not have diplomatic relations.

Similarly, Qatar has banned citizens of several Arab countries including Saudi Arabia, Egypt, Bahrain, and the United Arab Emirates due to ongoing political disputes.

These bans highlight the intricate web of international relations and the impact they have on travel permissions.

Top 5 Reasons for the Banning of Certain Nationalities from CBI Programs

As you dive into the world of citizenship by investment, you might be curious to find out why some countries restrict certain nationalities from accessing their citizenship programs. 

Below, we’ll take a closer look at the 5 major reasons causing CBI programs to ban certain nationals from applying. 

Geopolitical Factors

Geopolitical factors play a significant role in determining which nationalities are banned from CBI programs. 

These factors may include political tensions, historical conflicts, or diplomatic disputes between countries. 

Take note

Banning certain nationalities may be necessary to maintain the host country's foreign policy interests and protect its relationships with other nations. 

However, this approach has emerged as a result of complex global politics and has been criticized for unfairly penalizing individuals based on their nationality rather than their personal actions or qualifications.

Security & Risk Assessment

Security concerns and risk assessment are major reasons for banning specific nationalities from participating in citizenship by investment programs. 

Host countries need to ensure that new citizens don’t pose any threat to national security or public safety. 

Banning certain nationalities may be deemed necessary due to concerns about terrorism, organized crime, or other security risks associated with a particular country. 

Economic & Financial Concerns

Economic and financial concerns also contribute to nationality bans in CBI programs. 

Host countries may exclude certain nationalities if they believe that granting citizenship to individuals from those countries may negatively impact their economy or financial stability. 

Such decisions may be necessary to protect a host country's economic interests or prevent money laundering, tax evasion, and other financial crimes. 

This approach has emerged as an approach to safeguarding a country’s financial and economic well-being. 

Compliance With International Regulations & Sanctions

Host countries must comply with international regulations and sanctions when implementing citizenship by investment programs. 

If a country faces sanctions or restrictions from international bodies such as the United Nations or the European Union, it may ban its citizens from participating in CBI programs.

This approach has emerged as countries seek to maintain their international standing and avoid penalties. 

However

Critics have argued that this may result in collectively punishing entire nations for the misdeeds of individuals.

Reputation Management & Public Perception

Lastly, reputation management and public perception can also influence a host country's decision to ban certain nationalities from CBI programs. 

Granting citizenship to individuals from countries with negative reputations or controversial backgrounds may tarnish the host country's image or create a public backlash. 

Most countries strive to maintain a positive international reputation and attract high-quality investors. 

Which Countries Are Banned from Applying for Citizenship by Investment Programs?

Now that we've explored the reasons behind nationality bans in citizenship by investment, we’ll delve into the specific countries affected by these restrictions. 

Citizens of a certain country are either eligible, ineligible with exceptions, or ineligible to apply for a citizenship by investment program.

We've compiled a comprehensive list of all the banned nationalities for each CBI program. 

Applicant Origin	Antigua & Barbuda	Dominica	Grenada	Malta	St. Kitts & Nevis	Saint Lucia	Türkiye	Vanuatu	Egypt	Jordan	Cambodia
Afghanistan	Ineligible*	Eligible	Eligible	Ineligible	Ineligible	Eligible	Eligible	Eligible	Eligible	Eligible	Eligible
Armenia	Eligible	Eligible	Eligible	Eligible	Eligible	Eligible	Ineligible	Eligible	Eligible	Eligible	Eligible
Belarus	Eligible	Ineligible	Eligible	Ineligible	Ineligible	Ineligible	Eligible	Eligible	Eligible	Eligible	Eligible
Cuba	Eligible	Eligible	Eligible	Eligible	Ineligible	Eligible	Ineligible	Eligible	Eligible	Eligible	Eligible
DR Congo	Eligible	Eligible	Eligible	Ineligible	Eligible	Eligible	Eligible	Eligible	Eligible	Eligible	Eligible
Iran	Ineligible*	Eligible	Ineligible	Ineligible	Ineligible	Ineligible	Eligible	Ineligible*	Eligible	Eligible	Eligible
Iraq	Eligible	Ineligible*	Eligible	Eligible	Eligible	Eligible	Eligible	Ineligible*	Eligible	Eligible	Eligible
Nigeria	Eligible	Eligible	Eligible	Eligible	Eligible	Eligible	Ineligible	Eligible	Eligible	Eligible	Eligible
North Korea	Ineligible*	Ineligible*	Eligible	Ineligible	Ineligible	Eligible	Ineligible	Ineligible*	Eligible	Eligible	Eligible
Russia	Ineligible	Ineligible	Eligible	Ineligible	Ineligible	Ineligible	Eligible	Eligible	Eligible	Eligible	Eligible

Austria’s Citizenship by Investment Program

As of 2025, Austria's citizenship by investment program remains open to applicants from all nationalities, without any specific restrictions. 

By not restricting any nationalities from applying, Austria demonstrates its commitment to fostering a multicultural and welcoming environment for potential investors and their families.

Antigua & Barbuda’s Citizenship by Investment Program

Antigua and Barbuda's CBI program has specific restrictions in place for certain nationalities.¹ 

Banned countries include:

• Afghanistan: Banned due to security concerns and unstable political situations.
• Iran: Banned due to international sanctions and concerns over money laundering and terrorism financing.
• North Korea: Banned due to international sanctions and concerns over money laundering and terrorism financing.
• Russia: Banned due to geopolitical factors and concerns about financial crimes.
• Somalia: Banned due to security concerns, terrorism financing, and unstable political situations.
• Sudan: Banned due to international sanctions, terrorism financing, and unstable political situations.
• Yemen: Banned due to security concerns, terrorism financing, and unstable political situations.

Antigua and Barbuda's citizenship program restrictions reflect the country's commitment to global security and international legal compliance.

Dominica’s Citizenship by Investment Program

Dominica's citizenship program also imposes restrictions on particular nationalities.² 

We've listed banned countries below:

• Belarus: Banned due to concerns over human rights violations, political instability, and potential financial crimes.
• Russia: Banned due to geopolitical factors and concerns about financial crimes, such as money laundering and corruption.
• North Korea: Banned due to international sanctions and concerns over money laundering and terrorism financing.
• Northern Iraq: Banned due to security concerns, ongoing conflicts, and the presence of terrorist organizations in the region.
• Sudan: Banned due to international sanctions, terrorism financing, and unstable political situations.

Dominica's nationality restrictions prioritize security and adherence to international regulations.

Grenada’s Citizenship by Investment Program

As of 2025, Grenada hasn’t explicitly listed any banned nationalities from participating in its citizenship by investment program. 

Jordan’s Citizenship by Investment Program

Similarly to Grenada and Austria, Jordan’s citizenship by investment program hasn’t formally announced any restrictions for applicants to this program.

Malta’s Citizenship by Investment Program

Malta's CBI program enforces restrictions on certain nationalities. 

We've summarized the 7 banned nationalities below:

• Afghanistan: Banned due to security concerns and unstable political situations.
• DR Congo: Banned due to security concerns and unstable political situations.
• Iran: Banned due to international sanctions and concerns over money laundering and terrorism financing.
• North Korea: Banned due to international sanctions and concerns over money laundering and terrorism financing.
• Russia: Banned due to geopolitical factors and concerns about financial crimes.
• Somalia: Banned due to security concerns, terrorism financing, and unstable political situations.
• South Sudan: Banned due to security concerns and unstable political situations.
• Sudan: Banned due to international sanctions, terrorism financing, and unstable political situations.
• Syria: Banned due to ongoing conflict and security concerns in the region.
• Venezuela: Banned due to political instability and economic concerns.
• Yemen: Banned due to security concerns, terrorism financing, and unstable political situations.

Malta's nationality restrictions reflect its commitment to maintaining a secure and reputable program.

North Macedonia’s Citizenship by Investment Program

North Macedonia doesn’t impose nationality restrictions on applicants for its CBI program. 

This means that the only eligibility requirements for this program include:

• Being over the age of 18 years old 
• A clean criminal background
• Financial capacity
• Have entered the country via legal routes 

Learn More: The CBI Program in North Macedonia

St. Kitts & Nevis’ Citizenship by Investment Program

St. Kitts and Nevis' CBI program bans certain nationalities.³ 

These banned countries include:

• Afghanistan: Banned due to security concerns and unstable political situations.
• Cuba: Banned due to geopolitical factors and international sanctions.
• Iran: Banned due to international sanctions and concerns over terrorism financing and money laundering.
• North Korea: Banned due to international sanctions and concerns over terrorism financing and money laundering.
• Russia: Banned due to geopolitical factors and concerns about financial crimes.

St. Kitts and Nevis' CBI program restrictions demonstrate the country's dedication to global security and compliance.

St. Lucia’s Citizenship by Investment Program

St. Lucia's CBI program also has nationality restrictions in place. 

The banned countries are:

• Iran: Banned due to international sanctions and concerns regarding terrorism financing and money laundering.
• Russia: Banned due to geopolitical factors and concerns about financial crimes.

St. Lucia's nationality restrictions prioritize security and cooperation with international regulations.

Turkey’s Citizenship by Investment Program

Turkey's CBI program also enforces restrictions on certain nationalities. 

Countries banned from applying for Turkey's CBI program include:

• Armenia: Banned due to longstanding geopolitical tensions with Turkey.
• Cuba: Banned due to geopolitical factors and international sanctions.
• North Korea: Banned due to international sanctions and concerns over money laundering and terrorism financing.
• Nigeria: Banned due to security concerns and financial crime risks.
• Syria: Banned due to ongoing conflict and security concerns in the region.

Turkey's nationality restrictions showcase the country's commitment to global security and compliance.

Read More: The CBI Program in Turkey

Vanuatu’s Citizenship by Investment Program

Vanuatu’s citizenship program also enforces restrictions on certain nationalities. 

The banned countries include:

• Iran: Banned due to international sanctions and concerns regarding terrorism financing and money laundering.
• Iraq: Banned due to security concerns and unstable political situations.
• North Korea: Banned due to international sanctions and concerns over money laundering and terrorism financing.
• Yemen: Banned due to security concerns, terrorism financing, and unstable political situations

What Resources & Strategies Can Help Overcome Nationality Restrictions?

Navigating the complex landscape of nationality restrictions in citizenship by investment programs can be a major challenge for many aspiring investors. 

Luckily, it’s not all doom and gloom. 

In this section, we’ll walk you through the 2 main resources and strategies that can help you overcome these limitations and successfully pursue the opportunities offered by CBI programs. 

Take a look:

Legal Avenues for Bypassing Nationality Bans

There are viable legal avenues to bypass certain CBI nationality restrictions.

Various options are available to help applicants bypass bans while adhering to the laws and regulations of their respective countries.

Here are a few legal avenues to explore: 

• Residency by investment: Instead of directly applying for citizenship, individuals can first obtain residency in a country through investment. After meeting the residency requirements and spending a certain amount of time in the country, they can then apply for naturalization, which may help bypass nationality bans in CBI programs.
• Dual citizenship: Obtaining dual citizenship from a country without nationality restrictions can be another way to bypass bans. Once an individual holds citizenship from a country that isn’t restricted, they can apply for a second citizenship using their new nationality.
• Renunciation of citizenship: In some cases, individuals may choose to renounce their original citizenship to overcome nationality restrictions. This option should be considered carefully, as it may have significant consequences and may not always guarantee acceptance into a CBI program.
• Spousal or family sponsorship: If an individual has a spouse or family member who’s a citizen of a country without nationality restrictions, they can apply for citizenship through family sponsorship. This can potentially help them bypass nationality bans in CBI programs.
• Humanitarian or exceptional circumstances: In rare cases, countries may make exceptions to nationality restrictions based on humanitarian grounds or other exceptional circumstances. Applicants must provide strong evidence and reasoning for such consideration, and the decision ultimately lies at the discretion of the respective authorities.

By understanding the intricacies of immigration laws and identifying the most suitable route, you can give yourself the best chance to overcome nationality-based restrictions. 

Working With Immigration Experts, Lawyers, & Consultants

Partnering with or working with experienced professionals in the field of immigration can also assist you in overcoming nationality restrictions. 

Professionals such as immigration experts, lawyers, and consultants possess the knowledge and expertise to help applicants navigate the intricacies of CBI restrictions effectively. 

What’s more

These professionals can provide valuable insights, assist in preparing the necessary documentation, and recommend the most appropriate strategies tailored to the specific needs of each applicant.

In essence, working with experts in the field not only simplifies the process but can also enhance the chances of your CBI application despite nationality restrictions. 

Common Questions

In Conclusion

Understanding and addressing nationality restrictions in citizenship by investment programs is essential for individuals seeking a second citizenship. 

By exploring legal avenues and collaborating with immigration experts, applicants can navigate these challenges and enhance their chances of success. 

The WorldPassports team trusts that our comprehensive article has shed some light on the intricacies of geopolitical and international restrictions on citizenship by investment programs.