WorldPassports has compiled a comprehensive guide to the costs involved in citizenship by investment to help you make informed financial decisions.

Citizenship by investment programs offer several benefits, such as access to better economic, social, and educational opportunities, increased travel freedom, and financial flexibility. 

However, these benefits tend to come with numerous significant costs.

In some instances, investors' costs can escalate to hundreds of thousands of U$$*.

*Please note: All amounts mentioned in this article were correct at the time of publication and are subject to change. 

Read on to find out more about the costs you should watch out for when investing in a new citizenship…

What Are The Costs Associated With Citizenship By Investment?

Citizenship by investment programs provide individuals with the opportunity to obtain a second citizenship through a financial contribution to a country's economy.

The costs associated with citizenship by investment can vary depending on the country and the specific program.

Typically, applicants are required to make a significant investment in the form of a donation to a government fund, purchasing real estate, or investing in government-approved businesses.

Additionally, there are administrative fees, due diligence fees, and legal expenses that need to be taken into account.

The total costs can range from a few hundred thousand dollars to several million, depending on the country and the level of benefits offered.

It is important to note that the costs associated with citizenship by investment also include other non-financial factors.

These may include fulfilling certain eligibility criteria, such as a clean criminal record, having a good reputation, and meeting specific residency or language requirements.

Applicants may also need to factor in the costs of maintaining their new citizenship, such as taxes, annual fees, and potential travel expenses.

It is crucial to carefully consider all the costs and requirements associated with citizenship by investment before making a decision, and seek professional advice to ensure a smooth and successful application process.

Why’s It Important to Understand the Costs Involved in Citizenship by Investment? 

It’s important to understand the costs involved in citizenship by investment so that you can know and be better prepared for the expenses you'll incur. 

Understanding the various costs involved with this investment will help you make an informed decision about whether the program is suitable for your budget and investment objectives.

When investing in citizenship by investment, you'll need to be aware of specific fees such as application fees, due diligence fees, processing fees, and investment amounts. 

In addition

Each CBI program has different requirements and fees, so it's essential to do thorough research in advance and compare the costs of various programs so that you can choose the one that best suits your financial capabilities.

In doing so, you’ll avoid being caught off guard by unexpected financial burdens or hidden costs and will be well prepared to make financially sound and informed investment decisions. 

Overall, understanding the costs involved in citizenship by investment will give you the confidence to make educated decisions that align with your investment and citizenship objectives. 

What Investment Costs Are Involved in Citizenship by Investment?

The investment costs involved in citizenship by investment depend on the type of investment made, which includes options like an agriculture investment, a business investment, and real estate investment. 

To qualify for any citizenship by investment program, you’ll be required to make a significant investment in the country’s economy. 

As an investor interested in citizenship by investment programs, it's critical that you’re well-informed of the associated costs before committing.

Your primary cost will comprise of your investment in your chosen country, which will change depending on the specific CBI program and type of investment you’ve chosen.

So let’s take a closer look at the specific types of investments you can make to qualify for CBI programs and what they entail:  

Art & Culture Investment

This option involves investing in a cultural project, such as a museum, art gallery, or cultural center, that benefits the country's cultural development. 

The amount required to invest in this option may vary depending on the specific project but can range between US$100,000 and US$200,000.

Agriculture Investment

This option involves investing in agriculture or farming within the country.

The required investment amounts range from US$200,000 to US$300,000.

Business Investment

This option involves investing in a local business or creating a new business within the country.

The investment amount can vary depending on the type of business and its expected impact on the country's economy.

Donation to a Government Fund or Project 

This investment option requires applicants to make a non-refundable donation to the government or an approved project. 

The required amount can vary from US$100,000 to US$250,000.

Education Investment  

Education investment involves investing in education projects such as private schools, universities, or research institutions. 

The required investment amount for this option can range from US$200,000 to US$300,000  based on the size and expected impact of the education project.

Government Bond Investment

This option involves investing in government bonds, which usually come with a lower return on investment, but investors can typically recoup their investment after a set period of time. 

The approximate cost can range from US$100,000 to US$250,000.

Investment Fund 

This option involves investing in a government-approved fund that aims to improve economic development within the country. 

The approximate cost can range between US$100,000 and US$200,000.

Real Estate Investment 

This option involves investing in an approved real estate project within the country for a specific duration.

The approximate cost can range from US$200,000 to US$400,000.

Share or Partnership Investment 

This option involves investing in a business, existing or new.

The investment amount for a shareholder or partner in an existing business or a new business can vary depending on the nature of the business and its expected impact on the country's economy.

Tourism Investment

This option involves investing in a tourism project such as a hotel, resort, or other related activities.

The investment amount ranges between US$200,000 and US$300,000.

What Citizenship by Investment Legal Fees Can I Expect to Pay?

The investment legal fees that you can expect to pay include fees payable to immigration lawyers, local lawyers, and notaries. 

Legal fees are a significant cost component of citizenship by investment programs. 

The specific legal charges may include lawyer fees, document translation fees, and other fees associated with visa applications or passport processing. 

By thoroughly understanding the legal fees involved in the process and planning appropriately, you may avoid any financial surprises down the line and ensure your citizenship acquisition process is legally above board. 

Here is a breakdown of each legal cost:

Immigration Lawyers

Immigration lawyers specialize in the legal aspects of immigrating to a specific country. 

They provide legal advice on immigration policies, help prepare visa applications, and represent their clients during the application process. 

The legal fees for immigration lawyers can vary greatly depending on the lawyer's experience and the scope of the work required. 

Fees can range from US$3,000 to US$7,000 for a comprehensive service.¹

Local Lawyers

Local lawyers provide legal assistance in the country where you, as an investor, wish to obtain citizenship. 

They help clients navigate legal requirements and advise on the legal compliance of their investments. 

The legal fees for local lawyers will depend on the scope of work required and the country's fee structure. Fees typically range between US$2,500 and US$10,000.

Notaries

Notaries are important for certifying documents as legally valid. 

They’re necessary for authenticating documents required for citizenship applications, such as birth certificates, passports, and national IDs.

Notary fees can vary based on the geographical location of the notary public.

Fees generally differ based on the document's complexity and number of pages, ranging from US$10 to US$50 per document.

Specific Fees if Investing in Real Estate 

When investing in real estate as part of a citizenship by investment program, it's important to remember that there will be additional fees associated with your transaction, namely stamp duty and transfer fees. 

Here's a breakdown of each fee and its approximate cost:

Stamp Duty

The government imposes a tax known as stamp duty on specific types of documents to make them official. 

In the case of real estate transactions, stamp duty is payable when a property's title is transferred to a new owner. 

The cost of stamp duty varies depending on the country where the real estate is located and the property's purchase price. 

Take note

In some cases, stamp duty may be waived or reduced for citizenship by investment program participants. 

The cost of stamp duty can range between 1% and 10% of the property's purchase price.

Transfer Fees 

Transfer fees are administrative fees charged by the government agency responsible for processing the property transfer. 

The transfer fees vary by country and can range between 1% and 3% of the property's purchase price.

What Government Fees Are Associated with Citizenship by Investment?

The government fees associated with citizenship by investment include application processing fees, due diligence fees, and legal representation costs.

Let’s take a closer look at each government fee:

Government Fees Associated with Different Investment Routes

The government fees for citizenship by investment programs can vary significantly depending on the type of investment you make, as each investment option comes with different legal and processing requirements. 

In addition, government fees for the CBI program you’ve chosen will also vary significantly based on the country. 

Therefore, it's essential to understand the fees and plan accordingly when choosing an investment option and country.

Application Processing Fees 

Processing fees are an essential part of any citizenship by investment program, covering costs related to reviewing applications and conducting necessary checks. 

The fees required for processing can vary significantly based on the program and the number of applicants.

For instance:

Programs such as the United States EB-5 program charge processing fees ranging from US$17,795 to US$27,495 per application, while other programs may charge fees ranging from US$20,000 to US$30,000. 

Therefore, it's vital for you to understand the exact cost of processing fees, as they can play a significant role in deciding which program to choose, and recognizing them can help you budget your investment accordingly.

Due Diligence Fees 

Due diligence fees play an essential role in citizenship by investment programs as they're used to thoroughly investigate an investor's background and source of wealth, ensuring they meet the program's standards. 

The fees for due diligence services can vary between countries, with some charging as little as US$5,000 and others asking as much as US$15,000 per person. 

For instance:

The United Kingdom charges £1,623 (approximately US$2,227) in due diligence fees for its investor route program, while Dominica charges US$7,500 per person.² 

Understanding these costs and their importance will help you plan accordingly and make informed investment decisions.

Passport & Citizenship Fees

Passport processing fees are an essential part of any citizenship by investment program. 

After becoming a citizen, acquiring a passport that allows you to travel internationally is necessary. 

The exact fees for passports can vary depending on the country where they are issued. 

For instance:

Caribbean countries charge passport fees ranging from US$250 to US$1,500, depending on the specific country.³

In Europe, Portugal charges US$90 for a standard passport and US$103 for an expedited visa. 

What Additional Costs Should I Plan for in My Citizenship by Investment Process?

The additional costs you should plan for in your citizenship by investment process include taxes, travel costs, and translation services. 

These costs can significantly affect your budget, and it's crucial that you plan accordingly to avoid any financial strain. 

Here are details about the main additional costs you should be aware of when applying for a citizenship by investment program:

Taxes

Taxes can be a significant additional cost for you as an investor considering a citizenship by investment program. 

Depending on the country's policies, you may be required to pay taxes on your worldwide income, which can significantly impact your budget plan.

For instance, in Portugal, investors who become tax residents will be subject to personal income tax rates ranging from 14.5% to 48%.⁴ 

In addition 

Tax policies can change with time, and you should remain up-to-date with any updates that may affect your investment plans.

It's crucial to understand the tax implications of your chosen CBI program to budget and plan accordingly.

Travel Costs

Travel costs associated with citizenship by investment programs can be a significant expense that many investors overlook when creating a budget plan. 

Once you’ve obtained your citizenship, traveling to the host country is a common requirement of the process

You should specifically take into account the cost of transportation, lodging, and meals, which vary significantly.

It’s vital that you budget for these travel costs early to avoid any last-minute financial surprises and to ensure you have a successful investment plan.

Translation Services

Translation services are an important service that you may require when investing in a citizenship program, particularly if you’re not fluent in the country's native language. 

The cost of translation services can be significant, ranging from a few hundred dollars to thousands of dollars, depending on the language's complexity and the duration of the services. 

Therefore, it’s crucial to incorporate language translation costs into your investment budget.

How Can I Avoid Unforeseen Costs in Citizenship by Investment?

There are a few ways in which you can avoid unforeseen costs when applying for citizenship by investment.

Here’s a list of options:

• Conduct thorough research on the citizenship by investment program before investing to avoid surprises.
• Consult with professionals to get a clear breakdown of all fees and any possible additional costs.
• Develop a well-planned budget and have a clear understanding of the program's requirements.
• Maintain communication with program agents to know of any changes or additional costs that may arise.

Common Questions

In Conclusion

With all the citizenship by investment programs available to you, we understand that it may feel overwhelming and maybe even impossible to consider everything, particularly when there are hidden and additional costs and substantial sums at stake. 

We're confident that this article, which our team of experts has put together, will help you confidently begin your citizenship by investment journey and successfully navigate its costs.