Buy citizenship

This guide is for individuals seeking to buy citizenship and provides essential information on costs and methods.

  • Posted:
  • Last updated: October 8, 2026
  • By: Logan Pierce
  • 4 minutes
A person reviewing a passport application at a desk, reflecting the theme of purchasing citizenship.
Exploring the process of buying citizenship through unofficial channels.
In this section

Legitimate citizenship by investment programs offer second passports through government-approved routes: Dominica requires a minimum US$200,000 investment for a single applicant1, while Grenada increased its threshold to US$235,000 for individuals or families of up to four as of July 20242. Processing involves strict due diligence, anti-money laundering checks3, and explicit prohibitions on name changes to prevent fraud3. Your first step is identifying eligible programs that match your investment capacity and residency goals, then engaging authorised agents listed on official government citizenship-by-investment unit websites.

What You Actually Receive

  • Second passport with full citizenship rights

    You receive a physical passport issued by the country's government, granting visa-free travel to dozens of nations and the legal right to live, work, and own property. Legitimate citizenship-by-investment programs like Dominica's require a minimum US$200,000 investment through the Economic Diversification Fund [1], while Grenada requires US$235,000 for a single applicant or family of up to four [2].

  • Verified identity documents tied to your biometric data

    Modern passports contain embedded chips storing your photograph, fingerprints, and other biometric markers that border systems compare against live scans [4][5]. Legitimate programs prohibit name changes during application to prevent fraud [3], ensuring your new identity matches official records when crossing international borders.

  • Legal protection under international law

    Official citizenship grants you consular protection and the ability to travel without fear of document fraud charges. Counterfeit passports carry severe penalties: up to 25 years imprisonment for terrorism-related use, 20 years for drug trafficking facilitation, or 10–15 years for other offenses under U.S. law [6], with an additional five years for using false documents in immigration contexts [7].

  • Enhanced due diligence and financial scrutiny

    Legitimate programs now involve explicit anti-money laundering checks coordinated by financial intelligence units [3]. Your investment, background, and source of funds undergo thorough vetting before approval, protecting both you and the issuing country from legal complications.

Citizenship by Investment Options

Country
Grenada
Price (USD)
$235,000 (minimum)
Timeline
U уточняйте
Requirements
Single applicant or family up to 4
Restrictions
U уточняйте
Country
Grenada (approved project)
Price (USD)
$270,000 + $50,000 contribution
Timeline
U уточняйте
Requirements
Single applicant or family up to 4
Restrictions
U уточняйте
Country
Dominica
Price (USD)
$200,000 (minimum)
Timeline
U уточняйте
Requirements
Single applicant
Restrictions
No name changes allowed
Country
Dominica (Economic Diversification Fund)
Price (USD)
$200,000
Timeline
U уточняйте
Requirements
Single applicant
Restrictions
U уточняйте

How to Obtain Citizenship Through Investment

Choose a Programme and Investment Route

You need to select a jurisdiction offering citizenship by investment and decide on your investment type. Dominica requires a minimum of US$200,000 through the Economic Diversification Fund for a single applicant as of 20241. Grenada increased its National Transformation Fund threshold to US$235,000 for a single applicant or family of up to 4, effective July 1, 20242. Grenada's approved project investment option costs US$270,000 plus a US$50,000 government contribution for the same applicant profile2. Compare these amounts against your budget and family size before proceeding.

Prepare Your Identity Documents

You must gather valid identity documents including your current passport, birth certificate, and proof of address. Dominica's 2024 CBI Regulations introduced an explicit prohibition on name changes for citizenship applicants to enhance programme integrity and prevent fraud3. Ensure all documents reflect your legal name consistently. Any discrepancies will trigger additional scrutiny during the application review process.

Submit Application and Undergo Due Diligence

You need to complete the official application form and submit it with your investment proof and identity documents. Dominica's 2024 CBI Regulations introduced explicit responsibilities for the Financial Intelligence Unit to enhance anti-money laundering and counter-terrorism financing measures in citizenship applications3. Expect thorough background checks that examine your financial history, criminal record, and source of funds. This due diligence phase typically takes 3 to 6 months depending on the complexity of your profile.

Complete Investment and Receive Approval

You must transfer the required investment amount to the designated government fund or approved project account. After the investment clears and due diligence concludes favourably, you receive a certificate of naturalisation or citizenship. The entire process from application submission to citizenship approval generally spans 4 to 8 months for straightforward cases without complications.

Obtain Your Passport and Verify Authenticity

You collect your new passport from the issuing authority or through an authorised agent. Modern ePassport verification systems load authenticated biometric reference data from the chip and compare it with live-captured images while checking for presentation attack attempts5. U.S. Customs and Border Protection uses facial recognition technology that compares live photos to passport photos and generates a match score to detect imposters at border crossings4. Your legitimate passport will pass these checks without issue, confirming its validity for international travel.

Risks, Limitations, and Guarantees

Participating in citizenship by investment programs carries inherent risks. One major concern is increased scrutiny from authorities. Grenada's citizenship investment minimum will rise to US$235,000 starting July 1, 20242. Applicants must be prepared for extensive due diligence and anti-money laundering checks. Any discrepancies in your application can lead to denial or legal complications.

Limitations also apply. For example, Dominica's regulations prohibit name changes for applicants to enhance program integrity and prevent fraud3. Non-compliance with this rule can result in disqualification. Processing times can vary significantly, typically ranging from 3 to 12 months, depending on the complexity of your case.

Before proceeding, verify the legitimacy of the citizenship program and the authorized agents you engage with. Check their credentials against official government websites. Be aware of hidden conditions, such as additional processing fees that can range from US$5,000 to US$15,000, which are separate from the investment amount.

If you need to cancel or withdraw your application, refund policies vary by program. Always keep documentation of your investments and communications. Engaging in fraudulent activities, such as obtaining fake passports, carries severe penalties, including imprisonment for up to 25 years for serious offenses6. Always opt for legitimate channels to avoid legal repercussions.

Cited sources

  1. Dominica Citizenship by Investment Unit - Official Brochure 2024
  2. Grenada Investment Migration Agency - Update to Circular No. 2 Minimum Investment Threshold July 3, 2024
  3. Dominica's CBI Regulatory Updates 2024 - Dominica Citizenship by Investment Unit
  4. CBP Biometric Testing | U.S. Customs and Border Protection
  5. BSI Technical Guideline TR-03135-1 - Machine Authentication of MRTDs for Public Sector Applications
  6. 18 U.S. Code § 1543 - Forgery or false use of passport | Cornell Law School
  7. 18 USC Ch. 75: PASSPORTS AND VISAS | U.S. House of Representatives

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