Cheapest second passport programs?

Here are the cheapest ways to get a second passport:

💰 Under $100,000:

1. Turkey CBI — $400,000 property investment (cheapest mainstream CBI)
2. Dominica CBI — $100,000 donation (single applicant)
3. St Lucia CBI — $100,000 donation
4. Vanuatu CBI — $130,000 donation

💰 Under $200,000:

1. Antigua & Barbuda CBI — $100,000 donation (+ fees)
2. Grenada CBI — $150,000 donation (includes US E-2 treaty access!)
3. St Kitts & Nevis CBI — $250,000 donation

By Ancestry (Often Free):

• 🇮🇹 Italy — Citizenship by descent (court fees ~$5,000–15,000)
• 🇮🇪 Ireland — If grandparent was Irish citizen
• 🇵🇱 Poland — Citizenship by descent
• 🇭🇺 Hungary — Simplified naturalization for ethnic Hungarians

Through Residency (Time Investment):

• 🇵🇹 Portugal — Citizenship after 5 years (~€2,000 total fees)
• 🇦🇷 Argentina — Citizenship after 2 years residency
• 🇵🇾 Paraguay — Citizenship after 3 years
• 🇧🇷 Brazil — Citizenship after 1–4 years (varies)

Best Value Analysis:

Program	Cost	Timeline	Visa-Free Countries
Dominica	$100K	3–4 months	140+
St Lucia	$100K	3–4 months	140+
Grenada	$150K	4–6 months	140+ (+ US E-2!)
Portugal (residency)	~$2K	5 years	180+ (EU!)
Italy (descent)	~$10K	1–3 years	180+ (EU!)

If you qualify for ancestry citizenship (Italy, Ireland, Poland), that's the absolute best value. Otherwise, Caribbean CBI programs offer the fastest route.

Compare passport programs on MIGRS.

Navigating the world of second passports on a budget requires careful consideration, as "cheapest" can be relative to the benefits and long-term value. While no legitimate program is truly "cheap," some offer more accessible entry points than others.

The most affordable options typically fall under Citizenship by Investment (CBI) programs offered by Caribbean nations. These programs are popular for their relatively lower investment thresholds and streamlined application processes.

Here are some of the current front-runners for affordability:

• Dominica:
  • Investment: Starts at $100,000 USD for a single applicant via a non-refundable contribution to the Economic Diversification Fund (EDF).
  • Timeline: Typically 3-6 months.
  • Benefits: Visa-free access to over 140 countries, including the EU Schengen Area, UK, and Singapore.
• St. Lucia:
  • Investment: Starts at $100,000 USD for a single applicant via a contribution to the National Economic Fund (NEF).
  • Timeline: Typically 3-6 months.
  • Benefits: Visa-free access to over 145 countries, including the EU Schengen Area, UK, and Hong Kong.
• Antigua and Barbuda:
  • Investment: Starts at $100,000 USD for a single applicant or a family of four via a contribution to the National Development Fund (NDF).
  • Timeline: Typically 3-6 months.
  • Benefits: Visa-free access to over 150 countries, including the EU Schengen Area, UK, and South Africa.

Important Considerations:

• Due Diligence Fees: All CBI programs involve mandatory due diligence fees, which can range from $7,500 to $15,000+ per application, in addition to the investment.
• Processing Fees: Expect additional government processing fees and agent fees.
• Family Applications: Costs increase significantly for additional family members.
• No Physical Residency: These programs generally do not require you to live in the country.
• Return on Investment: While not financial, the "return" is in enhanced travel freedom and security.

Caveat: Program requirements and investment amounts can change. Always consult the official government websites of the respective CBI units or a reputable, licensed immigration advisor for the most up-to-date and accurate information before making any decisions. Be wary of any offers that seem "too good to be true."