Citizenship by Investment (CBI) is becoming an increasingly popular option for high-net-worth individuals seeking greater global mobility, enhanced financial security, and access to new business and lifestyle opportunities.
However, Citizenship by Investment programs are not open to everyone. In recent years, many countries have tightened their eligibility rules in response to international sanctions, geopolitical developments, and stricter due diligence standards.
If you're considering obtaining a second passport through a CBI program, the first step is to confirm that you meet the program's eligibility requirements and that your country of citizenship is not on the program's list of restricted nationalities.
Important Disclaimer: CBI policies change frequently and without notice. Always verify current requirements with official government sources or discuss with us before making any decisions.
Caribbean Programs
1. Antigua and Barbuda
With its stunning Caribbean beaches and family-oriented lifestyle, Antigua and Barbuda has become one of the most appealing Citizenship by Investment destinations. This program is especially attractive for larger families, offering a relatively competitive minimum investment compared to other Caribbean CBI programs.
However, it's important to understand the program's eligibility requirements and limitations before making a decision.
Nationalities currently ineligible:
- Afghanistan
- Belarus
- Iran
- North Korea
- Russia
- Somalia
- Sudan
- Yemen
Exceptions may apply if the applicant meets all of the following conditions: Born in a restricted country but relocated before reaching the age of majority, or has maintained permanent residence in Canada, the United Kingdom, the United States, Australia, New Zealand, Saudi Arabia, or the United Arab Emirates for a minimum of ten years prior to application, and maintains no active economic ties with any barred country.
2. Dominica
Dominica is an island nation in the Lesser Antilles. Dominica offers Citizenship by Investment with no residency requirements. It remains one of the more accessible Caribbean programs, though its restricted nationality list has grown in recent years.
Nationalities currently restricted:
- Belarus
- Iran
- Kurdistan Region
- North Korea
- Russia
- Sudan
- Syria
- Ukraine (subject to temporary suspensions)
Exceptions do exist. Each application is assessed individually. An applicant may still be considered if they can demonstrate all of the following: They have not resided in the restricted country for ten or more consecutive years, hold no business interests or significant assets there, and can provide verifiable proof of long-term residency elsewhere.
Whatever your situation, book a completely free and confidential meeting today. High Net Worth Immigration brings 15+ years of experience helping clients secure second passports, residency, and cross-border asset protection.
3. Grenada
Grenada is a Caribbean nation comprising several islands. Its CBI program is particularly popular among those seeking access to the US E-2 Investor Visa treaty, but the program has become considerably more restrictive since 2024.
Nationalities currently ineligible (Effective April 1, 2024):
- Afghanistan
- Belarus
- Iran
- North Korea
- Russia
- Sudan
- Yemen
According to the Grenada Investment Migration Agency (IMA) Circular No. 1 of 2024, nationals from these seven countries are currently ineligible to apply for the program.
4. St. Lucia
St. Lucia is a small, mountainous island in the Lesser Antilles with several CBI pathways available, ranging from a donation to the National Development Fund to investment in approved real estate projects.
Nationalities currently restricted by St. Lucia:
- Belarus
- Iran
- Russia
- Ukraine (certain regions)
Restrictions in these cases stem from the difficulty of conducting sufficiently thorough background checks due to international sanctions and limited information access.
5. St. Kitts and Nevis
St. Kitts and Nevis runs the world's oldest active CBI program. Small in size but significant in reputation, this program has undergone meaningful tightening in recent years. St. Kitts and Nevis does not accept applications from the following countries.
Nationalities currently barred (without exception):
- Afghanistan
- Belarus
- Iran
- Iraq
- North Korea
- Russia
There are no conditional pathways or exemptions available for applicants from any of these six countries.
6. Vanuatu
Vanuatu is an island nation in the South Pacific region, roughly 1,000 miles east of Australia. Its Development Support Program (DSP), launched in 2017, offers one of the fastest citizenship routes available, typically taking 30 to 60 days. Vanuatu does not accept CBI applications if your country of citizenship is on the following list.
Nationalities currently ineligible:
- Afghanistan
- Iran
- Iraq
- North Korea
- Syria
- Yemen
Exceptions may be available for applicants from restricted nations who can demonstrate they have not resided in that country for five or more consecutive years and can show proof of established residency elsewhere.
European & Eurasian Programs
7. Turkey
Turkey operates one of the world's most established and popular Citizenship by Investment (CBI) programs. The primary pathway to Turkish citizenship is through a qualifying real estate investment, making it an attractive option for investors seeking both a second passport and a tangible asset.
Turkey does not publish an official list of restricted nationalities for their Citizenship by Investment Program. Instead, every application is assessed on a case-by-case basis.
Applicants who are subject to international sanctions or travel restrictions imposed by the European Union (EU), the United States (US), the United Kingdom (UK), or Canada may face enhanced due diligence or additional scrutiny during the application process.
The minimum real estate investment threshold is currently $400,000. Due diligence procedures have also become significantly more rigorous across all applicant profiles.
Restricted Nationalities at a Glance (2026)
| Country | Program Status | Key Restricted Nationalities |
|---|---|---|
| Antigua and Barbuda | Active | Afghanistan, Belarus, Iran, North Korea, Russia, Somalia, Sudan, Yemen |
| Dominica | Active | Belarus, Iran, North Korea, Russia, Sudan, Syria, Ukraine, Kurdistan Region |
| Grenada | Active | Afghanistan, Belarus, Iran, North Korea, Russia, Sudan, Yemen (Ineligible since April 2024) |
| St. Lucia | Active | Belarus, Iran, Russia, Ukraine |
| St. Kitts and Nevis | Active | Afghanistan, Belarus, Iran, Iraq, North Korea, Russia |
| Vanuatu | Active | Afghanistan, Iran, Iraq, North Korea, Syria, Yemen |
| Turkey | Active | No official list; enhanced due diligence applies |
Vicky Katsarova is an internationally recognized advisor in residency and citizenship by investment, with more than 15 years of experience helping investors, entrepreneurs, and families secure strategic residency and citizenship solutions.
Since founding High Net Worth Immigration in 2010, she has advised clients across more than 20 jurisdictions, helping them enhance global mobility, protect family wealth, diversify geopolitical risk, and unlock international opportunities through carefully selected investment migration programs.
Having lived in Bulgaria, the UAE, and Canada, Vicky combines professional expertise with personal international experience. Her boutique advisory is built on discretion, integrity, and long-term client relationships, delivering tailored solutions aligned with each client’s unique objectives.
Member of the Uglobal Writers Council | Contributor to UNIQUE Private Jet Magazine | Featured in CIVITAS POST's “Leading Women” & Women's Journal
