Jurentra Research — 2026 Edition

Global Residency & Citizenship by Investment: Trends Report

Original data from 33 investment immigration programs across 6 regions. Investment thresholds, processing times, passport strength, and demand signals — compiled by the Jurentra research team.

Published: Last updated: 33 programs · 6 regions

Key Findings

Headline data points from the 2026 Jurentra program index

33

Active programs tracked

Across Europe, Caribbean, Oceania, North America, Middle East & Asia Pacific

$100K

Lowest CBI entry point

Dominica and Antigua & Barbuda citizenship from $100,000 — the most accessible second passport programs

5 days

Fastest processing time

UAE Golden Visa initial permit issued in as little as 5–10 business days

17

European programs

Europe remains the most popular region, accounting for 52% of all programs tracked

€250K

Average EU golden visa threshold

Average minimum investment across all 17 European programs in the Jurentra index

6

Programs with citizenship pathway

Programs offering a direct route to a second passport within 5 years

Investment Thresholds by Region

Minimum qualifying investment required to apply, in USD equivalent (August 2026)

Caribbean

Citizenship by Investment · 6 programs

$100,000$400,000

Most affordable second passport route globally

Oceania

Citizenship & Residency · 6 programs

$130,000$1,500,000

Vanuatu offers the fastest CBI processing globally

Middle East

Residency by Investment · 1 program

$204,000

UAE Golden Visa — fastest processing, 0% income tax

Europe

Residency by Investment · 17 programs

€50,000€2,000,000

Widest range of programs; Greece and Hungary offer lowest entry points

North America

Residency by Investment · 2 programs

$150,000$800,000

Canada and USA offer pathways for entrepreneurs and investors

Asia Pacific

Residency by Investment · 1 program

$1,500,000

Singapore Global Investor Programme — premium tier, strict eligibility

Investment figures are indicative minimums based on publicly available program data. Exchange rates and program rules change — always verify with a licensed immigration adviser.

Processing Time Comparison

Estimated time from application submission to approval, by program

UAE
5–10 days
Vanuatu
1–2 months
Dominica
3–6 months
St Kitts & Nevis
3–6 months
Grenada
4–6 months
Greece
2–4 months
Malta
4–6 months
Hungary
3–6 months
Portugal
6–12 months
Spain
3–6 months
Italy
3–6 months
USA
2–4 years

Processing times are estimates based on program guidelines and may vary based on application volume, due diligence requirements, and individual circumstances.

Program Popularity Index

Relative demand based on Jurentra user interest, enquiry volume, and program search data (indexed 0–100)

Portugal

Golden Visa

94/100

EU residency, Schengen access, path to citizenship

UAE

Golden Visa

91/100

0% income tax, fastest processing, business hub

Greece

Golden Visa

88/100

Lowest EU entry point, Mediterranean lifestyle

Malta

Permanent Residence

82/100

English-speaking EU member, strong passport

Dominica

Citizenship by Investment

79/100

Most affordable CBI, visa-free to 140+ countries

St Kitts & Nevis

Citizenship by Investment

76/100

Oldest CBI program, strong passport, no residency requirement

Popularity scores are based on relative enquiry volume and user interest data from the Jurentra platform. They reflect demand signals, not program quality or suitability.

Passport Strength: CBI Programs

Visa-free or visa-on-arrival access for passports obtainable through citizenship by investment

Country / ProgramVisa-freeSchengenEU

Malta

Strongest CBI passport — full EU citizenship

189countries

Grenada

E-2 Treaty with USA — unique among CBI programs

144countries

St Kitts & Nevis

Oldest CBI program; Schengen access

157countries

Antigua & Barbuda

Schengen access; family-friendly program

151countries

Dominica

Most affordable entry point globally

140countries

Vanuatu

Fastest processing globally — 1–2 months

98countries

Visa-free access figures are approximate and based on the Henley Passport Index and publicly available data as of mid-2026. Figures change as bilateral agreements are updated.

Methodology & Data Sources

1

Investment thresholds sourced from official government program websites and verified against licensed immigration adviser guidance as of August 2026.

2

Processing times are estimated ranges based on program guidelines, practitioner reports, and applicant feedback. Individual timelines vary.

3

Popularity scores are indexed from Jurentra platform enquiry data, normalised to a 0–100 scale. They reflect relative demand, not program quality.

4

Visa-free access figures are based on the Henley Passport Index (mid-2026 edition) and may differ from other sources due to methodology differences.

5

This report is updated periodically. Program rules, investment thresholds, and processing times change — always consult a licensed immigration adviser before making any investment decision.

Data compiled by the Jurentra research team. For press enquiries or to cite this report, contact [email protected]

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