Buy a Second Passport: Programs, Costs & How to Apply in 2026

Fourteen citizenship by investment programs were open as of October 2026, with costs from about US$100,000 to over US$2 million[1]. The lowest documented entry points are Nauru at US$90,000 plus fees (US$102,700 total for a single applicant before 31 December 2026) and São Tomé and Príncipe at US$90,000[1]. Vanuatu starts at US$130,000 plus US$5,000 due diligence[1]. All five Caribbean programs require at least US$200,000 since July 2024[1]. First step: confirm which program accepts your nationality and dual citizenship status, then request the official application checklist from that country's authorised agent.

Risks, Limitations and Guarantees

Citizenship by investment programs carry financial and legal risks that are not fully documented in public sources. The available evidence does not confirm processing times, visa-free travel access, or specific eligibility criteria for any of the fourteen programs open as of October 2026[1]. Newer programs—Nauru, São Tomé and Príncipe (opened 1 September 2025), and Sierra Leone (opened 1 October 2026)—lack documented reputation or acceptance by other countries[1]. Before paying, request written confirmation from the program authority on whether your current nationality permits dual citizenship and whether the passport will be recognised for your intended travel.

Investment amounts are minimum thresholds; total costs include due diligence fees and may include legal or agent fees not listed in the base price. Vanuatu charges US$5,000 for due diligence on top of the US$130,000 investment[1]. Sierra Leone adds US$5,000 due diligence to the US$95,000 investment[1]. Nauru's US$90,000 investment becomes US$102,700 with fees for applications filed before 31 December 2026[1]. Confirm all fees in writing before submitting funds.

Turkey's program requires holding real estate for three years or keeping US$500,000 in a bank deposit, government bonds, fund shares or private pension for three years[1]. If you sell or withdraw early, you may lose citizenship. Egypt requires a US$250,000 payment to the state treasury with no documented refund route[1]. The available sources do not describe cancellation or refund procedures for any citizenship by investment program. Assume investments are non-refundable and verify this with the program authority before applying.

What You're Actually Buying: Citizenship by Investment Programs

A citizenship by investment program sells legal nationality, not a travel document alone. You receive a passport after the state grants citizenship through a defined investment route. The passport is evidence of that new citizenship. This matters because the investment secures a legal status, not a visa or residence permit.

The fourteen open programs as of October 2026 divide into two broad structures. Some require a direct contribution to a state fund or treasury. Others require an investment in real estate, bonds, or a bank deposit that you must hold for a set period. Egypt asks for US$250,000 as a payment to the state treasury[1]. Turkey requires real estate worth US$400,000 kept for three years, or US$500,000 in a bank deposit, government bonds, fund shares or a private pension held for three years[1].

The distinction affects your exit strategy. A direct contribution is typically non-refundable. An investment held for a fixed term may be recoverable after that term ends, but only if the program rules permit it. Turkey's three-year holding requirement means your capital remains locked during that period[1]. The available sources do not document refund or cancellation procedures for any program. Confirm the treatment of your funds with the program authority before you commit.

Family coverage changes the total cost. Vanuatu charges US$130,000 for one person, US$150,000 for a couple, US$165,000 for a couple with one child, and US$180,000 for a couple with two children, plus US$5,000 for due diligence[1]. Sierra Leone's route is limited to a single applicant with no family at US$95,000 plus US$5,000 due diligence[1]. If you plan to include a spouse or children, check whether the program allows dependants and what each additional person costs.

Caribbean programs operate under a different price floor. Since July 2024, none of the five Caribbean programs—Antigua and Barbuda, Dominica, Grenada, Saint Kitts and Nevis, and Saint Lucia—charges less than US$200,000 for any route[1]. This means the cheapest Caribbean option costs more than double the cheapest Pacific or African option. The price difference does not automatically mean better visa-free access or stronger passport reputation. The available sources do not document visa-free travel access for any of these passports, so you must verify that separately.

Newer programs carry different risk profiles. São Tomé and Príncipe opened applications on 1 September 2025[1]. Sierra Leone opened its route on 1 October 2026[1]. Nauru's US$90,000 investment with total costs of US$102,700 applies to applications filed before 31 December 2026[1]. A limited-time offer can signal a pilot phase or a temporary policy. Before relying on a newer program, ask the issuing authority for written confirmation of the passport's acceptance by other countries and whether your current nationality permits dual citizenship.

What you are buying is a legal status subject to the issuing state's rules. The investment amount is a threshold, not a guarantee of acceptance. Due diligence fees, agent fees, and legal costs may add to the base price. Vanuatu and Sierra Leone each add US$5,000 for due diligence[1]. Nauru's US$90,000 investment becomes US$102,700 with fees[1]. Request a full written breakdown of all costs before submitting any application.

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