Citizenship by investment for Iranians: 25 ways to secure global access

What are the main benefits of citizenship by investment for Iranians?

Second citizenship grants visa‑free travel, asset protection, family inclusion, and tax flexibility without renouncing current citizenship.

Global mobility

The Iranian passport currently offers very limited travel freedom. Iranians can only travel visa‑free to 13 countries. 39 more countries demand visas on arrival, and 3 destinations grant entry via electronic travel authorisation ^[233] Source: Passport Index, Iran . 

Citizenship in another country is a state‑granted status that enables easier travel and global engagement. For example, the Caribbean passports offer visa‑free or visa‑on‑arrival access to 150 countries, including the Schengen Zone, Singapore, and China.

For entrepreneurs and families alike, this mobility reduces reliance on ad hoc visas, shortens lead times for business trips, and eases access to overseas healthcare and schooling. 

Family protection and legacy

Citizenship creates a durable legal status that typically covers the main applicant and close family in one file. Spouses and dependent children can usually be added in a single, coordinated application handled through authorised agents. 

Beyond first‑generation inclusion, citizenship is a status that the issuing state can pass on under its own law. For Iranian families, that means long‑term continuity for children’s education and relocation planning, without repeating the full process for each generation.

Banking, business, and property access

A second citizenship, obtained through a government unit, helps standardise documentation for banks, registries and counterparties abroad. Türkiye’s official investment office, for example, sets out the steps for acquiring property and registering title, which many investors pair with citizenship planning. 

This simplifies opening bank accounts, buying real estate or opening businesses. When applications are channelled through the program’s authorised routes, timelines are clearer, and counterparties can verify details against official portals. 

Regulated, government‑run process

A regulated path matters especially for Iranian applicants navigating sanctions‑era compliance: official portals list authorised agents, application stages and legislative references, helping applicants keep every step documented and verifiable.

Application issues for Iranians and how to overcome them

Iranians obtain second citizenship by starting Due Diligence early, documenting clean fund flows, and following official guidance from program authorities.

Sanctions and Due Diligence

International sanctions mean applicants from Iran face deeper background checks. These reviews verify identity, business activity and the legal origin of funds, and they are performed by both the licensed agent and the government unit.

Enhanced Due Diligence is not a hurdle when documents are clean and consistent. Early compliance reviews shorten timelines and prevent issues with banks and correspondent partners later in the process.

Applicants are expected to pass the following enhanced checks:

• cross‑border identity verification and database screening;
• independent background reviews of companies and associates;
• full source of funds and source of wealth analysis with documentary proof.

Banking and payments

Moving money internationally can be complex under sanctions and correspondent banking rules. Clear payment routes, matching invoices and transparent account histories reduce friction and prevent delays.

Applicants who plan their transfers in advance typically progress faster. Aligning bank letters, tax returns and sale contracts with the investment payment schedule helps the government unit and the receiving bank to reconcile every step.

When preparing funds and documents, programs usually expect evidence such as:

• bank statements and sale contracts that prove the legal origin of funds;
• tax filings and corporate records that support the declared wealth;
• payment trails that match the investment route and can be audited later.

Compliance frameworks

All recognised programs operate under government rules with defined routes, fees and forms. Competent authorities publish guidance and maintain agent registers, which sets a consistent standard for applicants.

For European options, applicants should follow national instructions and track regional developments. For Caribbean and other routes, the program unit is the single source of truth on eligibility and document formats.

Which countries offer citizenship by investment to Iranians?

Several countries legally accept Iranian applicants through transparent, government‑regulated programs.

Caribbean and Vanuatu programs such as Antigua and Barbuda, Grenada, Dominica, and Vanuatu remain the most established and popular choices among Iranian investors. These island nations combine moderate investment thresholds, quick processing times, and strong international recognition. 

Turkey and Egypt appeal to Iranians looking for closer cultural and geographic ties, stronger trade opportunities, and the option to invest in real estate or deposits with tangible returns. 

Although the required investments are higher, these routes often provide a faster path to physical relocation and long‑term business benefits.

Jordan, El Salvador, Sierra Leone, and São Tomé and Príncipe are developing new citizenship frameworks. Their terms and timelines are evolving, but they signal a broader global trend of governments using citizenship by investment models to stimulate national economies and diversify foreign capital inflows.

Comparison of citizenship by investment available for Iranians

Country	Minimum investment	Processing time	Availability for Iranian applicants
Antigua and Barbuda	$230,000	6+ months	Available if the applicant has not lived in Iran for 10+ years, has no assets or business ties there
Dominica	$200,000	6+ months	Available if the applicant has not lived in Iran for 10+ years, has no assets or business ties there
Vanuatu	$130,000	2+ months	Available — enhanced Due Diligence required
Türkiye	$400,000	8+ months	Available — standard Due Diligence applies
El Salvador	$1 million in BTC or USDT	6+ months	Available — via Freedom Visa route
Sierra Leone	$140,000	2+ months	Available — Go‑for‑Gold route open to Iranian nationals
Egypt	$250,000	10+ months	Available — funds must come from abroad via traceable banking
São Tomé and Príncipe	$90,000	2+ months	Available under new program launched in 2025
Jordan	$750,000	3+ months	Available — subject to security clearance
Nauru	$105,000	2+ months	Available through the Economic and Climate Resilience Program

Caribbean and Vanuatu citizenship by investment programs

For Iranian applicants, the Caribbean and Vanuatu offer government‑run routes with clear rules, vetted agents and predictable processing. Each program is administered by an official authority that publishes the investment options, fees and forms, so you can plan against primary sources rather than marketing claims.

Dominica and Antigua and Barbuda allow Iranians to apply only if all of the following are true: they have not lived in Iran for at least 10 years, they do not hold significant assets there, and they have not been involved in business or similar activities with Iran ^[235] Source: Antigua CIU — restricted countries .

St Kitts and Nevis, St Lucia and Grenada list Iran among barred nationalities.

Antigua and Barbuda

Antigua and Barbuda grants citizenship through a government program that allows an investor and family to obtain a second passport by making a qualifying investment and passing Due Diligence ^[236] Source: Antigua and Barbuda CBI program, CIU . 

Citizens must spend a total of five days in the country within the first five years to keep their passport renewable. 

Investment options. To qualify, an investor must commit capital under one of the approved routes:

• $230,000 — National Development Fund: a one‑time, non‑refundable contribution paid to the NDF;
• $260,000 — University of the West Indies Fund: fixed contribution for a family of six or more;
• $300,000 — approved real estate: purchase in a CIU-approved project, held for at least five years;
• $1,500,000 solo or $5,000,000 joint — approved business: either a single investment of $1,500,000 or a joint investment totalling $5,000,000 with at least $400,000 from each investor. 

Eligible family members. A lawful spouse is eligible. Children of the main applicant or of the spouse are eligible up to age 30 when they are financially dependent on the principal applicant. 

Adult children who have a physical or mental disability are eligible when they live with and are fully supported by the main applicant. Parents and grandparents of the main applicant or of the spouse are eligible from age 55 when they are financially dependent on the principal applicant. 

Unmarried siblings of the main applicant or of the spouse may also be included. 

The program further allows adding a future spouse of the main applicant, a future spouse of a dependent child who remains financially dependent, and a future child of a dependent child. 

Dominica

Dominica’s citizenship by investment program allows an investor and family to become citizens by making a qualifying contribution or purchasing approved real estate and passing Due Diligence. 

The program is run by the government’s Citizenship by Investment Unit, which publishes the official rules, fees and forms ^[237] Source: Dominica CBI program, regulations . 

Investment options. To qualify, an investor must commit capital under one of the approved routes:

1. Non‑refundable state contribution of $200,000 for a single applicant; $250,000 for a family of up to 4 applicants, with extra $25,000 for each additional dependant under 18, and $40,000 per additional dependant aged 18 or over.
2. Real estate purchase for at least $200,000 in a CBIU‑approved project. Government fees apply in addition to the purchase price, and the asset must be held for 3 years, or 5 years if resold to another CBI applicant. 

Eligible family members. A lawful spouse can be included. Children under 18 qualify; children 18—30 qualify when they are in higher education and supported by the main applicant or spouse; unmarried daughters under 25 qualify when they live with and are supported by the main applicant or spouse. 

Dependent children with a physical or mental disability qualify at any age, and dependent parents or grandparents of the main applicant or spouse qualify from 65.

Vanuatu

Vanuatu’s citizenship by investment lets an investor and family obtain citizenship by making a qualifying state contribution and passing Due Diligence, with typical processing in about two to four months. 

The program is administered by the Vanuatu Citizenship Office and Commission, which publishes official guidance and notices. Note that the European Union ended visa-free travel for Vanuatu passport holders on 12 December 2024, so onwards Schengen access now requires a visa ^[238] Source: Ending visa exemption, Council of the EU .

Investment options. To qualify, an investor must commit capital under the published donation routes, with the minimum shown first:

1. ​​Non‑refundable contribution — $130,000. A state contribution that supports Vanuatu’s economic development and disaster recovery. The amount increases by $20,000 if a spouse is included and by $15,000 for each additional applicant.
2. Cocoa Fund contribution — $157,000. Funds go to the CNO Future Fund to expand coconut oil production as a renewable energy source. The amount is fixed for families of up to four. From the fifth family member onwards, add $26,500 per person. After five years, $50,000 or more may be refunded under program rules.
3. Coconut Fund contribution — $159,500. Investments go to the Sustainable Development Fund to develop cocoa production, one of Vanuatu’s key export commodities. The amount is fixed for families of up to four. From the fifth family member onwards, add $25,000 per person. After five years, the government plans to refund $50,000 or more under program rules.

Eligible family members. A lawful spouse and children are eligible to be included. Children are generally accepted up to 25 when financially dependent, and parents or grandparents can be included from 50, subject to program rules and fees. 

Türkiye

Türkiye allows an investor and family to obtain citizenship by making a qualifying investment and passing security and due‑diligence checks ^[239] Source: Turkey citizenship by investment requirements, Turkey Government . 

The most popular route is purchasing real estate for a minimum of $400,000, with a three‑year no‑sale annotation on the title deed. 

Investment options. To qualify, an investor chooses from one of the following investment routes:

1. $400,000 in real estate. Investors can buy residential or commercial property. After the mandatory three‑year holding period, the investor may sell the property to anyone, but the new buyer cannot use that asset to apply for Turkish citizenship by investment.
2. $500,000 in a bank deposit. The applicant places funds in a Turkish bank and maintains the full balance for three years. The bank reports account compliance to the government.
3. $500,000 in government bonds. The applicant buys approved bonds and holds them for three years.
4. $500,000 in other financial or capital investments. The applicant invests in fixed‑capital projects or units in authorised investment funds, obtains ministerial certification, and keeps the investment for at least three years. 

Eligible family members. The investor’s spouse and unmarried children under 18 can obtain citizenship as dependents on the same application, subject to the standard checks.

Egypt

Egypt allows an investor and family to obtain citizenship by completing one of the government‑approved investments and passing security and Due Diligence checks. Applications are handled by the Unit for Granting Egyptian Citizenship in Exchange for Investment at GAFI ^[240] Source: GAFI — Citizenship by Investment .

Investment options. To qualify, an investor must commit capital under one of the approved routes, in US dollars transferred from abroad:

1. $250,000 — non‑refundable contribution. A donation to the state treasury credited to the Unit’s special account at the Central Bank of Egypt. 
2. $300,000 — real estate investment. Purchase government‑owned or designated property; one or more units or land are allowed, including those under construction. The property may be sold after 5 years.
3. $350,000 + $100,000 donation — business investment. Invest in a new or existing Egyptian business and maintain it for at least 5 years, plus a separate $100,000 contribution to the treasury.
4. $500,000 — bank deposit. Transfer to the Unit’s special account; the sum is refundable after 3 years in local currency, without interest. 

Eligible family members. The main applicant may include a spouse and unmarried children under 21 as dependents on the same file, subject to Due Diligence and document requirements published by the authority. 

El Salvador

El Salvador offers a government‑run route called the Freedom Visa that provides a fast track to a Salvadoran passport for the investor, a spouse, and children under 18, in exchange for a $1,000,000 contribution paid in BTC or USDT ^[241] Source: El Salvador — Freedom Visa . 

Investors submit applications through the state’s Adopting El Salvador online platform. It verifies the crypto transaction, issues confirmation to the applicant, and forwards the file for Due Diligence and final approval by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs. 

Investment options. To qualify, an investor makes a $1,000,000 contribution in Bitcoin or USDT. It is paid via the Adopting El Salvador platform and is the basis for fast‑track processing toward residency and citizenship. 

Eligible family members. The main applicant may include a spouse and children under 18 on the same file.

Jordan

Jordan grants citizenship to qualifying investors who meet strict investment and job‑creation criteria and pass security screening. Policy is set by the Council of Ministers and administered by the Ministry of Investment ^[242] Source: Jordan Ministry of Investment . The government approved updated regulations in July 2025 to sharpen the scheme’s focus on real‑economy impact. 

Investment options. To qualify, an investor must commit capital under one of the approved routes:

1. $750,000 outside Amman with at least 10 jobs for Jordanians, or $1,000,000 in Amman with at least 20 jobs.
2. $1,000,000 in returnable treasury bonds for six years, with interest set by the Central Bank of Jordan.
3. $1,500,000 purchase of shares in Jordanian companies, with the shares held for at least three years.

Eligible family members. An investor may include a spouse, children under 18, unmarried, widowed or divorced children over 18 who are financially dependent, and dependent parents, subject to the government’s security and document checks.

Nauru

Nauru offers a government‑run route to citizenship through the Economic and Climate Resilience Citizenship Program ^[243] Source: Nauru ECRCP — How to apply . Applications are filed only via licensed agents and processed by the Nauru Program Office; the official FAQ indicates a typical end‑to‑end timeline of about three to four months for complete files. 

Investment options. To qualify, an investor must commit capital under the approved contribution route, with funds paid to the state Treasury: non‑refundable Treasury contribution — $105,000. 

The contribution supports Nauru’s economic development and climate‑resilience projects. 

Eligible family members. Applications may include a spouse and dependent children, with total costs and due‑diligence fees adjusted by family size. 

São Tomé and Príncipe

São Tomé and Príncipe have introduced a state‑backed route to citizenship that lets an investor and family obtain nationality through a qualifying contribution and standard checks ^[244] Source: The São Tomé and Príncipe citizenship by investment program, CBI Index . 

Government and press statements in August 2025 confirmed the launch with applications channelled through a new Citizenship Investment Unit. Independent reports add that the framework took effect under a national decree and aims for fast processing. 

Investment options. To qualify, an investor must commit capital under the approved donation route and follow the official filing channel: $90,000 — national development contribution. 

Eligible family members. Early program materials indicate that a spouse and dependent children may be included, with some providers citing children up to 30 and parents from 55. Treat these as provisional and confirm exact ages, dependency tests and fees on the program’s official portal at the time of filing.

Sierra Leone

Sierra Leone launched its Go-for‑Gold Citizenship by Investment Program in late 2024, offering two investment routes under direct government supervision: a non‑refundable contribution to the national fund or investment in certified gold ^[245] Source: SIerra Leone GO‑FOR‑GOLD, GFG Center . 

Both options are available to Iranian investors and their families, with processing times within three months.

Investment options. To qualify, the investor must select one of the approved options:

1. $140,000 — a direct non‑refundable contribution to national development projects. Each additional family member adds $10,000 to the total.
2. Purchase of 1—2 kilograms of certified gold. The applicant first obtains permanent residence within 40 days, and citizenship may follow under an accelerated process once the government finalises regulations. Gold may be sold after five years, allowing partial recovery of capital.

Eligible family members. Applications may include a spouse, children under 18, and parents of either spouse of any age. Dependants are included automatically without proof of financial dependency.

Dual citizenship and Iranian law

Iran does not formally recognise dual nationality. In practice, Iranians who obtain a second passport remain Iranian under Iranian law and cannot rely on their new nationality while in Iran.

For investors who already live or conduct business abroad, this restriction has little practical effect. Outside Iran, their second citizenship is fully recognised by other states, giving them visa‑free mobility, secure banking access, and protection under international law.

Residency by investment programs for Iranians

Residency by investment, or Golden Visa programs, suits investors who want the right to live in a country without waiting for full citizenship. They are usually faster to start, allow family inclusion, and can be combined with work, study and property ownership. Many also lead to permanent residence or citizenship after a qualifying period.

For Iranian applicants, the same compliance principles apply as with citizenship routes. Early Due Diligence, a clean source of funds trail, and transfers through traceable banking channels make approvals smoother. Always file through licensed advisers and check the latest rules on the official portals before committing capital.

European residence with strong mobility

Greece Golden Visa — property or other qualifying investments, popular for families seeking Schengen access and flexible stay requirements.

Portugal Golden Visa — diversified investment routes such as funds and cultural projects, valued for a stable legal framework and a path to permanent residence and citizenship.

Hungary Golden Visa — residency through investment instruments or funds, designed for efficient processing and family inclusion.

Italy Golden Visa — investment in government‑approved routes, attractive for those planning to base family and business in a G7 economy.

Latvia Golden Visa — residency via investment routes that suit cost‑sensitive applicants seeking a Schengen base.

After 5—10 years of lawful residence, a residence permit holder may become eligible to apply for EU citizenship by naturalisation, provided all legal requirements are met.

Low tax residence and lifestyle bases

Malta residence permit under the GRP — residence with favourable tax planning for non‑domiciled individuals, strong lifestyle and education benefits, and English as an official language.

Andorra residence permit — residence in a secure, low‑tax microstate between France and Spain, often chosen for private living and wealth planning.

Cyprus permanent residence — a property‑led route that gives long‑term residence, often used for relocation planning.

Business and global gateway options

UAE golden visa — long‑term residence for investors, entrepreneurs and professionals, strong banking and school options, and a hub for regional business with straightforward family add‑ons.

USA EB‑5 visa — a route to US permanent residence through job‑creating investment, either direct or via a regulated regional centre structure, with a clear path to a Green Card for the whole family.

Comparison of Golden Visas available for Iranian investors

Country	Minimum investment	Processing time	Eligible family members
Malta	€30,000	3+ months	Spouse, children under 25, siblings, parents, grandparents
UAE	AED 2,000,000	2+ months	Spouse, children, parents, domestic staff
Greece	€250,000	4+ months	Spouse, children under 21, parents
Portugal	€250,000	12+ months	Spouse, children under 26, parents
Italy	€250,000	4+ months	Spouse, minor children, dependent adult children, parents
Hungary	€250,000	5+ months	Spouse, minor children, parents
Cyprus	€300,000	9+ months	Spouse and children
Latvia	€50,000	3+ months	Spouse, minor children
Andorra	€600,000	2+ months	Spouse, children under 25
US EB-5	$800,000	18—30 months	Spouse, children under 21

Choose your citizenship strategy

Each investor’s situation is unique — career stage, family size, travel needs, and business goals determine the best route to citizenship. Below are tailored strategies for Iranian applicants with different priorities.

Entrepreneurs and deal‑makers prioritise routes that smooth business travel, company setup and banking Due Diligence:

• Türkiye — real estate or financial instruments with clear title and robust banking;
• Antigua and Barbuda — family‑friendly costs and straightforward corporate use of documents;
• Egypt — multiple routes, including business investment paired with a growing domestic market.

Mobility first for frequent travellers aim for the widest practical visa‑free reach available to eligible Iranian applicants:

• Antigua and Barbuda — balanced cost‑to‑reach profile;
• Dominica — strong day‑to‑day mobility for business and leisure.

Speed under tight timelines focus on programs known for efficient decision cycles and clean payment routing:

• Vanuatu — donation routes with rapid processing when files are well prepared;
• El Salvador — Freedom Visa with a single contribution in BTC or USDT through the state portal, designed for streamlined processing;
• São Tomé and Príncipe — new donation route with a compact decision timeline and clear government channel for payments.

Budget-conscious strategies target lower entry points while keeping the total cost of ownership clear:

• São Tomé and Príncipe — low donation threshold starting at $90,000; 
• Vanuatu — donation tiers that suit smaller households;
• Nauru — treasury contribution of $105,000 via the NECRCP.

Key facts about citizenship by investment for Iranians

1. A second citizenship is realistic for Iranians when files are clean, transfers are traceable, and the application is lodged through authorised agents.
2. Acceptance policies differ by country. Antigua and Barbuda and Dominica allow Iranian applicants under strict conditions and enhanced checks, while St Kitts and Nevis, St Lucia and Grenada currently do not.
3. Türkiye, Egypt, Vanuatu, Nauru, Jordan, El Salvador and São Tomé and Príncipe remain popular options.
4. Most programs allow to add a spouse and children in one file; some allow parents and siblings. 
5. Costs depend on the route and family size. Donation paths have lower entry points; real estate, deposits and bond routes require higher capital. Budget for Due Diligence, processing and issuance fees in addition to the headline minimum.
6. Timelines are largely predictable when preparation is strong. Two to nine months is achievable on the fastest routes; property acquisitions or complex fund trails extend the schedule.