Austria is one of the most sought-after citizenships, as it allows visa free travel to 187 countries and the right to live and travel anywhere else in the European Union.  The only downside is that it may take a year for the citizenship-by-investment to take effect.  It’s also one of the more costly investments starting with a contribution of €800,000 (US$915,175) to €10 million to a local business venture or public project.

Malta’s established citizenship-by-investment programme is known for its strict due diligence in evaluating prospective residents, so model neighbours are assured.  The programme is said to be one of the easiest ways to gain an EU citizenship, starting at €800,000 for single applicant and a further €25,000 contribution for each family member.

If you’ve ever dreamed of living the island life in a remote destination along the Mediterranean, the citizenship of Cyprus is a possibility.  While the contribution sum sits at a hefty €2 million investment, the approval time is one of the quickest at 6-8 months.  The programme also provides its newly minted citizens with benefits for their families and for citizenship to be passed on to the next generation.

The Caribbean is home to many island nations such as St Kitts and Nevis, St Lucia, and Antigua and Barbuda, which all offer smooth routes to citizenship.  This is option is perfect for those on the brink of retirement because of the countries’ secure economic situations, low population count and offer a strategic location for a vacation property, with easy access to Europe and North America, according to Henley Global.  Minimum investments starts at US$100,000 for Antigua and St Lucia, which both will produce a passport in 5 months.  And US$150,000 for a family of 4 for St Kitts and Nevis.

Bulgarian citizens possess the 8^th most powerful passport in the Annual Passport Index.  It’s also one of the more affordable methods to get an EU citizenship at €1.024 million, and the local migration council promises to help the main applicant’s family gain citizenship at no extra cost.  A fast-tracked application can get potential citizens permanent residency at 6 months and citizenship after 18 months.  Applicants are also not required to live in the country to apply.