Argentina vs Other Citizenship by Investment Programs (CBI Comparison Guide 2026)

Argentina’s introduction of a Citizenship by Investment (CBI) program under Decree 524/2025, signed by President Javier Milei in July 2025, represents a historic evolution in the country’s nationality framework. For the first time, eligible foreign investors may obtain Argentine citizenship without completing a traditional multi-year residency period.

While the final regulatory details remain pending, the government has signaled that the program will likely require a minimum investment of approximately USD $500,000 directed into Argentina’s productive sectors. Priority investment categories are expected to include agribusiness, renewable energy, technology, and tourism infrastructure, reflecting Argentina’s core economic strengths. A secondary option involving a National Development Fund contribution may also be introduced as an alternative qualifying pathway, though confirmation is still forthcoming.

As Argentina positions itself to become one of the world’s leading investment-migration destinations, interest in Argentina citizenship by investment is rising rapidly among global investors seeking a strong, reliable, and future-proof second nationality. With a G20 economy, a 12th-ranked passport offering visa-free access to more than 170 countries, and a potentially competitive investment threshold, Argentina is emerging as a premium alternative to both Caribbean and global CBI options. This guide provides a comprehensive comparison between Argentina’s forthcoming CBI framework and the most prominent citizenship-by-investment programs worldwide, enabling investors to evaluate value, processing speed, visa-free travel, and long-term strategic advantages.

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Caribbean CBI Programs

The Caribbean has long been the global epicenter of citizenship-by-investment offerings, known for affordable pricing, straightforward requirements, and relatively quick approvals. While these programs still play a major role in the investment-migration industry, shifting regulatory pressures, increased processing delays, and EU scrutiny over visa-free Schengen access have created new uncertainty within the region. This evolving landscape forms an important backdrop when assessing how traditional Caribbean programs compare with Argentina’s emerging citizenship pathway.

Saint Lucia

Saint Lucia’s CBI program offers two primary pathways: a USD 300,000 real estate investment or a USD 240,000 contribution to the National Economic Fund. Its passport grants visa-free access to 143 countries. Yet the program has faced mounting challenges: a surge of applications in 2023 and 2024, combined with sub-market pricing practices from certain intermediaries and inconsistent due-diligence standards, has drawn significant EU attention. This scrutiny has fueled discussions about potential restrictions to Schengen visa-free access and prompted tighter regulatory oversight. Consequently, processing times have extended considerably, with some applications approaching two years, creating notable uncertainty for investors seeking predictable and timely approvals.

Grenada

Grenada’s CBI program remains unique in the Caribbean due to its access to the U.S. E-2 investor visa, a benefit unmatched by most other regional programs and similar in strategic value to what the Argentine passport offers as well. The program requires a USD 235,000 donation or an approved real estate investment, and processing timelines typically range from six to nine months, making it one of the more efficient options in the Caribbean. The Grenadian passport provides visa-free access to 147 countries, though its global mobility remains narrower than top-tier passports, and its primary appeal continues to rest on the E-2 treaty rather than comprehensive international travel.

St. Kitts & Nevis

As the oldest CBI program in the world, St. Kitts & Nevis has long been recognized for its regulatory consistency and established credibility. Investors may either contribute USD 250,000 to the Sustainable Island State Contribution or invest USD 325,000 in designated real estate. The program’s passport offers visa-free access to 157 destinations, the highest among Caribbean CBI states, and processing times generally range from six to ten months.

Despite its premium positioning, demand has declined sharply, dropping from 1,987 applications in 2023 to just 98 in the first half of 2024. This shift reflects increased regional scrutiny from the EU, which has prompted higher price points, stricter due diligence, and longer backlogs. While St. Kitts & Nevis remains a credible and well-regarded option, the evolving market landscape suggests that newer programs, including Argentina’s upcoming CBI, could offer a competitive alternative with strong passport strength, extensive visa-free travel, and the added benefit of a G20 economy.

Dominica

Dominica’s CBI program offers the Caribbean’s most affordable pathway, requiring either a USD 200,000 contribution to the Economic Diversification Fund or an approved real estate investment. Its passport provides visa-free access to 140 countries, and processing typically takes six to nine months through an efficient digital system. In 2024, CBI revenue accounted for around 37% of the nation’s GDP, highlighting its economic significance. However, increased EU scrutiny has led to stricter due diligence and cautious pricing, creating some uncertainty for investors. While Dominica remains the most economical option in the Caribbean, it also offers the least visa-free travel compared with its regional peers, making it suitable primarily for cost-conscious applicants rather than those seeking top-tier global mobility.

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Caribbean Region Conclusion

The Caribbean CBI market remains a major segment of global investment migration, but recent developments have introduced new complexities. Heightened EU scrutiny, particularly around due diligence, sub-market pricing practices by intermediaries, and potential exposure to irregular applications, has created uncertainty, with some programs facing questions over continued Schengen visa-free access. These pressures have prompted stricter vetting, longer processing timelines, and rising investment thresholds across several jurisdictions. While the region still offers relatively accessible citizenship routes, the combination of regulatory caution and market backlogs has increased time and cost risks for investors seeking reliable, high-quality passports.

Against this backdrop, Argentina’s upcoming Citizenship by Investment program presents a fundamentally different proposition. With a globally ranked 12th passport providing access to over 170 destinations, a strong G20 economic framework, and a government-proposed 30-business-day processing period, Argentina delivers speed, stability, and broad mobility. Caribbean programs may remain appealing for cost-sensitive applicants or those targeting regional familiarity, but investors focused on high-tier travel freedom, predictable approvals, and long-term economic security are likely to view Argentina as a leading alternative in the evolving global CBI landscape.

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European CBI Programs

Citizenship by investment in Europe has historically offered prestige, mobility, and stability but recent legal developments have reshaped this landscape dramatically, leaving room for Argentina to emerge as a new premium option.

Malta (Suspended)

Malta’s CBI program was long considered a flagship European option, but in April 2025 it was suspended following a European Court of Justice ruling. The court found that the program failed to enforce “genuine links” between investors and Malta, raising significant legal and ethical concerns. Before suspension, its required investment was particularly steep: a €750,000 donation plus a €700,000 property purchase. These high thresholds had set a global benchmark, but with Malta’s CBI no longer operational, a gap has been left at the upper end of the citizenship market. Argentina’s anticipated program, with a significantly lower investment level, faster processing, and competitive passport strength, is well positioned to fill that gap.

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Eurasia

Turkey

Turkey remains one of the most established non-Caribbean CBI jurisdictions, offering a mature and regulated pathway to citizenship. The program requires a minimum real estate investment of USD 400,000 or USD 500,000 in approved investment funds. Successful applicants typically receive their citizenship documents within six to eight months, representing a relatively efficient process for a program with strategic geopolitical advantages. Turkish citizens benefit from visa-free access to approximately 112 countries and the added option of U.S. E-2 visa eligibility, making the program appealing to investors seeking both regional and transatlantic mobility.

However, when compared to Argentina’s anticipated Citizenship by Investment program, the Turkish offering provides narrower global access. With a similar expected investment threshold, Argentina aims to deliver a passport granting visa-free travel to roughly 170 countries, while also offering U.S. E-2 visa eligibility and the stability of a G20 economy. From an investment standpoint, this positions Argentina as a stronger long-term option, though the final appeal will ultimately depend on the approved investment categories under its program.

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Central America

El Salvador

El Salvador launched its “Freedom Visa” program in December 2024, becoming the world’s first nation to accept cryptocurrency, specifically Bitcoin or USDT, for citizenship investment. The required contribution is USD 1,000,000 directed into public development funds covering security, technology, social welfare, and cultural projects. The initial approval period takes just four to six weeks, while the full citizenship process spans two to four months. The Salvadoran passport grants access to approximately 135 countries. While this is among the fastest paths to second citizenship in the Americas, Argentina’s plan is to match its speed with a proposed 30-business-day review. Moreover, Argentina’s expected USD 500,000 threshold is half of El Salvador’s, yet offers a significantly stronger passport, making it more attractive for investors seeking both agility and quality.

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Africa & Emerging Microstate Programs

São Tomé and Príncipe

São Tomé and Príncipe entered the CBI market recently with a donation-based program requiring USD 90,000 for single applicants. The projected processing timeline is around six weeks, offering fast access but comparatively modest global mobility: its passport provides visa-free or visa-on-arrival access to roughly 61 destinations, ranking around 69th globally. This makes São Tomé an appealing option for investors seeking an entry-level, low-cost Plan B citizenship, but not for those targeting elite-level travel freedom or long-term geopolitical strength.

Nauru

Nauru's CBI program, launched in November 2024, allows citizenship via donation starting at USD 105,000, with total program costs potentially reaching USD 130,000+ depending on family size. Nauru’s passport grants access to about 108 destinations and ranks near 54th globally. As with São Tomé, the program is well-suited for investors wanting a second passport at a modest price, but it does not compete on the premium tier.

Vanuatu

Vanuatu’s CBI program remains a low-to-mid-tier option in Oceania. Depending on family size, financial contributions to the government range from USD 130,000 to USD 180,000. However, the program’s attractiveness has declined since 2022, when Vanuatu lost its visa-free access to the EU Schengen Area, reducing appeal for investors with European travel ambitions. Annual government revenue from the CBI program has dropped from USD 110 million in 2021 to USD 60 million in 2024. The Vanuatu passport currently ranks 51st in global mobility, offering visa-free or visa-on-arrival access to approximately 92 countries. While the program remains efficient for those seeking a fast and relatively affordable secondary citizenship, its travel and geopolitical benefits are limited compared to Argentina.

Microstate Conclusion

São Tomé, Nauru, and Vanuatu are all positioned as Plan B citizenship options. They offer economic entry points and fast processing, but their passports lack strong global mobility and strategic value. Argentina, by contrast, targets premium investors who seek a high-quality passport, rapid approval, and the benefits of G20 membership, making it a clearly differentiated opportunity.

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Final Analysis: Argentina’s Strategic Position for 2026

Argentina’s planned CBI program arrives at an opportune moment. Many Caribbean programs face capacity constraints, regulatory pressure, and aging infrastructure. Europe’s CBI options have contracted sharply with Malta’s suspension, and emerging microstate and African programs appeal mostly to more price-sensitive investors. Turkey remains competitive, but its global mobility is limited compared to what Argentina offers.

By proposing a USD 500,000 minimum investment, no residency requirement, and a 30-business-day processing timeline, Argentina is aiming to deliver a premium passport with speed and legitimacy. The focus on productive sectors like agribusiness, technology, renewable energy, tourism, and infrastructure, aligns with long-term national development goals, rather than simply selling citizenship for a donation. This creates a compelling value proposition for sophisticated investors looking for real economic participation, not just a travel document.

Argentina’s constitutional and legal framework strengthens legitimacy and helps mitigate political volatility challenges that affect other CBI programs. Combined with Mercosur membership, Argentine citizenship also offers regional mobility advantages few programs can match.

For high-net-worth individuals evaluating global citizenship opportunities in 2026, Argentina’s CBI program stands out not just as another option, but perhaps as the most strategically balanced premium offering, combining high mobility, economic impact, and legal robustness. Its advantages make it increasingly clear why Argentina could become the world’s next citizenship hub.