Introduction: The New Race for a Second Passport

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In 2025, time is everything—especially for globally mobile families and investors seeking a second citizenship. With programs evolving and regulations tightening, it’s no longer just about residency access; it’s about how quickly that golden visa can become a passport.

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From Portugal and Greece to Malta, Italy, and Caribbean nations, the path to citizenship varies widely in terms of residency obligations, holding periods, and government attitudes. In this post, we compare the fastest golden visa programs worldwide and help you align your timeline with the right jurisdiction.

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Portugal Golden Visa: Still Competitive—With More Stringent Rules

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Portugal continues to offer a compelling EU investor residency program, with a 5-year timeline to naturalization—still one of the fastest among major economies. However, 2025 brought stricter enforcement:

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• Minimum stay: Still officially 7 days/year, but authorities now expect evidence of deeper integration (e.g. lease, bank accounts, Portuguese language, etc.)
  
• Eligible investments: €500,000 in regulated investment funds; real estate is no longer permitted
  
• Citizenship path: After 5 years, with language proficiency and demonstrated ties
  
  

Ideal for: long-term investors focused on EU access who are open to light but consistent presence.

Explore our full Portugal Golden Visa Guide

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Greece Golden Visa: Fast Residency, Slower Citizenship

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Greece’s golden visa offers one of the easiest routes to permanent residency, especially for real estate investors:

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• Minimum investment: €250,000–€500,000 in real estate, depending on location
  
• No physical presence required for renewal
  
• Citizenship eligibility: 7 years with actual physical residence and integration, including Greek language and cultural tests
  
  

Best for: investors wanting passive EU residency; not ideal for fast-tracked citizenship.

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Malta: Permanent Residency Still Alive, But Citizenship Hit a Wall

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Malta previously offered one of the shortest timelines to citizenship—just 1 to 3 years through direct investment. However, the 2025 EU Court ruling halted this route.

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• MEIN (citizenship-by-investment) is no longer viable for new applicants
  
• Malta Permanent Residency Program (MPRP) remains intact:
  
  • Requires €150,000–€200,000 in government contributions + real estate
    
  • No direct citizenship track, but long-term residency is secure
    
    

Citizenship now requires traditional residency timelines (5+ years) and integration.

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Italy Investor Visa: Lifestyle Appeal, Long Path to Citizenship

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Italy’s golden visa, while flexible for business-minded families, comes with a longer road to citizenship:

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• Minimum investment: €250,000–€2M (startup, company, or government bond
  
• Residency requirement: Light for renewals, but citizenship requires 10 years of physical residence
  
• Offers healthcare, education, and quality of life from day one
  
  

Great for families who want to relocate and integrate, but not for quick naturalization.

Learn more about our Italy Investor Visa Insights

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Caribbean Programs: The Fastest Legal Citizenship by Investment

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For those who prioritize speed over geography, several Caribbean nations offer citizenship in under 6 months:

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Key Highlights:

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Best for: investors seeking a second passport fast, for global mobility or asset protection.

Compare more in our Golden Visa Comparison

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