We live in a truly global economy. Businesses, entrepreneurs and workers can choose to operate and compete on a worldwide playing field for success. But it is not just businesses worldwide that are competing: nations have also recognized that they can benefit by attracting individuals to their respective countries. Furthermore, individuals no longer need to limit themselves to their citizenship of birth. Listed below are six different nations that provide fast-track citizenship based on economic investments:

1. St. Kitts and Nevis. St. Kitts and Nevis, a two-island federation located in the Caribbean, has a population of about 50,000 people, and has been independent from Great Britain since 1983. St. Kitts has what is the longest-standing economic citizenship program, allowing approved applicants to obtain citizenship upon either making a qualifying real estate investment within the country, or making a one-time contribution to the nation’s Sugar Industry Diversification Foundation.

2. Dominica. Dominica, not to be confused with the Dominican Republic, is known as the Nature Island of the Caribbean, due to its natural beauty and national park system. The island has approximately 70,000 inhabitants, and established an economic citizenship program in 1993. Similarly to the St. Kitts citizenship program, Dominica offers two citizenship-by-investment options: a one-time economic contribution to the country, or the newly-created real estate investment option. Dominica’s program is distinguished by being—at present—the least expensive economic citizenship program on offer.

3. Grenada. Grenada, known as the “Spice Island,” is located in the Lesser Antilles chain of islands in the Caribbean. Grenada in 2013 instituted its own economic citizenship program which grants citizenships to qualified applicants who purchase a qualifying real estate investment within the country.

4. Antigua. Antigua is reputed to have 365 different beaches located on the island—a different beach for every day of the year. Like Grenada, Antigua has recently created its economic citizenship program. It offers applicants three options for citizenship: making a one-time economic contribution; purchasing qualified real estate; or making an investment into a qualified business.

5. Cyprus. Cyprus is a European island nation which is located south of the Turkish coast, and is a mix of ethnic Greeks and Turks. As a result of Cyprus’ recent economic difficulties, it has instituted an economic citizenship program granting citizenship to applicants who make either qualifying investments in Cyprus businesses or property, or who make qualifying economic contributions directly to Cyprus. Though the Cyprus option is more expensive than other Caribbean options, Cyprus is a member of the European Union. Therefore, a Cypriot citizenship grants all of the additional rights and benefits of becoming a citizen of the E.U.

6. Malta. The Republic of Malta is a small nation located in the Mediterranean Sea south of Sicily and North of Tunisia and Libya. Its strategic location has caused it to have a convergence of European, Middle Eastern, African and Mediterranean influences over the centuries. Though Malta has its own language (Maltese), English is officially spoken as well. Malta is a member of the European Union and is also party to the Schengen Treaty, providing high value to a Maltese citizenship. Malta grants citizenship to qualified applicants who make a combined investment and contribution to the country.
An alternative citizenship can provide numerous benefits to individuals seeking to expand, invest or move outside of their country of origin. Numerous countries now offer a fast-track road to citizenship by investing within their country. These fast-track citizenships now create a competition for the worlds’ citizens who are willing and able to invest in foreign countries.