The following are frequently asked questions about the donation investment option from prospective investors in citizenship by investment schemes.
What is Citizenship by donation?
The Donation for Citizenship is one time lump sum contribution to State fund of Government to acquire citizenship for investment. It is the most popular and fastest investment route under CBI. The minimum contribution required is USD 100,000. This is used as sovereign fund for public, social welfare projects, and disaster relief by small countries (eg. hospitals, hurricane, pension, debt repayment, roads, schools).
What countries offer Citizenship by donation?
A total of 8 countries in Caribbean, Europe, and Pacific legally adopted this investment route for citizenship by investment to foreign investors. The full list is below..
| Country | Name of State Fund | One Time Contribution |
| Antigua & Barbuda | National Development Fund (NDF) | USD 100,000 |
| Dominica | Economic Diversification Fund (EDF) | USD 100,000 |
| Grenada | National Transformation Fund (NTF) | USD 150,000 |
| Malta | National Development & Social Fund (NDSF) | EUR 650,000 |
| North Macedonia | Fund for Innovation and Technology Development (FITD) | EUR 200,000 |
| Saint Kitts | Sustainable Growth Fund (SGF) | USD 150,000 |
| Saint Lucia | National Economic Fund (NEF) | USD 100,000 |
| Vanuatu | Development Support Program (DSP) | USD 130,000 |
Is the money paid refundable?
No, any contributions paid to government to get citizenship is NOT refundable. If the citizenship is revoked the money is also not refunded by government.
Do i have to pay the donation again when i renew passport?
No. One time only when you apply. You can renew the expired passport at embassy nearby paying a small $200 renewal fee (varies by country).
Does Malta offer citizenship for donation?
Yes, Malta is the only EU schengen state that offers citizenship by donation. You have to pay at least 650,000 to national fund of Malta to get citizenship after two years. If you pay 750,000 the time is reduced to one year.
What are the processing times for application?
Applications are processed in the time frame of 3-4 months at no additional costs.
What costs are applicable for family members?
Additional costs applicable adding family members (spouse, children) to your application. They also have to pay donation, due diligence fees. It varies depending on the country.
Do i have to remit the entire investment at the time of application?
No, you are required to pay only after the government approves your application after usually 3-4 months. You have time until 6 months from the date of approval to pay the donation. If children above age of 30 they cannot be included in family application (have to apply as new application paying full donation amount)
Please tell us more about the national donation funds established for CBI?
Malta
The National Development and Social Fund (“NDSF”) is a Government Agency established on 6 January 2015, by virtue of Subsidiary Legislation 188.03, “Individual Investor Programme (“IIP”) of the Republic of Malta Regulations” made under the Maltese Citizenship Act Cap. 188. NDSF shall receive, from the Identity Malta Agency, from the Maltese Individual Investor Programme Agency and from the Community Malta Agency, such percentage of the amounts of money payable to the Fund from the revenue received from the programme and use and administer those amounts in the public interest.
Antigua & Barbuda
The National Development Fund (NDF) is a non-profit fund established under section 42(2) of the Finance Administration Act 2006 for the purpose of funding government sponsored projects, including public-private partnerships and approved charitable investments. NDF is subject to parliamentary oversight by way of a six monthly report to be presented to Parliament in sufficient detail to allow for transparency and accountability. The fund will also be audited by an internationally recognised accounting firm. Acquisition of citizenship under the NDF investment option requires a contribution to the National Development Fund in the minimum sum of US$100,000 per application. The contribution is in the form of a one-time payment.
Dominica
The Economic Diversification Fund (EDF) is a Dominican Government program supporting socio-economic initiatives with the aim of driving national development. This was established through the country’s Citizenship by Investment Programme, as one component of a national capital mobilization portfolio. Applicants can acquire economic citizenship to Dominica by making a financial contribution to its EDF. All money generated for the EDF fund goes towards improving projects in the public and private sector which are in need of financial support. These include building schools, renovating hospitals, and the creation of a national sports stadium, as well as a variety of other undertakings across numerous industries such as tourism, information technology and agriculture.
Grenada
The National Transformation Fund (NTF) was established in 2013 as a means of transforming Grenada’s economy into one that is ever more prosperous and independent. The NTF finances various projects in Grenada for the benefit of its many industries, including tourism, agriculture, and alternative energy. Having made a donation to the NTF, investors are left with a true sense of having contributed to their new nation’s wellbeing.
Saint Kitts & Nevis
The Sustainable Growth Fund(SGF) launched to replace the Hurricane relief fund which expired in 30, March 2018 and the government published Citizenship by investment (Amendment 2) 2018 Regulations in Official Gazette 2018. The SGF will channel resources to priority areas like education, health, climate change and resilience, infrastructure, tourism and culture, and the promotion of indigenous entrepreneurship – to the benefit of all citizens, inlcuding you
Saint Lucia
The National Economic Fund (NEF) allows for the contribution of financial resources which directly impacts to the socio-economic development of the country and people of Saint Lucia. This special Saint Lucian National Economic Fund, setup to accommodate all investment amounts being made to the National Economic Fund under the citizenship by investment programme. The administration and governance of the Fund is enshrined within the Saint Lucia National Economic Fund Act No.18 of 2019. The governing body of the Saint Lucia National Economic Fund is the Saint Lucia National Economic Fund Board.
North Macedonia
The FITD (Fund for Innovation and Technology Development) determines the economic interest for citizenship, was launched by the Government of North Macedonia on the 13th December 2019. The Program allows foreigners that have invested capital in the amount of at least 200,000 € per person, in a private investment fund (PIF) established in accordance with the laws of the Republic of North Macedonia, to be eligible to apply for citizenship of the Republic of North Macedonia.
Vanuatu
Vanuatu established Development Support Fund under the DSP program under Chapter 112 of the Citizenship Law and Vanuatu Government Decree No. 215 which were adopted in 2017.
