How Long Does Citizenship by Investment Take? Timelines Explained for Every Region (2025–2026 Guide)
When ultra-mobile families and global entrepreneurs explore second citizenship, one factor often outweighs everything else, time.
How long until my passport is issued? How fast can my family gain security and mobility? Which programs still offer predictable timelines in a tightening global environment?
As governments strengthen due diligence and raise standards across the board, understanding the real timeline has become a strategic advantage. Below is the cleanest, most accurate breakdown of today’s fastest Citizenship by Investment (CBI) pathways.
1. São Tomé & Príncipe — Africa’s Fastest Citizenship Program (2–4 Months)
São Tomé has quietly emerged as one of the most efficient CBI routes in the world, appealing to investors who prioritize speed and simplicity without compromising legitimacy.
Most CBI programs today face heavier compliance and longer checks. São Tomé remains one of the few jurisdictions where:
- Government processing is centralized and streamlined
- The due diligence partners are fast but robust
- Bureaucracy is minimal compared to more mature programs
The result is a true fast-track, a rarity in today’s tightening CBI landscape.
Typical Application Flow
- Week 1–2 — Document Preparation
- Week 3–8 — Due Diligence & Government Review
- Week 9–12 — Approval + Passport Issuance
For investors needing a rapid Plan B, São Tomé delivers one of the quickest turnarounds globally.
2. The Caribbean — Trusted, Stable, and Now 6–8 Months
The Caribbean has long been the heart of the CBI world, the most recognized, most structured, and most trusted set of programs. But with 2024–2025 reforms, timelines have become more realistic: 6–8 months is now the standard across all islands.
The Caribbean has led global compliance upgrades, including:
- Enhanced due diligence
- Stricter documentation
- Alignment with international security standards
- Regional harmonization of rules
This shift increases credibility, but also adds processing time.
Investors who want:
- A stable passport with strong visa-free access
- Family-friendly pricing
- Established legal frameworks
- Predictable approval pathways
It remains a favorite for first-time CBI investors who value reputation and reliability.
3. Turkey — A Global Mobility Powerhouse (8–12 Months)
Turkey offers one of the most powerful CBI passports outside the EU, but it also requires the most complex application path among the three regions listed.
Why Turkey Takes Longer
- Multi-layer government review
- Property valuation and title transfer checks
- High application volume
- Sequential approval stages (residency → citizenship)
Despite the longer wait, Turkey’s value proposition attracts entrepreneurs, business owners, and families seeking:
- Strategic access to Europe & Asia
- A strong commercial hub
- Long-term geopolitical relevance
Its 8–12 month timeline is still considered efficient for a major-economy passport.
Fastest CBI Timelines at a Glance (2025–2026)
| Region / Country | Timeline | Profile |
| São Tomé & Príncipe | 2–4 months | Fastest approval; simplicity-focused |
| Caribbean (All Islands) | 6–8 months | Most stable & established CBI region |
| Turkey | 8–12 months | Strong geopolitical passport; property-based |
These are the real timelines, grounded in current regulations and actual processing patterns, not outdated or overly optimistic estimates.
Why Timelines Are Tightening Everywhere
Governments worldwide are:
- Expanding due diligence contracts
- Increasing document requirements
- Screening more third-party checks
- Harmonizing regional rules
- Managing higher demand from global investors
Where you gained citizenship in 3 months in 2021, the same program may now take 6–9 months. Your strategy shouldn’t wait for the next extension, or the next compliance reform.
Final Insight
Speed is becoming a luxury in the investment migration industry. Programs tighten. Thresholds rise. Approval queues grow. Due diligence becomes deeper.
Investors who move early benefit from:
- Faster approvals
- Lower investment amounts
- More flexible rules
- A smoother path for family members
- Guaranteed eligibility before reforms
Those who wait often face slower processing, higher prices, and fewer options.
Thinking About a Second Passport?
Second citizenship is more than mobility, it’s true resilience, giving your family security, diversification, tax flexibility, and a borderless future.
Whether you prefer a 2-month fast-track or a long-term geopolitical passport, DMC Global will map out the best path for your goals.
📩 Contact DMC Global for a private consultation. Your next passport could be just months away.
