Syria

Syria operates no formal residency or citizenship by investment program, and the transitional government has not signalled any intention to establish one.

The sanctions environment has changed substantially since the fall of the Assad government in December 2024, though reconstruction, banking capacity and the legal framework for foreign ownership remain at an early stage.

For Syrian nationals, the relevant question is which programs abroad now accept their applications, and that position is moving.

Syria Citizenship by Investment

Syria does not offer citizenship by investment. Several programs introduced restrictions on Syrian nationals during the conflict years, and a number of those are under review following the political transition and the rollback of international sanctions.

Because the position is changing, Syrian applicants should confirm current eligibility with a licensed agent rather than relying on published lists, which lag behind program circulars.

Where a route is open, expect enhanced due diligence and extended processing, with source of funds documentation the single most important element of the file.

Applicants holding long-term residence in the UK, US, Canada, Australia, the UAE or the EU generally present a stronger case than those applying directly from Syria.

Syria Residency by Investment

Syria offers no residency by investment route. European golden visa programs assess applicants on current residence, income and record rather than nationality alone, which makes them a realistic option for Syrian nationals already established abroad.

The Greek Golden Visa requires property investment from €400,000 across most regions, rising to €800,000 in Athens, Thessaloniki and the larger islands, with a lower €250,000 tier for qualifying commercial-to-residential conversions and listed buildings undergoing full restoration.

The permit runs five years, renews while the investment is held, and imposes no minimum stay requirement.

The permit runs five years, renews while the investment is held, and imposes no minimum stay. Portugal now requires a qualifying fund investment from €500,000, having withdrawn its real estate route in 2023, and offers a route to citizenship after ten years.

Syria Passport Strength and Ranking

Syria ranks 195th of 199 on the La Vida Passport Value Index. The Syrian passport reaches 68 of the world’s 227 destinations without a prior visa, representing 4.6% of world GDP and 13.0% of global travel measured by international visitor arrivals.

At 4.6%, economic access is the binding constraint. The Syrian passport opens almost none of the markets where international banking, business and investment take place, and Syrian nationals require advance visas for the United States, the United Kingdom, the Schengen Area, China and Japan.

Only South Sudan, the Central African Republic, Bangladesh and Afghanistan rank lower.

A second citizenship transforms both measures. Grenada ranks 63rd on the Index, reaching 179 destinations, 59.6% of world GDP and 79.4% of global travel.

Dominica sits 68th with 183 destinations and 55.5% of world GDP. St Lucia ranks 99th, opening 179 destinations and 73.9% of global travel.

Sanctions and The Investment Climate

The United States terminated its comprehensive Syria sanctions program through Executive Order 14312 in June 2025, and Congress repealed the Caesar Syria Civilian Protection Act in December 2025 as part of the 2026 National Defense Authorization Act.

The State Department notified Congress on 8 July 2026 of its intent to rescind Syria’s designation as a State Sponsor of Terrorism, held since 1979, which takes effect after a 45-day congressional review period absent formal objection.

Targeted designations remain in place against specific individuals and entities, and banks continue to apply heightened scrutiny to Syria-linked transactions.

The practical effect for investment migration is indirect but real: as compliance risk falls, agents and financial institutions become more willing to process Syrian files that they previously declined outright.

Citizenship and Residency by Investment Programs

See below a selection of countries offering residency and citizenship investment programs.

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