Vatican

The Vatican City is an independent city-state surrounded by Rome and is the smallest sovereign state globally. Governed by the Pope, it serves as the spiritual and administrative centre of the Roman Catholic Church. Despite its small size, it holds unique global influence as a symbol of religious and cultural heritage.

VATICAN CITY CITIZENSHIP & Residency

The Vatican City does not offer a citizenship or residency by investment programme. The population primarily consists of clergy, religious officials, and a small number of support staff. Given its ecclesiastical nature and the specific function it serves, there is no need for, or provision of, a citizenship by investment programme or traditional immigration processes. Individuals are granted citizenship when they are appointed to work in the Vatican for the Roman Catholic Church in an official capacity. Countries promote Golden Visa initiatives to draw foreign investments, spur economic vitality, generate employment, and bolster their global competitiveness, and this is not required by the Vatican City

VATICAN CITY PASSPORT STRENGTH AND RANKING

The Vatican City currently ranks 66th on La Vida’s Global Passport Ranking. It provides visa-free access to 163 countries, accounting for 73.4% of global travel and 46.2% of world wealth (measured by GDP). Italy is ranked in the 35th position and Italian passport enjoy visa-free access to 197 countries and territories world wide. Italy’s Golden Visa offers residency by investment to non-EU applicants via several investment avenues. Greece’s Golden Visa programme is also a popular alternative within Europe.