Second Citizenship and Residency Options Under $100,000

Second Citizenship and Residency Options Under $100,000

1 September 2025

Low Cost Citizenship Through Investment is Still Possible

It’s no secret that securing a second residency or citizenship by investment requires significant capital. La Vida offers one of the widest portfolios in the industry, from entry-level programs to investments of several million dollars. We believe in presenting the full spectrum of opportunities so our clients can make informed, strategic decisions.

The days when multiple programs were available at the $100k mark are mostly behind us. Gaining citizenship in a country without the birth or family connections is still a privilege and one that does not come without considerable financial commitment. However, a handful of cheap citizenship by investment and golden visa options do still exist and present an excellent opportunity.

With around $100k to invest, your options are limited but not out of reach. Double or triple that budget, and the possibilities expand considerably.

For cost-conscious investors, here are some of the most attractive solutions still available today.

Latvia – Residency from €50,000 +

Latvia’s Golden Visa program offers one of the most affordable EU residency routes. Investors can contribute a minimum of €50,000 into a Latvian company, plus €10,000 in state fees, securing full residency rights in an EU and Schengen country.

There is also a €100,000 option (approx. $117,000 USD) with a more structured exit strategy available for those looking to recoup some of their initial outlay after a set period of time.

São Tomé and Príncipe – Citizenship from $90,000

The newcomer in the Citizenship by Investment (CBI) market, São Tomé and Príncipe offers citizenship starting from $90,000. This island nation in the Gulf of Guinea presents visa-free access to multiple countries and represents one of the lowest-priced second passport programs globally.

Malta Permanent Residency – From €99,000 (plus rental costs)

Malta’s Permanent Residency Program (MPRP) is a very attractive EU residency program. The costs include:

  • €2,000 contribution
  • €60,000 government contribution
  • €37,000 administrative fees

This brings the total to €99,000 (approx. $115,000 USD), with the added requirement of leasing property at €14,000+ per year. Investors benefit from permanent residency in Malta, visa-free Schengen mobility (90 days in every 180 days), and the security of holding rights within the EU.

Nauru – Citizenship by Investment from $105,000

Just over the $100k mark, Nauru’s CBI program is one of the most compelling in the South Pacific region. From $105,000, single investors can secure citizenship with the unique advantage of including siblings and dependents for an additional cost For families looking at generational planning, this feature makes Nauru stand out from other CBI offerings.

Is $100k Enough?

The truth is, under $100k the options are very limited, but not impossible. These programs provide either EU residency or a second citizenship at the entry level. For greater flexibility and wider visa-free benefits, doubling or tripling your budget opens far more doors. Investors also need to budget for additional legal and processing fees on top of the base price of the above mentioned programs.

At La Vida, we help clients navigate these opportunities and identify the most strategic, secure, and future-proof investment pathways.

Contact La Vida’s experts today to explore which residency or citizenship program best suits your needs.

Contact La Vida