How to Choose the Right Citizenship or Residency Program – Alessandro Rocco Pietrocola

Over the last decade, I’ve advised many clients across multiple jurisdictions, and one truth stands out: the wrong choice can cost you years, money, and even expose you to compliance risks. On the other hand, the right choice can open doors to banking, investment, mobility, and long-term family security.

Below is a comprehensive framework, with real-world scenarios and program updates you need to be aware of in 2025.

1.⁠ ⁠Start With Your Priorities

Before diving into programs, answer three key questions:

• Timeline: Do you need results in 6–12 months, or can you build up a structure over 3–5 years?
• Purpose: Is your priority mobility, tax residency, asset protection, or simply a backup option?
• Compliance: Will the program hold up under bank KYC, immigration reviews, and potential changes in law?

Once you’re clear on those points, you can start mapping options.

2.⁠ ⁠Four Practical Scenarios

Over time, I’ve found most clients fall into one of four categories. Here’s how the options look today:

Scenario 1: Full Package & Reputation – Antigua & Barbuda

If you want a strong, reputable passport that gives you visa-free access to both the UK and Schengen Europe — and also provides all supporting documents such as an ID card, driver’s license, and tax ID — then Antigua & Barbuda is the best fit.

• Donation route: $235,000
• Real estate option: $300,000+
• Processing: reliable and efficient

This is the “full package” option for those who want more than just a passport — a full legal identity ecosystem.

Scenario 2: Backup Passport – Nauru

If you already live in a tax-free jurisdiction (for example, the UAE or Bahamas) and don’t care about residency, but simply want a fast, cost-effective backup passport, then Nauru is a strong new player.

• Donation route only: $105,000
• Very fast process
• Best for travel convenience and security

This is a plan B document for mobility and personal security — particularly if your main passport is geopolitically sensitive.

Scenario 3: Residency First, Passport Later – Paraguay or Portugal

If you’re not in a rush and prefer building a legal base that leads to citizenship later, two standout options are Paraguay and Portugal.

Paraguay:

• Immediate residency and tax residency available
• Very light physical presence requirements
• Driver’s license, banking, and full infrastructure
• Citizenship possible after 3 years (though realistically closer to 5)

⚠️ Beware of the myth: Some agents claim you can get a Spanish passport after 2 years of obtaining a Paraguay Passport. This is false. That shortcut applies only to those born in Paraguay, not foreign investors, who will legally reside in Spain for 2 years.

Portugal:

• Golden Visa through real estate or other investments
• European residency and potential EU passport after 5+ years
• Requires relocation or some tax exposure
• One of the few EU residencies still functioning with a clear naturalization path

Scenario 4: Pure Tax Residency – UAE or Bahamas

If your only goal is zero personal taxation and you don’t actually need a new passport, then residency in the UAE or Bahamas is the most straightforward solution.

• No worldwide taxation
• No minimum stay requirements (especially in the UAE)
• Easy to combine with other passports

This is ideal if your focus is tax efficiency and business operations, not mobility.

3.⁠ ⁠Special Notes on the Caribbean

Traditionally, the Caribbean has been the go-to region for Citizenship by Investment (CBI). But the picture in 2025 is more complex:

• St. Lucia: once popular for its pricing and flexible structures, it has become very slow in processing. Applicants are experiencing long delays and uncertainty.
• Dominica: while still a valid CBI program, it now does not provide easily additional documents such as national ID cards or tax IDs. For many clients, this makes the passport less functional for banking and compliance purposes.

For these reasons, Antigua & Barbuda often emerges as the most reliable and comprehensive Caribbean option.

4.⁠ ⁠Latin America: Crypto and Emerging Pathways

Latin America is becoming increasingly relevant:

• El Salvador now offers a fast-track citizenship through a $1 million contribution, payable in Bitcoin, USDT, or USD. This is the only true CBI option in the region, and it directly embraces cryptocurrency.
• Argentina has officially approved a Citizenship by Investment framework (Decree 524/2025), but the implementing rules are still being finalized. At this stage, it’s a legal reality, but not yet operational in practice.

For crypto-native clients, El Salvador is extremely attractive. For others, Argentina may be an opportunity worth monitoring — but approach carefully, as the rules are still evolving.

5.⁠ ⁠Europe: No More CBI — Be Very Careful

It’s essential to understand that there is no official Citizenship by Investment program in the European Union anymore.

• In April 2025, the EU’s highest court struck down Malta’s investor-citizenship scheme, confirming that EU passports cannot be sold as commodities.
• Some countries (such as Austria) retain discretionary “citizenship for exceptional services,” but these are rare, highly political, and not for sale through agents.
• Residency programs (such as Portugal, Greece, or Italy’s flat tax regime) remain viable, but they involve time, presence, and tax exposure.

⚠️ If you see anyone advertising “EU passport by nomination” or “back-door EU citizenship,” treat it as a red flag. At best, it’s misleading. At worst, it’s outright illegal.

6.⁠ ⁠Gulf States and Zero-Tax Hubs

For many entrepreneurs, a tax residency with or without a new passport is the best solution. The UAE remains at the top of this list — fast setup, strong reputation, and no minimum stay requirements. It’s often paired with a CBI passport for maximum efficiency.

The Bahamas and Vanuatu plays a similar role, though with higher living costs and less infrastructure than Dubai. Both remain excellent for wealth preservation and international structuring.

If you come from a high-tax country, obtaining tax residency in the UAE, Bahamas, or Vanuatu can be a good first step. However, for a true Plan B, it’s wiser to secure a second passport first — and then apply for tax residency under that new nationality.

7.⁠ ⁠Red Flags and Due Diligence

When choosing, keep in mind:

• Check bankability: A passport may pass immigration but fail at opening accounts.
• Look beyond the passport: Will you also get an ID, driver’s license, and tax ID? Without them, compliance becomes difficult.
• Don’t believe myths: Spain’s “2-year rule” for Latin Americans does not apply to foreigners in Paraguay.
• Beware of shortcuts: “EU nomination” schemes are not legitimate. Stick to official channels and programs.

8.⁠ ⁠Final Word

There is no universal “best passport.” The right program depends on your timeline, lifestyle, and financial situation.

• Need a full set of documents from a stable country? → Antigua & Barbuda
• Already tax-free and just want a fast backup? → Nauru
• Want to start with residency and work toward citizenship? → Paraguay or Portugal
• Care only about tax residency? → UAE or Bahamas
• Crypto investor? → El Salvador
• Watching the horizon? → Argentina (emerging)

Always remember: choose the program that will still work in five years under stricter rules, tighter banking, and changing politics. That is the difference between simply buying a passport and strategically securing your future.