In today's increasingly globalized world, holding a second passport has become more than just a status symbol – it's a strategic asset that opens doors to global mobility, business opportunities, and financial freedom. For Pakistani nationals facing visa restrictions to over 170 countries, citizenship by investment (CBI) programs present a compelling pathway to enhanced global mobility and security.

Citizenship by investment allows individuals to legally obtain a second nationality by making a qualifying financial contribution to another country. These programs have gained popularity among Pakistani business people, entrepreneurs, and families seeking expanded visa-free travel, international education options, and business opportunities.

This comprehensive guide explores the legitimate pathways to obtaining a second citizenship through investment, specifically tailored for Pakistani nationals. We'll examine the most viable CBI programs currently available, analyze their investment requirements, processing times, and most importantly, their legal implications under Pakistani citizenship laws.

Before diving into specific programs, it's important to understand the distinction between direct citizenship programs (granting passports within months) and residency programs (leading to naturalization over years). Each route has different advantages, costs, and legal considerations that Pakistani investors must carefully weigh against their specific goals.

Direct Citizenship-by-Investment Programs

Direct CBI programs offer the fastest route to a second passport, typically processing applications within 3-6 months. These programs require either a donation to a government fund or an investment in approved projects, usually real estate. Let's examine the key programs open to Pakistani nationals:

Caribbean CBI Programs

The Caribbean region hosts the world's longest-running and most established citizenship programs. While affordable compared to other options, these programs have seen price increases in recent years due to international pressure.

Dominica

Dominica's program requires either a minimum non-refundable contribution of US$200,000 to the Economic Development Fund (for a single applicant), or an investment of US$200,000 in approved real estate. For a family up to four, the contribution rises to US$250,000, with additional fees per extra dependent.

Processing times are typically around 3–5 months, now with mandatory virtual interviews for applicants as part of new due diligence measures. Dominica permits dual citizenship and imposes no residency or travel requirement.

It's worth noting that Dominica along with other Caribbean CBI states agreed in 2023–24 to tighten vetting and set higher minimum prices under EU pressure, hence the recent increase to a US$200k minimum donation from the previous US$100k.

St. Kitts and Nevis

As the oldest CBI program, St. Kitts & Nevis now requires a minimum "Sustainable Island State Contribution" (SISC) of US$250,000 for a single applicant (covering up to three dependents). Alternatively, one can invest at least US$325,000 in an approved real estate property (or US$600,000 for a private home).

Applications are processed by the Citizenship by Investment Unit in roughly 4–6 months, and mandatory interviews (virtual or in-person) are now required for all applicants ≥16 years old. Extensive background checks by independent firms in the US/Europe are performed on each application.

St. Kitts allows dual citizenship and does not require any visit or residence in the country. In 2024, the program raised its donation threshold and implemented biometric checks to meet international due diligence standards.

Saint Lucia

Saint Lucia's CBI program offers multiple investment routes. The most popular is a non-refundable contribution to the National Economic Fund of US$240,000, which covers the main applicant plus up to three dependents (each additional dependent requires an extra US$10,000–$20,000 depending on age).

Other options include US$300,000 in real estate or US$300,000 in 5-year government bonds (plus a $50k fee). Processing time is around 4–6 months, with no residency requirement. Saint Lucia permits dual citizenship and has no travel or stay obligations for CBI citizens.

Like its Caribbean neighbors, Saint Lucia has increased its minimum contribution and introduced stricter vetting in line with the 2024 regional CBI reforms.

Grenada

Grenada's program is unique for its E-2 Treaty with the U.S., allowing Grenadian citizens to apply for U.S. investor visas. To obtain Grenadian citizenship by investment, one must contribute at least US$235,000 to Grenada's National Transformation Fund (this amount covers a main applicant and up to four family members).

Alternatively, an investment of US$220,000 (shared) in an approved real estate project or US$350,000 in standalone real estate can qualify. Processing usually takes 3–4 months.

Grenada imposes no residency requirement and allows dual citizenship. Pakistanis are eligible (Grenada does not ban any nationality outright), but applications undergo thorough security screening.

Grenada's passport offers visa-free travel to 140+ countries including China and Schengen Europe, although like other Caribbean states it is being closely monitored by the EU for compliance with security norms.

Antigua and Barbuda

Antigua's CBI program (relaunched with higher investment thresholds in 2024) now requires a minimum donation of US$230,000 to the National Development Fund for a single applicant or family of up to four. Larger families of five or more must contribute US$245,000.

Other options include a US$260,000 contribution to the University of the West Indies (UWI) Fund (especially cost-effective for families of six or more, as it includes one year of tuition for one member), a real estate purchase of at least US$300,000, or a business investment of US$1.5 million (or $400k as part of a joint $5M venture).

Processing takes roughly 3–6 months; applicants and dependents ≥16 must attend a virtual interview upon approval. Antigua is one of the few CBI countries with a short residency requirement – 5 days visit within the first 5 years of obtaining citizenship. Dual citizenship is allowed by Antigua.

Nationals of a few countries (e.g. North Korea, Iran, etc.) are barred or require special consideration, but Pakistani citizens are not on Antigua's restricted list and may apply freely. As with others, enhanced due diligence is applied to all applicants.

Pacific Options

Vanuatu

Vanuatu, a small Pacific nation, runs a CBI scheme known as the Development Support Program. It offers fast-track citizenship in as little as 1–2 months in exchange for a donation of at least US$130,000 for a single applicant (about $180,000 for a family of four).

Vanuatu's program historically attracted investors with its speed and relatively lower cost, granting visa-free travel to about 85 countries including the UK and Singapore. However, due to concerns about lax vetting, the EU suspended Vanuatu's visa-free access in 2022, and in late 2024 the EU fully revoked Vanuatu's visa waiver agreement. The UK also terminated visa-free entry for Vanuatu passport holders.

Vanuatu remains open to all nationalities (it has no nationality bans in law), and it allows dual citizenship. Pakistani applicants can obtain Vanuatuan citizenship via donation, but they should be aware that the passport's travel utility has diminished in Europe.

Due diligence checks are in place (e.g. a clean source of funds and no criminal record are required), but international observers have urged Vanuatu to further strengthen these checks.

Nauru

In 2023, Nauru (a tiny Pacific republic) launched the Nauru Economic and Climate Resilience Citizenship Program, making it the newest CBI option. Nauru requires a financial contribution of at least USD 130,000 for a single applicant (rising to USD 137,500 for a family of 2–4, and USD 145,000 for a family of 5 or more, plus due diligence and processing fees).

The contribution funds climate resilience projects. Processing is efficient – citizenship is typically approved in about 3–4 months, with no residency or visit required.

The program allows including a spouse, children, parents, and siblings as dependents (with additional fees). A Nauru passport currently provides visa-free or visa-on-arrival access to ~85 countries, notably Hong Kong, Singapore, the UK, and the UAE.

Nauru imposes no restrictions on dual citizenship. Pakistani nationals are welcome to apply (Nauru has no banned-nationality list in its program). Given the newness of this program, Nauru is maintaining a strict cap on application numbers and high due diligence standards to preserve the "prestige" of its citizenship.

Middle Eastern Options

Turkey

Turkey offers an "economic citizenship" route by exceptional naturalization. It is often classed as CBI because of the speed of processing (citizenship in ~6–8 months) and no residency requirement.

The most common route is investing at least US$400,000 in Turkish real estate and holding it for 3 years. This threshold was raised from $250,000 to $400,000 in 2022 amid high demand.

Other qualifying options include a capital investment of US$500,000 (such as a deposit in a Turkish bank or government bonds for 3 years) or creating 50 jobs in Turkey. Once the investment is made and verified by the relevant ministry, the applicant can apply for fast-track naturalization.

Turkish citizenship grants visa-free access to 110+ countries (e.g. Japan, Malaysia, Thailand), though not the EU. Dual citizenship is allowed by Turkey, and Pakistani investors have been obtaining Turkish passports in large numbers in recent years.

However, it must be noted that Turkey is not on Pakistan's list of dual nationality treaty countries – a point discussed in the Legal Implications section below. Pakistan and Turkey have been in talks to sign a dual citizenship agreement (which would make Turkey the 20th country with such a status for Pakistan), but until that is finalized, a Pakistani who naturalizes in Turkey may technically lose Pakistani citizenship under current Pakistani law.

Apart from that legal consideration, the Turkish program imposes no special barriers on Pakistani applicants; the process typically takes under a year once the investment is in place, and immediate family can be included (spouse and children under 18). Due diligence focuses on ensuring funds are lawful and the applicant has no serious criminal background.

Jordan

Jordan operates an investor citizenship program with strict criteria. As of 2022 updates, an investor can obtain Jordanian citizenship by fulfilling one of several conditions, such as depositing US$1 million (non-interest) at the Central Bank for 3 years, or investing US$750,000 in a small-to-medium enterprise for at least 3 years, or creating a certain number of jobs with a substantial investment.

The exact financial thresholds have periodically changed; recent reports indicate a minimum of JOD 750,000 (~US$1.06 million) investment in certain projects or funds may be required, or purchasing government bonds of a set amount.

Processing time is longer than Caribbean programs – often taking 1–2 years – as approvals go through Jordan's Cabinet. Jordan does permit dual citizenship in general (and importantly, Jordan is on Pakistan's list of dual-nationality-allowed countries). This means a Pakistani acquiring Jordanian citizenship would not lose Pakistani nationality under Pakistani law.

Jordan's passport is less powerful (visa-free ~50 countries), but obtaining it can be attractive for regional mobility or business reasons. There are no nationality bans in Jordan's program, so Pakistanis are eligible. The legal and security vetting is thorough, given regional security concerns.

Jordan's program has a quota and has been capped to a limited number of approvals per year to manage impact on demography and security.

Egypt

Since 2019, Egypt allows foreign investors to acquire Egyptian citizenship by making a qualifying economic contribution. In 2023 the program's terms were eased: an applicant may obtain citizenship by either depositing US$250,000 as a non-refundable fee into the state treasury (effectively a donation), purchasing real estate worth at least $300,000 from the government, investing $350,000 in a project and depositing $100,000 to the treasury, or depositing $500,000 refundable after 3 years (without interest).

The simplest route, widely reported, is the $250k contribution. Processing is relatively fast (citizenship can be granted in a matter of months after funds are verified).

Dual citizenship is permitted by Egypt, and notably Egypt is on Pakistan's list of countries with dual nationality arrangements. Thus, a Pakistani national can legally keep Pakistani citizenship when naturalizing in Egypt.

Egypt's passport affords visa-free or visa-on-arrival access to around 70 countries (mostly in the Middle East, Asia, and Africa). While not as travel-rich as Caribbean passports, it can be a strategic second nationality for those with business in the region.

Pakistanis face no special restriction in the Egyptian program beyond standard security checks. (The Egyptian law explicitly authorizes the Prime Minister to approve citizenship for investors meeting the criteria, and hundreds of applicants – including some Pakistanis – have reportedly applied since the scheme's inception.)

Residency-by-Investment Programs Leading to Citizenship

Residency-by-investment (RBI) programs grant residence permits or permanent residence status in exchange for qualifying investments. Unlike direct CBI, these programs require a period of actual residence before citizenship can be applied for. Here are the key options for Pakistani nationals:

United States (EB-5 Investor Green Card)

The USA's EB-5 Immigrant Investor Program grants a U.S. conditional permanent residency (green card) in exchange for investing in a job-creating enterprise. Under the EB-5 Reform and Integrity Act of 2022, the minimum investment is $1,050,000 for a standard project, or $800,000 if the project is in a Targeted Employment Area (TEA) such as a rural or high-unemployment area.

The investment must create at least 10 full-time jobs for U.S. workers. Pakistani nationals face no additional restrictions – EB-5 is open worldwide and routinely used by Pakistani investors.

Processing times for initial approval (I-526 petition) can range from 1 to 2+ years; after approval, the investor and immediate family obtain a conditional green card valid for 2 years. Once the jobs are created, conditions are removed for a full permanent green card (after 2 years).

U.S. citizenship can then be pursued after 5 years of permanent residence (the standard residency period for naturalization). In total, an EB-5 investor might become a U.S. citizen roughly 5–7 years from the initial investment, depending on processing queues.

The U.S. allows dual citizenship, and importantly the United States is on Pakistan's list of permitted dual nationalities, so Pakistanis naturalizing as Americans can retain their Pakistani citizenship.

Financially, beyond the $800k/$1.05M investment, applicants should budget for additional fees (~$75k–$100k in legal, filing, and administrative fees). There is no residency requirement to maintain the initial green card (aside from the immigration rule of spending at least 180 days/year in the US to avoid abandonment of residency).

No English language or point system is involved in EB-5 – it is purely investment and compliance-based. The program's annual quota is 10,000 visas (Pakistanis currently do not exceed the per-country cap, so there is no backlog for Pakistan-born applicants).

Overall, EB-5 offers Pakistanis a clear path to U.S. citizenship by investment, with the legal advantage that dual citizenship is recognized by both countries.

Canada

Canada historically had a popular Immigrant Investor Program, but the federal investor visa was terminated in 2014. The Quebec Immigrant Investor Program (QIIP) – which required a CAD $1.2 million interest-free investment loan to the Quebec government – has been suspended since 2019 and remained closed through 2024.

As of March 2025, there is no active passive-investment citizenship program in Canada.

Some Canadian provinces offer entrepreneur visa streams (requiring establishing a business and job creation), and Canada also has the Start-Up Visa for innovative business ventures, but these involve active management rather than a passive investment.

For completeness, a Pakistani seeking Canadian citizenship via investment would typically need to obtain permanent residence first (e.g. through an entrepreneur program or a skilled migration route), reside in Canada for at least 3 out of 5 years as a permanent resident, and then apply for citizenship.

Canada allows dual citizenship and is on Pakistan's dual nationality treaty list, so a Pakistani who naturalizes in Canada can legally retain Pakistani citizenship.

In summary, while Canada is a top choice for many Pakistani immigrants, there is currently no direct investor visa intake. (Prospective investors are awaiting the potential re-opening or redesign of Quebec's program, but until that happens, Canada's pathway for investors is effectively on hold.)

United Kingdom

The UK's Tier 1 Investor Visa program was a notable RBI route until it was closed to new applicants in February 2022 due to security concerns. That program granted residency for a £2 million investment in UK assets, leading to indefinite leave (permanent residence) in 5 years (or faster for larger £5m/£10m investments).

With its closure, the UK no longer has a direct investment visa apart from a Start-up/Innovator category requiring a business plan. For those already on Tier 1 Investor visas, the route to citizenship remains: one must live in the UK at least 5 years (with <=450 days absent) to get indefinite leave, then hold that status 1 year and apply for naturalization (and meet English language and "Life in UK" test).

Pakistani nationals were significant users of the UK investor visa before its shutdown, and the UK allows dual citizenship. (The UK is in Pakistan's list of 22 allowed dual countries.)

Any Pakistani who managed to obtain British citizenship (whether by past investment or other means) can retain Pakistani nationality – though note, Pakistan does bar dual citizens from holding public office in Pakistan, a consideration for those in politics.

Going forward, no new applications for UK investment visas are possible as of 2025.

European "Golden Visa" Programs

Several European countries offer residency permits in exchange for qualifying investments. These "golden visas" can lead to EU citizenship after a period of residence. Here are the key programs:

Portugal (Closed)

Portugal's Golden Residence Permit was one of the most popular because it required minimal stay (averaging 7 days/year) and allowed citizenship eligibility after 5 years. Investors could qualify by investing €500,000 in real estate (or €350,000 in urban rehabilitation projects) or other options like €500k into venture capital funds.

Many Pakistani nationals took advantage of this program in the 2014–2022 period. However, in 2023 the Portuguese government passed legislation to end the Golden Visa for new applicants as part of a housing reform, citing that it had served its purpose.

By early 2025, the program is effectively closed to new investment, though existing golden visa holders can continue and still apply for citizenship after 5 years under the old rules.

During its operation, the Portugal program had no restrictions on Pakistani applicants, and a number of Pakistanis obtained Portuguese residency this way. For context, Portuguese citizenship requires passing a basic A2 language exam and demonstrating ties, but does not require renouncing prior citizenship, so Pakistanis could keep dual nationality (Portugal is not on Pakistan's allowed list, but Portugal itself permits dual citizenship).

With the closure, Portugal is mainly of historical note – it showed that a short residency could lead to an EU passport. The closure reflects Europe's shift away from investor visas due to political and EU-level pressure.

Spain

Spain's "Golden Visa" remains open. By investing at least €500,000 in Spanish real estate (one or multiple properties), a non-EU national can obtain a Spanish residency visa, which is renewable every 2 years and can convert to a permanent residence after 5 years.

There's no minimum stay required to keep the golden visa (zero days per year is acceptable for renewal), making it flexible for investors. However, to qualify for Spanish citizenship, one must reside in Spain for 10 years continuously, spend the majority of each year in Spain (at least 183 days/yr), learn basic Spanish, and integrate.

Crucially, Spain generally requires non-EU new citizens to renounce their previous citizenship upon naturalization (Spain does not allow dual citizenship with Pakistan or most countries outside Latin America). This means a Pakistani seeking a Spanish passport would, at the point of citizenship, have to renounce Pakistani citizenship – a significant legal drawback.

Because of this, many investors use Spain's golden visa for residency or mobility, without ultimately naturalizing. Financially, besides real estate, Spain also accepts a €1 million investment in a Spanish company or bank deposit, or €2 million in Spanish government bonds, for the visa.

The process to get the initial visa is quick (2–3 months). There are no nationality bans; Pakistanis have been welcomed in the program.

In summary, Spain offers a straightforward residency-by-investment, but the path to citizenship is long (10 years) and requires giving up Pakistani nationality – a heavy trade-off for those unwilling to lose their original citizenship.

Greece

Greece offers a Golden Visa (residency permit) for a €250,000 investment in real estate. (Note: from August 2023, the minimum doubled to €500,000 in certain prime locations like Athens and Mykonos, while remaining €250k in other regions.)

This program grants a 5-year renewable residence permit with no minimum stay requirement. Pakistani investors have shown interest, especially after Greece improved its processing times to around 2–3 months for approval. The visa allows free travel in Europe's Schengen Area.

To obtain Greek citizenship, the investor (or family members) would need to reside in Greece for at least 7 years and integrate – specifically, Greece requires 7 years of continuous residency with at least 183 days per year spent in-country, plus passing a Greek language and history test.

Only after meeting those conditions can one apply for naturalization. So while the golden visa is easy to maintain without living in Greece, it will not lead to citizenship unless the person actually moves to Greece long-term.

Greece does allow dual citizenship, and Pakistan likewise would allow dual with Greece only if Greece were on its treaty list (it is not on Pakistan's list). In practice, if a Pakistani did fulfill the requirements and got Greek citizenship, they might technically lose Pakistani status unless an exemption is obtained.

There have been no reported nationality-based exclusions in Greece's program – Pakistani nationals are eligible and indeed some have obtained Greek golden visas. The main appeal is EU residence; the challenge is the residency and language commitment for citizenship.

Italy

Italy has an Investor Visa (sometimes called Italy's golden visa) established in 2017. It grants a 2-year residency permit (extendable for 3 additional years) to those who either invest €500,000 in an Italian company (or €250,000 in an Italian startup) or €2 million in Italian government bonds, or make a €1 million philanthropic donation.

Pakistani nationals can and do apply – there are no nationality restrictions. The application can even be done online and approved in principle before the investor enters Italy.

The holder of an investor visa can convert it to a permanent residence (EU long-term residence permit) after 5 years, provided they spend the majority of time in Italy. For Italian citizenship, the standard rule is 10 years of continuous legal residence in Italy, plus proof of integration (including Italian language proficiency at B1 level).

Italy does allow dual citizenship, and Italy is on Pakistan's list of permitted dual nationalities, meaning a Pakistani could keep both Italian and Pakistani passports legally.

The timeline to citizenship is long and requires real residency – merely holding the investor visa without living in Italy will not count toward the 10-year requirement. Still, the investor visa provides an immediate benefit of Italian (EU) residence, access to Italy's business environment, and the option to work or establish a company.

Processing time for the visa is about 3–4 months (including background checks). Italy's program stands out for offering tax incentives to new residents (like a lump-sum tax regime for high-net-worth individuals), which might appeal to some investors.

In summary, Italy's RBI program is accessible to Pakistanis with substantial funds and offers a route to an EU passport if one is willing to reside long-term – legally, that would be one of the few second citizenships Pakistan fully recognizes (since Italy and Pakistan have a dual citizenship agreement).

Malta (Permanent Residence Program)

Malta, an EU country, has a Permanent Residency by Investment scheme (distinct from its separate citizenship-by-investment program). The Malta Permanent Residence Program (MPRP) requires a combination of government contributions and property investment.

In general, an investor must donate €68,000 to the Maltese government (if purchasing a property) or €98,000 (if only renting), plus donate €2,000 to charity, and either buy real estate worth at least €300,000–€350,000 (depending on location) or rent property at €10,000–€12,000 per year for 5 years. There is also a €40,000 administrative fee.

By fulfilling these, the applicant and family receive permanent residency (indefinite) in Malta, typically within 4–6 months. This status allows one to live in Malta (though there is no obligation to spend a minimum time per year) and travel visa-free in Schengen.

Importantly, Maltese permanent residents can apply for citizenship after 5 years of actual residence in Malta (through the standard naturalization process). In practice, Malta's government is strict – simply holding the PR for 5 years is not enough; the person should genuinely reside most of that period and show integration (including knowledge of Maltese or English and ties to Malta).

If those conditions are met, a Pakistani could naturalize as a Maltese citizen. Malta allows dual citizenship, but note Malta is not among the countries Pakistan recognizes for dual citizenship.

Therefore, unless Pakistani law changes, a Pakistani who naturalizes in Malta might be viewed as relinquishing Pakistani citizenship (since Malta isn't on the treaty list). This legal point aside, Malta's PR program is attractive to those seeking EU residence immediately, with the possibility of an EU passport after several years' commitment.

There are no nationality exclusions (Malta evaluates each applicant on individual merit and security risk). The financial cost is relatively high (total outlay around €150,000–€200,000 including contributions and rent/property purchase), reflecting Malta's desirability. Pakistanis have shown interest, and some have obtained Maltese PR. If citizenship is the end goal, one must be prepared to genuinely move to Malta. Otherwise, the MPRP is often used as a residency/status tool rather than a quick path to a passport.

Australia and New Zealand

Australia (Program Closed)

Australia formerly ran a Significant Investor Visa (SIV) – requiring AU$5 million investment – and other investor streams (AU$2.5M Investor visa, and a lower entrepreneur visa). These were part of the Business Innovation and Investment Programme (BIIP).

In 2023, Australia closed all its investor visa streams to new applicants. The last day for SIV applications was 31 July 2024. The Australian government found the economic benefits limited and has shifted focus to attracting talent and skills.

Thus, as of 2025, Pakistanis cannot apply for an Australian golden visa, because none is available. (Previously, a number of Pakistani investors had obtained the AU SIV, gaining Australian permanent residency in 4 years and eligibility for citizenship after 4 years of residence. Australia permits dual citizenship and is on Pakistan's allowed list, so that was a favorable route. But with the program's termination, that door has closed.)

Wealthy individuals eyeing Australia now must qualify under other categories (such as the Global Talent visa or employer-sponsored routes). Those already holding an Australian investor visa can continue their path to citizenship (which in Australia requires 4 years legal residence with at least 1 year as a permanent resident and passing an English test).

In summary, Australia is no longer offering residency by passive investment – a notable change in the RBI landscape.

New Zealand

New Zealand overhauled its investor immigration program in 2022. It closed its Investor 1 and 2 categories and introduced the Active Investor Plus Visa from September 2022.

The Active Investor Plus requires a minimum of NZ$5 million invested over 4 years, if the funds go into high-growth investments (like NZ venture capital or private equity). Purely passive investments (like traded equities or philanthropic donations) are weighted less – an applicant doing mostly passive investments might need the equivalent of NZ$15 million to qualify.

The program favors those who will actively invest in New Zealand's businesses. Pakistani nationals are eligible; there are no nationality bars. The visa grants a 4-year conditional resident status. If the investment and stay requirements are met, one can then get permanent residence.

New Zealand allows dual citizenship and is on Pakistan's approved list. To become a citizen of NZ, one must reside there for at least 5 years (at least 240 days in each year, or 1,350 days total across 5 years) and meet character and English requirements.

So the timeline is about 5+ years to citizenship after making the investment. The costs are very high, meaning this route is only for ultra-high-net-worth individuals. It is an option for Pakistanis seeking a second citizenship in a stable, Western country while retaining their Pakistani nationality legally.

The Active Investor Plus visa is relatively new, and New Zealand is carefully vetting applicants' business track record given the "active" investment focus.

Other Notable Programs

Singapore

The Global Investor Programme in Singapore requires an investment of SGD 2.5 million in a new or existing business or an approved fund. It grants permanent residence in Singapore.

Singaporean citizenship can be applied for after 2 years of PR, but in practice Singapore has very stringent naturalization criteria and does not allow dual citizenship (one must renounce the previous citizenship to become Singaporean). So a Pakistani going this route would eventually have to renounce Pakistani citizenship if granted Singaporean nationality.

Singapore's program is highly selective and expects a strong business profile; while open to any nationality, only a handful of applicants (globally) are approved each year.

United Arab Emirates

The UAE launched a 10-year Golden Visa scheme and other long-term residence permits (5-year, etc.) for investors, entrepreneurs, and talented professionals. For investors, one way to get a UAE Golden Visa is to invest AED 2 million (~US$545,000) in real estate or AED 2 million in establishing a company. This gives a renewable 10-year residency.

However, UAE citizenship for foreigners is extremely rare – the UAE has no general naturalization process for investors; citizenship is only granted in special cases by nomination.

Thus, a Pakistani obtaining a UAE Golden Visa can enjoy long-term residence in Dubai or Abu Dhabi (and many have taken this route to live tax-free in the Gulf), but it should not be viewed as a pathway to citizenship.

The UAE only recently (2021) made legal provision to confer citizenship on select high-achievers and investors, but it's done on a very limited, discretionary basis. Essentially, RBI in the UAE is for residency benefits (and Pakistanis are availing it in significant numbers), but a second passport from the UAE is not a realistic outcome for most.

The UAE does allow dual citizenship in those special grant cases, but since this is not a defined program leading to citizenship, we highlight it only as an option for residency.

The legal implications of obtaining a second citizenship are particularly important for Pakistani nationals due to Pakistan's specific laws on dual nationality. Understanding these constraints is crucial before making any investment decision.

Pakistan's Dual Citizenship Laws

For any Pakistani pursuing citizenship by investment or naturalization in another country, it is critical to understand Pakistan's dual citizenship laws. Pakistan restricts dual nationality to citizens of specific countries with which it has bilateral or Commonwealth arrangements.

As of recent policy, Pakistan recognizes dual citizenship with only about 21–22 countries. These include the United Kingdom, United States, Canada, Australia, New Zealand, and many European countries such as France, Italy, Belgium, Denmark, Sweden, Switzerland, Ireland, the Netherlands, and a few others. Some Middle Eastern countries like Egypt, Jordan, Bahrain, and Syria are also on the allowed list.

Notably, Turkey and all Caribbean nations are not on the list of permitted dual nationalities for Pakistan. This means that under Pakistan's Citizenship Act 1951, a Pakistani citizen who voluntarily acquires a foreign nationality that is not on the approved list is deemed to have ceased to be a citizen of Pakistan.

In other words, Pakistan technically forbids its citizens from keeping Pakistani nationality if they naturalize in countries outside the allowed group.

Countries with Which Pakistan Allows Dual Citizenship

This legal restriction directly impacts Pakistanis considering CBI programs: none of the Caribbean CBI jurisdictions (St. Kitts, Antigua, Dominica, Grenada, St. Lucia), nor Vanuatu or Malta are among Pakistan's recognized dual citizenship partners.

If the letter of the law is applied, a Pakistani who obtains, for example, Dominica citizenship by investment would automatically lose Pakistani citizenship. The same goes for someone who naturalizes in Malta or Turkey via investment – currently, those nationalities are not recognized for dual status by Pakistan, so the act of acquiring them could lead to loss of Pakistani citizenship.

There is an important nuance: Pakistan's law was relaxed in 1972 to allow dual citizenship with certain countries, and it explicitly lists those countries in notifications. For any country not listed, the default position is loss of Pakistani citizenship upon foreign naturalization.

Pakistani authorities require citizens who naturalize in unapproved countries to formally renounce Pakistani citizenship, and if they do not, Pakistan may still consider their citizenship void. (Pakistan also stipulates that children born with dual citizenship must choose one nationality by age 21 if one of them is not in the allowed list, otherwise Pakistani citizenship is revoked.)

A Pakistani citizen can hold dual citizenship only with: the UK, USA, Canada, Australia, New Zealand, Austria (note: Austria isn't actually listed in the 19 or 22, despite Austria allowing case-by-case dual), Finland, France, Germany, Iceland, Italy, Ireland, Belgium, Denmark, Sweden, Switzerland, the Netherlands, Norway, Bahrain, Egypt, Jordan, and Syria.

Any other citizenship acquired voluntarily may result in losing Pakistani citizenship. The Pakistani constitution also bars dual citizens from certain offices (e.g. one cannot be a Member of Parliament while holding dual nationality, even if it's an allowed one), though that is beyond the scope of an investor's immediate concerns.

Practical Considerations and Risks

In practice, enforcement of this can be complex. Some Pakistanis who obtained "unrecognized" nationalities through CBI have reportedly kept their Pakistani passports and not informed the authorities. Pakistan does not have an automatic system to detect acquisition of a second passport.

However, legally they would be in a grey zone. If such a person came to the attention of Pakistan's authorities (for instance, during a background verification or by voluntarily disclosing the second citizenship), they could be asked to renounce one of the nationalities.

Therefore, the safest approach for Pakistani investors is to obtain citizenship in countries that Pakistan allows dual citizenship with. That includes the USA, UK, Canada, Australia, New Zealand, and many EU countries like France, Italy, Belgium, etc.

Indeed, many Pakistanis have pursued U.S. citizenship via EB-5 or UK/Canadian citizenship (via residence) knowing they can keep their Pakistani status. Conversely, obtaining a Caribbean passport (while attractive for visa-free travel) puts one at odds with Pakistani law.

There is currently no publicized case of Pakistan prosecuting or penalizing someone for holding (for example) a St. Kitts passport, but the legal risk remains. Prospective applicants should consult legal experts and consider the implications of possibly having to relinquish Pakistani citizenship if they go for a citizenship that Pakistan doesn't recognize.

Some recent developments: Pakistan has been expanding its dual nationality agreements modestly. For example, Germany, Norway, and Luxembourg were noted in some reports as being added to the list (bringing it to 22 countries), although other sources mention 19 countries – the discrepancy likely due to timing of agreements.

As of 2025, Turkey is still not on the list, but as mentioned earlier, Pakistan and Turkey have drafted a dual citizenship agreement that is awaiting finalization. If that is signed, Pakistanis could keep Pakistani nationality when gaining Turkish citizenship (and vice versa).

This would be significant, as Turkey's CIP is very popular among Pakistanis. Until then, a Pakistani taking Turkish citizenship by investment should be prepared for the legal necessity of renouncing one of the two citizenships.

Similarly, none of the five Eastern Caribbean CBI countries have dual arrangements with Pakistan, nor do Vanuatu or Nauru. These being small states, it is unlikely Pakistan will negotiate dual citizenship treaties with them in the near future.

In practical terms, many Pakistani investors weigh the benefits of a second passport against the risk of losing their Pakistani nationality. Some choose to proceed with a CBI (e.g. a Caribbean passport) but then do not formally renounce Pakistani citizenship, essentially holding two passports quietly.

This carries risks: using the second passport for international travel could alert authorities (especially if entering/leaving Pakistan). Pakistan does allow its citizens to hold a second passport from the allowed list openly (they can register it), but if it's not allowed, the person is technically expected to surrender one nationality.

Prospective applicants should therefore seek personalized legal advice. For example, a businessman from Pakistan obtaining Grenadian citizenship for the visa-free China access might decide that keeping it covert is manageable – but they must understand it contravenes Pakistani law.

On the other hand, a Pakistani who obtains Canadian citizenship after years of living in Canada faces no such issue – Pakistan fully recognizes that and will continue to treat them as Pakistani as well.

Finally, it's worth noting an alternative: Pakistani law does not prohibit holding a foreign long-term residence or permanent residence permit. So participating in an RBI program (residency) does not jeopardize Pakistani citizenship – only the act of naturalizing as a foreign citizen does.

A Pakistani can, for instance, hold a Greek permanent residence or a UAE Golden Visa indefinitely while remaining a Pakistani citizen without conflict. It is only when they go for the passport that legal questions arise.

Thus, some Pakistani investors choose to enjoy the benefits of residency abroad (e.g. live in the UAE or EU on a golden visa) and forego the final step of taking foreign citizenship to avoid losing their Pakistani status. This is a personal decision: it sacrifices the full security of a second passport but maintains compliance with Pakistani law.

Others decide the advantages of a second passport outweigh the downsides and proceed to obtain one, sometimes even relinquishing Pakistani citizenship if required. For example, a Pakistani tech entrepreneur who became a U.S. citizen via EB-5 can keep both nationalities, whereas one who became a Singaporean citizen had to renounce Pakistani due to Singapore's laws.

Conclusion

For Pakistani nationals, citizenship by investment offers a legitimate pathway to enhanced global mobility and opportunities. However, the legal implications under Pakistani law add complexity to the decision-making process. Here are key takeaways:

  1. Direct CBI programs in Caribbean nations (Dominica, St. Kitts, Saint Lucia, Grenada, Antigua), Pacific nations (Vanuatu, Nauru), and Turkey offer the fastest route to a second passport (3-8 months), but conflict with Pakistan's dual nationality restrictions.
  2. Residency programs leading to citizenship in countries like the USA, Italy, and New Zealand offer longer but legally compliant pathways for Pakistanis to obtain a second citizenship while keeping their Pakistani nationality.
  3. Legal considerations are paramount – Pakistan recognizes dual citizenship with only 21-22 countries. Obtaining citizenship from a non-recognized country technically means forfeiting Pakistani nationality.
  4. For many Pakistanis, the optimal approach may be:
    • Choose programs in countries that have dual citizenship agreements with Pakistan (USA, UK, France, Italy, etc.)
    • Consider residency programs instead of direct citizenship if maintaining Pakistani nationality is important
    • Consult with specialized immigration and nationality lawyers before making any investment
  5. For those primarily seeking improved mobility without risking Pakistani citizenship, permanent residency programs (like UAE's Golden Visa) may be sufficient.

The landscape of investment migration is continuously evolving. Programs open and close, investment thresholds change, and policies are updated. Pakistan may also expand its dual citizenship agreements in the future, as suggested by ongoing talks with Turkey.

Whatever path you choose, ensure you're working with reputable firms, conducting proper due diligence, and fully understanding the legal implications for your Pakistani citizenship status. A second passport can be a powerful asset, but it must be obtained through proper channels and with full awareness of the legal framework both in the host country and in Pakistan.

Remember that citizenship is not just a document – it's a relationship with a nation. Whether you choose a direct CBI program or a residency route leading to naturalization, the goal should be to make a positive contribution to your new country while maintaining your ties to Pakistan to the extent legally possible.