Four Countries Offering Citizenship or Residency via Crypto Investments in 2025
Cryptocurrency holders seeking global mobility can now secure citizenship or residency in countries like Vanuatu, Dominica, Saint Lucia, and El Salvador, with investment thresholds ranging from $100,000 to $1 million. These programs, tailored for Bitcoin, Ethereum, and stablecoin investors, reflect a growing trend of crypto-friendly migration options in 2025. Below, we explore four jurisdictions enabling crypto-funded citizenship or golden visas, leveraging licensed agents or direct crypto payments.
1. Vanuatu: Fast-Track Citizenship with Crypto
Vanuatu offers one of the world’s quickest citizenship-by-investment programs, granting passports in 30–60 days through a $130,000 donation for single applicants or $180,000 for a family of four. Licensed agents, such as Apex Capital Partners or Citizenship Bay, accept Bitcoin, USDT, and other cryptocurrencies, converting them to fiat to meet government requirements. This allows crypto investors to fund the entire process remotely, proving wealth and covering costs via digital assets, subject to KYC and AML compliance. Benefits include:
Tax Advantages: No income, capital gains, wealth, or inheritance taxes.
Global Mobility: Visa-free travel to over 90 countries (Schengen access under review).
Family Inclusion: Covers spouses, children under 25, and parents over 50.
Neutrality: Vanuatu’s lack of a military ensures low geopolitical risk.
Vanuatu’s streamlined, crypto-friendly process appeals to digital nomads and privacy-conscious investors seeking rapid second passports.
2. Dominica: Affordable Caribbean Citizenship
Dominica’s long-running citizenship-by-investment program, active since 1993, requires a $200,000 donation to the Economic Diversification Fund. Licensed agencies like Global Residence Index accept Bitcoin and USDT, converting crypto to fiat for government submission. Processing takes 4–9 months, with no residency or language requirements. Key features include:
Visa-Free Access: Over 130 countries, including the EU, UK, Singapore, and Hong Kong.
Family Inclusion: Spouses, children, and parents can be included.
Tax Benefits: No capital gains, wealth, or inheritance taxes.
Due Diligence: Stringent checks ensure compliance, which may extend timelines.
Dominica’s cost-effective program suits crypto investors seeking global mobility and tax-friendly jurisdictions, though Caribbean passports face increased scrutiny in some regions.
3. Saint Lucia: Flexible Caribbean Passport
Saint Lucia’s citizenship-by-investment program, launched in 2015, offers passports through a $240,000 donation or $300,000 real estate investment, processed in 4–9 months. Crypto payments via Bitcoin or USDT are facilitated through agencies like Apex Capital Partners, with fiat conversion for official requirements. Highlights include:
Global Access: Visa-free travel to over 140 countries, including the Schengen Area.
No Residency: Remote applications with no physical stay required.
Family Coverage: Includes spouses, children, and dependent parents.
Rigorous Vetting: Multi-layered due diligence may delay processing.
Saint Lucia’s program is ideal for crypto investors prioritizing strong passports and flexibility, though thorough documentation is critical to avoid delays.
4. El Salvador: Crypto-Native Citizenship
El Salvador’s Freedom Visa, launched in December 2023 with Tether, is the world’s first fully crypto-native citizenship program, requiring a $1 million Bitcoin or USDT investment, plus a $999 application fee. Capped at 1,000 investors annually, it supports national development in education and tech. The process, taking about six weeks for initial approval, offers:
Direct Crypto Payments: No fiat conversion needed, managed via Tether’s infrastructure.
Fast-Track Citizenship: Accelerated naturalization within months.
Family Inclusion: Covers spouses, children, and extended relatives.
Bitcoin Strategy: Aligns with El Salvador’s 2021 adoption of Bitcoin as legal tender.
This program targets high-net-worth crypto enthusiasts, offering a unique passport with Bitcoin experience in a tax-free crypto environment.
Key Considerations for Crypto Investors
Crypto-funded citizenship or residency requires strict KYC/AML compliance, with detailed proof of funds and transaction histories. Most programs, except El Salvador’s, involve fiat conversion by licensed agents, ensuring regulatory adherence. Policy shifts, like Portugal’s proposed 10-year citizenship timeline, may impact plans. Investors should work with migration lawyers to navigate tax planning and compliance, especially for Caribbean programs with rigorous due diligence.
These four countries offer diverse options for crypto investors seeking global mobility and secure second passports in 2025.
