Second Citizenship: Build a Complete Cost Comparison

The headline application fee is rarely the entire cost of pursuing a second citizenship. Begin with eligibility and the outcome you want, then compare the complete process. A residence-by-investment permit is not itself citizenship.

Price each route consistently

Route to investigate	Costs and requirements to check
Ancestry or existing entitlement	Eligibility, records, translations, registration and document fees
Naturalization	Qualifying residence, permitted absences, language or other requirements, application and living costs
Citizenship by investment	Approved contribution or investment, due diligence, dependent fees, professional costs and holding conditions

These are common categories to investigate, not an exhaustive statement of every country’s citizenship law. Family circumstances and special provisions may affect the available routes.

Separate contribution from total budget

Dominica’s EDF minimum for a single applicant is US$200,000 before additional fees. Add the actual household’s costs using the current official schedule rather than an old advertisement. Dominica CBIU.

Do not treat old European investment tables as passport price lists. The Court of Justice ruled against Malta’s 2020 investor citizenship scheme in April 2025. Judgment summary.

Count time and uncertainty

Ask what residence is required, what evidence you must supply, which costs are non-refundable, and whether dependents have separate eligibility rules. A published processing estimate is not an approval guarantee. Include the practical cost of relocation if living there is part of the route.

Make the comparison usable

Create one row per route with: eligibility evidence, desired rights, complete cost, time commitments, obligations, official source, quote date, and unresolved questions. Get the unknowns assessed before committing substantial money.

Read ancestry research basics or the investment-program checklist. The Freedom Library provides related educational reading; current authorities determine application requirements.