In today’s world of tightening visa rules and geopolitical uncertainty, a second passport is no longer a luxury—it has become a strategic asset. For affluent Indians, “passport planning” is about more than just travel; it’s about securing mobility, financial freedom, and a reliable safety net. The surprising part is that one doesn’t need to move countries, learn a new language, or even invest ₹1 crore to obtain citizenship elsewhere.
Second Passport, First-Class Freedom: Fast-Track Citizenship Options for Wealthy Indians
Several countries offer Citizenship by Investment (CBI) programs, allowing Indians to legally and quickly acquire a second passport—often with zero global tax liability. Dominica and St. Lucia, for instance, require a minimum donation of ₹76 lakhs and offer visa-free access to 145 countries with no residency or language prerequisites. Vanuatu stands out as the fastest option, granting citizenship in just 60 days for ₹80 lakhs, earning the nickname “Amazon Prime for citizenship.”
Grenada’s program, costing ₹95 lakhs, is uniquely valuable as it gives access to the US E-2 visa, allowing residents to live and work in America. Antigua & Barbuda requires a ₹76 lakh investment and mandates just five days of residency over five years. Turkey offers full family citizenship through a ₹1 crore real estate investment, providing a powerful, Europe-adjacent passport.
Trading Citizenship for Freedom: Why Wealthy Indians Are Opting for Second Passports
North Macedonia and Moldova, both priced around ₹92 lakhs, offer strategic access to the European Balkan region and a pathway to closer EU integration. Meanwhile, St. Kitts & Nevis hosts one of the oldest and most discreet programs, combining efficiency with broad visa-free travel options.
However, India does not allow dual citizenship. Acquiring a foreign passport means relinquishing your Indian one. For many, though, the benefits outweigh the cost. As one consultant puts it, “You’re not just buying a passport. You’re buying peace of mind.”
Summary:
Wealthy Indians are increasingly investing in second passports through Citizenship by Investment programs, seeking mobility, tax freedom, and global access. Countries like Dominica, Grenada, and Turkey offer fast, legal citizenship without relocation. Though India bans dual citizenship, many are willing to trade their passports for security, opportunity, and peace of mind.
