This month’s Q&A dives deep into the fast-changing world of Citizenship by Investment (CBI), with major program launches, reforms, and looming restrictions that will affect investors, nomads, and global citizens alike.
We lead off with São Tomé and Príncipe’s surprise entry into the market — offering one of the lowest-priced CBI programs at just $90,000 — before turning to Argentina, which has now formally advanced its own long-awaited CBI law.
Meanwhile, Caribbean nations are preparing to launch a regional regulator in September, Malta is rebranding its CBI program as “merit-based,” and the US has introduced a new $15,000 bond requirement for certain B1/B2 tourist visas — with CBI nationals potentially in the crosshairs next.
On the naturalization front, Peru has doubled its timeline to five years, leaving Argentina (and the Dominican Republic) as the last true two-year citizenship option worldwide.
Here’s what’s inside this issue:
World Events and Updates
- São Tomé and Príncipe launches $90k CBI program
- Argentina advances its CBI program with new law signed
- Caribbean states to enact CBI regional regulator in September
- Malta rebrands its CBI program as merit-based
- US now requiring $15k bonds for some B1/B2 tourist visas; are CBI countries next?
- Peru extends naturalization timeline to five years
Questions & Answers
- Is obtaining residency in the Dutch Caribbean really that easy for Americans?
- Does Mexico’s 18-month citizenship residency clash with Puerto Rico’s bona fide residency status?
As always, our goal is to keep you ahead of the curve — and this month, the curve is steep.
World Events and Updates São Tomé and Príncipe Launches $90k CBI Program Tiny island nations have long dominated the Citizenship By Investment (CBI) space. For years, five Caribbean states along with Vanuatu in the Pacific set the tone. As of August 2025, Africa has gained its own entrant: São Tomé and Príncipe, which has launched…
