“Dreaming of a New Life? 7 Countries Where You Can Buy Residency for Under $300K” (Part 2)
Picking up right where we left off — yes, that cliffhanger of a list — it’s time to dive back into the world of countries offering citizenship in exchange for investment. If the thought of a new passport and a tropical escape still lingers in your mind, let’s not keep paradise waiting.
Antigua and Barbuda — $200K
Antigua and Barbuda is another Caribbean duo that’s got me daydreaming. For $200K in a government-approved real estate project (think shared ownership in a resort or condo), you’re on the path to citizenship, not just residency.
Hold the property for five years, and you’re golden. The article didn’t mention extra fees, but I dug around and found there’s a government contribution starting at $30K for a single applicant. Still, that keeps you under $300K, which is a screaming deal compared to U.S. housing prices.
This place is all about beaches, yacht vibes, and a passport that lets you jet to over 150 countries visa-free. I’m picturing myself sipping rum punch, pretending I’m in a Bond movie.
But here’s the reality check: shared ownership means you’re not getting a whole villa for $200K — more like a stake in a hotel or condo complex. Fine by me, as long as I’ve got a spot to crash and some sand to sink my toes into. The catch? You’ve gotta visit for at least five days a year to keep your status. I mean, twist my arm, right? I’d just need to figure out how to dodge the group chat blowing up with “you’re living where now?”
St. Kitts and Nevis — $200K
St. Kitts and Nevis is like the OG of Caribbean citizenship-by-investment programs. For $200K in a real estate project (again, we’re talking shared ownership), you can apply for citizenship in as little as 3-6 months.
You’ve gotta hold the property for five years if the next buyer’s also using it for citizenship, or three years otherwise. There’s a government fee — starts at $35K for a single applicant — but it still fits under our $300K cap.
This twin-island nation is all about lush rainforests, chill vibes, and a passport that opens doors to 150+ countries. I’m imagining writing my next viral X thread from a hammock, with a view of the Atlantic.
The downside? The article didn’t mention it, but I’m guessing managing a shared property from halfway across the globe could be a headache. Plus, I’d need to make sure I’m not accidentally signing up for a timeshare scam vibe. Still, for less than a down payment on a Chicago two-bedroom, I could be a citizen of a place that sounds like a permanent vacation.
Panama — $200K
Panama’s not just for tax havens and canal memes — it’s got a residency program that’s sneaky affordable. For $200K in real estate (cash or mortgage from a local bank), you can snag a provisional residency card under the Friendly Nations program.
After two years, you’re eligible for permanent residency, no renewals needed. No hefty government fees, which is a nice change of pace. If you want to go big, $300K gets you immediate permanent residency, but $200K keeps us in budget.
Panama’s got that big-city energy in Panama City, plus beaches and rainforests if you want to unplug. The article didn’t mention it, but Panama’s dollar-based economy means no currency conversion stress, which is a win for my anxiety-prone brain.
I’m picturing myself learning to surf on a weekend trip to Bocas del Toro, while my friends back home are Googling “polar vortex.” The catch? No clear path to citizenship, so if that’s your endgame, you might look elsewhere. Still, for a price that’s less than a U.S. starter home, I’m tempted to start practicing my Spanish.
Colombia — $72K Colombia’s the dark horse here, and I’m kind of obsessed. For about $72K (350 million Colombian pesos, tied to 350 times the minimum wage), you can buy a property and qualify for a temporary M-10 residency visa. Keep it for three years, and you can apply for permanent residency; five years with one day in the country every six months, and you’re eligible for citizenship.
No extra government fees mentioned, which makes this the cheapest option by a mile. Colombia’s got everything — Medellín’s hipster coffee shops, Bogotá’s urban buzz, Cartagena’s colonial charm. Plus, the passport gets you visa-free travel to Europe and most of Latin America. I’m imagining myself at a salsa bar, butchering the steps but loving every second.
The article didn’t dive into logistics, but I’m guessing $72K gets you something modest, maybe a small apartment in a less touristy city. The catch? Bureaucracy in Colombia can be a slog, and you’ll need to brush up on Spanish to navigate it. Still, for the price of a used car, I could be living in a country that feels like it’s got its own Netflix series.
