Citizenship by Investment for Nigerians in 2026: Which Programs Still Work

Nigerians who are citizens by birth can hold another nationality: section 28 of the 1999 Constitution allows it. What changed in 2026 is which second nationality is worth holding. A US proclamation in force since 1 January 2026 restricts several visa categories for Nigerian nationals, and the same proclamation names Antigua and Barbuda and Dominica because of their citizenship programs. Nigerian investors therefore now concentrate on Grenada, St Kitts and Nevis and St Lucia, on Türkiye, and on EU residence in Greece or Portugal.

At a glance

• Citizens by birth may hold dual nationality; citizens by registration or naturalisation lose Nigerian citizenship if they acquire another not held by birth.
• The US proclamation of 16 December 2025 partially suspends immigrant, B-1/B-2, F, M and J visas for Nigerian nationals.
• Antigua and Barbuda and Dominica are named in the same proclamation; Grenada, St Kitts and Nevis and St Lucia are not.
• Caribbean contributions start from US$235,000 (Grenada) and take four to nine months.
• Grenada and Türkiye support US E-2 investor visa applications after three years of domicile.

Can a Nigerian hold two passports?

Yes, for most applicants. Section 28 of the Constitution provides that a citizen of Nigeria by birth does not lose Nigerian citizenship by acquiring another nationality. The rule is different for people who became Nigerian by registration or naturalisation: they forfeit Nigerian citizenship if they acquire a further nationality that they did not hold by birth. Passport Legacy confirms which category an applicant falls into before any application.

What did the US proclamation change?

The proclamation signed on 16 December 2025 and effective from 1 January 2026 placed Nigeria under a partial suspension covering immigrant visas and the B-1/B-2 visitor, F and M student, and J exchange categories. It also named Antigua and Barbuda and Dominica, citing their citizenship by investment programs. The practical consequence is that a second passport from either of those two states does not help a Nigerian who needs access to the United States, while a passport from Grenada, St Kitts and Nevis or St Lucia is unaffected by the proclamation and its holder applies for US visas in the normal way.

Which programs suit Nigerian applicants now?

Grenada, from US$235,000 to the National Transformation Fund is often the first choice because Grenada holds a treaty with the United States that supports E-2 investor visa applications, subject to three years of domicile in Grenada. St Kitts and Nevis, from US$250,000, is the oldest and most established program. St Lucia, from US$240,000, is the most straightforward. All three interview every adult applicant and, since September 2026, are overseen by a shared regional regulator. Türkiye grants citizenship for a US$400,000 property purchase held for three years and is also an E-2 treaty country.

What about residence in Europe?

For families who want education, healthcare and a long-term base in Europe, the Greek Golden Visa from €250,000 and the Portuguese Golden Visa from €500,000 give residence for the whole family and Schengen travel from the first permit. Both lead to citizenship for those who move and stay: seven years in Greece and ten in Portugal.

What should a Nigerian applicant prepare?

Every program scrutinizes the source of funds closely, and Nigerian applicants should expect detailed questions. The file usually needs bank statements covering several years, evidence of business ownership and income, tax clearance certificates, police certificates and, for the funds themselves, a clear record of how they leave Nigeria through the formal banking system. Preparing this well is what keeps an application within the four to nine month window.

Frequently asked questions

Does Nigeria allow dual citizenship?

Yes, for citizens by birth. Citizens by registration or naturalisation lose Nigerian citizenship if they acquire another nationality not held by birth.

Which Caribbean passport is best for Nigerians in 2026?

Grenada, St Kitts and Nevis and St Lucia are not named in the US proclamation. Grenada adds eligibility for the US E-2 visa after three years of domicile.

Does a Caribbean passport give visa-free travel to the United States?

No. Holders of all Caribbean passports need a US visa, and nationals of Antigua and Barbuda and Dominica face additional restrictions.

Passport Legacy advises Nigerian families on Caribbean, Turkish and European programs and works with the authorised agents in each state. To compare the options, contact the team.