Africa is rapidly gaining momentum as a new destination for investment migration. Against the backdrop of high prices in Europe and the Caribbean, African countries offer fast, flexible and affordable residency and citizenship by investment programs. The article reviews the most interesting destinations: from $35,000 in Mauritius to a quick passport in Sierra Leone or permanent residence in Cape Verde and Egypt

Residency and citizenship by investment programs are usually associated with the Caribbean or Europe, but more and more African countries are also offering their own options. They are often less well-known, but can be an interesting alternative for those looking for new opportunities - with a lower entry threshold, less regulatory burden and prospects for economic growth.

Read about the main citizenship and residency programs in African countries in this article.

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Fast and inexpensive - two key advantages of African citizenship by investment

African countries are increasingly offering simple and affordable ways to obtain residency or citizenship. For example, business residency in Mauritius can be obtained by investing from $ 35,000 - this is one of the most affordable offers on the market. And in Egypt, citizenship can be obtained with an investment of $ 250,000, and without the obligatory physical presence.

In addition to low financial thresholds, many African programs are distinguished by their speed. In Sierra Leone, citizenship can be obtained in less than 60 days, and in Cape Verde, a residence permit is issued in just four weeks.

For investors looking for the best combination of price, simplicity, and efficiency, Africa is a real discovery.

Sierra Leone

Sierra Leone is one of the few countries in West Africa that offers several options for legal migration for investors, including representatives of the African diaspora. Its programs are distinguished by affordable conditions and an extremely fast registration procedure.

One of the key offers is the GO-FOR-GOLD permanent residence program. To become a resident, it is enough to invest $65,000 and transfer 1 kilogram of gold. Documents are issued in about 40 days, and after five years you can apply for citizenship.

There is a separate direct citizenship program for people of African descent. If the applicant has the appropriate DNA confirmation, he can receive a passport in just 60 days, having made a donation of $ 100,000.

For other categories of persons, accelerated naturalization is provided: citizenship is issued in 90 days, provided that a donation of $ 140,000 is made.

Cape Verde

The country offers a relatively affordable permanent residency program for investors - it is enough to invest about 80 thousand euros in real estate. The process itself is fast and takes from 2 to 4 weeks. And after 5 years after obtaining residency, it becomes possible to apply for citizenship. In addition, Cape Verde is a country with stable politics and a pleasant climate.

Egypt

In the 2020s, Egypt significantly modernized its immigration rules. Today, there is a program that allows you to obtain citizenship by investment - for example, by donating $ 250,000 to the state budget or investing $ 300,000 in real estate. You can also open a business or simply deposit $ 500,000 in an Egyptian bank. What is interesting: there is no mandatory requirement to live in the country, and everything is processed on average in 6-9 months.

The cheapest option is a residence with an investment of $ 50,000.

The residence by investment program provides several affordable registration options, suitable for both short-term and long-term stays.

The minimum entry threshold is $ 50,000. This amount can be invested in real estate or placed on a bank deposit.

To obtain a residence permit for 1 year, it is enough to invest $50,000.

A permit for 3 years requires an investment of $100,000,

And for 5 years - $200,000 in real estate.

The same amounts apply to the option with a bank deposit.

Another important advantage is the absence of a requirement to be permanently in the country. And the processing of documents usually takes from one to three months, which makes the program one of the most convenient for foreign investors.

Namibia

Namibia recently introduced its investor program. It involves purchasing real estate in the President’s Links Estate project in Walvis Bay for about $316,000. In return, the investor receives a 5-year residency, which can be extended. And after 10 years, you can apply for citizenship. The advantage of this program is that it does not oblige the investor to live in the country permanently.

Mauritius

There are several options in Mauritius at once - investors can obtain a residence permit by investing at least $375,000 in a business or real estate. And in a few years - full citizenship.

- 10-year business visa

Entrepreneurs, self-employed professionals and investors in technology projects can apply for a ten-year visa with the right to renewal, investing from $35,000 in their own business. If the business activity reaches the established economic indicators in three years, it becomes possible to apply for permanent residence.

And citizenship of Mauritius can be obtained after 7 years, or after 5 years if the applicant is a citizen of a Commonwealth country.

Another advantage is that physical presence is not required at the visa application stage.

- Permanent residence through investment in real estate

For those interested in luxury real estate, Mauritius offers an option with instant receipt of a PMP. It is necessary to invest at least $375,000 in approved projects - these can be luxury resort complexes, environmentally friendly settlements or apartments in modern condominiums.

Citizenship is possible after 2 years if the investment exceeds $500,000, or within 5–7 years under standard conditions.

Physical presence is minimal: one day per year is enough. And the process of processing documents itself takes from two to three months.

Seychelles

The Seychelles is a tropical archipelago of 115 islands in the Indian Ocean, located off the east coast of Africa. The country is famous not only for its natural beauty, but also for one of the highest levels of GDP per capita among African countries. The Seychelles offers a prestigious investment residency program, which can be the first step towards permanent status, and later - to citizenship.

To apply for permanent residence, a foreign investor must invest $ 1 million in a local business. After five years of legal residence with a valid permit, a person becomes eligible to apply for a PMP.

To obtain citizenship, you must live in the Seychelles for 11 years continuously, which means that the program is focused on the long term.

Additional conditions include at least a year of actual residence before applying for a PMP. And the consideration of documents usually takes up to three months.

What else is in the pipeline?

Several African countries – including Rwanda, Kenya and Uganda – are actively working on creating their own schemes for investors. Rwanda already has options for investor residency with a threshold of $100,000. Kenya is in the final stages of developing a new program that could become one of the most liberal in the region.

Should you invest in Africa?

Africa is an emerging market with significant risks, but also great opportunities. Despite some cases of lack of transparency or weak control over the verification of applicants, there are countries that are trying to create honest, modern and profitable programs.

Those looking for an alternative to European or Caribbean destinations should pay attention to Cape Verde, Egypt or Namibia – these are so far the easiest and most attractive options on the continent.

Want to obtain citizenship or residency in an African country, but don’t know where to start? Our experienced migration lawyers will help you go through this path without unnecessary hassle.

Visit World Lawyers – Your Reliable Support During Migration Abroad!

As a reminder! Malta officially abolished the “golden passport” program in 2025 and is moving to a new model of citizenship by merit. We have already told you what exactly is changing, who will be able to obtain a Maltese passport under the new conditions, and how the country is adapting to the EU requirements for transparency of naturalization.

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