Citizenship for Crypto Investments — Myth or Trend of 2025?

In 2025, more and more investors, including crypto enthusiasts, are seeking a second passport. Citizenship is not just a "Plan B" in case of instability — it's also an opportunity to expand business, gain access to new jurisdictions, and optimize taxes. Against this backdrop, a logical question arises: Is it possible to use cryptocurrency to obtain a second citizenship?

The answer is yes, but with nuances. A direct "Bitcoin → passport" exchange is still not possible, but crypto assets are increasingly being accepted as a source of funds — particularly within the Caribbean investment programs.

🧩 What Does “Citizenship for Crypto” Mean?

There's some confusion around the terminology. In practice, when people talk about citizenship for crypto investments, they usually mean:

• Using cryptocurrency as proof of financial solvency — meaning crypto assets can be declared as a source of wealth.
• Converting crypto to fiat (USD, EUR) through a regulated intermediary, followed by a transfer to the government or its authorized agent.
• Proving the legal origin of funds — a key stage requiring full transparency: transaction history, tax documentation, and AML compliance.
• Direct payment in Bitcoin to the government — not accepted in official programs.

🌎 Countries Open to Crypto Assets

🇰🇳 St. Kitts and Nevis

• Investment: from $250,000 (SISC, formerly SGF)
• Timeframe: 4–6 months
• Crypto involvement: allowed as a source of funds after detailed compliance checks
• Benefits:
  • Visa-free access to Schengen Area, UK, Singapore
  • No global income tax
  • No physical residence required

🇦🇬 Antigua and Barbuda

• Investment: from $100,000 into the National Development Fund
• Timeframe: 4–5 months
• Crypto involvement: can be a source of wealth, but must be converted to fiat via an agent
• Note: Option to invest in real estate starting from $200,000

🇻🇺 Vanuatu

• Previously promoted as a "passport for BTC" program, but this has been discontinued.
• Currently, crypto may only be used as a source of wealth.
• Source: Vanuatu Citizenship by Investment

⚖️ How Are Crypto Assets Legalized?

To participate in a citizenship-by-investment (CBI) program using crypto funds, you need:

• Proof of asset origin — history of crypto acquisition, supported by tax declarations or sale agreements
• AML/KYC audit — risk analysis, verification of sources, confirmation that assets are not linked to money laundering or criminal activity
• Conversion to fiat — crypto assets must be sold via a licensed exchange (e.g., Kraken, Coinbase, Binance), with funds then transferred to a bank account of a government-authorized agent.

Example: An applicant owns $500,000 in BTC. They sell part of it on an exchange with verification, transfer $250,000 in USD to the St. Kitts program account. After compliance checks, the application proceeds through the standard CBI process.

📊 Why Is This Becoming a Trend?

• 📈 Rise in crypto millionaires: According to Chainalysis, in 2024, the number of crypto wallets with over $1M in assets increased by 32%. These individuals seek international flexibility and asset protection.
• 💡 Jurisdictions are adapting: Countries with investment programs are recognizing the interest from the crypto community and are prepared to vet crypto assets, despite the added complexity compared to traditional funds.
• 💼 Blockchain infrastructure is evolving: For example, the St. Kitts government is considering launching an e-Citizenship program with blockchain-based document verification.

🚫 What Remains a Myth?

• ❌ You cannot simply send Bitcoin to a government and receive a passport
• ❌ There is no such thing as "anonymous crypto citizenship" without verification
• ❌ The entire process still requires licensed agents, compliance checks, and banking involvement

🏁 Alternative: Residency and Permits for Crypto

While you can't directly buy citizenship with crypto, residency programs are becoming more crypto-friendly:

• Georgia — accepts crypto income as a basis for registering freelancers (1% tax)
• Estonia — e-Residency allows you to register a company, conduct business, and pay taxes online
• El Salvador — a crypto-friendly jurisdiction with plans to launch an investment program via Bitcoin bonds

💬 Conclusion: A Growing Trend

In 2025, citizenship via cryptocurrency is no longer a myth — but it’s not a shortcut either. Official citizenship programs are increasingly open to working with crypto investors, provided they can prove the legal origin of their assets. Crypto is becoming less of a barrier and more of a useful tool, especially for freelancers, investors, and IT professionals working globally.

📌 Caribbean countries are leaders in offering accessible CBI programs for crypto holders.

📌 Asia and Latin America are promising regions, though currently lacking official programs.

📞 Need Help With Citizenship via Crypto?

Garant.in lawyers work with programs that allow crypto assets. We can help you:

• Legalize your funds
• Prepare necessary documentation
• Structure your investment
• Obtain citizenship without bureaucracy or travel.

Book a free consultation today.