Globalization has proved that education isn’t just about a specific area where knowledge is distributed. Access to high-quality education and international mobility are among the top priorities for wealthy student families.
Parents look beyond the borders to provide a secure future for their children, and they also combine education strategy with wealth planning. That gives a boost to second citizenship for students in different countries to have freedom and exceptional educational opportunities.
This blog post will explore 7 countries that combine attractive citizenship-by-investment programs with exceptional education systems.
7 Best Countries for Second Citizenship with Excellent Education
Here are the top 7 countries that a student should choose to have excellent education opportunities.
1. Switzerland – Honor and Academic Excellence
Switzerland is an academically excellence-focused country, which consistently ranks at the top of global education rankings. The country boasts a highly diversified education department, including bilingual schools, elite boarding schools like Institut Le Rosey.
You must apply for residency through the lump-sum taxation program because Switzerland doesn’t offer a direct citizenship-by-investment route. Further, it also doesn’t offer a second passport by investment, but after 10 years of residence and meeting integration criteria, it’s possible.
2. Canada – Immigration and Education Excellence
Canada is home to some of the best universities in the world, including the University of Toronto and McGill. Its education system is consistently ranked among the top globally, which is more focused on critical thinking, like cognitive, and innovation.
Canada has phased out the Federal Investor Program, which means you have several options, like the Quebec Immigrant Investor Program (currently paused) or provincial entrepreneur streams. Once Second Citizenship is obtained, you will gain access to the public school system and reduced domestic university tuition fees.
3. Portugal – Gateway to EU Education
Portugal’s Golden Visa program was the most popular program in Europe because it offers low investment and flexible residency requirements. After 5 years of residency, applicants can apply for citizenship and an EU passport and get a second citizenship.
That will only be possible if they meet the language and integration criteria of Portugal to stay in the country. Moreover, this second passport by investment unlocks access to not only Portugal’s growing network of international schools but also the entire European Union’s education system.
4. United Kingdom – Education Legacy
The UK’s education system is a golden educational hub for wealthy students with top universities, like Oxford, Cambridge, and Durham. However, the Tier 1 Investor Visa program is closed, but routes such as Innovator and Global Talent visas are working.
As you know, British citizenship takes longer to obtain. Although when you obtain, then students can attend top schools and universities with less domestic fees. In addition, you will get the long-term benefit of a UK second citizenship for a highly respected education system.
5. Malta – Investment Citizenship with EU Access
Malta offers citizenship-by-investment program, Malta Exceptional Investor Naturalization (MEIN), that grants citizenship within a year (with a €750,000 contribution). Although you can choose the second option with a €600,000 contribution to get second citizenship in 36 months.
Malta is an attractive choice for families seeking a second passport by investment with tangible education benefits. This island is home to several international and British-curriculum schools, as its official language is English.
6. UAE – Growing Education Hub
The United Arab Emirates, particularly Dubai and Abu Dhabi, has risen as an international education powerhouse worldwide. Further, the UAE has introduced long-term residency schemes such as the Golden Visa for investors, entrepreneurs, and specialized professionals.
These programs grant residency rights for up to 30 years and allow families to access the education system without bureaucratic hurdles. Although families have to meet certain criteria to receive permanent second citizenship.
7. Caribbean Nations – Investment and International Schools
Caribbean nations, like St. Kitts & Nevis, Grenada, and Dominica, offer some of the most affordable citizenship-by-investment programs in the world. These nations are not traditional education destinations, while many of them have established international schools aligned with American or British systems.
Grenada stands out because it offers visa-free access to China and eligibility for the United States E-2 Investor Visa. Families who obtain citizenship here often use it as a stepping stone, securing educational access in North America or the UK.
Before You Go
Having a second citizenship in top countries in the world with a world-class education system is not just about freedom, but a legacy. No matter if you attended prior EU universities or English-speaking education, the right citizenship would be a gateway.
Therefore, you should be more focused while choosing a country to decide whether to move or not. You must consult with both education and immigration advisors to get help in aligning your investment with your long-term family’s academic goals.
