Citizenship by Investment Programme Changes: What Changed and What to Watch
Five rule changes affect citizenship by investment programmes today: a US entry restriction on two nationalities, a regional presence rule that is agreed but not in force, an Antigua bill, an EU court ruling, and the end of the Nauru offer price. Each entry shows what changed, its status and where the information comes from. We last checked on 24 October 2026.
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Key Takeaways
- The US restriction is in force. Dominica and Antigua and Barbuda nationals have faced it since 1 January 2026. Grenada, St Kitts and Nevis and St Lucia are not listed.
- A stay rule is coming, not here yet. The regional 30-day presence rule was agreed in September 2025 but is not operational.
- Nauru has a deadline. The offer price ends on 31 December 2026.
- We list only what we can source. Each entry names its source, and we mark reports we could not confirm.
- Check before you file. Programmes can change after you apply, so we confirm the current terms with you.
What has changed in citizenship by investment programmes?
The log runs from newest rule to oldest, with upcoming dates marked. We list a change only when we can name its source.
| Date | Programme | What changed | Status today | Source |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 16 Dec 2025, in force 1 Jan 2026 | Dominica, Antigua and Barbuda | The US partially suspended entry for nationals of both countries (Proclamation 10998). Immigrant visas and the B-1, B-2, F, M and J visas are suspended, and other visas are valid for less time. People who hold valid visas, permanent residents, dual nationals travelling on another passport and some other groups are excepted. | In force. The proclamation sets a review every 180 days, and we found no published outcome by 24 Oct 2026. Grenada, St Kitts and Nevis and St Lucia are not listed. | Proclamation text |
| 29 Apr 2025 | EU rules (Malta case) | The Court of Justice of the European Union ruled in Commission v Malta (C-181/23) that the Maltese investor citizenship scheme breaches EU law because it lacks a genuine link to the country. | Judgement delivered. Malta is not one of the seven programmes we cover. | Court judgement |
| 23 Sep 2025 | Dominica, Antigua and Barbuda, Grenada, St Kitts and Nevis, St Lucia | The five Eastern Caribbean states signed ECCIRA, a regional regulator agreement. It sets a presence rule: 30 days in the granting country over the first 5 years after citizenship, with at least 5 days in the first year. | Agreed but not yet operational on 16 Oct 2026. It binds after the fifth ratification plus 30 days. Official pages for Dominica, Grenada, St Lucia and St Kitts and Nevis still list no residence requirement. | Regional agreement, government pages |
| 14 Jul 2026 | Antigua and Barbuda | An amendment bill was tabled that would raise the stay rule from 5 days in 5 years to 30 days. | Reported. We could not confirm that it passed, and sources conflict. | Press reports |
| 31 Dec 2026 (upcoming) | Nauru | The limited-time offer price of about US$90,000 for the principal applicant ends for new applications. | Scheduled. After that date the standard price applies, and we update the calculator and the page. | Our Nauru page |
This log is general information and not legal advice. Check the programme page for current terms before you file.
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What should you watch next?
Four things move next. Check back here, or run your numbers in the calculator.
- US review. The proclamation sets a review every 180 days, and no outcome has been published.
- ECCIRA ratifications. The presence rule binds after the fifth ratification plus 30 days.
- Antigua bill. We watch for confirmation of passage.
- Nauru offer. It ends on 31 December 2026.
Compare all seven programmes or use the family cost calculator.
Frequently asked questions
Which citizenship by investment rules changed in 2026?
The US entry restriction on Dominica and Antigua and Barbuda nationals took effect on 1 January 2026. A regional 30-day presence rule is agreed but not yet in force, and an Antigua bill would raise its stay rule to 30 days. See the log above for dates and status.
Does the US restriction affect all seven programmes?
No. It covers nationals of Dominica and Antigua and Barbuda. Grenada, St Kitts and Nevis and St Lucia are not listed, and Turkey and Nauru passports still need a US visa as before.
Will I have to live in the country after I get citizenship?
Today Dominica, Grenada, St Kitts and Nevis, St Lucia and Nauru list no stay requirement, and Antigua and Barbuda asks for 5 days in 5 years. The regional 30-day rule would change that for five Caribbean programmes once it is in force.
How often is this page updated?
We review it every quarter and after major news, and each entry carries its date. The page shows the date of the last check at the top.
Can a programme change after I apply?
Yes. Governments can change fees, stay rules and approval times, and none of them can guarantee approval. We confirm the current terms before you file.
More citizenship tools
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Written and reviewed by Amir Ismail, founder of Amir Ismail & Associates. Entries were checked against official programme and government sources in October 2026. This page is general information and not legal advice.
Last reviewed: 24 October 2026.
