Second Passport 2026: Citizenship by Investment Photo Requirements

Interest in second passports has surged in 2026. Expanded travel bans, dropping passport rankings, geopolitical instability, and the growing gap between strong and weak passports have made mobility insurance a priority for high-net-worth individuals and ordinary families alike. Whether you want visa-free travel, a political hedge, or simply a backup plan, citizenship by investment (CBI) programs offer a legal path to a second passport — often without setting foot in the country.

Key fact: All CBI passports require compliant photos. Most use the ICAO 35x45mm standard (3.5x4.5 / 1.4x1.8). Turkey is the notable exception at 50x60mm (5x6 / 2x2.4).

Why People Are Getting Second Passports in 2026

Travel bans are expanding

The US travel ban now covers 39 countries. Citizens of banned nations face severe mobility restrictions. A second passport from a non-banned country restores freedom of movement.

Passport power gaps are widening

Singapore passport holders can visit 195 destinations visa-free. Afghanistan passport holders can visit 24. The 171-destination gap between the strongest and weakest passports has never been wider.

Geopolitical instability

Active conflicts, sanctions, and diplomatic breakdowns can make a passport less powerful overnight. A second citizenship in a neutral country provides insurance against political risk.

Business and banking access

Some banking systems and business jurisdictions are easier to access with certain citizenships. A second passport can open doors to international banking, investment, and corporate formation.

Citizenship by Investment Programs by Price

Sorted from lowest to highest minimum investment. All prices are approximate and subject to change. Additional government fees, due diligence costs, and legal fees apply on top of the minimum investment.

Country	Min. Investment	Processing Time	Visa-Free	Photo Size
🇸🇹 Sao Tome & Principe	$90,000	2 months	~155 destinations	35x45mm 3.5x4.5
🇻🇺 Vanuatu	$130,000	30–60 days	~130 destinations	35x45mm 3.5x4.5
🇩🇲 Dominica	$200,000	3–4 months	~145 destinations	35x45mm 3.5x4.5
🇦🇬 Antigua & Barbuda	$230,000	3–4 months	~150 destinations	35x45mm 3.5x4.5
🇬🇩 Grenada	$235,000	4–6 months	~148 destinations	35x45mm 3.5x4.5
🇰🇳 St. Kitts & Nevis	$250,000	3–4 months	~155 destinations	35x45mm 3.5x4.5
🇹🇷 Turkey	$400,000 (real estate)	3–6 months	~115 destinations	50x60mm 5x6
🇵🇹 Portugal	$500,000 (fund)	6–12 months	~189 destinations	35x45mm 3.5x4.5
🇲🇹 Malta	$750,000+	12–36 months	~186 destinations	35x45mm 3.5x4.5

Fastest Programs: Passport in Under 90 Days

🇻🇺

Vanuatu

Fastest

30-60 days from application to passport. $130,000 minimum donation. Vanuatu's Development Support Program (DSP) is the fastest CBI program in the world. No interview, no travel, no residency required. Visa-free access to ~130 destinations including the UK, EU Schengen zone, and Russia.

Photo: 35x45mm (3.5x4.5 / 1.4x1.8)

🇸🇹

Sao Tome & Principe

Cheapest

~2 months processing time. $90,000 minimum donation — the most affordable CBI program globally. This small island nation off the coast of Central Africa provides visa-free access to ~155 destinations including the EU Schengen zone. No residency or visit required.

Photo: 35x45mm (3.5x4.5 / 1.4x1.8)

Photo Requirements for CBI Passports

Regardless of how you obtain citizenship, the passport photo requirements are identical to those for citizens by birth. Every CBI passport application requires compliant photographs.

Standard Size (most programs)	35 x 45 mm (3.5x4.5 / 1.4x1.8)
Turkey (exception)	50 x 60 mm (5x6 / 2x2.4)
Background	White or light gray (country-specific)
Head Position	Centered, facing forward, neutral expression
Head Height	70-80% of frame height (ICAO standard)
Recency	Taken within the last 6 months
Glasses	Not permitted in most programs
Color	Full color, no filters or digital enhancement
Quantity	Typically 4-8 identical photos per application

Most CBI programs follow the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) standard. The 35x45mm size is used across the Caribbean, Europe, Africa, and the Pacific. Turkey is the primary exception, using a larger 50x60mm format inherited from its national photo standard.

Benefits of a Second Passport

Visa-free travel

Access 130-189 destinations without applying for visas. Even a Caribbean passport provides Schengen access, UK entry, and travel across much of Asia and South America.

Political insurance

If your home country faces sanctions, conflict, or government instability, a second passport ensures you and your family can still travel, bank, and do business internationally.

Business and banking

Open bank accounts, establish companies, and access financial services in jurisdictions that may be restricted to holders of certain passports.

No residency required

Unlike traditional immigration, most CBI programs do not require you to live in the country. You obtain full citizenship and a passport without relocating.

Family inclusion

Most programs allow you to include your spouse, children (up to age 30 in some programs), and dependent parents in a single application.

Tax planning

Some CBI countries have favorable tax regimes with no income tax, no capital gains tax, or no worldwide taxation. This can be relevant for international entrepreneurs and investors.

Get Your CBI Passport Photo

Every citizenship by investment application requires compliant passport photos. Last Min ID Photo generates photos at the exact dimensions required — whether that's the standard 35x45mm ICAO format or Turkey's 50x60mm size. Upload any photo and get a compliant result in 60 seconds for $9.99.

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Frequently Asked Questions

What is the cheapest second passport?

Sao Tome & Principe currently offers the cheapest citizenship by investment program at $90,000. This is a direct donation to the country’s development fund. The passport provides visa-free or visa-on-arrival access to approximately 155 destinations. Vanuatu is the second most affordable option at $130,000 and also one of the fastest to process.

What is the fastest citizenship by investment?

Vanuatu is the fastest citizenship by investment program, with processing times as short as 30–60 days from application to passport issuance. Sao Tome & Principe is the second fastest at approximately 2 months. Most Caribbean programs take 3–6 months, while European programs like Portugal and Malta can take 6–36 months.

Do CBI programs require residency?

Most citizenship by investment programs do not require physical residency. Caribbean programs (Dominica, St. Kitts, Grenada, Antigua) and Vanuatu allow you to obtain citizenship without ever living in the country. Portugal’s Golden Visa requires minimal visits (7 days per year). Malta requires a brief residency period. Turkey requires holding the property for 3 years but no physical presence.

Can Americans hold dual citizenship?

Yes. The United States fully permits dual citizenship. Americans can hold passports from multiple countries without losing their US citizenship. However, US citizens must still file US taxes on worldwide income regardless of additional citizenships. There is no legal requirement to notify the US government when acquiring a second citizenship, though some financial reporting obligations may apply.

What passport photo size do CBI countries use?

The vast majority of citizenship by investment countries use the ICAO standard passport photo size of 35x45mm (3.5x4.5 cm / 1.38x1.77 inches). This includes all Caribbean programs, Vanuatu, Portugal, Malta, and Sao Tome & Principe. The main exception is Turkey, which uses a larger 50x60mm (5x6 cm / 1.97x2.36 inches) photo. Last Min ID Photo supports both sizes for $9.99.

Is citizenship by investment legal?

Yes, citizenship by investment is fully legal and recognized internationally. These programs are established by the sovereign governments of each country through legislation. Passports issued through CBI programs are identical to passports issued to citizens by birth or naturalization. Due diligence checks are conducted on all applicants, including background checks, source of funds verification, and security screening.