Uzbekistan Joins Laos, Armenia, Mauritius, Argentina, Nigeria, Kenya, And Various Other Regions In Expanding Travel Opportunities Through New Visa And Citizenship Programs

Uzbekistan joins Laos, Armenia, Mauritius, Argentina, Nigeria, Kenya, and several other nations in unveiling groundbreaking visa and citizenship programs, offering new avenues for global investors and travelers. These countries are increasingly recognizing the power of investment migration as a critical economic strategy, helping to diversify revenue streams, attract foreign capital, and create employment opportunities. By opening their doors to international investors through Citizenship by Investment (CBI) and Residency by Investment (RBI) schemes, these nations are positioning themselves as key players in the global race to offer mobility, economic stability, and long-term opportunities to investors around the world.

In an era where global mobility and investment migration are more sought after than ever, a growing number of countries are making moves to attract international investors and travelers by offering visa and citizenship programs. Uzbekistan, a rising star in Central Asia, is now part of this exciting wave, joining other nations like Laos, Armenia, Mauritius, Argentina, Nigeria, and Kenya. These countries are all unveiling new opportunities for global citizens to gain residency, citizenship, and more through substantial economic contributions, creating fresh avenues for investment and personal freedom.

Uzbekistan’s Leap into the CBI World: A New Era Begins

Uzbekistan, a nation long known for its historical significance and rich cultural heritage, has entered the investment migration sphere with great anticipation. While the country has always attracted investors in various industries, the move towards offering a Citizenship by Investment (CBI) program marks a significant shift in its strategy.

In November 2022, the government of Uzbekistan released a bill proposing a simplified procedure for granting citizenship to foreigners who contribute significantly to the country’s economy. The proposed investment threshold is pegged at $1 million, focusing on strategic sectors such as real estate, industry, and infrastructure. However, with a recent shift toward fast-tracking residency, Uzbekistan has become an appealing option for investors seeking not only economic opportunities but also the flexibility of dual citizenship.

This move to join the ranks of countries offering CBI programs is expected to boost Uzbekistan’s appeal as a regional hub for foreign direct investment. Moreover, Uzbekistan’s growing partnership with Russia and its position as a key Central Asian market make it a strategic location for international investors.

Laos: The Emerging Investment Magnet of Southeast Asia

Laos has long been a country with a rich cultural legacy and a strategic position in Southeast Asia, making it an increasingly important player on the world stage. In 2022, the government gazetted Decree No. 14, which lays out plans to grant honorary citizenship to foreigners who invest $1 million and donate an additional $500,000 for the country’s socio-economic development.

This “honorary citizenship” program, while unconventional, is aimed at attracting individuals who have contributed to Laos in a meaningful way through investments or philanthropic actions. While this program doesn’t offer full citizenship, it marks a significant step toward Laos integrating into the global citizenship-by-investment network. The country’s low cost of living, natural beauty, and increasing economic integration with neighboring countries make it a growing hotspot for investment.

Armenia’s Bold Attempt at CBI Amid Political Tensions

Armenia, a nation steeped in history and culture, had its eye on introducing a Citizenship by Investment program since 2022. The government issued a draft decision that would allow individuals to make a significant economic contribution in exchange for Armenian citizenship. The proposed minimum investment was set at $150,000, focusing on real estate, bonds, shares, and other financial instruments.

However, political opposition in Armenia led to fierce debates on the national security risks of “selling passports.” The critics raised concerns over potential security threats, especially from neighboring countries, such as Azerbaijan and Turkey. Despite these hurdles, Armenia pivoted towards expanding its residency-by-investment options, offering an expedited five-year residency track starting in 2026. This residency track offers investors the chance to gain Armenian citizenship through traditional naturalization methods after five years of investment.

Armenia’s approach exemplifies the nuanced shifts in CBI programs, where countries are modifying their initial proposals based on internal and external pressures.

Mauritius: The Dream Destination for Investment Migration

Mauritius, located in the Indian Ocean, is one of the most attractive destinations in Africa for foreign investors. While it has not formally launched a full CBI program, Mauritius has been exploring avenues that resemble CBI, particularly with its Sovereign Fund Investment and real estate projects. The government had previously introduced plans for an economic contribution of $1 million to its sovereign fund or a $500,000 contribution for citizenship.

Mauritius is strategically positioned with visa-free access to Europe and other parts of the world, making it one of the most appealing African nations for investors seeking global mobility. The island nation already boasts a solid track record of attracting foreign investment, particularly in its tourism, real estate, and financial sectors.

Argentina: Fast-Tracking CBI with Global Appeal

Argentina’s government took bold steps in 2025, introducing Decree 524/2025, formalizing its Citizenship by Investment program. This decree created a legal framework and institutionalized the Agencia de Programas de Ciudadanía por Inversión (APCI), tasked with overseeing and processing applications for foreign investors seeking Argentine citizenship.

While the exact investment thresholds are still to be set, the program is expected to target high-net-worth individuals looking for residency options in a country with rich natural resources, a growing economy, and an improving global standing. Argentina’s appeal as a CBI destination is driven by its low cost of living, vast landscapes, agricultural potential, and rapidly growing startup scene.

The establishment of the APCI signals Argentina’s intention to compete with other established CBI jurisdictions like the Caribbean nations. The government has also contracted global consultants to design and market the program, ensuring it will be globally competitive.

Nigeria: A Game-Changer in Africa’s Investment Landscape

Nigeria, Africa’s largest economy, is a powerhouse of entrepreneurial energy and natural resources. The country made headlines in 2025 with the passage of a Citizenship by Investment bill in the House of Representatives. This bill, which is still pending Senate approval, has the potential to transform Nigeria into a major CBI player on the continent.

Nigeria has long been a source of outbound investment migration, with many Nigerian nationals seeking second citizenship in countries like the United States, the United Kingdom, and Canada. The proposed Nigerian CBI program aims to shift the focus to attracting foreign investment by offering citizenship to those contributing to Nigeria’s economy.

Though visa-free access to Europe and North America might limit Nigeria’s appeal compared to other CBI programs, the nation’s growing tech sector and emerging middle class provide a solid foundation for the country’s CBI aspirations.

Kenya: A Regional CBI Player with Unique Appeal

Kenya has long been seen as East Africa’s economic powerhouse. Reports of a planned Citizenship by Investment program surfaced as early as 2019, with investment thresholds proposed around $200,000. Although no official program has been launched, Kenya’s unique positioning as a regional hub for finance, technology, and tourism gives it significant potential to attract investors.

Kenya’s Nairobi International Financial Centre has become an important center for financial services, while its diverse landscapes, from safaris to coastal getaways, make it a popular destination for international travelers and investors alike.

If Kenya were to introduce its CBI program, it would appeal to investors looking for a country that offers strong economic growth, a growing middle class, and the ability to access both African and international markets with ease.

Rwanda: A New African Frontier for Investor Citizenship

Rwanda has long been lauded for its sustainable development practices and focus on creating a business-friendly environment. In 2020, the country’s cabinet approved a draft bill aimed at formalizing investment-based naturalization. Rwanda’s model emphasizes sustainable investment activities, signaling the country’s focus on projects that can benefit the local population while also attracting international investment.

While Rwanda has not yet implemented a full CBI program, the introduction of its investment visa—requiring $1 million in a registered investment project or $500,000 in luxury property—has paved the way for future developments. Rwanda’s reputation for political stability and pro-business policies make it a highly attractive destination for investors seeking long-term residency options in Africa.

Suriname: A Low-Key But Potentially Lucrative CBI Program

In 2022, Suriname’s President Chandrikapersad Santokhi revealed that the country’s government had been exploring the feasibility of introducing a Citizenship by Investment program. While no formal launch has been announced, Suriname’s strategic location in South America, its strong relations with key international partners, and the potential for growth in the oil and mining sectors make it an interesting proposition for investors.

With its visa-free access to destinations in Asia, Africa, and Europe, Suriname could become a lucrative CBI destination in the coming years, especially as it seeks to diversify its economy and reduce dependency on natural resource exports.

As we look ahead, Uzbekistan, Laos, Armenia, Mauritius, Argentina, Nigeria, Kenya, Rwanda, and Suriname represent just a handful of nations diversifying their economies and global appeal through visa and citizenship programs. These initiatives signal a global shift towards increasing mobility, economic diversification, and investment attraction.

For investors seeking new opportunities in an increasingly interconnected world, the expansion of Citizenship by Investment and Residency by Investment programs provides ample choice, allowing individuals and families to gain access to a wider range of economic, social, and political benefits.

Uzbekistan joins Laos, Armenia, Mauritius, Argentina, Nigeria, Kenya, and several other nations in attracting travelers with new visa and citizenship programs to boost economic growth and foreign investment. These countries are leveraging Citizenship by Investment (CBI) and Residency by Investment (RBI) initiatives to offer global mobility and economic opportunities to international investors.

With more countries considering or actively planning these programs, 2026 is poised to be a year of transformation for global mobility and investment migration.

The post Uzbekistan Joins Laos, Armenia, Mauritius, Argentina, Nigeria, Kenya, And Various Other Regions In Expanding Travel Opportunities Through New Visa And Citizenship Programs appeared first on Travel and Tour World