THE PROGRAMME
Programme overview
Apply for citizenship through the prescribed contribution to an approved public benefit project. Verify the project approval, agreement and payment arrangements, and complete eligibility checks, due diligence and an interview.
- Minimum contribution
- USD 250,000
- Total of listed fees
- USD 272,800
- Family applications
- Individually quoted
The prescribed contribution for one principal applicant. Other costs are additional.
One principal applicant, using the standard biometric fee. Third-party costs are additional.
Costs depend on family composition, eligibility and the applicable charges.
PBO relates to an approved public benefit project. The contribution should not be understood as a personal home purchase, recoverable capital or a guaranteed return. Confirm the specific project and agreement before signing.
CIU · Public Benefit OptionInformation checked: 15 October 2026
FEES & PAYMENTS
Fee schedule
Contribution, application charges and service costs for one principal applicant. Additional family members require separate eligibility checks and a quotation.
| Fee item | Amount USD | Payee | Payment stage |
|---|---|---|---|
| Immigration service fee | 10,000 | Conatus Mobility | After signing |
| Application processing | 250 | CIU | Before filing |
| Due diligence | 10,000 | CIU | |
| PBO project contribution | 250,000 | CIU | After approval in principle |
| Citizenship certificate | 50 | Relevant authority | |
| Biometric services | 2,500 | Government portal | At biometric booking |
| Listed total | 272,800 | Excludes third-party costs | |
Third-party costs: applicants must calculate and pay these separately according to their circumstances.
The USD 50 certificate allowance is subject to the official payment notice.
A separate budget for your family
For a spouse, children or parents, assess age, marital status and dependency before calculating contribution, due diligence, biometrics and other applicable costs.
Is the USD 25,000 PBO application fee additional?
Under SRO 1 of 2026, this fee is deducted from the USD 250,000 contribution and paid to CIU. It is not added again here. Other application charges and any applicable dependant fees remain separate.
Sources: 2026 Amendment · SRO 1
Payment terms and fee treatment
The immigration service fee is payable to Conatus Mobility after signing. Scope and refund terms are governed by the written agreement. Application processing and due diligence fees are non-refundable under the regulations. Pay the contribution after approval in principle under the official notice and applicable 90-day deadline; verify the recipient account and project documents first.
Sources: 2024 Regulations · SRO 20 · CIU · Application process
Biometric booking and current charges
The standard biometric fee is USD 2,500. CIU’s September 2026 notice confirms that portal payment includes passport production, so no separate USD 360 passport fee is added here. Delivery and agent services are excluded from that official payment.
The table uses the standard fee for budgeting. The valid charge shown by the government portal for the actual booking applies. Any time-limited official arrangement requires compliance with its booking and completion conditions and does not support a promise about application timing.
Sources: CIU · Biometrics · CIU · Passport process · 2 September 2026
Information checked: 15 October 2026
ELIGIBILITY
Eligibility
Assess the principal applicant and every dependant against the applicable regulations and individual background.
Principal applicant
At least 18 years old and meeting the current identity, background and source-of-funds requirements. Application forms, financial evidence and material history must be accurate and complete.
Sources: 2024 Regulations · SRO 20 · CIU · Application process
Spouse and minor children
A qualifying spouse and children under 18 may be included under the rules. Marriage, adoption, guardianship and any required consent from the other parent must be documented.
Sources: 2024 Regulations · SRO 20
Adult children
SRO 1 of 2026 provides for children aged 18–29 who are unmarried and substantially supported by the principal applicant or their spouse. A separate category covers children aged 18 or over with a physical or mental disability. An authorised agent should verify the evidence required under the current rules.
Sources: 2026 Amendment · SRO 1 · 2024 Regulations · SRO 20
Parents
Parents of the principal applicant or spouse must be at least 55, live with the principal applicant and be fully supported by them. Age or relationship alone does not establish all conditions.
Sources: 2024 Amendment · SRO 43 · 2024 Regulations · SRO 20
Background and restrictions
Disclose citizenship refusals, relevant visa refusals, criminal records or investigations, and bankruptcy within the preceding 10 years. Check nationality restrictions and enhanced screening before committing funds. The authority determines eligibility.
Sources: 2024 Regulations · SRO 20 · 2024 Amendment · SRO 43 · CIU · Application process
THE PROCESS
The application process
- 01
Assessment and route selection
Review personal and family background, eligibility, source of funds, service scope and the budget. Confirm the approved public benefit project and relevant agreement.
- 02
Preparation and submission
An authorised agent submits the application. Pay the required filing costs and complete due diligence, interviews and any requests for further documents.
- 03
Approval in principle and contribution
Follow the applicable deadline and formal payment instructions. Verify the recipient account and project documents before paying the contribution and relevant charges.
- 04
Completion of required formalities
Complete biometric enrolment and citizenship registration formalities as instructed. A passport requires a separate application and review under the passport authority’s procedures; issuance is not automatic.
Conatus Mobility provides planning, document preparation and progress coordination. An authorised agent submits the application and the authority reviews it independently. Approval, processing time and specific outcomes are not guaranteed.
QUESTIONS
Common questions
Is PBO a property purchase?
PBO relates to an approved public benefit project. The contribution should not be understood as a personal home purchase, recoverable capital or a guaranteed return. Confirm the specific project and agreement before signing.
Sources: CIU · Public Benefit Option · 2024 Regulations · SRO 20
Is an interview mandatory?
The principal applicant must attend an interview. Dependants aged 16 or over attend if required by CIU. Interviews and biometric enrolment are separate procedures; a remote interview does not replace an enrolment visit.
Sources: 2024 Regulations · SRO 20 · CIU · Biometrics
Can everything be completed remotely?
Do not assume so. New applications from 14 April 2026 are subject to biometric enrolment. Once at approval in principle, book through the official portal and attend in person. Locations and dates depend on appointment availability.
Sources: CIU · Biometrics
How long does the process take?
The regulations provide for notification of approval in principle, refusal or a delay for cause within 120–180 days of CIU acknowledging the application. This is not a guaranteed approval period and does not include every preparation or subsequent document procedure.
Sources: 2024 Regulations · SRO 20
What about existing nationality and tax residence?
Retention of an existing nationality depends on that country’s law. Citizenship does not automatically settle tax residence, reporting or tax obligations elsewhere. These require assessment of actual residence and individual circumstances.
Plan your application
Start with your background and family circumstances to assess the route and full budget.
Policy sources and fee notes
General programme and fee information, not individual legal, tax or investment advice. Rules, project status, fees and payment instructions may change. Government decisions are independent of advisory services. Architectural illustrations depict national heritage, not a PBO project or property offered for purchase.