Citizenship for elite athletes: how investment programs are redefining global mobility
Elite athletes are rewriting the rules of global citizenship. No longer bound by their country of birth, they can now strategically choose their nationality.
This phenomenon is transforming the international sports landscape. In 2024, some 25 athletes switched citizenships exclusively to participate in the Paris Olympics.
However, there is a fundamental distinction between an athlete who obtains citizenship through sporting merit and one who acquires it through a traditional investment.
This difference can translate into savings of hundreds of thousands of euros and greatly reduced waiting times.
The Current Landscape of Athlete Programs (2024-2025)
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Four countries lead the citizenship market for athletes: Qatar, Bahrain, Turkey, and the United Arab Emirates. Each offers accelerated pathways specifically designed for athletes with proven international achievements.
These programs do not involve conventional financial investment: the only investment required is the athlete’s talent and the prestige it brings to the host nation.
A significant example is that of Ekaterina Antropova, a Russian volleyball player who obtained Italian citizenship in 2024, in time to represent Italy at the Paris Olympics. The process took less than 12 months.
Processing times for elite athletes range from 3 to 12 months, compared with the typical 6 to 18 months for standard citizenship-by-investment programs. This speed reflects the urgency imposed by international sports calendars.
Requirements for access
Not all athletes are eligible for accelerated programs. Nations give priority to Olympic medalists, world champions and athletes ranked among the top in international rankings.
Area is a relevant factor: most programs favor athletes under 35, with still active careers and room for growth.
Sports most commonly considered include athletics, soccer, basketball, and other popular Olympic disciplines. Bahrain, for example, focuses mainly on Kenyan marathon runners, while Qatar has naturalized many African and Asian runners.
Sports Citizenship vs Citizenship by Investment
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The crucial difference lies in the type of value exchanged: sports programs are based on a talent-citizenship exchange, while standard programs require a capital contribution.
| Appearance | Sports citizenship | Citizenship by Investment (CBI) |
| Minimum Investment | $0 (based on talent) | $200,000 to $1,500,000 |
| Processing time | 3 – 12 months | 6 – 18 months |
| Main Requirements | International sports achievements | Financial capability |
| Success rate | 90%+ for elite athletes | 70-85% average |
For an athlete with Olympic credentials, this translates into potential savings of between $400,000 and $1.5 million. In many cases, Qatar and Bahrain cover all procedural expenses for medalist athletes.
However, when an athlete does not meet the criteria for fast-track pathways or wishes to obtain citizenship in a country that lacks sport-specific programs, exploring which countries offer citizenship-by-investment becomes a strategic move in planning alternatives.
Fiscal and financial advantages
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A second citizenship can revolutionize tax planning for professional athletes. The United Arab Emirates, with its zero taxation regime on personal income, is an extremely attractive option for high-income athletes.
The United Arab Emirates, with its zero taxation regime on personal income, is an extremely attractive option for high-income athletes.
For example, an Italian athlete with an annual income of 2 million euros, subject to an IRPEF rate of up to 43%, could save up to 860,000 euros a year by establishing his or her tax residence in the UAE.
Bahrain also offers 0% personal income taxation. However, Turkey, with a top rate of 40%, remains competitive for athletes with international sponsorship contracts.
Optimization of sponsorship contracts
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More international mobility increases the commercial value of athletes. Global companies prefer ambassadors with freedom of travel and international visibility.
A UAE passport allows visa-free access to 177 countries, a Turkish passport to 118. This translates into tangible opportunities: events, collaborations, public appearances without bureaucratic hurdles.
Asset diversification across multiple jurisdictions also offers greater protection against geopolitical and economic risks. Athletes can distribute investments, accounts and assets across multiple countries to protect their wealth.
Strategic aspects of sports careers
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In addition to tax advantages, new citizenship can open up new competitive opportunities. Gulf countries are investing significant resources in high-level sports infrastructure.
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The Aspire Academy in the UAE is one of the most advanced training centers in the world. Naturalized athletes gain access to these facilities, high-profile nutritionists, and a highly specialized medical staff.
Federal support can make a difference. Bahrain has revolutionized its marathon program through targeted naturalizations, investing millions of dollars in the preparation and support of athletes.
Olympic and Competitive Opportunities
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Some countries offer a more accessible path to the Olympics. Smaller nations have less internal competition due to limited spots on national teams.
A world-class sprinter might find it difficult to qualify for the United States or Jamaica, but could easily get a spot representing Bahrain or Qatar.
This approach proves particularly effective in individual sports such as athletics, swimming or cycling, where smaller federations have guaranteed quotas but little local talent.
The Italian perspective
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Italy has a complex relationship with sports citizenship. It rarely grants expedited naturalizations, preferring the standard route that requires three years of residency.
The Antropova case is an exception: the volleyball player was granted citizenship for “national interest” after several seasons in Serie A. The decision received widespread support, given the popularity of women’s volleyball in Italy.
Italian athletes interested in a second citizenship must take into account that Italy taxes the worldwide income of its citizens unless they establish tax residence abroad for more than 183 days a year.
Tax Treaties and Double Taxation
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Treaties between Italy and countries such as UAE or Turkey avoid double taxation. However, IVIE (tax on foreign property) and IVAFE (tax on foreign financial assets) still apply.
Careful planning is needed. Tax advice becomes crucial to structure contracts, investments, and tax residence optimally.
Documentation and Procedure
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The citizenship application process for athletes requires extensive documentation. Sporting achievements must be verifiable through IOC, FIFA, or international federations.
Typical documents include:
- Olympic medals
- World titles
- Official rankings
- Professional contracts
- Letters from sports federations
Even elite athletes must pass security checks, criminal records, and due diligence. Thorough pre-screening allows for a success rate of more than 90%.
Ethical Considerations and Public Reactions
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Passport shopping stirs controversy. Some argue that it undermines national sports identity, turning competitions into talent markets.
Federations place limits: the IOC imposes a three-year waiting period after a change of nationality (five in the case of recent representation). FIFA and FIBA apply similar rules.
Changing nationality can affect:
- Media popularity
- Sponsorship contracts
- Post-career opportunities
Cultural adaptation also takes time and commitment.
Legal Risks and Compliance
The legal environment for CBI programs is constantly changing. The EU has tightened controls, prompting countries such as Malta to strengthen due diligence procedures.
The EU has stepped up controls, prompting countries such as Malta to strengthen due diligence procedures.
Scams also exist: some unofficial programs promise quick citizenships with no validity. It is essential to rely on accredited consultants such as Global Residence Index.
Managing dual citizenship
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Not all countries allow it. China, for example, does not recognize dual citizenship. Italy, on the other hand, allows it fully.
This flexibility is crucial for athletes who want to maintain ties with their home country.
The role of specialized consultants
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Many athletes rely solely on their agents, but this can prove to be a mistake. You need a team composed of:
- Sports agent
- Immigration consultant
- International tax lawyer
- Sports lawyer
Global Residence Index works exactly in this area, coordinating procedures in line with sports schedules and offering confidentiality and strategy.
Case Studies
Ruth Jebet (Kenya → Bahrain)
Naturalized in 2013, she won gold in the 3000 steeplechase in 2016. Bahrain guaranteed total support, first-class facilities and fixed income. In return, she got her first Olympic medal in athletics.
Diego Costa (Brazil → Spain)
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Although he did not follow an accelerated path, his case demonstrates the strategic value of sports citizenship. He has represented Spain in World Cups and European Championships, increasing his visibility and market value.
Family and Post-Career
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Citizenship is also about the future. A UAE passport guarantees children access to international schools, excellent healthcare, and opportunities in a global economic hub.
Turkey provides a bridge between Europe and Asia; Bahrain and Qatar offer favorable environments for sports entrepreneurship.
When does it make sense to change citizenship?
Does it make sense if:
- More accessible Olympic opportunities
- Significant fiscal advantages
- More federal supports
- Better outlook for family and post-career
Makes no sense if:
- Strong ties to the home country
- Significant local sponsorships
- Penalizing sports rules
- Sports career on the wane
The future of sports citizenship
Global athletic mobility is set to increase. Emerging countries such as Saudi Arabia, China, and India are investing in sports programs to attract talent.
The IOC and federations will need to strike a balance between regulation and athlete freedom.
Citizenship as a competitive advantage
For modern elite athletes, citizenship is as much a strategic tool as training or nutrition.
Choosing the right nationality can transform a career and provide long-term security.
The question is no longer “Should I consider a second citizenship?”but “Which citizenship best aligns with my athletic, fiscal, and family goals?”
