It depends on the requirements of a particular program. Investors with a criminal record that has not lost their legal force will not be able to undergo a Due Diligence check successfully. The result of the check may also be negatively affected by sanctions being placed on the applicant by the European Union or the United States and any applications by the investor for visas, residence permits, or citizenship being rejected by other countries.
Many countries prohibit citizens of certain states from applying for a residence permit or citizenship by investment. For example, Iran, Afghanistan, North Korea, and Syria citizens cannot apply for a St. Kitts and Nevis passport by investment.