Artur Saraiva
Many people consider getting a second passport a strategic move for increased mobility, improved security, and more lifestyle benefits. While some countries have lengthy processes, others rank among the easiest countries to get citizenship, offering clear routes via investment, descent, marriage, or short-term residency.
In 2025, easy citizenship countries range from Caribbean nations which often grant passports in the shortest amount of time to European countries where ancestry and Golden Visa programs provide flexible options. Other countries, like Argentina, stand out for their quick naturalization path, and some nations grant immediate citizenship by birth.
This guide explores the easiest places to get citizenship worldwide, covering both EU and non-EU options, fast-track programs, and countries where dual citizenship is simple, with insights on residency rules, passport power, and costs.
Ready to craft your Plan B? Discover the top citizenship and residency-by-investment programs for you, join our webinar!
Quick Comparison: Easiest Countries to Get Citizenship in 2025
Country | Citizenship Route | Minimum Investment / Residency Requirement | Processing Time | Visa-Free Travel (approx.) |
Dominica | Citizenship by Investment | $200,000 investment or donation | 4 months | 140+ countries |
Grenada | Citizenship by Investment | $235,000 donation / $270,000 real estate | 3–6 months | 140+ countries incl. Schengen, China |
St. Kitts & Nevis | Citizenship by Investment | $250,000 donation / $325,000 real estate | 4–6 months | 150+ countries incl. UK, Schengen |
Antigua & Barbuda | Citizenship by Investment | $230,000 donation / $300,000 real estate | 6–9 months | 140+ countries |
St. Lucia | Citizenship by Investment | $240,000 donation / $300,000 real estate / $3.5M business / $300,000 bonds | Up to 12 months | 150+ countries incl. Schengen |
Portugal | Residency by Investment → Naturalization | €250,000 cultural / €500,000 research / €500,000 investment funds / job creation | 5 years residency + 6–12 months | EU + 180+ countries |
Ireland | Citizenship by Descent | Irish parent or grandparent; no residency required | 6–12 months | 180+ countries |
Italy | Citizenship by Descent | Italian ancestry; no residency required | 12–24 months | 190+ countries |
Spain | Naturalization (Short Residency for Specific Nationals) | 2 years residency (eligible nationals); language & integration test | 2+ years residency | 190+ countries |
Argentina | Naturalization (Short Residency) | 2 years residency; proof of stable income | 2+ years residency | 150+ countries |
Canada | Naturalization (Permanent Residency) | 3 years residency in 5 years; citizenship test | 3 years residency in 5 years | 185+ countries |
Mexico | Naturalization (Standard and Marriage-Based Short Residency) | 5 years residency / 2 years if married to citizen | 5 years residency / 2 years if married | 150+ countries |
Malta | Residency by Investment → Naturalization | Contribution, property purchase or rental, and charitable donation | Varies; residency required before citizenship | 170+ countries |
Turkey | Citizenship by Investment | $400,000 property / $500,000 bank deposit / bonds / fund units / job creation | 6–12 months | 128+ countries |
Brazil | Naturalization (Standard and Marriage-Based Short Residency) | 4 years residency (1 year if married to citizen) | 1–4 years | 150+ countries |
Vanuatu | Citizenship by Investment | $130,000 donation | 3 months | 90+ countries |
16 Easiest Countries to Get Citizenship In
1. Dominica: Best for speed and affordability
Citizenship route: Investment
Dominica’s citizenship by investment program grants a second passport in as little as 4 months with a minimum investment of $200,000. Known for its low cost and minimal residency requirements, this Caribbean citizenship route includes visa free travel to over 140 countries, offering global mobility and tax advantages.
Investment options: Donate $200,000 to the Dominica Economic Diversification Fund (the country’s version of a National Development Fund) or invest at least $200,000 in pre-approved real estate purchases.
2. Grenada: Best for access to the United States
Citizenship route: Investment
Grenada offers one of the most flexible and fastest citizenship by investment programs in the Caribbean countries, allowing foreign investors to obtain citizenship in 3 to 6 months.
The Grenadian passport offers visa free access to 140+ destinations, including the Schengen Area, and makes holders eligible for a US E2 Visa.
Investment options: Donate $235,000 to the Grenada National Transformation Fund or invest $270,000 in approved tourism accommodation.
3. St. Kitts and Nevis: Best for fast-track processing and broad visa-free travel
Citizenship route: Investment
The St. Kitts and Nevis citizenship by investment program offers one of the fastest citizenship routes worldwide, with a processing time of just 120 to 180 days and no permanent residency requirement.
Applicants can obtain dual citizenship, enjoy visa free travel to over 150 countries, and can choose from multiple investment options.
Investment options: $250,000 in the St. Kitts and Nevis Sustainable Island State Contribution, $400,000 in a joint real estate investment, $800,000 for a single applicant property purchase, or $250,000 donation to a Public Good Project.
4. Antigua and Barbuda: Best for families with the lowest investment amount for a family of four.
Citizenship route: Investment
With the lowest required investment for a family of four, Antigua and Barbuda’s Citizenship by Investment program grants dual nationality in as little as 9 months. This Caribbean passport offers visa free travel to 140+ countries and tax benefits including no capital gains or inheritance taxes.
Investment options: $230,000 donation to the Antigua and Barbuda National Development Fund, $300,000 in real estate purchases, $260,000 to the University of the West Indies Fund, or business investment starting from $400,000.
5. St Lucia: Best for individuals seeking a straightforward second passport with strong visa-free travel.
Citizenship route: Investment
The Caribbean island of St. Lucia’s Citizenship by Investment program offers one of the most affordable ways to obtain dual citizenship through its citizenship program.
Applicants and their family members can gain citizenship within 12 months, enjoying visa free access to nearly 150 countries, including the Schengen Area. Benefits include tax advantages such as no personal income or capital gains taxes.
Investment options: Donate at least $240,000 to the St. Lucia National Economic Fund (country’s economy), invest $300,000 in pre-approved hotels or boutique property (real estate investment), make a $3.5M business investment, or purchase $300,000 in government bonds.
Looking to become a Caribbean citizen? Check out our citizenship by investment comparison guide
Explore your Golden Visa options and discover how residency by investment can open doors to a second citizenship.
5 Most Common Citizenship Types
Individuals are increasingly acquiring citizenship through ancestry, investment and naturalization, rather than solely via birthright or family lineage according to research by Global Intelligence Unit and published in “The Transformation of Citizenship” report. This shows that traditional notions of nationality are being reshaped.
Let’s explore the five common routes you can take to obtain citizenship:
Citizenship Route | Definition | Language and Culture Test? |
Birthright | Birthright citizenship (jus soli) grants citizenship based on a person's place of birth. It is instituted regardless of the parents' citizenship or birthplace. | No |
Descent | Jus sanguinis or citizenship by descent grants citizenship through parental or grandparental lineage. To qualify you simply need to prove your ancestry. | Country-dependent |
Naturalization | This is a common route for those without familial ties or who cannot afford a substantial investment amount. Citizenship by naturalization usually requires a permanent residence visa and a minimum residency period. Applicants may need to prove language proficiency, pass a citizenship test and pledge an oath. | Yes |
Marriage | Citizenship by marriage allows an individual to become a citizen by marrying a legal resident of the host country. It often has minimal requirements like a shorter minimum residency period and no language proficiency tests. | Country-dependent |
Investments | Many countries offer citizenship by investment programs where you make a significant financial contribution to the economy in exchange for citizenship. The investment threshold and types vary depending on the country. | Country-dependent |
How Can Global Citizen Solutions Help You?
Global Citizen Solutions is a boutique migration consultancy firm with years of experience delivering bespoke residence and citizenship by investment solutions for international families. With offices worldwide and an experienced, hands-on team, we have helped hundreds of clients worldwide acquire citizenship, residence visas, or homes while diversifying their portfolios with robust investments.
We guide you from start to finish, taking you beyond your citizenship or residency by investment application.
Frequently Asked Questions about the Easiest Countries to Get Citizenship
What is the easiest country to get citizenship by investment?
Several Caribbean citizenship by investment countries, such as Dominica, St. Kitts and Nevis, and Antigua and Barbuda, are considered among the easiest when looking to obtain citizenship.
These programs typically have low minimum investment requirements, fast processing times of 3 to 6 months, and visa free travel to over 140 countries.
Which European country offers the fastest path to citizenship?
Portugal is one of the easiest EU countries to obtain citizenship.
Through its residency by investment program, you can apply after just five years of legal residency, without the need to live there full time, provided you meet the language requirements and pass a citizenship test.
What are the easiest countries to obtain citizenship through ancestry?
Countries like Ireland, Italy, Poland, and Hungary have descent programs allowing you to claim citizenship if you have qualifying grandparents or great-grandparents.
This is often the fastest and most affordable route to a second passport, requiring proof of lineage but no residency requirements.
What is the easiest English-speaking country to get citizenship?
Ireland is frequently ranked as one of the best English-speaking countries for easy citizenship, especially for those with Irish ancestry, as you can qualify automatically through citizenship by descent.
How long does it take to get citizenship in the easiest countries?
It varies:
- Caribbean citizenship by investment: 3 to 6 months.
- Portugal residency by investment: 5 years of residency before applying.
- Ancestry-based citizenship: Usually 6 to 12 months, depending on documentation.
Which country gives citizenship the fastest without investment?
Argentina grants citizenship after just two years of legal residency, with proof of stable income and no investment requirement.
Can I get citizenship if I marry a foreign national?
Yes, many countries offer a simplified naturalisation path for foreign spouses.
For instance, Mexico and Brazil allow you to gain citizenship after as little as one year of marriage and residency, if other eligibility criteria are met.
What factors make a country easy to get citizenship in?
Consider:
- Investment requirements and costs.
- Processing time for a citizenship application.
- Visa free travel benefits of the passport.
- Residency requirements (some have none).
- Language proficiency or integration tests.
- Whether dual citizenship is allowed.
Do all countries allow dual citizenship?
No, while many countries, including Portugal, Canada, and most Caribbean nations, allow dual nationality, others require you to renounce your existing citizenship.
What is dual citizenship?
Dual citizenship means being legally recognized as a citizen of two countries simultaneously, allowing you to hold two passports and enjoy the rights, protections, and obligations of both nations.
What are the benefits of dual citizenship?
Key benefits include expanded global mobility, visa free access to more destinations, the right to live and work in either country, access to education and healthcare, and the ability to maintain ties to your home country.
What are the disadvantages of dual citizenship?
Possible downsides include double taxation, mandatory military service, complex paperwork, and restrictions on certain government positions. Some countries may also limit or refuse dual nationality.
