In 2026, more people are seeking second citizenship. And the benefits go beyond increased travel mobility. Patricia Casaburi, CEO of Global Citizen Solutions, describes alternative citizenship as a “Plan B” that can offer protection and flexibility in an unpredictable world.
Fortunately, several countries have routes to a second citizenship in 2026. Some, such as Portugal and Greece, offer citizenship by naturalization after a few years of residency, while others, like Antigua and Barbuda, provide immediate citizenship through investment.
This guide lists the 19 easiest countries to get citizenship in 2026 based on different pathways: naturalization, investment, marriage, and birth. You’ll learn which countries provide the fastest path to a second passport, the best European citizenship options, and how to qualify.
Easiest Countries to Get Citizenship: Key Takeaways
The 5 Easiest Ways to Get Citizenship in 2026
01/ Citizenship by Investment (CBI)
Citizenship by Investment (CBI) allows foreigners to get immediate citizenship in another country by making a qualifying investment.
Some of the most popular investments routes for Citizenship by Investment are:
- A non-refundable donation to a government or national economic fund.
- An approved real estate investment.
- Government bonds or securities.
- Business or enterprise investment.
As noted in the Global Intelligence Unit (GIU) briefing, “The Transformation of Citizenship“, one of the main advantages of Citizenship by Investment programs is that they allow qualifying applicants to acquire citizenship without extensive residence requirements.
Many programs are also known for relatively fast processing times, often within a few months, and no language tests or minimum residence requirements.
02/ Citizenship by Naturalization (residency route)
Citizenship by Naturalization is the process of becoming a citizen after legally living in a country for a set number of years.
Rules vary by country. For example, some countries allow eligible residents to apply after two to five years, while others require a decade or more. In Portugal, for instance, applicants must live in the country legally for ten years to apply for citizenship
For many expatriates, naturalization is one of the most accessible long-term pathways to a second passport.
03/ Citizenship by Descent (jus sanguinis)
Citizenship by Descent allows eligible applicants to claim citizenship through family ancestry, usually through a parent, grandparent, or, in some cases, a great-grandparent.
Countries such as Italy, Ireland, Poland, and Hungary offer this route. Although it does not require an investment, applicants must prove their family lineage and may need to meet language or residence requirements, depending on the country.
04/ Citizenship by Birth (jus soli)
Citizenship by birth is granted to individuals born within a country’s territory. Countries such as the United States, Canada, Brazil, and Argentina allow children born there to receive citizenship regardless of their parents’ nationality.
In some countries, like Brazil and Argentina, parents can later qualify for residency or citizenship through family reunification.
05/ Citizenship by Marriage
Citizenship by marriage allows foreign spouses of citizens to apply for residency and, eventually, citizenship.
Countries such as Portugal, Italy, Spain, and Brazil allow citizenship by marriage and have reduced residency requirements for married applicants.
Applicants must prove the legitimacy and duration of the marriage, maintain legal residency, and meet additional requirements such as language proficiency or integration tests.
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Quick Overview: Easiest Countries to Get Citizenship
| Country | Main Pathway | Time to Citizenship | Visa-Free Travel |
|---|---|---|---|
| Dominica | Citizenship by Investment | 3–4 months | 88 |
| St. Lucia | Citizenship by Investment | 3–6 months | 90+ |
| Antigua and Barbuda | Citizenship by Investment | 4–6 months | 101 |
| St. Kitts & Nevis | Citizenship by Investment | 4–6 months | 101 |
| Vanuatu | Citizenship by Investment | 1–2 months | 118 |
| Turkey | Citizenship by Investment | 3–6 months | 70 |
| Nauru | Citizenship by Investment | 3–4 months | 119 |
| Portugal | Residency by Investment → Naturalization | 10 years (7 for EU and CPLP nationals) | 124 |
| Malta | Residency by Investment → Naturalization | ~5 years | 128 |
| Greece | Residency by Investment → Naturalization | 7 years | 125 |
| Cyprus | Residency by Investment → Naturalization | 7+ years | 123 |
| Italy | Citizenship by Descent | Documentation-based | 121 |
| Ireland | Citizenship by Descent | Documentation-based | 124 |
| Poland | Citizenship by Descent | Documentation-based | 120 |
| Hungary | Citizenship by Descent | Documentation-based | 118 |
| Argentina | Citizenship by Naturalization | 2 years | 103 |
| Paraguay | Citizenship by Naturalization | 3 years | 88 |
| Uruguay | Citizenship by Naturalization | 3–5 years | 99 |
| Brazil | Citizenship by Naturalization | 4 years (1 year in special cases) | 108 |
Easiest Countries to Get Citizenship by Investment
Dominica
Dominica has the most affordable Caribbean citizenship by investment program in 2026, with a minimum contribution of USD $200,000 to the Economic Diversification Fund or in an approved real estate.
Dominica Citizenship by Investment can be acquired in six to nine months, with no residency requirements. The process can be completed remotely, including the mandatory virtual interview.
Benefits:
- Lowest investment threshold among Caribbean citizenship programs
- Citizenship in as little as six months
- No residency requirement
- Fully remote application process
- Family inclusion available, including spouses, children, parents, and grandparents
- Government-regulated program overseen by Dominica’s Citizenship by Investment Unit (CBIU) under the Ministry of Finance
St. Lucia
The St. Lucia Citizenship by Investment program offers citizenship through a donation to St. Lucia’s National Economic Fund, a government bond purchase, or a real estate investment, with approval typically issued within 3-6 months.
Benefits:
- Several investment options offering flexibility to applicants.
- No residency, interview, or language test required.
- Visa-free/visa-on-arrival access to over 90 destinations globally.
- Zero inheritance and capital-gains taxes for citizens.
Antigua and Barbuda
Those who apply to the Antigua and Barbuda Citizenship by Investment program can obtain citizenship via a donation to a national fund or through approved real estate investment, typically processed in 4 – 6 months.
Benefits:
- Good value option for families (donation often covers a family of four).
- Minimal residency requirement, often just a short visit within the first five years.
- Visa-free or visa-on-arrival access to 101 countries worldwide.
- No tax on worldwide income for many applicants, making it financially attractive.
St. Kitts and Nevis
St. Kitts and Nevis’ Citizenship by Investment scheme is known for strict due diligence and thus respected worldwide. Applicants can donate to the Sustainable Island State Contribution (SISC) or invest in real estate. Citizenship is granted in as little as 4 – 6 months.
Benefits:
- The oldest and most established CBI program globally, recognized for reliability and transparency.
- Dual citizenship allowed, with flexible family inclusion options.
- Visa-free or visa-on-arrival access to 101 countries worldwide.
Vanuatu
The Vanuatu’s Citizenship by Investment program is one of the fastest CBI paths via a one-time contribution to a development fund, with citizenship often granted within 1 – 2 months.
Benefits:
- Extremely fast processing, among the fastest worldwide for a second passport.
- No residency or language requirements.
- Visa-free or visa-on-arrival access to 118 countries globally, providing good global mobility and flexibility.
- Simple application process, minimal bureaucratic burden, and a zero income tax system make it a favorite among investors.
Turkey
The Turkey’s Citizenship by Investment program grants citizenship through a minimum USD $400,000 real estate purchase or an equivalent capital investment, with applications typically processed in 3 – 6 months.
Benefits:
- Turkish passport allows visa-free travel access to 70 destinations, offering strategically useful global mobility.
- Dual citizenship is permitted, giving investors and families greater flexibility.
- Strategic location bridging Europe and Asia, appealing to investors seeking both lifestyle and business advantages.
- No residency or language requirement for approval.
Nauru
Nauru Economic and Climate Resilience Citizenship Program (NECRCP) or Nauru Citizenship by Investment is one of the more affordable and accessible second citizenship options. Investors can obtain citizenship through a one-time financial contribution to the Nauru Treasury Fund, with a minimum donation starting at USD $105,000 for a single applicant.
Benefits:
- No residency or visit requirement, so no need to relocate.
- Relatively fast processing, as citizenship can be granted within roughly 3 – 4 months.
- Family-friendly. Applications may include spouse, children, and dependent family members for adjusted donation amounts.
- Visa-free or visa-on-arrival access to 119 countries globally.
Easiest Countries to Get Residency by Investment
Portugal
Portugal’s Golden Visa remains one of the world’s most popular Residency by Investment destinations. This program is structured to provide a residence permit through qualifying investments in cultural or scientific projects, investment funds or job creation/business activity.
According to the Global Passport Index 2025, the Portuguese citizenship ranks 28th globally. Portugal also ranks high in the OECD Better Life Index for safety and work-life balance, making it one of Europe’s most practical destinations for long-term settlement and mobility.
Benefits:
- Citizenship eligibility after 10 years (seven for EU and CPLP nationals).
- Historically low physical presence requirements.
- Full EU mobility and visa-free access to 124 countries.
- Allows dual citizenship.
Malta
Malta’s Residency by Investment program offers a structured residency path that can lead to citizenship after around five years. Malta requires genuine residency and integration but remains one of the clearest and most reliable residence-to-citizenship pathways in Europe.
Benefits:
- English-speaking environment.
- Strong financial services sector.
- Access to a top-tier EU passport (visa-free travel to 128 countries).
Greece
Greece’s Residency by Investment (more commonly known as the Greece Golden Visa) program allows foreign nationals to obtain residency through real estate or strategic investments, with a path to citizenship after seven years of lawful residence.
Benefits:
- Schengen Area mobility.
- Ownership rights in Greek real estate.
- Access to a large and diverse property market.
- Visa-free travel to 125 countries.
Cyprus
Cyprus no longer offers a Citizenship by Investment program, but still maintains the easily accessible Cyprus Golden Visa route that provides a path to naturalization after long-term residence.
Benefits:
- A warm, low-tax Mediterranean base.
- EU residency.
- A predictable path to eventual citizenship (typically after 7+ years).
- Visa-free travel to 123 countries worldwide.
- Property ownership rights and high rental demand.
Easiest Countries to Get Citizenship by Descent
Italy
Italy offers citizenship by descent for individuals who can prove direct lineage to a parent or grandparent born in Italy. Applicants need to submit a complete chain of authenticated civil-status records (birth, marriage, etc.) with apostille and Italian translation. Italy ranks 1st globally as the most cultural influential country in the world and offers full EU freedom of movement, making Italian citizenship by descent a sought-after route for families with Italian heritage.
Benefits:
- Full EU mobility.
- No residency requirement.
- No language requirement for Citizenship by Descent cases.
- Travel without a visa to 121 countries.
Ireland
If you have an Irish-born parent or grandparent, you can register in the Foreign Births Register and acquire citizenship, no residence needed. The Irish passport ranks among the top 10 globally for travel freedom, making it especially popular among UK and US applicants. Ireland also consistently appears in the Top 15 countries in the World Happiness Report.
Benefits:
- Full EU mobility, including the right to live, work, and study across all EU/EEA countries.
- Access to an English-speaking, stable EU nation.
- No residency or language requirement for descent-based applicants.
- Visa-free travel to 124 countries.
Poland
Poland allows individuals with Polish ancestors to reclaim Polish nationality, provided the ancestor maintained citizenship and did not lose it under older nationality laws. The process typically takes 6 to 12 months, offering one of the fastest routes to EU nationality.
Polish citizens also gain access to a growing market that ranks first among Central European countries when it comes to economic competitiveness, according to the World Economic Forum Global Competitiveness Report.
Benefits:
- Full EU mobility and settlement rights.
- No residency requirement.
- Affordable, documentation-based process.
- Access to a rapidly growing EU economy.
- Visa-free travel to 120 countries globally.
Hungary
Hungary allows individuals with Hungarian ancestors to obtain citizenship, provided they can prove direct lineage, typically to a parent, grandparent, or great-grandparent, and demonstrate basic familiarity with the Hungarian language. No residency is required for Hungary citizenship by descent, and the process is generally straightforward for those with verifiable documentation.
Benefits:
- Full EU citizenship rights.
- Access to Hungary’s 15% flat income tax structure.
- Ability to live, work, and study anywhere in the EU.
- Strong passport (118 visa-free countries) and long-term benefits for future generations.
Easiest Countries to Get Citizenship by Naturalization
Argentina
Argentina offers citizenship through naturalization after only 2 years of legal residence, one of the shortest timelines globally.
Benefits:
- No renunciation of prior citizenship is required.
- Visa-free or visa-on-arrival access to 103 destinations.
- High quality of life supported by a 0.84 HDI score (UNDP 2024).
- Low cost of living compared to many Western countries, making long-term residence highly affordable.
Another similar pathway toward naturalization is through the Argentina Rentista Visa, which grants residency to those with stable passive income from abroad and requires no local job or investment. It offers a simple route from temporary residency to permanent residency and eventually citizenship.
Paraguay
Paraguay allows citizenship after 3 years of residency. Physical stay requirements are flexible, making it popular among retirees and remote workers.
Benefits:
- Low taxation and a stable economic environment.
- Considered one of the safest and most affordable countries in Latin America, with a cost of living 28% lower than Argentina.
- Visa-free or visa-on-arrival access to 88 countries, offering solid mobility within the region and beyond.
One of the easiest ways to kickstart the citizenship process in this South American country is via the Paraguay Independent Means Visa where you only need to demonstrate stable, verifiable passive income (USD $1,300/month is recommended) from abroad to qualify.
Uruguay
Uruguay offers citizenship after 3 years of legal residency for married applicants and 5 years for single applicants. The country ranks 48th globally in the Global Peace Index and is recognized as one of South America’s most progressive and stable democracies.
- Visa-free or visa-on-arrival access to 99 countries.
- Strong social protections and one of the highest GDP per capita in the region.
- Safe, democratic environment with high quality-of-life indicators.
Another straightforward residency pathway is through the Uruguay Independent Means Visa, which requires proof of at least USD $1,500/month in foreign income and can lead to citizenship.
Brazil
Brazil offers a clear path to citizenship after 4 years of permanent residence, provided applicants demonstrate basic Portuguese proficiency and integration. This timeline is reduced to 1 year for those married to a Brazilian citizen or with a Brazilian child.
Benefits:
- Dual citizenship permitted.
- Strong global influence with Brazil ranking 1st in Latin America for international reach.
- Visa-free or visa-on-arrival access to 108 countries, making it one of the strongest passports in South America.
Another fast alternative is the Brazil Investment Visa with which you can either make a real estate purchase or provide a capital injection into a Brazilian company to acquire residency and eventually citizenship.
How Can Global Citizen Solutions Help You?
Global Citizen Solutions is an advisory 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.
