More people than ever are searching for alternative citizenship as well as exploring which are the easiest countries to get citizenship. It doesn’t matter if your goal is simply to gain a second passport for visa-free travel, or access better healthcare and education, or secure a Plan B for your family’s future, certain countries make the process surprisingly straightforward.
From easy citizenship countries that grant nationality through ancestry or marriage to Citizenship by Investment programs with fast-track processing, there are now multiple pathways to becoming a dual citizen in record time. Countries such as Portugal, Ireland, Argentina, and Dominica stand out for their simplified citizenship requirements, short residency periods, and favorable dual citizenship policies.
In this guide, we break down the easiest places to get citizenship in 2026, covering the most accessible programs in Europe, the Caribbean, and beyond. You’ll discover the easiest EU countries to get citizenship, how to qualify by descent, marriage, or investment, and where to find the easiest passports to get for increased global mobility and long-term personal and financial security.
- The 5 Easiest Ways to Get Citizenship
- Quick Overview: Easiest Countries to Get Citizenship
- Easiest Countries to Get Citizenship by Investment
- Easiest Countries to Get Residency by Investment
- Easiest Countries to Get Citizenship by Descent
- Easiest Countries to Get Citizenship by Naturalization
- Frequently Asked Questions
The 5 Easiest Ways to Get Citizenship
When people search for the easiest countries to get citizenship in, they’re actually looking for the easiest pathways. These are the legal routes that allow you to turn a residence permit or family link into a second passport.
Broadly, there are five main ways to do this:
01/ Citizenship by Investment (CBI)
Best for: Investors, entrepreneurs, and families who want the fastest way to a second passport.
Citizenship by Investment grants citizenship in exchange for a qualifying financial investment, typically through one of the following ways:
- A non-refundable donation to a government or national economic fund.
- An approved real estate investment.
- Government bonds or securities.
- Business or enterprise investment.
Well-known CBI programs in the Caribbean and Vanuatu can approve applications in a few months, with no residence or language requirement and a clear, transparent due diligence process.
For many investors, these are the easiest passports to get because the rules, minimum investment amounts, and processing time are clearly defined from the start.
02/ Residency by Investment (Golden Visas)
Best for: Those who want to live in a country first and then become naturalized.
Residency by Investment (RBI) or Golden Visa schemes grant a residence permit in exchange for investments in:
- Real estate or investment funds.
- Job-creating businesses.
- Cultural, research, or national development projects.
Golden Visa countries allow investors to secure long-term residency with flexible physical presence rules, then apply for Citizenship by Naturalization after several years. While this route is slower than pure CBI, it combines:
- A realistic path to permanent residency and citizenship.
- Access to EU mobility rights (in Europe).
- The ability to build real ties, using property, business, and education, in the country.
Golden Visas are among the easiest ways to get citizenship if you’re willing to commit a few years rather than to buy a passport.
03/ Citizenship by Naturalization (residency route)
Best for: Expats, retirees, digital nomads, and long-term residents.
Citizenship by Naturalization is the standard route worldwide. This is when you move to a country, obtain legal residence, and after a set number of years, you can apply for citizenship. Some countries with naturalization become the easiest citizenship countries because they offer:
- Short naturalization timelines (often 2 to 5 years instead of 8 to 10+ years).
- Flexible residency requirements (low physical presence).
- Simple language proficiency or citizenship test requirements.
Examples include several Latin American countries and a handful of European states that allow foreign residents to become citizens relatively quickly.
For people who genuinely want to live abroad, this is often the easiest citizenship to get in the long run, as there is no big lump-sum investment. Just time, integration, and clean documentation.
04/ Citizenship by Descent (jus sanguinis)
Best for: People with parents, grandparents, or great-grandparents from another country.
Citizenship by Descent lets you claim a second nationality based on your family tree. Countries like Italy, Ireland, Poland, and Hungary have popular descent programs that may allow you to become a citizen if:
- At least one ancestor was a citizen at the time of their child’s birth, and
- The line of citizenship was never formally broken or renounced.
In many cases, there is no residency requirement, no language test, and no minimum investment. You just have to prove lineage through birth, marriage, and other official documents.
For people with the right ancestry, this is often the easiest route of all, and it can open the door to powerful EU passports and long-term mobility rights.
05/ Citizenship by Birth (jus soli) or Citizenship by Marriage
Best for: Families and couples with strong ties to a specific country.
Two additional routes don’t apply to everyone but are worth mentioning:
- Citizenship by Birth: In classic jus soli countries, children born on the territory automatically acquire citizenship, regardless of their parents’ nationality at the time of the birth. This is common in the Americas (for example, the US, Canada, and Brazil) and can be a simple way for the next generation to secure a strong passport.
- Citizenship by Marriage: Many countries allow foreign spouses to naturalize on shorter timelines or with lighter residency requirements than standard applicants, provided the marriage is genuine and long-term.
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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 | 5 years | 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’s Citizenship by Investment program is one of the most affordable and reputable in the world. All it requires is a USD $100,000 donation to the Economic Diversification Fund or an investment in approved real estate, with processing typically completed in 3 – 4 months.
Benefits:
- Fast, affordable citizenship with no residency or language requirements.
- Strong due diligence standards for investor credibility.
- Visa-free or visa-on-arrival access to around 88 destinations worldwide, including the Schengen Area and the UK.
- Family-friendly program with flexible inclusion options.
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 5 years (subject to change).
- 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 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.
