Artur Saraiva
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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 |
Comparison of the Easiest Countries to Get Citizenship
| Country | Route to Citizenship | Processing Time | Residency Requirement | Dual Citizenship Allowed? | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Dominica | Citizenship by Investment | ~9 months | None | Yes | Speed and cost-effectiveness |
| Grenada | Citizenship by Investment | ~8 – 9 months | None | Yes | U.S. business access |
| Saint Kitts & Nevis | Citizenship by Investment | ~120 to 180 days | None | Yes | Fast-track approvals |
| Antigua & Barbuda | Citizenship by Investment | ~9 months | 5 days in 5 years | Yes | Families applying together |
| Saint Lucia | Citizenship by Investment | ~12 months | None | Yes | Quick second passport |
| Portugal | Golden Visa + Naturalization | ~5 to 6 years total | 7 days per year | Yes | EU mobility and lifestyle |
| Ireland | Citizenship by Descent | ~6 to 12 months | None if via ancestry | Yes | People with Irish heritage |
| Italy | Citizenship by Descent | ~1 to 2 years | None if via ancestry | Yes | Reconnecting with roots |
| Spain | Naturalization | ~2 to 10 years | Continuous residence | Yes | Those seeking EU citizenship |
| Argentina | Naturalization | ~1 year after 2 years | 2 years | Yes | Retirees and digital nomads |
| Canada | Naturalization | ~3 to 5 years total | 3 years within span of 5 years | Yes | Skilled professionals and families |
| Mexico | Naturalization / Marriage | ~2 to 5 years | 2 years (marriage) or 5 years (regular) | Yes | Retirees and remote workers |
| Malta | Citizenship by Naturalization for Exceptional Services | ~1 to 3 years (set to change) | 12 to 36 months (new requirements incoming) | Yes | High-net-worth investors seeking EU access |
| Turkey | Citizenship by Investment | ~1 year | None | Yes | Fast processing via property investment |
| Brazil | Naturalization | ~1 to 4 years | 4 years (reduced if married or with children) | Yes | Entrepreneurs and young families |
| Vanuatu | Citizenship by Investment | ~3 months | None | Yes | Fastest processing |
16 Easiest Countries to Get Citizenship In
1. Dominica
Best for speed and affordability.
The Dominica citizenship by investment program grants qualifying investors a Dominica passport in four months in exchange for a minimum investment amount of $200,000.
Due to the program’s affordable cost and requirements, it is considered one of the best country for citizenship by investment.
Investment Options
- Donate $200,000 to the Dominica Economic Diversification Fund
- Invest at least $200,000 in pre-approved real estate
2. Grenada
Best for access to the United States.
Grenada is a peaceful island offering one of the easiest and fastest Caribbean investment programs. The country also offers the benefit of dual citizenship.
The Grenada citizenship by investment program grants qualifying investors a Grenada passport in three to six months in exchange for an economic investment worth at least $235,000, making Grenada one of the top Caribbean nations with an easy citizenship process.
Investment Options
- Donate a minimum of $235,000 to the Grenada National Transformation Fund
- Invest at least $270,000 in pre-approved tourism accommodation
3. St Kitts and Nevis
Best for fast-track processing and broad visa-free travel.
The St. Kitts and Nevis citizenship by investment program has allowed investors and families to obtain a second passport through investment.
With no minimum stay requirements and a fast-track process of just 120 to 180 days, it is one of the easiest countries overall to gain citizenship.
Investment Options
- Donate at least $250,000 to the St Kitts and Nevis Sustainable Island State Contribution (investment increases for each additional dependant)
- Invest in government-approved real estate by buying property in joint ownership with a minimum value of $400,000, or invest at least $800,000 as a single applicant
- Make a non-refundable contribution of at least $250,000 to a Public Good Project
4. Antigua and Barbuda
Best for families with the lowest investment amount for a family of four.
Antigua and Barbuda citizenship by investment is one of the easiest ways to obtain dual citizenship. With a starting investment of $230,000, eligible applicants can secure dual citizenship and a passport in just 9 months.
This Caribbean country is an attractive option for foreign investors due to its favorable tax regime, including no capital gains tax, inheritance tax, or worldwide income tax. It also offers significant travel freedom with visa-free access to over 140 countries.
Investment Options
- Donate a minimum of $230,000 to the Antigua and Barbuda National Development Fund
- Purchase government-approved real estate (or shares) worth at least $300,000
- Make a donation of $260,000 or more to the Antigua and Barbuda University of the West Indies Fund
- Make a business investment, either a share of $400,000 in a business worth $5 million or a single business investment of $1.5 million.
5. St Lucia
Best for individuals seeking a straightforward second passport with strong visa-free travel.
The Caribbean island of St. Lucia offers one of the most affordable options for dual citizenship through its St. Lucia citizenship by investment program.
Individuals and their family members can obtain dual nationality and a passport within 12 months. A St. Lucia passport offers access to an idyllic lifestyle with tax benefits like no capital gains or inheritance taxes, and visa-free travel to nearly 150 countries, including the Schengen area.
Investment Options
- Donate at least $240,000 as a single applicant to the St Lucia National Economic Fund (the investment increases for every additional dependent).
- Make a minimum investment of $300,000 in either pre-approved, high-end branded hotels and resorts or boutique property.
- Make an enterprise investment of at least $3.5 million.
- Invest at least $300,000 in government funds.
Looking to become a Caribbean citizen? Check out our citizenship by investment comparison guide
This country is located in Southern Europe near Italy and a popular destination due to its culture, history, excellent healthcare, low crime, and economic opportunities.
The 
This little-known Oceanic country offers a favorable investment opportunity through its Explore your Golden Visa options and discover how residency by investment can open doors to a second 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.
Frequently Asked Questions about the Easiest Countries to Get Citizenship
What is the easiest country to get citizenship by investment?
Several Caribbean nations, such as Dominica, Saint Kitts and Nevis, and Antigua and Barbuda, are widely considered among the easiest countries to get citizenship by investment.
Which European country offers the fastest path to citizenship?
Portugal is frequently cited as one of the easiest European countries to get citizenship. After five years of residency through the Golden Visa program, you can apply for citizenship without needing to live there full time.
What is the easiest English-speaking country to get citizenship?
Ireland is often considered one of the easiest English-speaking countries to get citizenship if you have Irish ancestry, as you may qualify automatically through citizenship by descent.
What are the easiest countries to get citizenship through ancestry?
Ireland, Italy, Poland, and Hungary all have citizenship by descent laws that allow people with qualifying grandparents or great-grandparents to claim citizenship. If you can prove your lineage, this is often the fastest and most affordable way to obtain a second passport.
How long does it take to get citizenship in the easiest countries?
Timeframes vary:
- Caribbean citizenship by investment can be granted in 3 to 6 months.
- Portugal’s Golden Visa typically requires 5 years of residency before applying.
- Ancestry-based citizenship timelines depend on documentation but often take between 6 to 12 months.
What factors make a country easier for citizenship?
Factors for easy citizenship include:
- Clear, transparent laws and application processes
- Short residency or no residency requirements
- Citizenship by investment legislation
- Acceptance of dual citizenship
-
Minimal language or integration requirements
What is dual citizenship?
Dual citizenship means being a legal citizen of two countries at the same time. It allows you to hold two valid passports, enjoy the rights and obligations of both nations, and travel more freely.
What are the benefits of dual citizenship?
Benefits include visa-free travel to more destinations, the ability to live and work in either country, access to social services and education, and expanded business opportunities. Many people also pursue dual citizenship to preserve family heritage or improve their quality of life.
What are the disadvantages of dual citizenship?
Potential drawbacks are double taxation, mandatory military service obligations, complex paperwork, and potential restrictions on holding public office. Some countries may also require you to declare or limit your dual nationality status.
