Artur Saraiva
Getting second citizenship offers many benefits, including the opportunity to live and work in a foreign country, increased visa-free travel, access to better healthcare and education, and more.Obtain the Perfect Plan B and Future-Proof Your Wealth: Download our comprehensive guide and kick start your new journey!
5 Most Common Citizenship Types
Global Intelligence Unit’s “The Transformation of Citizenship” report has shown that individuals are increasingly acquiring citizenship through ancestry, investment and naturalization, rather than solely via birthright or family lineage. This shows that traditional notions of nationality are quickly 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 |
8 Easiest Countries to Get Citizenship by Investment
1. Malta
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.
Malta is one of the easiest European countries to gain EU citizenship through the Malta citizenship by investment program. Investors can gain citizenship and a passport within 12 to 36 months, depending on their chosen investment.
The Maltese passport is highly valued, offering the right to live, work, and study in Europe and visa-free travel to over 170 destinations, including the US, Canada, and the UK.
Investment Options
- A €600,000 or €750,000 contribution to the Malta National Development and Social Fund, depending on the residence period selected, 12 or 36 months
- €700,000 investment in residential real estate, or enter into a rental agreement at a minimum value of €16,000 per annum, which must be maintained for five years
- €10,000 donation to a registered philanthropic, cultural, sports, scientific, animal welfare, or artistic non-governmental organization (NGO) approved by the Community Malta Agency
2. Antigua and Barbuda
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 four to six 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.
3. Grenada
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
4. St Lucia
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 10 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.
5. St Kitts and Nevis
The St. Kitts and Nevis citizenship by investment program has allowed investors and families to obtain a second passport through investment. With no stay requirements and a fast-track process of just 12 months, 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
6. Dominica
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
7. Turkey
The Turkish Citizenship by Investment grants qualified foreign investors and their immediate families Turkey citizenship in exchange for a substantial investment in the nation’s economy.
Successful applicants who fulfil the minimum qualifying investment of $400,000 are granted Turkish citizenship in four months and enjoy visa-free travel across 128 countries worldwide.
Investment Options
- Purchase real estate worth at least $400,000 or invest the same in land acquisition
- Make a bank deposit of at least $500,000 into a Turkish bank account
- Contribute at least $500,000 to government bonds
- Make a minimum capital transfer of $500,000 into a real estate or venture capital investment fund share
- Create full-time jobs for at least fifty Turkish citizens through investing in or starting a business
8. Vanuatu
This little-known Oceanic country offers a favorable investment opportunity through its Vanuatu citizenship by investment program. For only $130,000, investors can gain full citizenship and a Vanuatuan passport.
Not only does this program have the lowest minimum investment cost, it also boasts a fast processing time of just 60 days.
Additionally, Vanuatu tax residents benefit from no personal income, wealth, or capital gains taxes.
Investment Option
- Non-refundable minimum contribution of $130,000 to the Vanuatu Development Support Program
Looking to become a Caribbean citizen? Check out our investment comparison guide
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The Get insight into how investors are choosing the best programs for growing wealth abroad: Global RCBI Report
4 Easiest Countries to Get Citizenship by Descent
1. Italy
Italian citizenship by descent allows individuals of Italian heritage to claim citizenship if they can prove an unbroken lineage to an Italian ancestor. There is no generational limit, but certain conditions apply, such as the ancestor must not have renounced their Italian citizenship before the next generation’s birth.
This pathway to Italy citizenship is available even if applicants have never lived in the country as long as they meet the documentation and eligibility requirements.
2. Poland
Poland is one of the easiest European countries to obtain citizenship by descent for a child born abroad. To obtain second citizenship, you must prove that you have at least one parent, grandparent, or great-grandparent born in Poland and who resided there after January 1920. Similar to Italy, this is only possible if the lineage has remained intact.
3. Finland
Finnish nationality law grants citizenship by descent to individuals with Finnish ancestors until the third generation. If you have a Finnish parent or grandparent, you can add Finnish citizenship to your current citizenship, provided your eligible relative received their citizenship by birthright.
4. Tunisia
Tunisian citizenship by descent law may not be as inclusive as Italian or Polish law but it does still extend one generation beyond parents. In most cases, individuals with a natural-born Tunisian mother, father, or grandfather receive Tunisian citizenship at birth.
More countries where you can apply for citizenship by descent
Ireland- United Kingdom
- Spain
- Portugal
- Romania
- Hungary
- Luxembourg
- Lithuania
- Latvia
- Germany
- Greece
- Armenia
Ireland3 Easiest Countries for the Income Visa Route to Citizenship
If you don’t have family ties or the funds for citizenship by investment, you can consider citizenship by naturalization through an income visa.
There are countries that offer residency programs for individuals with stable employment or who receive passive income.
1. Spain Non-Lucrative Visa
The Spain Non-Lucrative Visa allows non-EU citizens to reside in the country without needing to engage in paid work on the condition that they prove they have the sufficient financial means to support themselves.
Highlights:
- Requires a minimum foreign-earned income of €2,400 monthly or €28,800 per year
- Valid for one year and renewable twice for two years
- Eligible for permanent residency after five years
- Eligible for citizenship after ten years of continuous residency
2. Portugal D7 Visa
The Portugal D7 Visa is among the most popular income visas providing EU residency to financially independent people. Also known as the Portugal Retirement Visa, the D7 is specifically designed for individuals with sufficient passive income, such as a pension, real estate, and financial equity.
The Portugal D7 Visa offers an opportunity to obtain residency in Portugal through a foreign passive income. The minimal monthly earnings requirements and short naturalization period make Portugal one of the easiest European countries to obtain citizenship.
Highlights:
- Requires a minimum foreign-earned income of €870.00 monthly and a deposit of at least €10,440 in a Portuguese bank account
- Valid for two years and renewable for an additional three years
- Eligible for permanent residence or citizenship after five years
3. Italy Digital Nomad Visa
The Italy Digital Nomad Visa offers remote workers an exciting opportunity to live and work in one of Europe’s most culturally rich countries. This visa is designed specifically for professionals who work remotely for companies or clients outside Italy, allowing them to enjoy the Italian lifestyle while continuing their careers.
This visa is ideal for digital nomads looking for a balance of work and leisure, with access to Italy’s excellent infrastructure, stunning landscapes, and vibrant culture.
Highlights:
- Requires proof of remote work and a minimum monthly income of €2,066 (€24,789 per year)
- Proof of income increases to €34,087 per year if a spouse if included and you add €1,550 per year for every child
- The residence permit is valid for one year, with the option to renew
- Eligible for permanent residency after five years of continuous residence
- Eligible for citizenship after ten years of continuous residency
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 one of the easiest countries to gain citizenship in?
Vanuatu is the fastest country to obtain citizenship. The process can be completed in as little as two months.
It’s also worth noting that Argentina has a relatively fast process, where citizenship could be granted in as short as two years.
What are the easiest countries to get citizenship in Europe?
The easiest European country to obtain citizenship in is Malta, which grants successful applicants citizenship by naturalization in 12 to 36 months, depending on their investment sum.
Other easy European countries to immigrate to include Greece and Italy, although you must complete a stint of permanent residence to be eligible for citizenship.
What are some of the easiest countries to get citizenship as an American citizen?
St. Kitts and Nevis has been one of the easiest countries to obtain dual citizenship for Americans, as it has one of the longest established CBI programs and has affordable investment options.
Which country is the hardest to become a citizen?
Vatican City citizenship could be considered the hardest to obtain as it is not based on birth or descent but only granted to those who reside and work for the Vatican office.
Which countries offer citizenship with the least requirements?
If you have the means to invest, Vanuatu grants citizenship to investors in a mere 60 days, making its program the fastest of all.
If you can’t do citizenship by investment, Peru and Argentina are two other countries with the easiest and fastest citizenship routes as their minimum residency requirement is just two years.
What is the easiest European country for US citizens to immigrate to?
Malta is the easiest country to obtain citizenship in the EU, where foreign investors can gain citizenship by naturalization and an EU passport in as little as 12 months through the Malta CES program.
What is the easiest passport to get by ancestry?
Italy is widely considered the most accessible for ancestry-based citizenship, as there’s no generational limit. As long as you can prove your lineage and your ancestor didn’t renounce their Italian citizenship at any point.
What is the easiest citizenship to get by naturalization?
Argentina is one of the easiest. After just 2 years of legal residency (even without permanent residency status), you can apply for citizenship with no language or cultural exams.
How long does it take to get citizenship in the easiest countries?
Anywhere from 1 to 3 years, depending on the country and the citizenship route. For example, Argentina and Peru offer citizenship after just two years of residency.
Which countries offer citizenship without residency?
Vanuatu, Turkey, St Kitts and Nevis, and Antigua and Barbuda offer citizenship through investment programs without any residency requirements.
What are the easiest countries to get dual citizenship?
The following countries are some of the easiest to get dual citizenship:
- Switzerland: While Switzerland may not be the easiest dual citizenship to obtain, it certainly is one of the best.
- United States: For those who want to keep their roots in their home country while chasing the American dream, dual citizenship is the perfect tool.
- Singapore: An individual can obtain citizenship after holding permanent residency for two years.
- Portugal: For those who want dual citizenship in a country with the ideal relaxing lifestyle, Portugal is the place. The popular Portugal Golden Visa program offers a smooth process from residency to citizenship.
- Italy: If an individual is looking for an inexpensive dual citizenship or second passport, Italy offers citizenship to those whose ancestors were born in the country.
- Ireland: Ireland is often lauded as one of the easiest countries in which to gain a dual citizenship.
What are the easiest countries to get citizenship by investment?
Vanuatu, Dominica, St Kitts and Nevis, and Antigua and Barbuda are top picks.
They offer relatively fast processing times (2 to 6 months) and don’t require you to be physically present in the country.
What are the easiest countries to get citizenship for UK citizens?
Ireland and Malta are popular among Brits for ancestry and citizenship by investment programs.
Spain and Portugal also offer favorable conditions for retirees and long-term residents.
What countries give citizenship through marriage easily?
Brazil, Colombia, and France allow spouses to apply after 1 to 2 years of marriage (with or without residency), making them attractive for binational couples.
What is the cheapest country to get citizenship in?
Dominica’s Citizenship by Investment program is one of the cheapest, starting at $100,000 for a single applicant with no residency requirement.
What is the easiest countries to get citizenship by descent?
The following are the countries where you can get the easiest citizenship by descent:
- Italy: Italian citizenship by descent means you may be eligible for citizenship if you have an ancestor who was a citizen of Italy on March 17th, 1861 or was born in the country after that.
- Poland: Poland citizenship by descent requires you to have an ancestor born in the country post-1900.
- Hungary: According to the Hungary citizenship by descent, you may be eligible if you have an ancestor born in the country prior to 1920 or between 1941 and 1945. Furthermore, the law also covers areas that used to be a part of Hungary but are now countries like Romania and Slovakia.
