Top 16 Easiest Countries to Get Citizenship in 2025

Not only does second citizenship come with a passport for expanded visa-free travel but also the freedom to live and work abroad, entry into improved healthcare and education systems, and access to a fallback plan.

Today, a growing number of countries make it relatively straightforward to acquire citizenship, whether it be through investment, ancestry, marriage, or naturalization. Some nations even offer some of the easiest citizenships to get, with clear requirements and faster processing times.

In this guide, you’ll discover 16 of the easiest countries to get citizenship in and learn how to qualify for them through different pathways:

• 5 Most Common Citizenship Types
• At a Glance: Comparison of the Easiest Countries to Get Citizenship
• 16 Easiest Countries to Get Citizenship In
• Frequently Asked Questions

6. Portugal

Best for EU mobility and lifestyle.

Portugal’s Golden Visa program offers non-EU/EEA investors and their families a renewable residence permit in exchange for a minimum investment of €250,000.

To obtain dual nationality or a plan B passport in Portugal, applicants must pass a basic language test.

With a short five-year residency requirement, Portugal is considered one of the easiest EU countries for citizenship when you go the residency by investment route.

7. Ireland

Best for those with Irish heritage.

Ireland’s citizenship by descent program allows individuals with an Irish-born parent or grandparent to claim Irish nationality without residing in the country.

Applicants simply need to register their birth in the Foreign Births Register and provide documented proof of ancestry.

With no residency requirement and a straightforward process, Ireland is considered one of the easiest EU countries to get citizenship through ancestry.

8. Italy

Best for reconnecting with European roots.

Italy’s citizenship by descent program enables individuals with Italian ancestry to reclaim citizenship, often going back several generations.
Applicants must prove an unbroken line of citizenship and provide birth and marriage records from their Italian ancestors.
With no residency requirement for descent-based claims, Italy is regarded as one of the easiest European countries to get citizenship if you have Italian heritage.

9. Spain

Best for citizens from former Spanish colonies who can naturalize in just two years.

Spain offers a 2-year reduced residency pathway to citizenship for Latin American nationals, along with those from Andorra, the Philippines, Equatorial Guinea, Portugal, and those of Sephardic origin.

Eligible applicants can apply after just two years of legal residency and must demonstrate integration and basic Spanish language skills.

For qualifying nationals, Spain is considered one of the fastest European countries to gain citizenship through naturalization.

10. Argentina

Best for those with passive income.

Argentina is one of the safest South American countries with welcoming locals, stunning natural landscapes and a passionate culture.

The country offers an accessible path to citizenship through naturalization after just two years of legal residency in the country. Applicants must simply show proof of stable income or employment and demonstrate they have made an effort to integrate into Argentine society.

With no strict language tests and a relatively short timeline, Argentina is considered one of the easiest places to get citizenship by residency.

11. Canada

Best for families seeking long-term stability and quality of life.

Canada provides several immigration pathways, including the Canada startup visa, skilled worker programs, family sponsorship, and permanent residency options leading to citizenship.

To naturalize, applicants must reside in Canada for three years within a five-year period and pass a citizenship test.

With breathtaking natural landscapes and a reputation for welcoming newcomers, Canada is seen as one of the easiest and best English-speaking countries to get citizenship over time.

12. Mexico

Best for retirees and remote workers.

Mexico grants citizenship through naturalization after five years of residency or just two years if married to a Mexican national.

Applicants must demonstrate basic Spanish language skills and knowledge of Mexican history and culture.

Famous for its warm climate, rich traditions, and relaxed lifestyle, Mexico is regarded as one of the most straightforward countries to gain citizenship in Latin America.

13. Malta

Best for EU access via investment.

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.

Please note that the program is currently under review and may be subject to some changes.

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

14. Turkey

Best for those seeking fast processing with property ownership.

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 around a year 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

15. Brazil

Best for entrepreneurs.

Brazil allows foreigners to apply for citizenship after four years of permanent residency, which can be reduced to just one year if married to a Brazilian citizen or with Brazilian children.

Applicants must show basic Portuguese language skills and demonstrate ties to the country.

From lively festivals like the famous Rio Carnival to beautiful beaches and a welcoming atmosphere, Brazil is considered one of the easiest countries to get citizenship in South America.

16. Vanuatu

Best for investors seeking fast second citizenship.

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 3 months.

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