If you are seeking a second passport, the most efficient and fastest way is by applying through a citizenship by investment program, a citizenship route many governments worldwide embrace. These schemes offer a unique opportunity to broaden your horizons thanks to the dual citizenship and additional passport they provide. Nevertheless, other ways exist to acquire a second citizenship and add to your passport portfolio. This article will take you through the easiest countries to get citizenship.
Ways to Acquire Citizenship
Citizenship by Birthright
Citizenship by Descent
Citizenship by Naturalization
Citizenship by Marriage
Citizenship by Investment
Citizenship by birthright
If you are born in certain countries, you may automatically obtain citizenship at birth regardless of your parents’ citizenship. This is commonly known as jus soli (right of soil), which grants individuals citizenship based on their place of birth. For example, if you are born in the US to foreign parents, you’ll immediately acquire US citizenship at birth, or dual citizenship, depending on your parents’ nationalities.
Citizenship by descent
An alternative approach to birthright citizenship is the application of jus sanguinis (right of blood). This determines citizenship through a connection to blood relatives in the parental line. If at least one of your parents or grandparents is a citizen of certain nations, you may be eligible to claim citizenship by descent. You can obtain citizenship by ancestry on the condition that you prove the lineage.
Citizenship by naturalization
Citizenship by naturalization is the most common form of citizenship for foreign nationals without family ties to the country. This generally involves meeting a particular set of government edibility criteria: A minimum residency period, the ability to speak the national language and knowledge of the nation’s history and customs. Other countries may also implement a points system or require applicants to recite the national anthem.
Citizenship by marriage
In many countries, marriage to a national is recognized as a pathway to acquiring citizenship. This route typically falls under the category of citizenship by naturalization, and the requirements are often more lenient, such as a reduced minimum residency period and the dispensation of speaking the national language. Their partner must be a citizen of that nation for their application to be considered.
Citizenship by investment
Many countries offer citizenship in exchange for a significant financial contribution to their economy. The investment threshold varies across every nation, depending on the investment type and the number of applicants.
Route
Base
Stay Requirement
Language & Culture Test
Descent
Blood relation in the parental line
No
Depending on the nation
Naturalization
Maintaining residency in the nation for a specific period
Yes
Yes
Marriage
Registered marriage
Yes
Depending on the nation
Investments
Financial Investments or Contributions
Depending on the nation
Depending on the nation
The Easiest Path to Second Citizenship – Citizenship by Investment Programs
Citizenship by investment (CBI) programs are citizenship programs that grant qualifying individuals and their families citizenship of a specific nation in exchange for a financial investment in its economy. When comparing CBI programs, the most popular ones are Europe and Caribbean investment programs. These schemes are available at different investment thresholds, offering various advantages and multiple investment opportunities.
The list of countries Global Citizen Solutions assists with citizenship by investment programs:
The Benefits of Citizenship by Investment Programs
Multiple passports granting you visa-free access across the world
Diverse investment routes to diversify your assets and portfolio
Permanent residency and citizenship in stable and beautiful countries
Tax benefits and incentives, with some countries offering zero tax on worldwide and personal income
The entire family is eligible
Plan 'B' in times of uncertainty
The Easiest EU Country to Get Citizenship
Malta
Malta is one of the easiest European countries to acquire EU citizenship. The captivating archipelago is situated in southern Europe, close to Italy, and is a renowned tourist destination for its rich culture and history. Malta has emerged as one of the top locations for investors who seek citizenship and a second passport, namely due to its top-tier healthcare system, political stability, low crime rate, low cost of living, and high economic potential.
The island nation is an important business center and a global leader in fin-tech, making its citizenship program one of the most rewarding for investors seeking a foothold in the European market and European Union citizenship.
Foreign investors interested in becoming a naturalized citizen and acquiring a European passport may apply for the Malta citizenship by naturalization scheme – otherwise more accurately referred to as the Granting of Citizenship for Exceptional Services Regulations (CES). The citizenship program grants successful applicants Malta citizenship and a Maltese passport in 12 to 36 months, depending on their minimum investment.
Malta’s passport is considered one of the strongest passports to obtain citizenship in the EU. It provides its holders with the right to live, work, and study in Europe as well as visa-free travel to over 170 destinations, including the US, Canada, and the UK.
General requirements for obtaining Maltese citizenship
To be eligible for the Malta CES program, you must:
Be over the age of 18
Have a clear criminal record
Meet the minimum investment threshold
Pass the “fit and proper test”
Have good health and be covered by an international insurance policy
Provide biometric data
The Malta CES program’s financial requirements
The following investment criteria must be fulfilled to qualify for EU citizenship in Malta:
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, sport, scientific, animal welfare, or artistic non-governmental approved organization or society
The Easiest Countries to Get Dual Citizenship by Investment
Antigua and Barbuda
The Antigua and Barbuda citizenship by investment program grants qualifying individuals citizenship rights and an Antigua and Barbuda passport in three to six months in exchange for the minimum investment amount of $100,000. Due to the program’s efficient and rapid process, an Antigua and Barbuda passport is considered one of the easiest passports to get through citizenship by investment. The passport of this Caribbean country provides its holders visa-free travel to over 140 nations worldwide.
General requirements for obtaining Antigua and Barbuda citizenship
Be over the age of 18
Have an outstanding character
Have a clear criminal background
Have excellent health
Be able to make a qualifying investment
Residence requirement of five days in Antigua and Barbuda within five calendar years of registering as a citizen
Be willing to take the Oath of Allegiance in Antigua and Barbuda itself or any Embassy, High Commission, or Consulate of Antigua and Barbuda
The Antigua and Barbuda Citizenship by Investment program’s financial requirements
The applicant can choose one of these investment options:
Make a business investment, either a share of $400,000 in a business worth $5 million, or make a single investment of $1.5 million
Grenada
Known as the ‘Spice of the Caribbean,’ Grenada is a peaceful island offering one of the fastest Caribbean investment programs. 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 $150,000 – this makes Grenada one of the top Caribbean nations with an easy citizenship process.
General requirements for obtaining Grenada citizenship
Be over the age of 18
Have an outstanding character
Have good health
Have a clear criminal record
Pass a detailed background check
Provide proof of the legality of the source of your funds
The Grenada CBI program’s financial requirements
Investors can obtain citizenship of Grenada and a second passport by choosing one of two investments:
Invest at least $220,000 in pre-approved tourism accommodation
St. Lucia
The paradisiac Caribbean island of St. Lucia offers one of the cheapest routes to a second passport via its St Lucia citizenship by investment program. For a minimum investment of $100,000, qualifying foreign individuals and their immediate family members can obtain dual citizenship and a St Lucia passport in three months.
Those who successfully apply and acquire a Caribbean passport from St. Lucia benefit from an idyllic lifestyle, a handful of tax concessions, such as no capital gains, inheritance, or dividends taxes, and visa-free travel to almost 150 countries worldwide, including the Schengen countries.
General requirements for obtaining St. Lucia citizenship
Be over the age of 18
Make the required investment and provide detailed information, including evidence of the respective investment
Have an outstanding character
Have excellent health
Have a clear criminal record
Pass a thorough background check
Pay the required non-refundable processing fee, due diligence fee, and other administrative fees upon application
St. Lucia’s citizenship by investment program financial requirements
Investors can choose between four investment options:
Donate at least $100,000 to the St. Lucia National Economic Fund
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 $500,000 in government funds
St. Kitts and Nevis
Elegant and private, St. Kitts and Nevis offers a luxury life and a handful of tax advantages in its stunning Caribbean dual islands. Launched in 1984, the St. Kitts and Nevis citizenship by investment program offers outstanding individuals and their families the opportunity to get a St. Kitts and Nevis passport in exchange for an investment worth at least $150,000. With no stay requirements and a fast-track immigration process of two months through the Accelerated Application Process (AAP), St Kitts and Nevis is considered one of the easiest countries to get citizenship.
General requirements for obtaining St. Kitts and Nevis citizenship
Be over the age of 18
Undergo a criminal background check
Prove your outstanding character through bank statements and employer references
Make the qualifying investment
St. Kitts and Nevis’ citizenship by investment program financial requirements
Investors can choose one of the following options:
Invest in pre-approved real estate by buying property in joint ownership with a minimum value of $200,000, or invest at least $400,000 as a single applicant
Make a non-refundable contribution of at least $175,000 to a Public Good Project
Invest at least US$200,000 in pre-approved real estate
Turkey
The Turkish citizenship by investment program was launched in 2017 and has since granted qualifying foreign investors and their immediate families citizenship in Turkey in exchange for a substantial investment in the nation’s economy. Successful applicants who fulfill the minimum qualifying investment of $400,000 are granted Turkish citizenship in four months and enjoy visa-free travel across 128 countries worldwide.
General requirements for obtaining Turkish citizenship
Be over the age of 18
Have an outstanding character
Have a clean criminal background
Have adequate health insurance
Have never overstayed illegally in Turkey
Not be a citizen of a black-listed country
Turkish CBI program’s financial requirements
Investors can choose between five investments:
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
Vanuatu
Many would consider Vanuatu a peripheral nation, but the country has helped many foreign nationals fulfill their investment and citizenship goals. Investors can gain full citizenship rights and the country’s passport with an investment of just $130,000. Furthermore, applications are processed in 60 days, making it the fastest program for citizenship available. In addition to its fast-tracked citizenship, a Vanuatu tax resident benefits significantly, with no personal income, wealth, or capital gains taxes.
General requirements for obtaining Vanuatu citizenship
Be over the age of 18 and under 65
Have a clean criminal background
Have adequate health insurance
Have equivalent to or exceeding $250,000 in your bank account
Not be a citizen of a black-listed country
Vanuatu CBI program’s financial requirements
Vanuatu offers one investment route:
Make a minimum non-refundable contribution of $130,000 to the Vanuatu Development Support Program
The Easiest Countries in the EU to Get Citizenship through Residency by Investment Programs
Many EU countries grant qualifying individuals temporary and permanent residence permits in exchange for an investment in their economies. Some of the easiest European countries to get citizenship through a residence permit are:
Portugal
Malta
Spain
Netherlands
Poland
Belgium
Ireland
Sweden
Each residency permit can be renewed for a certain number of years and can qualify individuals for citizenship by naturalization after a set period.
Portugal
Portugal’s Golden Visa program is a two-year residency by investment scheme that provides non-EU/EEA investors and their families with a residency permit card in the nation in exchange for a minimum qualifying investment in its economy. While the program has multiple investment routes, individuals often choose the real estate investment for a qualifying amount of €280,000.
Portugal Golden Visa holders may live in Portugal or maintain residency in their home country. To preserve their residency visa, they must visit the country for seven days yearly. It is important to note that a Portuguese language test is applicable, and individuals must show basic language proficiency to obtain dual nationality and a second passport.
General requirements for obtaining Portuguese citizenship
Maintain your investment in Portugal for five years
Abide by the minimum stay requirements of seven days per year
Hold a clean criminal record
Demonstrate proof of having no outstanding tax payments in Portugal
Demonstrate evidence of a basic understanding of the Portuguese language and culture
Please be aware that the Portuguese government is presently in talks regarding the possible exclusion of real estate investment and other amendments to its Golden Visa program.
Spain
Spain’s Golden Visa grants non-EU/EEA investors and their families renewable residence permits in exchange for a significant financial contribution to the Spanish economy. To qualify for the program, applicants must invest at least €500,000 and maintain that investment for at least five years.
You’ll be eligible to become a Spanish permanent resident after five continuous years of residency; After an additional five years of uninterrupted residence, you can apply for Spanish citizenship and an EU passport. This is on the condition that you have physically lived in the nation for at least six months out of every year during that time.
General requirements for obtaining Spanish nationality
Hold a clean criminal record
Reside in Spain for at least 183 days every year for ten years
Maintain your investment in Spain
Demonstrate proof of having no outstanding tax payments in Spain
Demonstrate evidence of a basic understanding of the Spanish language and culture
It’s worth noting that citizens of former Spanish colonies can be eligible to obtain EU citizenship in Spain after two years of continuous residency.
Cyprus
Cyprus’ Golden Visa program provides an expedited route to European residency. It grants non-EU/EEA investors and their immediate family members residency rights three months after lodging their Golden Visa application. The only condition is that they meet the program’s eligibility criteria and invest at least €300,000 in the nation’s economy.
General requirements for obtaining Cypriot citizenship
Hold a clean criminal record
Maintain your investment and residency in Cyprus for at least seven years
Abide by the stay requirements and visit Cyprus once every two years
If you’d prefer to opt for indefinite residency, Cyprus is one the easiest country to get permanent residency in Europe without investment. It requires maintaining a valid residence permit for five years, after which you can apply for permanent residency.
Curaçao
The Curaçao Investor Permit Program has provided foreign nationals and their families with residency rights that ultimately pave the way for citizenship, contingent upon an investment of at least $280,000 in the country. A notable advantage of this program is its ability to serve as a route to European citizenship, given that Curaçao is an island in the Dutch Caribbean.
Holders of the Curaçao temporary immigrant visa are permitted to reside both in Curaçao and the Netherlands. The program also includes the requirement to live in both nations if they wish to acquire Dutch citizenship after five years of maintaining their investment.
General requirements for obtaining Dutch citizenship
Hold a clean criminal record
Maintain your investment in Curaçao for at least five years
Demonstrate proof of having no outstanding tax payments in Curaçao or the Netherlands
Abide by the stay requirements in Curaçao and the Netherlands. You must live in Curaçao for four months out of every year and in the Netherlands for five months out of every year for at least five years–totaling nine months of residency annually across both nations.
The Easiest Countries to Get Citizenship by Descent
If you are looking for the easiest passport to get without investment, your only options are citizenship by descent and naturalization. Several nations grant citizenship by descent to foreign individuals who can prove they have an ancestral lineage of the nation. For example, suppose one of your parents or grandparents is a citizen of a particular country, and you have their birth certificates to prove it; you could apply for citizenship in that respective nation through descent.
Italy
Italy is one of the easiest countries to get citizenship by descent. You must demonstrate proof of your Italian heritage to succeed in your application for an Italian passport. You can prove this by showing your birth certificate and that of your parent or grandparent. You can also use other legal documentation to verify the connection, such as marriage or divorce certificates and death certificates; the only conditions are;
Your ancestors who acquired citizenship by naturalization must have done so before 14 June 1912
The lineage has not been broken, i.e., your ancestor did not revoke their citizenship or acquire second citizenship before their child was born
Poland
Poland also has easy citizenship by descent requirements for a child born abroad. You must prove that you have at least one parent, grandparent, or great-grandparent born in Poland and who resided there after January 1920.
Similarly to Italy, the lineage must have been intact.
Other countries where you can apply for citizenship by descent
Ireland
The United Kingdom
Spain
Portugal
Romania
Hungary
Luxembourg
Lithuania
Latvia
Germany
Greece
Armenia
Countries with the Fastest Citizenship By Naturalization
Depending on the nation and circumstances, individuals may have to wait a certain period before becoming eligible for an application for citizenship by naturalization. The wait can be as short as two years for some nations and ten years for others. Nevertheless, many countries offer shorter residency requirement timeframes for particular groups–including adopted children, spouses, refugees, etc.
Two-year residence requirement
The following countries have a two-year residence requirement before a citizenship application:
Peru
Argentina
The Dominican Republic
Three-year residence requirement
The following countries have a three-year residence requirement before a citizenship application:
Poland
Armenia
Paraguay
Serbia
Canada
Four-year residence requirement
The following countries have a four-year residence requirement before a citizenship application:
Ethiopia
Australia
Five-year residence requirement
The following countries have a five-year residence requirement before a citizenship application:
Ireland
Belgium
Barbados
The Income Visa Route to Citizenship
If you do not have any familial connections or the financial resources to pursue citizenship by investment, an alternative pathway to acquire citizenship by naturalization and a second passport is through an income visa.
A few countries have introduced immigration programs that grant residency to individuals with employment or passive incomes through investments or retirement pensions from abroad. By meeting specific income criteria, individuals can secure renewable residency visas in these countries and eventually become eligible for citizenship through naturalization.
Spain Non-lucrative Visa
The Spain Non-lucrative Visa is an income visa designed for foreigners who can demonstrate an income of at least 400 percent of the monthly IPREM (Indicador Público de Renta de Efectos Múltiples), as determined by the Spanish government yearly. The IPREM for 2023 stands at €600.
Key points:
Requires a minimum foreign-earned income of €2,400 monthly or €28,800 in savings
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
Portugal D7 Visa
The Portugal D7 Visa is among the most popular income visas providing EU residency to financially independent people. Specifically designed for individuals with sufficient passive income, such as a pension, real estate, and financial equity, this program offers an opportunity to obtain residency in Portugal with minimal monthly earnings requirements.
Key points:
Requires a minimum foreign-earned income of €760 monthly and a deposit of at least €18,240 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
Italy Elective Residence Visa
Remote workers and retirees can now live in Italy by obtaining an Italy Elective Residence Visa. Multiple sources of income are considered for this residence permit, and there are no monthly income requirements to fulfill, provided yearly earnings reach the program’s income threshold.
Key points:
Requires minimum yearly earnings of €31,000 from overseas sources
Valid for one or two years and renewable indefinitely
Eligible for permanent residency after five years
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 countries are easiest to get citizenship?
St Lucia and Dominica are some of the easiest countries to get citizenship by investment due to their affordable prices and fast-track application processing.
What is the easiest EU country to get citizenship?
The easiest English-speaking country to get citizenship in Europe is Malta, which grants successful applicants Maltese citizenship by naturalization in 12 to 36 months, depending on their investment sum. Some of the easiest European countries to immigrate to include Greece and Italy, although you must complete a stint of permanent residency to be eligible for citizenship.
What is the easiest country for an American to get dual citizenship?
Caribbean countries are among the easiest countries to get citizenship as an American. They offer affordable investment options for Americans seeking dual citizenship in a few months.
How much does a citizenship by investment program cost?
The investment requirements for citizenship by investment countries vary. Caribbean countries have some of the cheapest citizenship by investment programs starting at $100,000, while European countries have some of the most expensive investment requirements for CBI schemes.
What is the fastest EU citizenship by residence?
Poland offers the fastest EU citizenship by residence with a minimum residency period of three years to be naturalized.
Which country has the shortest citizenship requirements?
The shortest citizenship requirements of a country depend on the method of obtaining citizenship. With a minimal residency requirement of just two years, Peru and Argentina offer a swift naturalization process for those seeking citizenship. Suppose you have the means to acquire citizenship by investment; Vanuatu grants citizenship to investors of its citizenship program in 60 days, and St. Kitts and Nevis offers an Accelerated Application Process (AAP), processing citizenship applications within 60 days.
Which EU country is easiest to immigrate to?
The easiest EU country to immigrate to is Malta, where foreign investors can gain citizenship by naturalization and an EU passport in as little as 12 months through the Malta Citizenship by Naturalization for Exceptional Services by Direct Investment program (CES).
