A second passport offers many benefits, like living, working, and traveling in different countries. Therefore, obtaining dual citizenship can be a way to enjoy rights in two countries, better healthcare, job opportunities, or travel.
Tthere are a few simple ways to get dual citizenship, including by descent, marriage, or investment programs in countries like Malta, Antigua, and Barbuda.
This guide will take you through the easiest countries to get citizenship and everything you need to know about obtaining an additional passport, including:
- The types of citizenships
- Easiest Countries To Get Citizenship by Investment
- The Fastest Citizenship Programs in the Word
- The Easiest Countries To Get Citizenship: Residency by Investment Route
- Easiest Countries to Get Citizenship by Descent
- Easiest Countries with Fastest Citizenship by Naturalization
- The Income Visa Route to Citizenship
Types of Citizenship
Different types of citizenship can be obtained, but each country has its own set of rules and requirements for individuals seeking to become citizens.
By birthright
By birthrightIf you are born in certain countries, you may automatically obtain birthright citizenship 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. However, children born to diplomats or other recognized government employees generally don’t have the right to citizenship or a country’s passport.
Through descent
Through descentJus sanguinis, or the “right of blood,” grants citizenship through parental or grandparental lineage. If at least one parent or grandparent is a citizen of a specific country, you may qualify for citizenship by descent by proving your ancestry. For example, Hungary’s nationality law follows jus sanguinis. If your mother or father is Hungarian, you are automatically a Hungarian citizen. This right may also extend to those with Hungarian grandparents.
By naturalization
By naturalizationCitizenship by naturalization is common for foreigners without family ties to a country. It usually requires a permanent residence visa and meeting a minimum residency period. Applicants may need to speak the language and know the country’s history and customs. Some nations use a points system or require reciting the national anthem. Peru offers an easy option with a two-year naturalization period.
Citizenship through marriage
Citizenship through marriageCitizenship by marriage is a common path to a passport, with simpler requirements like shorter residency and no language tests. Applicants must have a citizen spouse. For example, Spain allows spouses to apply after one year, while Cape Verde grants citizenship immediately to spouses of its citizens.
Citizenship by investment
Citizenship by investmentMany countries offer citizenship in exchange for a significant financial contribution to their economy. The investment threshold varies across citizenship by investment countries, depending on the investment type and the number of applicants.
Different paths to citizenship comparison
Route | Base | Stay | Language & |
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 | Depending on the nation | Depending on the nation |
Investments | Financial Investments or Contributions | Depending on the nation | Depending on the nation |
Easiest Countries To Get Citizenship by Investment
Malta
Malta is one of the easiest European countries to gain EU citizenship. Located in Southern Europe near Italy, it is a popular destination known for its culture, history, excellent healthcare, low crime, and economic opportunities.
Through Malta citizenship by investment, investors can gain citizenship and a passport within 12 to 36 months, depending on their 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.
General requirements
To be eligible for the Malta CES program, you must:
- Be over the age of 18
- Have a clear criminal record
- Meet the investment requirement.
- Pass the “fit and proper test.”
- Have good health and be covered by an international health insurance policy
- Provide biometric data
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 Antigua and Barbuda citizenship by investment
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 citizenship and a passport in just four to six months.
This program is known for its quick and efficient process, making the Antigua and Barbuda passport a sought-after option.
It offers visa-free access to over 140 countries, providing significant travel freedom and making it an attractive choice for global investors.
General requirements
- 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
Financial requirements
The applicant can choose one of these 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.
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 $235,000, making Grenada one of the top Caribbean nations with an easy citizenship process.
General requirements
- 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
Financial requirements
Investors can obtain citizenship of Grenada and a Caribbean passport by choosing one of two investments:
- Donate a minimum of $235,000 to the Grenada National Transformation Fund
- Invest at least $270,000 in pre-approved tourism accommodation
St Lucia
The Caribbean island of St. Lucia offers one of the most affordable options for a second passport through its St. Lucia citizenship by investment program.
For an investment of $240,000, individuals and their family members can obtain dual nationality and a passport within 10 months.
A St. Lucia passport provides an idyllic lifestyle, tax benefits like no capital gains or inheritance taxes, and visa-free travel to nearly 150 countries, including the Schengen area.
General requirements
- 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.
Financial requirements
Investors can choose between four 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.
St Kitts and Nevis
St. Kitts and Nevis offers a luxurious lifestyle and tax benefits in the Caribbean. Since 1984, the St. Kitts and Nevis citizenship by investment program has allowed investors and families to obtain a St. Kitts and Nevis passport through an investment.
The program requires a $250,000 contribution to the Sustainable Island State Contribution (SISC).
With no stay requirements and a fast-track process of just 12 months, it is one of the easiest countries to gain citizenship.
General requirements
- 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
Financial requirements
Investors can choose one of the following 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
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.
It is also one of the easiest English-speaking countries to get citizenship.
General requirements
- Be over the age of 18
- Have an outstanding character
- Have excellent health
- Have a clear criminal record
- Pass a detailed background check
- Have basic knowledge of English
Financial requirements
Investors may choose one of the following options:
- Donate $200,000 to the Dominica Economic Diversification Fund
- Invest at least US$200,000 in pre-approved real estate
Turkey
The Turkish Citizenship by Investment program was launched in 2017. Since then, it has 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
- 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
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
Vanuatu may not be widely known, but it offers a great opportunity for foreign nationals through its Vanuatu citizenship by investment program. For an investment of just $130,000, investors can gain full citizenship and a Vanuatu passport.
The program is one of the fastest available, with a processing time of just 60 days.
Additionally, Vanuatu tax residents benefit from no personal income, wealth, or capital gains taxes.
General requirements
- 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
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 to Get Citizenship by Descent
If you are looking for the easiest passport without investment, the best 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
Italian citizenship by descent (also known as Jure Sanguinis) allows individuals of Italian heritage to claim citizenship if they can prove an unbroken lineage to an Italian ancestor. The principle of Jus Sanguinis (citizenship by descent) in Italy is rooted in Italian law and has been in effect since the country’s unification in 1861.
Italy is one of the most prominent countries to look out for regarding citizenship by descent. There is no generational limit, but certain conditions apply, such as the ancestor not renouncing 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.
Poland
Poland is one of the easiest European countries to get 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, obtaining citizenship by descent is only possible if the lineage has remained intact.
Finland
Finland is the easiest citizenship country for citizenship by descent in Northern Europe. 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.
Tunisia
While Tunisian citizenship by descent law isn’t as inclusive as Italian or Polish law, it extends beyond parents, making it one of the easiest passports to get by descent. In most cases, individuals with a natural-born Tunisian mother, father, or grandfather receive Tunisian citizenship at birth.
Other countries where you can apply for citizenship by descent
- Ireland
- United Kingdom
- Spain
- Portugal
- Romania
- Hungary
- Luxembourg
- Lithuania
- Latvia
- Germany
- Greece
- Armenia
Easiest Countries with Fastest Citizenship by Naturalization
Depending on the nation and circumstances, individuals may have to wait a certain period before becoming eligible to apply 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 a shorter residency requirement for particular groups–including adopted children, spouses, and refugees.
Two-year residence requirement
The following countries have a two-year residence requirement before a citizenship application:
- Peru
- Argentina
- Dominican Republic
- Spain (for specific foreign citizens)
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
Naturalization period in different countries
5+ Years | 10+ Years | 15+ Years | No Automatic Path / Special Cases |
United States | Italy | Andorra | United Arab Emirates (UAE) |
Germany | Switzerland | Austria | Bahrain |
France | Japan | San Marino | Kuwait |
Sweden | Malaysia | Lebanon | Saudi Arabia |
New Zealand | Lithuania | Monaco | Liechtenstein |
Russia | Bulgaria | Bhutan | Syria |
Portugal | Czech Republic | Palau | Equatorial Guinea |
Turkey | Spain | Kuwait | - |
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.
Some countries offer residency programs for individuals with employment or passive income from investments or pensions.
By meeting income requirements, you can obtain renewable residency and eventually qualify 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.
Highlights:
- 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. 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; this program 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 get citizenship.
Highlights:
- Requires a minimum foreign-earned income of €820.00 monthly and a deposit of at least €19,840 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 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.
Highlights:
- Requires proof of remote work and a minimum monthly income of approximately €2,066
- 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
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.
The Fastest Citizenship Programs in the World
Country | Program | Time to citizenship | Investment requirement |
Vanuatu | Vanuatu Citizenship by Investment | Two months | $130,000 |
Turkey | Turkey Citizenship by Investment | three to six months | $400,000 |
Antigua and Barbuda | Antigua and Barbuda citizenship by investment | Four to six months | $230,000 |
Dominica | Dominica Citizenship by Investment | Six to nine months | $200,000 |
Grenada | Grenada Citizenship by Investment | Nine months | $235,000 |
St. Lucia | St. Lucia Citizenship by Investment | 10 months | $240,000 |
St. Kitts and Nevis | St. Kitts and Nevis Citizenship by Investment | 12 months | $250,000 |
Malta | Malta Citizenship by Investment | 12 to 36 months | €750,000 + additional costs |
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
Is it easy to get citizenship abroad?
The easiest country to gain citizenship depends on the criteria you fulfill to obtain citizenship in another country. You can live in Peru for two years and qualify for citizenship. In contrast, Caribbean countries like St Lucia and Dominica are two of the easiest countries to get citizenship by investment due to their affordable prices and fast-track application processing, granting citizenship within six to twelve months.
What is the easiest country to gain citizenship?
Vanuatu is the fastest country to obtain citizenship, with its citizenship program. The process can be completed in as little as one month. However, it’s worth noting that Argentina also has a relatively fast process, where citizenship could be granted in as short as two years.
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 residence to be eligible for citizenship.
What is the easiest country for an American to get dual citizenship?
St. Kitts and Nevis has been one of the easiest countries in which to gain citizenship, as it holds the longest CBI program. Caribbean countries are generally the easiest countries to get dual citizenship as an American. They offer affordable investment options for Americans seeking dual citizenship in a few months.
Which country is the hardest to become a citizen?
Determining the “hardest” country to become a citizen can be subjective and depends on numerous factors, including specific requirements, eligibility criteria, and immigration policies. Vatican citizenship could be considered the hardest to get as it is not based on birth or descent but only granted to those who reside and work for the Vatican office.
What is the fastest EU citizenship by residence?
Poland is among the easiest EU countries to get citizenship by naturalization, offering the fastest EU citizenship by residence with a minimum residency period of three years to become a naturalized citizen.
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 have the easiest passports to get, offering a swift naturalization process for those seeking citizenship and a second passport. Suppose you have the means to acquire citizenship by investment; Vanuatu grants citizenship to investors of its citizenship program in 60 days, making its program the fastest and the nation one of the easiest countries to get dual citizenship.
What is the easiest European country for US citizens to immigrate to?
Malta is the easiest country to get nationality in the EU, 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). The Malta Permanent Residence Program further bolsters its reputation as the easiest EU country to immigrate to.
