Easiest countries to get citizenship

If you are looking to get a second passport, the best and fastest way is to apply for a Citizenship by Investment Program. Embraced by governments all around the world, the scheme offers a unique opportunity to broaden your horizons thanks to a second passport. In this article, we take you through the easiest countries to get citizenship.

The easiest way to get a second citizenship: the citizenship by investment program

The Citizenship by Investment Program is an immigration scheme granting individuals and their families the citizenship of a particular country in exchange for an economic investment. The most popular Citizenship by Investment Programs are in Europe and the Caribbean. Country schemes are available at different budgets, offering various benefits and investment routes.

List of countries Global Citizen Solutions assists with Citizenship by Investment Programs:

Benefits of the citizenship by investment program

Easiest EU country to get citizenship

Malta

Beautiful Malta is located in the South of Europe, close to Italy. Renowned for its rich culture and history, it is a famous tourist spot but also a central business hub. As a fintech worldwide leader, Malta has attracted numerous investors and firms from all over the world. Praised for its excellent healthcare system, safety, cost of living, and economic opportunities, Malta has become one of the top destinations for investors seeking to acquire a second passport.

Launched in 2020, the new Malta Citizenship by Investment Program grants investors and their families a Malta passport in one year’s time. Thanks to this scheme, Malta is now one of the easiest European countries to get citizenship. Considered one of the strongest passports to have, the Malta passport gives you Malta citizenship for life, the right to live, work and study in Europe, and visa-free access to over 160 destinations — including the US, Canada, and the UK.

Malta citizenship by investment eligibility requirements

In order to be eligible for the Malta Individual Investor Programme, you must:

• Be over the age of 18
• Have a clean 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

Malta citizenship by investment financial requirements

• €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

Cyprus

Stunning Cyprus is a large Mediterranean island filled with gorgeous beaches and tranquility. Because of its ideal location, efficient banking system, and great infrastructure development, Cyprus is an ideal country to acquire citizenship in. Due to the Cyprus Citizenship by Investment Program, it is now possible to acquire Cyprus citizenship in six short months, propelling Cyprus as one of the easiest countries to get citizenship.

Officially implemented in 2016, the Cyprus Citizenship by Investment Program has so far granted 3,000 individuals with Cypriot citizenship. The Cyprus passport is an undeniable asset to have considering that it gives investors and their families unlimited access to the European Union, visa-free travel to over 150 countries, fantastic tax benefits, and doesn’t impose any stay requirements.

Cyprus citizenship by investment eligibility requirements

• The main applicant must be over the age of 18
• Applicants must have a clean criminal record
• You must be registered as a Cyprus resident
• You must submit biometric data

Cyprus Citizenship by Investment financial requirements

• All routes to real estate investment in Cyprus involve a minimum €2 million real estate investment, which must be maintained for at least five years
• Mandatory donations to Cyprus government funds:
  • €75,000 to the Cyprus Land Development Corporation
  • €75,000 to the Research and Innovation Foundation

Easiest country to get dual citizenship

Antigua and Barbuda

Antigua and Barbuda grants investors the unique opportunity to become citizens via its Antigua and Barbuda Citizenship by Investment Program. Due to an efficient and rapid process, Antigua and Barbuda is considered one of the easiest countries to get citizenship by investment. Get an Antigua and Barbuda passport in five months’ time in exchange for a minimum investment of $100,000.

Antigua and Barbuda citizenship requirements

• Be over 18 years old
• Have an outstanding character
• Hold no criminal record
• Have excellent health
• Have a high personal net worth
• 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 in any Embassy, High Commission, or Consulate of Antigua and Barbuda

Antigua and Barbuda Citizenship by Investment financial requirements

There are three investment options available to applicants:

•  Contribute $100,000 to the National Development Fund or to an approved charity
• Purchase a property with a value of at least $400,000 in a pre-approved real estate 
• Make an investment of $1.5 million to establish a business

Click here to learn more about the Antigua and Barbuda Citizenship by Investment Program.

Grenada

Grenada, also called the ‘Spice of the Caribbean’, is a peaceful Caribbean island offering an accessible Grenada Citizenship by Investment Program. Considered one of the fastest ways to obtain a second passport, the program grants investors a Grenada passport in two months in exchange for an economic investment of at least $100,000. It is not wrong to say that Grenada might be the easiest country to get citizenship.

Grenada citizenship requirements

• Be over 18 years old
• Have an outstanding character
• Have good health
• Hold no criminal record
• Pass a detailed background check
• Provide proof of the legality of the source of funds

Grenada citizenship by investment financial requirements options

• Donate a minimum of $150,000 to the National Transformation Fund, 

or

• Invest of at least $350,000 in pre-approved real estate (as a single applicant), or make a joint-investment in pre-approved tourism accommodation of at least $220,000 per investor

Click here to learn more about the Grenada Citizenship by Investment Program.

St.Lucia

The paradisiac St Lucia Caribbean island offers one of the cheapest ways to get a second passport via its St Lucia Citizenship by Investment Program. For a minimum investment of $100,000, investors and their families can get a St Lucia passport in four months. Investors will benefit from an idyllic lifestyle in one of the easiest countries to get citizenship along with tax benefits and visa-free travel to more than 130 countries worldwide.

St Lucia citizenship requirements

• Be over 18 years old
• Make the required investment and provide detailed information and evidence of the respective investment
• Have an outstanding character
• Have excellent health
• Hold no criminal record
• Pass a detailed background check
• Pay the required non-refundable processing, due diligence and administrative fees upon application

St Lucia citizenship by investment 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 in a 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 tax benefits in a stunning Caribbean location. Launched in 1984, 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 of at least $150,000. With no stay requirements and a fast-track immigration process of two months, St Kitts and Nevis is considered one of the easiest countries to get citizenship.

St Kitts and Nevis citizenship requirements

• Be over 18 years old
• Undergo a criminal background check
• Prove his/her outstanding character through bank statements and employer references
• Make a qualifying investment first

St Kitts and Nevis Citizenship by Investment financial requirements options

• Donate least $150,000 in the St Kitts and Nevis Sustainable Growth Fund

or

• Invest in pre-approved real estate by buying property in joint ownership with a minimum value of $200,000, or as a single applicant with an investment of at least $400,000.

Click here to read more about St Kitts and Nevis Citizenship by Investment Program.

Dominica

Dominica is an unspoiled Caribbean island welcoming investors. Thanks to its Dominica Citizenship by Investment Program, investors can get the Dominica passport in four months for just $100,000. Because of the program’s affordable cost and requirements, Dominica is definitely one of the easiest countries to get citizenship.

Dominica citizenship requirements

• Be over 18 years old
• Have an outstanding character
• Have excellent health
• Hold no criminal record
• Pass a detailed background check
• Have a basic knowledge of English

Dominica citizenship by investment financial requirements options

• Donate $100,000 in the Dominica Economic Diversification Fund

or

• Invest at least US$200,000 in pre-approved real estate

Frequently asked questions about the easiest countries to get citizenship