The 13 Easiest Countries to Immigrate to in 2025

In the wake of easier global mobility, many countries offer smoother pathways that make relocating easier. Several nations are considered the easiest countries to immigrate to because of their visa options, straightforward application processes, job opportunities, and more.

In this guide, we will list some countries that make migration easy through the different visas they offer and a general overview of how to identify the countries that make migration easy.

We will cover:

• 13 Easiest Nations to Immigrate to in 2025
• Easiest Countries to Immigrate to Ranking
• What makes a country easy to immigrate to?

13 Easiest Countries to Immigrate to in 2025

1. Malta

Malta is one of the easiest countries to immigrate to, offering streamlined residency and citizenship programs. Through the Malta Citizenship by Investment program, individuals can gain citizenship within 12 to 36 months by making a significant property investment, government contribution, and philanthropic donation.

The Malta Residency by Investment Program also provides a fast-track route to permanent residency with a €300,000 property investment. With its favorable tax system, Schengen Area access, advanced healthcare, and English as an official language, Malta is an ideal destination for expats, especially those from English-speaking countries.

2. Greece

Greece is a top choice for investors looking for residency through the Greece Golden Visa program. This program requires a €250,000 property investment for a renewable residence permit, which is approved within six to eight weeks.

The country’s tax system makes it even more attractive by allowing Golden Visa holders to pay a flat annual fee instead of global income tax, lowering their tax costs. According to the Retirement Guide for U.S Citizens created by the Intelligence Unit at Global Citizen Solutions, Greece is one of the top countries Americans choose to retire in because of its beautiful weather, safety, and acceptance of migrants.

3. Cyprus

Cyprus is one of the easiest countries to immigrate to from the U.S., thanks to its welcoming environment and favorable immigration policies. The Cyprus Golden Visa program allows investors to gain permanent residency with a minimum investment of €300,000. The process is efficient and offers quick access to the country’s relaxed lifestyle.

Cyprus’s tax system further adds to its appeal. There is no gift, inheritance, or capital gains tax on foreign assets and a low corporate tax rate of 12.5%, making it ideal for entrepreneurs and investors looking to protect their wealth.

4. Portugal

Portugal is a top destination for immigrants, including retirees, expat families, professionals, and remote workers. The Portugal D7 Visa offers a simple path to residency for those earning at least €760 monthly, with approvals in as little as three months. It provides a two-year temporary residence permit, renewable for three years, and allows permanent residency after five years.

The Portugal Golden Visa program requires a €250,000 investment and offers visa-free travel within the Schengen Area. The Portugal Digital Nomad Visa(D8 visa) provides flexible residency options for remote workers.

Portugal’s many routes to residency, affordable living costs, and safety have earned it a second place in the Retirement Guide for U.S. Citizens. Therefore, all these factors make Portugal one of the easiest European countries to gain residency.

5. Spain

6. Italy

Italy is an attractive destination for immigrants with accommodative immigration policies and visas like the Italy Golden Visa and the Italy Digital Nomad Visa. To top it off, the country is seventh on the retirement guide for U.S. citizens because it is loved for its weather, security, and great healthcare.

The Italy Golden Visa requires a minimum investment of €250,000 and grants a renewable residency permit. After five years, you can apply for permanent residency.

The Digital Nomad Visa is for remote workers employed by companies outside Italy, with a minimum income requirement of €2,066 per month. It offers a one-year residence permit, renewable with proof of continued employment and sufficient funds.

7. Canada

Canada offers immigration programs for skilled workers and entrepreneurs, such as the Provincial Nominee Program and Canada Startup Visa. The Provincial Nominee Program targets investors, entrepreneurs, and workers and offers permanent residency.

The Startup Visa supports foreign entrepreneurs with innovative business ideas, with no minimum investment required, as designated organizations provide funding. Both programs allow family reunification, making Canada a great choice for families. Its welcoming policies and strong economy make it an attractive destination for immigrants.

8. Brazil

9. St Lucia

St. Lucia’s Citizenship by Investment program is a popular and efficient route to citizenship. Applicants can invest in real estate, contribute to the National Development Fund, or invest in a government-approved business, with investments starting from $240,000.

The process is quick, often taking as little as ten months to complete. Successful applicants benefit from no tax on worldwide income and no gift, inheritance, or capital gains tax. St. Lucia’s stable political environment, low crime rates, and breathtaking natural beauty make it an attractive option for those seeking a second home.

10. Turkey

Turkey is an attractive option for those interested in second citizenship, thanks to its unique location straddling Europe and Asia. With its rich cultural heritage and high quality of life, Turkey has become a popular destination for foreign nationals.

The Turkey Citizenship by Investment program offers a straightforward path, requiring an investment starting at $400,000. Investors can choose from options such as purchasing real estate, making a bank deposit, or starting a business that creates jobs for Turkish citizens. This program makes it one of the best choices for those looking for an additional passport.

11. St. Kitts and Nevis

The St. Kitts and Nevis Citizenship by Investment makes the country a great choice for immigration because you can get citizenship by investing $250,000 in the Sustainable Growth Fund or $400,000 in real estate. The process usually takes about 12 months.

The country offers many benefits, like visa-free travel to over 160 countries, including the EU and UK. It also has no personal income, capital gains, or inheritance taxes, making it a good option for second citizenship. The beautiful beaches, warm climate, and political stability make it even more attractive.

12. Antigua and Barbuda

Antigua and Barbuda’s Citizenship by Investment program allows individuals and families to acquire citizenship through investments starting from $230,000, typically in the form of a donation to the National Development Fund. 

Another option is a $300,000 investment in real estate or a business. These beautiful islands are great to move to because the application process takes four to six months, and there is no residency requirement except for a short five-day stay within the first five years.  Successful applicants also enjoy visa-free access to over 150 countries and tax benefits such as no wealth, gift, inheritance, or capital gains taxes.

13. Dominica

Dominica is a great country to migrate to, and it has an attractive CBI program recognized for its affordability and efficiency. Dominica’s citizenship by investment scheme requires a $200,000 contribution to the Economic Diversification Fund or the purchase of real estate worth at least $200,000. 

Processing takes six to nine months, and no residency requirements exist. Citizens enjoy visa-free travel to over 145 countries, including the Schengen Area and the UK. Outside of its investment options, Dominica is renowned for its beautiful natural landscapes, eco-tourism, and commitment to sustainability. Its favorable tax system, with no taxes on worldwide income, capital gains, or inheritance, makes it an even more attractive destination. 

Ranking of the Easiest Countries to Immigrate to

Determining which are the easiest countries to immigrate to relies a lot on immigration policies. Other factors like investment amounts, how long it takes to get permanent residency, visa renewability, and the ability to bring family members affect the immigration process. Countries with clear, simple paths to residency or citizenship, lower costs, and quicker applications usually rank higher.

What makes a country easy to immigrate to?

Visa types

The ease of immigration is predominantly determined by the type of visa needed and the options available. There are several types of visas including a work visa for those with a job offer and a family visa for those with family members living in the country.

Accessibility

Obtaining a specific visa type is affected by several accessibility components. These may include a quota system policy that sets numerical limits or restrictions on the maximum number of immigrants allowed to enter a country within a specific time frame.

Application process

A streamlined and transparent application process, characterized by clear instructions, easily accessible information, and user-friendly interfaces, can enhance the overall ease of immigration.

Permanent residence or citizenship

Certain countries also provide the option to become permanent residents or obtain citizenship, which does not come with the requirement for renewal and allows foreigners to reside in their chosen country indefinitely.

Job opportunities

Many foreigners move abroad in search of job opportunities. Although work permits may be available, if the country doesn’t have a strong job market or openings in relevant industries, expatriates may face challenges in securing suitable employment that aligns with their qualifications and career goals.

Quality of life

Many expats pursue immigration in search of a better life. They have the means to obtain the necessary visa to move to a foreign country; however, their quality of life and assimilation into a new culture also determine the overall ease of immigration.

Non-extradition

Non-extradition countries are often perceived as potentially easier to immigrate to due to the absence of formal extradition treaties with other nations. Extradition is the legal process by which one country surrenders a person to another for prosecution or punishment.

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 Easy Countries to Immigrate to

Which country is easiest to immigrate to?

St Lucia is ranked as one of the easiest countries to immigrate to with its low starting investment requirement of $100,000 to grant second citizenship. Furthermore, it has favorable tax laws for immigrants.

What is the nicest country to immigrate to?

Portugal is one of the safest and easiest countries to immigrate to. It offers a smooth immigration process with various visa options for employment, entrepreneurship, study, and family reunification. Its natural beauty, pleasant climate, and ranking as the 6th safest country globally make it an appealing destination.

What is the easiest country to immigrate from to the US?

Immigration to the United States depends on individual circumstances and policies. One easier pathway is the Diversity Immigrant Visa Program (Green Card Lottery), which offers a limited number of visas each year to people from countries with low immigration rates to the U.S.

What country can I move to without a job?

Countries like Portugal, Spain, and Mexico offer residency options without a job requirement. For example, Portugal’s D7 Visa allows individuals to reside with proof of passive income or savings. Similarly, Mexico’s Temporary Resident Visa allows stays based on income or financial self-sufficiency, without needing employment.

Where is it hardest to immigrate to?

It depends on various factors such as an individual’s country of origin, financial status, professional skills, and the specific immigration policies of the destination country at the time of application. However, some countries like Japan and Switzerland, are renowned for their stringent immigration requirements and processes.

What country accepts the most immigrants?

The United States is home to the highest number of immigrants in the world, with an estimated 50.6 million people, which is more than 15% of its total population of 331.4 million. This makes the United States the country that accepts the most immigrants​​.

What are the easiest countries to immigrate to for families

Some of the easiest countries to immigrate to for families include Canada, New Zealand, Portugal, and Spain. These countries offer family-friendly immigration programs, affordable healthcare, quality education, and a high standard of living.