Why is dual citizenship so valuable? What are the benefits of having a second passport and how to obtain one?
In this guide, you’ll learn about:
Top benefits
Second citizens get full benefits offered by the nation. These include:
The right to vote and hold office
Access to social service programs and healthcare as a national
The right to live, work and study in the country
Own property as a citizen
Establish or run your business from two countries
Economic opportunity
Second passport, providing increased personal and financial security
Increased global mobilityIf you have dual citizenship, you don’t need a visa to stay in the country. Also depending on the country’s agreement with other nations, you usually can travel visa-free to over 100 destinations globally. Second citizenship is particularly powerful in certain countries like the EU since an EU passport gives you the right to live and work anywhere within the EU without a visa.
Can I buy second citizenship?
Contrary to popular belief, you cannot just ‘buy’ second citizenship – you have to earn it, depending on your unique circumstances and objectives. In general, you can get another passport in four ways:
- Birth or descent
- Naturalization
- Marriage
- Citizenship by Investment Programs
How to secure another citizenship
Citizenship by investment
By far, the best way to get a second passport is through citizenship by investment programs. Also commonly known as ‘passport-by-investment’ schemes or ‘economic citizenship programs’, countries all over the world have their own citizenship by investment schemes.
Citizenship by Investment Programs grant qualifying investors and their family members with second passports, in exchange for a financial contribution of some sort. Typically, real estate investments are the most popular ways to get another citizenship. For example, by buying a property in St Kitts and Nevis that’s worth at least $400,000, you and your family can obtain passports and subsequently, dual citizenship, in two months.
Top countries that allow passport by investment
- Malta Citizenship by Investment
- Cyprus Citizenship by Investment
- Dominica Citizenship by Investment
- St Kitts and Nevis Citizenship by Investment
Since there are so many citizenship by investment programs that have different types of investments, program requirements, and time-frames to citizenship, it’s important to consult with a specialist on the best options available to you.
Not sure about which citizenship by investment program is right for you and your family? Take a look at our Citizenship by investment comparison guide for 2020.
Speak to one of our consultants
As a boutique consultancy firm with years of experience delivering citizenship-by-investment solutions for international families, we offer nine different citizenship by investment programs worldwide. Operating across four countries, we understand the intricacies involved in navigating past citizenship by investment program requirements.
With a 100% success rate in processing dual citizenships, we can help you from start to finish in your journey toward citizenship. Schedule a free call with our specialist here.
European citizenship by investment
IMPORTANT UPDATE: It’s official, Cyprus has closed its popular citizenship by investment program on 1 November 2020. What this means is, investors will no longer be able to acquire a Cypriot passport by investment.
Looking to secure European citizenship? Malta offers a direct investment route to a Maltese passport. Click here for more info.
Malta and Cyprus are the two main nations that run official citizenship by investment policies in Europe.
EU citizenship is invaluable. It offers top benefits, including:
- Visa-free travel all over Europe
- Right to study, work and live anywhere in Europe
- Access to national healthcare benefits
- Right to consular protection by EU member states
- Excellent education opportunities for your children
- Tax breaks
- Family security
Understand the difference between Malta and Cyprus’s citizenship by investment programs. Check out our comparison guide here.
Caribbean citizenship by investment
The Caribbean citizenship programs are very attractive options for foreign investors looking to acquire passports quickly and cost-effectively. From as low as $100,000, you can get dual citizenship in countries like Dominica or St Lucia, with excellent visa-free travel options and various tax benefits. Many of these countries have no residence requirements, meaning, you don’t actually have to go to the country and live there to qualify for citizenship.
Caribbean citizenship is priceless. It offers top benefits, including:
- Luxury property investments at affordable prices
- Idyllic lifestyle on paradise islands
- Visa-free travel to over 120 countries
- Option to apply for passports remotely
- No residence, stay, or language requirements
- Excellent tax benefits package
- Geographical proximity to the US
Caribbean citizenship or European citizenship, which is right for you?
Get some advice from one of our investor migration consultants. We can help you compare citizenship programs, and discuss your unique objectives. Schedule your free call today.
Citizenship via Golden Visa Programs
If you’re not in a rush to acquire dual citizenship just yet but are looking for a quick way to get temporary residency first in another country, then applying for the Golden Visa is a perfect option.
You can go through Portugal’s Golden Visa program – a residency-by-investment scheme that rewards qualifying investors with a residence permit. While you don’t get the Portuguese passport right away, it is possible to get Portuguese citizenship after maintaining a five-year investment through the Portugal Golden Visa.
You can also consider Spain’s Golden Visa program. It is possible to get a Spanish passport after going through the Golden Visa program and maintaining your investment as well as the permanent residency in the nation for 10 years.
Spain vs Portugal- which to pick?
While both Spain and Portugal offer golden visas, the program requirements and conditions differ. Which Golden Visa is better?
Other ways to get citizenship
By birth
If you’re conceived in a state that rewards you with passports, then it’s easy to become a dual citizen- it’s your birthright.
By marriage
You can marry an individual and get a passport from that person’s country. But not all countries offer this.
By descent
Many countries grant you citizenship if you share the same ‘country blood’ of your family member. This means children can get their parent’s citizenship regardless of where they’re born
By naturalization
You can get citizenship after fulfilling the government requirements. Like for example, by being first a temporary resident, then permanent resident, you can qualify for citizenship after a certain period of time and specifications.
Frequently asked questions about second citizenship
How to get second citizenship?
How to get another citizenship depends on your situation and objectives. In general, the four common ways of getting a second passport are by descent, marriage naturalization and through Citizenship by Investment Programs.
What’s the easiest way to get a second passport?
The easiest way to get another citizenship is by being born in the respective country- you are automatically granted citizenship. Another easy way to get citizenship is by making a financial investment through a Caribbean Citizenship by Investment program like Dominica. You are rewarded with a passport in a few short months.
What is citizenship by investment?
It’s when you get dual citizenship through the Citizenship by Investment Program. Many countries around the world offer these programs. In exchange for a qualifying investment – typically in real estate- you can get a second passport and be a citizen of the country.
How to legally obtain a second passport?
How to legally obtain another passport depends on your unique situation. In general, if you qualify, you can obtain dual citizenship through citizenship by investment schemes.
What are the best second citizenship countries?
Generally speaking, the best second citizenship countries are Dominica, Malta and Cyprus.
