Many explore the easiest countries to get citizenship through qualified ancestral ties or investments to acquire an additional one. And the benefits go beyond increased freedom. Patricia Casaburi, CEO of Global Citizen Solutions, describes alternative citizenship as a “Plan B” that can offer protection and flexibility.
If you are pursuing an additional passport, several countries offer a route to apply for a second citizenship in a relatively short timeframe. Portugal and Greece, for instance, offer citizenship by naturalization after a set period of residency, while others, such as Antigua and Barbuda, offer citizenship through investment in a matter of months.
Global Citizen Solutions has produced this list of the easiest countries where individuals can pursue citizenship based on common pathways: Naturalization, descent, birth, investment, and marriage. You’ll learn which path fits your profile, which countries provide the fastest path to a second passport, and how to qualify.
Easiest Country to Get Citizenship: Key Takeaways
Which route to citizenship fits you?
1. Citizenship by Investment (CBI)
Citizenship by Investment (CBI) provides a direct route to citizenship for eligible foreign nationals who make a qualifying investment in the nation.
Popular investment routes for citizenship by investment include:
- A non-refundable donation to a government or national economic fund
- An approved real estate investment
- Government bonds or securities
- Business or enterprise investment
As noted in the Global Intelligence Unit (GIU) briefing in 2025, “The Transformation of Citizenship,“ one of the main advantages of Citizenship by Investment programs is that they allow qualifying applicants to acquire citizenship without extensive residence requirements.
Many programs are also known for relatively fast processing times, often within a few months, and for having no language tests or minimum residence requirements.
2. Citizenship by naturalization (residency route)
Citizenship by naturalization is the process of becoming a citizen after legally living in a country for a set number of years. This option is one of the most accessible long-term pathways to an alternative passport.
Rules vary by country. For example, some countries allow eligible residents to apply after two to five years, while others require a decade or more.
In Portugal, for instance, under Organic Law No. 1/2026 (Lei Orgânica n.º 1/2026), which took effect on 19 May 2026 applicants must live in the country legally for ten years to apply for citizenship (reduced to seven years for CPLP and EU nationals).
3. Citizenship by descent (jus sanguinis)
Citizenship by descent allows eligible applicants to claim citizenship through family ancestry, such as through a parent, grandparent, or great-grandparent.
Countries such as Italy, Ireland, Poland, and Hungary offer this route. Although it does not require an investment, applicants must prove their family lineage and may need to meet language or residence requirements, depending on the country.
4. Citizenship by birth (jus soli)
Citizenship by birth is granted to individuals born within a country’s territory. Countries such as the United States, Canada, Brazil, and Argentina allow children born there to receive citizenship regardless of their parents’ nationality.
In some countries, like Brazil and Argentina, parents can later qualify for residency or citizenship through family reunification.
5. Citizenship by marriage
Citizenship by marriage allows a foreigner to acquire their spouse’s citizenship.
This process is also known as naturalization through marriage, as most countries don’t grant citizenship automatically, requiring foreign spouses to complete a residency period first.
Portugal, Italy, Spain, and Brazil are some of the countries that allow citizenship by marriage and have reduced residency requirements for married applicants.
Applicants must prove the legitimacy and duration of the marriage, maintain legal residency, and meet additional requirements such as language proficiency or integration tests.
Easiest Countries to Get Citizenship by Descent
Ireland
Under Section 7 of the Irish Nationality and Citizenship Act 1956, if you have an Irish-born parent or grandparent, you may be eligible to register in the Foreign Births Register and acquire Irish citizenship by descent.
Ireland offers a relatively straightforward citizenship route for people with qualifying Irish ancestry. Foreign Birth Registration (FBR) is available to those with an Irish-born grandparent, or in certain cases where a parent was an Irish citizen but was not born there.
There is no residence or language requirement, and processing takes around 9 to 12 months. Once registered, Irish citizens can live and work in Ireland and elsewhere in the EU.
Poland
The Polish Citizenship Act of 2 April 2009, Article 14(1), states that individuals can apply for Polish citizenship by descent if they have at least one Polish parent, grandparent, or great-grandparent who was a Polish citizen after 1920, the year Poland introduced its modern citizenship laws. The ancestor must have retained Polish citizenship and not lost it under previous nationality laws.
Antigua and Barbuda
According to the new Law No. 74 of May 23, 2025, those with a parent or grandparent born in Italy qualify for citizenship by descent. Under the 2025 law change, Italian citizenship by descent is now limited to two generations.
This means that applicants relying on an Italian-born great-grandparent or earlier generations are no longer eligible. Consulate applications can take up to two years or more, while court applications are generally faster and can take around 12 to 24 months.
Portugal
Foreigners may be able to apply for Portuguese citizenship by descent if they have at least one Portuguese parent or grandparent.
Applicants must prove their parents’ or grandparents’ Portuguese citizenship and demonstrate an effective connection to Portugal.
If applying through a parent, the parent must have been a citizen at the time of your birth, while a grandparent must be Portuguese by origin and must not have lost their nationality.
Cyprus
Under Section 4 of the Cyprus Citizenship Law of 1967, foreigners can apply for Cypriot citizenship by descent if they have at least one Cypriot parent or grandparent. In some cases, applicants can also qualify through a more distant Cypriot ancestor if they can prove a direct family line.
Applicants must prove their Cypriot ancestry and show that their parent or grandparent did not renounce Cypriot citizenship.
Easiest Countries to Get Citizenship by Naturalization
Argentina
Argentina offers a relatively short route to citizenship through naturalization. Under Decree 366/2025, foreigners can apply after two years of continuous legal residence, with no time spent outside the country during that period.
The decree also introduced a citizenship by investment route for foreigners who make a qualifying “relevant investment,” without a minimum residence period.
Foreigners can move to Argentina through the Argentina Rentista Visa, which requires proof of stable passive income (around USD $1,400 – $2,000+) from abroad that is at least 5 times the minimum wage. The initial permit is valid for one year and renewable.
Greece
According to the Greek Nationality Code, Law 3284/2004, Article 5, foreign nationals can generally apply for Greek citizenship after seven years of legal residence. Residents must also meet certain requirements, such as demonstrating integration into Greek society and passing a Greek language test at a minimum B1 level.
A straightforward way to get legal residency is through the Greek Golden Visa, which requires a qualifying investment starting at €250,000. After approval, a temporary residence permit is issued for five years. After these five years, applicants can apply for permanent residency in Greece.
Under the Law 4735/2020, the Ministry of Interior outlines a theoretical processing window of up to 12 months after completion of the naturalization exams. Realistic processing times vary.
Panama
Under Panama’s Constitution, foreigners can generally apply for naturalization after living in the country legally for consecutive years. Residents must declare their intention to naturalize, expressly renounce their existing nationality, demonstrate they can speak Spanish, and show basic knowledge of Panama’s geography, history, and politics.
Foreign nationals can obtain permanent residency through the Panama Qualified Investor Visa. Under Executive Decree No. 17 of 2026, qualifying real estate purchases require at least $300,000 for a first-sale property or $500,000 for a resale property. The new decree replaced the previous rules on September 16, 2026.
Latvia
Section 12 of Latvian Citizenship Law states that a foreign resident can qualify for naturalization by meeting the full-time residence requirement of at least five years and passing a Latvian language test (B1 level).
The Latvia Golden Visa provides a pathway to citizenship by naturalization in Latvia. The program starts at €50,000, making it affordable. Successful applicants and family members are granted residency, which does not require living in Latvia full-time. The Office of Citizenship and Migration Affairs states that processing takes 6 to 12 months to obtain Latvian citizenship by naturalization.
Brazil
The law outlined in Brazilian Migration Law (Law No. 13,445/2017), Article 65 allows foreign residents to qualify for naturalization after four years of residency. Those seeking naturalization must also meet a Portuguese language requirement.
In 2026, one pathway is Brazil’s Investment Visa (VIPER), which allows foreigners to move to Brazil by investing a minimum of R$150,000 in qualifying technology businesses (higher thresholds apply to other routes).
According to Article 228 of Decree No. 9,199/2017, which regulates Law No. 13,445/2017, once Brazilian authorities formally receive a naturalization application, they have up to 180 days to review the request and issue a decision. However, the process can take longer depending on the application and where it’s submitted.
Paraguay
Paraguay nationality law under Article 148 of the Paraguayan Constitution is based on a three-year residency period. After three years of residency, foreign residents may be eligible to become Paraguayan citizens.
Paraguay is a fast route to second citizenship in the Americas. An accessible route to naturalization is via the Paraguay Independent Means Visa. This visa allows foreign investors to obtain legal residence in Paraguay by demonstrating stable, passive income from abroad of at least $1,300 per month.
Uruguay
Article 75 of the Constitution of Uruguay, supplemented by Law No. 8,196 of 1928, outlines that foreigners can generally apply for citizenship after five years of habitual residence.
Citizenship is not granted automatically; applicants must meet other legal requirements, including no absence outside the country for more than six months, demonstrating Spanish language ability, and proving a substantial connection to Uruguay.
The Uruguay Rentista Visa is another Passive Income Visa that can lead to citizenship by naturalization in Latin America. The program requires applicants to demonstrate a minimum monthly income of about $1,500, and successful applicants receive a permanent residency permit.
Spain
Spain is another European country that allows foreigners to obtain citizenship after a period of residence. After five years of continuous residence in Spain, it’s possible to apply for permanent residency. Citizenship becomes available after a total of ten years of legal residence, provided the applicant has spent at least 183 days per year in Spain.
Nationals from Spain’s former colonies, as well as Brazil, the Philippines, Equatorial Guinea, and people of Sephardic origin, can apply for citizenship after just two years of residence.
The valid options to gain legal residence include the Spain Non-Lucrative Visa, which requires a minimum monthly income of around €2,400, and the Spain Digital Nomad Visa, designed for non-EU remote workers.
Easiest Countries to Get Citizenship by Marriage
France
According to Article 21-2 of the French Civil Code, you can apply for French citizenship after at least four years of marriage. This increases to five years for spouses who have not lived in France for at least three years since the marriage, or who live abroad and are not registered with the French consular register.
Applicants must prove that the marriage is genuine and be able to speak and write in French at a B2 level.
Cape Verde
Law No. 33/X/2023 on Cape Verdean Nationality, as amended by Law No. 37/X/2024, outlines the rules for citizenship through marriage, which allows a citizen’s spouse to apply for citizenship after at least five years of marriage, provided the marriage is ongoing, and the spouse declares their intention to acquire citizenship.
Applicants must present a valid marriage certificate, as well as other legal and identity documents. Residence in Cape Verde is not a separate requirement for the marriage route.
Belize
A Belizean citizen’s spouse can apply for citizenship after at least one year of marriage and residency. The applicant must meet the registration requirements under the Belizean Nationality Act, Chapter 161, Section 11, including a Belize-issued marriage certificate, or an authenticated foreign marriage certificate, and have two Belizean referees.
Luxembourg
The Luxembourgish Nationality Law of 8 March 2017, particularly Article 25, states that a foreign spouse of a Luxembourgish citizen can apply for citizenship through the option procedure. The spouse must demonstrate knowledge of Luxembourgish by completing either the Vivre ensemble au Grand-Duché de Luxembourg course or the corresponding test.
Those living outside Luxembourg must be married for at least three years, but the three-year requirement may be waived if the applicant lives abroad and their citizen spouse works for a Luxembourg public authority or an international organization.
Jamaica
Under Jamaica’s Constitution, the foreign spouse of a Jamaican citizen can apply to be registered as a Jamaican citizen. There is no stated minimum marriage period or residency requirement outlined by the country’s Passport, Immigration, and Citizenship Agency, although applications are subject to approval and being married to a Jamaican does not guarantee approval.
Applicants must provide official evidence of their marriage and identity, as well as a police certificate. Authorities can refuse registration if evidence shows the marriage was entered into primarily to obtain Jamaican citizenship. The Jamaica Information Service states a processing time of approximately one yeaar.
Easiest Countries to Get Citizenship by Investment
| Country | Minimum Investment | Timeline to Approval | Remote Process | GIU Rank |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Vanuatu | $130,000 | 2–3 months | Yes | 13 |
| Dominica | $200,000 | 6 months | Yes | 4 |
| Antigua and Barbuda | $230,000 | 14 months | No relocation required; 5 days physical presence within first 5 years after citizenship | 2 |
| St. Lucia | $240,000 | 15–16 months | Yes | 5 |
| Grenada | $235,000 | 7 months | Yes | 3 |
| St. Kitts and Nevis | $250,000 | 5 months | Only for the application process. Requirement to submit biometrics upon approval at one of several global location | 1 |
| Nauru | $90,000 until 31 December, 2026. Then back to standard $115,000 | 3–5 months | Yes | 8 |
| São Tomé and Príncipe | $90,000 | 5 months | Yes | 12 |
| Turkey | $400,000 (real estate; other options from $500,000) | 12 months | No. Must travel to Turkey for biometric verification | 10 |
Rules checked as of October 2026.
Sources: Vanuatu Citizen Commission, Antigua and Barbuda Citizenship by Investment Unit, St Lucia Citizenship by Investment Unit, Dominica Citizenship by Investment Unit, St Kitts and Nevis Citizenship Unit, Investment Migration Agency Grenada, Nauru Program Office, São Tomé and Príncipe Citizenship Investment Unit, Turkey Investment and Finance Office
Vanuatu
As noted in the Global Citizenship Programs Report 2026, Vanuatu is considered the most operationally efficient program globally.
Vanuatu Citizenship by Investment requires a minimum contribution of $130,000 and takes two to three months to approve on average, making it a fast and affordable citizenship program.
The application process is fully remote, and there are no requirements for physical presence or language tests.
Dominica
Dominica is an affordable Caribbean citizenship by investment program for single applicants. The minimum contribution is $200,000 to the Economic Diversification Fund or in approved real estate.
Dominica Citizenship by Investment can be approved in six months, with no residency requirements. The process can be done entirely remotely, including the mandatory virtual interview. Family inclusion is available, and the main applicant can include the spouse, children, parents, and grandparents.
Antigua and Barbuda
Citizenship approval in Antigua and Barbuda takes about 14 months. Applicants are not required to relocate, but they must be physically present in the country for at least five days within the first five years after citizenship is granted.
The minimum investment for Antigua and Barbuda’s Citizenship by Investment starts at $230,000 through a contribution to the National Development Fund. The qualifying investment is only made after receiving pre-approval.
Portugal
The St. Lucia Citizenship by Investment program has no residency, interview, or language test requirements. Applicants can choose from four investment routes, the most affordable one starting at a $240,000 non-refundable contribution to the National Economic Fund.
The St. Lucia Government Bond route is also the only refundable investment to obtain Caribbean citizenship, requiring an investment valued at $300,000. Citizenship is generally approved in 15 to 16 months.
Grenada
Grenada’s Citizenship by Investment program allows investors to be approved for citizenship in approximately seven months. Applicants can choose between two investment routes, starting from a $235,000 contribution to the National Transformation Fund.
The program has no physical presence requirements. Grenada also has the only Caribbean citizenship program that provides eligibility for the US E-2 Visa.
St. Kitts and Nevis
St. Kitts and Nevis offers a fast Caribbean citizenship by investment program, with citizenship approved in about five months. Established in 1984, St. Kitts and Nevis Citizenship by Investment is also the world’s oldest CBI program.
To qualify, applicants must invest in St. Kitts and Nevis. The minimum amount starts at $250,000 for a non-refundable contribution. St. Kitts and Nevis real estate citizenship is also possible with a $325,000 to $600,000 minimum investment, depending on the property type and ownership structure.
The citizenship application can be completed remotely, including a mandatory online interview, but the St. Kitts and Nevis passport issuance process requires applicants to submit biometric information, which can be done at one of several biometric centers worldwide.
Nauru
Nauru allows applicants to qualify through a government contribution starting at $115,000 ($90,000 if you apply before 31 December 2026). The Nauru Citizenship by Investment program stands out for fast and remote processing.
Applicants can complete the entire approval procedure online, which takes about three to five months. Family members can also be included in a single application, including spouses, children, parents, grandparents, and siblings, with no age limit restriction.
São Tomé and Príncipe
São Tomé and Príncipe Citizenship by Investment starts at $90,000 through a non-refundable contribution to the National Transformation Fund. The application process is fast and fully remote.
The timeline to citizenship approval is currently about five months, with no requirement to live in or visit São Tomé and Príncipe before or after approval. There are also no language or education requirements, which simplifies eligibility for international applicants.
Turkey
Turkey’s Citizenship by Investment program allows foreign nationals to obtain citizenship through an investment starting at $400,000 in real estate.
Other options starting at $500,000 include a bank deposit, government bonds acquisition, investment fund shares purchase, or a fixed capital investment. Investors can also qualify by creating at least 50 full-time jobs in Turkey.
Applications are processed in around 12 months. There are no language tests, education requirements, or long-term residency obligations. However, applicants need to obtain a residence permit and travel to Turkey for biometric verification during the application process, but there is no minimum stay requirement beyond that visit.
Easiest Countries to Get Citizenship by Birth
Countries that practice jus soli offer automatic birthright citizenship to individuals born in their territory, regardless of the parents’ nationality.
The table below lists the easiest countries for birthright citizenship, grouped by type and region.
| Country | Type | Legal Provision |
|---|---|---|
| United States | Unrestricted Jus Soli | 14th Amendment / US Department of State |
| Canada | Unrestricted Jus Soli | Citizenship Act, s.3(1)(a) / Canada Department of Justice |
| Mexico | Unrestricted Jus Soli | Constitution, Art. 30(A)(I) / Diario Oficial de la Federación |
| Brazil | Unrestricted Jus Soli | Constitution, Art. 12(I)(a) / Casa Civil da Presidência da República |
| Argentina | Unrestricted Jus Soli | Nationality Law No. 346, Art. 1(1) / argentina.gob.ar |
| Chile | Unrestricted Jus Soli | Constitution, Art. 10(1) / Chilean Library of Congress |
| Barbados | Unrestricted Jus Soli | Constitution, s.4 / Barbados Judicial System |
| Belize | Unrestricted Jus Soli | Belizean Nationality Act, s.5(1) / Belize Judiciary |
| Jamaica | Unrestricted Jus Soli | Applies to all children born in Jamaica, except diplomat children. |
| Uruguay | Unrestricted Jus Soli | Automatic for those born in Uruguay. |
| Venezuela | Unrestricted Jus Soli | Constitution, Art. 32(1) / WIPO |
| St Vincent and the Grenadines | Unrestricted Jus Soli | Constitution, s.91 / Government of St Vincent and the Grenadines |
| Tuvalu | Unrestricted Jus Soli | Constitution Act 2023, s.46(1) / Tuvalu Legislation |
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