How to Get Second Citizenship in 2026

Second citizenship is the legal recognition of being a citizen in two, or more, countries at the same time. This allows individuals to have access to increased mobility, residency, and work rights, with a greater degree of lifestyle options. It is acquired through birth, descent, marriage, investment, or naturalization in most cases.

Our guide explores second citizenship to provide a comprehensive understanding of what it is, how to access it, and the nations that offer citizenship by investment programs.

A second citizenship is the legal recognition of having citizenship in a country other than an individual’s home country. This can mean dual citizenship, or even multiple citizenship in some cases.

The Global Intelligence Unit’s report, The Transformation of Citizenship has noted a perception shift regarding dual citizenship. It used to be seen as being tied to political allegiance but it is now recognized as a strategic asset.

This shift around dual citizenship aligns with trends in global mobility and personal security, especially as a second citizenship can offer both freedom and protection in volatile times. It offers people, especially high-net-worth individuals, greater international mobility, access to better economic opportunities and a safety net in times of uncertainty.

1. Increased global mobility: A second passport can significantly expand your travel options. It allows you to visit, work and even live in more countries without the need for a visa, which simplifies both business and leisure.
2. Access to education and healthcare: Dual citizenship can grant you access to top-quality healthcare systems and educational institutions. This has the potential to improve your quality of life and offer better opportunities for you and your family.
3. Family benefits: When you obtain second citizenship through investment, it often extends to immediate family members. This grants them the same benefits, including freedom of travel, the right to live and work in the country, and access to education and healthcare.
4. Business opportunities and tax optimization: Gain access to international markets and financial systems, as well as potential taxation advantages, such as lower income tax rates or exemption from foreign asset reporting in some countries.
5. Property ownership: With dual citizenship, you have the right to own and rent property in both countries.
6. Enhanced security: When political instability or economic hardship happens in your country of origin, dual citizenship provides a safety net for you and your family.
7. Right to vote: As a second citizen, you can vote in elections as well as hold governmental positions.
8. Consular protection: A second passport grants access to consular services from both countries, enhancing protection while traveling or working abroad.

1. Citizenship by Birth

If you were born in a foreign country that grants citizenship through jus soli (right of soil), you may hold a claim to acquire citizenship based on simply being born in the country. When a nation practices jus soli children born within that territory automatically acquire citizenship.

Citizenship by birth is offered either restricted or unrestricted. When there’s no restrictions on citizenship by birth, it means there are no conditions on the parents’ legal status so the child can become a citizen even if the parents are foreign nationals or undocumented at the time of birth.

Restricted citizenship by birth, on the other hand, means certain conditions must be met, generally related to the parents’ nationality, residency or citizenship status, or legal immigration status.

2. Citizenship by Descent

Citizenship by descent is commonly known as jus sanguinis (right of blood), whereby an individual is granted citizenship or has the right to claim citizenship through a blood relative who holds citizenship in the country. The acquisition of dual citizenship is based on familial connection rather than place of birth. These are some of the general conditions of the countries that offer citizenship by descent:

• Direct line of descent: Most countries require a direct connection, such as a parent or grandparent, to claim citizenship.
• Unbroken line of citizenship: If an ancestor renounced their citizenship, this may invalidate the claim.
• Proof of ancestry: Applicants must provide birth certificates, marriage records, and other documents proving their connection to the country.
• Residence and language requirements: Some countries, like Hungary, may require language knowledge or proof of ties to the government (e.g., cultural connections).

Noteworthy countries that offer citizenship by descent include:

• Italy
• Ireland
• Poland
• Germany
• Greece
• Hungary
• Portugal
• Spain

3. Citizenship by Marriage

Citizenship by marriage refers to gaining citizenship in a country by marrying someone who is already a citizen. It has similar conditions to naturalization as there’s often specific requirements that need to be met and a period of residency.

It is a more streamlined pathway to dual citizenship as the residency period may be reduced and there are often no language proficiency requirements. These are some of the countries with the shortest residency period for citizenship by marriage:

• Dominican Republic: 6 months
• Brazil: 1 year
• Spain: 1 year
• Argentina: 2 years
• Portugal: 3 years
• Germany: 3 years

4. Citizenship by Naturalization

Citizenship by naturalization refers to the legal process whereby a person who is not born in a country can acquire citizenship. It involves the person fulfilling specific requirements.

It often entails obtaining a residence permit to transition to permanent residency before applying for citizenship status after completing the required period of residency. It also may come with a language proficiency test or the need to display knowledge of local culture and history.

These are some of the countries with the shortest naturalization periods:

• Argentina: 2 years
• Peru: 2 years
• Paraguay: 3 years
• Belgium: 5 years
• Sweden: 5 years
• Portugal: 5 years

5. Citizenship by Exception

Citizenship by Exception is the process of acquiring accelerated citizenship at the discretion of a head of state or government body. There are no concrete guidelines for obtaining or awarding this type of fast-track citizenship. However, the decision usually revolves around making substantial contributions to the country’s development, be it economic, educational, or cultural.

Two examples include:

• United Arab Emirates: The UAE Executive Regulation of the Federal Law concerning Nationality and Passports introduced new criteria for granting citizenship based on exceptional merit. Experienced individuals in fields such as scientific research, the arts, and medical care may be offered UAE citizenship at the discretion of royal UAE authorities.
• Serbia: The Republic of Serbia has a discretionary program that may grant Serbian citizenship by exception to individuals deemed to have contributed significantly to Serbian society. Considerations can include contributions to education, business, or the possession of substantial assets in the Republic.

The discretionary path is not standardized and falls outside traditional routes defined by most nationality laws.

6. Citizenship by Investment

Several countries have introduced formal Citizenship by Investment (CBI) programs, allowing individuals to acquire a second passport by investment. This provides investors with the ability to access a second citizenship without the need for naturalization.

These initiatives typically involve significant financial investments, such as real estate purchases, job creation, or contributions to specific economic sectors. For instance, the Antigua and Barbuda citizenship by investment program has a minimum contribution to the country’s National Development Fund (NDF) of $230,000.

Vanuatu’s citizenship by investment program stands out because it grants citizenship within 60 days to foreign nationals who contribute $130,000 to the country’s development fund.

Citizenship is increasingly used as a tool for economic, demographic, and geopolitical objectives, while individuals strategically acquire it as an asset for enhanced mobility, opportunity, and protection. To stay ahead of global trends in mobility and secure your family’s future as well as protect your wealth, explore some of the best citizenship by investment programs:

1. Antigua and Barbuda

Antigua and Barbuda is an inviting Caribbean destination with a strong tourism sector and a reputation for providing financial privacy. The Antigua and Barbuda Citizenship by Investment program allows visa-free access to over 150 countries and provides a clear path to citizenship.

Investment options include:

• $230,000 donation to the National Development Fund
• $260,000 University of the West Indies (UWI) Fund donation
• $300,000 real estate investment
• $1.5 million business investment

2. St. Kitts and Nevis

St. Kitts and Nevis is one of the most established CBI programs. It is known for its strong passport, stable government, and calming island lifestyle. The St. Kitts and Nevis Citizenship by Investment program grants visa-free access to over 150 countries, including European and Asian nations, making it a great choice for global mobility.

Investment options include:

• $250,000 contribution to the Sustainable Growth Fund
• $250,000 public benefit investment in infrastructure projects
• $325,000 shares in real estate investment
• $600,000 real estate investment in private homes

3. Dominica

Dominica is an eco-friendly destination known for its lush rain forests, hiking trails, and hot springs. Dominica’s Citizenship by Investment program is one of the most affordable, offering a simple route to citizenship while providing access to over 140 countries visa-free, making it perfect for nature lovers and investors looking for a second home.

Investment options include:

• $200,000 donation to the Economic Diversification Fund
• $200,000 real estate investment

4. Grenada

Grenada stands out for its superb climate and proximity to the US, along with the unique ability to apply for an E-2 visa to the US. Grenada’s Citizenship by Investment program also offers visa-free travel to over 140 countries and is a great fit for those interested in expanding their travel options or business ventures in a timeline of six months.

Investment options include:

• $235,000 donation to the National Transformation Fund
• $270,000 real estate investment (in shares)
• $350,000 real estate investment (as a sole owner)

5. Malta

Malta is a Mediterranean gem offering English as an official language, EU citizenship, and the Malta Citizenship by Merit program. While categorized as naturalization by exception, the program’s structure fast-tracks citizenship in as little as 12 months for qualifying individuals.

Options include:

• providing exceptional services to Malta or to humanity
• or, if naturalization is considered to be of exceptional interest to the Republic of Malta

6. St. Lucia

St. Lucia offers a serene lifestyle with access to stunning beaches, luxury resorts, and vibrant local communities. St. Lucia’s Citizenship by Investment program is relatively new but has quickly gained popularity due to its affordable investment options and visa-free access to over 140 countries.

Investment options include:

• $240,000 donation to the National Economic Fund
• $300,000 real estate investment
• $300,000 government bond investment

7. Vanuatu

Vanuatu offers a relaxed island lifestyle with beautiful landscapes, pristine beaches, and a welcoming population. The Vanuatu Citizenship by Investment program is the fastest in the world, making it highly attractive for investors seeking quick access to visa-free travel to over 130 countries, including the UK and the Schengen Area.

Investment options include:

• $130,000 donation to the Vanuatu Development Support Program ($180,000 contribution for a family of four)

With so many Caribbean CBI programs available, we have a Caribbean citizenship by investment comparison guide that will help you understand the various investment routes, requirements, and time-frames for citizenship.

8. Turkey

Turkey is a dynamic, transcontinental nation bridging Europe and Asia, offering rich cultural heritage, bustling cities like Istanbul, and a rapidly growing economy. The Turkey Citizenship by Investment program is one of the most popular globally due to its affordable investment thresholds and strategic location. Turkish citizenship provides visa-free access to over 110 countries and serves as an excellent gateway between East and West. Investment options include:

• $400,000 real estate investment (held for a minimum of 3 years)
• $500,000 bank deposit (held for a minimum of 3 years)
• $500,000 investment in government bonds (held for a minimum of 3 years)
• $500,000 capital investment in Turkish companies with job creation

9. Jordan

Jordan is a stable Middle Eastern nation known for its historical treasures like Petra, modern cities, and strategic position in the region. The Jordan Citizenship by Investment program offers investors a pathway to citizenship in one of the most politically stable countries in the Middle East, with visa-free access to over 50 countries. Investment options include:

• $750,000 bank deposit (non-interest bearing for 10 years)
• $1 million investment in economic projects or companies
• $1.5 million investment in less developed areas of Jordan

10. Egypt

Egypt is a fascinating destination combining ancient history with modern development opportunities, offering access to both African and Middle Eastern markets. The Egypt Citizenship by Investment program provides investors with citizenship in one of the region’s largest economies, granting visa-free access to over 50 countries and serving as a strategic base for business expansion. Investment options include:

• $250,000 non-refundable contribution to the public treasury
• $300,000 real estate investment
• $350,000 bank deposit (held for 3 years, then refundable)

11. North Macedonia

North Macedonia is an emerging European destination offering beautiful mountain landscapes, rich cultural heritage, and a growing economy. The North Macedonia Citizenship by Investment program provides investors with a European passport and visa-free access to over 120 countries, making it an attractive option for those seeking European residency rights and business opportunities in the Balkans. Investment options include:

• €200,000 donation to the Public Investment Fund
• €400,000 investment in companies or real estate projects that create jobs

12. Moldova

Moldova is a charming Eastern European nation known for its wine culture, affordable cost of living, and developing economy. The Moldova Citizenship by Investment program offers one of the most cost-effective routes to European citizenship, providing visa-free access to over 120 countries, including the Schengen Area. The program is particularly attractive for investors seeking affordable European citizenship options. Investment options include:

• €100,000 non-refundable contribution to the Public Investment Fund
• €250,000 real estate investment in approved projects

The United States government allows and recognizes dual nationality. This means you can hold a passport from the US and a passport from another country simultaneously. You don’t need to renounce your US citizenship when you get dual citizenship.

You do, however, need to use your US passport when re-entering or leaving the United States. The only potential downside might be conflicting obligations such as military service, jury duty, or dual taxation, depending on the laws of each country.

It’s important to note that while the US allows dual citizenship, the laws around this may not be the same in the prospective country. Here are the countries (according to continent) where US citizens can have dual nationality:

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.