With international travel being easier than ever and more people wanting to work and live abroad, obtaining a second citizenship is becoming more popular. A second citizenship can offer greater freedom, security, and opportunity, whether that’s more opportunities to travel to other countries, increased work opportunities with higher pay, or better educational, housing, and healthcare opportunities.
Having a second passport offers a range of advantages, including:
- Increased travel freedom (e.g., if the second citizenship passport has better visa-free or visa-on-arrival access to more countries).
- Improved opportunities for work, education, and healthcare in the second country of citizenship.
- Improved financial flexibility, such as access to more investment opportunities or global banking.
- Increased safety and security if the home country is experiencing a time of unrest or instability.
- Better tax benefits or government support (depending on the country).
While becoming a citizen of another country can often be a complex and lengthy process, some nations make it significantly easier than others. Some countries offer easier pathways to citizenship than others for a variety of reasons, from attracting skilled immigrants and investors to reconnecting with foreign nationals who have familial ties to the country.
There are several ways to become a citizen of another country, including:
- Citizenship by descent
- Naturalization
- Citizenship by investment
- Marriage to a citizen
- Birthright citizenship
Factors That Make Citizenship Easy to Obtain
Not all citizenship processes are created equally, and some countries offer quicker, simpler, and more accessible routes to citizenship than others. Factors that make citizenship easier to obtain include:
- Fast eligibility
Some countries simplify the citizenship application process to allow applicants to become citizens within months rather than years. Fast-track options are often available for spouses of citizens, investors, or people with ancestral ties.
- Low residency requirements
Countries have different residency requirements. Many countries require you to live within their borders for a certain number of years before applying for citizenship, but some nations reduce this requirement to as little as one or two years.
- Investment options
Citizenship-by-investment programs allow individuals to obtain a passport in exchange for an economic contribution, such as real estate investment, business creation, or government bonds. These are usually the fastest and most direct routes to citizenship.
- Citizenship by descent
Countries with generous ancestry laws make it easy to reclaim citizenship if you have parents, grandparents, or sometimes great-grandparents who were from that country. Some countries don’t even require you to reside in the country to claim citizenship by descent.
- No language or integration tests
Some countries waive language proficiency, cultural knowledge, or integration requirements, which helps to simplify the application process.
- Dual citizenship countries
Countries that allow dual or multiple citizenship make the process more attractive, as applicants will not have to give up their original nationality and passport.
- Spousal or family-based pathways
Being married to a citizen or having close family ties can significantly shorten the waiting period and ease the application process in many countries.
- Low financial or legal stipulations
Some countries keep fees, paperwork, and legal requirements to a minimum, making the citizenship process more accessible to average individuals without the need for expensive lawyers or large investments.
Ways to Obtain Citizenship
There are several legitimate pathways to acquiring citizenship in a new country. Each route comes with its own set of requirements, timelines, and benefits, and not all applicants will be eligible for all pathways.
- Citizenship by birth
Also known as jus soli, this grants citizenship to individuals born within the country’s territory, regardless of their parents’ nationality.
- Citizenship by descent
Known as jus sanguinis, this allows people to claim citizenship through their ancestry, typically through a parent, grandparent, or even great-grandparent who was a citizen of the country.
- Citizenship by naturalization
This is the most common path for immigrants. It usually requires living in the country for a certain number of years, demonstrating language proficiency, passing a citizenship test, and integrating into society.
- Citizenship by investment
Citizenship by investment countries are typically looking to attract wealthy individuals. This route allows you to gain citizenship in exchange for a qualifying investment, such as buying real estate, funding a business, or donating to a national fund.
- Citizenship by marriage
Marrying a citizen can often accelerate the path to citizenship. While not always automatic, many countries offer simplified or expedited processes for foreign spouses.
- Citizenship by adoption
A child adopted by citizens of another country may become eligible for citizenship either automatically or through a simplified process, depending on the laws of the country.
- Citizenship by special merits or exceptions
In rare cases, countries may grant citizenship to individuals who provide exceptional contributions in areas like sports, science, or culture. A person could also be granted citizenship due to humanitarian reasons, such as human rights abuse, persecution, substantial discrimination, or if their life would be under threat in their home country.
Easiest Countries for Citizenship by Investment
Citizenship by investment is one of the fastest and most direct ways to obtain a second passport. These programs are popular with high-net-worth individuals seeking a fast, legal route to dual citizenship and global mobility.
1. St. Kitts and Nevis
- Minimum Investment: $250,000 donation OR $325,000 real estate investment
St. Kitts and Nevis offers one of the longest-running and most reputable citizenship-by-investment programs. Applicants can contribute to the Sustainable Island State Contribution (SISC) or invest in pre-approved real estate projects.
2. Dominica
- Minimum Investment: $200,000 donation OR $200,000 real estate investment
Dominica’s program is one of the most affordable and efficient in the Caribbean. Citizenship can be obtained through a donation to the Economic Diversification Fund or investment in government-approved real estate.
3. Antigua and Barbuda
- Minimum Investment: $230,000 donation to the National Development Fund, $300,000 real estate investment, $1.5 million business investment, OR $260,000 donation to the University of the West Indies Fund.
Antigua and Barbuda is one of the most popular choices in the Caribbean for Citizenship by Investment. It offers flexible options for investors, and up to three immediate family members can be included in the application for no extra cost.
4. Saint Lucia
- Minimum Investment: $240,000 donation OR $300,000 real estate investment
St. Lucia’s Citizenship by Investment (CBI) Program provides multiple pathways, is straightforward, with minimal residency and no language requirements, and includes a spouse and any financially dependent children.
5. Turkey
- Minimum Investment: $400,000 real estate investment OR a $500,000 deposit in a Turkish bank, purchase of government bonds or investment fund shares, or business investment.
Turkey’s program is one of the most popular outside the Caribbean. The most common route is through real estate investment.
Easiest Countries to Obtain Citizenship Through Residency by Investment
Residency by investment, also known as a Golden Visa, offers investors the chance to live in a country in exchange for an economic contribution. While it doesn’t provide instant citizenship, it can pave the way toward naturalization after a few years of legal residency. The easiest countries to gain citizenship through residency by investment include:
1. Portugal
- Minimum Investment: €500,000 in a qualifying, non-real-estate investment fund OR €500,000 in R&D / a Portuguese company that creates at least five permanent jobs OR €250,000 donation to cultural heritage (€200,000 in low-density areas) OR creation of 10 jobs (8 in low-density areas).
- Citizenship Timeline: Five years
Portugal’s Golden Visa is one of the most attractive programs in Europe and the easiest country to get citizenship. After maintaining residency (with a very low physical stay requirement), applicants can apply for citizenship in just five years.
2. Latvia
- Minimum Investment: €250,000 real estate investment (+ 5% of the purchase price), €50,000 ~ €100,000 business investment, €250,000 in government bonds, OR €280,000 Latvian bank deposit.
- Citizenship Timeline: 10 years
After five years of residency, applicants can apply for permanent residency, and then citizenship after ten years. It’s a slower path to citizenship, but the entry cost is relatively low compared to other EU nations.
3. United Arab Emirates (UAE)
- Minimum Investment: AED 2 million investment fund, or real estate investment, or an AED 500,000 investment in an economic project of a technical or future nature.
- Citizenship Timeline: 30 years of residency, or through exceptional merit
The UAE now offers long-term residency (10-year Golden Visa) and, in special cases, citizenship for investors, scientists, and skilled professionals. While not automatic, the opportunity is growing for long-term residents to contribute significantly to the country. However, there is no pre-determined path for citizenship, and it requires excellent merit and/or contributions to the development or reputation of the UAE.
4. Cambodia:
- Minimum Investment: $100,000 investment capital, including a 10-year CM2H membership and owning a property in Cambodia
- Citizenship Timeline: Varies
Cambodia offers the CM2H (Cambodia My Second Home Program), which offers a 10-year renewable residency to those who purchase from a government real estate project. Cambodia also runs a citizenship by investment program, offering citizenship for KHR 1 billion (approximately $245,000).
Easiest Countries for Citizenship by Naturalization
This is the process whereby a non-citizen, who was not born in a country, becomes a citizen after meeting specific requirements, such as living in the country for a certain number of years, language proficiency, and passing a citizenship test. The easiest countries to get citizenship by naturalization are:
| Country | Residency Requirements | Language Proficiency | Citizenship Test Required |
| Argentina | 2 years | No formal language requirements, but the citizenship interview is in Spanish | NO |
| Peru | 2 years | No formal language requirements, but the citizenship interview is in Spanish | YES |
| Paraguay | 3 years | YES – Spanish exam required | YES (politics and history) |
| Ecuador | 3~5 years | YES – Speaking and writing in Spanish | YES (history, geography, culture, and current news) |
| Dominican Republic | 2 years (permanent residency) OR 6 months (investment visa) | No formal language requirements, but the citizenship interview is in Spanish | YES |
| Canada | 3 out of the last 5 years | English or French proficiency test | YES |
| Portugal | 5 years | CIPLE Portuguese proficiency (minimum A2 level) | YES |
| Ireland | 5 years and continuous residency for the previous 12 months | NONE | NO |
To achieve citizenship by naturalization, many countries require you to take an oath of citizenship or allegiance. You may also need to prove your economic ties to the country, such as having a job or running a business, and integration into society, such as having local friends, participating in the local community, and joining clubs or organizations.
Easiest Countries for Citizenship by Birth
In some countries, simply being born there is enough to automatically acquire citizenship, regardless of the parents’ nationality. Countries offering citizenship by birth include:
- United States of America
Anyone born in the U.S., including territories like Puerto Rico and Guam, is considered a U.S. citizen, even if their parents are undocumented immigrants.
- Canada
All children born on Canadian soil (except to foreign diplomats) are granted Canadian citizenship at birth.
- Mexico
Mexico grants automatic citizenship to any child born within the country, regardless of their parents’ status. Additionally, Mexican-born children can help their parents qualify for residency and, eventually, citizenship.
- Argentina
Argentina grants citizenship to all individuals born on its territory, including to foreign parents, except children born to parents in the service of an external government (e.g., a foreign diplomat). The pathway to citizenship is then extended to the parents of the child.
- Brazil
Anyone born in Brazil is automatically a Brazilian citizen, regardless of parental status. Brazil also extends fast-track residency and eventual citizenship to the parents of Brazilian-born children.
- Jamaica
Jamaica grants citizenship to all individuals born within its borders, regardless of the parents’ nationality.
Easiest Countries for Citizenship by Descent
Citizenship by descent, or jus sanguinis (right of blood), is one of the easiest ways to obtain a second passport. The easiest countries to become a citizen this way include:
- Ireland
Eligibility: Parent or grandparent
If you or your parent was born in Ireland before 2005, you are automatically an Irish citizen. If a grandparent was born in Ireland, you can become an Irish citizen through Foreign Birth Registration. Ireland also recognizes descent through a grandparent not born in Ireland if your parent registered as a citizen before your birth.
- Poland
Eligibility: Parent, grandparent, or great-grandparent
If you have Polish ancestry and your ancestor maintained Polish citizenship when your parent was born, you may be eligible.
- Hungary
Eligibility: Parent, grandparent, or great-grandparent
Hungary offers citizenship to people of Hungarian descent, particularly if they speak basic Hungarian and can prove their ancestry.
- Romania
Eligibility: Parents, grandparents, great-grandparents
Even ancestors born in a region that was part of Romania at the time but is now part of another country can qualify. Descendants of Romanian citizens who lost their citizenship for reasons that cannot be held against them may also be eligible.
Easiest Countries for Citizenship by Marriage
While most countries don’t grant instant citizenship through marriage, many offer simplified or accelerated naturalization for spouses, including:
- Brazil
Timeline: 1 year of marriage + residency in Brazil
Brazil offers one of the fastest tracks to citizenship by marriage. If you’re married to a Brazilian citizen and live in the country, you can apply for citizenship after just 1 year of residency.
- Portugal
Timeline: 3 years of marriage (no residency required)
Portugal is one of the few countries that allows a spouse to apply for citizenship after three years of marriage, even without living in Portugal, as long as the relationship is registered and legally recognized.
- Spain
Timeline: 1 year of legal residency after marriage
Spouses of Spanish citizens can apply for citizenship after 1 year of continuous legal residency in Spain after marriage.
Easiest Countries for Special Cases
Some countries offer accelerated or simplified citizenship pathways for people who qualify under unique circumstances, such as religious ties, refugee status, or historical injustice.
- Germany: Citizenship restoration for victims of Nazi-persecution and their descendants
Germany allows descendants of victims of persecution under the Nazi regime who lost German citizenship on political, racial, or religious grounds to reclaim it through a simplified process. There are no language, residency, or integration requirements.
- Armenia: Citizenship for ethnic Armenians
Armenia offers a streamlined path to citizenship for those of Armenian descent or who identify with the Armenian Apostolic Church. Proof of ancestry or church affiliation is typically enough.
- Ireland: Discretionary naturalization for humanitarian reasons
Ireland allows the Minister for Justice to grant citizenship on humanitarian or discretionary grounds, even if the applicant doesn’t meet typical requirements. This can include stateless people, refugees, or those who cannot return home due to religious or sexual orientation-based persecution.
How Income Visas Can Lead to Citizenship
An income visa, also known as a passive income visa, allows foreigners to live in a country without a traditional work contract, as long as they can prove they have sufficient financial resources to support themselves without working. While most are temporary visas, many can be renewed or converted into residency, eventually leading to permanent residency and citizenship. These visas are popular among pensioners or retirees and investors with passive income
Popular examples include:
- Spain: Non-working (non-lucrative) residence visa
Applicants must prove they have sufficient financial means to cover their expenses during the first year of residency (400% of the Public Multiple Effects Income Indicator). Applicants of working age must prove they are not currently employed.
- Greece: Financially Independent Person (FIP) visa
A three-year residence permit is available for applicants who can prove they have sufficient income (€3,500 p/m +20% for a spouse and 15% for each child). The residence permit can be renewed after three years.
- Panama: Pensionado program (retirement)
Retirees with a notarized proof of income or pension of at least US$1,000 per month + $250 per dependent can reside and retire in Panama. After five years of permanent residency, the applicant can apply for Panama citizenship.
Citizenship Application Process: How it Works
Applying for citizenship typically involves a multi-step process. Although the process varies from person to person and depending upon the citizenship pathway, a general overview of the process is below:
- Confirm eligibility
You must first check if you meet the country’s requirements. This could be a minimum period of residency, birthright, ancestry, or something else. Applicants may also need to have good conduct (e.g., no criminal record), financial stability, and sometimes language skills or integration tests.
- Prepare the required documents
Collect all the necessary documentation to support your application. These usually need to be translated and/or notarized. Common requirements include:
– Valid passport
– Proof of legal residency (e.g., visa or residence permit)
– Birth certificate
– Tax records or proof of income
– Police clearance certificate (from home and host country)
– Marriage/birth certificates (if applying by descent or marriage)
– Language or civic knowledge test results
– Photos (passport-sized) - Submit the application
Submit your citizenship application either online or at the relevant government office and pay any processing or naturalization fees.
- Attend an interview
Many countries require an interview to verify your documents, ask questions about your background, and assess your integration. Some also test your language skills or knowledge of the country’s history, laws, and values.
- Wait for approval
Authorities will verify your information through background checks, including police records, immigration history, and financial status. This can take several months or even longer.
- Receive the citizenship decision
You’ll receive a formal decision, either approval, a request for more documents, or denial. If approved, you’ll receive a certificate of naturalization or instructions for the next step.
- Take the Oath of Allegiance
Many countries require you to attend a citizenship ceremony and take an oath of loyalty to the country and its laws. This is the final step before becoming an official citizen.
- Apply for a passport and ID
Once you’re officially naturalized, you can apply for your new passport and national ID and enjoy full citizen rights like voting, public jobs, and visa-free travel (depending on the passport).
Conclusion
There are more possibilities than ever for getting a second citizenship. Whether you’re chasing better travel freedom, planning for retirement, looking for a tax-friendly lifestyle, or simply wanting a fresh start somewhere new, there could be an option for you.
Some countries want the skills or financial investments you offer, others welcome your family ties or birthright, and many want you to contribute and become part of the community. Although finding the easiest pathway to citizenship can be difficult, the rewards could be endless.
FAQs
Argentina is often considered the easiest country to get dual citizenship due to its simple naturalization process. You can apply after just 2 years of legal residency, and there’s no strict language or integration test. It is also one of the easiest countries to get citizenship without investment, and the process is relatively fast and affordable compared to many other countries.
Mexico is one of the easiest countries for US citizens to move to. It offers several visa options, including a temporary resident visa and permanent residency, both of which are relatively easy to qualify for based on income or savings. It is also culturally and geographically close and has no language requirement for residency, making it one of the easiest countries to move to.
Uruguay is known for having one of the most straightforward paths to permanent residency. There’s no minimum income requirement, and you can apply shortly after arriving in the country. Residency is granted relatively quickly and can eventually lead to citizenship.
Although there are no countries with free citizenship options, some countries make the process low-cost and relatively easy compared to others. These countries offer free citizenship without investment and may have lower processing fees.
The Dominican Republic is one of the cheapest and fastest countries to get residency and citizenship. You can apply for citizenship after just 2 years of residency and in only 6 months via investment or government programs. Costs are low, and there are no major language or integration hurdles.
Portugal is widely seen as one of the easiest European countries to get citizenship in and the easiest passport to get in the EU. You can apply after just 5 years of legal residency (one of the shortest timeframes in the EU), and you’re allowed to keep dual citizenship, making Portugal one of the best countries to immigrate to in Europe.