Expanding globalization has fueled the popularity of the digital nomad lifestyle over the past decade. Digital nomadism goes beyond unrestricted movement, with digital nomads from developed countries seeking a higher quality of life through dual nationality and financial efficiency. One way to achieve this is by choosing one of the best second citizenships for aspiring nomads.
This guide takes a closer look at the best countries to acquire citizenship for a location-independent lifestyle, including countries that offer digital nomad visas and Caribbean nations offering citizenship by investment programs.
What is Second Citizenship?
Second citizenship means becoming a citizen of a second country alongside the country you already hold citizenship in. This is referred to as dual citizenship, and it allows holders the rights and privileges of citizenship in two countries, including the option to have two passports.
To officially secure dual citizenship, individuals must obtain citizenship in countries that allow it. For example, in most circumstances, an individual with Spanish citizenship would need to relinquish their citizenship to gain a new one in a foreign country. In contrast, the United States has no law preventing US citizens from gaining dual nationality and a second passport.
Why it matters for nomads
For new digital nomads, second citizenship is a game-changer. It allows seamless international travel with more visa free options. Global citizenship opens up investment opportunities, and nomads can gain permanent residency in tax-friendly jurisdictions without excessive government restrictions.
Diverse cultural experiences and networking opportunities are integrated into the digital nomad lifestyle. Second citizenship allows for longer stays without visa hassles, giving remote workers living a nomadic lifestyle the freedom to immerse themselves in local traditions, languages, and community events.
Many digital nomads concerned about the rising cost of living in Western Countries can stretch their monthly income by relocating to a country where they have unrestricted second residency.
Benefits of Having Second Citizenship as a Digital Nomad
- Improved global mobility: One of the primary second citizenship benefits for global nomads is adding a strong second passport to your passport portfolio to expand the number of countries you can visit without a visa.
- Tax optimization: Many countries offering second citizenship have low or no income taxes, allowing digital nomads to open a bank account and optimize their taxes, keeping more of their annual income.
- Free movement: Gaining an EU or Caribbean passport allows the holder to obtain residency in other countries and maintain a location-independent lifestyle through free movement agreements. For example, EU citizenship enables citizens to gain residency in other EU countries.
- Family protection: One of the key advantages of the best countries that offer citizenship by investment programs is that the family members of digital nomads can get second citizenship through a qualifying investment in such programs.
- Plan B: A plan B passport is a safeguard against political and economic instability, giving unrestricted second residency and the right to consular protection from a second country.
Key Factors to Consider When Choosing Second Citizenship
Visa free travel opportunities
Visa free travel opportunitiesA passport’s power determines how many destinations can be visited without a visa or with more lenient entry criteria. Nomads seeking personal mobility should prioritize strategic second passports that broaden their visa free access when combined with their current passport.
The St Kitts and Nevis passport is the best passport issued by Caribbean countries, offering visa free entry to European countries in the Schengen Area, the UK, and Saudi Arabia. If you already have a high-ranking passport like a US passport, the Antigua and Barbuda passport offers visa free travel to Russia and China, which a US passport doesn’t grant.
Residency requirements
Residency requirementsAn appealing aspect of digital nomadism is location independence. Many remote workers in the digital nomad community live a fast-paced digital nomad lifestyle. However, most countries, including countries with second residency programs, require individuals who work remotely to maintain long-term residency for several years to start the naturalization process. For example, you must live in Ireland for at least five years to become an Irish citizen.
Consider the easiest second citizenship programs for travelers like Dominica and Grenada, which offer Caribbean citizenship by investment programs to obtain citizenship and maintain permanent residence without a minimum residency requirement.
Tax benefits
Tax benefitsSome countries’ tax systems impose tax on their citizens regardless of where they live, while others only tax residents. Choosing a country with low or no taxation can make a big difference for digital nomads looking to optimize their finances.
Investment options
Investment optionsStrategic opportunities such as real estate investment can speed up the second citizenship process as qualifying investments for second passport programs. Additionally, they stand as secure assets and places of second residence.
Citizenship cost
Citizenship costThe cost of second citizenship in a particular country varies. Some countries offer affordable options for those seeking a balanced work life experience, while others require substantial investments and are designed to attract high-net-worth individuals. Dominica’s citizenship by investment program starts with a minimum investment of $200,000, whereas the Malta CES program requires a significant investment of at least €600,000.
Time to citizenship
Time to citizenshipThe time to citizenship boils down to where you choose to get a second citizenship and if it’s through a second residence or citizenship program. Many residency programs allow nomads to secure a permanent residence permit; however, the naturalization period in most EU countries, for example, requires holding permanent residency for at least five years.
The best second citizenship for foreign investors and nomads grants citizenship and a second passport in as little as three to six months.
Take a look at the Best Citizenship by Investment Programs in 2025
Best Countries for Second Citizenship for Nomads
Caribbean citizenship by investment programs
St Kitts and Nevis
The St Kitts and Nevis citizenship by investment program starts with a $250,000 investment in the country’s economy. Successful applicants gain the most powerful second passport in the Caribbean, with visa free travel to 154 countries. There are no residency requirements to obtain and maintain citizenship.
Dominica
Dominica offers the cheapest citizenship program for nomads in the Caribbean, with a minimum investment of $200,000. Visa free travel is provided to 135 destinations, including European Union countries. The Dominica citizenship by investment program does not have residency requirements to obtain and maintain citizenship.
St Lucia
The St Lucia citizenship by investment program starts with a charitable donation of $240,000. Investment options include business investment. This country ranks sixth in the world on the Visa Cost Index of the Global Digital Nomad Report. St Lucia passport holders can access 148 countries without a visa. There are no residency requirements to obtain and maintain citizenship.
Antigua and Barbuda
Antigua and Barbuda citizenship by investment is available from $230,000. Investment options include purchasing real estate and establishing a business. Antigua and Barbuda is at the forefront of crypto innovation, which started with the Digital Assets Business Bill. The country’s passport offers visa free travel to 151 countries. Antigua and Barbuda has a minimum residency requirement of five days in the first five years.
Grenada
The Grenada citizenship by investment program requires a minimum qualifying investment of $235,000. Grenada citizens qualify for permanent residence permits in the United States through the US E-2 Visa program. Grenada passports offer access visa free to 148 countries. There are no residency requirements to obtain and maintain citizenship.
European second citizenship options
Portugal
Portugal pioneered digital nomad visas. EU residency options include the Portugal Golden Visa program, starting at €250,000, and the D8 Visa, which requires a minimum monthly income of €3,480. Visa holders qualify for Portuguese citizenship after five years of continuous residence. A Portuguese passport provides visa free entry to 181 countries.
Malta
Malta offers the fastest route to EU citizenship. The country ranks sixth overall on the Global Intelligence Unit’s Global Digital Nomad Report and has a stable economy. The Malta Citizenship by Naturalization for Exceptional Services by Direct Investment (CES) program reduces the naturalization period to 12 to 26 months. The minimum investment starts at €600,000. Successful applicants must fulfill a minimum five-year residency requirement after obtaining citizenship.
Turkey
The Turkey citizenship by investment program provides a lucrative bank deposit option for obtaining citizenship. Digital nomads can qualify for direct citizenship with a $500,000 deposit, which is refunded after three years. The Turkish passport provides visa free travel to 128 countries. There are no residency requirements to obtain and maintain citizenship.
Other second citizenship options
Thailand
Thailand is one of the most popular destinations for remote workers and an innovator of many remote work trends. The country is home to a large local communities of digital nomads and some of the best coworking spaces in Asia, backed by a ranking of fifth on the Tech and Innovation Index of the Global Digital Nomad Report.
The Thai Elite Privilege Visa is a five-year visa costing $29,000, with the option to renew for five years. The minimum residency period is relatively long, at eight years, but significant benefits of Thai citizenship include the right to freehold land ownership.
Nauru
Nauru citizenship by investment is the most affordable second citizenship for digital nomads, starting from $105,000. The country’s passport has fewer visa free countries than Caribbean passports, but Nauru passport holders can enter the UK, the UAE, EU countries, and Canada without a regular visa. With a processing time of three months, the country also offers the fastest second citizenship for nomads. There are no residency requirements to obtain and maintain citizenship.
Ecuador
While most digital nomad visas offer a residence permit valid for up to six months to a year, Ecuador’s digital nomad visa is a route to naturalization after three years of residency. The country’s nomad visa is valid for two years and renewable for another two years, with a minimum sufficient income requirement of just $1,275 monthly. Ranking number one on the Economics Index of the Global Digital Nomad Report, remote workers in the digital nomad community enjoy tax friendliness, affordable living costs, and low-cost coworking spaces.
Country | Direct Citizenship | Minimum Cost | Time to Citizenship | Visa Free Countries | Broadband Speed | Income Tax |
Antigua and Barbuda | Yes | $230,000 | 6 months | 151 | 21.24 Mbps | No |
Dominica | Yes | $200,000 | 6 to 9 months | 135 | 34.90 Mbps | 0 to 35 percent on local income |
Grenada | Yes | $235,000 | 6 months | 148 | 57.07 Mbps | 0 to 28 percent on local income |
St Kitts and Nevis | Yes | $250,000 | 4 to 6 months | 154 | 35.45 Mbps | No |
St Lucia | Yes | $240,000 | 10 to 12 months | 148 | 52.30 Mbps | 0 to 30 percent on local income |
Portugal | No | €250,000 | 5 years | 181 | 162.55 Mbps | 0 to 48 percent on worldwide income |
Malta | No | €600,000 | 12 to 36 months | 144.06 Mbps | 0 to 35 percent on worldwide income | |
Turkey | Yes | $400,000 | 4 months | 112 | 43.48 Mbps | 15 to 40 percent on worldwide income |
Thailand | No | $29,000 | 8 years | 82 | 225.17 Mbps | 0 to 35 percent on local income |
Nauru | Yes | $105,000 | 3 months | 89 | - | 0 to 20 percent on local income |
Ecuador | No | $450 | 3 years | 94 | 39.07 Mbps | 0 to 37 percent on local income |
Emerging Trends in Second Citizenship for Nomads
Crypto-friendly citizenship programs
As cryptocurrencies and the digital economy become more mainstream, some countries now cater to crypto investors through crypto citizenship and residency options. Countries like El Salvador are leading the way by accepting Bitcoin as an investment method to obtain citizenship. Vanuatu and Antigua and Barbuda allow proceeds of crypto assets to be used for qualifying investment, provided they’re converted to fiat currency.
Remote worker visas as a gateway to citizenship
Several nations offer digital nomad visas that present a pathway to permanent residency for remote workers seeking citizenship. Countries such as Portugal, Estonia, and Barbados allow remote workers to establish tax residency, opening the door to long-term citizenship options.
Country | Digital Nomad Visa Validity | Renewal | Naturalization Period |
Ecuador | Two years | Two years | Three years |
Barbados | 12 months | Indefinitely | Five years |
Estonia | 12 months | Indefinite new applications | Eight years |
Frequently Asked Questions about the Best Second Citizenships for Digital Nomads
How can digital nomads obtain second citizenship?
Digital nomads can obtain second citizenship through second residency and citizenship programs. The Vanuatu government will grant citizenship within three months to foreign nationals who invest $130,000 in the economy. Ecuador offers a residence permit to digital nomads who earn at least $1,275 per month. Residence permit holders can begin the naturalization application process after three years of residency.
Is dual citizenship beneficial for remote workers?
Dual citizenship can be beneficial for remote workers as it gives them more visa free and visa on arrival travel options. Citizenship in two different countries allows them to move freely, leverage business opportunities, and easily access local services in specific regions. For example, citizens of European countries like Portugal or Malta can live in any member state of the European Union.
Which second citizenship is best for tax optimization?
The best second citizenship for tax optimization is Vanuatu citizenship. Vanuatu citizens and residents do not pay income tax or capital gains, wealth, or inheritance taxes. Additionally, real estate owners are not required to pay annual property taxes.
Which countries offer second citizenship for crypto investors?
The El Salvador Freedom Passport Program is the only citizenship program allowing crypto investors to obtain citizenship and a second passport using Bitcoin. Antigua and Barbuda and Vanuatu’s citizenship programs are also friendly to crypto investors, with the option to use digital assets converted to fiat currency to make qualifying investments.
Which second citizenships allow visa free access to the US?
Portugal and Malta second citizenship provide visa free travel to the United States through qualifying for the US Electronic System for Travel Authorization (ESTA) visa waiver program.
Can a Spain digital nomad visa lead to citizenship?
A Spanish digital nomad visa can lead to citizenship, as the visa can be renewed for up to five years until eligible for a permanent residence permit. After five more years of residency, permit holders can apply for Spanish citizenship.
Does Malta digital nomad visa lead to citizenship?
While Malta is an attractive destination to get a digital nomad visa, the visa is not an option to meet the seven-year residency requirement for naturalization as it is valid for one year and is typically renewable for an additional year.
What is the best passport for a digital nomad?
The best passport for many digital nomads is the Singapore passport, which offers visa free access to over 190 countries and territories. St Kitts and Nevis is also one of the top second citizenship options for remote workers as they can get a St Kitts and Nevis passport within four to six months, and it offers visa free travel to 154 countries.
