There are different types of citizenship that allow you to add one or two more passports to your name. Fortunately, there is not only one nation to count on when looking for the easiest country to get citizenship.
Having two citizenships is referred to as dual citizenship or dual nationality. This is a legal status that allows an individual to be considered a citizen of two or more countries simultaneously, according to the laws of those countries.
This means that the person has legal rights and obligations in both countries, such as the right to live and work in both places, vote in elections, access social services, and be subject to the laws and taxes of both countries.
This guide will take you through the easiest countries to get citizenship and everything you need to know about obtaining an additional passport, including:
- The types of citizenships
- Easiest Countries To Get Citizenship by Investment
- Benefits of Citizenship by Investment
- The Easiest Countries To Get Citizenship: Residency by Investment Route
- Easiest Countries to Get Citizenship by Descent
- Easiest Countries with Fastest Citizenship by Naturalization
- The Income Visa Route to Citizenship
Types of Citizenship
Different types of citizenship can be obtained, but each country has its own set of rules and requirements for individuals seeking to become citizens.
By birthright
If you are born in certain countries, you may automatically obtain citizenship at birth regardless of your parents’ citizenship. This is commonly known as jus soli (right of soil), which grants individuals citizenship based on their place of birth. However, children born to diplomats or other recognized government employees generally don’t have the right to citizenship or a country’s passport.
Through descent
An alternative approach to birthright citizenship is the application of jus sanguinis (right of blood). This determines citizenship through a connection to blood relatives in the parental line. If at least one of your parents or grandparents is a citizen of certain nations, you may be eligible to claim citizenship by descent. You can obtain citizenship by ancestry if you prove the lineage.
For example, the law on Hungarian nationality is based on jus sanguinis. If you have a mother or father who is a Hungarian citizen, you are considered a Hungarian citizen by law. The right to citizenship by descent can also extend to those with Hungarian grandparents.
By naturalization
Citizenship by naturalization is the most common form of citizenship for foreigners without family ties to the country. This generally involves meeting a particular set of government eligibility criteria, which are generally based on popular ones, such as the European minimum residency period while holding a permanent residence visa.
Prospective applicants may also be required to prove their ability to speak the national language and knowledge of the nation’s history and customs before being granted citizenship. Other countries may also implement a points system or require applicants to recite the national anthem. Peru’s two-year naturalization period may make it the easiest citizenship to get by naturalization.
Naturalization Period in Different Countries
5+ Years | 10+ Years | 15+ Years | No Automatic Path / Special Cases |
United States | Italy | Andorra | United Arab Emirates (UAE) |
Germany | Switzerland | Austria | Bahrain |
France | Japan | San Marino | Kuwait |
Sweden | Malaysia | Lebanon | Saudi Arabia |
New Zealand | Lithuania | Monaco | Liechtenstein |
Russia | Bulgaria | Bhutan | Syria |
Portugal | Czech Republic | Palau | Equatorial Guinea |
Turkey | Spain | Kuwait | - |
Citizenship through marriage
In many countries, citizenship by marriage is a recognized pathway to acquiring a passport. This route typically falls under the category of citizenship by naturalization, and the requirements are often more lenient, such as a reduced minimum residency period and the dispensation of speaking official languages.
The applicant’s partner must be a citizen of that nation for their application to be considered. For example, although Spain has a naturalization period of ten years for holders of a Spanish residence permit, the spouse of a Spanish nation is eligible for Spanish citizenship after one year of residency. Cape Verde is the easiest citizenship to get by marriage as foreign citizens married to Cape Verde nationals are immediately eligible to get citizenship.
Citizenship by investment
Many countries offer citizenship in exchange for a significant financial contribution to their economy. The investment threshold varies across citizenship by investment countries, depending on the investment type and the number of applicants.
Different paths to citizenship
Route | Base | Stay | Language & |
Descent | Blood relation in the parental line | No | Depending on the nation |
Naturalization | Maintaining residency in the nation for a specific period | Yes | Yes |
Marriage | Registered marriage | Depending on the nation | Depending on the nation |
Investments | Financial Investments or Contributions | Depending on the nation | Depending on the nation |
Easiest Countries To Get Citizenship by Investment
Malta
Malta is one of the easiest European countries to acquire EU citizenship. The captivating archipelago is situated in Southern Europe, close to Italy, and is a renowned tourist destination for its rich culture and history. Malta has emerged as one of the top locations for investors looking for citizenship and a second passport due to its top-tier healthcare system, political stability, low crime rate, low cost of living, and high economic potential.
Foreign investors who want citizenship and a European passport may apply for Malta’s citizenship by investment scheme – otherwise more accurately referred to as the Citizenship for Exceptional Services Regulations (CES). The citizenship program grants successful applicants Malta citizenship and a Maltese passport in 12 to 36 months, depending on their investment.
Malta’s passport is considered one of the strongest passports for obtaining citizenship in the EU. It provides its holders with the right to live, work, and study in Europe and visa-free access to over 170 destinations, including the US, Canada, and the UK.
General requirements
To be eligible for the Malta CES program, you must:
- Be over the age of 18
- Have a clear criminal record
- Meet the investment requirement.
- Pass the “fit and proper test.”
- Have good health and be covered by an international health insurance policy
- Provide biometric data
Financial requirements
The following investment criteria must be fulfilled to qualify for EU citizenship in Malta:
- A €600,000 or €750,000 contribution to the Malta National Development and Social Fund, depending on the residence period selected, 12 or 36 months
- €700,000 investment in residential real estate, or enter into a rental agreement at a minimum value of €16,000 per annum, which must be maintained for five years
- €10,000 donation to a registered philanthropic, cultural, sport, scientific, animal welfare, or artistic non-governmental approved organization or society Antigua and Barbuda citizenship by investment
Antigua and Barbuda
Antigua and Barbuda citizenship by investment is one of the easiest countries to get dual citizenship by investment. The Antigua and Barbuda Citizenship by Investment grants qualifying individuals citizenship rights and an Antigua and Barbuda passport in three to six months in exchange for the starting investment amount of $230,000.
Due to the program’s efficient and rapid process, an Antigua and Barbuda passport is considered one of the easiest passports to get through citizenship by investment. This Caribbean country’s passports provide its holders with visa-free travel to over 140 nations worldwide.
General requirements
- Be over the age of 18
- Have an outstanding character
- Have a clear criminal background
- Have excellent health
- Be able to make a qualifying investment
- Residence requirement of five days in Antigua and Barbuda within five calendar years of registering as a citizen
- Be willing to take the Oath of Allegiance in Antigua and Barbuda itself or any Embassy, High Commission, or Consulate of Antigua and Barbuda
Financial requirements
The applicant can choose one of these investment options:
- Donate a minimum of $230,000 to the Antigua and Barbuda National Development Fund
- Purchase government-approved real estate (or shares) worth at least $300,000
- Make a donation of $260,000 or more to the Antigua and Barbuda University of the West Indies Fund
- Make a business investment, either a share of $400,000 in a business worth $5 million or a single business investment of $1.5 million.
Grenada
Known as the ‘Spice of the Caribbean,’ Grenada is a peaceful island offering one of the fastest Caribbean investment programs. The Grenada citizenship by investment program grants qualifying investors a Grenada passport in three to six months in exchange for an economic investment worth at least $235,000, making Grenada one of the top Caribbean nations with an easy citizenship process.
General requirements
General requirements- Be over the age of 18
- Have an outstanding character
- Have good health
- Have a clear criminal record
- Pass a detailed background check
- Provide proof of the legality of the source of your funds
Financial requirements
Investors can obtain citizenship of Grenada and a second passport by choosing one of two investments:
- Donate a minimum of $235,000 to the Grenada National Transformation Fund
- Invest at least $270,000 in pre-approved tourism accommodation
St Lucia
The paradisiac Caribbean island of St Lucia offers one of the cheapest citizenship initiatives for a second passport via its St Lucia citizenship by investment program. For an investment of $240,000, qualifying foreign individuals and their immediate family members can obtain dual nationality and a St Lucia passport in three months.
Those who successfully apply and acquire a Caribbean passport from St Lucia benefit from an idyllic lifestyle, a handful of tax concessions, such as no capital gains, inheritance, or dividends taxes, and visa-free travel to almost 150 countries worldwide, including the Schengen countries.
General requirements
- Be over the age of 18
- Make the required investment and provide detailed information, including evidence of the respective investment.
- Have an outstanding character
- Have excellent health
- Have a clear criminal record
- Pass a thorough background check
- Pay the required non-refundable processing fee, due diligence fee, and other administrative fees upon application.
Financial requirements
Investors can choose between four investment options:
- Donate at least $240,000 as a single applicant to the St Lucia National Economic Fund (the investment increases for every additional dependent).
- Make a minimum investment of $300,000 in either pre-approved, high-end branded hotels and resorts or boutique property.
- Make an enterprise investment of at least $3.5 million.
- Invest at least $300,000 in government funds.
St Kitts and Nevis
Elegant and private, St Kitts and Nevis offers a luxury life and tax advantages in its stunning Caribbean dual islands. Launched in 1984, the St Kitts and Nevis citizenship by investment program offers outstanding individuals and their families the opportunity to get a St Kitts and Nevis passport in exchange for an investment.
The program previously required a contribution to the St Kitts and Nevis Sustainable Growth Fund, but changes to the program now require a $250,000 contribution to the Sustainable Island State Contribution (SISC). With no stay requirements and a fast-track immigration process of four months, St Kitts and Nevis is considered one of the easiest places to get citizenship.
General requirements
- Be over the age of 18
- Undergo a criminal background check
- Prove your outstanding character through bank statements and employer references
- Make the qualifying investment
Financial requirements
Investors can choose one of the following options:
- Donate at least $250,000 to the St Kitts and Nevis Sustainable Island State Contribution (investment increases for each additional dependant)
- Invest in government-approved real estate by buying property in joint ownership with a minimum value of $400,000, or invest at least $800,000 as a single applicant
- Make a non-refundable contribution of at least $250,000 to a Public Good Project
Dominica
The Dominica citizenship by investment program grants qualifying investors a Dominica passport in four months in exchange for a minimum investment amount of $200,000.
Due to the program’s affordable cost and requirements, it is considered one of the best country for citizenship by investment.
It is also one of the easiest English-speaking countries to get citizenship.
General requirements
- Be over the age of 18
- Have an outstanding character
- Have excellent health
- Have a clear criminal record
- Pass a detailed background check
- Have basic knowledge of English
Financial requirements
Investors may choose one of the following options:
- Donate $200,000 to the Dominica Economic Diversification Fund
- Invest at least US$200,000 in pre-approved real estate
Turkey
The Turkish Citizenship by Investment program was launched in 2017.
Since then, it has granted qualifying foreign investors and their immediate families citizenship in Turkey in exchange for a substantial investment in the nation’s economy.
Successful applicants who fulfill the minimum qualifying investment of $400,000 are granted Turkish citizenship in four months and enjoy visa-free travel across 128 countries worldwide.
General requirements
- Be over the age of 18
- Have an outstanding character
- Have a clean criminal background
- Have adequate health insurance
- Have never overstayed illegally in Turkey
- Not be a citizen of a black-listed country
Financial requirements
Investors can choose between five investments:
- Purchase real estate worth at least $400,000 or invest the same in land acquisition
- Make a bank deposit of at least $500,000 into a Turkish bank account
- Contribute at least $500,000 to government bonds
- Make a minimum capital transfer of $500,000 into a real estate or venture capital investment fund share
- Create full-time jobs for at least fifty Turkish citizens
Vanuatu
Many would consider Vanuatu a peripheral nation, but the country has helped many foreign nationals fulfill their investment and citizenship goals. With an investment of just $130,000, investors can gain full citizenship rights and the country’s passport.
If Vanuatu isn’t the easiest citizenship to get in the world, it’s undoubtedly the fastest program for citizenship available among citizenship by investment countries, with a processing time of 60 days.
In addition to its fast-tracked citizenship, a Vanuatu tax resident benefits significantly, with no personal income, wealth, or capital gains taxes.
General requirements
- Be over the age of 18 and under 65
- Have a clean criminal background
- Have adequate health insurance
- Have equivalent to or exceeding $250,000 in your bank account
- Not be a citizen of a black-listed country
Financial requirements
Vanuatu offers one investment route:
- Make a minimum non-refundable contribution of $130,000 to the Vanuatu Development Support Program
Benefits of Citizenship by Investment
These are the top benefits of Citizenship by Investment.
 | Multiple passports: Dual nationality achieved through citizenship by investment allows initials to gain multiple passports, facilitating increased visa-free travel to destinations worldwide. |
 | EU education and healthcare: As a Spanish Golden Visa holder, you and your family gain the right to high-quality education and healthcare in Spain. |
 | A safe environment: Acquiring citizenship by investment provides indefinite residency in a stable country. |
 | Visa-free travel: Since Spain is an EU member state and part of the Schengen Area, obtaining the Spain Golden Visa means you can travel visa-free to all 27 countries in the Schengen zone. |
 | Family planning: CBI countries allow not only the main applicant to obtain citizenship but their entire families. |
 | Plan B: Securing a second citizenship provides a refuge in times of uncertainty, offering individuals a safe haven along with heightened consular assistance while abroad. |
Portugal’s Golden Visa
General requirements
The Easiest Countries to Get Citizenship by Descent
If you are looking for the easiest passport without investment, the best options are citizenship by descent and naturalization. Several nations grant citizenship by descent to foreign individuals who can prove they have an ancestral lineage of the nation. For example, suppose one of your parents or grandparents is a citizen of a particular country, and you have their birth certificates to prove it; you could apply for citizenship in that respective nation through descent.
Italy
Italian citizenship by descent (also known as Jure Sanguinis) allows individuals of Italian heritage to claim citizenship if they can prove an unbroken lineage to an Italian ancestor. The principle of Jure Sanguinis (citizenship by descent) in Italy is rooted in Italian law and has been in effect since the country’s unification in 1861.
Italy is one of the most prominent countries to look out for regarding citizenship by descent. There is no generational limit, but certain conditions apply, such as the ancestor not renouncing their Italian citizenship before the next generation’s birth. This pathway is available even if applicants have never lived in Italy as long as they meet the documentation and eligibility requirements.
Poland
Poland is one of the easiest European countries to get citizenship by descent for a child born abroad. To obtain second citizenship, you must prove that you have at least one parent, grandparent, or great-grandparent born in Poland and who resided there after January 1920. Similar to Italy, obtaining citizenship by descent is only possible if the lineage has remained intact.
Finland
Finland is the easiest citizenship country for citizenship by descent in Northern Europe. Finnish nationality law grants citizenship by descent to individuals with Finnish ancestors until the third generation. If you have a Finnish parent or grandparent, you can add Finnish citizenship to your current citizenship, provided your eligible relative received their citizenship by birthright.
Tunisia
While Tunisian citizenship by descent law isn’t as inclusive as Italian or Polish law, it extends beyond parents, making it one of the easiest passports to get by descent. In most cases, individuals with a natural-born Tunisian mother, father, or grandfather receive Tunisian citizenship at birth.
Other countries where you can apply for citizenship by descent
- Ireland
- United Kingdom
- Spain
- Portugal
- Romania
- Hungary
- Luxembourg
- Lithuania
- Latvia
- Germany
- Greece
- Armenia
Easiest Countries with Fastest Citizenship by Naturalization
Depending on the nation and circumstances, individuals may have to wait a certain period before becoming eligible to apply for citizenship by naturalization. The wait can be as short as two years for some nations and ten years for others. Nevertheless, many countries offer a shorter residency requirement for particular groups–including adopted children, spouses, and refugees.
Two-year residence requirement
The following countries have a two-year residence requirement before a citizenship application:
- Peru
- Argentina
- Dominican Republic
- Spain (for specific foreign citizens)
Three-year residence requirement
The following countries have a three-year residence requirement before a citizenship application:
- Poland
- Armenia
- Paraguay
- Serbia
- Canada
Four-year residence requirement
The following countries have a four-year residence requirement before a citizenship application:
- Ethiopia
- Australia
Five-year residence requirement
The following countries have a five-year residence requirement before a citizenship application:
- Ireland
- Belgium
- Barbados
The Income Visa Route to Citizenship
If you do not have any familial connections or the financial resources to pursue citizenship by investment, an alternative pathway to acquire citizenship by naturalization and a second passport is through an income visa.
A few countries have introduced immigration programs that grant residency to individuals with employment or passive incomes through investments or retirement pensions from abroad.
By meeting specific income criteria, individuals can secure renewable residency visas in these countries and eventually become eligible for citizenship through naturalization.
Spain Non-lucrative Visa
The Spain Non-lucrative Visa is an income visa designed for foreigners who can demonstrate an income of at least 400 percent of the monthly IPREM (Indicador Público de Renta de Efectos Múltiples), as determined by the Spanish government yearly. The IPREM for 2023 stands at €600.
Key points:
- Requires a minimum foreign-earned income of €2,400 monthly or €28,800 in savings
- Valid for one year and renewable twice for two years
- Eligible for permanent residency after five years
- Eligible for citizenship after ten years of continuous residency
Portugal D7 Visa
The Portugal D7 Visa is among the most popular income visas providing EU residency to financially independent people. Specifically designed for individuals with sufficient passive income, such as a pension, real estate, and financial equity, this program offers an opportunity to obtain residency in Portugal through a foreign passive income. The minimal monthly earnings requirements and short naturalization period make Portugal one of the easiest European countries to get citizenship.
Key points:
- Requires a minimum foreign-earned income of €820.00 monthly and a deposit of at least €19,840 in a Portuguese bank account
- Valid for two years and renewable for an additional three years
- Eligible for permanent residence or citizenship after five years
Italy Digital Nomad Visa
The Italy Digital Nomad Visa offers remote workers an exciting opportunity to live and work in one of Europe’s most culturally rich countries. This visa is designed specifically for professionals who work remotely for companies or clients outside Italy, allowing them to enjoy the Italian lifestyle while continuing their careers.
Key Points:
- Requires proof of remote work and a minimum monthly income of approximately €2,066
- The residence permit is valid for one year, with the option to renew
- Eligible for permanent residency after five years of continuous residence
- Eligible for citizenship after ten years of continuous residency
This visa is ideal for digital nomads looking for a balance of work and leisure, with access to Italy’s excellent infrastructure, stunning landscapes, and vibrant culture.
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.
Frequently Asked Questions about the Easiest Countries to Get Citizenship
Is it easy to get citizenship abroad?
The easiest country to gain citizenship depends on the criteria you fulfill to obtain citizenship in another country. You can live in Peru for two years and qualify for citizenship. In contrast, Caribbean countries like St Lucia and Dominica are two of the easiest countries to get citizenship by investment due to their affordable prices and fast-track application processing, granting citizenship within six to twelve months.
What is the easiest country to gain citizenship?
Here are some countries with easy citizenship requirements:
- Malta
- Italy
- Portugal
- Antigua and Barbuda
- Grenada
- St Lucia
- St Kitts and Nevis
- Dominica
- Turkey
- Vanuatu
- Spain
- Cyprus
What is the easiest EU country to get citizenship?
The easiest English-speaking country to get citizenship in Europe is Malta, which grants successful applicants Maltese citizenship by naturalization in 12 to 36 months, depending on their investment sum. Some of the easiest European countries to immigrate to include Greece and Italy, although you must complete a stint of permanent residence to be eligible for citizenship.
What is the easiest country for an American to get dual citizenship?
St. Kitts and Nevis has been one of the easiest countries in which to gain citizenship, as it holds the longest CBI program. Caribbean countries are generally the easiest countries to get dual citizenship as an American. They offer affordable investment options for Americans seeking dual citizenship in a few months.
Which country is the hardest to become a citizen?
Determining the “hardest” country to become a citizen can be subjective and depends on numerous factors, including specific requirements, eligibility criteria, and immigration policies. Vatican citizenship could be considered the hardest to get as it is not based on birth or descent but only granted to those who reside and work for the Vatican office.
What is the fastest EU citizenship by residence?
Poland is among the easiest EU countries to get citizenship by naturalization, offering the fastest EU citizenship by residence with a minimum residency period of three years to become a naturalized citizen.
Which country has the shortest citizenship requirements?
The shortest citizenship requirements of a country depend on the method of obtaining citizenship. With a minimal residency requirement of just two years, Peru and Argentina have the easiest passports to get, offering a swift naturalization process for those seeking citizenship and a second passport. Suppose you have the means to acquire citizenship by investment; Vanuatu grants citizenship to investors of its citizenship program in 60 days, making its program the fastest and the nation one of the easiest countries to get dual citizenship.
What is the easiest European country for US citizens to immigrate to?
Malta is the easiest country to get nationality in the EU, where foreign investors can gain citizenship by naturalization and an EU passport in as little as 12 months through the Malta Citizenship by Naturalization for Exceptional Services by Direct Investment program (CES). The Malta Permanent Residence Program further bolsters its reputation as the easiest EU country to immigrate to.
