More people than ever are searching for alternative citizenship as well as exploring which are the easiest countries to get citizenship. It doesn’t matter if your goal is simply to gain a second passport for visa-free travel, or access better healthcare and education, or secure a Plan B for your family’s future, certain countries make the process surprisingly straightforward.
From easy citizenship countries that grant nationality through ancestry or marriage to Citizenship by Investment programs with fast-track processing, there are now multiple pathways to becoming a dual citizen in record time. Countries such as Portugal, Ireland, Argentina, and Dominica stand out for their simplified citizenship requirements, short residency periods, and favorable dual citizenship policies.
In this guide, we break down the easiest places to get citizenship in 2025, covering the most accessible programs in Europe, the Caribbean, and beyond. You’ll discover the easiest EU countries to get citizenship, how to qualify by descent, marriage, or investment, and where to find the easiest passports to get for increased global mobility and long-term personal and financial security.
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What Makes a Country Easy to Get Citizenship In
It’s important to understand what actually makes a country’s citizenship pathway “easy.” Some countries streamline the process by offering shorter residency requirements, flexible rules when it comes to citizenship by descent, or direct investment options. Others fast-track applications for citizenship by marriage or more readily allow dual citizenship, giving applicants more freedom and fewer red tape obstacles to deal with.
Here are the main pathways through which foreigners can acquire citizenship and what makes each one appealing to those seeking an easy second passport.
01/ Citizenship by naturalization
Citizenship by naturalization is the most common path, typically available after a certain number of years of legal residency. Some countries make this route much faster than others.
The countries offering easy pathways for this stand out among others because they balance approachable requirements with high quality of life. For example:
- Argentina grants citizenship after just two years of residence, one of the shortest timelines in the world.
- Paraguay allows naturalization after three years, while Portugal offers one of Europe’s most accessible options at five years.
02/ Citizenship by descent
If you have parents, grandparents, or even great-grandparents from certain nations, you may qualify for citizenship by descent (jus sanguinis).
Countries like Ireland, and Poland have generous ancestry laws, enabling individuals to reclaim citizenship even if their ancestors emigrated generations ago.
For many people with European roots, this is one of the easiest ways to get citizenship in Europe, often requiring no residency or language test.
03/ Citizenship by marriage
Many countries simplify or shorten naturalization requirements for foreign spouses of citizens through citizenship by marriage.
- Portugal grants citizenship after three years of marriage.
- Peru offers one of the fastest options worldwide, requiring just two years.
04/ Citizenship by Investment
For investors and high-net-worth individuals seeking a faster route, Citizenship by Investment programs offer residency or citizenship in exchange for an economic contribution.
This route is especially popular among those with means looking for enhanced visa-free travel, asset protection and even tax breaks.
- Vanuatu provides one of the easiest passports to get, with approval in as little as one to two months through a donation starting at $130,000.
- Dominica and St. Lucia are known for their affordable investment thresholds starting at $100,000.
Note: Make sure to check whether the country permits dual citizenship. Countries like Portugal, Ireland, and Malta fully recognize dual nationality, allowing you to retain your original passport while enjoying the benefits of EU citizenship, including the right to live, work, and study across the European Union.
Top Easy Citizenship Countries in 2025
Easiest European countries to get citizenship
Europe offers some of the most rewarding citizenships globally, thanks to the benefits of EU citizenship, including the right to live, work, and study across all 27 member states.
Portugal
Portugal offers citizenship after five years of legal residence, one of the shortest naturalization timelines in the European Union. The country has virtually no language barriers for English speakers and offers full dual citizenship rights.
Applicants may qualify through visas such as the Portugal D7 Visa, Portugal Golden Visa, or Portugal Digital Nomad Visa.
According to the Global Passport Index 2025, the Portuguese citizenship ranks 5th globally, granting visa-free travel access to 194 destinations. Portugal also ranks high in the OECD Better Life Index for safety and work-life balance, making it one of Europe’s most practical destinations for long-term settlement and mobility.
Ireland
Ireland’s citizenship by descent scheme enables those with an Irish parent or grandparent to claim nationality. With no language or residency requirements, it’s one of the most accessible European nations for dual nationality and global mobility.
Applicants register in the Foreign Births Register and provide evidence of lineage.
The Irish passport ranks among the top 10 globally for travel freedom, and Ireland consistently appears in the Top 15 countries in the World Happiness Report. It’s a stable, English-speaking EU nation offering direct access to both the European and global markets.
Malta
Malta’s Permanent Residence Program (MPRP) grants lifetime EU residence to investors through a real estate purchase or government contribution.
Residents enjoy Schengen visa-free travel (90/180 days) and access to Malta’s high-quality healthcare system, which ranks in the top 20 globally (WHO).
With its English-speaking environment, robust economy, and the option to pursue citizenship by naturalization, Malta remains one of the EU’s most strategic and secure relocation options.
Spain
Spain grants citizenship after ten years of residence, or just two years for nationals from Latin American countries, the Philippines, or Sephardic descendants. The process involves demonstrating integration into Spanish culture and basic Spanish language skills.
The country ranks 6th globally in the 2024 OECD Better Life Index for health and life satisfaction and offers dual nationality under specific treaties.
Its combination of Mediterranean lifestyle, global mobility, and robust infrastructure makes Spain a natural choice for those seeking an attainable European passport.
Poland
Poland’s citizenship by descent allows individuals with proven Polish ancestry to reclaim nationality with no residence requirement.
Applicants must verify uninterrupted Polish lineage via certified civil records.
As one of Central Europe’s fastest-growing economies, Poland provides an EU foothold with strong social protections and an affordable cost of living.
Countries with short naturalization timelines
Naturalization means obtaining citizenship after a period of legal residence.
Some countries have shorter timelines and fewer bureaucratic requirements, allowing foreign residents to become citizens within a few years, an attractive alternative for expats and retirees seeking a long-term base abroad.
Argentina
Argentina offers citizenship after only two years of residence, one of the shortest legal requirements worldwide.
Applicants must demonstrate integration and lawful income but are not required to renounce previous citizenship.
With a Human Development Index (HDI) of 0.84 (UNDP 2024) and visa-free access to 170+ destinations, Argentina provides both quality of life and international mobility at a low cost of entry.
Paraguay
Paraguay’s citizenship process requires just three years of legal residence, with no strict physical stay rules.
The country enjoys low taxation, economic stability, and ranks as one of the safest and most affordable in Latin America (Numbeo 2025).
Dual citizenship is permitted, and permanent residency can be maintained with minimal bureaucracy.
Uruguay
Uruguay grants citizenship after three years for married applicants or five years for single residents.
It ranks 12th globally in the Global Peace Index and has one of South America’s most progressive democracies.
Residents enjoy access to visa-free travel to over 150 countries and one of the highest regional GDP per capita.
Brazil
Brazil grants citizenship after four years of permanent residence, reduced to one year if married to a Brazilian citizen or with a Brazilian child.
Applicants must demonstrate basic Portuguese proficiency and integration.
Brazil ranks first in Latin America for global influence (US News 2025) and allows dual citizenship, offering a strong passport with visa-free access to 170+ countries.
Countries offering citizenship by descent
Citizenship by descent, also known as jus sanguinis or “right of blood”, allows individuals to claim nationality through ancestral links.
It’s especially popular among those reconnecting with European heritage, as it often requires no residence and grants full EU rights.
Italy
Italy’s jus sanguinis (“right of blood”) system allows descendants of Italian nationals to reclaim citizenship with no residency or language requirement.
Applicants must document continuous lineage through civil certificates.
Italy ranks 8th globally for cultural influence (US News 2025) and offers full EU freedom of movement, making Italian citizenship by descent a sought-after route for families with Italian heritage.
Ireland
Irish citizenship by ancestry remains one of Europe’s simplest routes to dual nationality.
Registration in the Foreign Births Register is the only requirement for those with an Irish grandparent.
Citizens benefit from visa-free travel access to 190 countries, and Ireland’s strong economy and political stability make it an enduring base for expats.
Poland
Polish descent citizenship can be reinstated by providing certified proof of ancestry.
Polish citizens gain full EU rights and access to a growing market that ranks first in Central Europe for economic competitiveness (IMD 2024).
The process typically takes 6 to 12 months, offering one of the fastest routes to EU nationality.
Hungary
Hungary’s ancestry citizenship law recognizes applicants of ethnic Hungarian origin, even if their families left decades ago.
Minimal language testing and no residency obligation make it accessible.
Hungary also boasts one of the lowest personal income tax rates in the EU (15%), adding to its appeal for mobile professionals.
Citizenship and Residency by Investment programs
Investment-based programs enable individuals to gain citizenship or permanent residency through financial contribution, typically via donations, real estate purchases, or government bonds.
These citizenship routes appeal to investors seeking quick processing, global mobility, and asset diversification.
Vanuatu
Vanuatu’s Citizenship by Investment route grants citizenship within one to two months through a $130,000 contribution to the national fund.
There are no residency or language requirements, and citizens enjoy visa-free travel to around 90 destinations.
Vanuatu’s zero income tax system and fast approval process make it a favorite among investors seeking speed and simplicity.
Dominica
Dominica’s Citizenship by Investment program offers full citizenship for a $100,000 contribution to the Economic Diversification Fund.
The Dominican passport provides visa-free access to over 140 countries, including the Schengen Area and the UK.
The country ranks among the Caribbean’s most transparent and affordable CBI programs, with strong due diligence standards.
St. Lucia
The St. Lucia’s Citizenship by Investment program grants approval within three to six months of making the appropriate investment (usually in the form of donations, real estate purchases, or government bonds).
Citizens gain visa-free entry to 145+ countries and benefit from the island’s zero inheritance and capital gains taxes.
It’s an ideal choice for families seeking quick access to a stable Commonwealth country.
St. Kitts and Nevis
The St. Kitts and Nevis’ Citizenship by Investment program is the first in the world and remains one of the most reputable.
Applicants can contribute $250,000 to the Sustainable Island State Contribution (SISC) or invest in approved real estate valued at $400,000 or more.
The St. Kitts and Nevis passport grants visa-free travel access to 155+ countries. Renowned for its due diligence and investor protection, it is widely viewed as the benchmark for CBI excellence in the Caribbean.
Turkey
Turkey’s Citizenship by Investment route allows foreign nationals to obtain citizenship through a minimum $400,000 real estate purchase or equivalent investment.
The process takes approximately 3 to 6 months and supports dual citizenship.
The Turkish passport allows visa-free or visa-on-arrival access to 120+ destinations, and the country’s strategic location between Europe and Asia appeals to investors seeking both lifestyle and business advantages.
Portugal
Portugal’s Golden Visa allows investors to gain EU residence through qualifying investments in culture, research, or funds, with a path to citizenship after five years.
Residents enjoy Schengen Area mobility, and Portugal ranks among the top 10 countries worldwide in the Global Passport Index for quality of life and global access.
Antigua and Barbuda
Antigua and Barbuda’s Citizenship by Investment program provides citizenship within four to six months through a $100,000 donation for a family of four.
A short five-day visit fulfils the stay requirement.
With visa-free access to 150+ destinations, it remains one of the region’s best-value citizenship programs.
Looking to become a Caribbean citizen? Check out our
citizenship by investment comparison guide
Quick Overview: Easiest Countries to Get Citizenship
| Country | Citizenship Route | Time to Citizenship | Minimum Investment / Residency Requirement | Visa-Free Travel (approx.) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Dominica | Citizenship by Investment | ~4 to 6 months | $200,000 donation or approved real estate | 140+ countries |
| St. Kitts & Nevis | Citizenship by Investment | ~4 to 6 months | $250,000 SISC donation / $400,000 approved real estate | 155+ incl. UK, Schengen |
| St. Lucia | Citizenship by Investment | ~6 to 12 months | $240,000 donation / $300,000 real estate / $300,000 bonds / $3.5M enterprise | 145+ incl. Schengen |
| Portugal | Residency by Investment to Naturalization | 5 years residency + ~6 to 12 months processing | €250k culture / €500k research / €500k investment funds / job creation | 190+ (EU passport) |
| Ireland | Citizenship by Descent | ~6 to 12 months after filing | Irish parent or grandparent; register Foreign Births | 190+ countries |
| Italy | Citizenship by Descent | ~12 to 24 months after filing | Italian ancestry; no residency required | 190+ countries |
| Spain | Naturalization (Short Residency for Eligible Nationals) | 2 years residency (eligible) + ~12 to 24 months | 2 years residency (Latin America/Philippines/Sephardic); language & integration | 190+ countries |
| Turkey | Citizenship by Investment | ~6 to 12 months | $400,000 property / $500,000 bank deposit / bonds / job creation | 120+ countries |
| Brazil | Naturalization (Standard / Marriage-Based Short Residency) | 4 years residency (1 year spouse/child) | 4 years residency; 1 year if married to Brazilian or have Brazilian child | 170+ countries |
| Malta | Residency by Investment to Naturalization | Residency period + ~12 to 36 months | Contribution, property purchase/rental, charitable donation (MPRP) | 170+ countries |
| Vanuatu | Citizenship by Investment | ~1 to 3 months | $130,000 donation | 90+ countries |
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.
