Easiest Countries to Get Citizenship in 2025

Types of Citizenship

Global Intelligence Unit’s “The Transformation of Citizenship” report has shown that individuals are increasingly acquiring citizenship through ancestry, investment and naturalization, rather than solely via birthright or family lineage. This shows that traditional notions of nationality are quickly being reshaped.

Let’s explore the five common ways to obtain citizenship, each with their own country-specific guidelines and benefits:

Birthright

Birthright citizenship means you can automatically obtain citizenship at birth. This is commonly known as jus soli (right of soil), which grants individuals citizenship based on their place of birth. This type of citizenship is instituted regardless of the parents’ citizenship at the time of the birth.

Descent

Jus sanguinis, which means “right of blood,” grants citizenship through parental or grandparental lineage. If at least one parent or grandparent is a citizen of a specific country, you may qualify for citizenship by descent by proving your ancestry.

Naturalization

Citizenship by naturalization is common for foreigners without family ties to a country. It usually requires a permanent residence visa and meeting a minimum residency period. Applicants may need to be proficient in the official language of the country, pass a citizenship test, pledge an oath and maintain a clean criminal record.

Marriage

Citizenship by marriage is a common path to becoming a legal citizen. It often has minimal requirements like a shorter minimum residency period and no language proficiency tests. Applicants’ spouse must be a legal citizen of the country where the marriage takes place for this type of citizenship to be enacted.

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.

Global Intelligence Unit’s “The Transformation of Citizenship” report has shown that individuals are increasingl acquiring citizenship through ancestry, investment and naturalization, rather than solely via birthright or family lineage. This shows that traditional notions of nationality are quickly being reshaped.

Different paths to citizenship comparison

Easiest Countries To Get Citizenship by Investment

Malta

Malta is one of the easiest European countries to gain EU citizenship. Located in Southern Europe near Italy, it is a popular destination known for its culture, history, excellent healthcare, low crime, and economic opportunities.

Through Malta citizenship by investment, investors can gain citizenship and a passport within 12 to 36 months, depending on their investment.

The Maltese passport is highly valued, offering the right to live, work, and study in Europe and visa-free travel 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 ways to obtain dual citizenship. With a starting investment of $230,000, eligible applicants can secure second citizenship and a passport in just four to six months.

This Caribbean country is an attractive option for foreign investors due to its favorable tax regime, including no capital gains tax, inheritance tax, or worldwide income tax. It also offers significant travel freedom with visa-free access to over 140 countries.

General requirements

• Be over the age of 18
• 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 easiest and 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

• Be over the age of 18
• Have good health
• Have a clear criminal record
• Pass a background check
• Provide proof of the legality of the source of your funds

Financial requirements

Investors can obtain citizenship of Grenada and a Caribbean 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 Caribbean island of St. Lucia offers one of the most affordable options for a second passport through its St. Lucia citizenship by investment program.

For an investment of $240,000, individuals and their family members can obtain dual nationality and a passport within 10 months.

A St. Lucia passport provides an idyllic lifestyle, tax benefits like no capital gains or inheritance taxes, and visa-free travel to nearly 150 countries, including the Schengen area.

General requirements

• Be over the age of 18
• Make the minimum investment and provide evidence of the investment legitimacy.
• Have excellent health
• Have a clear criminal record
• Pass a background check
• Pay the required non-refundable processing fee, due diligence fee, and other administrative fees.

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

St. Kitts and Nevis offers a luxurious lifestyle and tax benefits in the Caribbean. Since 1984, the St. Kitts and Nevis citizenship by investment program has allowed investors and families to obtain a St. Kitts and Nevis passport through investment.

The program requires a $250,000 contribution to the Sustainable Island State Contribution (SISC).

With no stay requirements and a fast-track process of just 12 months, it is one of the easiest countries to gain citizenship.

General requirements

• Be over the age of 18
• Undergo a criminal background check
• Provide a bank statement for proof of funds as well as 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.

General requirements

• Be over the age of 18
• Have excellent health
• Have a clear criminal record
• Pass a background check
• Have basic knowledge of the English language

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 fulfil 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 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 through investing in or starting a business

Vanuatu

This Oceanic country may not be well-known, but it offers a favorable investment opportunity through its Vanuatu citizenship by investment program. For an investment of only $130,000, investors can gain full citizenship and a Vanuatu passport.

Not only does Vanuatu’s program have the lowest minimum investment cost, it also boasts a fast processing times of just 60 days. Additionally, Vanuatu tax residents benefit from 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 the equivalent of 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

Easiest Countries To Get Citizenship by Descent

If you can’t go the investment route, the next 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 in 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 by descent.

Italy

Italian citizenship by descent allows individuals of Italian heritage to claim citizenship if they can prove an unbroken lineage to an Italian ancestor. The principle of Jus Sanguinis (citizenship by descent) in Italy is rooted in Italian law and has been in effect since the country’s unification in 1861.

There is no generational limit, but certain conditions apply, such as the ancestor must not have renounced their Italian citizenship before the next generation’s birth. This pathway to Italy citizenship is available even if applicants have never lived in the country as long as they meet the documentation and eligibility requirements.

Poland

Poland is one of the easiest European countries to obtain 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

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. 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. Some countries offer a shorter residency requirement for particular groups–including adopted children, spouses, and refugees.

Two-year residence requirement

• Peru
• Argentina
• Dominican Republic
• Spain (for specific foreign citizens)

Three-year residence requirement

• Poland
• Armenia
• Paraguay
• Serbia
• Canada

Four-year residence requirement

• Ethiopia
• Australia

Five-year residence requirement

• Ireland
• Belgium
• Barbados

Naturalization period in different countries

The Income Visa Route to Citizenship

If you don’t have family ties or the funds for citizenship by investment, you can consider citizenship by naturalization through an income visa.

Some countries offer residency programs for individuals with employment or passive income. By meeting certain income requirements, you can obtain renewable residency and eventually qualify for citizenship through naturalization.

Spain Non-Lucrative Visa

The Spain Non-Lucrative Visa allows non-EU citizens to reside in the country without needing to engage in paid work on the condition that they prove they have the sufficient financial means to support themselves.

To obtain this visa, a foreigner must 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, and they are not allowed to work at all in the country.

Highlights:

• 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. Also known as the Portugal Retirement Visa, the D7 is specifically designed for individuals with sufficient passive income, such as a pension, real estate, and financial equity.

The Portugal D7 Visa 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 obtain citizenship.

Highlights:

• Requires a minimum foreign-earned income of €870.00 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.

Highlights:

• 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

What is one of the easiest countries to gain citizenship in?

Vanuatu is the fastest country to obtain citizenship, with its citizenship program. The process can be completed in as little as one month. However, it’s worth noting that Argentina also has a relatively fast process, where citizenship could be granted in as short as two years.

What are some of the easiest countries to obtain citizenship in the EU?

The easiest English-speaking country to obtain citizenship in Europe is Malta, which grants successful applicants citizenship by naturalization in 12 to 36 months, depending on their investment sum.

Other easy 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 to obtain citizenship citizenship, as it has one of the longest established CBI programs and have affordable investment options.

Which country is the hardest to become a citizen?

Vatican City citizenship could be considered the hardest to obtain 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 European Union citizenship by naturalization?

Poland is among the countries that offer the fastest route to getting citizenship by naturalization due to its short minimum residency period of only three years.

Which country has the shortest citizenship requirements?

If you have the means to invest, Vanuatu grants citizenship to investors in a mere 60 days, making its program the fastest of all.

If you can’t do citizenship by investment, Peru and Argentina are two countries with the easiest and fastest citizenship routes as their minimum residency requirement is just two years.

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 CES program.

Malta also offers the Permanent Residence Program which further bolsters its reputation as the easiest EU country to immigrate to.