In the wake of easier global mobility, many countries offer smoother pathways that make relocating easier. Several nations are considered the easiest countries to immigrate to because of their visa options, straightforward application processes, job opportunities, and more.
In this guide, we will list some countries that make migration easy through the different visas they offer and a general overview of how to identify the countries that make migration easy.
We will cover:
6. Italy
Italy is an attractive destination for immigrants with accommodative immigration policies and visas like the Italy Golden Visa and the Italy Digital Nomad Visa. To top it off, the country is seventh on the retirement guide for U.S. citizens because it is loved for its weather, security, and great healthcare.
The Italy Golden Visa requires a minimum investment of €250,000 and grants a renewable residency permit. After five years, you can apply for permanent residency.
The Digital Nomad Visa is for remote workers employed by companies outside Italy, with a minimum income requirement of €2,066 per month. It offers a one-year residence permit, renewable with proof of continued employment and sufficient funds.
7. Canada
Canada offers immigration programs for skilled workers and entrepreneurs, such as the Provincial Nominee Program and Canada Startup Visa. The Provincial Nominee Program targets investors, entrepreneurs, and workers and offers permanent residency.
The Startup Visa supports foreign entrepreneurs with innovative business ideas, with no minimum investment required, as designated organizations provide funding. Both programs allow family reunification, making Canada a great choice for families. Its welcoming policies and strong economy make it an attractive destination for immigrants.
8. Brazil
9. St Lucia
St. Lucia’s Citizenship by Investment program is a popular and efficient route to citizenship. Applicants can invest in real estate, contribute to the National Development Fund, or invest in a government-approved business, with investments starting from $240,000.
The process is quick, often taking as little as ten months to complete. Successful applicants benefit from no tax on worldwide income and no gift, inheritance, or capital gains tax. St. Lucia’s stable political environment, low crime rates, and breathtaking natural beauty make it an attractive option for those seeking a second home.
10. Turkey
Turkey is an attractive option for those interested in second citizenship, thanks to its unique location straddling Europe and Asia. With its rich cultural heritage and high quality of life, Turkey has become a popular destination for foreign nationals.
The Turkey Citizenship by Investment program offers a straightforward path, requiring an investment starting at $400,000. Investors can choose from options such as purchasing real estate, making a bank deposit, or starting a business that creates jobs for Turkish citizens. This program makes it one of the best choices for those looking for an additional passport.
11. St. Kitts and Nevis
The St. Kitts and Nevis Citizenship by Investment makes the country a great choice for immigration because you can get citizenship by investing $250,000 in the Sustainable Growth Fund or $400,000 in real estate. The process usually takes about 12 months.
The country offers many benefits, like visa-free travel to over 160 countries, including the EU and UK. It also has no personal income, capital gains, or inheritance taxes, making it a good option for second citizenship. The beautiful beaches, warm climate, and political stability make it even more attractive.
12. Antigua and Barbuda
Antigua and Barbuda’s Citizenship by Investment program allows individuals and families to acquire citizenship through investments starting from $230,000, typically in the form of a donation to the National Development Fund.
Another option is a $300,000 investment in real estate or a business. These beautiful islands are great to move to because the application process takes four to six months, and there is no residency requirement except for a short five-day stay within the first five years. Successful applicants also enjoy visa-free access to over 150 countries and tax benefits such as no wealth, gift, inheritance, or capital gains taxes.
13. Dominica
Dominica is a great country to migrate to, and it has an attractive CBI program recognized for its affordability and efficiency. Dominica’s citizenship by investment scheme requires a $200,000 contribution to the Economic Diversification Fund or the purchase of real estate worth at least $200,000.
Processing takes six to nine months, and no residency requirements exist. Citizens enjoy visa-free travel to over 145 countries, including the Schengen Area and the UK. Outside of its investment options, Dominica is renowned for its beautiful natural landscapes, eco-tourism, and commitment to sustainability. Its favorable tax system, with no taxes on worldwide income, capital gains, or inheritance, makes it an even more attractive destination.
Ranking of the Easiest Countries to Immigrate to
Immigration policies are key to determining how easy it is to immigrate to different countries. Factors like investment amounts, how long it takes to get permanent residency, visa renewability, and the ability to bring family members affect the process. Countries with clear, simple paths to residency or citizenship, lower costs, and quicker applications usually rank higher.
Rank | Country | Immigration Program Highlights |
| Canada | Offers various skilled worker and entrepreneur programs, including Express Entry. |
2 | Portugal | The D7 Visa and Golden Visa offer easy residency pathways with low investment requirements. |
3 | Spain | Non-Lucrative Visa and Golden Visa provide straightforward routes to residency and citizenship. |
4 | Greece | The Golden Visa requires a €250,000 investment in real estate for residency. |
5 | Malta | Offers Permanent Residency and Citizenship by Investment programs with significant financial contributions. |
6 | Cyprus | Golden Visa and residency through investment, with a €300,000 real estate requirement. |
7 | Italy | The Golden Visa and Digital Nomad Visa offer accessible investment and income requirements for residency. |
8 | Turkey | Citizenship by Investment starting at $400,000, with options like real estate purchases. |
9 | St. Lucia | Citizenship by Investment program starting at $240,000, with fast processing times. |
10 | St. Kitts and Nevis | Citizenship by Investment program with a $250,000 contribution to the Sustainable Growth Fund. |
11 | Brazil | Offers residency through investment programs with a path to citizenship in four years. |
12 | Antigua and Barbuda | Citizenship by Investment with options such as real estate or donations, leading to citizenship in a few months. |
13 | Dominica | Affordable Citizenship by Investment program with a minimum donation of $100,000. |
What makes a country easy to immigrate to?
Visa types
The ease of immigration is predominantly determined by the type of visa needed and the options available. There are several types of visas including a work visa for those with a job offer and a family visa for those with family members living in the country.
Accessibility
Obtaining a specific visa type is affected by several accessibility components. These may include a quota system policy that sets numerical limits or restrictions on the maximum number of immigrants allowed to enter a country within a specific time frame.
Application process
A streamlined and transparent application process, characterized by clear instructions, easily accessible information, and user-friendly interfaces, can enhance the overall ease of immigration.
Permanent residence or citizenship
Certain countries also provide the option to become permanent residents or obtain citizenship, which does not come with the requirement for renewal and allows foreigners to reside in their chosen country indefinitely.
Job opportunities
Many foreigners move abroad in search of job opportunities. Although work permits may be available, if the country doesn’t have a strong job market or openings in relevant industries, expatriates may face challenges in securing suitable employment that aligns with their qualifications and career goals.
Quality of life
Many expats pursue immigration in search of a better life. They have the means to obtain the necessary visa to move to a foreign country; however, their quality of life and assimilation into a new culture also determine the overall ease of immigration.
Non-extradition
Non-extradition countries are often perceived as potentially easier to immigrate to due to the absence of formal extradition treaties with other nations. Extradition is the legal process by which one country surrenders a person to another for prosecution or punishment.
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 Easy Countries to Immigrate to
Which country is easiest to immigrate to?
Several countries could be considered the easiest country to immigrate to. A primary candidate is St Lucia, with its low starting investment requirement of $100,000 to grant second citizenship. Furthermore, it has a favorable tax regime regarding worldwide income and assets.
What is the nicest country to immigrate to?
Portugal is one of the easiest and safest countries to immigrate to. It offers a smooth immigration process with various visa options for employment, entrepreneurship, study, and family reunification. Its natural beauty, pleasant climate, and ranking as the 6th safest country globally make it an appealing destination.
What is the easiest country to immigrate from to the US?
What country can I move to without a job?
Countries like Portugal, Spain, and Mexico offer residency options without a job requirement. For example, Portugal’s D7 Visa allows individuals to reside with proof of passive income or savings. Similarly, Mexico’s Temporary Resident Visa allows stays based on income or financial self-sufficiency, without needing employment.
Where is it hardest to immigrate to?
It depends on various factors such as an individual’s country of origin, financial status, professional skills, and the specific immigration policies of the destination country at the time of application. However, some countries like Japan and Switzerland, are renowned for their stringent immigration requirements and processes.
What country accepts the most immigrants?
The United States is home to the highest number of immigrants in the world, with an estimated 50.6 million people, which is more than 15% of its total population of 331.4 million. This makes the United States the country that accepts the most immigrants.
What are the easiest countries to immigrate to for families
Some of the easiest countries to immigrate to for families include Canada, New Zealand, Portugal, and Spain. These countries offer family-friendly immigration programs, affordable healthcare, quality education, and a high standard of living.