The Easiest Country to Get Citizenship in 2024

Dual citizenship offers a wide range of benefits, including increased travel opportunities, better chances for business expansion, and an extra layer of protection during political turmoil.

Nowadays, many countries offer various ways to obtain a second passport, such as investment programs or qualifications based on ancestry. People are actively exploring their options for obtaining dual citizenship not just for convenience but also as a strategic move towards a more global and liberated lifestyle.

In this context, it is essential to understand which countries provide the easiest ways to obtain dual citizenship. Whether motivated by the desire for greater mobility, better career opportunities across borders, or simply the wish to connect with one’s roots, the pursuit of second citizenship indicates the growing trend of global citizenship.

In this article, we’ll explore all the possible ways you can get an additional citizenship and a passport, what the various requirements and regulations are, and which is the easiest nation to get citizenship based on geographic regions.

What is second citizenship?

Dual citizenship, also referred to as second citizenship or dual nationality, 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.

The laws governing dual citizenship vary from country to country. Some nations fully accept dual nationality, some impose certain restrictions, and a few do not recognize it at all, which may require individuals to renounce their previous citizenship upon acquiring a new one.

Dual citizenship has several benefits, such as the ability to live, work, and study in two countries, own property in both, and avail of the social services and legal protections offered by both states. However, it also comes with certain complexities, such as potential double taxation, military service obligations in both countries, and the need to comply with two sets of laws.

Pathways to Dual Citizenship

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 hold the right to citizenship and 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 on the condition that you prove the lineage.

For example, Hungarian nationality law 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 edibility criteria, which generally based on popular ones are European minimum residency period while holding a permanent residence visa.

Before being granted citizenship, prospective applicants may also be required to prove their ability to speak the national language and knowledge of the nation’s history and customs. 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.

Citizenship through marriage

In many countries, marriage to a national is recognized as a pathway to acquiring citizenship. 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.

Their 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.

Below are the top benefits of Citizenship by Investment.

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 seeking 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.

The island nation is an important business center and a global leader in fin-tech, making its citizenship program one of the most rewarding for investors seeking a foothold in the European market and European Union citizenship.

Foreign investors who seek citizenship and a European passport may apply for Malta’s citizenship by naturalization scheme – otherwise more accurately referred to as the Granting of 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 to obtain citizenship in the EU. It provides its holders with the right to live, work, and study in Europe, as well as 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 threshold
• 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 CBI grants qualifying individuals citizenship rights and an Antigua and Barbuda passport in three to six months in exchange for the starting investment amount of $100,000.

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. The passport of this Caribbean country provides its holders 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 $100,000 to the National Development Fund
• Purchase government-approved real estate (or shares) worth at least $200,000
• Make a donation of $150,000 or more to the 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 $150,000 – this makes Grenada one of the top Caribbean nations with an easy citizenship process.

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 $150,000 to the National Transformation Fund
• Invest at least $220,000 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 $100,000, 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 $100,000 to the St Lucia National Economic Fund
• 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 $500,000 in government funds

St Kitts and Nevis

Elegant and private, St Kitts and Nevis offers a luxury life and a handful of 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
• 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 $100,000.

Due to the program’s affordable cost and requirements, it has been chosen as the best country for citizenship by investment for four consecutive years by the CBI Index — the world’s most prestigious study of citizenship by investment programs (CBI).

So, is this the easiest English-speaking country to get citizenship? It certainly is one of them.

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 $100,000 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 and has since 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. Investors can gain full citizenship rights and the country’s passport with an investment of just $130,000. 

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

Spain

Spain’s Golden Visa grants non-EU/EEA investors and their families renewable residence permits in exchange for a significant financial contribution to the Spanish economy. To qualify for the program, applicants must invest at least €500,000 and maintain that investment for at least five years.

You’ll be eligible to become a Spanish permanent resident after five continuous years of residency. After an additional five years of uninterrupted residence, you can apply for Spanish citizenship and an EU passport. This is contingent on you physically living in the nation for at least six months out of every year during that time. 

General requirements

• Hold a clean criminal record
• Reside in Spain for at least 183 days every year for ten years
• Maintain your investment in Spain
• Demonstrate proof of having no outstanding tax payments in Spain
• Demonstrate evidence of a basic understanding of the Spanish language and culture

It’s worth noting that citizens of former Spanish colonies can be eligible to obtain EU citizenship in Spain after two years of continuous residency. Note that citizens of certain countries, including Ibero-American nations and former Spanish colonies, hold the right to obtain citizenship by naturalization after two years of residency. 

Cyprus

Cyprus’ Golden Visa program provides an expedited route to European residency. It grants non-EU/EEA investors and their immediate family members residency rights three months after lodging their Golden Visa application. The only condition is that they meet the program’s eligibility criteria and invest at least €300,000 in the nation’s economy.

General requirements

• Hold a clean criminal record
• Maintain your investment and residency in Cyprus for at least seven years
• Abide by the stay requirements and visit Cyprus once every two years
• Have three guarantors of Cypriot nationality 

If you’d prefer to opt for indefinite residency, Cyprus is the easiest European country to get permanent residency without investment. It requires maintaining a valid residence permit for five years, after which you can apply for a permanent residence permit.

Curaçao

The Curaçao Investor Permit Program has provided foreign nationals and their families with residency rights that ultimately pave the way for citizenship, contingent upon an investment of at least $280,000 in the country. A notable advantage of the Curaçao Investor Permit Program is its ability to serve as a route to European citizenship, given that Curaçao is an island in the Dutch Caribbean.

Holders of the Curaçao temporary immigrant visa are permitted to reside both in Curaçao and the Netherlands. The criteria to become a Dutch citizen includes the requirement to live in both nations if they wish to acquire Dutch citizenship after five years of maintaining their investment.

General requirements

• Hold a clean criminal record
• Maintain your investment in Curaçao for at least five years
• Demonstrate proof of having no outstanding tax payments in Curaçao or the Netherlands
• Abide by the stay requirements in Curaçao and the Netherlands. You must live in Curaçao for four months out of every year and in the Netherlands for five months out of every year for at least five years–totaling nine months of residency annually across both nations.

Easiest Countries to Get Citizenship by Descent

If you are looking for the easiest passport to get 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

Italy is one of the easiest places to get citizenship by descent as you must only demonstrate proof of your Italian heritage to successfully apply for an Italian passport. You can prove this by showing your birth certificate and that of your parent, grandparent or direct ancestors further down the line.

Generational proof: Italian citizenship by descent is a possible path for individuals born to Italian parents, grandparents, or grandparents – there is no upper limit in terms of the number of generations. In most cases, the Italian ancestor should not have renounced their Italian citizenship before the birth of the descendant. If your ancestor became a citizen of another country before you were born, then this may affect your eligibility and make the process more complex, depending on the laws that were in place at the time.

Required documents: To prepare your application, you must provide evidence of your Italian heritage. Therefore, it will be necessary for you to gather various documents to prove your connections to an Italian person. Documents should show a clear and verifiable link between you and your Italian ancestor. More details on these documents can be found below.

The Italian citizenship laws may have different requirements for individuals born before certain dates, particularly those born before Italy’s unification in 1861 and changes to the constitution in 1948. The application process can be complex, and it often involves submitting your documents to the Italian consulate or embassy in your home country. The specific requirements and procedures may vary depending on your country of residence and the consulate’s jurisdiction.

Italian language skills: It is also possible that you may be required to demonstrate proficiency in the Italian language. However, this requirement is often waived for individuals applying through a grandparent or great-grandparent.

Criminal background: You are typically required to have a good character and not have a criminal record. This may involve providing a criminal record certificate from your country of residence.

Possible changes: It’s crucial to note that Italian citizenship laws and eligibility criteria have evolved over time, and they can change. Therefore, it’s essential to consult the Italian consulate or embassy in your area for the most up-to-date information and guidance on your specific case. They can provide you with the most accurate and current requirements and procedures for Italian citizenship by descent based on your unique circumstances.

In case you don’t have Italian ancestors, no worries. Other routes to Italian citizenship include the Italian Golden Visa, an attractive program that grants temporary residency for individuals who make a qualifying investment in Italy. To read more about the scheme, please refer to Ultimate Italian Golden Visa Guide

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 submit an application 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 Elective Residence Visa

Remote workers and retirees can now live in Italy by obtaining an Italy Elective Residence Visa. Multiple sources of income are considered for this residence permit, and there are no monthly income requirements to fulfill, provided yearly earnings reach the program’s income threshold.

Key points: 

• Requires minimum yearly earnings of €31,000 from overseas sources
• Valid for one or two years and renewable indefinitely
• Eligible for permanent residency after five years
• Eligible for citizenship after ten years of continuous residency

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 three to six 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 to gain citizenship through holding 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. 

Check out our article: Which is the Cheapest Caribbean Island to Live on?

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.