Which countries are the easiest to get citizenship in?

Those seeking freedom, comfort, security, business opportunities and the chance to explore life outside of their home country will find our ranking of the easiest countries to obtain citizenship interesting. Whether a person is looking for better business prospects or a new home for themselves and their family, the appeal of a second passport is undeniable.

Multiple citizenship has several advantages such as the ability to live, work, own property, enjoy social services and legal protection in several states at once. Currently, many countries offer various ways of obtaining a passport. The investment programmes allowing citizenship in exchange for a substantial contribution to the economy are particularly popular.

Most foreigners are looking for the easiest ways to obtain citizenship. The word "easy" may mean quick processing, low investment threshold or minimal requirements for physical presence on the territory of the state.

In our ranking, you can find options that fit all these criteria. It includes both European and popular Caribbean countries. Determine your priorities, evaluate what advantages passports of different countries provide, and make the right choice!

Ways to obtain a second citizenship

How to get citizenship of another country:

1. By birthright. Some states, such as the United States and Canada, have a "right of land" principle that allows children born in their territory to obtain citizenship automatically.
2. By descent. The principle of a "right of blood" implies that citizenship is inherited from blood relatives in the parental line, regardless of where a person was born.
3. By marriage. Marriage to a citizen is the basis for obtaining a passport in many states. In some cases, it allows the issuance of a residence permit with the subsequent granting of citizenship after a certain period of time.
4. By naturalisation. In most countries, foreigners can obtain a passport by residing on their territory with the status of resident for a period of time established by local legislation.
5. By investment. Many states offer a passport in exchange for investing a set amount of money into the local economy. Sometimes such investments allow obtaining a residence permit with subsequent naturalisation citizenship after some time.

Key benefits of citizenship for investment

The advantages of investment programmes include:

1. Visa-free travel. Investors who have obtained a second citizenship can enjoy the benefits of free or simplified entry to many countries around the world.
2. Financial benefits. Candidates for economic citizenship can invest in a variety of assets to diversify their portfolio and generate income.
3. Tax optimisation. Many countries that issue golden passports provide tax incentives to investors. For example, citizens of Vanuatu are exempt from tax on personal and corporate income.
4. Family relocation. Often the application for investment citizenship can include immediate family members: spouse, children and sometimes parents.
5. Security. A second citizenship can provide a safe haven in times of uncertainty in the country of residence.
6. Access to social and financial infrastructure. Once citizenship is granted, foreigners can use the services of the state's banks, as well as have access to its education and health care systems. In addition, they can conduct business activities without restrictions, purchase and lease real estate, etc.

Europe's economic stability, high level of health care and education, developed democratic institutions and reliable legal environment make it an attractive place for investment and relocation. As a rule, a passport can be obtained here after obtaining a residence permit and/or permanent residence permit. The most popular programmes that offer this opportunity are Portugal Golden Residence Permit, Malta Citizenship Citizenship by Naturalisation for Exceptional Services by Direct Investment and Spain Residence by Investment.

Passports of the Caribbean countries such as Antigua and Barbuda, St. Kitts and Nevis, St. Lucia and Grenada are no less in demand. These countries offer fast citizenship processing with visa-free access (or visa on arrival) to over 140 destinations, including Singapore, the UK and Schengen states.

Countries where it is the easiest to obtain investment citizenship

Malta

Malta is an island country in the Mediterranean Sea. Its population exceeds 540,000. The small nation attracts expats from all over the world with its picturesque scenery, mild Mediterranean climate, high level of security and tax incentives.

Malta tops the ranking of the easiest countries to obtain citizenship in the EU. To obtain a passport within 13 years, adult investors with no criminal record must fulfil the following conditions:

• Contribute €600,000 or more to the National Development Fund after living in the state with a residence permit for 3 years or €750,000 or more after one year's residency.
• Buy property with a value of €700,000 or more with 5 years of ownership or conclude a 5-year rental contract with an annual payment of €16,000.
• Donate €10,000 to a local charity organisation.

The main advantages of Maltese citizenship are:

• The right to visa-free movement and residence in any EU country.
• Visa-free or simplified entry to 187 countries, including the UK.
• Access to the international banking system.
• The right to receive education in European educational institutions without a visa.
• Reduced fees for educational services.
• The opportunity to do business in the Republic or another EU country.
• The right to enter the state at any time, even when the borders are closed.

Antigua and Barbuda

Antigua and Barbuda is an island nation washed by the Caribbean Sea. It is close to other Caribbean countries such as St Vincent and the Grenadines, Grenada and Dominica. The archipelago has a population of 94,000.

The state offers an investment citizenship programme enabling investors to acquire a passport within just 3–6 months. Eligible participants include foreigners in good health with no criminal record, provided they meet one of the specified conditions:

• Donate $230,000 or more to the National Development Fund.
• Donate $300,000 or more to the University of the West Indies Foundation (option for a family of 6).
• Buy property in a government-approved project, valued at $325,000 or more, and retain the real estate for 5 years.
• Invest in business from $1.5 million individually or from $400,000 for a joint project totalling at least $5 million.

Please note that this is the new price threshold valid from 31 July 2024.

The main benefits of island nation citizenship are:

• Visa-free or simplified entry to 150+ countries, including the UK, Germany and Austria.
• The ability to apply for a 10-year, multiple-entry US tourist visa.
• Exemption from personal income, inheritance and capital gains taxes.
• The right to visit the country at any time and to stay in the country indefinitely.
• The right to do business in the Caribbean (CARICOM).
• The right to acquire citizenship for family members.
• The right to retain first citizenship.

Grenada

Grenada is an island nation in the Caribbean Sea, neighbouring other countries in the region such as Saint Vincent and the Grenadines, Barbados and Trinidad and Tobago. Its population reaches 126,000.

Grenada continues to top the list of the easiest countries to get citizenship. Foreigners who pass a background check and prove a legitimate source of income can apply for a passport in 36 months. The programme offers two options:

• Contribute from $235,000 to the National Transformation Fund.
• Buying a government-approved property valued at $270,000 or more and retaining the ownership for 5 years.

The main advantages of Grenadian citizenship are:

• Free (visa-free, with VoA or e-visa) entry to 155 states, including the UK, Singapore and Hong Kong.
• The opportunity to apply for a business and tourist visa to the USA.
• The right to register an international organisation.
• Exemption from taxes on dividends, interest, royalties, inheritance, capital gains and wages.
• The right to visit and unlimited stay in the country at any time.
• No language or residency requirements.
• The possibility to obtain citizenship for family members.

St Lucia

St Lucia is an island nation washed by the Caribbean Sea and the Atlantic Ocean. It lies between the islands of St Vincent and Martinique, separated from them by straits of the same name. Its population exceeds 180,000.

The small Caribbean island offers one of the most lucrative immigration programmes for investors. Foreigners who meet its conditions and pay all government fees can obtain a passport in 6 months for:

• Contribution of $240,000 or more to the National Economic Fund.
• Purchase of a property in a government-approved project valued at $300,000 or more and retention of the ownership for 5 years.
• Investment of $300,000 or more in government bonds. In addition, an administrative fee of $50,000 is required.
• Investment of $3.5 million or more in an individual enterprise or $1 million or more in a joint project with a total value of $6 million or more.

The main advantages of Saint Lucian citizenship are:

• The right to retain first citizenship.
• The ability to obtain a 10-year tourist visa to the United States.
• The right to incorporate an international organisation.
• Exemption from taxes on worldwide income, capital gains, inheritance and wages.
• The ability to confer citizenship on family members.

St Kitts and Nevis

St Kitts and Nevis is an island nation in the Caribbean Sea. It is located near Montserrat, Sint Eustatius and Antigua and Barbuda. It has a population of over 54,000.

The island nation's golden passport programme was launched back in 1984. Participants who provide their bank statements can obtain citizenship within 4 months for:

• Donation of $250,000 or more to the Sustainable Development Fund.
• Donation of $250,000 or more to a public charity.
• The purchase of a condominium valued at $400,000 or more or a single-family home valued at $800,000 or more.

The main advantages of a St Kitts and Nevis passport are:

• The right to retain first citizenship.
• The right to visit the State at any time and to stay in its territory without restriction.
• Visa-free entry to most European and Asian countries.
• The possibility of obtaining a long-term US visa.
• The right to register an international organisation.
• Exemption from capital gains, payroll and inheritance taxes.
• Benefits in the Commonwealth of Nations and the Caribbean Community, such as visa-free entry and business advantages.
• The ability to pass on citizenship to children by inheritance.

Dominica

Dominica is an island nation washed by the Caribbean Sea and the Atlantic Ocean. It is located next to Guadeloupe and Martinique. It has a population of over 72,000.

Dominica has been ranked as the top state for investment citizenship by the CBI Index for 4 consecutive years. Foreigners who pass a background check, prove a legitimate source of income and have a basic knowledge of English can apply for a passport in 36 months by fulfilling one of the following conditions:

• Contribute $200,000 or more to the Economic Diversification Fund.
• Purchase a pre-approved property worth $200,000 or more and pay additional government fees of $75,000 or more.

The main benefits of Dominica citizenship are:

• Visa-free or simplified entry to 150+ nations, including Germany, France and China.
• The ability to obtain a 10-year US visa.
• Exemption from wealth, inheritance, gift and capital gains taxes.
• The right to reside in the country.
• The right to retain first citizenship.
• The ability to confer citizenship on family members.

Turkey

Turkey is a country located mainly in Western Asia; a small part of its territory is located in South-Eastern Europe. Its population exceeds 85 million people.

The programme of citizenship in Turkey by investment was launched in 2017. Within 35 months, participants who have never stayed in the state illegally will be able to obtain a passport by fulfilling one of its requirements:

• Purchase a property worth $400,000 or more.
• Open a bank deposit of $500,000 or more.
• Invest $500,000 or more in bank bonds, shares in a property investment fund or a venture capital fund.
• Create 5 jobs for at least 50 Turkish citizens.

The main advantages of Turkish citizenship are:

• Free entry to 133 states, including Japan and South Korea.
• The right to enter the country at any time, even when the borders are closed.
• The ability to apply for a US business and tourist visa.
• Possibility to return the invested funds after 3 years.
• The ability to issue passports for family members.
• The right to retain first citizenship.

Vanuatu

Vanuatu is a Melanesian nation bordering the Pacific Ocean. It is located next to the Solomon Islands, Australia, New Caledonia and Fiji. It has a population of 330,000.

The Republic offers one of the fastest golden citizenship schemes. Foreigners aged 18 to 65 with at least $250,000 in their bank account can obtain a passport in just 2 months. To participate in the programme, they must donate $130,000 or more to the Development Fund.

The main benefits of Vanuatu citizenship are:

• Visa-free or simplified entry to 100+ nations, including Hong Kong and Singapore.
• The ability to apply for a 5-year US visa and an annual Australian visa.
• Exemption from taxes on capital gains, luxury, inheritance, worldwide income, dividends and gambling profits.
• Access to European and US banking systems.
• No language and residency requirements.
• Possibility to apply for citizenship remotely.

Which countries you can get citizenship in after residence permit

Portugal

Portugal is a country located in the westernmost part of Europe, bordering Spain. Its western and southern coasts are washed by the Atlantic Ocean. Its population exceeds 10 million.

The Portuguese programme offers a 2-year residency by investment scheme. It allows non-EU/EEA nationals to obtain a residence card with the possibility of renewal and getting citizenship after 5 years.

The scheme offers several options for investment:

• From €200,000 to €250,000 (depending on the location of the organisation) to support artistic activities.
• From €400,000 to €500,000 (depending on the location of the organisation) to support research and development activities.
• From €500,000 to a share in an investment or venture capital fund.
• From €500,000 in the creation of a company or the authorised capital of an existing company that will provide a minimum of 5 jobs for 3 years or more.
• The creation of 8 to 10 jobs (depending on the location of the company).

Applicants for citizenship must stay in Portugal for at least 7 days a year, pay taxes on time, know official language at a basic level and be aware of the local culture.

The main advantages of Portuguese citizenship are:

• Free entry to 170+ countries.
• The right to buy and rent any type of property, including land, housing and commercial properties.
• Access to a modern healthcare system, which is considered one of the best in Europe and includes both public and private medical centres.
• The opportunity to receive education in a European educational institution and to benefit from the privileges for EU citizens when paying tuition fees.
• The right to vote, participate in elections and receive social benefits.

Spain

Spain is a country located on the Iberian Peninsula in south-western Europe. It borders France, Portugal, Andorra, Gibraltar and Morocco. Its population exceeds 47 million people.

Foreigners can obtain residency status with the possibility of obtaining citizenship after 10 years of residence in the country. Spain's golden visa programme requires participants to fulfil one of the following conditions:

• Purchase a property worth €500,000 or more.
• Set a company to create new jobs and make a significant contribution to the economy.
• Make a deposit of €1 million or more in a local bank.
• Purchase shares in Spanish companies/funds with a value of €1 million or more.
• Purchase government bonds with a value of €2 million or more.

The main advantages of Spanish citizenship are:

• The right to reside in the country.
• Visa-free or simplified entry to 180 countries, including the UK and the USA.
• The possibility to move to any EU country.
• The right to conduct business and official employment in European companies without special authorization.
• Access to educational services of European universities on favourable terms.
• Access to a developed health care system.
• Access to the European banking system.

Cyprus

Cyprus is a country washed by the Mediterranean Sea. It is close to Turkey, Syria, Egypt and Greece. The population exceeds 1.2 million.

The passport can be obtained after 5 years of residence with an investment residence permit in Cyprus. The programme offers participants the following options:

• Purchase of residential properties erected by a local developer with a value from €300,000.
• Purchase of commercial properties from €300,000 on the primary or secondary market.
• Investment of €300,000 or more in the creation of a new business or in the shares of an existing one, providing at least 5 jobs.
• Investment of €300,000 or more in shares of private investment funds.

The main advantages of Cypriot citizenship are:

• The right to reside in any EU member state without obtaining its passport or residency status.
• Visa-free entry to 175 countries, including the UK and Singapore.
• Low VAT rates.
• The right to official employment, business and education in any EU member state.

Curaçao

Curaçao is a self-governing territory in the Caribbean Sea, located next to Venezuela. It is part of the Kingdom of the Netherlands. The territory has a population of over 185,000.

Residents of Curaçao can apply for Dutch citizenship after 5 years of residence on the island. It is necessary to meet the Kingdom's naturalisation conditions, including passing Dutch language tests and integration into the local community.

To obtain a 3-year renewable residence permit, you must invest from $280,000 in property, securities or business, and from $425,000 for a 5-year residence permit.

The main advantages of citizenship are:

• The right to unlimited stay in the country.
• Visa-free entry to Schengen states.
• The right to official employment and business.
• Access to education and health care systems.
• Access to the local and international banking system.