Updated: September 4, 2025, 08:03 AM

In an increasingly interconnected and uncertain world, holding a second passport is no longer a luxury reserved for the ultra-wealthy — it is a strategic asset. Whether you’re seeking greater global mobility, financial freedom, or a reliable “Plan B,” acquiring citizenship in another country can open new doors. 

Fortunately, in 2025, several countries offer accessible and relatively straightforward paths to citizenship through investment, ancestry, residency, or special programs for U.S. citizens.

In this guide, we’ll explore the easiest countries to obtain citizenship and help you discover the best route to secure your second passport. 

Types of Citizenship

Citizenship by Investment

For individuals with the financial means, Citizenship by Investment Programs offer a direct route to acquiring a second passport. This typically involves contributing to a country’s economy—such as purchasing real estate, donating to national development funds, or investing in government bonds. 

If you are considering this route, don’t miss our Step-by-Step Guide to Dual Citizenship by Investment for a complete walkthrough of the process.

Citizenship by Birth

Some nations automatically grant citizenship to individuals born on their soil, regardless of their parents’ nationality. Known as jus soli, or “right of the soil,” this form of citizenship is widely practiced in countries like Mexico and Canada. However, it’s not available everywhere, so eligibility depends entirely on the specific country’s laws.

For a full breakdown, see our Countries with Birthright Citizenship (2025 Guide)

Citizenship by Descent

If you have a parent, grandparent, or even a great-grandparent from another country, you might qualify for citizenship by descent. The process usually involves proving your ancestry through documents and varies by country. It’s a popular path for those with strong family roots abroad.

Citizenship by Naturalization

Naturalization requires living in a country for a set number of years before applying. Timeframes vary—Argentina allows it after 2 years, while Portugal requires 5. You may also need to show language skills or cultural knowledge.

Easiest Countries to get Citizenship by Investment

Some countries offer streamlined citizenship processes for individuals willing to invest in their economies. Below are some of the easiest destinations to obtain citizenship through investment. 

For those prioritizing speed, check out the Fastest Citizenship by Investment in the World 2025: Our Guide.

Malta

Malta offers a fast-tracked path to citizenship through its Citizenship by Naturalization for Exceptional Services by Direct Investment Program. By contributing at least €690,000—whether through real estate investment or a donation—you can secure residency and eventually citizenship. Depending on your investment, you may be eligible to apply within just 3 years. Maltese citizenship grants you an EU passport, allowing you to live and work across the European Union without a visa. Learn more about the Malta Citizenship by Investment Benefits that come with this powerful passport, and explore the full list of Malta Passport Visa Free Countries you’ll be able to access.

Portugal

The Portugal Golden Visa remains a favorite among American investors. With a minimum investment of €250,000 in the local economy, you can begin your residency journey. Portugal continues to attract global applicants due to its flexible residency rules and high quality of life. The program requires minimal physical presence—just 7 days in the first year and 14 days every two years thereafter. After five years, you become eligible to apply for Portuguese citizenship, making it an ideal option for those who want flexibility while maintaining ties to the U.S. Portuguese passport holders also enjoy broad global mobility — see the full list of Portugal Passport Visa Free Countries you can access. For more insights into why so many choose Portugal as their second home, check out: Top Pros & Cons of Living in Portugal: Our Guide.

Turkey

Turkey Citizenship by Investment program is among the quickest routes to a second passport. With a minimum investment of $400,000—typically in real estate—you can receive approval in just 3 to 4 months. There’s no residency requirement, and Turkey offers visa-free or visa-on-arrival access to over 120 countries, making it an attractive option for investors seeking speed and global mobility. For more on the advantages, see Turkey Citizenship Benefits.

Antigua and Barbuda

Antigua and Barbuda offers a flexible and cost-effective route to citizenship through Antigua and Barbuda Citizenship by Investment Program. With a minimum contribution of $230,000 USD to the National Development Fund, you and your family can secure citizenship in just a few months.

Other options include investing in government-approved real estate or contributing to the University of the West Indies Fund (ideal for larger families).  To understand why this program appeals to so many, explore the Antigua and Barbuda Citizenship Benefits. There’s a 5-day residency requirement within the first 5 years, but you will gain visa-free or visa-on-arrival access to over 150 countries, including the UK and Schengen Zone.

Dominica

Known for its efficiency and affordability, Dominica Citizenship by Investment Program requires a minimum donation of $200,000 USD to the Economic Diversification Fund. Alternatively, you can invest at least $200,000 USD in government-approved real estate. To understand the full advantages of choosing this route, read more about Dominica Citizenship by Investment Benefits.

The application process is straightforward, with no mandatory travel or residency requirements. Dominica offers one of the fastest second passport routes, often processing applications in 6-9 months, and grants visa-free travel to more than 140 countries — see the full list of Dominica Passport Visa Free Countries.

St. Kitts and Nevis

St. Kitts and Nevis is home to the longest-standing citizenship by investment program in the world, established in 1984. The Saint Kitts and Nevis Citizenship by Investment program allows investors to secure citizenship with a minimum $250,000 USD donation to the Sustainable Island State Contribution (SISC) fund, or $325,000 USD in real estate. To better understand the value of this program, explore our guide on St. Kitts and Nevis Citizenship by Investment Benefits. There are no residency requirements, and your passport gives you visa-free access to over 150 countries, including the UK, EU nations, and Singapore — see the full list of St. Kitts and Nevis Passport Visa Free Countries.

Easiest Countries to Get Citizenship by Descent

Italy

Italy is highly flexible with citizenship by descent. If you have Italian parents, grandparents, or even great-grandparents, you may be eligible—there’s no generational limit, as long as you can prove the lineage. In many cases, especially through grandparents, language proficiency isn’t required.

New Zealand

If you were born abroad but have a parent who is a New Zealand citizen, applying for citizenship is relatively simple. The process involves submitting an application along with the necessary documents and payment. Decisions are typically made within about 30 days. With visa-free access to 182 countries, a New Zealand passport is a valuable asset if you’re eligible.

Spain

Spain offers a relatively straightforward path to citizenship for those with Spanish ancestry. If one of your parents is a Spanish citizen, or your grandparent lost their Spanish citizenship under certain conditions, you may qualify. To explore all the options in detail, see our Easiest Ways to Get Spanish Citizenship (2025 Guide). Additionally, citizens of Latin American countries with Spanish-born grandparents are often eligible under preferential rules, making this an appealing route for many applicants. One major advantage is the global mobility it offers — explore the full list of Spain Passport Visa Free Countries to understand the travel benefits Spanish citizenship can provide.

India

India doesn’t allow dual citizenship but offers the Overseas Citizenship of India (OCI) for those with Indian heritage. If you have a parent, grandparent, or great-grandparent who was an Indian citizen after January 26, 1950, you may qualify. The process is simple and grants lifelong, visa-free entry and the right to live, work, or own property (except farmland). However, OCI status doesn’t include voting rights or an Indian passport.

Countries Offering Citizenship by Birth

Unrestricted Birthright Citizenship Countries

Restricted Birthright Citizenship Countries

Disclaimer: In summary, while some countries automatically grant citizenship by birthplace with no conditions or financial obligations, others require proof of parental nationality or legal status. Always check with the official immigration authorities of each country for the most accurate and updated policies.

Countries with the Easiest Citizenship by Naturalization

Naturalization usually requires legal residency in a country for a set number of years, after which you can apply for full citizenship and a second passport. Some countries have flexible stay requirements, meaning you don’t need to live there full-time. Below is a breakdown of popular countries and their residency timelines.

Countries with a 2-Year Residency Requirement

Some nations offer a faster route to citizenship by allowing applications after just two years of legal residence:

• Argentina:
  You must be 18 or older, have resided in the country for at least 2 years under a temporary or permanent permit, demonstrate a lawful income, and make your case before a federal judge.

• Peru:
  Requires a minimum of 2 years of residency and proof of annual earnings around $12,670 USD.

• Dominican Republic and Spain:
  In certain cases, particularly for individuals from Ibero-American countries or with familial ties, the required residency period is also just 2 years.

Countries with a 3-Year Residency Requirement

• • Poland:
    Offers naturalization after 3 years on a permanent residence permit, EU long-term permit, or right of permanent residence—along with a stable income.
    If married to a Polish citizen for 3 years, you may apply after only 2 years of residence.

• Other countries that follow a 3-year requirement include:

• • Serbia
  • Canada
  • Paraguay
  • Armenia

Countries with a 4-Year Residency Requirement

• Brazil:
  Standard requirement is 4 years of residency. However, the timeline drops to 1 year if you marry a Brazilian citizen or have a child born in Brazil.

• Ethiopia and Australia:
  Both countries also permit naturalization after 4 years of legal residence.

Countries with a 5-Year Residency Requirement

This is the most common timeframe for naturalization globally.

• • Portugal:
    Requires 5 years of legal residency, proof of a clean criminal record, and at least A2-level Portuguese language proficiency.

  • Ireland:
    Applicants must have lived in Ireland for 1 continuous year before applying, plus 4 of the previous 8 years prior to that.

• Other countries with a 5-year rule include:

• • Belgium
  • Barbados

Countries with Extended Residency Requirements

Some countries require longer periods of legal residence before granting citizenship:

Easiest European Countries to Get Citizenship

Securing European citizenship can unlock powerful benefits, from visa-free travel to full access to healthcare, education, and job markets across the EU. While many countries have lengthy or complex processes, some make it far easier — especially through ancestry, residency, or language-flexible naturalization programs. In some cases, European Citizenship By Investment Programs provide a faster route for those who can meet specific financial requirements. 

Ireland

Ireland offers an easy path to citizenship for those with Irish ancestry. If a parent or grandparent was born there, you can claim citizenship with minimal red tape. For naturalization, you’ll need 5 years of residency (including 1 continuous year). Ireland allows dual citizenship, and costs are low—mainly basic fees and proof of legal residence.

Italy

Italy is one of the most generous countries for citizenship by descent. Under jure sanguinis, there’s no generational limit—as long as you can prove your lineage with proper documents. Language tests are often waived for ancestry-based applications. Naturalization requires 10 years of residency, and costs are generally low, mostly covering paperwork and translations.

Poland

Poland offers citizenship through naturalization or descent. You can apply after 3 years of residency with a permanent or long-term EU permit, plus proof of income and integration. If you have Polish ancestry, you may qualify by providing official documentation. Costs are low, mostly covering standard government fees.

Easiest Countries To Get A Second Passport By Marriage

France

France has a clear path to citizenship for spouses of French citizens. You can apply after 4 years of marriage—or just 3 if you’ve lived together in France for at least 1 year. You’ll need to show B1-level French and a stable, genuine relationship. No investment is required—just standard legal and administrative fees.

Brazil

Brazil offers one of the easiest paths to citizenship by marriage. If you’re married to a Brazilian, you can apply after just 1 year of legal residency. There are no strict language or culture tests, dual citizenship is allowed, and costs are minimal—mostly basic fees and proof of financial means.

Mexico

Foreign spouses of Mexican citizens can apply for citizenship after 2 years of marriage and legal residency. The marriage must be legally registered, and the couple must live together. A basic Spanish and culture test is required, but the process is simple, with modest fees and no investment needed.

Philippines

Foreign spouses of Filipino citizens can apply for naturalization after 5 years of residency—or just 2 if married and living together. The process is simple, with no nationality restrictions and only minimal legal fees. A Filipino passport also offers strong travel freedom — check out the  Philippines Passport Visa Free Countries List 2025 to see where it can take you.

Key Takeaways

• Multiple Pathways to Citizenship: Whether through investment, ancestry, birth, naturalization, or marriage, 2025 offers diverse and accessible options for securing a second passport—regardless of your background or budget.
• Some Countries Offer Faster Routes: Countries like Argentina, Portugal, Dominica, and Spain offer shorter residency periods or simplified applications, especially for spouses or those with ancestral ties.
• Financial Requirements Vary: While some paths require substantial investment (like Malta or Turkey), others—such as descent or marriage—come with minimal administrative fees.
• A Second Passport Is a Smart Asset: From global mobility to financial flexibility and expanded rights, dual citizenship offers long-term personal and professional advantages.

If you are considering taking the next step, book a free consultation with our experts to find the program that fits your goals.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Which countries offer citizenship by investment programs?

Countries like Malta, Turkey, Dominica, Antigua and Barbuda, and St. Kitts and Nevis offer citizenship by investment programs.

2. What are the benefits of having multiple citizenships?

Multiple citizenships offer increased global mobility, expanded work and residency rights, and greater security or financial flexibility.

3. How long does it take to get citizenship in the easiest countries?

In the easiest countries, like Argentina or Dominica, citizenship can be obtained in as little as 1 to 3 years.

4. Which EU country offers citizenship easily?

Portugal offers one of the easiest EU citizenship paths, with a 5-year residency requirement and minimal language demands.

5. What is the easiest country for an American to get dual citizenship?

Ireland is among the easiest for Americans with ancestry, offering citizenship by descent with straightforward requirements.

6. Which country is the hardest to become a citizen?

Switzerland is considered one of the hardest due to its long residency requirement, strict integration standards, and local approval process.

7. Which country has the shortest citizenship requirements?

Argentina has one of the shortest paths, allowing citizenship after just 2 years of legal residency.