Easiest Countries To Get Citizenship - Guides | Migronis (2024)

A quick guide: from Grenada to Portugal

As borders between countries become less significant, the topic of obtaining dual citizenship is garnering more interest. For some, it’s a chance to gain security, while for others, it’s an opportunity to improve their quality of life, enjoy visa-free travel, and explore the world more fully. Second citizenship offers the potential for access to universal healthcare, comprehensive social services, and a high-quality education for your children.

Many countries offer permanent residence permit, second citizenship, residency visa, or specific citizenship programs, giving you a lot of choices. Some states ask for very little from you, while other countries require 100% of your information and make it difficult to access citizenship. So before making a choice, it’s essential to understand where it’s easiest to acquire citizenship.

This guide explores the main strategies for gaining dual citizenship in another country and where the process is easy and comfortable in 2024.

Methods of Obtaining Multiple Citizenship

There are several primary methods to obtain citizenship in another country:

1. Citizenship by birthright: in some countries, if a child is born abroad it automatically gain the right to citizenship by obtaining a birth certificate.

Example: USA. The United States follows the principle of jus soli, meaning "right of the soil." Anyone born on U.S. soil automatically obtains American citizenship, regardless of their parents' nationality. This principle is also applied by Latin American countries such as Brazil and Argentina.

2. Citizenship by descent: if one of your parents holds citizenship in a certain country, you may automatically acquire citizenship in that country.

Example: Germany. Germany operates under the jus sanguinis principle, meaning "right of blood." If at least one parent is a German citizen, the child can obtain German citizenship, even if born abroad. This principle is also applied in countries like Italy and Israel.

3. Citizenship by naturalization: this method involves living in a country for a prolonged period, with the possibility of obtaining citizenship later.

Example: Canada. To naturalize in Canada, foreigners must reside in the country for at least three years within the last five years, demonstrate proficiency in one of the official languages (English or French), and pass a test on Canadian history and basic law. Once these conditions are met, you can apply for Canadian citizenship.

4. Citizenship through marriage: marrying a citizen of another country can allow you to claim citizenship

Example: France. In France, a foreigner married to a French citizen can apply for citizenship four years after the wedding (if the couple lives in France) or five years if living abroad. Additionally, you must demonstrate knowledge of the French language and integration into society.

5. Citizenship by investment: many countries offer citizenship by investment programs, making this a popular option among wealthy individuals.

Example: Malta. Malta offers citizenship through its Individual Investor Program. To obtain citizenship, one must invest a significant sum in the country's economy, including purchasing real estate and making a contribution to a government fund. The minimum investment amount for obtaining Maltese citizenship can reach several hundred thousand euros.

6. Citizenship by merit: in some countries, citizenship can be granted for outstanding achievements in science, sports, or the arts.

Example: UAE. Tim Clark, a British executive and president of Emirates Airline, was granted UAE citizenship in recognition of his contributions to the country’s aviation sector.

TOP-7 Countries Where It's Easiest to Get Citizenship in 2024 [According to Migronis]

• Saint Kitts and Nevis: the first country to offer a Citizenship by Investment (CBI) program, launched in 1984

• Dominica: known for one of the most affordable citizenship by investment programs in the world
• Turkey: offers citizenship through real estate purchases starting from $400 000
• Grenada: the only Caribbean country with access to the U.S. E-2 visa, allowing investors to live and work in the U.S
• Antigua and Barbuda: the citizenship by investment program includes mandatory donations or investments in the country’s economy

• Vanuatu: the only country in Oceania with a citizenship by investment program, offering quick citizenship acquisition
• Portugal: offers a "Golden Visa," which can lead to citizenship after five years of residency

According to the current geopolitical, economic, and market conditions, citizenship programs and opportunities for obtaining a second citizenship remain dynamic. One of the most popular strategies is citizenship by investment. Citizenship through investment is mainly acquired by making an economic investment in the particular country. Let’s explore some immigration programs that offer the easiest paths to citizenship.

How to obtain citizenship by investment programs

1. Saint Kitts and Nevis

Saint Kitts and Nevis is one of the easiest countries to get a second passport through its 'Citizenship by Investment' program. By investing at least $250 000 in approved real estate or contributing to the Sustainable Island State Contribution, you can be granted citizenship in this island nation within 8 to 12 months. A significant advantage is that there is no requirement to live in the country to take advantage of this opportunity.

Additional Benefits

• Visa-free travel or visa-on-arrival in 156 countries, including the UK, Schengen countries, Brazil, and Singapore
• No income, dividends, wealth, or inheritance taxes
• Possibility of obtaining long-term visas to the U.S. and Canada
• The largest selection of real estate for investment

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2. Dominica

Dominica, another Caribbean country, offers a citizenship-by-investment program with a minimum investment amount of $200 000. This option is attractive for both its price and speed — processing takes from five months. Residence in the country is also not required.

Additional Benefits

• Long passport validity of 10 years with the option for renewal
• Inclusion of family members: three generations can be included in the application
• Cost optimization
• No taxes on wealth, gifts, inheritance, foreign assets, or capital gains
• The citizenship application process is secure: no third party is informed

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3. Turkey

Since 2017, Turkey has been offering the opportunity for obtaining citizenship through investment, which requires purchasing real estate valued at $400 000 or more. The Turkish citizenship process takes 5 to 8 months and does not require residency or knowledge of the Turkish language.

Additional Benefits

• A world-class national healthcare system for the entire family
• Visa-free access to over 110 countries
• Eligibility for a U.S. E-2 visa
• Business-friendly tax system
• Simple and clear application process
• Dual citizenship allowed
• Option to purchase real estate with cryptocurrency

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4. Grenada

Grenada offers the opportunity to obtain citizenship through investment, which opens the door to the U.S. E-2 visa. You can choose between a minimum investment of $270 000 in real estate or a donation of $235 000 to a government fund. The process takes around six months. With a Grenadian passport, you can travel visa-free to over 140 countries, including the UK and Schengen countries.

Additional Benefits

• 10-year passport validity with the possibility of renewal
• Family inclusion: three generations can be added to the citizenship application
• Access to the U.S. E-2 business visa — Grenadian passport holders can apply for the E-2 visa, allowing them to live and work in the U.S.

• No restrictions on profit repatriation or currency control
• Citizenship can be passed on to descendants

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5. Antigua and Barbuda

In Antigua and Barbuda, you can obtain citizenship by investing at least $230 000 in a government fund or $300 000 in real estate. Unlike other programs, you must spend only five days in the country within the first five years. The process takes about six months, making Antigua and Barbuda a popular choice for those seeking a second citizenship with minimal residency requirements.

Additional Benefits

• Simplified entry into 158 countries, including the UK, Schengen zone, Hong Kong, and Singapore
• 5-year passport validity with the possibility of renewal
• Three generations can be included in the citizenship application
• Comfortable tax system
• Special entry conditions to Canada

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6. Vanuatu

Vanuatu, a small island nation in the Pacific Ocean, offers one of the fastest and most affordable citizenship by investment programs. Investors can gain full citizenship rights and the country's passport with an investment of just $130 000. And the process will take 3-4 months.This is an ideal solution for those looking to quickly acquire a second citizenship.

Additional Benefits

• 10-year passport validity with the option for a 10-year renewal
• Simplified entry to 90+ countries, including Singapore and Hong Kong
• Up to three generations can be included in the application, including siblings
• No wealth, inheritance, foreign income, or capital gains taxes

• Vanuatu offers refuge for families during crises and emergencies
• Easy business operations with simple regulations and online company registration

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7. Portugal

Portugal's "Golden Visa" program is highly popular for obtaining citizenship in Europe. Portugal is often considered the easiest country to get citizenship in Europe due to its flexible residency requirements. To get a residence permit and eventually citizenship, you must invest in funds from €500 000 or create a business. After investing, you can apply for permanent residency, and after five years, for Portuguese citizenship.

A significant advantage is that there is no requirement for continuous residence in the country. Portugal Golden Visa holders may live in Portugal or maintain residency in their home country. Portugal also offers attractive conditions for those who want not only to obtain a second passport but also to enjoy all the benefits of living in the European Union. The naturalization program in Portugal has flexible conditions, making it one of the most convenient among EU countries.

Additional Benefits

• The easiest country to get citizenship for yourself and your family
• A passport without the need for long-term residence in the country (only seven days a year)
• 100% investment return with permanent residency
• Ideal for digital nomads
• One of the most cryptocurrency-friendly countries

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Summary

Whether you're seeking safety and stability, freedom of movement, tax optimization, new ways to explore the world, or opportunities to scale your business — there is a wide range of countries where you can obtain a second citizenship and achieve your goals.

There are several methods to gain citizenship, such as naturalization, citizenship by descent, birthright citizenship, marriage, and citizenship by investment, each offering different advantages and disadvantages depending on the country.

Acquiring citizenship is not the easiest game in life, but it is worth all the benefits after all. With dual citizenship, you could gain not only a new home but also tax benefits, exceptional services, European citizenship, access to particular countries like the US or Singapore, profitable economic opportunities, and open visa-free travel to European countries and other advantages.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Which country is the easiest place to get second citizenship?Caribbean countries like Saint Kitts and Nevis, Antigua and Barbuda, and Dominica offer some of the easiest options for obtaining second citizenship.
2. Which citizenship is best for visa-free travel?Citizenship from countries like Malta, Grenada, and Portugal provides access to a large number of countries without needing a visa.
3. Which countries offer citizenship without residency requirements?Saint Kitts and Nevis, Dominica, Grenada, Saint Lucia, Vanuatu, and Turkey allow you to obtain citizenship without the need for permanent residency in the country.
4. What do I need to apply for an EU passport?The pool of documents can vary by country, but in general, it consists of the following types of documents: passport, proof of monthly income, income tax records, proof of sufficient passive income (not necessary), clean criminal record and so on. You can always ask the Migronis team for a complete and accurate list of documents for the country you choose for European Union citizenship.