Top 20 easiest countries to get a citizenship:

  1. El Salvador
  2. Turkey
  3. Vanuatu
  4. São Tomé and Príncipe
  5. Nauru
  6. Dominica
  7. Antigua and Barbuda
  8. Grenada
  9. Saint Lucia
  10. Saint Kitts and Nevis
  11. Argentina
  12. Peru
  13. Brazil
  14. Uruguay
  15. Serbia
  16. Italy
  17. Ireland
  18. Romania
  19. Germany
  20. Poland

Are you considering a second citizenship, but the thought of a lengthy and bureaucratic naturalization process is daunting? Whether you're looking to renounce your current citizenship or seeking to expand your travel freedom, the idea of obtaining a second citizenship quickly is a dream of many.

This is where citizenship by investment programs come into play. Imagine acquiring dual citizenship, increasing your travel freedom, protecting your assets, and securing a safe haven, all in under one month from the comfort of your home. We created this guide to help you discover the easiest countries to become a citizen, enabling you to navigate the world of second citizenship and naturalization with ease.

In a world that's constantly evolving, the concept of 'dual citizenship' has become a strategic asset, especially for those who find their home country's passport limiting. Forward-looking countries have opened their doors to talented and wealthy individuals, and they’ve streamlined the process to make it as fast and efficient as possible. Offering you a unique opportunity to acquire a golden passport.

Whether you’re considering a real estate investment or a donation, the path to citizenship is simple and efficient with CitizenX. You won’t have to learn a new language or uproot your life - you can become a dual citizen from the comfort of your home, only speaking English.

El Salvador: The Freedom Passport

Minimum investment - $1 million

Time to citizenship - 2 months

El Salvador's newly announced Citizenship by Investment program, also known as the 'Freedom Passport,' has garnered significant attention. While the program boasts a remarkably streamlined process, concerns have been raised about the overall quality of the Salvadoran passport in comparison to the substantial USD $1 million donation required. The program offers an expedited naturalization process, allowing successful applicants to obtain citizenship within six weeks, along with no residency requirement, making it one of the easiest Central and Latin American country to get citizenship.

El Salvador's 'Freedom Passport' program, a pioneering collaboration between Tether and the Salvadoran government, has garnered significant attention as the first of its kind. The entire application process can be completed online, with the donation paid in USDt or Bitcoin. Prospective applicants can initiate the process by making a non-refundable USD $999 deposit, which is then credited towards the USD $1 million donation upon completion of successful due diligence. You need to possess a clean criminal record, and once approved, you’ll be granted Salvadoran citizenship, with the option to collect your new passport in person or have it shipped to you.

El Salvador has experienced a remarkable transformation under the leadership of President Nayib Bukele, transitioning from having one of the highest murder rates globally to now boasting one of the lowest rates in the Americas. This turnaround has been accompanied by a progressive approach to cryptocurrency, with El Salvador becoming the first country to adopt Bitcoin as legal tender.

The Salvadoran passport provides visa-free access to over 130 countries, including Europe’s Schengen area, Russia, Japan, and Singapore. However, it is slightly less powerful than the passports offered by the five Caribbean Citizenship by Investment (CBI) programs, which have a substantially lower minimum investment.

Despite the country's significant improvements in recent years, there is still an image problem associated with El Salvador, which may lead to increased scrutiny when traveling on an El Salvadoran passport. This scrutiny is due to the historical association of El Salvador with gang-affiliated crime and a high murder rate.‍

Turkey Citizenship by Investment program‍

Minimum investment - $400k

Time to citizenship - 12 months

Turkey's Citizenship by Investment (CBI) program has gained significant popularity over the past six years, attracting a diverse array of investors, from US citizens to those from China, seeking easy citizenship. The program offers a diverse range of investment options, including bank account deposits, real estate investments, and government bonds, among others. By far, the most popular route is real estate, with a minimum investment of USD $400k, which can be allocated to a single or multiple properties. Once the property purchase is finalized and verified, applicants undergo due diligence, pay the program fees, and subsequently attain Turkish citizenship.

Notably, Turkey boasts one of the largest real estate markets in Europe, providing investors with the flexibility to acquire property on the open market, as opposed to being limited to government-approved projects, as is the case with many other programs. This presents an opportunity for investors to potentially recoup their investment or even generate a profit upon future property sales.

Situated at the crossroads of Europe and Asia, Turkey's strategic location is exemplified by its largest city, Istanbul, serving as a global business hub. The Turkish passport is ranked 35th in the world, offering visa-free access to over 129 countries, with promising prospects for increased Western visa-free travel in the future. Furthermore, as an official European Union candidate country, Turkey is under consideration for EU membership, which, if granted, would enable Turkish passport holders the freedom of movement to live, work, and study across all European Union countries.‍

Vanuatu Citizenship by Investment program

Minimum investment - £130k

Time to citizenship - 1 month

‍Vanuatu, a serene country comprising 83 islands in the South Pacific, has established itself as a forward-looking country. Actively seeking to attract talented and wealthy individuals to bolster its citizenship base. The Vanuatu Citizenship by Investment program stands out as the world's quickest, with processing times of less than one month. The program is meticulously designed to offer a seamless and remote application process, eliminating the need for any physical visits to the country. Moreover, Vanuatu presents an enticing environment for tax benefits, with no personal income tax, no capital gains tax, and no inheritance, gift tax, or wealth tax.

Vanuatu's recent launch of a new investment option for their Golden Passport program is now the best deal in the entire industry, with annual returns and a minimum of half of your investment back in five years.

Dubbed the Coconut Fund, this path to citizenship has a minimum investment amount of USD $138k, with conservative estimations of USD $70k returned to the applicant within five years. This effectively means that the program is 50% off, and your new passport will end up costing less than $70k, making it the cheapest and fastest golden passport program in the world. This innovative program not only offers a fast track to citizenship but also provides the opportunity for passive income through its attractive returns, making it an appealing option for American investors and individuals seeking a streamlined path to a second citizenship.

The Vanuatu passport offers visa-free travel to over 98 countries, including Ireland, Hong Kong, Singapore, and Russia, significantly enhancing travel freedom and eliminating the need for visas. Furthermore, Vanuatu citizens have the unique right to live on the country's 83 islands, providing an unparalleled living experience close to Australia. Being significantly cheaper, faster, and more streamlined than CBI programs from Caribbean countries such as St. Kitts and Nevis or Antigua and Barbuda, Vanuatu is the most attractive option.

Fastest Citizenship in the World: Vanuatu in 1 Month

The Vanuatu CBI program grants a second passport in under 30 days, with investment options starting at $138k and partial returns through the Coconut Fund.

Apply for Vanuatu Citizenship Today

São Tomé and Príncipe Citizenship by Investment

Minimum investment - $105k
Time to citizenship - 6 weeks

São Tomé and Príncipe, a dual-island nation off the west coast of Africa, offers one of the fastest and most affordable citizenship programs in the world. With processing times of just 45 days and a minimum investment of $105,325, this program is perfect as a Plan B passport for those with strong primary nationalities.

The entire process is 100% online with no visit required. As a member of the Community of Portuguese Language Countries (CPLP), São Toméan citizenship provides a fast-track path to Brazilian naturalization (1 year instead of the regular 4 years). The country offers a tax-friendly environment with no capital gains, inheritance, or wealth taxes, alongside 0-25% personal income tax rates.

The São Tomé passport provides visa-free access to 61 destinations, including Hong Kong, Singapore, South Africa, Panama, and El Salvador. Your name remains private and won't be published by the government, and citizenship passes unrestricted to all future generations.

Nauru Citizenship by Investment

Minimum investment - $156k
Time to citizenship - 3 months

Nauru, a serene island in the central Pacific, offers the newest Pacific citizenship program with a 3-month processing timeline. With a minimum investment of $155,870, it's a cost-effective alternative to Caribbean citizenship programs while offering strong Asia-Pacific access.

The Nauru passport provides visa-free travel to 87 destinations, including Hong Kong, Singapore, South Korea, the UAE, and the UK. The program is 100% online with no visit required, and documentation requirements are minimal—just passport and police records.

As the newest program in the market, Nauru offers a streamlined process supporting the island's economic development and climate resilience. Citizenship passes unrestricted to all future generations.

Dominica Citizenship by Investment

Minimum investment - $231k
Time to citizenship - 3 months

Dominica, the most pristine island in the Eastern Caribbean, offers the most affordable Caribbean citizenship program with the most flexible application process. With a minimum investment of $231,000 through the Economic Diversification Fund, applicants can obtain citizenship in approximately 90 days.

The program is 100% online with no visit required. Dominica's passport provides visa-free travel to 144 destinations worldwide, including the CARICOM, China, Russia, Singapore, the United Kingdom, and Europe's Schengen Area.

Known as the "Nature Isle of the Caribbean" with pristine rainforests, Dominica offers Commonwealth membership benefits and eco-tourism investment opportunities. The passport is valid for 10 years for adults (as of 2024), and citizenship passes to grandchildren.

Antigua and Barbuda Citizenship by Investment

Minimum investment - $274k
Time to citizenship - 3 months

Antigua and Barbuda offers the most crypto-friendly Caribbean citizenship program with the lowest US tourist visa rejection rate in the region. With a minimum investment of $274,180 through the National Development Fund, citizenship can be obtained in approximately 90 days.

The program requires only one 5-day visit after the first passport is issued (not before). The first passport is valid for 5 years, then 10 years after renewal. Antigua's passport provides visa-free access to 153 destinations (71% global reach), including major business and tourism destinations.

As a Commonwealth member, citizens enjoy certain privileges in the UK and other Commonwealth countries. The country offers 0% capital gains tax for local companies and a $20k flat tax option with just 30 days of presence. Citizenship passes to grandchildren.

Grenada Citizenship by Investment

Minimum investment - $275k
Time to citizenship - 3 months

Grenada offers a unique advantage as the only Caribbean citizenship program with a pathway to the US E-2 Investor Visa, making it ideal for those seeking USA access. With a minimum investment of $275,275 through the National Transformation Fund, citizenship can be obtained in approximately 90 days.

The program is 100% online with no visit required. Grenada's passport provides visa-free travel to 148 destinations (68% global reach), including visa-free access to China—unique among Caribbean nations.

Known as the "Spice Island," Grenada offers Commonwealth privileges and the E-2 visa pathway after 3 years of residence. The passport is valid for 10 years (extended in 2024), and citizenship passes unrestricted to all future generations.

Saint Lucia Citizenship by Investment

Minimum investment - $275k
Time to citizenship - 3 months

Saint Lucia is the only Caribbean program offering a government bond investment option, ideal for investors seeking partial capital preservation. With a minimum investment of $275,682 through the National Economic Fund (or $396,682 for government bonds), citizenship can be obtained in approximately 90 days.

The program is 100% online with no visit required. Saint Lucia's passport provides visa-free travel to 146 destinations (67% global reach), including access to Schengen, UK, Hong Kong, Singapore, and Israel.

Famous for its twin Pitons and luxury tourism, Saint Lucia offers OECS freedom of movement and offshore banking opportunities. The passport is valid for 10 years for adults, and citizenship passes unrestricted to future generations.

Saint Kitts and Nevis Citizenship by Investment

Minimum investment - $287k
Time to citizenship - 3 months

Saint Kitts and Nevis offers the most established and reputable Caribbean program, operating since 1984. With a minimum investment of $287,766 through the Sustainable Island State Contribution (SISC) fund, citizenship can be obtained in approximately 90 days.

The program is 100% online with no visit required. As the oldest citizenship by investment program globally, it offers the strongest Caribbean passport alongside Antigua, with visa-free travel to 156 destinations (72% global reach).

Saint Kitts provides access to Schengen Area, UK, Hong Kong, Singapore, and Russia. Commonwealth membership benefits include certain privileges in the UK and other Commonwealth countries. The passport is valid for 10 years for adults, and citizenship passes unrestricted to all future generations.

Argentina Citizenship by Investment

Time to citizenship - 2 years
Residency requirement - 2 years

Argentina stands out as one of the fastest and most accessible naturalization pathways in the world, granting citizenship just 2 years after obtaining permanent residence. This makes it particularly attractive for those seeking a quick route to a powerful Latin American passport without the substantial financial investment required by citizenship by investment programs.

The Argentine naturalization process is notably straightforward compared to many other countries. Once you obtain permanent residency (which can be achieved through various routes including work, marriage, or retirement), you only need to maintain physical presence in the country for two years before applying for citizenship. The country has a relatively liberal approach to granting citizenship, with the process being primarily administrative rather than discretionary.

Argentina's passport provides visa-free access to most of South America, including Brazil, Chile, Colombia, and Peru, as well as visa-free travel to Europe's Schengen Area, Russia, and other key destinations. The passport ranks well globally and offers strong mobility for business and leisure travel.

One of the most significant advantages of Argentine citizenship is the expedited access to Spanish citizenship. As a former Spanish colony, Argentina has a special agreement with Spain that allows Argentine citizens to obtain Spanish citizenship in just 2 years of legal residence (compared to 10 years for most other nationalities). Since Spanish citizenship grants you EU citizenship, this creates a powerful pathway: Argentina (2 years) → Spain (2 years) → EU passport (4 years total). With an EU passport, you gain the right to live, work, and study across all 27 EU member states, including powerhouse economies like Germany, France, Italy, and the Netherlands.

Argentina offers a high quality of life, particularly in Buenos Aires and other major cities, with excellent healthcare, vibrant culture, world-class cuisine, and a relatively low cost of living. The country welcomes immigrants and has a history of being built by European immigration, creating a diverse and cosmopolitan society.

Peru Citizenship by Investment

Time to citizenship - 2 years
Residency requirement - 2 years

Peru offers one of the most straightforward and fastest naturalization processes in Latin America, granting citizenship to foreign nationals after living in the country for just 2 years. This makes Peru an exceptionally attractive option for those seeking rapid naturalization without significant financial investment.

The Peruvian naturalization process is relatively simple and well-established. After obtaining permanent residency (available through various pathways including work, investment, marriage, or the pensioner visa for retirees), you need to maintain legal residence in Peru for two consecutive years. During this time, you'll need to demonstrate basic integration into Peruvian society, though language requirements are generally manageable and the process is more accessible than many European alternatives.

Peru's passport provides visa-free access to the entire Schengen Area in Europe, as well as most South American countries, Russia, and numerous other destinations worldwide. The passport has been steadily improving in global rankings and offers solid mobility for both business and tourism purposes.

Like Argentina, Peru offers the same powerful advantage of expedited access to Spanish citizenship. Peruvian citizens can obtain Spanish citizenship after just 2 years of legal residence in Spain (compared to 10 years for most nationalities). This creates the same strategic pathway: Peru (2 years) → Spain (2 years) → EU passport (4 years total). Once you have Spanish (EU) citizenship, you gain the right to live, work, and study anywhere in the European Union, opening doors to opportunities across the continent.

Peru itself offers an excellent quality of life with diverse geography ranging from the Amazon rainforest to the Andes mountains and Pacific coastline. Cities like Lima, Cusco, and Arequipa offer modern amenities, rich history, and cultural experiences. The cost of living is relatively low, making it accessible for retirees and remote workers. Peru has a growing economy, stable democracy, and welcoming attitude toward foreign residents.

The combination of quick naturalization, reasonable living costs, rich culture, and the strategic gateway to EU citizenship makes Peru one of the most valuable naturalization pathways available.

Brazil Citizenship by Investment

Time to citizenship - 1 year (special circumstances) / 4 years (standard)
Residency requirement - 1-4 years

Brazil offers one of the most unique and favorable paths to citizenship in the world, particularly for families. The country's citizenship laws are based on jus soli (right of soil), meaning any child born on Brazilian territory automatically becomes a Brazilian citizen, regardless of the parents' nationality. This creates an exceptionally fast pathway for parents.

If you have a child born in Brazil, that child automatically receives Brazilian citizenship at birth. As the parent of a Brazilian citizen, you immediately qualify for permanent residency. After living in Brazil for just one year with this permanent residency status, you can apply for Brazilian citizenship yourself. This makes Brazil one of the absolute fastest naturalization routes available—potentially obtaining citizenship in under 2 years from the time you arrive in the country if you have or plan to have a child there.

For those without Brazilian-born children, the standard naturalization process requires 4 years of continuous legal residence (which can be reduced to 1 year if you're married to a Brazilian citizen or have Brazilian children, or if you provide "relevant services" to Brazil). While 4 years is longer than Argentina or Peru, it's still relatively fast compared to most European countries.

Brazil's passport is one of the strongest in Latin America, offering visa-free access to the entire Schengen Area, the UK, Japan, and most of South and Central America. Brazilian citizenship also allows for visa-free entry to numerous countries worldwide, making it a powerful travel document.

As a Portuguese-speaking country and former Portuguese colony, Brazilian citizens also have expedited access to Portuguese citizenship after just 3 years of legal residence (compared to 5-10 years for others). Since Portugal is an EU member, this creates another strategic pathway to European citizenship: Brazil → Portugal (3 years) → EU passport. This gives Brazilians a valuable gateway to live, work, and study anywhere in the 27 EU member states.

Brazil offers incredible diversity, from the Amazon rainforest to beautiful beaches, vibrant cities like São Paulo and Rio de Janeiro, and a rich cultural heritage. The cost of living varies but is generally reasonable, especially outside major cities. Brazil has the largest economy in Latin America and offers numerous opportunities for business, employment, and entrepreneurship. The country is known for its warm, welcoming culture and has a long history of immigration from around the world.

The combination of extremely fast naturalization for families (1 year), strong passport mobility, gateway to EU citizenship, and high quality of life makes Brazil one of the most strategic citizenship options available through naturalization.

Uruguay Citizenship by Investment

Time to citizenship - 3 years (married) / 5 years (single)
Residency requirement - 3-5 years

Uruguay has earned a reputation as one of South America's most stable, prosperous, and livable countries, offering a straightforward path to citizenship with differentiated timelines based on marital status. Married couples can obtain citizenship within just 3 years of legal residency, while single applicants need to complete 5 years.

The Uruguayan naturalization process is well-established and transparent. After obtaining residency (available through various pathways including investment, employment, retirement, or family ties), you need to maintain physical presence in the country and demonstrate integration into Uruguayan society. The country has clear requirements and a professional immigration system that makes the process relatively predictable.

Uruguay is often called "the Switzerland of South America" due to its political stability, low corruption, strong democratic institutions, and high quality of life. The country consistently ranks as one of the safest in Latin America and offers excellent infrastructure, healthcare, and education systems. Montevideo, the capital, is a cosmopolitan city with European influences, beautiful architecture, and a relaxed lifestyle.

The Uruguayan passport provides visa-free access to the Schengen Area, the UK, Russia, and most of South America. While not as powerful as some European passports, it offers solid global mobility and is respected worldwide. Uruguay is also a member of Mercosur, the South American trade bloc, which provides additional economic benefits and freedom of movement within the region.

Like other Latin American countries with Spanish colonial heritage, Uruguayan citizens benefit from expedited naturalization in Spain. After obtaining Uruguayan citizenship, you can apply for Spanish citizenship after just 2 years of legal residence in Spain (rather than the standard 10 years). This creates the pathway: Uruguay (3-5 years) → Spain (2 years) → EU passport (5-7 years total). With EU citizenship, you gain the right to live, work, and study across all 27 member states.

Uruguay offers numerous advantages beyond citizenship. The country has a progressive tax system and has become increasingly popular with digital nomads and remote workers. It has no restrictions on foreign ownership of property, making it easy to invest in real estate. The cost of living is higher than some Latin American countries but still reasonable compared to North America and Europe. Uruguay has excellent beaches along the Atlantic coast, a mild climate, and a strong agricultural sector.

The country is also known for its liberal social policies, environmental consciousness, and high levels of personal freedom. It was one of the first countries in the world to legalize marijuana and has progressive policies on various social issues. This makes it particularly attractive to those seeking a modern, forward-thinking society.

For couples, the 3-year pathway is exceptionally attractive, offering a relatively quick route to a solid passport in one of South America's most stable and prosperous nations, with the added benefit of eventual EU citizenship access through Spain.

Serbia Citizenship by Investment

Time to citizenship - 3 years
Residency requirement - 3 years

Serbia stands out as the only European country offering a path to citizenship after just three years of residency, making it an exceptionally fast route to European citizenship outside the European Union. This makes it particularly valuable for individuals interested in a strategic European location without the higher costs and longer timelines of EU countries.

The Serbian naturalization process requires 3 years of continuous legal residence, along with proof of released citizenship from your previous country (unless your country allows dual citizenship), basic knowledge of the Serbian language, and demonstration of integration into Serbian society. While language requirements exist, they are generally manageable, and the overall process is more accessible than most European alternatives.

Serbia's strategic location in the Balkans provides access to both Eastern and Western Europe. The country borders eight nations including EU members Hungary, Romania, Bulgaria, and Croatia, making it an ideal base for those doing business or traveling throughout Europe. Major cities like Belgrade, Novi Sad, and Niš offer a blend of historical architecture, vibrant nightlife, growing tech sectors, and excellent cuisine.

The Serbian passport, while not part of the EU, provides visa-free access to Russia, Turkey, China, and numerous other countries. Serbia has also been working to expand its visa-free agreements and improve passport strength. Importantly, Serbia is an official EU candidate country actively working toward membership. If and when Serbia joins the EU (potentially within the next decade), Serbian citizens would automatically gain all EU citizenship benefits including the right to live, work, and study across all 27 member states.

Even before potential EU accession, Serbia offers significant advantages. The country has a low cost of living—one of the most affordable in Europe—making it attractive for retirees, remote workers, and digital nomads. Real estate is remarkably affordable compared to Western Europe, and you can enjoy a European lifestyle at a fraction of the cost.

Serbia has no restrictions on dual citizenship, meaning you can maintain your current passport while adding Serbian citizenship. The country has a growing economy, particularly in the technology sector, with Belgrade becoming a notable tech hub in the region. Major companies have established operations there, attracted by the skilled workforce and lower costs.

The Serbian tax system offers various incentives for businesses and entrepreneurs, including special economic zones and tax breaks for certain industries and investments. The country has been working to improve its business environment and attract foreign investment.

For those interested in European residence but finding the 5-10 year timelines of most EU countries too long, Serbia's 3-year pathway offers a compelling alternative. You get European citizenship relatively quickly, in a country with affordable living costs, strategic location, and potential future EU membership that would dramatically increase the value of the passport.

The combination of being the fastest European naturalization route (3 years), low cost of living, strategic location, and potential EU accession makes Serbia one of the most interesting citizenship opportunities for those seeking European residence and long-term strategic positioning.

Italy Citizenship by Investment

Eligibility - Unbroken lineage from Italian ancestor (since March 17, 1861)
Processing time - 2-4 years
Cost - €300-€600 (application fees) plus legal/documentation costs

Italian citizenship by descent (jus sanguinis) is one of the most generous and sought-after citizenship by ancestry programs in the world, with no generational limit. If you can prove an unbroken lineage to an Italian ancestor who was a citizen on or after March 17, 1861 (the date of Italian unification), you may be eligible for Italian citizenship regardless of how many generations back that ancestor lived.

The key requirement is that the lineage must be unbroken, meaning no ancestor in your direct line renounced their Italian citizenship before the birth of the next person in line. Italian citizenship passes automatically through bloodlines, so if your Italian ancestor never naturalized as a citizen of another country (or naturalized after their child was born), the citizenship would have passed down through the generations to you.

There are some important considerations regarding the maternal line. For ancestors in the maternal line, citizenship could only pass from mothers to children born after January 1, 1948, when Italian women gained the right to pass citizenship. However, recent court cases have opened pathways for those with maternal ancestors before 1948 through judicial processes.

The documentation required is extensive but straightforward: you need to obtain vital records (birth, marriage, death certificates) for every person in your direct line from your Italian ancestor to yourself. These documents must be obtained from the relevant government offices, properly translated into Italian by certified translators, and authenticated with apostilles. While the process can be time-consuming and bureaucratic, it's well-established with clear requirements.

You can apply for Italian citizenship by descent through two main routes:

1. Through Italian Consulates - Apply at the Italian consulate with jurisdiction over your place of residence. This process is free (aside from documentation costs) but can take 2-4 years due to backlogs at consulates. Wait times vary significantly by location, with some consulates having wait times of several years just for an initial appointment.

2. Through Italian Courts (Judicial Route) - For cases involving maternal lines before 1948, or to bypass consular wait times, you can file a case directly in Italian courts. This typically takes 1-2 years and costs €3,000-€5,000 in legal fees, but it's faster than many consulates and is the only option for pre-1948 maternal cases.

3. By establishing residency in Italy - Move to Italy, establish residency, and apply directly through your local commune. This can be faster than consular processing but requires actually living in Italy during the process.

Once you obtain Italian citizenship, you receive one of the world's most powerful passports. Italian citizenship is EU citizenship, granting you the automatic right to live, work, and study anywhere in all 27 EU member states, including economic powerhouses like Germany, France, the Netherlands, Sweden, and Ireland. The Italian passport offers visa-free access to over 190 countries worldwide, ranking among the top 5 most powerful passports globally.

Beyond the passport strength, Italian citizenship provides access to Italy's excellent healthcare system, world-class education (including free or low-cost university education), and the ability to retire in Italy with full social benefits. You can purchase property throughout the EU without restrictions, establish businesses across the continent, and access EU-wide employment opportunities.

Italy itself offers an unparalleled quality of life with rich history, world-renowned cuisine, beautiful landscapes from the Alps to Mediterranean beaches, and vibrant cultural life. The country is a global center for fashion, design, art, and automotive excellence.

Italian citizenship is particularly valuable because it's one of the few pathways where you can obtain EU citizenship without having to live in Europe for years or make substantial financial investments. If you have Italian ancestry, this is often the single most valuable citizenship you can obtain through descent. The combination of no generational limit (in many cases), EU citizenship benefits, one of the world's strongest passports, and the cultural heritage makes Italian citizenship by descent exceptionally attractive.

Many Canadians, Americans, Australians, and Argentinians have Italian ancestry and are eligible without realizing it. If you have an Italian surname in your family tree, it's worth investigating whether you qualify for this powerful citizenship option.

Ireland Citizenship by Investment

Eligibility - Irish parent, grandparent, or great-grandparent
Processing time - 6-12 months
Cost - €278 (standard application) plus documentation costs

Irish citizenship by descent is one of the most well-known and accessible ancestry programs, offering generous eligibility criteria that can extend to great-grandparents in certain circumstances. This makes it one of the most valuable citizenship by descent opportunities, providing EU citizenship and one of the world's most powerful passports.

Automatic Citizenship (Born before 2005): If you were born on the island of Ireland (Republic of Ireland or Northern Ireland) before January 1, 2005, you are automatically an Irish citizen regardless of your parents' citizenship status.

Citizenship by Birth (After 2005): If you were born in Ireland on or after January 1, 2005, your citizenship depends on your parents' citizenship or immigration status at the time of your birth. Generally, you're automatically a citizen if at least one parent was an Irish or UK citizen or had permanent residence rights.

Parent is Irish Citizen: If you were born outside Ireland but one of your parents was an Irish citizen at the time of your birth, you're entitled to Irish citizenship. You just need to register in the Foreign Births Register, a straightforward process taking 6-12 months.

Grandparent is Irish Citizen: If one of your grandparents was born in Ireland, you can claim Irish citizenship by registering in the Foreign Births Register. This is one of the most common routes and has helped hundreds of thousands of people obtain Irish citizenship. The process requires documenting your lineage from your Irish grandparent through your parent to you.

Great-Grandparent is Irish Citizen: If your parent registered in the Foreign Births Register before you were born based on their Irish grandparent (your great-grandparent), then you can also claim citizenship. However, this requires that your parent completed their registration before your birth. If they didn't, you unfortunately cannot use a great-grandparent connection directly.

Irish Ancestry Association: For those who don't qualify under the above routes but have Irish heritage, Ireland offers the Irish Ancestry Association, which, while not providing citizenship, offers some benefits and maintains the cultural connection.

The documentation required is straightforward: birth, marriage, and death certificates establishing the family line from the Irish ancestor to yourself. All foreign documents must be translated into English (if not already in English) and some may require apostilles depending on the country of origin.

The application process involves submitting your application with supporting documents to the Department of Foreign Affairs. Processing currently takes 6-12 months for Foreign Births Register applications. The standard fee is €278, making it one of the most affordable citizenship programs available. Once approved, you receive a Certificate of Registration which allows you to apply for an Irish passport.

Irish citizenship provides extraordinary benefits. The Irish passport is consistently ranked among the top 5 most powerful in the world, offering visa-free access to over 185 countries including the USA, Canada, Australia, New Zealand, Japan, and all of the EU and Schengen Area.

As an EU citizen, you have the automatic right to live, work, and study anywhere in all 27 EU member states without needing visas or work permits. This includes major economies like Germany, France, the Netherlands, Spain, Italy, and Sweden. You can establish businesses throughout the EU, access healthcare and education systems, and retire anywhere in the union with full social benefits.

Ireland itself is a prosperous, English-speaking country with a thriving economy, particularly strong in technology, pharmaceuticals, and finance. Major multinational corporations like Google, Facebook, Apple, and Pfizer have significant operations in Ireland. The country offers excellent quality of life, beautiful landscapes, rich cultural heritage, and a welcoming society.

One unique advantage of Irish citizenship is that Irish citizens retain special status in the UK even after Brexit. Under the Common Travel Area agreement (dating back to 1923), Irish citizens can freely live, work, and access public services in the UK without immigration restrictions—a right not available to other EU citizens post-Brexit. This effectively gives Irish citizens the benefits of both EU and UK residence rights.

Ireland allows unrestricted dual citizenship, so you can maintain your current nationality while adding Irish citizenship. The citizenship passes automatically to your children regardless of where they're born, creating a valuable legacy for future generations.

For those with Irish ancestry (particularly common among Americans, Canadians, Australians, British, and Argentinians), Irish citizenship by descent is often the most valuable citizenship available. The combination of EU citizenship rights, one of the world's strongest passports, special UK access, English-speaking country, strong economy, and relatively simple application process makes this an exceptional opportunity.

If you have Irish ancestry within the past 2-3 generations, it's absolutely worth investigating your eligibility. Even if your connection seems distant, Ireland's generous descent laws mean you may qualify for one of the world's most valuable citizenships.

Romania Citizenship by Investment

Eligibility - Parent, grandparent, or great-grandparent who was a Romanian citizen
Processing time - 1-3 years
Cost - €50-€100 (government fees) plus legal/documentation costs

Romania offers one of the most accessible and generous citizenship by descent programs in Europe, allowing individuals to claim citizenship through a parent, grandparent, or even great-grandparent who was a Romanian citizen. The program is particularly valuable because it provides EU citizenship through a relatively straightforward process with minimal costs.

Romania's citizenship law is based on jus sanguinis (right of blood), meaning citizenship passes through bloodlines. The country's complex 20th-century history—including territorial changes, Communist rule, and forced expatriation—means many people worldwide have Romanian ancestry without realizing it. Romania has been particularly generous in allowing descendants to reclaim citizenship that may have been lost due to these historical circumstances.

Eligibility Requirements:

Direct Parent: If your parent was a Romanian citizen at the time of your birth, you're generally entitled to Romanian citizenship. This is the most straightforward route.

Grandparent: If you have a grandparent who was a Romanian citizen, you can claim citizenship even if your parent never formalized their Romanian citizenship. This is a particularly generous provision.

Great-Grandparent: Romania uniquely allows citizenship claims through great-grandparents, making it one of the most generous descent programs worldwide. This means you can go back three generations to establish your claim.

Historical Provisions: Romania offers special provisions for descendants of former Romanian citizens who lost their citizenship involuntarily due to historical circumstances, including:

  • Territorial changes (areas that were part of Romania but are now in other countries)
  • Communist-era forced expatriations
  • Political persecution
  • World War II displacements

These provisions significantly expand eligibility for many people whose ancestors lived in areas like Bessarabia (now Moldova), Northern Bukovina (now Ukraine), or other historical Romanian territories.

Application Process:

The Romanian citizenship by descent process involves several steps:

  1. Document Collection: Gather vital records (birth, marriage, death certificates) establishing your lineage from your Romanian ancestor. You'll need documents for every generation connecting you to the Romanian ancestor.
  2. Romanian Archive Research: Many applicants need to obtain historical documents from Romanian archives proving their ancestor's citizenship. This can include census records, military records, or citizenship documents from the Romanian state archives.
  3. Application Submission: Submit your application to the Romanian National Authority for Citizenship (ANC) or through a Romanian consulate. The application includes all supporting documents, proof of lineage, and payment of government fees (typically €50-€100).
  4. Processing: The Romanian government reviews your application, which typically takes 1-3 years depending on the complexity of your case and current processing times. More straightforward cases (direct parent) can be faster, while multi-generational claims may take longer.
  5. Approval and Oath: Once approved, you'll need to take an oath of allegiance to Romania (this can often be done at a Romanian consulate in your country) and receive your citizenship certificate.

Many applicants work with specialized lawyers or genealogists who help navigate Romanian archives and bureaucracy, particularly for cases involving historical territories or complex lineages. These services typically cost €1,000-€3,000 but can significantly streamline the process.

Benefits of Romanian Citizenship:

Romanian citizenship is EU citizenship, providing the automatic right to live, work, and study anywhere in all 27 EU member states. This includes major economies like Germany, France, Italy, Spain, the Netherlands, and Sweden, without needing visas or work permits.

The Romanian passport offers visa-free access to over 170 countries worldwide, including the USA, Canada, UK, Japan, and all of Europe. While not quite as powerful as Western European passports, it provides excellent global mobility.

Romania itself is an emerging economy with growing opportunities, particularly in technology, manufacturing, and services. Cities like Bucharest, Cluj-Napoca, and Timișoara have become tech hubs with vibrant startup scenes and lower costs than Western Europe. Romania offers a very low cost of living compared to Western Europe while still providing EU-level infrastructure and services in major cities.

Romania has a flat income tax rate of 10%, one of the lowest in the EU, making it attractive for entrepreneurs and businesses. The country also has territorial taxation for certain income types, providing potential tax benefits.

Strategic Value:

For Americans, Canadians, Australians, and others with Romanian ancestry, this program offers exceptional value:

  • Low Cost: Government fees of only €50-€100 make it one of the cheapest citizenship programs available
  • Generous Eligibility: Three-generation reach (great-grandparents) and historical provisions mean many people qualify
  • EU Citizenship: Immediate access to live, work, and study across 27 EU countries
  • Fast-Track Option: Romania allows those with ancestry to potentially use this as a stepping stone to other citizenships
  • Dual Citizenship: Romania allows dual citizenship, so you keep your current passport

Historical Context:

Many people eligible for Romanian citizenship have ancestors from areas that are no longer part of Romania, including:

  • Moldova: Bessarabia was part of Romania from 1918-1940
  • Ukraine: Northern Bukovina and parts of historical Romania
  • Hungary: Transylvania, with significant Romanian populations
  • Serbia: Banat region

If your ancestors came from these regions and identified as Romanian or lived there when it was part of Romania, you may be eligible.

Who Should Apply:

Romanian citizenship by descent is ideal for:

  • Anyone with documented Romanian ancestry within three generations
  • Those seeking EU citizenship without lengthy residence requirements
  • Digital nomads and remote workers wanting EU residence rights
  • Entrepreneurs seeking low-tax EU base
  • Families wanting to pass EU citizenship to future generations

The combination of generous eligibility (up to great-grandparents), low costs, reasonable processing times, and EU citizenship benefits makes Romania one of the most accessible and valuable citizenship by descent programs available. If you have any Romanian ancestry, it's absolutely worth investigating your eligibility for this strategic citizenship opportunity.

Germany Citizenship by Investment

Eligibility - German heritage or descendant of Holocaust victims
Processing time - 1-3 years
Cost - €255 (standard fee) plus documentation costs

German citizenship by descent offers one of the most powerful passports in the world and provides access to EU citizenship, making it extremely valuable for those with German ancestry or connections to victims of Nazi persecution. Germany has recently expanded and modernized its citizenship by descent provisions, creating new opportunities for descendants.

Standard Descent Provisions:

Under traditional German citizenship law (jus sanguinis), citizenship is primarily acquired through birth to at least one German parent. The basic rules are:

Children Born in Wedlock:

  • Child is German if mother or father is German (for births after 1975)
  • For births before 1975, only father's citizenship counted (though retroactive provisions exist)

Children Born Out of Wedlock:

  • Child of German mother is always German
  • Child of German father (unmarried) is German if born after July 1, 1993, or if paternity was established before age 23

Modern Reforms (Effective 2024-2025): Germany recently passed significant reforms expanding citizenship by descent eligibility:

Gender Equality Retroactive Provisions: Children born before 1975 to German mothers and non-German fathers can now claim citizenship retroactively, correcting historical gender discrimination in citizenship laws.

Generational Extension: New provisions allow descendants to reclaim citizenship even if their parents didn't formalize German citizenship, in cases where citizenship was lost due to historical discrimination or Nazi persecution.

Holocaust Descendants Special Provisions:

Germany has special, more generous provisions for descendants of those persecuted by the Nazi regime (1933-1945). This is one of the most important pathways and has helped tens of thousands obtain German citizenship.

Article 116(2) of German Basic Law provides citizenship restoration for:

  • Those who were deprived of German citizenship on political, racial, or religious grounds between January 30, 1933, and May 8, 1945
  • Descendants of such persons

This means if your ancestor:

  • Was a German citizen who fled Nazi Germany
  • Was stripped of citizenship by the Nazi regime
  • Was Jewish and left Germany or German-occupied territories during the Nazi era
  • Survived the Holocaust

Then you and your descendants may be eligible for German citizenship, regardless of how many generations have passed. Unlike standard descent rules, this provision has no generational limit—great-grandchildren and beyond can qualify.

Key Aspects of Holocaust Descendant Claims:

  1. No Generational Limit: Unlike many descent programs, there's no cutoff. If your great-great-grandparent fled Nazi persecution, you may still qualify.
  2. Dual Citizenship Allowed: Germany specifically permits dual citizenship for Holocaust descendants, even though standard naturalization often requires renouncing other citizenships.
  3. Simplified Process: While documentation is required, the threshold for proving persecution is relatively accessible. Evidence can include:
    • Documents showing Jewish ancestry
    • Records of emigration during 1933-1945
    • Deportation records
    • Records from displaced persons camps
    • Witness testimony from family members
  4. Broad Definition: "Persecution" is interpreted broadly and includes anyone who would have been persecuted had they stayed, not just those who were actually imprisoned or killed.

Poland Citizenship by Investment

Eligibility - Polish heritage or descendant of Holocaust victims
Processing time - 1-3 years
Cost - Varies (often €100-€500) plus documentation and legal costs

Polish citizenship by descent offers access to EU citizenship and one of Europe's emerging economies through ancestry. Poland's citizenship laws are based on jus sanguinis (right of blood), meaning citizenship passes through generations. Like Germany, Poland has special provisions for descendants of those who suffered during the Holocaust, making it particularly valuable for Jewish families with Polish roots.

Standard Descent Provisions:

Polish citizenship is primarily acquired through birth to at least one Polish citizen parent. The fundamental principle is straightforward: if your parent was a Polish citizen when you were born, you're entitled to Polish citizenship.

However, Poland's complex 20th-century history—including territorial changes, Communist rule, wartime occupation, and mass emigration—means the actual determination of citizenship can be complex. Key considerations include:

Citizenship Retention:

  • Polish citizenship passes through generations automatically
  • However, your ancestor must not have formally renounced Polish citizenship or lost it through specific legal mechanisms
  • Simply acquiring another country's citizenship typically didn't cause automatic loss of Polish citizenship (unlike some countries)

Territorial Changes:

  • Poland's borders changed significantly in the 20th century
  • Many areas that were part of Poland are now in Ukraine, Belarus, Lithuania, or Germany
  • Many areas that are now Poland were previously part of Germany or Austria-Hungary
  • If your ancestor was from these areas, determining citizenship status requires historical analysis

Communist Era (1944-1989):

  • During Communist rule, many Poles emigrated
  • The legal status of emigrants' citizenship during this period can be complex
  • Generally, emigration alone didn't result in loss of citizenship unless formally renounced

Confirmation vs. Grant of Citizenship:

An important distinction in Polish citizenship law:

Confirmation of Citizenship: If you can prove continuous citizenship passed from your Polish ancestor to you, you're seeking confirmation (not a grant) of existing citizenship. This process confirms you've been Polish all along.

Grant of Citizenship: If the citizenship line was broken (ancestor renounced citizenship), you'd need to apply for a grant of citizenship, which is more complex and has additional requirements.

Most ancestry-based applications are confirmations of existing citizenship.

Holocaust Descendants Special Provisions:

Like Germany, Poland has provisions for descendants of Holocaust victims and those who suffered persecution during World War II. While not as prominently advertised as Germany's program, Poland does provide pathways for:

  • Descendants of Polish Jews who were persecuted during the Holocaust
  • Those whose ancestors lost citizenship due to Nazi or Soviet occupation
  • Descendants of Poles who were forced to leave during or after WWII
  • Victims of Communist-era political persecution

These provisions can help descendants reclaim citizenship even where standard documentation might be incomplete due to wartime destruction of records.

3 Alternative Routes to Acquiring a Second Passport

Citizenship by Naturalization

Brazil has a favorable path to citizenship; if you have a child born in the territory, the child will be born a Brazilian citizen, and you will receive permanent residency; after having lived in Brazil for just one year, you can apply for citizenship.

Another route to citizenship, albeit a much slower path, is to live in the country of choice on a residency visa for a number of years and then go through the country’s naturalization process to become a citizen.

In Europe, Portugal is the most attractive EU country for this, with it being straightforward to acquire a residence permit by proving monthly income and then apply for citizenship after only five years of residency.

Serbia stands out as the only European country with a path towards citizenship after just three years of residency, which makes it a very interesting solution for individuals interested in a non-EU European citizenship.

In Latin America, Peru, Argentina, and the Dominican Republic also stand out as having low two-year residency requirements  in most cases to apply for citizenship, making them some of the fastest countries in the world to naturalize.

Another benefit of these countries is that once you’re a citizen, you can easily acquire a Spanish non-lucrative visa and have an expedited route to EU citizenship in just two years. With an EU passport, you can live, work, and study in all EU countries, including Italy, Germany, Switzerland, Poland, Sweden, and the Netherlands.

Citizenship by Descent

One of the most well-known paths to second citizenship is through descent, with different countries like Ireland having generous policies that, in some cases, can allow people to become citizens with ancestry as far back as having an Irish great-grandparent.

Italy and Germany also have generous citizenship by descent programs that allow people with Italian or German heritage to become citizens, which is common with many Canadians and Americans.

Finally, if you have Sephardic Jewish heritage (expelled from Iberia in 1492) or are a descendant of Jews who suffered the Holocaust, there are several countries that provide expedited paths towards citizenship. Germany, Austria and Poland have special provisions for descendants of Jews who were either prosecuted during the Nazi regime or survived the Holocaust (eligibility rules vary from country to country) while Portugal offers citizenship for individuals of Sephardic Jewish heritage.

Golden Visas or Residency by Investment

Golden Visa programs are similar to Golden Passports in that they require an investment, but it is in exchange for a residence permit that leads to citizenship, instead of a passport. Golden Visas allow you to work towards citizenship with minimal to no physical presence requirements in most cases. European countries such as Greece, Portugal, and Spain all have golden visa programs. These residency programs allow you to become a naturalized citizen after residence. Golden Visa programs usually have lower minimum investment requirements compared with golden passports and are most popular among expat retirees who want to relocate to countries with higher standards of living.

Easiest Countries to get Citizenship by Naturalization

Argentina

Argentina grants citizenship just 2 years after getting permanent residence, making it one of the easiest countries to obtain citizenship by naturalization.

Peru

Peru offers a straightforward naturalization process, granting citizenship to foreign nationals after living there for 2 years.

Uruguay

In Uruguay, married couples can obtain citizenship within just 3 years of residency. For single applicants, the requirement is 5 years.

Easiest Countries to get Citizenship by Descent

Italy

You may be eligible for Italian citizenship if you have an ancestor who was a citizen of Italy on or after March 17, 1861. The key requirement is that the lineage must be unbroken, meaning no ancestor revoked their Italian citizenship or acquired citizenship of another country.

Romania

Romania is one of the easiest countries to obtain citizenship by descent, allowing individuals to claim citizenship if they have a parent, grandparent, or even great-grandparent who was a Romanian citizen. The country's nationality law is based on jus sanguinis (right of blood), meaning descendants of Romanian citizens can be eligible for citizenship, even up to three generations back.

Notably, Romania also offers citizenship to descendants of former citizens who lost their citizenship involuntarily due to historical border changes or oppressive regimes. With a straightforward application process and the ability to prove ancestry from a broad pool of eligible ascendants, Romania stands out as a highly accessible option for those seeking citizenship by descent.

Ireland

If you were born in Ireland before 2005, you are automatically granted citizenship. After January 1, 2005, citizenship depends on your parents' citizenship status at the time of your birth. Irish citizenship can flow indefinitely as long as the previous generations maintained their Irish citizenship.

Easiest Countries to get Golden Visas and Residency by Investment

Portugal

Portugal's Golden Visa program was one of the most popular in Europe since its launch in 2012. The Portuguese Golden Visa offered a low minimum investment of €250,000 and only required an average stay of 7 days per year in the country. However, the program was ended in 2023.

Spain

Spain's golden visa process can be very quick, sometimes taking less than a month. It has no residency requirements and the residency rights also apply to financial dependents and spouses. The minimum real estate investment is €500,000. The Spanish government announced that it will be closing the program in 2024.

Greece

Greece's Golden Visa has a low investment threshold of just €250,000, making it one of the most affordable in Europe. It also doesn't require golden visa holders to actually reside in Greece.

Malta

Malta offers one of the cheapest golden visa programs in Europe, with a minimum investment of just €150,000 through its Malta Permanent Residence Programme.

Alternative Investor Passport programs

There are also multiple alternative golden passport programs globally, including five countries in the Caribbean - Grenada, Antigua and Barbuda, St Kitts and Nevis, St Lucia, and Dominica.

In the European Union, there’s only one direct Golden passport program, Malta; after a substantial €738k investment and some time spent residing in the country, you can acquire Maltese citizenship.

The main difference between these programs and the three countries highlighted in this guide is the longer time frames to become a citizen.

The fastest and most effortless route to a second passport by far is Vanuatu. Baseflow has created the fastest and easiest citizenship by investment process in the world. Apply today and receive your new Vanuatu passport here.