Gain insight into the easiest countries to get citizenship with our direct guide. We've listed and compared countries that streamline the process, simplifying your path to a secondary nationality—whether for business, heritage, investment, or lifestyle choices.
Quick Glance: Citizenship Opportunities Around the World
From the tranquil island nations to the cultural hubs of European countries, many countries offer the golden ticket to second citizenship. In this article, we will explore the various easiest countries to get citizenship, each with its own unique benefits and attractions. Let's take a quick tour of some of the easiest countries to obtain dual citizenship:
In 2026, the fastest second citizenships come from investment programs: Vanuatu (about US$130,000, a few weeks), the Caribbean — Antigua & Barbuda and St. Kitts & Nevis (from US$230,000–250,000, roughly six months) and Turkey (US$400,000 in real estate, about 10–12 months). If you have ancestry, Italy, Ireland and Poland grant citizenship by descent — though Italy now limits it to a parent or grandparent born in Italy after its 2025 reform. The fastest residence-based naturalisations are Argentina (two years) and Paraguay and Ecuador (three years). Malta's citizenship-by-investment route closed in 2025.
| Country | Route | Time to citizenship | Cost / requirement | Dual allowed? |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Vanuatu | Investment (donation) | ~1–2 months | US$130,000 | Yes |
| Antigua & Barbuda | Investment (NDF) | ~6 months | from US$230,000 | Yes |
| St. Kitts & Nevis | Investment (donation) | ~6 months | US$250,000 | Yes |
| Turkey | Investment (real estate) | ~10–12 months | US$400,000 | Yes |
| Argentina | Naturalisation | ~2 years residence | Living costs only | Yes |
| Paraguay | Naturalisation | ~3 years residence | Living costs (or US$70k investor) | Yes |
| Ecuador | Naturalisation | ~3 years residence | Living costs only | Yes |
| Italy | Descent (jus sanguinis) | Varies | Italian parent/grandparent (2-gen limit, 2025) | Yes |
| Ireland | Descent | Varies | Irish parent or grandparent | Yes |
| Poland | Descent | Varies | Polish ancestor + records | Yes |
| Cyprus | Residency → naturalisation | ~8 years | €300,000 property | Yes |
| New Zealand | Naturalisation | ~5 years residence | Living costs only | Yes |
| Malta | Investment — CLOSED (2025) | — | No longer available | — |
- Best for Speedy Processing: Vanuatu
- No longer available: Malta (CBI program closed July 2025)
- Best for Caribbean Lifestyle: Antigua and Barbuda
- Best for Dual Citizenship: St. Kitts and Nevis
- Best for Middle Eastern Connection: Turkey
- Best for Ancestral Heritage: Italy
- Best for Natural Beauty: New Zealand
- Best for Latin American Ties: Ecuador
- Best for Residency by Investment: Cyprus (note: CBI ended November 2020; Permanent Residency program still active at €300K)
Best for Fast Naturalisation: Argentina (~2 years)
Best for Latin American Naturalisation: Paraguay (~3 years)
Best for Irish Ancestry: Ireland (citizenship by descent)
Best for Polish Ancestry: Poland (citizenship by descent)
| Country | Easiest route | Minimum / all-in | Typical processing | Visa-free (Henley 2026) | Dual citizenship |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Vanuatu | CBI (donation) | US$130,000 (family of 4 all-in ~US$185k+) | ~8 weeks | 87 | Allowed |
| St. Kitts & Nevis | CBI | US$250,000 donation (family of 4 ~US$305k+) / US$325,000 real estate | ~4-6 months | 157 | Allowed |
| Antigua & Barbuda | CBI | US$230,000 donation (family of 4 ~US$269k+) / US$300,000 real estate (5-yr hold) | ~6 months | 154 | Allowed |
| Turkey | CBI | US$400,000 real estate, recoverable after 3 yrs (+~US$20-25k fees) | ~3-6 months | 113 | Allowed |
| Cyprus | Residency by investment | EUR 300,000 property (PR, not citizenship) | PR ~2 months; citizenship 8 yrs | 174 | n/a (PR route) |
| Malta | CBI | Programme closed (2025) | — | 184 | — |
| Italy | Descent (iure sanguinis) | Italian parent or grandparent (Law 74/2025) | Varies | 185 | Allowed |
| New Zealand | Descent | New Zealand parent | Weeks-months | 182 | Allowed |
| Ecuador | Naturalisation | 3 years' residence + Spanish | After 3 years | 93 | Allowed |
| Argentina | Naturalisation | 2 years' legal residence (or qualifying investment) | From ~2 years (often longer; 2025 reform under challenge) | 168 | Allowed |
| Paraguay | Naturalisation | 3 years' permanent residence | From ~3 years (court-granted) | 145 | Restricted (not required to renounce in practice) |
| Ireland | Descent | Irish parent, or grandparent born in Ireland (FBR) | FBR ~12 months | 185 | Allowed |
| Poland | Descent | Unbroken chain of Polish citizenship | Confirmation varies (often a year+) | 183 | Allowed |
Best for Speedy Processing: Vanuatu
Pros:
- Fastest citizenship processing time is just eight weeks
- There is no need for a mandatory interview
- Visa-free access to many countries
Cons:
- High initial donation required
- Additional costs for families
- Lost EU/Schengen visa-free access in December 2024 (major reduction in travel benefits)
Vanuatu runs one of the fastest citizenship-by-investment programmes: a new passport in around two months, with no mandatory interview.
The application is remote, and a single applicant donates US$130,000. The passport gives visa-free access to roughly 90 countries, but Vanuatu lost EU/Schengen visa-free access in December 2024 over security concerns about its programme, so its value for Europe-focused travellers is much reduced. Adding family members raises the cost.
No Longer Available: Malta (Citizenship by Investment closed in 2025)
Important Update: Malta's Citizenship by Investment program was terminated in July 2025 following a European Court of Justice ruling. The program is no longer accepting new applications. The information below is provided for historical reference only. For current EU citizenship options, consider Portugal's Golden Visa (residency leading to citizenship) or Greece's Golden Visa.
Pros (Historical):
- Full European Union citizenship
- Access to high-quality healthcare and education
- Visa-free travel to over 185 countries
Cons:
- Program closed as of July 2025
- Substantial financial contribution was required
- Minimum waiting period was 14 months
Nestled in the heart of the Mediterranean, Malta was a jewel for those seeking European citizenship. The advantages that accompanied Maltese citizenship included:
- Access to the European Union
- Visa-free travel to over 185 countries
- Right to live, work, and study in any EU country
- High standard of living
- Excellent healthcare and education systems
- Stable political and economic environment
- Attractive tax benefits
The Maltese program was comprehensive, requiring both a residency period and a significant financial outlay. While no longer available for new applicants, Malta remains an attractive destination for those seeking EU residency through other pathways.
Rating (Historical):
Best for Caribbean Lifestyle: Antigua and Barbuda
Pros:
- Processing typically within approximately 6 months
- Extensive visa-free travel to over 150 countries
- Donation route from US$230,000 (single applicant or family of four)
Cons:
- Real estate investment must be held for five years
- US visa still required (not visa-free); US visa-bond pilot applies from 21 Jan 2026
Antigua & Barbuda runs one of the Caribbean's established citizenship-by-investment programmes, alongside options such as Grenada's.
The twin-island nation promotes an array of investment avenues, from charitable donations to real estate ventures. The processing time typically takes approximately 6 months. The cherry on top? A passport from Antigua and Barbuda provides access to over 150 countries visa-free or on arrival.
An Antigua & Barbuda passport does not grant visa-free entry to the United States: holders must apply for a US B-1/B-2 visa, and since 21 January 2026 the country's nationals are in the US visa-bond pilot, so approved applicants may have to post a refundable US$5,000-15,000 bond before the visa is issued (a separate US entry restriction, Proclamation 10998, also applies from 1 January 2026). The minimum investment is a US$230,000 National Development Fund donation, or US$300,000 in approved real estate held for at least five years, plus government and due-diligence fees.
Best for Dual Citizenship: St. Kitts and Nevis
Pros:
- There are no restrictions on dual citizenship
- Inclusion of family members in the application
- Citizenship by descent for future generations
Cons:
- High investment threshold
- No direct benefits in Commonwealth countries, despite privileges
St. Kitts and Nevis is a sanctuary for those wishing to hold dual citizenship without having to renounce their current nationality. The twin-island nation respects your global identity and offers a citizenship-by-investment program that is among the most venerable—established in 1984, it is the world's oldest such program. What significance does this hold for you and your family?
Holding a passport from St. Kitts and Nevis is more than just having a travel document; it's about securing a legacy for your descendants. The program's inclusiveness allows for family members to be part of your citizenship journey, with the promise of generational passage. The investment options include a $250,000 donation or $325,000 in approved real estate (with a 7-year holding period).
As part of the Commonwealth, there are certain courtesies extended to its citizens, although these do not equate to tangible benefits in member states. Despite these considerations, the allure of St. Kitts and Nevis citizenship is undeniable, especially for those who value the continuity of their lineage.
Best for Middle Eastern Connection: Turkey
Pros:
- Diverse investment options, including foreign direct investment and investment programs
- Visa-free travel to 126 countries
- Profitable real estate market
Cons:
- Investment must be completed before citizenship approval
- Excludes parents and children over 18 from the program
Turkey's citizenship-by-investment programme requires a minimum US$400,000 real-estate investment and bridges Europe and the Middle East.
A Turkish passport gives visa-free access to 126 countries, and Turkey holds an E-2 investor-visa treaty with the United States, which appeals to those seeking US business access. The property can be sold after a three-year holding period. The investment must be completed before the application is approved, and the programme does not extend to parents or to children over 18.
Best for Ancestral Heritage: Italy
Pros:
- Citizenship by descent for those with an Italian parent or grandparent
- Descendants can also naturalise after 2 years' legal residence in Italy
- Potential for EU citizenship
Cons:
- Two-generation limit since the 2025 reform (Law 74/2025): only applicants with a parent or grandparent who held Italian citizenship now qualify
- Complex documentation requirements
Italy grants citizenship by descent (iure sanguinis) to people with Italian ancestry, and a recognised claim confers full EU citizenship.
A 2025 reform (Decree-Law 36/2025, converted by Law 74/2025) limits citizenship by descent to two generations: you generally qualify only if a parent or grandparent held Italian citizenship. Claims filed, or consular appointments confirmed, by 23:59 Rome time on 27 March 2025 keep the old unlimited-generations rules; later claims fall under the new limit, which the Constitutional Court upheld in 2026 (Sentenza 63/2026). Pre-1948 maternal-line cases still go through the Italian courts but face the same limit for new filings. Documentation is demanding, and Italy has no citizenship-by-investment route.
Best for Natural Beauty: New Zealand
Pros:
- Processing time varies: simple cases take weeks, complex cases may take months
- Easy step towards a New Zealand passport
- High quality of life and welcoming community
Cons:
- Limited to those with New Zealand descent
- Additional expedited processing fees
- Processing times depend on complexity of documentation and verification requirements
New Zealand offers citizenship by descent to people with a New Zealand-citizen parent; for eligible applicants it is largely a registration step.
The process timeline varies depending on your circumstances. Simple cases with straightforward documentation may be resolved in weeks, while complex cases requiring additional verification can take several months. The advantages of this are manifold: a passport that opens doors worldwide, a quality of life that many dream of, and a community that embraces diversity. The limitations, however, are clear: this pathway is reserved for those with New Zealand blood. And for those in a rush, expedited processing comes at an extra cost. Nevertheless, for the right candidates, New Zealand citizenship is a canvas of opportunity, painted in the most vibrant of hues.
Best for Latin American Ties: Ecuador
Pros:
- Simplified process for those with Ecuadorian family ties
- Cultural integration through language and historical knowledge
- Citizenship after three years of permanent residency
Cons:
- Economic self-sufficiency requirements
- Must demonstrate proficiency in Spanish
Ecuador suits people with family ties to the country: spouses and children of Ecuadorians face a reduced residency requirement.
Ecuadorian citizenship requires three years of permanent residency, Spanish-language ability, and proof of economic self-sufficiency. The process is faster for applicants married to an Ecuadorian or with Ecuadorian children.
Best for Residency by Investment: Cyprus
Pros:
- Fast track to permanent residency in 2 months
- Potential for EU citizenship via naturalisation (8 years' residence)
- Strategic location for business
Cons:
- High investment requirement (€300,000 minimum)
- Long path to EU citizenship
Cyprus offers a Permanent Residency by Investment programme; its former Citizenship by Investment programme ended in November 2020. Permanent residency is a step toward living in the EU, but it is not citizenship.
Cypriot citizenship (and therefore EU citizenship) by naturalisation generally requires 8 years of legal residence: residence in 8 of the last 11 years, including the 12 continuous months before applying, plus Greek at CEFR level B1. Highly skilled workers can qualify in 4 years (B1) or 5 years (A2). The investor route grants permanent residency from EUR 300,000 in property, not citizenship, so the path to an EU passport is long-term.
Fast Naturalisation: Argentina
Pros:
Naturalisation after about 2 years' legal residence under Ley 346
Dual citizenship allowed; no language test
Cons:
Historically court-granted and often slower than the 2-year minimum
The 2025 digital-process reform (Decreto 366/2025) is under legal challenge
Argentina requires only 2 years of continuous legal residence to apply for naturalisation under Ley 346, with no language test and dual citizenship permitted. Since Decreto 366/2025 the application is handled digitally by the Dirección Nacional de Migraciones rather than a federal court, and a separate route grants citizenship to those who make a qualifying investment regardless of residence time. In practice naturalisation has often taken longer than the two-year minimum, and the 2025 decree is under legal challenge.
Latin American Naturalisation: Paraguay
Pros:
Naturalisation after 3 years' permanent residence
In practice does not require renouncing your original nationality
Cons:
Granted through the courts via an attorney petition; timelines vary
The constitution formally allows dual nationality only through a reciprocity treaty
Paraguay requires 3 years of permanent residence before applying for naturalisation, plus proof of a lawful occupation or income and good conduct. The naturalisation certificate is granted through the courts on a petition filed by an attorney. The constitution formally permits dual nationality for naturalised citizens only through reciprocity treaties, but in practice Paraguay does not require renouncing the original citizenship.
Citizenship by Irish Ancestry: Ireland
Pros:
EU citizenship by descent through an Irish parent, or a grandparent born in Ireland
Dual citizenship allowed
Cons:
Foreign Births Register registration takes about 12 months and counts only from the date of registration
Beyond a grandparent, it works only if each generation registered before the next was born
If you were born abroad to a parent who was an Irish citizen born in Ireland, you are automatically an Irish citizen. If instead a grandparent was born in Ireland and neither parent was, you can claim citizenship by registering on the Foreign Births Register, which takes effect from the date of registration. A great-grandparent born in Ireland qualifies you only if your parent had already registered before you were born.
Citizenship by Polish Ancestry: Poland
Pros:
EU citizenship by descent with no fixed generational limit
Dual citizenship allowed
Cons:
Requires proving an unbroken chain of Polish citizenship
The chain breaks if an ancestor lost citizenship before the next generation was born (especially before 1951)
Poland grants citizenship by descent: a child of a Polish-citizen parent is Polish at birth regardless of where they are born. There is no generational limit, but you must prove an unbroken chain of Polish citizenship to an ancestor through the official confirmation procedure. The chain breaks if an ancestor lost Polish citizenship before the next generation was born, most often by acquiring another nationality before the 1951 citizenship act.
Navigating the Path to Second Citizenship
Choosing a second citizenship means weighing a few factors: how fast the process is, how much it costs, where the country is, and how complex the paperwork will be.
One might start by pondering the following factors when considering a country for immigration:
- The speed of the application process, as some countries offer quick resolutions while others require a more protracted engagement
- The financial aspect, with programs ranging from sizable donations to substantial real estate investments
- The geographic allure of a country, such as bustling streets or serene shores
- The complexity of the required paperwork
Consider your personal priorities and how they align with the different options available.
Yet, beyond the initial outlay and application details, one must weigh the tax implications of their new country, including capital gains tax and income tax. Will your global income be taxed, or only the income generated within these borders? This could significantly affect your financial planning. Likewise, consider the laws of your home country regarding dual citizenship; not all nations view multiple nationalities favorably.
Routes to a second passport vary. The main ones are:
- ancestral ties to Italy
- marriage
- investment
- naturalization
the avenues are as diverse as the applicants themselves. Equally important is the global perception of the country's passport you choose to pursue, for it will become part of your identity, potentially easing travel and visa applications in the future.
- Application Speed: Varies
- Financial Investment: Varies
- Geographic Appeal: Varies
- Personal Priorities: Varies
- Tax Considerations: Varies
Summary
Before you apply: dual nationality and tax
Two things to check before committing. First, dual citizenship: not every country lets you keep your original nationality, and some require you to renounce it, so confirm your home country's rules. Second, tax: a second citizenship can change your tax residency and reporting obligations (US citizens, for example, are taxed on worldwide income regardless of where they live). Treat the figures here as starting points and get advice from a qualified tax adviser and an immigration lawyer for your situation.
This guide covered the main routes to a second citizenship: investment, descent, and naturalisation, across the Caribbean, Europe, and Latin America. The right option depends on your budget, timeline, ancestry, and where you want to live. Rules and processing times change, so confirm the current requirements with the relevant government or a qualified professional before committing.
Related Movingto guides
Italian citizenship by descent: Italy citizenship guide
Portuguese citizenship: Portugal citizenship guide
Greek citizenship: Greece citizenship guide
Spanish citizenship: Spain citizenship guide
Greece Golden Visa: Greece Golden Visa service
Caribbean (Grenada) citizenship by investment: Grenada CBI guide
Official sources
Italy: citizenship by descent (MAECI)
Cyprus: naturalisation by residence (gov.cy)
Antigua & Barbuda: CIP schedule of fees
United States: B-1/B-2 visa reciprocity (State Dept)
Vanuatu: Citizenship Office fees
St. Kitts & Nevis: CIU contribution and fees
Ireland: Foreign Births Register (gov.ie)
Poland: confirmation of Polish citizenship (gov.pl)
Argentina: Ley 346 (official text)
Passport mobility: Henley Passport Index 2026