Dreaming of a Second Passport? Here Are the 10 Easiest Countries to Apply

Interested in an easy route to second citizenship? We’ve compiled a list of 10 nations where you can apply for citizenship and obtain a second passport. Inter alia, you may do it via naturalization, investment, and descent.

Factors influencing your journey to a second passport

Your path to second citizenship may be complex, with many decisions to make. The process varies: it’s quick if you’re investing or claiming descent, but naturalization takes longer. Costs also differ, and naturalization is cheaper than investment routes. Location matters, too. Some applicants prefer nearby countries, while others seek distant havens. A word of warning: beware of blacklists that may affect eligibility.

Personal tastes will influence your choice, whether you prefer bustling European cities or tranquil tropical islands.

Documentation issues are often challenging, especially for descent claims, while naturalization involves simpler bureaucracy. Tests on local knowledge are usually required for naturalization, not for investment-based citizenship. Tax issues are an important aspect to keep in mind: most countries don’t tax new citizens immediately, but the USA and Eritrea do.

Most industry experts recommend you consider tax obligations and benefits in your chosen country before making that final decision.

Where can I get second citizenship with no issues?

Below, we’ve listed 10 countries with the easiest routes to citizenship, hoping you’ll find a suitable option.

1. Vanuatu: A peaceful South Pacific archipelago, Vanuatu is untouched by global conflicts but prone to natural disasters.  This nation’s citizenship is fast to acquire. It takes just 8 weeks, with remote application and no tests. It requires a USD 145,000 donation, as there are no investment returns. Remember, you will also bear no additional administrative costs. As an extra perk, residents enjoy no tax on worldwide income.
2. Malta: Gaining Maltese citizenship, and thus EU one, comes with visa-free travel to over 180 countries, quality healthcare, and education. However, the process is costly and lengthy. Citizenship by investment starts at EUR 715,000, taking 3 years. Want a 1-year expedited option? Be prepared to pay more.
3. Uruguay: In Uruguay, married couples can shorten the 5-year naturalization period to 3 years, regardless of their original nationalities. This unique path allows two non-Uruguayan spouses to obtain citizenship after a 3-year legal residence. A residence-by-investment program with low financial criteria facilitates this process, allowing for an easier way to acquire a residence permit.
4. Turkey: Turkey’s CIP is favored for its simplicity. Bridging Europe and Asia, the country is ideal for trade and travel. You can gain citizenship if you create 50+ jobs, invest in local securities, contribute to funds, deposit in Turkish banks, or buy property in the jurisdiction (except near military zones). Investing USD 400,000 in real estate is also an option, but funds must remain invested for 3 years to retain citizenship. NB: Due to high demand, Turkey may increase investment requirements for its sought-after golden passport.
5. St Kitts and Nevis: Since 1984, St Kitts and Nevis’ CIP has been a top choice. For USD 250,000, you can obtain a passport in 3 to 6 months without visiting. The passport comes with no tax on global income but requires over six months’ residency for fiscal benefits.
6. Portugal: Non-EU individuals can apply for Portugal’s golden visa as a residence permit, with investment options like EUR 250,000 in cultural projects reduced to EUR 200,000 for certain areas. No need for permanent residency, just spend 7 days per year in Portugal. After 5 years, you can seek citizenship. This requires basic Portuguese proficiency and no tax dues.
7. Spain: In Spain, property purchases of EUR 500,000 grant residency. A mortgage can cover extra costs, but EUR 500,000 must be paid from personal funds. Citizenship requires a 10-year residence, with no shortcuts available.
8. Egypt: Egypt’s economic citizenship program comes with a key investment route: purchasing property for USD 300,000. To keep the golden visa, you must retain the real estate. Alternatively, a USD 250,000 donation secures a residence permit.
9. Germany: German citizenship is accessible to those born to parents with permanent residency in Germany, as well as to German refugees and expatriates. This may as well be your chance to receive an EU passport.
10. Peru: For a cost-effective path to citizenship without ancestral ties, consider a quick naturalization process in Peru. Establish legal residence by starting a business, investing, or working. After two years, a married applicant is eligible for citizenship.

FAQs and summary

In the above article, we have discussed a considerable number of ways to acquire foreign citizenship. You are welcome to choose an idyllic island in the Caribbean or acquire a strong European passport. Whatever your choice is, the goal is quite possible to achieve. A second passport is a valuable instrument for extending your horizons and enriching your life. At the same time, bureaucracy is always a part of foreign citizenship acquisition, and professional assistance in the matter always comes in quite useful.

Where can I get a second passport the soonest?

If you aim for speed, choose Vanuatu’s investment route. With it, the process takes 4 to 6 weeks. In turn, Peru’s naturalization requires just 2 years of residency for you to be eligible.

What nations offer affordable CIPs?

Affordable citizenship-by-investment programs are available in Vanuatu, Antigua and Barbuda, Grenada, Dominica, St Kitts and Nevis, and St Lucia. You can get your much-desired citizenship through donations, real estate, business investments (Antigua or St Lucia), or government bonds (St Lucia). As a rule, it happens within 3 to 6 months.

Is it necessary to renounce my original citizenship if I obtain one from another state?

Most often, it is not a must. Countries with investment-based citizenship programs generally support dual citizenship, and the trend toward accepting multiple nationalities is growing. Nowadays, even traditionally restrictive nations like Germany are allowing it.

What countries come with CBI opportunities for those who invest in business?

For second citizenship through business investment, think Turkey. There, creating 50 jobs makes you eligible. Antigua and Barbuda, as well as St Lucia, offer similar paths, albeit with higher investment thresholds compared to donation routes.

Still have questions left? Feel free to address them to International Wealth experts! We always have the best tried-and-tested solutions in store for you.