TEMPO.CO, Jakarta - Obtaining a second citizenship is often attributed to gruelling formal procedures, time-consuming processes, and a lot of paperwork. However, that is not always the case. In modern days, there are plenty of easiest countries to get citizenship in, with some reasonable requirements to meet.
Types of Citizenship
As per Wise, the following are the types of citizenship that foreigners can pursue:
1. Citizenship by Investment
The Citizenship by Investment (CBI) program offers a fast-track route for foreigners to secure residency by making strategic investments in the country of their choice. Designed for wealthy individuals and investors, this initiative not only enhances global mobility but also fosters lucrative business opportunities within a well-structured legal framework.
2. Citizenship by Birth
When someone is born in a foreign country, they are eligible to apply for citizenship in that country even if they have no blood ties. However, not all nations are administering this policy. Notable countries reinforcing citizenship by birth include Mexico, Canada, and Argentina.
3. Citizenship by Descent
If you have a parent, grandparent, or great-grandparent in a country that allows citizenship by descent, you may be eligible to apply. This may require a longer and more complicated application process.
4. Citizenship Through Naturalization
Naturalization is considered a common pathway to apply for citizenship. Qualified foreigners must meet specific requirements to be approved, including minimum years of residency and passing some tests.
Easiest Countries to Get Citizenship
Conde Nast Traveler and Get Golden Visa both highlighted Malta and Portugal among the easiest countries to get citizenship. Read on to enrich your discovery about the flexible nations below.
1. Malta - €182,000 (5 years residency)
Malta is always included in discussions of attainable citizenship, primarily due to its receptive initiative called the Malta Permanent Residence Program. Adopting a similar concept to the golden visa, Malta presents conveniences for qualified investors to become a permanent resident for a contribution of only €182,000.
A property purchase of at least €350,000, or slightly cheaper in the South Malta neighborhoods, will gain a Permanent Maltese residency for potential occupants. Once obtained, they will be eligible to apply for citizenship after five years of residency.
2. Italy - €250,000 (10 years residency)
Standing at the forefront for American travelers, Italy becomes a desirable country to get citizenship. While the land of art’s pronounced destinations are always a draw, the Italy Residency by Investment Program further persuades Americans to pursue the residency journey.
People without Italian heritage can participate in the scheme with an investment requirement of just €250,000. Once the ten-year residency is recorded, these occupants are permitted to apply for an indefinite citizenship.
3. Greece - €250,000 (7 years residency)
Greece is one of the easiest countries to get citizenship in Europe, with an affordable process of just €250,000 real estate investment. This program provides an initial five-year residency for occupants that can be renewed for another five years. Even better, citizenship can be obtained after seven years of residency, and non-EU nationals, along with their spouse, children, and parents, can be on their visas.
4. Portugal - €250,000 (5 years residency)
Contributing to Portugal’s wide selection of projects, including artistic production or in the recovery or maintenance of national cultural heritage, national research, as well as in-house enterprises, will open the doors of at least 5-years residency to potential occupants, according to Henley and Partners. The amount of investment might vary from €250,000 to €500,000 for different kinds of contributions. After five years of permanent residency, investors can apply for citizenship and include immediate family on their visas.
5. Antigua and Barbuda - €213,000 (7 years residency)
There are multiple ways to obtain citizenship in Antigua and Barbuda, each comes with flexible conveniences. The sun-kissed Caribbean island-nation allows potential occupants to get their permanent residency permits through a donation of US$230,000 to the National Development Fund, a contribution of US$260,000 to West Indies University, or a purchase of real estate priced at least US$300,000. In addition to its flexibility, this program permits immediate families of applicants, such as spouses, dependent children, parents, and unmarried siblings, to be considered too.
6. St. Kitts and Nevis - €213,000
Rounding out the list of the easiest countries to get citizenship is St.Kitts and Nevis, which is famous for its citizenship by investment program. With a minimum investment of just US$250,000 for a public benefit project or a US$320,000 real estate purchase, applicants gain full access to the island-state's picturesque landscapes.
7. Turkiye - €213,000 (5 years residency)
According to Get Golden Visa, Turkiye offers opportunities for foreign investors to obtain dual citizenship by making a minimum investment of €250,000. Moreover, purchasing property in Turkiye not only secures a valuable asset but also opens the door for investors and their immediate family members (aged 18 and above) to apply for Turkish citizenship.
Another pathway to citizenship is through long-term residence. Individuals who reside in Turkey continuously for five years can qualify if they meet certain conditions, such as engaging in legal activities and ensuring that their time outside the country does not exceed 12 months.
8. Latvia - €250,000 (10 years residency)
Foreigners are allowed to get a 5-year residency in Latvia with an investment of €250,000, making the country a favorable destination. By investing, occupants can also enjoy visa-free travel to the Schengen Area. Additionally, foreigners are eligible to apply for citizenship in Latvia after 10 years of legal residence.
Securing a second citizenship no longer needs to be an arduous process filled with bureaucratic hurdles. These easiest countries to get citizenship are a living testament to the effortless procedure. If you are planning to make an investment any time soon, learn more about the best countries for citizenship by investment here.
Editor's Choice: 6 Cheapest Golden Visa Countries in Europe for 2025
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