Easiest countries to get citizenship

7 reasons to obtain dual citizenship

People seek a second citizenship for different reasons, depending on their personal, professional, or family circumstances. Below are the most common goals for which a fast route to citizenship may be relevant.

1. Expanding visa-free travel options

One of the main reasons to obtain a second citizenship is to increase mobility and reduce visa restrictions. A new passport may grant access to countries that are otherwise difficult or time-consuming to enter.

For example, if a Nigerian citizen obtains a Paraguayan passport, they can enter Schengen Area countries without a visa and travel to the United Kingdom with an electronic visa.

2. Securing a safe country of residence

A second citizenship may serve as a contingency option during political instability, border closures, or other unforeseen events. Passport holders can enter their second country even when borders are closed. It is possible to relocate there with one’s entire family.

In many cases, it is possible to relocate together with immediate family members, depending on the country’s citizenship regulations.

3. Expanding business operations and optimising taxation

Entrepreneurs may obtain a second citizenship to access new markets, establish companies abroad, or simplify international operations.

Some countries offer favourable tax environments. For instance, international companies in Vanuatu are not subject to income tax, while Hungary has the lowest corporate tax rate in the European Union at 9%. In Canada, founders of companies and start-ups may also qualify for government-backed loans without collateral.

4. Gaining access to international banking services

In certain jurisdictions, non-residents face restrictions when opening bank accounts, investing in securities, or applying for credit. Citizenship can remove these barriers and provide access to local banking and financial systems on the same terms as local citizens.

5. Accessing international education opportunities

EU residents find it easier to enter local universities than foreign applicants. Prestigious engineering degrees can be earned in France and Germany, such as at the École Polytechnique in Paris or the Technical University of Munich. Future art historians and other creative professionals often choose universities in Milan, Rome, or Bologna.

Students from EU countries can participate in the Erasmus exchange program, which offers internships or a semester of study at another European university ^[295] Source: Erasmus — a European Union program . For example, a Sorbonne student in France can spend a semester at the University of Amsterdam in the Netherlands, with the program covering living expenses abroad.

6. Accessing high-quality healthcare systems

Public and private clinics provide services under health insurance, which partially or fully covers treatment costs.

The Charité hospital in Berlin is renowned for its specialists in neurology, oncology, cardiology, and neurosurgery. To prevent joint and vascular diseases, Europeans often visit thermal resorts in Spain, Hungary, and France. For instance, the hot springs of Balaruc‑les‑Bains near Lake Thau in France maintain a temperature of +49°C year‑round. This resort has long attracted celebrities such as Brigitte Bardot and Salvador Dalí.

7. Maintaining access to social benefits

In some cases, holding multiple citizenships allows individuals to access social support systems in more than one country. Eligibility, benefit amounts, and conditions depend on the country of residence and local legislation.

For example, a foreign national holding French citizenship and residing in France with a low income may qualify for the Revenu de solidarité active benefit, which can reach €646.52 per month.

5 ways to obtain a second citizenship

Around 49% of countries recognise dual citizenship ^[296] Source: Global Citizenship Observatory, GLOBALCIT . This means that in nearly half of the world’s states, individuals can keep their original nationality while acquiring a second passport. Countries such as Hungary, Italy, and Cyprus are among those that allow this option.

Countries such as Kazakhstan, Spain, and China require applicants to renounce their existing citizenship before granting them a new one.

The five main routes to becoming a citizen of another country are:

1. Investment.
2. Family reunification.
3. Naturalisation.
4. Exceptional services to the state.
5. Marriage.

The requirements and timeframes vary depending on the country and the chosen route. In Argentina, citizenship is easiest to obtain by naturalisation, birth, or marriage. In Poland, Hungary, and Bulgaria, it is often granted based on descent.

Some countries offer citizenship by investment programs, such as Turkey, Egypt, Vanuatu, and Caribbean states. They include Antigua and Barbuda, Dominica, St Kitts and Nevis, St Lucia, and Grenada. These programs provide a simple and fast route to citizenship by purchasing real estate, establishing a business, or making a contribution to state funds.

Comparison of ways to obtain a second citizenship

Route	Based on	Stay requirement	Language test	Obtaining period	Best suited for
Citizenship by investment	Investment	Not required	Not required	2+ months	Applicants seeking a fast second passport
Residence by investment → citizenship	Investment+long-term residence	Usually not required	Required at the citizenship stage	5—10 years	Those planning long-term relocation
Citizenship by descent	Proven ancestry	Not required	Rarely required	1—3 years	Applicants with documented ancestry
Citizenship by naturalisation	Continuous legal residence	Long-term physical residence	Required	5+ years	Individuals planning permanent relocation
Citizenship by marriage	Marriage to a citizen	Residence requirements vary by country	Often required	2+ years	Spouses of citizens planning family reunification

Which EU country is the easiest for citizenship by naturalisation

EU countries do not offer citizenship-by-investment programs. Citizenship can only be obtained by naturalisation after several years of residence.

France: 2—5 years to naturalisation

Normally, foreigners must live in France for five years. However, France allows the statutory residence requirement for naturalisation to be reduced to two years for foreigners who have completed at least two years of higher education in France and obtained a French degree, in accordance with Article 21-18 of the Civil Code ^[297] Source: Naturalisation for students, Article 21-18 du Code civil . 

Applicants must still demonstrate strong integration, language proficiency, and stable residence. Students follow the naturalisation process, but in an accelerated form.

To study at a university, applicants obtain a long-term Étudiant visa of the VLS-TS type — equivalent to a residence permit. 

Wealthy foreigners can also reside in France with a Visiteur visa — an analogue of a residence permit. It is granted to applicants who can prove a foreign income of at least €1,800 per month and a bank balance of at least €30,000.

The Visiteur visa is issued for one year. To continue living in France, the holder must renew it annually by applying for a residence permit. 

From January 1st, 2026, France introduced stricter language and integration requirements for multi-year residence permits, permanent residence, and citizenship. Applicants will need to confirm a higher level of French language proficiency and pass a mandatory civic exam on republican values and basic civil law.

Cyprus: 8 years to naturalisation for investors

Cyprus allows investors to obtain permanent residence directly, skipping the temporary status. The Golden Visa is granted for investments in real estate, securities, or Cypriot companies. The minimum investment is €300,000.

After 8 years of residence in Cyprus, an investor can apply for citizenship. Under the general rules, naturalisation is only possible after 10 years.

Portugal: 5—10 years to naturalisation

Portugal offers relatively lenient conditions for financially independent persons in the EU. Foreigners with an income of at least €920 per month can obtain a D7 visa. They must also show a bank balance of at least €11,040 and either purchase or rent property in the country. A spouse, financially dependent children, and parents can be included in the application.

The D7 visa is issued for 2 years and then renewed for 3. Permanent residence or citizenship can be applied for after 5 years of living in Portugal. At the same time, the Portuguese government is considering amendments to nationality legislation that could extend the required residence period to up to 10 years for certain categories of applicants. 

Until any changes are adopted, applications continue to be processed under the existing five-year rule.

Which Caribbean and Oceania countries offer the easiest path to citizenship

Caribbean citizenship-by-investment programs are known for their relatively low entry cost and short application processing times, starting at 2 months. They allow an investor and their family to travel visa-free to Schengen Area countries.

Real estate purchases are among the most popular investment options. The property can be sold after several years to recover the funds, and once registered, it may be rented out.

Minimum investment amount in the Caribbean and Oceania countries

Country	Minimum investment	Visa-free travel
Vanuatu	$130,000+	100+ countries
Dominica	$200,000+	140+ countries
Antigua and Barbuda	$230,000+	150+ countries
Grenada	$235,000+	140+ countries
St Lucia	$240,000+	140+ countries
St Kitts and Nevis	$250,000+	150+ countries

A Vanuatu citizenship passport can be obtained within 1—4 months by choosing one of the following options:

1. Non-refundable contribution to the National Development Fund — $130,000+.
2. Investment in the CNO Future Fund — $155,000+, with the possibility to recover up to $50,000 after 5 years.

Depending on the selected fund, the money is either allocated to Vanuatu’s development and disaster recovery or seed oil production.

A spouse, children under 25, and parents over 50 can join the application.

Applicants are not required to pass a language or cultural knowledge test. They must submit biometrics for their passport either at the immigration office in Vanuatu or in Dubai, Hong Kong or Nouméa. 

A Vanuatu passport allows visa-free travel to Hong Kong and Singapore. The country has no personal income tax, capital gains tax, inheritance tax, or wealth tax, and no corporate income tax for the first 20 years.

In which countries is it easiest to obtain citizenship by investment

To obtain a second citizenship by investment, applicants typically are not required to live in the country full‑time or pass exams on its language or history. A spouse, children, parents, brothers, and sisters can also be included in the application. The exact conditions depend on the country chosen.

São Tomé and Príncipe citizenship by investment

São Tomé and Príncipe offer the fastest citizenship-by-investment program in the world. A passport may be obtained in approximately 2 months. Applicants are not required to visit São Tomé and Príncipe or pass language tests as part of the process. 

Investors make a non-refundable contribution to the National Transformation Fund. The minimum contribution is $90,000 for a single applicant. The program is designed to be largely remote, allowing investors and qualifying family members to apply from abroad without extended stays.

Vanuatu citizenship by investment

In Vanuatu investors can obtain a passport in 1—4 months by choosing one of the following options:

1. Non‑refundable contribution to the National Development Fund — $130,000+.
2. Investment in the CNO Future Fund — $155,000+, with the possibility to recover part of the investment of $50,000 after 5 years.

Depending on the selected fund, the money is allocated to Vanuatu’s development and disaster recovery, as well as cocoa or coconut oil production.

Sierra Leone citizenship by investment

Sierra Leone offers investors two routes:

1. Obtain permanent residence by purchasing at least 1 kg of gold with 99.99% purity and paying government fees of $65,000+, depending on the number of applicants. After that, applicants can apply for expedited naturalisation.
2. Obtain citizenship immediately by a non‑refundable contribution to national initiatives — $140,000+, plus $10,000 for each additional family member in the application.

Turkey citizenship by investment

To qualify for Turkish citizenship, an investor must choose one of the following:

1. Purchase real estate worth at least $400,000.
2. Place a deposit in a Turkish bank, purchase government bonds, or investment fund units worth at least $500,000.
3. Establish a company that creates at least 50 jobs.

Regardless of the option chosen, the investment must be maintained for at least three years. Afterwards, the property, company, or securities may be sold, and the deposit closed.

Egypt citizenship by investment

Citizenship is available for $250,000. Applicants can choose from four options:

1. Non‑refundable contribution — $250,000+.
2. Purchase of real estate — $300,000+.
3. Investment in a business project — $350,000+, plus a non‑refundable contribution of $100,000+.
4. Opening an interest‑free deposit in the Central Bank of Egypt — $500,000+.

El Salvador citizenship by investment

In December 2023, El Salvador launched the Freedom Visa program, limited to 1,000 applicants per year. Citizenship can be obtained within 1—3 months.

To qualify for El Salvador citizenship, investors make a non‑refundable contribution of $1 mln in Bitcoin, BTC or Tether, USDT.

The application is filed remotely, but biometrics and passport collection must be done in person in El Salvador, Spain, or the United States.

Caribbean citizenship by investment: 5 countries

Antigua and Barbuda, Dominica, St Kitts and Nevis, St Lucia, and Grenada allow citizenship applications to be submitted online. A passport is granted for a non‑refundable contribution to state funds, investment in real estate, or government projects. The minimum investment is $200,000.

Requirements for obtaining citizenship by investment

Country	Minimum investment	Time to obtain citizenship
São Tomé and Príncipe	$90,000	2+ months
Vanuatu	$130,000	1—4 months
Sierra Leone	$140,000	3+ months
Turkey	$400,000	8+ months
Egypt	$250,000	10+ months
Antigua and Barbuda	$230,000	6+ months
Dominica	$200,000	6+ months
St Kitts and Nevis	$250,000	6+ months
St Lucia	$240,000	6+ months
Grenada	$235,000	8+ months

In which countries is it easiest to obtain citizenship by descent

In some countries, foreign nationals can obtain citizenship if they prove kinship with a citizen. Applicants may also qualify if they return to their historic homeland. In this case, they are granted citizenship by repatriation. The requirements depend on the country.

Canada 

In December 2025, Canada’s Parliament amended the Citizenship Act with Bill C-3, which came into force on December 15th, 2025, changing how citizenship by descent applies to children born outside Canada ^[298] Source: Bill C-3, Canadian Government .

The previous limits, which generally prevented Canadian citizens born abroad from passing citizenship to children also born outside Canada, have been removed. This allows for restoration of citizenship to certain individuals and their descendants who were previously excluded under earlier legislation, often referred to as Lost Canadians.

For children born or adopted outside Canada after Bill C-3 came into force, Canadian citizenship by descent is recognised if at least one parent is a Canadian citizen and has demonstrated a substantial connection to Canada. This connection is typically shown by spending at least three years physically present in Canada before the child’s birth or adoption.

Ireland

Ireland allows foreign nationals to obtain citizenship by descent if they can prove Irish ancestry ^[299] Source: Irish citizenship by descent, Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade . This route is widely used by applicants from the United States and the United Kingdom due to the size of the Irish diaspora.

If at least one parent was born in Ireland, the applicant is considered an Irish citizen by birth, even if they were born abroad. In this case, the applicant may apply directly for an Irish passport.

If one of the applicant’s grandparents was born in Ireland, the applicant may qualify for Irish citizenship by registering their birth in the Foreign Births Register. Citizenship is granted once the registration is completed.

Citizenship through a great-grandparent is possible only if the applicant’s parent was registered in the Foreign Births Register before the applicant’s birth. Without this prior registration, descent beyond grandparents does not usually qualify.

Applicants must provide official documents confirming an unbroken line of kinship, such as birth and marriage certificates for each generation. Ireland permits dual citizenship, and once registered, Irish citizenship may be passed on to future generations, provided the required registrations are completed before a child’s birth.

Portugal

Foreigners are eligible for Portuguese citizenship by descent if their parents, grandparents, or great‑grandparents were Portuguese and had not lost this status at the time of the next generation’s birth ^[300] Source: Law No. 37/81 – Official Gazette No. 228/1981, Series I of October 3rd, 1981 .

If a grandfather was Portuguese, moved abroad, and did not renounce citizenship, their grandchild has the right to apply for a passport. Applicants must also prove basic Portuguese language proficiency at the basic level and demonstrate ties to the country, for example, by showing evidence of travel to Portugal or ownership of property there.

Greece

Foreigners may obtain a Greek passport if they prove that their parent, grandparent, or great‑grandparent was a citizen and registered in the country’s municipal records at the time of the next generation’s birth ^[301] Source: Law No. 3284/2004 .

Applicants must confirm an unbroken line of kinship and the possession of Greek citizenship by each generation at the time of birth.

Turkey

Foreigners are entitled to citizenship in Turkey if at least one parent was a Turkish citizen at the time of their birth ^[302] Source: Law No. 5901 .

Citizenship is passed regardless of the place of birth. Those born out of wedlock may also qualify if paternity is legally recognised. Turkey permits dual citizenship and does not require applicants to renounce other passports.

Italy

Foreigners can obtain citizenship in Italy if they prove that their ancestor was an Italian citizen and had not renounced citizenship at the time of the next generation’s birth ^[303] Source: Decree‑Law No. 36 of March 28th, 2025 .

The country has tightened its rules for citizenship by descent. Now, applicants may qualify only if one of their parents or grandparents was born in Italy.

In which countries is it easiest to obtain citizenship by naturalisation

To obtain a second citizenship by naturalisation, a person must legally reside in the country for a set period. The minimum period depends on the laws of each state.

The process usually includes several stages:

1. Obtaining a visa to enter the country for work, study, or other purposes.
2. Applying to the immigration authority for a temporary residence permit after arrival.
3. Living in the country with a residence permit and renewing it when needed.
4. After several years, applying for permanent residence. In some countries, this step can be skipped, and one can apply directly for citizenship.
5. Maintaining permanent resident status for the required period, then applying for citizenship and passing language, history, and cultural knowledge tests.

Greece

Citizenship by naturalisation is granted after 7 years of residence with a residence permit. The period is reduced to three years for those married to a Greek citizen.

Applicants must pass a social integration test and an exam on the language and culture of the country. According to Newsbeast, only 50% of foreign applicants pass these exams successfully.

Portugal

Foreigners may apply for Portuguese citizenship after 5 years of residence with a residence permit. Applicants must pass a Portuguese language test at level A2 or higher ^[304] Source: Law No. 37/81 “On Nationality” .

Children under 18 can obtain citizenship if at least one parent is a Portuguese citizen or has lived in Portugal for at least one year with a residence permit.

St Lucia

Citizenship by naturalisation in St Lucia is available after 7 years of legal residence. Applicants must be over 18, have a clean record, and prove English language proficiency. Once approved, the applicant must take an oath of allegiance.

Since 2025, St Lucia passports are valid for 10 years instead of five, after which they must be renewed. The country allows dual citizenship only for Irish residents; in all other cases, applicants must renounce other nationalities.

Citizenship is also available by investment of $240,000, with the possibility of including a spouse, children, parents, and siblings in the application.

Paraguay

Citizenship by naturalisation in Paraguay requires 5 years of residence: 2 years with a temporary permit and 3 years with a permanent permit. Residence permits are granted to applicants who intend to live in the country and can prove bank savings of at least €5,000.

Italy

Italian citizenship by naturalisation is granted after 10 years of legal residence, reduced to 4 years for EU citizens and 5 years for refugees. Applicants must demonstrate Italian language proficiency at level B1, provide police clearance certificates, and show proof of income.

Germany

Citizenship is available after 5 years of residence with a residence permit. Spouses of German citizens may apply after 3 years, provided they have been married for at least 2 years. Applicants must pass an integration test and a German language exam at level B1.

Since 2024, applicants are no longer required to renounce their first citizenship, as Germany now recognises multiple citizenships. In the same year, Germany issued 249,901 passports. It is the highest number since 2000. By comparison, in 2023, almost 50,000 fewer people acquired citizenship, specifically 200,095.

List of countries with the shortest paths to citizenship by naturalisation

Country	Duration
Argentina	2 years
Canada	3 years
Brazil	4 years
Portugal	5 years
United States	5 years
France	5 years
Germany	5 years
Sweden	5 years
Greece	7 years
Norway	7 years
Denmark	9 years
Switzerland	10 years

In which countries is it easiest to obtain citizenship for exceptional services?

Foreign nationals may be granted citizenship of another country for an outstanding contribution to art, science, or sport.

United Arab Emirates

The passport for exceptional services in the UAE is issued to scientists, inventors, and doctors. Once the application is approved, the foreigner takes an oath and commits to obey the country’s laws. For example, the Emirati passport was granted to Pavel Durov, founder of the Telegram messenger.

Austria

The law allows investors to obtain citizenship for exceptional services in Austria, namely, a significant contribution to the national economy. The minimum investment amount is not specified in the legislation, but in practice, foreigners have been granted citizenship for investments starting at €4,000,000. Approval is not guaranteed; each case is considered individually.

In which countries is it easiest to obtain citizenship through marriage

A second passport can be obtained after registering a marriage with a citizen of another country. The naturalisation period depends on local laws.

In Italy, a spouse can obtain a second citizenship two years after the wedding. In Switzerland and Portugal, the period is three years. In Argentina, citizenship can be applied for the very next day after the wedding; the application is processed within several months, with no official time limit set. In Spain and Ireland, one can apply after one year of living together.

In some countries, marriages are checked for authenticity. For example, in the United States, the husband and wife may be interviewed separately. Immigration officers may visit the couple’s home to find proof of shared life, such as photographs or common belongings. If fraud is detected, citizenship will be denied or an already issued passport revoked.

Which passport to choose

The attractiveness of a passport depends on a cosmopolitan’s goals and the country’s standing in the international arena.

The Caribbean passport allows visa‑free travel to the Schengen Area states. Antigua and Barbuda, Grenada, St Lucia and St Kitts and Nevis citizens can travel to the UK with an electronic visa.

In Europe, Portugal is a popular choice for financially independent cosmopolitans with an income of at least €920 per month.

With a passport from the United States or Canada, holders can visit 170 countries visa‑free, including the United Kingdom, Japan, and Australia ^[305] Source: Passport rankings compare passports by the number of visa‑free destinations .

In Oceania, Vanuatu offers the fastest citizenship‑by‑investment program in the world.

As for South America, Paraguayan citizenship can be obtained by naturalisation in 5 years with expenses at $1,500 and proof of a bank balance of €5,000.

Best countries for different cosmopolitan goals

Rank	For travel freedom	For asset and business protection	For quality of life	For a Plan B
1	Australia	Ireland	Monaco	Australia
2	Ireland	New Zealand	Ireland	Canada
3	Canada	Australia	Luxembourg	Ireland
4	Sweden	Canada	Australia	Finland
5	Netherlands	Israel	Canada	St Lucia

Quick overview: easiest countries to get citizenship

The table below compares countries that are often considered among the most accessible in terms of citizenship requirements. It outlines the primary legal route, typical timeframes, and whether physical residence is required. 

The overview is intended to help applicants assess which jurisdictions may be more suitable for their goals, while keeping in mind that eligibility conditions and processing times vary and may change.

Comparison of the easiest countries for second citizenship

Country	Main pathway	Typical time to citizenship	Residence required	Notes
São Tomé and Príncipe	Citizenship by investment	2+ months	No	Fastest CBI programme
Vanuatu	Citizenship by investment	1—4 months	No	Multiple investment options
El Salvador	Citizenship by investment	1—3 months	No	Limited annual quota, crypto contribution
Sierra Leone	Citizenship by investment	3+ months	No	Direct contribution
Turkey	Citizenship by investment	6—12 months	No	Investment must be held for 3 years
Egypt	Citizenship by investment	10+ months	No	Multiple investment options
Antigua and Barbuda	Citizenship by investment	6+ months	No	Caribbean CBI
Dominica	Citizenship by investment	6+ months	No	Caribbean CBI
St Kitts and Nevis	Citizenship by investment	6+ months	No	Caribbean CBI
St Lucia	Citizenship by investment	6+ months	No	Caribbean CBI
Grenada	Citizenship by investment	8+ months	No	Caribbean CBI
Portugal	Naturalisation  Descent	5+ years 1—3 years	Yes	Golden Visa, D7 and D8 Visa
France	Naturalisation	5 years	Yes	Shorter for graduates
Cyprus	Naturalisation	8 years	Yes	Investors obtain PR first
Greece	Naturalisation	7 years	Yes	Reduced for spouses
Italy	Naturalisation  Descent	10 years  1—3 years	Yes No	Descent route limited
Hungary	Naturalisation	11+ years	Yes	Golden Visa
Germany	Naturalisation	5 years	Yes	Multiple citizenship allowed since 2024
Canada	Naturalisation  Descent	3 years Several months	Yes  No	Bill C-3 restored descent rights
Ireland	Citizenship by descent	Several months—1 year	No	Foreign Births Register
Paraguay	Naturalisation	5 years	Yes	Low financial threshold
Argentina	Naturalisation	2 years	Yes	One of the shortest residence periods
Brazil	Naturalisation	4 years	Yes	Shorter for spouses
United States	Naturalisation	5 years	Yes	EB-5 investors eligible
Sweden	Naturalisation	5 years	Yes	Stable residence required
Norway	Naturalisation	7 years	Yes	Language and integration tests
Denmark	Naturalisation	9 years	Yes	Strict requirements
Switzerland	Naturalisation	10 years	Yes	Cantonal approval required
Austria	Exceptional services	Case-by-case	No	High economic contribution
United Arab Emirates	Exceptional services	Case-by-case	Yes	Granted by government discretion

Standard documents for citizenship by investment

Citizenship-by-investment programmes generally require a similar set of documents, regardless of the country. Applicants usually submit:

1. A valid passport and copies of all relevant pages;
2. Birth certificates for the main applicant and included family members;
3. Marriage certificate or divorce decree, if applicable;
4. Documents confirming family relationships for dependants;
5. Recent passport-size photographs;
6. Bank statements confirming the availability of the required investment amount;
7. Documents proving the lawful source of funds, such as salary records, business income statements, property sale agreements, or inheritance documents;
8. Police clearance certificates from the country of citizenship and countries of residence;
9. Medical certificates confirming the absence of serious communicable diseases;
10. Due diligence forms and declarations required by authorised agents or government authorities.

Depending on the programme and the applicant’s profile, additional documents may be requested during the review process.

Reasons why citizenship may be refused or revoked

Citizenship applications may be refused, or previously granted citizenship may be revoked, if authorities identify violations of legal or compliance requirements. Common grounds include:

• providing false or misleading information, including inaccuracies in application forms, omissions of material facts, or forged documents;
• failure to disclose criminal history, ongoing investigations, or prior immigration violations in any country;
• issues with the source of funds, such as inability to prove the lawful origin of investment capital or links to prohibited activities;
• negative Due Diligence findings, including sanctions exposure, reputational risks, or security concerns identified during background checks;
• non-compliance with programme conditions, for example, failure to maintain a required investment for the minimum holding period;
• breach of national laws after naturalisation, where legislation allows revocation in cases involving serious crimes, fraud, or threats to public order;
• use of citizenship obtained by fraud, including attempts to circumvent visa regimes or immigration controls through misrepresentation.

The specific grounds for refusal or revocation, as well as applicable procedures, depend on national legislation and the circumstances of each case.

Where it is the hardest to obtain citizenship

Not all countries are open to accepting new citizens, and some have no immigration programs at all.

Vatican City, the smallest country in the world, with only 800 residents and 450 citizens. Passports are issued to cardinals living in the Vatican or Rome, diplomats representing the Holy See, and employees of the Catholic Church.

Liechtenstein, a mountainous country between Austria and Switzerland, with a population of 40,000. Citizenship is granted after 30 years of permanent residence or after 5 years of marriage to a citizen.

China. Under Chinese nationality law, foreigners can obtain citizenship if they have relatives in China and have lived in the country for 5 years.

How freelancers and financially independent individuals can obtain citizenship

Portugal, Greece, Germany, Hungary, and other countries have introduced visas designed for freelancers and digital nomads. Foreigners receive a residence visa, which can later be converted into a residence permit.

To obtain a digital nomad residence visa, applicants typically must:

1. Have a long‑term remote work contract with a foreign company.
2. Register with the local tax authority.
3. Prove their income and bank balance. For example, for Portugal’s Digital Nomad Visa, applicants must show income of at least €3,680 per month and savings of at least €11,040.
4. Purchase or rent property in the country.

In some countries, digital nomad visa holders are not eligible for citizenship, as governments limit visa extensions and the total period of stay. For instance, Malta issues a one‑year permit, renewable twice, for a maximum of three years, while citizenship requires five years of residence.

Financially independent cosmopolitans can also obtain long‑term visas if they prove sufficient passive income and declare that they do not intend to work in the country. Such programs operate in Austria, Switzerland, Portugal, Spain, Greece, and Hungary.

Available residence visas

Country	Eligible applicants	Minimum income	Savings required	Time to citizenship
Portugal	Financially independent persons	€920 a month	€11,040	5—10 years
Portugal	Digital nomads	€3,680 a month	€11,040	5—10 years
Italy	Financially independent persons	€31,160 a year	—	10 years
Spain	Financially independent persons	€28,800 a year	€57,600	10 years
Spain	Digital nomads	€2,763 a month	—	10 years
Austria	Financially independent persons	€2,500 a month	€30,000	6—30 years
France	Financially independent persons and digital nomads	€1,800 a month	€30,000	5 years

How to obtain citizenship by property purchase

Some countries grant citizenship to those who purchase real estate. Both residential and commercial properties can qualify in Egypt, Turkey, St Kitts and Nevis, St Lucia, Antigua and Barbuda, Dominica.

Property size and location usually do not matter, as the main requirement is its value. The lowest investment threshold is set by Dominica, which is $200,000.

Turkey 

Citizenship is granted to property owners with real estate worth at least $400,000. A spouse and children under 18 can be included in the application. The property can be sold after 3 years.

Egypt 

Citizenship is available for real estate purchases of $300,000. The property must be state‑owned. Size and location do not matter. Applicants must also pay a $10,000 fee, provide a clean criminal record, and prove they have no serious illnesses.

Cyprus 

Property owners can obtain permanent residence by purchasing one or two properties worth at least €300,000 in total. Both residential and commercial real estate are eligible, but residential properties must be bought from a developer on the primary market. 

Citizenship is available after eight years of residence as a permanent resident. The property can be sold after obtaining a Cypriot passport.

United Arab Emirates  

Property owners can obtain a residence visa for 2 years or 10 years:

• 2‑year visa: purchase of completed residential property in Freehold Zones worth at least AED 750,000, or $204,000;
• 10‑year visa: property worth at least AED 2,000,000, or $545,000, which can be 50% or more completed at the time of purchase.

Since 2021, UAE citizenship has been available to property owners, though there are no fixed legal requirements for residency duration or property specifications. In practice, passports have been granted to investors who have lived in the UAE for several years and own property worth over AED 10 million, or $2.7 million.

Some countries allow property purchased for residency purposes to be rented out, for example, Cyprus, Greece, and the UAE. 

Ways to citizenship by real estate investment

Country	Minimum property investment	Time to citizenship
Dominica	$200,000+	6+ months
Grenada	$270,000+	8+ months
Antigua and Barbuda	$300,000+	6+ months
Egypt	$300,000+	10+ months
St Lucia	$300,000+	6+ months
St Kitts and Nevis	$325,000+	6+ months
Turkey	$400,000	8+ months
Through a residence permit
Malta	€30,000	5+ years
Greece	€250,000	7+ years
Cyprus	€300,000	8+ years
UAE	$204,000	N/A (via residence)

How to obtain citizenship through the birth of a child

Children acquire citizenship by jus soli, “right of the soil”, or jus sanguinis, “right of blood”, depending on a country’s laws. Some states apply both principles.

Citizenship by jus soli

Jus soli depends on the child’s place of birth. For example, all newborns in the United States automatically become American citizens. The same rule applies in Canada.

Some countries impose additional conditions on birthright citizenship. In France, children of foreign parents receive a French passport only after they turn 13; in Thailand, children born to foreign parents qualify only if those parents have legally resided there for at least five years. 

Several states grant citizenship by birth to children discovered on their territory whose parents cannot be identified. This rule exists in Hungary and Spain.

Citizenship by jus sanguinis

Jus sanguinis is acquired by descent from the father or mother. In the United Kingdom, for instance, a child is a British citizen if at least one parent is a citizen or holds indefinite leave to remain.

When parents hold different citizenships, the child automatically receives dual citizenship and may choose one nationality later. In France, a person with dual nationality must decide at age 18 whether to retain the French passport or to renounce it.

The gender of the citizen parent may affect the transmission of citizenship, depending on the country. In the United Arab Emirates, for example, citizenship passes only through the father. If the mother is Emirati and the father is foreign, their children can become citizens only through naturalisation.

Final thoughts on the easiest countries to get citizenship

1. There are five main ways to acquire citizenship: by marriage, through close relatives, by naturalisation, for exceptional services, and by investment.
2. Investors can include family members in their second citizenship application — a spouse, children, and parents. The age and relationship requirements depend on the country.
3. São Tomé and Príncipe offers the fastest citizenship route, with passports issued in an average of two months for a minimum investment of $90,000.
4. Portugal has visas for financially independent individuals: D7 and the Digital Nomad visa. Both allow applicants to apply for citizenship after five years of living in the country. The minimum income requirement is €920 per month for the D7 visa and €3,680 for the Digital Nomad visa. Applicants must also show savings of at least €11,440, regardless of the visa type.