Expanding your rights and privileges and gaining global mobility seems like the right thing to do, right?
Finding the best countries to get citizenship is the first thing you should do. Citizenship can affect everything from visa-free travel and tax exposure to healthcare access and generational wealth planning.
Not all citizenships hold the same weight. Some have powerful passports with access to over 180 countries visa-free, while others grant quick timelines. There are also programs that require little to no investment, while others cost hundreds of thousands of dollars with strict conditions.
In 2025, accessibility, speed, international mobility, and political and economic stability are distinguishing factors. Understanding these differences will help you make the right choice.
What Makes a Country “Best” for Citizenship in 2025?
There’s no single qualification for the best country to get citizenship in; it depends on personal priorities. But certain factors define the most favorable options. These criteria help separate strategic, well-structured programs from those with hidden drawbacks or limited benefits.
Processing Speed
Some countries offer citizenship in as little as 3-6 months through citizenship by investment programs. Others may take up to 10 years through traditional naturalization. Timelines vary depending on the legal pathway used.
Visa-Free Travel Power
A high-ranking passport can open access to the EU, the Schengen Area, and the UK, without needing visas. This is really important if you’re a business owner or frequent traveler.
Dual Citizenship Policies
Countries like Portugal, Ireland, and Malta allow dual citizenship without restriction. Others, such as Singapore or the Netherlands, require renouncing your existing nationality, which may not be desirable for many.
Ease of Naturalization
Some countries have minimal residency requirements and offer relatively fast citizenship via naturalization. Others impose strict language, cultural, or integration requirements that can delay the process.
Economic and Political Stability
Programs in politically and economically stable countries like Portugal, Canada, or Australia tend to offer long-term security and strong institutions.
Reputation and Global Recognition
Some citizenships open more doors than others. Holding a Malta or Ireland passport carries significantly more weight than one from a little-known or politically unstable country.
Citizenship Pathways to Consider
Understanding the legal paths is a must when deciding what is the best country to get citizenship, for you. Every country has different options, and each path comes with different timelines, costs, and conditions.
Citizenship by Investment (CBI)
CBI programs allow you to acquire citizenship in exchange for a direct economic contribution. These are legal, government-backed schemes and are often the fastest citizenship options available.
Most common contributions are:
- Donations to a national development fund
- Real estate investment
- Business creation.
Not all real estate options in CBI programs hold their value. Resale restrictions and inflated prices are common. Always verify secondary market options before investing.
Citizenship by Descent
Some countries grant citizenship to people with ancestral ties, often up to two or three generations back.
- Cost-effective.
- No residency requirements in many cases.
- Countries offering generous descent rules: Ireland, Poland, Hungary, and Lithuania.
Records matter. Make sure you can document your lineage with birth and marriage certificates, ideally apostilled.
Citizenship by Naturalization
This is the most common route. You have to live in a country legally, for a set period, before applying for citizenship. The most common ways to obtain legal residence include employment, studying, family reunification, and investment or retirement visas.
- Timelines vary, from 2 years in Argentina to 10+ years in Switzerland.
- Requirements may include language tests, integration interviews, and proof of residency.
Citizenship by Marriage
Some countries speed up naturalization if you’re married to a citizen. Timeframes and requirements vary widely.
Fastest paths:
- Brazil (1 year after marriage)
- Spain (1 year for spouses of citizens)
- Argentina (immediate residency, fast track to 2-year citizenship)
Citizenship by Birth
Known as jus soli, this applies mainly to countries in the Americas. In these nations, just being born in their country automatically grants you citizenship: the United States, Canada, Mexico, Brazil, and Argentina.
Best Countries to Get Citizenship Revealed: Top Choices For 2025
Let’s go through the countries that are the best in matters of paperwork, mobility, and taxes, and might be we’re you’ll want to settle down.
Portugal
Portugal is at the top of our list as the best country to get citizenship, due to its naturalization process, great CBI program, stability, and strong EU passport. And having some of Europe’s most beautiful beaches definitely doesn’t hurt its appeal.
After just 5 years of legal residency*, you can apply for citizenship, and this includes time spent on a Golden Visa or D7 visa. Unlike many EU countries, Portugal does not require full-time residence or language fluency at the C2 level.
- Visa-free travel: Over 190 countries
- Dual citizenship: Allowed
- Residency required: 7 days/year average (With Golden Visa)
- Citizenship timeline: 5 years
And, Portugal is the choice for digital nomads and investors, thanks to its high quality of life and affordable living costs.
Planning your golden years? Find out if Portugal is a good place to retire.
*Government is currently discussing to prolong this period to up to 10 years.
Malta
Up until April of 2025, Malta offered one of the most well-regulated European citizenship by investment programs. But the MEIN scheme was formally terminated following a ruling by the European Court of Justice. A merit-based alternative will soon replace it. While we wait, citizenship is only available through standard naturalisation based on long-term residence and integration.
- Visa-free travel: 190+ countries (EU + US access)
- Dual citizenship: Allowed
- Citizenship timeline: 5+ years of residency
Malta is also a full EU member and part of the Schengen Area, giving its passport immense value for travel, education, and business expansion.
Saint Kitts and Nevis
The Caribbean is just an investment away with one of the fastest citizenship by investment programs in the world. Saint Kitts and Nevis grants passports in as little as 4-6 months, and its speed and reliability make it a top choice for time-sensitive investors.
- Visa-free travel: 150+ countries (including UK, Schengen)
- Dual citizenship: Allowed
- Minimum investment: $250,000 (donation route)
- No residency required
The program is government-backed and highly streamlined, with options to include family members.
Poland
If you have some Polish ancestry, you’ll be happy to hear that Poland offers generous citizenship by descent laws. If you qualify, they allow you to reclaim citizenship without living in the country. For naturalization, the typical path requires 3-10 years of residency, depending on integration and legal status.
- Visa-free travel: Full EU and Schengen Area access
- Dual citizenship: Allowed
- Citizenship timeline: As fast as 2-3 years for spouses or residents
Poland’s strong passport and cost of living make it perfect if you’re planning a long-term move within Europe.
Antigua and Barbuda
This Caribbean country keeps things simple: A CBI program with budget-friendly investments and minimal travel obligations. If your ideal citizenship involves sunshine and minimal trouble, Antigua and Barbuda might just top your list.
- Visa-free travel: 150+ countries
- Dual citizenship: Allowed
- Minimum investment: $230,000 (National Development Fund)
- Citizenship timeline: 4-6 months
And the great thing is that you only need to spend 5 days in the country within 5 years, which is ideal if you’re a remote applicant.
Argentina
Argentina makes citizenship easy, with one of the quickest naturalization timelines in the world. After just 2 years of legal residency, and zero investment needed, you can apply. There’s no strict language or cultural integration test, and dual citizenship is recognized.
- Visa-free travel: 170+ countries (including EU and most of South America)
- Dual citizenship: Allowed
- Residency requirement: 2 years
If you’re a digital nomad or retiree who can live in-country, Argentina is the place to be.
Ecuador
Ecuador checks all the right boxes, offering citizenship after just 3 years of permanent residency. It’s affordable, politically stable, and does not require renouncing previous citizenships.
- Visa-free travel: 90+ countries
- Dual citizenship: Allowed
- Citizenship timeline: 3 years of permanent residency (after a 2-year temporary stage)
Ecuador’s constitution also ensures naturalized citizens have the same rights as natural-born ones, which is an often-overlooked advantage.
Hungary
Hungary has a simple process for those reclaiming citizenship through family ties. If you have Hungarian ancestry, even going back two generations, you can often reclaim citizenship with no residency or language test.
- Visa-free travel: EU, Schengen, and 180+ countries
- Dual citizenship: Allowed
- Naturalization timeline: 8 years standard, 3 years for spouses
Hungary’s naturalization process takes time, but it’s a smart choice if you have family ties or are aiming for EU citizenship.
Vanuatu
If speed is what you’re after, Vanuatu delivers. It offers the fastest citizenship by investment program in the Pacific, often wrapping up in under 2 months. No travel required, and the entire process can be done from wherever you are.
- Visa-free travel: 100+ countries (including UK, Russia, Hong Kong)
- Dual citizenship: Allowed
- Minimum investment: $130,000
- Timeline: 6-8 weeks
While its travel access is more limited than EU programs, its speed makes it ideal for urgent citizenship needs.
Grenada
Grenada stands out by offering something rare: access to the U.S. E-2 visa treaty. Combine that with a well-established citizenship by investment program, and you’ve got a great option.
- Visa-free travel: 140+ countries (including China, UK, Schengen)
- Dual citizenship: Allowed
- Minimum investment: $235,000 (donation)
- Citizenship timeline: 4-6 months
Grenada is one of the best countries to get citizenship for entrepreneurs and investors who want U.S. market access.
Canada
Canada may not be the quickest route, but with a structured path and a respected passport at the finish line, it’s a great fit for families and those planning to put down long-term roots.
- Visa-free travel: 185+ countries
- Dual citizenship: Allowed
- Residency requirement: 730 days (out of 5 years) as a permanent resident
Dominica
Dominica’s CBI program is simple, fast, and doesn’t cost a fortune. It’s government-approved, widely accepted, and has helped thousands get a second passport.
- Visa-free travel: 145+ countries (UK, Schengen, China)
- Dual citizenship: Allowed
- Minimum investment: $200,000 donation
- Citizenship timeline: 3-6 months
Brazil
Brazil offers one of the most flexible naturalization timelines, just 1 year if you’re married to a Brazilian. Otherwise, it’s 4 years of residency, but that drops to 2 if you’ve got a Brazilian child or hold a degree from a local university.
- Visa-free travel: 170+ countries
- Dual citizenship: Allowed
- Residency requirement: 4 years standard, 1 year for spouses
Mexico
Mexico keeps the door open with dual citizenship and a clear path to naturalization. It’s 5 years for most, but if you’re married to a Mexican, you could be eligible in just 2.
- Visa-free travel: 160+ countries
- Dual citizenship: Allowed
- Residency requirement: 5 years (2 years with marriage)
Saint Lucia
Saint Lucia’s CBI program has multiple investment options (donation, real estate, or government bonds), a fast approval process, and a strong international reputation. And it’s fast, with no long waits or rigid requirements.
- Visa-free travel: 150+ countries
- Dual citizenship: Allowed
- Minimum investment: $240,000
- Citizenship timeline: 3-6 months
United States
The United States offers one of the most desirable passports globally, with extensive visa-free access and strong protections abroad. The process takes time, sure, but the payoff is worth it.
- Visa-free travel: 185+ countries
- Dual citizenship: Allowed
- Residency requirement: 5 years (3 for spouses of citizens)
Italy
Got Italian roots? You might already be halfway to a passport. Italy has a generous citizenship by descent law, even with recent changes. If you have an Italian parent or grandparent, you could qualify, but a “genuine connection” to Italy is now often required.
- Visa-free travel: 190+ countries (EU + Schengen)
- Dual citizenship: Allowed
- Residency requirement: 10 years, 2 with marriage
Australia
With Australia’s high quality of life and a clear path to citizenship, it’s a favorite for those ready to settle down under. Spend four years living legally (with at least one as a permanent resident), and you could be calling yourself an Aussie in no time.
- Visa-free travel: 185+ countries
- Dual citizenship: Allowed
- Residency requirement: 4 years total, 1 year as a permanent resident
Uruguay
Uruguay stands out in South America because it offers stability and strong institutions. The naturalization process is well-defined, and dual citizenship is fully embraced by the government.
- Visa-free travel: 150+ countries
- Dual citizenship: Allowed
- Residency requirement: 3 years as a married couple, 5 years for single applicants.
Paraguay
If you have a valid residency permit in Paraguay, you can apply for citizenship after just 3 years of physical presence. It’s a quick legal route, set against a backdrop of rivers and rainforests.
- Visa-free travel: 140+ countries
- Dual citizenship: Allowed
- Citizenship timeline: 3 years
Peru
Peru grants citizenship in just two years of continuous legal residence. The process is available to those who genuinely settle in the country, with proof of integration and ties.
- Visa-free travel: 135+ countries
- Dual citizenship: Allowed
- Residency requirement: 2 years
Belgium
Belgium trades speed for certainty, and many find it worth the wait. After five years of legal residence and integration, you can apply for citizenship and get one of the strongest EU passports.
- Visa-free travel: 190+ countries
- Dual citizenship: Allowed
- Residency requirement: 5 years of continuous legal stay
Barbados
Barbados has a structured path to citizenship through naturalization. Spend five years living there under the right visa, often through work, family ties, or special programs, and you can apply for citizenship.
- Visa-free travel: 160+ countries
- Dual citizenship: Allowed
- Residency requirement: 5 years
Ethiopia
Ethiopia is one of the few African countries that does not recognize dual citizenship. But for those with Ethiopian roots, there’s a path back. The Yellow Card restores key rights, including residency, work, and property ownership, without requiring full renunciation of another citizenship.
- Visa-free travel: Limited (45+ countries)
- Dual citizenship: Not allowed (except through reacquisition)
- Residency requirement: 5 years minimum for naturalization
Chile
Chile offers one of the most stable economies in Latin America, paired with a transparent naturalization process. Stick around legally for five years, and you can apply for citizenship without surrendering your original passport.
- Visa-free travel: 175+ countries (including Schengen, UK, and Japan)
- Dual citizenship: Allowed
- Residency requirement: 5 years
Fiji
Fiji offers both citizenship by birth and naturalization. Naturalization takes five years of permanent residency, plus proof you’ve actually been around, working, speaking the language, and being part of the culture.
- Visa-free travel: 90+ countries
- Dual citizenship: Allowed
- Residency requirement: 5 years PR status
Jamaica
Jamaica offers a pretty straight path to naturalization. While not the fastest, if you’ve settled in or married a Jamaican national, you can work your way toward citizenship.
- Visa-free travel: 90+ countries
- Dual citizenship: Allowed
- Residency requirement: 5 years
Honduras
Honduras offers an accessible route to citizenship through naturalization. It’s on the table for long-term residents, even if the process takes a little longer than in nearby countries. Patience, paperwork, and a local address will do the trick.
- Visa-free travel: 130+ countries
- Dual citizenship: Allowed with select countries
- Residency requirement: 2 years for people of Spanish descent, 2 years for others
Israel
Israel is unique in that it offers automatic citizenship to individuals of Jewish descent under the Law of Return, one of the fastest and most inclusive ancestry-based citizenship policies in the world.
- Visa-free travel: 160+ countries
- Dual citizenship: Allowed
- Standard naturalization: 3-5 years for non-Jewish applicants
Nicaragua
Nicaragua won’t top every list, but for the right applicant, it might be the best country to get citizenship. Four years of legal residence gets you in the door, sooner if you’re married in or hold a passport from the region.
- Visa-free travel: 120+ countries
- Dual citizenship: Recognized (selectively)
- Residency requirement: 3 years
Panama
Panama is a top choice among expats and retirees thanks to its Friendly Nations Visa, which allows applicants to gain permanent residency quickly and eventually apply for citizenship.
- Visa-free travel: 140+ countries
- Dual citizenship: Not officially allowed, but tolerated in practice
- Residency requirement: 5 years
Serbia
With three years of permanent residence and a bit of paperwork, you can file for citizenship in Serbia. Dual nationality is fine, and the whole process runs with surprising efficiency.
- Visa-free travel: 140+ countries
- Dual citizenship: Allowed
- Residency requirement: 3 years of permanent residence
Ireland
Ireland makes a compelling case as one of the best countries to get citizenship by descent. You won’t need to move or pass a language test. Just prove the connection, and the passport’s in reach.
- Visa-free travel: 190+ countries (EU, UK access)
- Dual citizenship: Allowed
- Naturalization: 5 years residency, or 3 years for spouses
Liechtenstein
Liechtenstein isn’t in a hurry to hand out passports, but that’s the appeal. The bar is high, usually 30 years of residency, though local approval can shorten the wait. In return, you gain access to one of Europe’s most stable, high-income microstates, with world-class services and a strong sense of community.
- Visa-free travel: 190+ countries
- Dual citizenship: Not allowed (except in rare cases)
- Residency requirement: 30 years, or 10 years with local referendum approval
Spain
While the standard naturalization in Spain takes 10 years, citizens of Latin American countries, the Philippines, and a few others can apply after just two. But with EU access, legal dual citizenship, and some of the world’s most livable cities, the wait starts to look worth it.
- Visa-free travel: 190+ countries
- Dual citizenship: Restricted, but allowed for select countries
- Residency requirement: 10 years standard, 2 years for favored nationalities
Greece
Greece may welcome investors, but citizenship takes more than a property deed. You’ll need seven years of residency and knowledge of the language and culture. Still, for those who commit, the payoff includes an EU passport and some of the most beautiful beaches in the world.
- Visa-free travel: 190+ countries
- Dual citizenship: Allowed
- Residency requirement: 7 years
- Minimum investment: €250,000 in real estate for selected properties, or €400,000 for properties of your choosing
Turkey
Invest $400,000 in real estate, or meet one of the other financial thresholds, and Turkish citizenship can be yours in as little as three months. It’s fast and formal, with a clear legal process.
- Visa-free travel: 110+ countries
- Dual citizenship: Allowed
- Minimum investment: $400,000 real estate or $500,000 capital
- Citizenship timeline: 3-6 months
Germany
Germany offers citizenship after 3 to 5 years of legal residency, depending on integration levels (language, employment, etc.). And, in 2024, reforms were made to allow dual citizenship.
- Visa-free travel: 190+ countries
- Dual citizenship: Allowed
- Residency requirement: 3-5 years
Dominican Republic
Naturalization, marriage, or investment can all lead to citizenship in the Dominican Republic. Residency is required, but the right legal help can move things along faster.
- Visa-free travel: 70+ countries
- Dual citizenship: Allowed
- Residency requirement: 2 years (Six months for marriage and investors)
Singapore
Singapore is often listed among the best countries to get citizenship, and also one of the hardest to access. The government is highly selective, and dual nationality isn’t allowed under any circumstances.
- Visa-free travel: 190+ countries
- Dual citizenship: Not allowed
- Residency requirement: No official minimum, but at least 2 years is recommended
Latvia
Latvia provides a clear naturalization process with citizenship after 5 years of permanent residence. Dual citizenship is allowed, but only with a short list, mostly EU, NATO, and EFTA countries, so it’s worth checking the fine print before applying.
- Visa-free travel: 185+ countries
- Dual citizenship: Limited but allowed
- Residency requirement: 5 years (plus 5 years PR)
- Minimum invesment: €60,000 investment for residency
United Kingdom
Following Brexit, the United Kingdom now operates outside of the EU, but still offers global mobility. Citizenship is available after 5 years of residence and 1 year of settled status.
- Visa-free travel: 190+ countries
- Dual citizenship: Allowed
- Residency requirement: 5 years
Cyprus
Cyprus was once seen as one of the best countries to get citizenship through investment, but that program’s now off the table. Today, the options are ancestry or naturalization, and the latter takes seven years of legal residence.
- Visa-free travel: 180+ countries
- Dual citizenship: Allowed
- Residency requirement: 7 years
Switzerland
Switzerland has stability and prestige, but it’s one of the hardest citizenship processes in Europe, requiring 10 years of residence, integration into local society, and municipal approval.
- Visa-free travel: 190+ countries
- Dual citizenship: Allowed
- Residency requirement: 10 years
Sweden
Sweden allows citizenship after 5 years of legal residence, or 3 years for spouses. Dual citizenship is recognized, and the process is transparent and fair.
- Visa-free travel: 190+ countries
- Dual citizenship: Allowed
- Residency requirement: 5 years, 3 years with cohabitation
Luxembourg
Luxembourg has an efficient naturalization system. It grants citizenship after just 5 years, with flexible dual citizenship rules and a simplified process for those of Luxembourgish descent.
- Visa-free travel: 190+ countries
- Dual citizenship: Allowed
- Residency requirement: 5 years
Lithuania
Lithuania controls dual citizenship, but its descent-based program works well. If you can trace your roots and meet the documentation standards, the passport’s within reach, no residency required.
- Visa-free travel: 185+ countries
- Dual citizenship: Restricted
- Residency requirement: 10 years for naturalization (7 with marriage)
Armenia
Armenia has a fast and flexible naturalization and ancestry-based citizenship system. Dual citizenship is permitted and encouraged for the diaspora.
- Visa-free travel: 65+ countries
- Dual citizenship: Allowed
- Residency requirement: 3 years
Bulgaria
Bulgaria allows dual citizenship and offers EU access, with naturalization available after five years of permanent residency. It was considered one of the best countries to get citizenship quickly through investment, though that program is now suspended.
- Visa-free travel: 180+ countries
- Dual citizenship: Allowed
- Residency requirement: 5 years
Belize
Belize offers an affordable and simple naturalization route in the Americas. Citizenship is available after just 5 years of residence, often done via the QRP retirement visa or work permits.
- Visa-free travel: 100+ countries
- Dual citizenship: Allowed
- Residency requirement: 5 years
Bolivia
Bolivia grants citizenship after three years of continuous legal residence, one of the shortest timelines in the region. For citizens of Latin American countries, the wait drops to just two. Dual citizenship is recognized, and the process is direct, especially with local legal guidance.
- Visa-free travel: 80+ countries
- Dual citizenship: Allowed
- Residency requirement: 3 years, 2 with marriage
Bitizenship Knows the Best Country to Get Citizenship In
If Portugal’s on your radar, we’re here to make your move simple.
At Bitizenship, we work with clients who want to secure Portuguese residency through investment. We work with the Unbound Fund, a qualified investment fund that meets all the latest requirements under the Golden Visa program.
Once you’re ready, we handle everything. That includes setting up the investment, preparing your documents, and teaming up with top-tier legal and tax professionals in Portugal to make sure everything runs smoothly.
We stay with you at every stage, until you’ve secured your residence.
Final Thoughts
In 2025, the best country to get citizenship is the one that aligns with your goals. Global mobility, investment safety, dual nationality for your children, or tax residency planning are all things that you have to consider.
You need to know your options and choose the one that’s strategically right for you.
With dozens of legal pathways across the world, the key is structure. Choose a country with favorable laws, realistic timelines, and stable governance. And if efficiency and clarity matter to you, partner with us, and we’ll help you navigate the complexity with zero stress.
