Easy Places to Get Citizenship: Your Quick Guide

Getting a second passport isn’t that hard, actually. 

In fact, there are a lot of easy places to get citizenship that offer streamlined processes and low requirements, if you know where to look.

If you’re an investor, a remote worker, or dream of making a home in a new place, there are some countries that make the path to citizenship accessible. These places usually have short residency requirements, simplified application procedures, or favorable policies for those with ancestral ties.

What Makes a Country “Easy” to Get Citizenship In?

What qualifies as “easy” depends on three main factors: time, cost, and complexity. Here’s what to pay attention to when evaluating places easy to get citizenship.

Short Residency Requirements

Some countries offer citizenship after just 2-5 years of legal residency. And they don’t require you to live there full-time. This is especially useful for digital nomads, part-time residents, or retirees. For instance, Argentina grants citizenship after just 2 years of residence. Paraguay and Portugal both offer routes under 5 years.

Citizenship Through Ancestry

If you have parents, grandparents, or in some cases, great-grandparents from certain countries, you could be eligible for citizenship by descent. This process is often faster, cheaper, and less bureaucratic than naturalization.

Countries with  easy ancestry claims:

• Ireland
• Italy
• Poland

Citizenship by Investment

If you’re able to invest in real estate, bonds, or a national fund, citizenship by investment offers one of the fastest legal paths to a second passport. Some countries approve applications in just 2-6 months. Quick programs include Saint Kitts and Nevis, Dominica, Antigua and Barbuda, Vanuatu, and Grenada.

Dual Citizenship

Some governments require you to give up your original nationality when becoming a citizen. That’s a dealbreaker for many. The easy places to get dual citizenship all allow you to retain both nationalities.

Minimal Bureaucracy

Some countries have a simple, centralized process. Others are known for endless paperwork, slow timelines, and unclear rules. A truly easy country to get citizenship in has clear guidelines.

How to Choose the Right Country for Citizenship

Important decisions should take time. You need to consider each citizenship program’s trade-offs, because picking the wrong one can waste time, money, and opportunity.

Here’s what to consider before looking into the list of easy places to get citizenship:

Do You Qualify Through Ancestry?

If you have recent roots in Europe, you don’t need to invest in a citizenship in some other country. Citizenship by descent may be your fastest and cheapest route. These programs often don’t require you to move or even speak the language.

Best for: Those with documented family lineage and patience for paperwork.

Are You Willing to Relocate?

In most cases, citizenship isn’t granted overnight, and most countries require you to live there for a certain number of years before you’re eligible. This is known as naturalization, and it’s the most common route globally.

The key difference lies in how strict countries are about your physical presence. Some require you to live there full-time. Others are flexible and count partial or seasonal stays.

If you’re open to relocating, even part-time, you unlock access to some of the most respected citizenships in the world without needing to make a large investment or prove ancestry.

Best for: Digital nomads, remote workers, early retirees.

Is Speed Important To You?

If speed, simplicity, and zero relocation are your top priorities, citizenship by investment is the most direct path. These programs are designed for efficiency. No language tests, no interviews, and no need to ever live in the country.

Countries like Saint Kitts and Nevis, Dominica, and Vanuatu offer full citizenship in as little as 2 to 6 months, purely through a government-approved financial contribution or investment.

Best for: Investors, entrepreneurs, and frequent travelers.

So, What Are Easy Places to Get Citizenship In?

We’ve considered the requirements above and compiled a list of the easiest places to get citizenship in. Luckily, the list is long, so you are bound to find a place that suits your needs and possibilities.

Portugal

Portugal makes the whole process of getting citizenship easy. You only need five years of residency, and that doesn’t mean living there full-time.* Spend part of the year enjoying the coast, the food, and the laid-back pace of life, and you’re still on track. (If you go the Golden Visa route, you only need to spend about seven days per year in Portugal to keep your residency active.) 

They allow dual citizenship, the rules are clear, and in the end, you get an EU passport without giving up your own.

Why It’s One of the Easiest Places to Get Citizenship

• 5-year residency requirement, one of the shortest in Europe
• No need to live full-time in Portugal
• Dual citizenship is allowed
• Minimal language requirement (A2 level Portuguese)
• No citizenship test

Portugal also has favorable visa programs like the D7 Passive Income Visa and the Digital Nomad Visa. All of this makes it more accessible for remote workers and retirees.

*There are some talks currently to prolong this period to up to 10 years.

Golden Visa Option

Portugal offers residency by investment via fund investments or job creation under its updated Golden Visa program. Investors can apply for citizenship after 5 years, without needing to live in Portugal full-time.

Key Benefits

A Portuguese passport gives you:

• Visa-free access to over 190 countries
• Full EU citizenship rights (live, work, and travel in all EU countries)
• Access to public healthcare and education in Portugal

Ireland

Ireland is one of the easiest places where you can claim citizenship through ancestry, for those with Irish-born parents or grandparents. Its rules are transparent, the application process is well-documented, and dual citizenship is fully allowed.

Why It’s One of the Easiest Places to Get Citizenship

• Citizenship by descent is available if a parent or grandparent was born in Ireland
• No residency or language requirement for ancestry applicants
• Naturalization requires 5 years of legal residence (or just 3 years if married to an Irish citizen)
• Dual citizenship is permitted with no restrictions

Key Benefits

• Full EU citizenship rights, including freedom to live and work across the EU
• Visa-free access to over 180 countries
• Strong diplomatic protections and global mobility

Ireland is also part of the Common Travel Area, which provides special travel and residence privileges with the United Kingdom.

Italy

Italy offers a generous citizenship-by-descent program. The program went through reform in 2025 and now requires proof of a genuine connection to the country, as well as an Italian parent or grandparent. But if you meet the conditions, the process is pretty straightforward.

Why It’s One of the Easiest Places to Get Citizenship

• No need to live in Italy if applying through ancestry from abroad
• Citizenship is passed down automatically once granted
• Dual citizenship is allowed

Naturalization Path (If You Don’t Qualify by Descent)

• Requires 10 years of legal residency
• Reduced to 4 years for EU nationals
• Involves demonstrating basic language skills and integration

Key Benefits

• Access to all EU benefits: live, work, and study in 27 member states
• Visa-free travel to 190+ countries
• Universal healthcare, public education, and affordable tuition across Europe

Saint Kitts and Nevis

If you’re planning to invest and want an established process with quick approvals, Saint Kitts and Nevis might be for you. It was one of the first countries to offer a citizenship by investment program, which is held in high regard to this day. 

Why It’s One of the Easiest Places to Get Citizenship

• Citizenship can be obtained in as little as 4 to 6 months
• No residency or travel requirement at any stage
• Dual citizenship is fully permitted
• No interview, language test, or military service required

Investment Options

• $250,000 in donations to Sustainable Island State Contribution (SISC)
• From $325,000 to $600,000 in real estate investments.

Key Benefits

• Visa-free or visa-on-arrival access to over 150 countries, including the UK, EU, and Singapore
• No personal income tax or wealth tax
• A respected and stable program with over 35 years of history

Dominica

Dominica has an affordable and efficient citizenship by investment program. It’s one of the easiest places to get citizenship if you’re looking for a fast, low-cost second passport.

Why It’s One of the Easiest Places to Get Citizenship

• Citizenship approved within 3 to 6 months
• No residency requirement, language test, or interview
• Dual citizenship is allowed
• No need to visit Dominica to apply

Investment Options

• $200,000 donation to the Economic Diversification Fund (single applicant)
• $200,000 investment in approved real estate projects, plus government fees

Key Benefits

• Visa-free access to 145+ countries
• Low tax regime with no capital gains or inheritance tax
• Stable government and a strong global reputation for its passport

Antigua and Barbuda

Citizenship is easy in Antigua and Barbuda. You’ll find a family-friendly citizenship by investment program there, with low fees for additional dependents.

Why It’s One of the Easiest Places to Get Citizenship

• Citizenship is granted in around 4 to 6 months
• No physical presence required before or after application (except a 5-day visit within 5 years)
• Dual citizenship is recognized
• No interview or language requirement

Investment Options

• Donation of $230,000 to the National Development Fund
• Real estate investment starting at $400,000
• University of the West Indies Fund option (includes one year of tuition for one dependent)

Key Benefits

• Visa-free access to 150+ countries, including the EU and UK
• Family-friendly pricing and policies
• No personal income tax on worldwide income

Canada

Canada makes it pretty easy to become a citizen. The government supports immigration, and there are a few clear ways to qualify. With an easy-to-follow residency process, it’s one of the easiest places to get dual citizenship over time.

Why It’s One of the Easiest Places to Get Citizenship

• Multiple immigration pathways: Express Entry, provincial programs, family sponsorship, and startup visas
• Citizenship eligibility after 730 days of physical presence within 5 years of the application
• Dual citizenship is fully allowed
• Transparent, points-based system

Key Benefits

• Access to a strong passport with visa-free travel to over 185 countries
• High quality of life, education, and healthcare
• Stable legal system and strong protection of rights

Spain

Spain offers multiple paths to citizenship, including a favorable policy for citizens of Latin American countries, which significantly reduces the wait time for naturalization. It’s one of the more flexible places that are easy to get citizenship in, if you qualify through ancestry or language ties.

Why It’s One of the Easiest Places to Get Citizenship

• Citizenship after just 2 years of legal residence for nationals from Latin America, the Philippines, Andorra, or Equatorial Guinea
• Others can apply after 10 years of legal residence
• Dual citizenship is allowed for applicants from certain countries
• Spain also allows naturalization through marriage after 1 year of residency

Key Benefits

• Full EU citizenship
• Visa-free travel to over 190 countries
• Access to public healthcare and education

Turkey

Turkey is quick, thanks to its fast-track citizenship by investment program. You don’t need to live there, and the paperwork is pretty simple compared to other countries. All you have to do is invest in real estate or make a bank deposit, and you could have a Turkish passport in just a few months.

Why It’s One of the Easiest Places to Get Citizenship

• Citizenship approved in as little as 3-6 months
• No residency or language requirement
• Dual citizenship is allowed
• No minimum stay in Turkey is required before or after the application

Investment Options

• Purchase real estate worth at least $400,000
• Or deposit $500,000 in a Turkish bank or government bonds for 3 years

Key Benefits

• Visa-free or visa-on-arrival access to over 110 countries
• Strategic location with access to both Europe and Asia
• Favorable tax policies for foreigners

Grenada

Grenada falls into one of the easiest places to get citizenship through its investment program. It’s fast and affordable, and it grants access to the E-2 Investor Visa treaty with the United States, something most Caribbean programs don’t offer.

Why It’s One of the Easiest Places to Get Citizenship

• Citizenship granted in 4-6 months
• No residency or language requirement
• Dual citizenship is allowed
• No interview or travel to Grenada required

Investment Options

• Donation of $235,000 to the National Transformation Fund
• Real estate investment of at least $350,000, held for 5 years

Key Benefits

• Access to visa-free travel to over 140 countries, including China, Russia, the UK, and Schengen states
• E-2 Visa eligibility allows business owners to live and work in the U.S.
• No capital gains, wealth, or foreign income tax

Argentina

You can apply for citizenship in Argentina after just two years of living there. You don’t need to be married, have special skills, or make a big investment. As long as you’ve been living there legally and can show ties to the country, like a job or community involvement, you have a real shot at getting a passport faster than almost anywhere else.

Why It’s One of the Easiest Places to Get Citizenship

• Only 2 years of legal residency required
• Dual citizenship is allowed
• No formal language or cultural exam (though integration is evaluated)
• Residency can be obtained via various visa types, including digital nomad and retirement visas

Key Benefits

• Visa-free travel to over 170 countries
• Access to free public universities and universal healthcare
• Flexible and inclusive policies for families and long-term residents

Australia

Australia has a clear and well-organized immigration system. If you move there through skilled migration, family, or business visas, you can apply for citizenship after just four years of legal residence, including one year as a permanent resident. It’s not the fastest option out there, but for people who qualify, it’s among the easiest places to get dual citizenship for those who qualify

Why It’s One of the Easiest Places to Get Citizenship

• Citizenship eligibility after 4 years of residence (including at least 1 year as a permanent resident)
• Dual citizenship is permitted
• Multiple immigration streams: skilled workers, business owners, partners, and refugees
• English language proficiency required, but no cultural test

Key Benefits

• Visa-free or visa-on-arrival access to 185+ countries
• Strong passport with global mobility and consular protection
• High-quality healthcare, education, and social services

Greece

Greece offers citizenship through residency or Greek ancestry. While the naturalization process takes time, seven years of living in the country, the rules for those with Greek heritage are more flexible. The Golden Visa lets you live in Greece with no stay requirement, but you’ll need to establish residency if citizenship is your goal.

Why It’s One of the Easiest Places to Get Citizenship

• Citizenship by descent is available for those with Greek parents or grandparents
• Standard naturalization requires 7 years of legal residency
• Residency via the Greek Golden Visa does not lead directly to citizenship, but provides long-term residence
• Dual citizenship is allowed

Key Benefits

• Full EU citizenship with the right to live and work across Europe
• Visa-free access to 190+ countries
• Low cost of living, Mediterranean climate, and access to public healthcare

Poland

Poland offers multiple ways to get citizenship, including ancestry, long-term residence, and marriage. It’s one of the most flexible places to get citizenship in Central Europe.

Why It’s One of the Easiest Places to Get Citizenship

• Citizenship by descent is available if you can prove Polish ancestry
• No residency requirement for ancestry applicants
• Naturalization is possible after 3-10 years of permanent residence, depending on your circumstances
• Dual citizenship is permitted (though not officially recognized; Polish law treats citizens as Polish only)

Key Benefits

• Full EU rights
• Visa-free travel to 190+ countries
• A growing economy with access to affordable healthcare and education

Hungary

Hungary has a great citizenship-by-descent option. If you have Hungarian ancestry or you’re an ethnic Hungarian in a neighboring country, you can gain citizenship without ever moving to Hungary.

Why It’s One of the Easiest Places to Get Citizenship

• Citizenship by ancestry with no residency requirement
• No language test required for many ancestry applicants
• Dual citizenship allowed
• Standard naturalization is possible after 8 years of legal residence

Key Benefits

• Full EU citizenship
• Visa-free access to 180+ countries
• Centrally located in Europe with low living costs

Paraguay

Paraguay makes it easy with minimal residency requirements, a low cost of living, and a simple path to permanent residency. That’s why a lot of nomads and early retirees choose it over other options.

Why It’s One of the Easiest Places to Get Citizenship

• Citizenship is possible after just 3 years of permanent residency
• No language or culture test is typically required
• Dual citizenship is allowed (though Paraguay may treat you solely as a Paraguayan citizen internally)

Key Benefits

• Visa-free travel to 140+ countries, including all of South America and much of Europe
• Territorial tax system: no tax on foreign income
• Low cost of living and minimal bureaucracy

Saint Lucia

Saint Lucia is an island paradise with an affordable citizenship by investment program. With fast processing and flexible application requirements, it’s considered one of the easiest places to get citizenship for investors.

Why It’s One of the Easiest Places to Get Citizenship

• Citizenship granted in 3-6 months
• No residency, travel, or interview required
• Dual citizenship is fully allowed
• An English-speaking country with a stable government

Investment Options

• $240,000 donation to the National Economic Fund
• From $300,000 for government bond investments or real estate

Key Benefits

• Visa-free access to 145+ countries
• No global income, capital gains, or inheritance taxes
• Attractive for single applicants and families alike

New Zealand

New Zealand has a reputation for transparency, safety, and a high quality of life. While it’s not the fastest, it has multiple visa paths, English is the official language, and the process is clear for those willing to settle in and stay.

Why It’s One of the Easiest Places to Get Citizenship

• Citizenship is possible after 5 years of legal residence
• Dual citizenship is allowed
• Visa paths: skilled migrant, investor, entrepreneur, and family visas
• English-speaking, with high integration success

Key Benefits

• Visa-free access to over 185 countries
• Strong passport ranking and global respect
• World-class education, public healthcare, and environmental quality

Vanuatu

Vanuatu lets you get a second passport through investment fast, without even coming to the country. The whole process can be done remotely, and there’s very little paperwork compared to other countries. If speed and simplicity matter to you, it’s hard to beat.

Why It’s One of the Easiest Places to Get Citizenship

• Citizenship approved in as little as 30 to 60 days
• No residency, language test, or interview required
• Dual citizenship is allowed
• Entire process can be done remotely through authorized agents

Investment Options

• A donation to the Development Support Program, from $130,000 for a single applicant and up to $180,000 for a family with two children.

Key Benefits

• Visa-free or visa-on-arrival access to over 95 countries
• No income, wealth, or inheritance taxes
• Lightweight passport option ideal for tax planning or travel flexibility

Cyprus

Cyprus no longer offers a citizenship by investment program, which made getting a passport easy. However, it still has a structured path that offers all EU benefits through long-term residency or descent.

Why It’s One of the Easiest Places to Get Citizenship

• Citizenship by descent available for those with Cypriot ancestry
• Permanent residency leads to citizenship after 5 to 7 years, depending on status
• Dual citizenship is permitted
• EU membership grants full mobility and rights across Europe

Key Benefits

• Visa-free access to over 170 countries
• Full EU citizenship benefits
• Mild climate, strategic location, and favorable tax regime for residents

Finland

Finland’s process is clear, fair, and among the most reliable in Europe. For those who live and work in the country, it’s one of the easiest countries to get citizenship via naturalization.

Why It’s One of the Easiest Places to Get Citizenship

• Citizenship eligible after 5 years of continuous residence
• Dual citizenship is allowed
• Must demonstrate basic Finnish or Swedish language skills
• Clear and efficient application process

Key Benefits

• Visa-free travel to over 190 countries
• Excellent healthcare, education, and social services
• High rule of law, low corruption, and strong protection for dual nationals

Germany

Germany has one of the most respected passports in the world and offers clear, rules-based paths to naturalization. While not the fastest, it’s a reliable option if you want long-term residence.

Why It’s One of the Easiest Places to Get Citizenship

• Naturalization is possible after 5 years of legal residence (or 3 years with strong integration)
• Dual citizenship is allowed, since the 2024 reforms
• Pathways include employment, education, and family reunification

Key Benefits

• Visa-free access to over 190 countries
• Full EU citizenship and mobility rights
• Strong legal protections, healthcare, and public infrastructure

Mexico

Mexico is an easy place for dual citizenship, with a relatively short residency period and a flexible stance on dual nationality. It’s especially attractive to Latin Americans and long-term residents looking for a second passport.

Why It’s One of the Easiest Places to Get Citizenship

• Citizenship is available after 5 years of legal residency
• 2 years if you’re from a Latin American or Iberian country, or married to a Mexican citizen
• Dual citizenship is permitted without restrictions
• No formal language or cultural test required, though Spanish fluency helps

Key Benefits

• Visa-free access to 150+ countries
• Ability to live and work across Latin America
• No requirement to renounce previous citizenship

Bitizenship: Easy Path to Portugal Residency

If you’ve chosen Portugal, we’ve got you.

We’ll walk you through the whole thing, from your first questions to holding your residence card in hand. At Bitizenship, we help people who want a secure investment and a clear path forward.

We focus on residency by investment through the Unbound Fund, which fully qualifies under the current Golden Visa rules.

We’ll organize your investment, handle your paperwork, and work closely with trusted lawyers and tax advisors in Portugal. You don’t need to worry about the details, we stay with you through the full process until everything’s done.

And if you’re still weighing your options, we can break it down in our El Salvador vs. Portugal vs. Argentina Passports guide, so you can choose what’s best for your future.

Final Thoughts

Ultimately, your decision depends on your goals, background, and what you’re willing to commit. Whether it’s time, money, ancestry paperwork, or relocation.

Some countries reward patience. Others reward investment. A few welcome you based on your roots alone.

But one thing is clear: with the right strategy, getting a new passport can actually be easy.

If you’re serious about finding the fastest, most reliable path to Portugal citizenship, Bitizenship can help you navigate every detail with expert precision.

FAQ About Easy Places to Get Citizenship

Ale is the co-founder of Bitizenship. He cares about the craft of building quality products that make life better for people. He writes about these topics, as well as freedom, wealth, and global mobility, in a newsletter read by thousands of modern citizens.