8 Easiest Countries to Get Citizenship

Portugal

Rosanna Berardi, managing partner at Berardi Immigration Law, says those looking to move abroad should consider Portugal’s Golden Visa program. In order to qualify for this citizenship-by-investment program, you’ll need to have a clean criminal record, and you cannot already be a citizen of the European Economic Area (EEA), European Union (EU), or Switzerland. You’ll then need to make what the visa website calls “an investment into Portugal.” This can be in the form of real estate (with a €280,000 minimum), a donation (€250,000 minimum), labor creation, a capital investment, or a capital transfer. After five years, you can choose to apply for citizenship.

“Despite the currently long processing time, [Portugal] remains the most popular destination for Americans seeking alternative residence,” says Maniatis.

Italy

Through the principle of jure sanguinis (right of blood), those with direct Italian ancestors (parents or grandparents) can apply for citizenship. The sole requirement states: “The Italian ancestor who emigrated abroad must have been born in Italy after 17th March 1861 (when the Kingdom of Italy was proclaimed), or after their place of birth had been annexed to the Kingdom of Italy.” Along with a €600 fee, you’ll have to provide a number of documents proving your connection, including the birth certificate of your Italian ancestor. Upon submitting a complete, consistent application, the processing timeline takes a maximum of two years.

Argentina

Polukhtin shares that Argentina is one of the countries she sees in “top demand for second citizenship based on relative easiness of the process.” While she notes Argentina is “less popular now because of the high inflation and a competitive job market for expats,” there are a few ways to get Argentine citizenship. Outside of claiming descent, Americans over the age of 18 who have legally lived in Argentina for two years using various visas or permits can get their citizenship through naturalization.

St. Kitts and Nevis

If you’ve always felt particularly called to the turquoise blue waters and contrast of mountains and beaches in St. Kitts and Nevis, you may want to consider becoming a citizen. Though the process is famously easy, it’s important to note the financial considerations aren’t in everyone’s budget.

“The Caribbean country of St. Kitts and Nevis is considered to be one of the most affordable ‘passport for investment’ jurisdictions, offering citizenship with a donation of $250,000,” says Polukhtin, referencing the Sustainable Island State Contribution (SISC) or Approved Public Benefit Projects donation potential citizens are required to make. But, she adds, the process “normally requires about six months of processing time and $35,000 to $40,000 in legal and application fees.” As she describes, it’s “definitely not an average retiree’s exit plan.”

Malta

“The Maltese Citizenship by Naturalization for Exceptional Services by Direct Investment offers the fastest path to EU citizenship,” says Maniatis, adding that “EU member countries allow for freedom of movement and settlement rights between one another,” making it an attractive option for those who want greater mobility. It is not, however, cheap. To receive citizenship through this program, you’ll need to make a minimum investment of €600,000 and give a €10,000 donation to an approved organization. You’ll also need to have legally resided in Malta for at least 36 months. Notably, this program has faced criticism for contributing to Malta’s housing crisis.

Ireland

Ireland is another country where you may be eligible for citizenship by descent. Through what’s known as Foreign Birth Registration, you can apply for Irish citizenship if one of your parents was an Irish citizen at the time of your birth (even if they weren’t born in the country), or if one of your grandparents was born in Ireland. A €278 fee and documentation in the form of birth certificates, photo IDs, and relevant marriage certificates are required. Currently, the process takes around nine months. Once you’re successful, you’ll be able to enjoy the benefits that come along with an Irish passport, including the right to live and work in both the EU and the United Kingdom.

Greece

Technically, Greece has one of Europe’s more affordable residency-by-investment programs, but it’s not a fast process. After investing a minimum of €250,000 in real estate, you and your family members (spouse, children under 21, and parents) are granted a permanent residency visa, which can be renewed every five years. After seven years of legally living in Greece, you can apply for citizenship.

Grenada

Grenada is another Caribbean country that attracts those searching for quick citizenship processing times. With a $235,000 contribution to the country’s National Transformation Fund, you and three family members can obtain a Grenadian passport. Passport applications submitted to the Embassy of Grenada only take two to three weeks to process.

Investing in real estate is another option; the preapproved purchase might be worth at least $350,000 (or, if it’s a joint investment, each party pays a minimum of $270,000). You must then hold that investment for a minimum of five years.

Other Countries to Consider

Finland, Poland, Germany, Tunisia, and Spain also have relatively straightforward citizenship-by-descent passport applications. Of course, restrictions do apply, and you’ll need to come prepared with plenty of documentation and the funds to pay the associated fees.