This guide breaks down the best second passport options for Indian citizens in 2025, from Caribbean citizenship-by-investment (CBI) programs to European golden visas.
For Indian citizens navigating strict travel restrictions, limited visa-free access, and growing interest in international opportunities, second citizenship offers a practical solution.
We’ll also answer common questions Indian nationals have, including:
- Can Indian citizens hold 2 passports?
- Which country gives citizenship to Indians easily?
- Why is India not allowing dual citizenship?
- Can an Indian minor hold dual citizenship?
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Best Second Passport Options for Indian Citizens (2025)
St. Kitts and Nevis
St. Kitts and Nevis CBI program is one of the oldest and most respected in the world.
It offers a fast-track citizenship process often completed within 6 months.
Benefits include visa-free or visa-on-arrival access to over 140 countries.
The program requires a qualifying investment in real estate or a government fund, with relatively low residency requirements.
Grenada
Grenada’s CBI program is highly regarded for its strong global mobility and unique benefits.
Besides visa-free access to more than 130 countries, Grenada passport holders can apply for the US E-2 investor visa, allowing Indians to live and work in the US through business investment.
Grenada’s program is flexible, with investment options in real estate or donation to the National Transformation Fund.
Portugal
Portugal offers a Golden Visa program, which provides residency through investment with the option to apply for citizenship after 5 years.
This is especially attractive for Indian citizens who want to eventually secure European Union citizenship.
The Golden Visa program requires qualifying investments such as job-creating business ventures.
Portugal is one of the countries that gives PR easily to Indians, with straightforward pathways from residency to citizenship.
The visa allows free travel within the Schengen Zone and access to high-quality healthcare and education.
Dominica
Dominica’s CBI program is one of the most affordable and reliable globally.
Indian citizens can obtain citizenship through a relatively low-cost government fund donation or real estate investment.
The process is straightforward, with citizenship granted at least within 6 months.
Dominica’s passport offers visa-free access to over 130 countries, including the EU Schengen Area, the UK, and Singapore.
Vanuatu
Vanuatu’s CBI program stands out for its fast approval process, often granting citizenship within 3 months at least.
The island nation offers favorable tax benefits, including no income, wealth, or inheritance taxes, making it appealing to Indian investors seeking tax planning advantages.
Investment options mainly include a contribution to the government development fund.
Antigua and Barbuda
Antigua and Barbuda provides a flexible CBI program with multiple investment routes, including real estate, business investment, or donation to the National Development Fund.
The program requires a minimal stay requirement—just 5 days over five years—offering convenience for busy Indian investors.
Citizenship grants visa-free travel to over 140 countries, including the UK, EU Schengen Area.
Why acquire second passport for Indian citizens?
For many Indian citizens, a second passport is a gateway to broader opportunities and long-term security.
Below are the main reasons why Indian nationals explore second citizenship or residency abroad:
• Travel Freedom and Better Visa-Free Access
The Indian passport currently offers limited visa-free access compared to Western or Caribbean passports.
A second passport—especially from countries like St. Kitts and Nevis, Portugal, or Grenada—can grant visa-free or visa-on-arrival entry to over 140 countries, including the EU, UK, and parts of Asia.
This is particularly attractive for business travelers, frequent flyers, and high-net-worth individuals.
• Career Mobility and Global Job Opportunities
Second passports for Indian citizens are well sought after by professionals to gain easier access to international job markets.
Countries that offer second citizenship or permanent residency often also offer the legal right to live and work there without restrictive work visa hurdles.
Which country gives jobs to Indians easily?
Nations like Canada, Germany, the UAE, and Australia are top destinations for skilled Indian professionals due to their immigrant-friendly labor markets, especially in tech, healthcare, and engineering.
• Access to Global Healthcare, Education, and Quality of Life
A second passport can open doors to world-class healthcare systems and top-tier education for children.
European and Caribbean citizenships often allow free or subsidized public healthcare and education, making them valuable for families planning long-term relocation or retirement.
• Economic and Political Stability as a Driver for Emigration
Political uncertainty, regulatory changes, and economic volatility in India have led many to seek citizenship or PR abroad as a safety net.
Which country do Indians immigrate to the most?
According to recent data, the top destinations for Indian emigrants include the United States, the UAE, and Canada—countries known for stability, opportunity, and relatively welcoming immigration policies.
Why Is Dual Citizenship Not Allowed in India?
India does not permit dual citizenship, a stance that often surprises those exploring second passport options.
The Indian Constitution and Citizenship Act of 1955 provide for single citizenship only.
The rationale is rooted in national security, administrative simplicity, and the desire to ensure a clear allegiance to the Indian state.
The government maintains that dual citizenship could create legal and political complications, particularly regarding taxation, voting rights, and military obligations.
As a result, India follows a strict “one citizenship” rule, unlike many Western countries that allow dual or even multiple nationalities.
Difference Between Dual Citizenship and Overseas Citizen of India (OCI)
To accommodate the Indian diaspora, India introduced the Overseas Citizen of India scheme.
While this status offers several benefits such as lifelong visa-free entry to India, property ownership rights, and access to most economic activities, it does not equate to citizenship.
OCI holders cannot vote, hold public office, or own agricultural land.
Dual citizenship, by contrast, involves full legal rights and obligations in two nations, which India explicitly does not allow.
Implications of Holding a Second Passport for Indian Citizens
Indian citizens who voluntarily acquire the citizenship of another country automatically lose their Indian citizenship under Indian law.
This means surrendering the Indian passport is mandatory and failure to do so can lead to penalties.
Can an Indian minor hold dual citizenship?
Minors born abroad to Indian parents may acquire foreign citizenship by birth, depending on the host country’s laws.
However, once they turn 18, they must choose between their foreign nationality and Indian citizenship.
Retaining both is not permitted under Indian law.
What Is a Golden Passport in India?
While the term is gaining popularity, it’s important to clarify that India does not have a golden passport program.
There is no official Indian scheme that grants citizenship through investment or donation, unlike several other countries.
What “Golden Passports” Mean Globally
Globally, a golden passport refers to programs that allow individuals to obtain citizenship in a country by making a qualifying investment, usually in real estate, government bonds, or a national development fund.
These passports typically offer visa-free travel, access to tax-friendly regimes, and enhanced personal and financial security.
How Indians Can Participate in Golden Passport Programs Abroad
Although golden passports are not available in India, Indian citizens can apply for second citizenship through foreign CBI programs, which we tackled above.
However, as discussed earlier, acquiring a golden passport from another country means you must relinquish your Indian citizenship, as dual nationality is not permitted under Indian law.
Permanent Residency vs. Second Citizenship
When exploring global mobility options, Indian citizens often face a choice between permanent residency (PR) and obtaining a second citizenship.
Permanent residency grants the right to live, work, and study in a country indefinitely without becoming a citizen.
However, PR holders do not receive a passport from the host country and typically lack full political rights such as voting.
Second citizenship, on the other hand, includes full citizenship rights such as the ability to hold a passport, vote, and participate in public affairs.
Benefits and Limitations of Each
- Permanent Residency:
- Benefits: Easier and faster to obtain in many countries, allows residence and employment, and often preserves original citizenship.
- Limitations: Does not provide a new passport or voting rights, and some countries require periodic renewals or physical presence to maintain PR status.
- Second Citizenship:
- Benefits: Full rights including a passport, political participation, and often better travel freedom.
- Limitations: Some countries, including India, do not allow dual citizenship, meaning Indian citizens must renounce their original citizenship to acquire a second one.
When PR Is Better for Indians
For Indian citizens who want to maintain their Indian passport while enjoying many benefits abroad, PR can be the optimal choice.
It allows Indians to live and work overseas without losing their Indian citizenship, avoiding the legal and emotional complexities of renunciation.
Which country gives PR easily to Indians?
Countries like Canada, Australia, Portugal, and New Zealand are popular choices for Indian nationals due to straightforward PR pathways, high quality of life, and robust immigration systems.
How Indian Citizens Can Apply for a Second Passport
Acquiring a second passport is a significant decision that involves careful planning and compliance with both Indian law and the laws of the destination country.
Below is a straightforward guide to help Indian citizens navigate the process effectively.
Step-by-Step Breakdown: Eligibility, Documentation, and Investment
- Determine Eligibility
Research the CBI or residency programs that accept Indian applicants. Eligibility criteria usually include age, clean criminal record, financial capability, and sometimes health requirements. - Choose the Program and Investment Route
Select the best second passport program that fits your goals, budget, and timeline. Options often include real estate investment, government donations, business ventures, or a combination. - Prepare Documentation
Common required documents include:- Valid Indian passport
- Birth certificate and proof of identity
- Police clearance certificate
- Proof of funds and source of wealth
- Medical reports
- Investment contracts and application forms
- Submit Application and Investment
Complete the application through authorized channels, submit all documentation, and make the necessary investment or donation according to the program’s guidelines. - Due Diligence and Background Checks
Expect thorough background checks by the destination country’s authorities. Transparency and honesty in documentation are critical to avoid delays or rejection. - Receive Citizenship Approval and Passport
Once approved, applicants receive citizenship certificates and can apply for the new passport, granting full travel and residency rights.
Working with CBI Professionals to Ensure Compliance
Engaging experienced CBI consultants or legal experts is highly recommended. These professionals can:
- Guide you through complex legal and financial requirements
- Help gather and verify documents accurately
- Coordinate with government agencies to ensure timely processing
- Ensure compliance with both Indian laws (such as renunciation requirements) and foreign regulations
Conclusion
Choosing the best second passports for Indian citizens is technically suited only to those willing to renounce their Indian citizenships.
It is an important decision that requires careful legal and financial consideration. With varying rules across countries and India’s unique citizenship laws, navigating this process can be complex.
By making an informed choice, Indian citizens can open doors to greater global mobility, security, and opportunity.
Pained by financial indecision?
Adam is an internationally recognised author on financial matters with over 830million answer views on Quora, a widely sold book on Amazon, and a contributor on Forbes.
