Which is the Easiest Citizenship to Get? Top Countries and Quickest Routes

Argentina offers the easiest citizenship through birth, marriage, and naturalization processes.

Italy offers the simplest route to citizenship by descent for those with Italian ancestry.

Vanuatu, Antigua and Barbuda, and some other countries stand out as the most accessible options for citizenship by investment programs.

Obtaining citizenship has become increasingly accessible through various pathways across different countries worldwide.

Our discussion includes:

• What are the 4 types of citizenship?
• What is the meaning of citizenship by investment?
• Countries offering citizenship for free
• Countries where you can buy citizenship

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4 Types of Citizenship – Traditional Ways

Different countries offer varying pathways to citizenship acquisition. These include birth, descent, marriage, naturalization, and investment routes.

The pursuit of second citizenship has gained tremendous momentum in recent years.

Global mobility restrictions and economic uncertainties have driven individuals to seek alternative passports.

Understanding these pathways helps individuals choose the most suitable option for their circumstances.

Each method has distinct requirements, processing times, and associated costs. Some countries prioritize family connections while others focus on economic contributions.

The choice depends on personal background, financial capacity, and long-term objectives.

Citizenship acquisition traditionally follows four primary pathways that have existed for centuries.

Citizenship by Birth (Jus Soli)

Citizenship by birth (or Jus Soli) grants nationality to anyone born within a country’s territory.

This principle operates regardless of the parents’ nationality or immigration status. Countries like Argentina, Uruguay, and Canada follow this approach extensively.

Citizenship by Descent

Citizenship by descent (or Jus sanguinis) connects nationality to bloodline rather than birthplace. This method allows individuals to claim citizenship through their parents’ or grandparents’ nationality.

Italy, Poland, and Ireland are prominent examples of countries offering descent-based citizenship.

The process typically requires proving ancestral connections through official documentation.

Citizenship by Naturalization

Naturalization represents the most common pathway for foreign nationals seeking new citizenship. This process requires individuals to live in a country for specified periods.

They must demonstrate language proficiency, cultural integration, and law-abiding behavior.

Argentina offers one of the fastest naturalization processes at just two years.

Citizenship by Marriage

Marriage-based citizenship provides accelerated pathways for spouses of nationals. This route often reduces residency requirements and processing times significantly.

Countries recognize that family unity supports social cohesion and economic stability.

Argentina, Brazil, and Spain offer relatively straightforward marriage-based citizenship options.

What is the Meaning of Citizenship by Investment?

Citizenship by Investment (CBI) programs allow individuals to obtain nationality through substantial financial contributions.

These programs emerged in the 1980s to attract foreign capital and stimulate economic development.

Applicants typically invest in real estate, government bonds, or national development funds. The investment amounts vary significantly between countries and program types.

CBI programs offer the fastest route to second citizenship for qualifying investors. Processing times range from three to six months in most programs.

Successful applicants receive full citizenship rights, including passport issuance and voting privileges.

However, these programs require significant financial commitments ranging from $100,000 to over $1 million.

The due diligence process forms a critical component of all investment citizenship programs.

Applicants undergo extensive background checks covering criminal history, financial sources, and reputation. This process ensures program integrity and maintains international recognition of issued passports.

Rejected applications typically result from inadequate documentation or adverse background findings.

What Country is the Easiest to Get Citizenship?

Argentina consistently ranks as the most accessible for multiple pathways including birth and naturalization. The country’s liberal citizenship laws and efficient processing systems support this reputation.

However, the definition of “easiest” varies based on applicant profiles and chosen route.

Some countries provide citizenship essentially for free through birth, descent, marriage, or naturalization after residency — you do not need to purchase it, only meet the legal requirements.

By contrast, a separate category of nations only grant citizenship through Citizenship by Investment (CBI) programs.

CBI require applicants to make a qualifying financial contribution (such as real estate, government bonds, or donations) to buy a passport.

Given below is a detailed breakdown of the countries with easiest citizenship, depending on whether the path is based on birthright, ancestry, marriage, residency, or investment.

Easiest Country to Get Citizenship by Birth

The countries where it is easy to get citizenship by birth are:

• Argentina
• Uruguay
• Canada
• Spain
• Portugal

Additionally, Caribbean nations like Antigua and Barbuda, Dominica, and Grenada are also known for their birthright citizenships.

Argentina citizenship by birth

Argentina birthright citizenship leads global rankings for accessibility for both children and parents.

The country operates under pure jus soli principles, granting citizenship to all children born within its territory.

Foreign parents can obtain citizenship after just two years of residency following their child’s birth. The passport issuance process completes within four to nine months of application.

Uruguay citizenship by birth

Uruguay birthright citizenship policies are generous, with additional parent benefits similar to Argentina.

Children born in Uruguay automatically receive citizenship upon birth registration.

Foreign parents must remain in the country for three months after birth to qualify for citizenship applications. The naturalization process for parents is completed within three years of continuous residency.

Canada citizenship by birth

Canada maintains straightforward jus soli citizenship for all children born on Canadian soil. Every child born in Canada becomes a Canadian citizen regardless of parental nationality or status.

However, Canada does not extend automatic citizenship rights to foreign parents.

Parents must pursue separate naturalization processes following standard immigration pathways.

Spain citizenship by birth

Spain offers citizenship to children born to parents holding valid residence permits.

The child must remain in Spain continuously for one year after birth to qualify. This requirement ensures a genuine connection to Spanish society and culture.

The process involves proving parental citizenship status and the child’s continuous presence.

Additionally, citizenship is also granted if the parents are stateless or the parents’ home country laws don’t grant nationality to the child.

Portugal citizenship by birth

Portugal grants citizenship to children born in Portugal if either of the parents has resided in Portugal for at least one year. This includes children of Golden Visa holders and other resident categories.

The policy change in 2020 expanded access significantly for foreign residents.

Parents must demonstrate genuine residence rather than mere visa possession.

Easiest Country to Get Citizenship by Descent

The countries renowned for their simplified process in obtaining citizenship by descent are:

• Italy
• Ireland
• Hungary
• Poland
• Portugal

Israel is also known to be a country where citizenship can be obtained easily through descent.

Italy Citizenship by Descent

Italy provides the most accessible citizenship by descent program globally, with generous ancestral requirements.

Italian citizenship can be traced through any number of generations without limitation. The key requirement is that ancestors never formally renounced Italian citizenship.

Applications can be processed through Italian consulates worldwide or directly in Italy.

Note: As of March 28, 2025, Italy made some amendments to the citizenship by descent pathway. Only individuals with either a parent or a grandparent born in Italy are eligible to apply, which is the generational limit.

Applicants must demonstrate a genuine connection to Italy, which is known as the “Effective Bond Requirement.”

Ireland Citizenship by Descent

Ireland offers automatic citizenship to anyone born in Ireland before 2005.

Citizenship by descent applies to children and grandchildren of Irish citizens. In some instances, even the grandchildren can apply.

The process requires proving Irish ancestry through official birth and marriage certificates. Applications can be submitted through Irish diplomatic missions or the Foreign Births Register.

Hungary Citizenship by Descent

Hungary allows citizenship by descent for individuals having at least one parent, grandparent, or great-grandparent (in some cases) who were Hungarian citizens.

Applicants need to provide verifiable ancestral documentation like birth certificates, marriage certificates, etc. This covers historical periods when Hungarian territories were larger than their current borders.

Applicants must demonstrate Hungarian language proficiency and basic knowledge of Hungarian culture.

The process typically takes 12-18 months to complete.

Poland Citizenship by Descent

Poland grants citizenship by descent to individuals with Polish ancestors. The key requirement is proving that ancestors never renounced Polish citizenship.

Documentation requirements include birth certificates, military records, and emigration documents.

Processing times vary between 6-24 months, depending on case complexity.

Portugal Citizenship by Descent

Portugal offers citizenship by descent to children and grandchildren of Portuguese citizens.

The process requires proving Portuguese ancestry through official documentation from Portuguese civil registries. Applicants born outside Portugal must register their birth at Portuguese consulates.

Language requirements apply to adult applicants seeking citizenship by descent.

Easiest Country to Get Citizenship by Marriage

Countries where it is easy to obtain citizenship by marriage are:

• Argentina
• Brazil
• Spain
• Belize

Honorable mentions in this category include Israel, Mexico, and Peru.

Argentina Citizenship by Marriage

Argentina provides the fastest marriage-based citizenship pathway with no residency requirements. Foreign spouses of Argentine citizens do not need to meet the standard two-year residency requirement.

The process can be completed immediately upon marriage with proper documentation.

Argentina’s recognition of dual citizenship eliminates renunciation requirements.

Brazil Citizenship by Marriage

Brazil offers accelerated citizenship for spouses of Brazilian nationals with reduced residency periods. Foreign spouses can apply for citizenship after one year of marriage and residence.

The process requires demonstrating a genuine marital relationship and basic Portuguese language skills.

Brazil recognizes dual citizenship for most nationality combinations.

Spain Citizenship by Marriage

Spain provides citizenship to foreign spouses after one year of legal residence in Spain. This represents a significant reduction from the standard 10-year naturalization requirement.

Applicants must demonstrate basic Spanish language proficiency and cultural integration.

The process includes interviews and documentation of genuine marital relationships.

Belize Citizenship by Marriage

Belize’s marriage-based citizenship is one of the most straightforward processes in the Caribbean region.

A foreign spouse can apply for citizenship after one year of residency in Belize while being married to a Belizean citizen.

The process requires minimal documentation and no language proficiency requirements.

Belize recognizes dual citizenship without restrictions.

Easiest Country to Get Citizenship by Naturalization

Countries where it is easy to acquire citizenship by naturalization are:

• Argentina
• Peru
• Ecuador
• Paraguay

Malta, Turkey, and some Caribbean nations are also well-known for their simplified citizenship through naturalization.

Argentina Citizenship by Naturalization

Argentina stands out globally for its exceptionally fast naturalization process, requiring only two years of residency.

Applicants must be over 18 years old and maintain continuous legal residence.

The process involves appearing before a federal judge to express citizenship intentions. Criminal background checks and legitimate income sources are verified during processing.

Peru Citizenship by Naturalization

Peru offers citizenship through naturalization after two years of continuous residence for most foreign nationals.

The country’s simplified administrative processes reduce bureaucratic delays common in other South American nations.

Applicants must demonstrate basic Spanish language skills and knowledge of Peruvian history.

The process typically completes within 6-12 months of application.

Ecuador Citizenship by Naturalization

Ecuador provides naturalization after three years of continuous legal residence for most applicants. Foreign nationals married to Ecuadorian citizens qualify after just one year of residence.

The country’s streamlined application process reduces documentation requirements compared to regional neighbors.

Basic Spanish proficiency and constitutional knowledge are required for all applicants.

Paraguay Citizenship by Naturalization

Paraguay allows naturalization after three years of continuous residence with relatively minimal requirements.

The country’s flexible interpretation of residency allows for temporary absences during the qualifying period.

Applicants must demonstrate basic Spanish or Guaraní language skills.

The process includes sworn statements from local community members confirming integration.

Easiest Country to Get Citizenship by Investment

Citizenship by investment is probably one of the preferred categories for most people seeking a new/second passport.

Some of the best countries where it is easy to obtain citizenship through investment are:

• Antigua and Barbuda
• Vanuatu
• Turkey

Noteworthy mentions in this pathway include Caribbean nations like St. Kitts and Nevis, St. Lucia, and Grenada.

Other countries like Portugal and North Macedonia are also popular for their citizenship by investment programs.

Note: Malta used to be one of the best countries in this pathway to obtain citizenship. However, this “Golden Passport” scheme has been closed following a European Court of Justice (ECJ) ruling.

Antigua and Barbuda Citizenship by Investment

Antigua and Barbuda offers citizenship through a $230,000 donation to the National Development Fund.

Alternative investment options include real estate purchases of at least $300,000 or business investments of $1.5 million. The program includes family members in single applications, reducing per-person costs.

Additionally, an investment of at least can be made in the UWI Fund for a family of 6 or more.

Processing typically completes within 3-6 months.

Vanuatu Citizenship by Investment

Vanuatu provides the fastest citizenship by investment program globally, with processing in 2 to 3 months. The program requires a $130,000 donation to the Development Support Program.

No residency requirements or interview processes are required for approval.

The program includes spouse and dependent children in single applications.

Turkey Citizenship by Investment

Turkey offers citizenship through $400,000 real estate investment or $500,000 bank deposit options.

The program allows property sale after three years while maintaining citizenship permanently. No residency requirements apply during the application or post-approval periods.

Processing typically completes within 2-4 months.

Dominica Citizenship by Investment

Dominica also operates one of the most affordable citizenship-by-investment programs.

The Economic Diversification Fund option provides the entry point for individual applicants starting at $200,000. Alternative real estate investment options begin at $200,000 with government-approved projects.

The program includes comprehensive family coverage in single applications. Processing is done within 3 to 6 months.

St. Kitts & Nevis Citizenship by Investment

St. Kitts & Nevis pioneered citizenship by investment programs in 1984 with proven stability.

The Sustainable Island State Contribution and Public Benefit options require $250,000 for individual applicants. Real estate investment alternatives begin at $325,000 in approved developments.

The program maintains an excellent international reputation and visa-free travel benefits.

The processing time is usually around 3 to 4 months.

Pros and Cons of New/Second Citizenship

Advantages

• The benefits of easy citizenship acquisition include expanded global mobility and travel freedom.
• Second citizenship provides insurance against political instability and economic uncertainty in the origin countries.
• Many programs offer tax optimization opportunities and business expansion possibilities.
• Family inclusion in applications extends benefits to spouses and dependent children.

Disadvantages

• The caveats include significant financial costs, especially for investment-based programs.
• Tax obligations may extend to new citizenship countries, creating complex compliance requirements.
• Some programs have limited international recognition, affecting travel benefits.
• Due diligence processes can be lengthy and invasive, requiring extensive personal disclosure.

FAQs

Which citizenship is the fastest to get?

Vanuatu offers the fastest citizenship acquisition globally through its investment program in 30-60 days.

Argentina provides the quickest naturalization pathway at two years for general applicants. Marriage-based citizenship in Argentina can be obtained immediately without residency requirements.

Birth-based citizenship in countries like Argentina is processed within 4-9 months.

What country lets you buy citizenship?

Multiple countries operate formal citizenship by investment programs allowing direct purchase of nationality. Caribbean nations, including Antigua and Barbuda, Dominica, Grenada, St. Kitts & Nevis, and St. Lucia, offer established programs.

European options include Cyprus, with higher investment thresholds.

Turkey and Vanuatu provide additional alternatives with varying investment requirements and processing times.

What are the easiest countries to get citizenship without investment?

Argentina leads non-investment citizenship options through multiple accessible pathways, including birth, marriage, and naturalization.

Uruguay provides similar accessibility through birth and accelerated naturalization for married couples.

Canada offers straightforward birthright citizenship, though parents must pursue separate naturalization.

Italy enables citizenship by descent without financial requirements for qualifying individuals.

Where is the easiest place to get dual citizenship?

Argentina excels in dual citizenship accessibility as the country prohibits citizenship renunciation, making dual status inevitable.

Countries recognizing dual citizenship include Canada, Ireland, Italy, and most Caribbean nations.

European Union countries generally permit dual citizenship within the bloc.

Individual circumstances and origin country policies significantly impact dual citizenship feasibility.

What is the Easiest EU Country to Get Citizenship In?

Italy offers the most accessible EU citizenship through descent for qualifying individuals with Italian ancestry.

Portugal grants citizenship through various pathways, including birth to resident parents and naturalization.

Spain offers accelerated citizenship for Ibero-American nationals and marriage-based applications.

Conclusion

The pursuit of a second/new citizenship presents numerous opportunities through diverse global pathways.

Argentina emerges as the clear leader for accessibility across multiple acquisition methods. The country’s liberal policies support birth, marriage, and naturalization-based citizenship efficiently.

Investment programs provide the fastest acquisition for individuals with sufficient financial resources.

Key Takeaways:

• Prospective citizenship seekers should understand personal eligibility across different pathways.
• The fastest path to citizenship is not always considered the easiest path because of the specific requirements and other aspects.
• Research country-specific requirements, including residency, language, and financial obligations, thoroughly.
• Consider long-term implications, such as tax obligations and dual citizenship restrictions.
• Professional legal advice ensures compliance with complex international citizenship laws.

Due diligence remains critical for successful citizenship applications regardless of the chosen pathway.

Documentation requirements vary significantly between countries and acquisition methods.

Processing times depend on application completeness and country-specific administrative efficiency.

Investment programs typically offer the fastest processing but require substantial financial commitments.

The global citizenship landscape continues evolving with changing geopolitical and economic conditions. Regulatory updates affect program availability, requirements, and benefits regularly.

Early action often provides advantages as programs may become more restrictive over time. Professional guidance from immigration lawyers and tax advisors ensures informed decision-making.

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.