Citizenship

No vampires remain in Romania — only about 300 castles they used to live in. Mediaeval fortifications aside, Romania boasts an attractive passport that will be even stronger once the country joins the Schengen Area in April 2024. Impressive travel freedom, low cost of living, and acres of pristine nature — what’s not to like? Beware of scam agents, though; sadly, Romania is notorious in this regard. The fraudulent documents the scammers issue could land one into trouble, like getting banned from the EU for life. Here's everything you need to know about the legal ways to get Romanian citizenship.

Elena Ruda

Monaco’s population is only 37,000 people but includes residents from 125 countries. No wonder — the Principality is a major financial hub and a luxury holiday destination. However, the paths to citizenship are limited; nonetheless, they exist. Here’s everything you need to know about getting a Monegasque passport.

Elena Ruda

Employment, studies at a university or family roots are the most common grounds for obtaining a residence permit and, eventually, a passport in Croatia. A foreigner obtains the country’s citizenship by naturalisation in at least 8 years. With Croatia citizenship, one can enter 170 states visa-free, including the EU members, Japan, and the UK, move to Croatia, and enjoy access to European healthcare and education.

Elena Ruda

Grenada citizens can apply for an E-2 Treaty Investor Visa to move to the USA and do business. The obtaining period is 2—3 months. The E-2 visa is valid for 2 years and can be renewed an unlimited number of times. Learn the difference between the E-2 and other US business visas and how to get an E-2 visa quickly with minimal costs.

Albert Ioffe

The Investment Migration Insider revealed that in 2019, the refusal rate for Nigerian nationals applying for UK visas was 32.16%, and the USA B1 visa refusal rate was even higher — 67.2%. In order to avoid that, Nigerians choose to obtain passports in another country. Dual citizenship allow them to travel visa-free to more countries, create safe haven, and expand businesses

Lyle Julien

Caribbean and Vanuatu citizenship by investment programs have attracted thousands of high-net-worth individuals. To apply, foreigners invest a minimum of $200,000 for Caribbean citizenship or $130,000 for Vanuatu citizenship. With a Caribbean passport, one can visit Schengen countries, Singapore, and Hong Kong without a visa. Investors also visit the UK visa-free with a passport of Antigua and Barbuda, St Lucia, and Grenada. In this article, we’ve uncovered key benefits of Caribbean and Vanuatu citizenship by investment and provided step-by-step requirements for obtaining a second passport.

Lyle Julien

Dominica citizenship can be obtained in various ways; the fastest, however, is by investment. To participate, a foreigner needs to invest at least $200,000 in a state fund or in real estate. An investor may include family members in the application. Dominica investment citizenship is issued within 6 months and opens visa-free travel to 145 countries.

Zlata Erlach

Caribbean nations make good "Plan B" countries. They offer tax optimisation, convenient business opportunities, profitable real estate, a comfortable life in a tropical climate, and more. A minimum contribution of $200,000 can make investors and their families Caribbean nationals. If an investor chooses to purchase real estate, they can earn a profit. Opportunities differ from island to island, — but all Caribbean citizenship programs conveniently have common features.

Elena Ruda

The Antigua and Barbuda citizenship by investment program offers applicants four options: buying government-approved real estate, investing in a business, contributing to a higher education institution or the National Development Fund (NDF).  The minimum investment is a contribution to the NDF: $230,000 for a single applicant or a family of up to 4 people. However, the investor also pays fees, including those for taking the oath of allegiance and legal services.

Lyle Julien

Acquiring a second citizenship by donation or contribution is a streamlined path to global mobility and financial diversification. The amount of the donation sum starts at $130,000, making it accessible to a wide range of investors. This article explores various programs, detailing the countries offering citizenship by donation, their processes, costs, and benefits.

Albert Ioffe

Italian citizens are fortunate to have one of the world's strongest passports, allowing them to travel visa-free to 172 countries worldwide. They can also live, work, and study in all EU member states without restrictions. Investors can embark on the path towards citizenship by applying for the Italy Golden Visa. They can get residence permit cards for themselves and their families for a minimum contribution of €250,000. In this article, we list the benefits of dual citizenship that Italy provides.

Julia Loko

Greece’s passport is obtained by naturalisation after 7 years of living in the country.  The first step is a residence permit. Wealthy foreigners can get it by investing at least €250,000 in real estate and business options. There is no government initiative like Greece citizenship by investment, but foreigners participating in the Greece Golden Visa Program obtain the passport by naturalisation on general terms.

Julia Loko

Getting a job in Serbia, studying at a Serbian university, or being a relative of a country's citizen are the most common grounds for moving to Serbia and eventually obtaining a passport. Serbia offers two more options for residency that significantly ease a path to citizenship. They are ownership of real estate of any value or investment in any Serbia-registered company.

Elena Ruda

A British passport can be obtained in five years. The Investor Visa (Tier 1) and the Sole Representative Visa provides a fast track to citizenship.

Elena Ruda

Dominica offers a strong passport with visa-free access to 145 countries, including the Schengen Area states, Australia, China, and Singapore. Citizens can also obtain a 10-year US visa. Additionally, Dominica citizenship allows investors to register companies in the country and optimise taxes. The Dominica citizenship by investment program also features low entry investment, fast processing, and the possibility of returning the invested money.

Lyle Julien

Grenadian citizens can travel without a visa to over 145 countries, including the Schengen Area states, the UK, China, and Australia. They are also eligible for an E-2 business visa to the USA, which allows them to work or open a company there. Foreigners can get Grenada citizenship by birth, descent, marriage, naturalisation, or faster — by investment. The Grenada Citizenship by Investment Program offers potential applicants a chance to become citizens for a minimum contribution of $235,000.

Lyle Julien

Obtaining Swiss citizenship is difficult. To get a passport, the applicant must permanently live in the country, speak and write fluently in one of the official languages, know the history and traditions, participate in public life, and comply with the laws. We explain the requirements for Swiss citizenship, how long you need to live in the country and who can get a passport faster than others.

Zlata Erlach

The main reason wealthy people choose Malta for immigration is an opportunity to move to one of the EU countries in several months. For example, obtaining a residence permit under the Malta Global Residence Programme takes 3—4 months. In comparison, getting a residence permit in France, Germany, or the Netherlands may be much more difficult. To move to Malta, wealthy foreigners may take advantage of immigration programmes: the Malta Global Residence Programme and the Malta Permanent Residence Programme. They allow obtaining a residence permit and permanent residency, respectively.

Julia Loko

Greece allows its citizens to have dual citizenship. This means one can keep their current passport while also becoming a citizen of Greece.  3 ways are common for those who want to get a Greek passport: descent, naturalisation, and military service. To simplify the process of getting Greek citizenship, wealthy people often choose to obtain the Greece Golden Visa first. Having obtained it, they become eligible to apply for citizenship after residing in the country for 7 years.

Julia Loko

The first things that come to mind about Iceland are volcanoes with unpronounceable names and glaciers. But that is not all. Iceland is also one of the safest and most environmentally friendly countries. Foreign nationals can get an Icelandic passport by descent, marriage or naturalisation. The latter path takes at least 7 years.

Elena Ruda

For those who dream of tulip fields and canal-side living, acquiring the Netherlands citizenship might be a good opportunity. There's more than one route to join the ranks of happy bike-riding Dutch nationals. Whether it’s through birthright, naturalisation, or the option procedure, each path has its peculiarities and requirements. Learn the details of each way to become a Dutch citizen and the unique advantages of it.

Elena Ruda

Located in the Mediterranean Sea, Malta can be a safe haven with its pleasant climate and high living standards. A foreigner can get Malta’s passport by investing €600,000+ and living in Malta for 3 years or investing €750,000+ and living in the country for 1 year. Let’s discuss how to get Maltese nationality, who qualifies for it, what the requirements are, and how much it costs.

Julia Loko

Canada citizenship can be obtained by investing 1,200,000 of Canadian dollars in Quebec. This option is suitable only for those who plan to move to Canada for permanent residence. Canada citizenship cannot be obtained remotely: the applicant needs to confirm their knowledge of the language, ability to integrate into the local society and live in the country for three years. Only then can they apply for Canada citizenship. We consider the requirements for applicants and also offer alternative investment programs with less stringent conditions.

Albert Ioffe

Five Caribbean countries offer citizenship by investment programs: Antigua and Barbuda, Dominica, Grenada, St Lucia, and St Kitts and Nevis. To apply for citizenship, a foreigner makes a charitable donation, buys property, or invests in business in the chosen country. The minimum investment amount for one applicant starts at $200,000, depending on the program. When applying with the family, the threshold increases. Find answers to questions that may arise when choosing a Caribbean country for citizenship in the interview with Zlata Erlach, an investment migration expert and the head of Austrian Office at Immigrant Invest.

Zlata Erlach

St Kitts and Nevis has one of the most investment-friendly climates in the Caribbean and British Commonwealth. Tourism drives the local economy, contributing 34% of the gross national product. Investors can obtain St Kitts and Nevis citizenship by purchasing tourism-oriented real estate, including residential property. The minimum investment in real estate starts at $325,000.

Elena Ruda

Dual citizenship is permitted in Antigua and Barbuda and is explicitly guaranteed by the country’s 1981 Constitution. This means individuals can hold an Antigua and Barbuda passport while retaining citizenship in other countries. One of the most popular ways to acquire citizenship is through an investment of at least $230,000. There are four available options: a contribution to the National Development Fund, a real estate purchase, a business investment, or a donation to a higher education institution. Below, we outline the requirements for future citizens, how the application process can be expedited, and whether renouncing current citizenships is necessary.

Lyle Julien

Foreigners can obtain Antigua and Barbuda passports by birth, marriage, naturalisation, or affiliation. Wealthy people can acquire Antigua and Barbuda citizenship by investment, sometimes referred to as “Golden Visas.” The minimum investment required is $230,000, and the procedure takes at least 6 months. Among the benefits of the Antigua and Barbuda passport are visa-free travel to over 150 countries and the opportunity to optimise taxes.

Lyle Julien

Some countries grant citizenship not for money or years of residence but for excellence. Exceptional talent, achievements, and service can open the door to a passport. This rare path is reserved for those who stand out in science, business, culture, or sport and whose contributions align with national interests. Among the notable figures recognised in this way are Elon Musk and Tom Hanks. Explore how citizenship by merit works, which countries offer it, and what alternatives exist.

Vladlena Baranova

In 2021, the UAE began to offer more citizenship opportunities for foreigners. The goal is to attract investors, healthcare professionals, scientists, and exceptional talents, improving the state’s economy. Those investing in property can obtain UAE citizenship by exceptional merit and keep their first passport. A Property Investor Residence Visa, which allows investors to reside and run businesses in the UAE, optimise taxes, and access other benefits, can be the first step to a second passport.

Zlata Erlach

Malta has permitted dual citizenship since February 10th, 2000, and it's now the norm rather than the exception. This means that Maltese citizens can keep their foreign nationality in addition to their Maltese one.  Dual citizenship of Malta is obtained by birthright, marriage, descent, special services to the state, and naturalisation. Let’s explore all the paths to determine the easiest and fastest.

Julia Loko

A Malta passport grants the holder the right to move to Malta, reside long-term in any other EU country, and travel visa-free to 169 countries. The Maltese legislation allows applying for citizenship by naturalisation for exceptional services by direct investment. This process significantly reduces the waiting period for a passport, allowing applicants to qualify in just 1 or 3 years instead of the standard five years of residence. Let’s examine the benefits and drawbacks to determine how a Malta passport aligns with investment and immigration goals.

Julia Loko

French citizens can travel without visas to 188 countries and freely visit the countries in the Schengen area, the USA, Canada, Australia and Japan. France is a member of the European Union. With a French passport, you can work, do business, enroll in a school or university of any country in the European Union, Norway, Switzerland, Liechtenstein and Iceland.

Elena Ruda

Is it possible to obtain multiple citizenships? The answer is yes. A person can be a citizen of two or even more countries.  However, some countries do not allow dual citizenship, and in such cases, the original passport may be revoked. For instance, Austria requires individuals to renounce their previous citizenships when acquiring Austrian nationality. Keep reading to explore the conditions and potential challenges of holding multiple citizenships.

Vladlena Baranova

Germany citizenship allows the holder to live in Europe, visit 191 countries without a visa, access high-quality medicine and a prestigious education. A German passport can not be obtained by investment but only by naturalization, birth, adoption, marriage or immigration.

Elena Ruda

Finnish citizenship allows you to travel visa-free to 189 countries throughout the world, live and work in the EU, and take advantage of a free education system, as well as a high quality medical system. We discuss the conditions that need to be met to get a Finnish passport, the benefits of Finish citizenship, and whether you can remain a citizen of another country at the same time.

Elena Ruda

With a Czech passport, you do not need a visa to enter 185 countries. To travel to the US or Canada, citizens only need to obtain an eTA. The Czech Republic is a member of the European Union, and therefore its citizens enjoy benefits and privileges in other countries of this association. We tell you how to get a Czech passport, what benefits applicants receive if approved, and whether they can retain citizenship of other countries.

Elena Ruda

Uruguay is one of the most prosperous countries in South America. It is open to foreigners and offers a simplified path to citizenship in 3 or 5 years for those who obtained a residence permit. There are two types of citizenship in Uruguay: natural and legal. Natural citizenship is granted by birth, and legal citizenship can be obtained by naturalisation after investing at least $100,000 in the country’s economy. Let’s discuss the benefits of Uruguayan citizenship and how investors can get it.

Elena Ruda

A Paraguay passport provides access to 141 countries without visas and offers potential tax benefits, all without the necessity of renouncing one’s original nationality. Foreigners acquire Paraguay citizenship by naturalisation. Investors may get it in a simplified way. In this case, a minimum investment of $70,000 is required.

Elena Ruda

Foreigners can obtain Egypt citizenship by investment of $250,000 or more. Investors buy real estate in the country, open a deposit in a local bank, make a non-refundable contribution or start a business. The entire process takes 6 to 12 months. The Egyptian citizenship program is available to applicants of any nationality and from any country, allowing individuals to travel visa-free to 65 countries. Learn more about the CBI program terms and the benefits it brings.

Elena Ruda

The Jordan Citizenship by Investment Program requires a significant investment of no less than $750,000. The contribution strengthens Jordan's economy and opens up new opportunities for you and your family. Getting Jordanian citizenship by investment is a ticket to business growth and cultural immersion, especially for those already investing in this country. Learn how to get peace of mind amidst socio-political instability and a warm welcome into a rich Middle Eastern heritage.

Elena Ruda

As of January 2025, Egyptian passport holders can visit 14 countries without a visa. There are 31 countries that are open for them with a visa on arrival and 36 states requiring an eTA — electronic travel authorisation. In the article, discover how many countries one can visit with an Egyptian passport and how it is possible to obtain Egypt citizenship within six months.

Elena Ruda

Foreigners obtain Swedish passports by descent, marriage, or naturalisation. The path to citizenship by naturalisation takes at least 10 years: 5 with a temporary residence permit and 5 with permanent residency. Sweden allows its citizens to have two passports, so you don’t need to renounce your first citizenship.

Elena Ruda

A Luxembourg passport is a way to a strong financial sector, high standards of living, welfare benefits, and freedom of travel with access to 172 countries visa-free. There are several paths to Luxembourgish nationality, including naturalisation after legally living in the country for 5 years and marriage to a Luxembourg national. The best thing is you don’t have to climb up your family tree searching for a Luxembourgish great-grandmother — anyone can become a Luxembourg citizen. Find out how in this article.

Elena Ruda

Slovenia, a beautiful country in Europe, offers five distinct pathways to citizenship, each with its own requirements. Whether you have Slovenian family members, marry a Slovenian national, live there for some time, or invest in the country, this guide will cover all of these options. You will learn what documents you need, how much it might cost, and the benefits of having a Slovenian passport. We will also talk about dual citizenship, how you might lose and get back Slovenia citizenship, and important tax details.

Elena Ruda

Citizens of Argentina have the 12th strongest passport in the world and get to travel to 163 countries without visas, including the UK and the EU states. Foreigners may obtain Argentina citizenship by naturalisation, birth, descent, and marriage. There is no need to renounce the first citizenship.

Elena Ruda

Individuals get Israel citizenship at birth if at least one of their parents is a citizen of the state. Non-Jewish foreign nationals may get naturalised if they live in the country for at least 3 years as permanent residents and prove their fluency in Hebrew. One of the benefits of obtaining an Israeli passport is visa-free access to more than 150 countries. The state also demonstrates stable rates of economic development. Citizens get high wages and have social security and support from the country.

Elena Ruda

Norway, a country of polar lights and majestic fjords, is known as one of the best countries to live in. It is safe, prosperous, and politically stable. So, it is no wonder expats choose to move there and obtain the country’s citizenship. Adult foreigners have 3 options to get a Norwegian passport: marriage, notification, or naturalisation. To ease the path to a passport by naturalisation, one can obtain a residence permit for self-employed persons with a company in Norway.

Elena Ruda

In 2023, children born to foreign mothers made up 22% of all newborns in Portugal. This is nearly 19,000 babies — the highest number in the country’s history. Foreigners choose Portugal for childbirth and living due to the high level of healthcare, climate, safety, and education in European schools and universities. Children of foreigners are eligible for Portugal citizenship under certain conditions. For example, if the parents obtained a residence permit by investment and lived in the country for a year.

Eymi Castro