Citizenship

Global migration is at an all-time high. In 2025, more than six million people received permanent status in OECD countries. At the same time, wealthy individuals face fewer investment routes as many programmes close and tax rules become stricter.  As a result, interest is shifting toward simpler and more affordable citizenship options. São Tomé and Príncipe offers the lowest-cost citizenship by investment in the world, starting at $90,000. This is well below Vanuatu’s $130,000 and Caribbean programmes that begin at $200,000.

Lyle Julien

There are officially 4.4 million stateless people worldwide\[1\]. For a small group with sufficient resources, citizenship-by-investment and Golden Visa programs offer a potential way to secure a passport and full legal identity. São Tomé and Príncipe and Grenada are among the few CBI programs that accept stateless applicants, with minimum investments of $90,000 and $250,000. São Tomé and Príncipe takes about 2 months, while Grenada takes around 8 months but offers a stronger passport and extra benefits.

Vladlena Baranova

Italian citizens can travel without visas to 172 countries in the world, as well as live and work in any EU state. Getting an Italian passport is possible through naturalisation, birthright, marriage, or ancestry. Golden Visa investors who have resided in Italy for 10 years can also apply for citizenship.

Vladlena Baranova

To become a citizen of an EU country, one can follow three paths: descent, naturalisation, and naturalisation after making an investment. Obtaining an EU country's citizenship can take 3 to 10 years, depending on the specific state and circumstances, as well as on the applicant's situation. 

Albert Ioffe

Let’s address common misconceptions related to EU citizenship: from the idea that one can buy a passport to the concept of a fictitious marriage.

Vladlena Baranova

Most often citizenship of the European Union, EU, is obtained by naturalisation. You need to obtain a resident status and live in the country for several years. In some EU countries, there are investment residence permit programs that simplify the path to citizenship. In Malta, cosmopolitans can obtain citizenship for exceptional services by direct investment after 1 or 3 years of residence.

Albert Ioffe

To obtain a second passport, an individual can get married, confirm a familial relation to a citizen of the country, or undergo the naturalisation process. An alternative option is to acquire citizenship by investment. Three countries, Vanuatu, Nauru, and São Tomé and Príncipe, offer the fastest citizenship by investment programmes, with passports issued in just 2—3 months. Similar programmes are found in the Caribbean, offering greater global mobility and other benefits.

Albert Ioffe

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

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

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

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

Estonia's digital infrastructure and thriving startup ecosystem make it an attractive destination for expatriates seeking convenience and opportunity. Individuals can acquire Estonian citizenship through birth or naturalisation. For the latter, a foreigner needs to reside in the country for 10 years. This path is also open to investors looking to establish roots in Estonia.

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

Portugal offers a residency by investment known as the Golden Visa, but it does not automatically grant citizenship. However, after holding residency for 5 years, individuals may become eligible to apply for Portuguese citizenship by naturalisation. Portuguese citizens enjoy a wide range of benefits, such as visa-free access to over 170 countries, a high quality of life at relatively low prices, a warm climate, comfortable conditions for expats, and a high safety level.

Eymi Castro

EU citizenship by descent can be granted based on proof that your ancestors were citizens of an EU country.  In this article, we discuss who and in which EU countries can obtain citizenship by descent.

Vladlena Baranova

Foreigners are invited to obtain citizenship by investment in North Macedonia for a minimal contribution of €200,000. While, in theory, it could be an excellent option for investors to secure a passport in an EU candidate member state, there is a big question if that option is actually valid. Since 2021, when it was introduced, no single investor obtained a passport with a contribution. Another way to invest is to contribute €400,000 to developing a new business in North Macedonia and create at least 10 jobs. Learn more about the CBI program terms and secure alternatives.

Elena Ruda

If a foreigner officially lives in the country for a long time, they can become its citizen. For example, you can come to Australia on a student visa and apply for citizenship after four years. What conditions must be met in order to become a naturalized citizen, and how to go through the path of integration into a new society in the easiest way — learn from the examples of different countries.

Vladlena Baranova

The principle of obtaining citizenship “by right of blood” applies in the European Union. This means that a child born in the EU receives their parents’ citizenship. The “right of soil" or automatically granting citizenship of the country of birth also applies in some countries, albeit, with restrictions. In Europe, the easiest way to obtain citizenship by right of soil is in Portugal.

Vladlena Baranova

The cheapest and fastest way to obtain citizenship is offered to investors in five Caribbean countries and Vanuatu. To get a passport in Vanuatu, a foreigner must contribute at least $130,000, while in the Caribbean, the minimum sum is $200,000. Let’s discuss the reasons for applying for a passport from one of the Caribbean island nations or Vanuatu.

Lyle Julien

St Kitts and Nevis citizenship by investment is issued for life. In confirmation, the investor receives two documents: a naturalisation certificate and a passport. The naturalisation certificate is valid for life. On this basis, applicants change their passports. The process of renewing a passport takes up to 2 months and costs $1,055. Find out what to do if the passport has expired or it’s necessary to change the name on the document.

Lyle Julien

Citizenship by investment allows individuals to obtain a second passport by making a qualifying contribution to a country's economy. Grenada’s citizenship program is among the most popular and cost-effective options, offering a straightforward path to a second passport.  Investors can either contribute $235,000 to the National Transformation Fund or purchase real estate worth at least $270,000 to secure Grenadian citizenship. Within a few months, applicants gain the valued freedom of global mobility. The investor and their family can travel to more than 140 countries without visas.

Lyle Julien

One of the significant advantages of holding a Hungarian passport is the ability to travel to numerous countries without the need for a visa. As of May 2026, Hungary citizens have visa-free or visa-on-arrival access to 171 countries and territories. This global mobility places the Hungarian passport at 33rd place in the world in the Immigrant Invest Freedom of Travel ranking. This article provides a comprehensive list of visa-free countries and the duration of stay allowed for Hungarian passport holders.

Zlata Erlach

Holding multiple citizenships provides a person with a number of benefits, such as freedom of travel, the ability to choose the more advanced healthcare system, and wider educational opportunities.  However, there are some cons to holding two passports, too.

Vladlena Baranova

The Nauru citizenship by investment programme allows foreigners to obtain a second passport in as little as 3 months. Until June 30th, 2026, the minimum contribution is $90,000 for a single applicant. The programme offers such advantages as no residency requirements, a fully remote process, and broad family inclusion. Nauru citizenship is best viewed as ‘insurance’ citizenship for internationally mobile entrepreneurs and high-net-worth individuals. While it offers limited additional visa-free travel, its main value lies in providing a backup jurisdiction, supporting contingency planning, and, for some, aligning with a sustainability-focused narrative.

Lyle Julien

In fiscal year 2025, 57% of US B-visa applications from Nigerian nationals were refused. For frequent travellers, investors, and internationally minded families, this is more than an inconvenience — it is a real limit on mobility and long-term planning. A second passport can remove many of these barriers. Nigerian citizens by birth may legally hold two, three, or more citizenships at the same time. This guide explains who can have dual citizenship in Nigeria, which routes to second citizenship are available, how the process works, and what pitfalls to avoid.

Lyle Julien

Newborn children acquire citizenship either by "right of blood" or "right of soil". In the first case, it is based on the citizenship of the parents, and in the second case, it depends on the country of birth. In some countries both these principles apply. We explain these concepts in detail.

Vladlena Baranova

Malta citizenship offers the opportunity to live, work, study, and build a business abroad. Besides, citizenship gives cosmopolitans freedom to travel without visas. A foreigner can become a Maltese citizen by naturalisation, marriage, descent, or merit.

Robert Outerbridge

Argentina is known for its fast naturalisation process, allowing eligible residents to apply for citizenship after 2 years of legal residence. The government has also recently introduced a new citizenship by investment pathway, though the detailed rules and requirements are still being developed. Argentine citizens enjoy visa-free or visa-on-arrival access to 160 destinations, along with strong constitutional protections that make citizenship irrevocable.

Elena Ruda

Obtaining citizenship is divided into legal and "working" ways. Fraudsters offer to buy a passport in violation of the laws of several states at once. This is fraught with trouble from large fines and a ban on entry into the EU countries to criminal liability and compromising evidence, which is at their disposal. We will tell you how to get a passport without consequences and how not to accidentally entrust your money and reputation to scammers.

Vladlena Baranova

Countries issuing citizenship by investment do not grant it automatically: they need to check on the applicant to ensure they are not likely to bring trouble into the country, even if they can fulfil the conditions for investment. The main points of interest are usually the sufficiency and legality of income, criminal record, and civil status. All of the above must be confirmed by specific documents. Here is the list of documents needed for citizenship application.

Vladlena Baranova

Investors seeking to obtain Caribbean citizenship by investment may encounter fraudulent agents offering illegal discounts and financial schemes. These violations have already resulted in multiple application rejections and even citizenship revocation. Authorities are cracking down on these practices, reinforcing stricter controls to protect the integrity of the citizenship by investment programmes. Discover the tactics these agents use to deceive applicants and the legal ways to obtain Caribbean citizenship by investment.

Paul Lauber

Malta offers citizenship by naturalisation to individuals who create a meaningful impact on the country. This approach emphasises innovation, entrepreneurship, research, culture, and philanthropy. Each request is reviewed individually by the Community Malta Agency, and eligibility depends on the substance of the applicant’s engagement with Malta rather than any fixed financial threshold. This guide explains how the process works, the areas of contribution that are typically considered, and practical insights into navigating the procedural and documentation requirements.

Anna Semenyuk

Spain is included in the list of the top-5 countries for foreigners according to the HSBC Expat Explorer. Its strong economy, developed infrastructure and warm Mediterranean climate are attractive for foreigners. At the same time, the cost of living is lower than in other countries in Western Europe. We consider 6 ways of applying for Spanish citizenship: by investment, naturalization, choice, marriage, family reunification, and guardianship.

Lyle Julien

An Italian passport allows its holders to travel visa-free to 188 countries around the world, as well as work, live and study in any country in the European Union. Italy recognises dual and multiple citizenship, which means that foreigners can become Italian citizens without renouncing their first nationality and enjoy the benefits of both passports. Even though Italy does not offer citizenship by investment, the Italy Golden Visa opens up a path towards obtaining it within ten years.

Anna Semenyuk

Cosmopolitans looking for European citizenship for their children may want to consider Spain: a Spanish passport grants its holder the right to live in the European Union, work and do business in any EU state, and travel visa-free to 172 countries. Discover who is eligible for Spain citizenship by birth and if it is sufficient to be born in Spain to acquire the country’s nationality.

Vladlena Baranova

Foreigners looking to obtain citizenship in Malta have several routes to choose from. Malta citizenship by naturalisation is the most popular and time-based pathway requiring 5 years of residence, stable ties, and proven integration in Malta. The alternative route is citizenship by merit. It relies on exceptional contributions linked to Malta and a discretionary assessment, not a fixed timeline. Since 2025, Malta no longer offers citizenship for exceptional services by direct investment.

Anna Semenyuk

Turkiye citizenship offers the advantages of travelling to 120+ countries visa-free and the opportunity to pursue an E-2 business visa to the United States — all alongside moving to a country with a mild climate, gorgeous sea, and diverse culture.  Foreigners can obtain these benefits and get a Turkish passport by investing at least $400,000 in the country’s economy. The process of obtaining citizenship typically takes at least 8 months, with the potential for investment returns within three years. Read on to learn how one can get Turkiye citizenship by investment, who is eligible, and how this program differs from others.

Vladlena Baranova

Acquiring citizenship by investment is one of the paths available for foreigners in Antigua and Barbuda. The threshold to participate in the citizenship by investment program is $230,000, and the investor does not have to move to Antigua and Barbuda or renounce the existing citizenship. Becoming a citizen of Antigua and Barbuda will give you and your family the right to travel visa-free to over 150 countries, including the Schengen Area and the UK.

Lyle Julien

The St Kitts and Nevis CBI Program is a government initiative that allows individuals to obtain citizenship by investment. It was established to attract foreigners to the country and promote economic development. The program offers several investment options with a minimum financial requirement of $250,000. The investor and their family members obtain citizenship in 6+ months from the application date. However, under the Public Benefit Option, the expected processing time is around 4 months, provided all documents are submitted correctly and Due Diligence is completed without delays. Find out more about how to participate in a CBI Program and become a St Kitts and Nevis citizen.

Lyle Julien

The benefits of second citizenship depend on the country in which one obtains a passport.  For instance, Caribbean citizenship allows travel without visas to more than 100 countries, creation of a plan B abroad, and access to a more beneficial taxation system. Second citizenship can also have certain disadvantages. For example, in the United States, individuals with multiple nationalities may face restrictions on holding security clearance or specific government jobs, particularly those involving sensitive national security positions.

Vladlena Baranova

Some countries are ready to give you citizenship by investment in as little as two months. Others will make you wait for 7­—10 years. It’s difficult to determine which country is the easiest to get citizenship in, as each one has its own peculiarities. However, we have compiled a list of countries with the fastest citizenship by investment, along with additional information on each option.

Albert Ioffe

Some countries have Citizenship by Investment, CBI, programs that open doors to new opportunities in exchange for investment. CBI programs are considered the fastest, safest, and easiest way to obtain a second passport. Its applicants receive the same rights as native citizens. People pursue second citizenship for various reasons, such as greater global mobility, enhanced business opportunities, or securing a safe haven. We selected 10 countries that offer the best conditions to get citizenship by investment.

Albert Ioffe

Saint Lucia citizenship can be obtained in several ways. Citizenship by birth is granted to children born in the country or abroad to St Lucia citizens. To obtain citizenship by registration, an applicant must have ties to St Lucia, such as being married to or adopted by a St Lucian. The quickest and simplest way to become a St Lucia citizen is to participate in the citizenship by investment program.

Lyle Julien

Vanuatu is a tropical island state in the South Pacific where a second passport can be obtained not only by birth or long-term residence, but also by investment. The country first introduced citizenship by investment in the 1990s\[1\], establishing Vanuatu as one of the pioneers of this type of program. Nowadays, Vanuatu offers several options for investors, including contributions to the state fund and investments in the Cocoa Sustainable Development Fund.

Lyle Julien

The country has one of the fastest citizenship by investment programs, with approvals in 2+ months, and one of the most affordable, starting with $130,000 for a single applicant. Vanuatu passport holders enjoy visa-free access to around 100 countries, a zero-tax regime and the option to establish International Business Companies exempt from tax for up to 20 years. Common questions about Vanuatu’s citizenship program were discussed with Zlata Erlach, Head of the Austrian office at Immigrant Invest.

Zlata Erlach