19 Easiest Countries to Get Citizenship in 2025 (No Tests, No Residency)

A second citizenship is no longer just for billionaires or diplomats. In 2025, more individuals and families from around the world are seeking the easiest countries to get citizenship — for greater freedom, opportunity, and security.

Why are so many people pursuing dual citizenship?

Here are the top reasons:

• Visa-free travel to over 140 countries

• Better work and business access globally

• Improved healthcare and education systems

• A backup plan in times of political unrest or economic instability

• Options for relocation, investment, and tax optimization

Whether through ancestry, residency, or investment, there’s a path to a second passport that could work for you.

This guide reveals:

• The fastest and easiest countries for citizenship in 2025

• Legal requirements, costs, and timelines

• Investment and descent-based programs that require minimal effort

What Are the Easiest Countries to Get Citizenship in 2025? (Fastest Routes by Pathway)

Whether you’re applying through ancestry, naturalization, or investment, these countries offer the shortest timelines and the least bureaucratic hurdles.

Here’s a quick comparison of top countries known for their simple and fast citizenship processes:

Quick Summary:

• Fastest route: Vanuatu – ~2 months (investment)

• Best for heritage: Ireland or Italy – citizenship by descent, no residency needed

• Top EU option: Portugal – 5 years with minimal stay

• Lowest cost: Dominica – starts at $100,000

Which Countries Offer the Fastest and Easiest Citizenship by Investment in 2025?

Citizenship by Investment (CBI) programs allow you to legally obtain a second passport by making a qualifying financial contribution—usually through real estate, national funds, or business investment. These are ideal for:

• Entrepreneurs seeking global mobility

• Families looking for relocation and backup options

• High-net-worth individuals who value visa-free travel and tax flexibility

Most CBI programs do not require residency, making them some of the fastest and easiest citizenship pathways in 2025.

1) 🇻🇺 Vanuatu – Citizenship in 2 Months

• Vanuatu Citizenship by Investment: $130,000 minimum donation to a government fund.
• Processing time: 6–8 weeks.
• Perks: Visa-free travel to ~94 countries; fast-track option.

2) 🇹🇷 Turkey – Citizenship in 3–4 Months

• Turkey citizenship by investment: Real estate purchase of at least $400,000 or capital deposit of $500,000.
• Processing: Very quick and relatively inexpensive compared to EU programs.
• Strategic location: Bridge between Europe and Asia.

3) 🇩🇲 Dominica – Citizenship in 4–6 Months

• Dominica Citizenship by Investment: $100,000 government donation or $200,000 real estate.
• Advantages: Low cost; includes family members; visa-free travel to 140+ countries.

4) 🇲🇹 Malta – Citizenship in 12–36 Months

• Malta Citizenship by Investment: €600,000–€750,000 (donation), real estate lease/purchase, and due diligence.
• EU benefits: Residency allows free movement across the EU.

5) 🇰🇳 St. Kitts and Nevis – Citizenship in 6 Months

• St. Kitts & Nevis citizenship by Investment: $250,000 donation to Sustainable Growth Fund.
• Popular among: Entrepreneurs, crypto investors, and retirees.

6) 🇬🇩 Grenada – Citizenship in 4–6 Months

• Grenada citizenship by Investment: $235,000 donation or $350,000 real estate
• Unique benefits: Visa-free travel to 140+ countries and an E-2 visa treaty with the USA, allowing US investor visa access
• Includes: Spouse, children, dependent parents

7) 🇲🇪 Montenegro – Citizenship in 6–8 Months

• Investment: €450,000 in real estate in the capital (or €250,000 in the north) plus a €100,000 government donation
• Processing Time: Around 6–8 months
• EU Candidacy: Although not yet an EU member, Montenegro is in the process of accession, making its passport potentially more powerful in the future
• Attractive For: Investors looking for a lower-cost European option with access to Balkan markets and visa-free travel to 120+ countries

Fastest and Easiest Citizenship by Investment Summary

Which Countries Offer Citizenship After the Shortest Residency in 2025?

Looking for a second passport without spending 5–10 years abroad? Some countries offer citizenship through naturalization in as little as 2 to 3 years of legal residency.

These countries are ideal for digital nomads, retirees, remote workers, or expats seeking fast-track citizenship—with relatively simple requirements and dual nationality options.

What is the shortest residency required for citizenship?
In 2025, Argentina offers the fastest path to citizenship by naturalization—just 2 years of legal residency, no language test, and dual citizenship is allowed.

Fastest Countries for Citizenship by Naturalization (2025)

Which Countries Offer the Easiest Citizenship by Descent in 2025?

Citizenship by descent, also known as ancestry-based citizenship, allows you to claim citizenship through a parent, grandparent, or even earlier ancestors — depending on the country’s law.

It’s one of the most affordable and fastest ways to obtain a second passport, especially for those with European, Jewish, or Eastern European heritage.

What is the easiest country to get citizenship by descent?
In 2025, Italy, Ireland, and Poland are considered the easiest countries to obtain citizenship by descent. They require no residency, allow dual citizenship, and accept applications from children of immigrants or descendants several generations back.

Top Countries Offering Citizenship by Descent in 2025

Which Countries Allow Dual Citizenship in 2025? (And What You Need to Know)

What countries allow dual citizenship?
In 2025, most countries in Europe, Latin America, and the Caribbean allow dual citizenship, including Italy, Ireland, Portugal, Argentina, Dominica, and Canada. The U.S. also allows dual citizenship, though it comes with tax reporting obligations.

Countries That Allow Dual Citizenship in 2025

Read Also: Does Greece allow dual citizenship?

Countries That Do NOT Allow Dual Citizenship

These countries require renunciation of your previous citizenship if you naturalize:

• 🇮🇳 India

• 🇨🇳 China

• 🇸🇬 Singapore

• 🇦🇹 Austria (with limited exceptions)

• 🇸🇦 Saudi Arabia

• 🇮🇩 Indonesia

Note: Some of these nations may permit exception-based dual nationality (e.g., for children born abroad), but not for standard citizenship paths.

How Do You Apply for Citizenship in Another Country? (Step-by-Step in 2025)

1. Step 1: Confirm Your Eligibility

   • By Descent: Do you have a parent, grandparent, or ancestor who was a citizen of the country?

   • By Residency: Can you fulfill the required years of legal residency?

   • By Investment: Do you meet the country’s financial threshold?

   Tip: Check if the country allows dual citizenship and if your home country permits it too.

   ---

   Step 2: Gather Required Documents

   Most countries will require:

   • Valid passport

   • Birth and marriage certificates (for you and ancestors)

   • Proof of residency or legal status

   • Police clearance / criminal background check

   • Medical certificate (in some cases)

   • Proof of funds or income (especially for CBI or retirement routes)

   • Investment documentation (if applicable)

   • Certified translations and apostilles

   Pro Tip: Some countries require documents to be less than 6 months old.

   ---

   Step 3: Pass Language or Cultural Tests (If Required)

   Required for:

   • 🇩🇪 Germany, 🇵🇱 Poland, 🇬🇷 Greece, 🇫🇷 France

   Not required for:

   • 🇦🇷 Argentina, 🇩🇲 Dominica, 🇻🇺 Vanuatu, 🇮🇹 Italy (by descent)

   Some countries also assess knowledge of national history or values.

   ---

   Step 4: Submit Application

   • Submit via consulate, local immigration office, or online portal (depending on country).

   • Be ready for an in-person interview or biometric submission in some cases.

   ---

   Step 5: Background & Due Diligence Check

   Especially strict for citizenship by investment:

   • Source of funds verification

   • Interpol screening / criminal check

   • Political exposure evaluation

   • Financial transparency

   CBI programs will automatically reject applicants with red flags.

   ---

   Step 6: Approval + Oath of Allegiance

   • Many countries require a citizenship oath or pledge of loyalty.

   • In most descent cases, this is waived or symbolic.

   ---

   Step 7: Receive Certificate + Apply for Passport

   • Upon approval, you receive a certificate of citizenship or naturalization.

   • Use that to apply for your second passport.

   You may also be issued a national ID, voting card, or tax registration number.

Which Countries Offer Citizenship by Investment in 2025? (Buy a Passport Legally)

Which countries allow you to buy citizenship in 2025?
Several countries offer legal citizenship by investment (CBI) programs, including Vanuatu, Dominica, St. Kitts & Nevis, Turkey, and Malta. These programs typically require a donation or real estate investment and grant passports within 2–12 months, often without residency.

Countries Where You Can Legally Buy Citizenship

Pros and Cons of Citizenship by Investment (CBI)

Advantages

• Fast-track timeline: Citizenship in as little as 60 days

• Visa-free travel: 90–140+ countries depending on passport

• Family inclusion: Spouses, children, parents often eligible

• No residency required: Ideal for nomads and global citizens

• Asset protection: Strong for wealth preservation, tax flexibility

Disadvantages

• High financial cost: Entry points range from $100K to $1M+

• Not all passports are equal: Caribbean vs. EU access differs

• Greater due diligence: Source of funds must be clean and verifiable

• No work rights in EU (for most Caribbean CBI passports)

Tips for Choosing a CBI Program

Which Passports Offer the Best Visa-Free Travel in 2025?

These countries offer the highest number of visa-free or visa-on-arrival destinations:

Note: While Caribbean passports offer excellent travel freedom, they may not grant work or residency rights in the EU.

Which Countries Are the Hardest to Get Citizenship In?

What is the hardest country to get citizenship?
Switzerland is considered one of the hardest countries due to its 10+ year residency rule, language tests, and local community approval. Other difficult options include China, Austria, and Japan, which either prohibit dual citizenship or require long integration periods.

If speed and simplicity are priorities, you may want to avoid countries with strict or prolonged processes:

These are not suitable for fast or flexible citizenship seekers.

Easiest Countries to Get Citizenship in 2025 Summary

Final Thoughts

Obtaining a second citizenship is more than a legal status—it’s a gateway to new opportunities, global freedom, and long-term security. Whether you’re interested in reconnecting with your roots, improving your global mobility, or creating a safety net for your family, the easiest countries to get citizenship in 2025 offer viable, strategic paths forward.

At Premium Citizen, we help individuals and families navigate the complexities of dual citizenship, from document preparation to legal consulting. If you’re considering a second passport, now is the time to act.

Explore your eligibility, understand your options, and take the next step today.

Easiest Country to Get Citizenship – Frequently Asked Questions

Which country is easy to obtain citizenship in?

Argentina is widely recognized as one of the easiest countries to get citizenship. It requires only two years of legal residency for naturalization and does not demand language tests, large investments, or renouncing your original nationality.

What Is the Easiest Country for a US Citizen to Move To?

Ireland is often the easiest for Americans, especially those with Irish ancestry. You can claim citizenship by descent without living in the country. Portugal also ranks highly due to its Golden Visa and remote work options.

How to get citizenship in Ireland?

Which Country Is Easiest to Get Permanent Residency?

Portugal offers some of the most accessible residency permits, including the D7 visa (for passive income earners) and the Golden Visa (for investors). It requires only minimal stays and leads to permanent residency in 5 years.

What Is the Cheapest Fastest Citizenship?

Dominica provides one of the cheapest and fastest options through its Citizenship by Investment program, starting at $100,000 with passports issued in 4–6 months.

What Is a Golden Visa?

A Golden Visa is a residency-by-investment program that allows foreign nationals to gain residence (and later, citizenship) in exchange for a qualifying investment in the host country. It’s common in Portugal, Spain, Greece, and UAE.

Which Country Is Best for Permanent Living?

Canada, Portugal, and New Zealand are frequently named the best countries for permanent living. They offer high quality of life, excellent healthcare and education systems, and friendly immigration policies.

What Is the Hardest Country to Immigrate To?

Switzerland, Japan, and Austria have some of the most difficult immigration and naturalization processes, often requiring 10+ years of residency, language fluency, and strict integration requirements.

What Is the Fastest Way to Become a Permanent Resident?

The fastest way is usually through investment visas such as those offered by Vanuatu (fastest passport in 2 months) or Turkey (citizenship in 3–4 months). Naturalization via Argentina (2 years of residence) is also very fast.

How to Move to Canada as a US Citizen?

US citizens can move to Canada through several options:

• Express Entry (for skilled workers)
• Family sponsorship
• Provincial Nominee Programs (PNP)
  Once a permanent resident, you may apply for citizenship after 3 years of physical presence.

Which Residency Is Easiest to Get Into in the USA?

Residency-by-employment is one of the easier pathways, especially for high-demand professions (e.g., medicine, tech). For doctors, internal medicine and family medicine residencies are among the most accessible.

Which Is the Most PR PR-friendly country?

Portugal is one of the most permanent-residency-friendly countries. After 5 years, residents can apply for permanent status and citizenship, often with minimal language or stay requirements.

How to Move to Germany as an American?

Americans can move to Germany through:

• Job Seeker Visa
• EU Blue Card
• Freelance/Artist Visa: After 5–8 years of legal residency, you can apply for naturalization, depending on integration and language proficiency.

What Country Is Easiest to Move to From the USA?

Ireland, Canada, and Portugal are often seen as the easiest countries to move to from the USA due to cultural similarities, language access, and streamlined visa programs.

Which Country Gives the Fastest Citizenship?

Vanuatu citizenship by Investment is the fastest citizenship —available in as little as 2 months. Dominica and Turkey also offer expedited processes within 4–6 months.

Which European Country Is the Easiest to Get Citizenship?

Portugal is considered the easiest in Europe due to its 5-year naturalization path, minimal physical presence requirements, and acceptance of dual citizenship. Ireland is also very accessible for those with ancestry.

Which Country Has the Best Residency?

Portugal and Canada consistently rank among the best for residency due to:

• High quality of life
• Transparent immigration systems
• Pathways to citizenship
• Strong passport power

Where Can I Get a Golden Visa?

You can apply for a Golden Visa in countries such as:

• Portugal
• Greece
• Spain
• UAE
• Hungary (reinstated in 2024)

Each has its own investment thresholds and benefits.

Which Country Has the Easiest Golden Visa?

Portugal offers the easiest and most flexible Golden Visa. It requires only 7 days of stay per year, and leads to citizenship in 5 years with full EU access. The program remains popular among remote workers and investors.

What Is the Fastest Way to Get Permanent Residency?

For many, the fastest route is:

• Investment-based residency (Portugal, UAE)
• Ancestry-based citizenship (Ireland, Italy)
• Quick naturalization countries (Argentina, Peru)

These paths typically bypass years of temporary residence.

What Is the Best Country to Migrate to With a Family?

Canada is widely seen as the best country to migrate to with a family. It offers:

• Universal healthcare
• High education standards
• Family sponsorship routes
• Generous parental support programs

Other great options include New Zealand, Portugal, and Germany.

Related Posts

• Ahmed hamdy Ahmed hamdy
• June 4, 2025

Can You Have Dual Citizenship in Thailand?

Can u have dual citizenship in Thailand? This is a question frequently asked by expats, second- ..

• Ahmed hamdy Ahmed hamdy
• December 20, 2024

Does Greece Allow Dual Citizenship? Complete Guide

Greece is a sought-after destination for many due to its rich history, beautiful landscapes, an ..

• Ahmed hamdy Ahmed hamdy
• May 20, 2025

Countries That Allow Dual Citizenship: Full Guide For 2025

Are you a U.S. citizen looking for a second passport to enhance global mobility? An EU national ..