7 Easiest Countries to Get Citizenship in 2025 – Fast & Cheap Programs
- Ahmed hamdy Ahmed hamdy
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If you’ve ever felt stuck with limited travel options, uncertain about your country’s political future, or worried about your family’s long-term security, you’re not alone.
In 2025, a second passport will no longer be a luxury for billionaires. It’s a lifeline for freedom, global mobility, and opportunity.
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Citizenship by Investment: 🇻🇺 Vanuatu – Fastest approval (≈2 months), no residency or interview required.
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Citizenship by Descent: 🇮🇹 Italy – No generational limit (if no renunciation), no residency required.
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Citizenship by Naturalization: 🇦🇷 Argentina – Offers naturalization in just 2 years of residency, requires no language test, and is one of the countries that allows dual citizenship.
Here’s what’s driving the surge in citizenship seekers:
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✅ Visa-free travel to 100–190 countries
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✅ Remote work or business expansion
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✅ Access to better education and healthcare
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✅ Protection against political or economic instability
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✅ Lower taxes or wealth protection strategies
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✅ A legal Plan B in an unpredictable world
This guide shows the easiest countries to get citizenship, by:
- Citizenship by Investment
- Citizenship by Naturalization
- Citizenship by Descent
You’ll learn how to qualify, how long it takes, and what passport fits your goals — whether you’re a remote worker, retiree, or entrepreneur.
7 Easiest Countries to Get Citizenship in 2025
| Country | Route | Time to Citizenship | Residency Required | Dual Citizenship | Why It’s Easy |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 🇦🇷 Argentina | Naturalization | 2 years | ✅ Yes | ✅ Yes | Fastest naturalization, no language test |
| 🇮🇪 Ireland | Descent | ~18 months | ❌ No | ✅ Yes | Ancestry-based, no need to relocate |
| 🇮🇹 Italy | Descent (Jure Sanguinis) | 12–24 months | ❌ No | ✅ Yes | Unlimited generational claims, no stay needed |
| 🇻🇺 Vanuatu | Investment | 2 months | ❌ No | ✅ Yes | Fastest investment passport (60 days) |
| 🇩🇲 Dominica | Investment | 4–6 months | ❌ No | ✅ Yes | Cheapest CBI option; includes family |
| 🇵🇾 Paraguay | Residency | 3 years | ✅ Yes | ✅ Yes | Simple process with $5,000 deposit |
| 🇵🇹 Portugal | Residency / Investment | 5 years | ✅ Minimal (7 days/year) | ✅ Yes | Easiest EU passport with minimal presence |
Don’t Want to Wait 10 Years or Learn a Language?
Many people delay citizenship plans because they assume it takes a decade or requires fluency in a new language. But dozens of countries offer:
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No language requirement
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Fast-track timelines (under 2 years)
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Dual citizenship options (no renunciation)
We’ve ranked the easiest routes below to save you the research and frustration.
🇦🇷 Argentina – Fastest Citizenship Through Naturalization
Argentina offers citizenship after just 2 years of legal residency, no language or cultural tests, and full dual citizenship is allowed. This makes it the fastest naturalization pathway in the world.
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Just 2 years of legal residency required | Requires physical presence in the country |
| No language or cultural test | A passport is mid-tier (~170 visa-free countries) |
| Dual citizenship allowed | May require court filing for approval |
🇮🇪 Ireland – Citizenship by Descent for Americans
If your parent or grandparent was born in Ireland, you can apply for citizenship with no need to relocate. Ireland also permits dual citizenship, making it a perfect fit for Americans with Irish roots.
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| No residency or investment needed | Requires certified documents proving ancestry |
| Access to both the EU and UK (via CTA) | It can take up to 12–18 months to process |
| Dual citizenship allowed | Limited to one generation past grandparents |
🇮🇹 Italy – Unlimited Generational Citizenship
Italy allows descendants of Italian citizens to claim citizenship through jure sanguinis, with no generational limit in many cases, as long as your Italian ancestor didn’t naturalize before the next birth in your lineage.
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| No residency or language requirement | Paperwork-heavy process with translations/apostilles |
| Full EU access + visa-free travel | It may take 1–3 years, depending on the consulate workload |
| Dual citizenship allowed | Some exceptions apply (e.g., the 1948 rule for maternal lines) |
🇻🇺 Vanuatu – Fastest Citizenship by Investment
Vanuatu offers the fastest route to Vanuatu citizenship by investment with approval in as little as 60 days. No residency or interview required.
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Fastest CBI program (2 months) | Costs start at $130,000 (non-refundable) |
| No residency, travel, or language tests | Passport excludes EU, UK, and US |
| Dual citizenship allowed | Limited utility for long-term relocation |
🇩🇲 Dominica – Most Affordable CBI Option
With a $200,000 donation, Dominica offers citizenship by investment in 4–6 months, making it the cheapest legal second passport option.
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Low investment threshold | No access to EU labor markets |
| Family members can be included | Not ideal for relocation or work rights |
| Dual citizenship allowed | Due diligence is required for approval |
🇵🇾 Paraguay – Low-Cost Residency, Quick Citizenship
Paraguay offers a relatively easy and accessible path to citizenship, especially for those seeking long-term relocation in Latin America. While it was once known for requiring just a $5,000 bank deposit, the current investor residency track now requires a $70,000 investment, according to Paraguay Pathways. After maintaining three years of legal residency, applicants become eligible to apply for Paraguayan citizenship.
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Very low cost to enter the program | Requires you to spend time in-country yearly |
| Citizenship possible in 3 years | The application process can be slow/bureaucratic |
| Dual citizenship allowed | Visa-free access is more limited than the EU |
🇵🇹 Portugal – Easiest EU Citizenship With Minimal Stay
Portugal’s D7 Visa and Golden Visa programs lead to citizenship in 5 years with as little as 7 days per year of physical presence.
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Minimal residency required (7 days/year) | Some Golden Visa routes are now restricted |
| Full EU citizenship and passport | Costs vary based on program (real estate, income, etc.) |
| Dual citizenship allowed | Processing times have lengthened since 2023 |
Cheapest and Easiest Countries to Get Citizenship in 2025
Tight Budget? These Options Cost Less Than $150K
Most people believe second citizenship requires millions. But in 2025, you can get a passport legally and affordably through countries that offer budget-friendly naturalization or low-cost citizenship by investment programs.
Cheapest and Easiest Countries to Get Citizenship in 2025
Securing a second passport doesn’t have to cost millions. In 2025, several government-approved citizenship by investment (CBI) programs offer full citizenship starting at just $105,000, with no residency, language tests, or relocation requirements. These programs are ideal for investors seeking:
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A strategic backup passport
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Visa-free global mobility
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Generational legacy planning
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Low-tax or tax-neutral residency options
Here’s a breakdown of the cheapest and most accessible CBI programs right now:
🧾 Citizenship by Investment Cost Comparison (2025)
| Country | Minimum Investment | Investment Type | Processing Time | Visa-Free Countries | Unique Benefit |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 🇳🇷 Nauru | $105,000 | Government Donation | 3–4 months | 102+ | Cheapest legal CBI worldwide |
| 🇻🇺 Vanuatu | $130,000 | Government Donation | 1–2 months | 140+ (some suspended) | Fastest approval + no stay required |
| 🇩🇲 Dominica | $200,000 | Donation or Real Estate | 6–12 months | 150+ | Cheapest Caribbean passport |
| 🇦🇬 Antigua | $230,000 | Donation or Real Estate | 6–12 months | 160+ | Best value for families (up to 4) |
| 🇬🇩 Grenada | $235,000 | Donation or Real Estate | 4–6 months | 150+ | USA E-2 Visa access + resale option |
🇳🇷 Nauru – Cheapest Citizenship by Investment in the World
- Minimum Investment: $105,000
- Processing Time: 3–4 months
- Why It’s the Cheapest: Nauru launched its CBI program in 2025 with a record-low entry cost and simplified documentation. While its passport has more limited visa access (102 countries), it’s ideal for those seeking a fast, affordable Plan B.
- Key Perk: Lowest entry point globally for a legal second citizenship.
- Visa-Free Countries Include: UAE, Singapore, Hong Kong, Ireland, Qatar, Malaysia
🇻🇺 Vanuatu – Fastest Citizenship by Investment
- Minimum Investment: $130,000
- Processing Time: 1–2 months
- Why It’s the Cheapest (by Speed): Vanuatu’s Development Support Program (DSP) delivers approvals faster than any other CBI—often within 30–45 days. No interviews, no residency, and no language requirements.
- Key Perk: Fastest path to a second passport.
- Visa-Free Countries Include: Singapore, Russia, Malaysia, Philippines
Note: Access to EU & UK currently under review.
🇩🇲 Dominica – Most Affordable Caribbean Citizenship
- Minimum Investment: $200,000 (donation or real estate)
- Processing Time: 6–12 months
- Why It’s the Cheapest in the Caribbean: With a long-standing reputation, Dominica’s CBI program is known for low cost, family inclusion, and visa-free access to China and the EU Schengen Zone.
- Key Perk: Great mix of value and access.
- Visa-Free Countries Include: China, Germany, UAE, Singapore, France
🇦🇬 Antigua – Best Value for Families
- Minimum Investment: $230,000
- Processing Time: 6–12 months
- Why It’s the Cheapest for Families: The Antigua National Development Fund option covers up to four dependents in a single application, making it one of the most cost-effective programs for families seeking second citizenship.
- Key Perk: Highest visa-free access (161 countries) on this list.
- Visa-Free Countries Include: UK, EU Schengen, Hong Kong, Singapore, Canada
🇬🇩 Grenada – Best for USA E-2 Visa Access
- Minimum Investment: $235,000
- Processing Time: 4–6 months
- Why It’s the Cheapest for U.S. Access: Grenada is the only Caribbean country with a U.S. E-2 Visa Treaty, allowing approved citizens to apply for a U.S. residency visa through business investment.
- Key Perk: Unique access to U.S. residency via E-2 treaty.
- Visa-Free Countries Include: UK, EU Schengen, Russia, China, Singapore
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:
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Entrepreneurs seeking global mobility
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Families looking for relocation and backup options
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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: $200,000 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
Easiest Countries to Get Citizenship by Descent in 2025
Have Ancestry in Europe or Latin America? You Could Be Eligible Without Relocation
Which country is easiest for citizenship by descent?
🇮🇹 Italy allows citizenship through bloodline (Jure Sanguinis) with no generational limit—if no one renounced it in your lineage.
If one of your parents, grandparents, or great-grandparents was born in certain countries, you may be able to claim citizenship — without living there or renouncing your current one.
This is the most affordable and least bureaucratic route to dual nationality for many Americans, Brits, Canadians, and Australians.
| Country | Eligibility Criteria | Residency Needed | Dual Citizenship | Key Benefit |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 🇮🇹 Italy | Descent through any ancestor (no limit) | ❌ No | ✅ Yes | Strongest ancestry laws in EU |
| 🇮🇪 Ireland | Parent or grandparent born in Ireland | ❌ No | ✅ Yes | EU + UK access (Common Travel Area) |
| 🇵🇱 Poland | Ancestor born after 1900 with proof of continuity | ❌ No | ✅ Yes | EU mobility + inheritance for children |
| 🇭🇺 Hungary | Ancestors from pre-1920 Hungarian territories | ❌ No | ✅ Yes | Fast-track if basic Hungarian known |
| 🇵🇹 Portugal / 🇪🇸 Spain | Sephardic Jewish descent | ⚠️ Sometimes | ✅ Yes | Cultural restoration programs |
Many people assume this process is complex or inaccessible. But with the right documentation, you can gain a second passport with no investment or relocation required.
Which Countries Offer Citizenship After the Shortest Residency (Naturalization) 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)
| Country | Residency Required | Language Test? | Dual Citizenship? | Notable Advantage |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 🇦🇷 Argentina | 2 years | ❌ No | ✅ Yes | Fastest route; no renunciation needed |
| 🇵🇪 Peru | 2 years | ✅ Basic Spanish | ✅ Yes | Great for retirees; low cost of living |
| 🇵🇾 Paraguay | 3 years | ❌ Minimal | ✅ Yes | $5,000 deposit often enough |
| 🇵🇱 Poland | 3 years (if married or long-term resident) | ✅ Required | ✅ Yes | Full EU rights and mobility |
| 🇪🇨 Ecuador | 3 years | ✅ Basic Spanish | ✅ Yes | Digital nomad visas + dual citizenship |
| 🇬🇷 Greece | 3–7 years (3 if married to a citizen) | ✅ Yes | ✅ Yes | Schengen access + EU lifestyle |
How to Apply for Citizenship in Another Country (Step-by-Step in 2025)
Confused by the Process? Here’s a Simple Breakdown Anyone Can Follow
How do I get citizenship in another country?
You typically need to meet eligibility (ancestry, investment, or residency), gather documents, apply via a consulate or immigration authority, and complete any background or language requirements.
Step 1: Confirm Your Eligibility
You may qualify through:
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Descent (parent, grandparent, or older ancestor)
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Residency (2–5 years of legal stay)
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Investment (e.g. real estate or donation)
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Marriage or naturalization (in select countries)
Check if your target country allows dual citizenship and if your current nationality permits it.
Step 2: Gather Required Documents
Most applications require:
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Valid passport
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Birth, marriage, and sometimes death certificates
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Criminal background check
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Medical certificate (some countries)
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Proof of funds or income
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Investment documents (if applicable)
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Apostilled & translated records
Tip: Some countries require documents issued within the last 6 months.
Step 3: Fulfill Residency or Financial Criteria
Depending on the pathway:
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Descent: No residency
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Residency: 2–7 years (varies)
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Investment: Amount varies ($100K–750K+)
Some may also require a language or civics test — especially in the EU.
Step 4: Submit the Application
Application methods vary:
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Local immigration offices (if residing there)
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Online government portals
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Consulates and embassies abroad
You may also need to attend an interview, submit biometrics, or take an oath.
Step 5: Approval + Passport Issuance
Upon approval, you’ll receive:
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Certificate of citizenship or naturalization
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Right to apply for a national passport
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Some countries may issue national IDs or tax numbers
Still unsure which citizenship path fits you?
We’ve helped hundreds of clients find their ideal second passport.
✅ Free eligibility assessment
✅ Personalized program recommendations
✅ Legal document support
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
What’s the Easiest Country to Get Citizenship In?
🇦🇷 Argentina – Only 2 years of residency, no language test, and allows dual citizenship.
What’s the Fastest Country for Citizenship by Investment?
🇻🇺 Vanuatu citizenship by investment – Passport in as little as 60 days with a $130,000 donation.
Which Country Offers Citizenship for Free?
Some countries, like 🇦🇷 Argentina or 🇵🇪 Peru, have no investment requirements — only legal residency and basic paperwork.
Can I Get Citizenship Without Living in the Country?
Yes. Citizenship by descent and investment often don’t require residency. Examples: 🇮🇪 Ireland (descent), 🇩🇲 Dominica (investment).
Which Country Gives Citizenship with $100K?
🇩🇲 Dominica – Offers full citizenship with a $100K donation and no residency required.
How Do I Apply for Irish Citizenship by Descent?
You must prove that your parent or grandparent was born in Ireland, submit documentation, and apply through the Foreign Birth Register.
Which Countries Give Citizenship After 2 Years?
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🇦🇷 Argentina (residency route)
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🇵🇪 Peru (with basic Spanish)
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🇵🇾 Paraguay (typically 3 years)
What’s a Golden Visa?
A Golden Visa is a residency-by-investment program that can lead to citizenship. Popular in 🇵🇹 Portugal, 🇬🇷 Greece, 🇪🇸 Spain, and 🇦🇪 UAE.
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?
To get Irish citizenship by naturalisation, you must legally live in Ireland for 5 of the last 9 years (including the last continuous year), be over 18, intend to stay in Ireland, be of good character, and attend a citizenship ceremony
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.
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.
Which Is the Most 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 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.
Which U.S. State Makes Citizenship Easiest to Obtain?
When it comes to efficiency in processing citizenship applications, Cleveland (Ohio), Providence (Rhode Island), and Raleigh (North Carolina) rank among the top offices in the U.S. for speed and effectiveness.
In contrast, some of the least efficient offices for handling citizenship applications include locations such as St. Louis, where wait times and backlogs can be significantly longer.
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