Easiest Countries to Get Citizenship in 2024
Obtaining citizenship can be a long and complex process, but some countries make it easier than others. Our article explores the countries where it is easy to get citizenship in 2024, considering factors such as investment requirements, residency periods, and application processes.
How to get citizenship in another country?
Before exploring specific recommendations, let’s briefly cover the various methods of obtaining citizenship. Here is how to get citizenship in another country!
Jus soli
Jus soli, also known as citizenship by birth or birthright citizenship, refers to the principle that grants citizenship to those born on a country’s soil. Many nations, including the US, France, Germany, Greece, Ireland, Italy, Luxemburg, Malta, Portugal, Spain, and the United Kingdom, offer this form of citizenship.
As defined by the Encyclopedia Britannica:
“Jus soli, in legal theory, the rule or law that provides that citizenship is acquired by birth within the territory of the state, regardless of parental citizenship.”
Citizenship by ancestry
Citizenship by ancestry allows individuals to claim the citizenship of their ancestors as a birthright. For instance, if one of your parents is Hungarian, you may be eligible to obtain Hungarian citizenship.
Naturalization
Some countries allow applicants to obtain citizenship through naturalization. This legal process typically requires non-nationals to
- live in the country for a specified period,
- meet certain qualifications, and
- pass language and cultural exams.
Citizenship by investment
Golden visa programs are well-known for their benefits; by meeting certain criteria, you can obtain a visa or residence permit for countries such as Portugal, Spain, Greece, Malta, Australia, Canada, Italy, the UK, and Hungary.
However, some countries go beyond offering visas to investors — they provide citizenship through investment programs. Our article will focus on these nations, as these programs often represent the most straightforward path to citizenship.
Easiest countries to obtain citizenship by investment in 2024
While there are various methods for obtaining citizenship, many non-nationals do not qualify for jus soli or citizenship through ancestry. The naturalization process often comes with challenging requirements, making it less attractive to many. Hence, it is no surprise that citizenship by investment is considered the quickest and simplest route to citizenship. Here are the top 6 easiest countries to get citizenship in 2024.
Antigua and Barbuda
Antigua and Barbuda is a sovereign island nation in the eastern Caribbean Sea. It is often regarded as one of the easiest countries to get citizenship, as non-nationals can apply by:
- making a one-time donation of a minimum of 200,000 USD to the National Development Fund, or
- investing at least 400,000 USD in a government-approved real estate project for a minimum of 5 years.
The Antigua and Barbuda passport allows visa-free travel to more than 150 countries, which is a significant advantage.
Who can apply?
Applicants must be over the age of 18, have a clear criminal record, be in good physical health, spend at least 5 days in the country within the last five years before the application, and take an oath of allegiance.
Curaçao
Curaçao is a beautiful island country located in the Dutch Caribbean region. It is an autonomous country within the Kingdom of the Netherlands. The Curaçao Investor Permit program is extremely popular as it allows non-nationals to obtain Dutch citizenship as well. To apply for the program, non-nationals are required to invest a minimum of 280,000 USD.
Who can apply?
Applicants must have a clear criminal record, a private health insurance policy, and be transparent about the source of their funds.
Dominica
Dominica is a mountainous Caribbean island country that has been offering a citizenship by investment program since 1993. More than 4,000 non-nationals obtained citizenship from 2017-2020.
Applicants can include close family members (grandparents, parents, spouse, and children) and can choose between the following options:
- donate at least 200,000 USd to a national fund, or
- purchase real estate for a minimum of 200,000 USD (which can be sold after 3 years).
Who can apply?
Applicants must have a clear background check and be in good physical health. There are no language, age, educational, or business expertise requirements.
Malta
Malta is undoubtedly one of the easiest country to get citizenship in the European Union. Non-nationals have two options:
- after living in Malta for a year, applicants must purchase real estate worth at least 750,000 EUR, or alternatively,
- after living three years in Malta, non-nationals must purchase real estate worth at least 600,000 EUR.
The property cannot be sold for at least 5 years. Maltese citizenship comes with numerous benefits, including visa-free travel within the Schengen area and the right to live and work in any EU member state.
Who can apply?
Applicants must be over 18, have no criminal record, have a health insurance policy, and provide biometric data.
Would you like to learn more about this nation? Our experts have covered the benefits of company formation in Malta!
Portugal
The Portugal Golden Visa program, one of the most popular options for U.S. citizens, allows investors to apply for Portuguese citizenship after 5 years.
The investment requirement is a minimum of 250,000 USD for the Golden Visa. After obtaining it, investors must spend at least 7 days in the country in the first year and a minimum of 14 days every two years thereafter.
Who can apply?
Applicants must have no criminal record, meet the stay requirements, maintain the investment for at least 5 years, and have no outstanding tax payments in Portugal.
Spain
Spain is definitely among the easiest countries to get citizenship by investment in the EU. Non-nationals can apply for the Spanish Golden Visa program and must invest a minimum of 500,000 EUR. After 10 years of residency and passing a Spanish language exam, holders of the Golden Visa can apply for citizenship.
Who can apply?
Applicants must spend at least 183 days in Spain in the last 10 years, have no outstanding tax payments in Spain, complete a Spanish language and culture exam, and maintain their investment.
Professional assistance for residency and citizenship by investment
Crystal Worldwide Group is an international law firm that specializes in residency and citizenship by investment. During our more than thirty years in operation, we have managed to earn the respect and trust of our clients by offering professionally sound and lawful immigration solutions with fast and timely services provided at the highest level of discretion.
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