In ongoing globe, the issue of nationality is becoming more and more relevant. With the growth of globalisation and the desire for mobility, many persons are looking for capacities to alter location of accommodation, improve life circumstances and expand horizons. Undoubtedly, the choice of state for nationality plays an important role in this procedure. Some states propose more favourable circumstances for immigrants, creating schemes that permit you to become a full civilian quickly and without unnecessary complications.
Quick ways to become a citizen
There are different quick ways of receiving nationality, each of which is suitable for definite situations. Naturalisation is an easy route for those who have lived in a state for a definite period of time and integrated into its society. Nationality by birth is automatically granted to those born in or to civilians of a state, making the procedure particularly easy for new-borns. Acquiring nationality by descent permits those whose parents are civilians to exercise the right to nationality, especially if they were born abroad. Marriage to a civilian of a state opens up the capacity of receiving nationality quickly if definite circumstances are met. Each of these pathways has its own characteristics, but all provide an easy route to new identities and capacities.
Naturalization
Nationality by naturalisation is a procedure by which a foreign national becomes a civilian of a particular state after meeting a number of demands. These usually include long term accommodation in the state, expertise of the state’s tongue, culture and history, and a sustainable source of income. This procedure can take from several years to several decades depending on the laws of a particular state. Naturalisation grants a person the full rights and obligations of nationality, incl. the ability to vote and hold public office. In addition, naturalisation often incl. a criminal record check and other demands aimed at assessing the candidate’s security of tenure.
Birth right
Nationality by birth confers an automatic right to nationality on those born within the territory of a State or to parents who are already civilians. This principle is often labelled ‘jus soli’ (right of soil), where nationality is conferred on the basis of location of birth. Nationality by birth provides a non-transferable right to belong to a state, which means that a person automatically becomes a civilian from birth and enjoys all the rights and privileges that this entails. Such provisions make nationality at birth very engaging, especially for new-borns, as it frees them from the need to undergo complicated naturalisation procedures in the future.
Descent
Nationality by descent is a method of acquiring nationality based on descent from parents who are civilians of a particular state. This method, referred to as ‘jus sanguinis’ (right of blood), permits children to automatically acquire the nationality of the state of which parents are civilians, regardless of where they are born. This means that even if a child is born outside his or her home state, he or she can still acquire nationality through the nationality of one or both parents. The laws governing nationality by descent vary from state to state: some states permit dual nationality, while others may have a restriction. This method is particularly relevant for those whose families have emigrated, as it provides a link to culture and heritage and simplifies the nationality procedure for new generations.
Marriage
Nationality by marriage proposes foreign nationals the capacity to become civilians of the state in which spouse resides after marrying spouse. This procedure tends to make nationality much quicker than normal naturalisation, which makes it engaging to many persons. In most states, there are definite circumstances that must be fulfilled in order to qualify for nationality. These may include length of cohabitation, proof of the sincerity of the marriage and tongue skills. Once these circumstances are met and the appropriate applications are submitted, the foreign spouse can be granted nationality, which opens up new capacities to live, work and receive social benefits in the state.
Investment and golden visa programs
Many investors and global citizens are looking for the fastest and most accessible pathways to second citizenship in 2025. Investment and golden visa programs remain some of the most attractive options, allowing individuals to obtain residency or even full citizenship by making financial contributions to a country’s economy. These programs offer a streamlined route to a second passport, often with minimal residency requirements, making them ideal for high-net-worth individuals seeking greater global mobility, tax benefits, and security.
Countries proposing citizenship by investment
Nationality by Investing is a agenda that gives foreigners the capacity to receive nationality in exchange for definite investing in the state’s economy. Such schemes exist in different states, each of which has its own demands, circumstances and advantages. Let’s take a look at a few states that propose such schemes.
| Country | Minimum Investment Amount | Processing Time | Residency Requirement | Key Benefits |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| St. Kitts and Nevis | $250,000+ (donation) or $400,000+ (real estate) | ~4-6 months | None | Visa-free travel to 150+ countries, fast processing |
| Dominica | $100,000+ (donation) or $200,000+ (real estate) | ~3-6 months | None | Affordable option, visa-free to 140+ countries |
| Antigua and Barbuda | $100,000+ (donation) or $200,000+ (real estate) | ~3-6 months | 5 days in 5 years | Family-friendly program, visa-free to 150+ countries |
| Grenada | $150,000+ (donation) or $220,000+ (real estate) | ~3-6 months | None | E-2 visa treaty with the U.S., visa-free to 140+ countries |
| St. Lucia | $100,000+ (donation) or $200,000+ (real estate) | ~3-6 months | None | Flexible investment options, visa-free to 140+ countries |
| Turkey | $400,000+ (real estate) | ~6-12 months | None | Pathway to U.S. E-2 visa, strong passport benefits |
| Malta | €600,000+ (donation) | ~12-18 months | 1-3 years residency | EU citizenship, visa-free Schengen & U.S. access |
| Montenegro | €250,000+ (real estate) | ~6-8 months | None | Visa-free to Schengen, closing in 2025 |
| Jordan | $750,000+ (investment) | ~3-6 months | None | Access to Middle Eastern markets |
| Egypt | $250,000+ (donation) | ~6-9 months | None | Growing economy, regional access |
One of the most famous examples is St Kitts and Nevis. This Caribbean state has been proposing a nationality by investing agenda since 1984 and is considered one of the most affordable. Financiers can receive nationality by contributing to a govt trust or investing in tenement. The agenda does not demand residency in the state, making it engaging to persons who wish to make an investing without changing permanent accommodation.
Another state that proposes nationality for investing is Antigua and Barbuda. Here financiers can also choose between several options incl. contributing to the National Development Trust, investing in tenement and setting up a business. Nationality can be attained within three to four months and there is also no permanent residency demand.
Malta and Cyprus propose nationality by investing schemes with more stringent circumstances. In Malta, a substantial investing in tenement is required, as well as a contribution to charitable schemes and local development. Nationality can be attained after several years, but there are also accelerated options. Cyprus, on the other hand, once offered more loyal circumstances, but after the introduction of new regulations, the demands for financiers have become higher, incl. investing in business or tenement.
In some states, such as Turkey, the availability of a nationality agenda has also attracted attention. Here, financiers can receive nationality by purchasing tenement worth $400,000 or more or by making equity investing in a company. The agenda is quite fast and nationality can be attained within a few months.
Portugal and Spain propose a wider range of capacities for receiving an accommodation permit (temporary accommodation permit), which can later be converted into nationality. In Portugal, for example, financiers can receive a accommodation permit by investing in tenement and then apply for nationality after several years of accommodation in the state. Spain also proposes a similar agenda focusing on tenement investing, but the nationality procedure may take longer.
Bulgaria proposes a agenda that permits you to receive nationality through an investing of 1 million euros, and there is also the capacity of accelerated nationality after a year’s accommodation in the state. There are other states such as Grenada, Vanuatu that propose similar schemes, but the circumstances and investing demands may vary greatly. The choice of a particular state depends on many factors, incl. the financier’s financial capacity, personal goals, travel visa needs, tax circumstances and other considerations.
Fastest countries for golden visas
A golden visa is an agenda that proposes foreign nationals the capacity to receive residency in a state in exchange for investing. These schemes often attract attention due to speed in procedure applications and relative simplicity of demands. Here are some states renowned for speed in proposing golden visas, along with detailed descriptions of terms and circumstances:
- Cyprus: The Cypriot authorities have offered a golden visa agenda, which incl. investing in real estate starting from 300 thousand euros. The procedure takes about 3-4 months. However, please note: the agenda has been impacted and some aspects may alter at the moment. With a Cypriot visa, it is possible to work and live in the state with the capacity of nationality after a few years of accommodation.
- Malta: Although the Maltese agenda demands a more significant investing (starting from 600 thousand euros for the purchase of a tenement or 150 thousand euros in the form of a contribution to the national trust), the procedure of receiving an accommodation permit is quite fast – up to 3-6 months. It is also possible to receive nationality after 5 years of accommodation.
These states propose a variety of capacities for financiers wishing to receive an accommodation permit or nationality, explore new markets and open new horizons for business.
Cost comparison of citizenship programs
Portugal, with its golden visa, proposes various ways to invest, with minimum investing amounts starting from 280 thousand euros in definite regions for the purchase of tenement. In terms of nationality, financiers can apply for nationality after five years of accommodation in the state. During this time, it is necessary to show that you have invested in the state, as well as fulfil tongue and cultural demands.
Greece stands out with its agenda demanding a minimum investing of €250,000 in real estate. This is one of the lowest rates in Europe and the nationality procedure can take around seven years. However, having a Greek passport opens doors to many states, both in Europe and beyond.
In Turkey, the minimum investing for nationality is $400,000 when buying a tenement. This is a fairly quick decision, as the nationality procedure only takes a few months. However, it is worth bearing in mind that in recent years, the state’s stable economic situation has led to some changes in tenement values and investing demands.
Caribbean states such as St Kitts and Nevis propose schemes that demand a minimum investing of $150,000 in public funds or $200,000 in real estate. These schemes are usually procedure very quickly and nationality can be attained within 3-6 months. Benefits include visa-free access to over 150 states, incl. the UK and Schengen states.
Easiest countries for dual citizenship for English-speakers
The UK, as one of the most famous English-speaking states, proposes the capacity of nationality through both naturalisation and birth right nationality. If you have British parents or ancestors, you can easily qualify for nationality. For those who do not have British roots, there is a visa agenda that permits you to receive permanent residency status, which then entails the capacity of nationality. However, it is worth noting that the procedure can take time and demand definite circumstances to be met, such as English tongue skills and cultural embeddedness.
Canada is also an engaging option for dual nationality. Canada permits dual nationality, and its immigration schemes, such as Express Entry, propose a variety of pathways to permanent residency. The immigration procedure can take anywhere from six months to several years, depending on the category under which you apply. Once you have permanent resident status and have lived in the state for a definite amount of time, you can apply for Canadian nationality. Canada is renowned for its inclusiveness and high quality of life, making it particularly engaging to newcomers.
In Australia there are also various visa categories that permit foreigners to receive residency and eventually apply for nationality. It is important to keep in mind that Australia demands you to live in the state as a permanent resident for a definite amount of time (usually four years) before you can apply for nationality. Australia is renowned for its diversity, high standard of life and friendly atmosphere.
New Zealand, another English-speaking state, is renowned for its open immigration schemes that make nationality easy for those who are willing to contribute to the state’s economy. New Zealand promotes a high standard of life and is among the safest states in the globe. Once you have attained permanent residency status and have lived in the state for at least five years, you are eligible to apply for nationality.
In addition, Caribbean states such as St Kitts and Nevis are another interesting state for dual nationality. Although English is not the only tongue, many residents are fluent in English. Nationality by investing schemes in these states permit you to receive a passport in a relatively short period of time, often just a few months, making them engaging to financiers and those looking to improve international capacities.
FAQ
When it comes to states with easy and quick procedures for receiving nationality, it is worth noting that many of them propose naturalisation schemes for foreign nationals who meet definite demands. In some states, such as Portugal and Spain, it is possible to receive nationality through accommodation without the need for large financial investing. For example, Portugal has a golden visa agenda which, although it involves investing, also permits you to receive nationality after 5 years of legal accommodation in the state. However, there are other ways such as the capacity of receiving nationality through marriage to a Portuguese civilian or through kinship.
Many states, such as Iceland and the Netherlands, propose fairly clear and transparent naturalisation procedures. In Iceland, for example, civilians who have lived in the state for more than 3 years and have a good expertise of the Icelandic tongue can apply for nationality. Such procedures can be less time-consuming and demand fewer documents than in other states, which simplifies the procedure.
One should not forget about such states as Argentina and Brazil, where nationality can be attained after only 2-3 years of accommodation. In these states, it is enough to demonstrate minimal tongue skills and cultural attachment to legalise your situation. These factors make the procedure more accessible, even if you are not prepared to make investing in the state’s economy.
Such options do exist, but this often involves fulfilment of definite circumstances. For example, in some states it is possible to receive nationality through marriage, kinship or employment, which does not demand a significant investing. However, it is important to remember that such pathways may take longer compared to schemes involving investing.
