Dual citizenship has become one of the most sought-after lifestyle upgrades in today’s globalized world. For some, it’s a ticket to better job opportunities and business expansion. For others, it represents easier travel, stronger social benefits, or simply the chance to connect more deeply with family heritage. Whatever the motivation, the demand for second passports is on the rise like never before.
Countries across the globe are offering various paths to citizenship, from investment programs and ancestral ties to residency requirements. While some nations make the process straightforward and fast, others demand years of patience and cultural integration. The difference in requirements is often surprising, and choosing the right country can determine whether your dream becomes reality or remains a distant plan.
This guide highlights nineteen of the best options for gaining dual citizenship, showing not just how to qualify, but also why these destinations are attractive. Whether you’re chasing better healthcare, lower taxes, or a base for international travel, these countries open doors to new opportunities while reshaping how you live and work in a connected world.
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Quick Easy Tips
Start by exploring your ancestry. Many European countries such as Ireland, Italy, and Poland offer citizenship through descent, sometimes going back two or three generations. This is often the easiest and most affordable pathway.
Consider the lifestyle benefits as much as the legal ones. Ask yourself: does the country align with your long-term goals for healthcare, education, or business? A second passport is only valuable if it enhances your actual quality of life.
Finally, seek professional advice before beginning the process. Immigration laws change frequently, and small mistakes can lead to costly delays. A consultation with a lawyer or specialized agency can save both time and money.
The pursuit of dual citizenship isn’t without debate. Some critics argue that citizenship-by-investment programs, offered in countries like Malta or St. Kitts, create an unfair system where wealthy individuals can “buy” rights that others must earn through years of effort. This raises questions about equality and the meaning of national identity.
Another source of controversy is loyalty. Holding two passports can spark concerns about divided allegiances, particularly in countries where patriotism is deeply ingrained. Governments sometimes question whether dual citizens can fully commit to one nation’s interests while enjoying the privileges of another.
There is also a broader debate about cultural integration. Some countries worry that offering fast-tracked citizenship may attract people who are less interested in contributing to society and more interested in exploiting tax advantages or visa-free travel. These tensions underline how citizenship is more than a legal status—it’s tied to values, responsibility, and belonging.
Best Countries To Get a Citizenship
1. Portugal
Pathways: Golden Visa (investment in real estate or business), naturalization after five years of legal residency.
Benefits: Access to the EU for work, travel, and education; high quality of life; no requirement to live in Portugal full-time with the Golden Visa.
Residency Requirement: Five years of residency with minimal physical presence under the Golden Visa program.
Update: Since last October 2024 they stopped the Golden Visa but it’s expected anytime this year to go back at the same status than before.
Read here best tips for living in Portugal
2. Canada
Pathways: Express Entry for skilled workers, family sponsorship, or residency through investment.
Benefits: Universal healthcare, high standard of living, and eligibility for citizenship after three years of residency within a five-year period.
Residency Requirement: Permanent residents must be physically present for three out of five years.
Read here the best things to know before visiting Canada
3. Malta
Pathways: Citizenship by investment or naturalization after extended residency.
Benefits: EU citizenship with extensive travel freedom; strong financial and healthcare systems.
Residency Requirement: Generally, 12 to 36 months under investment programs, depending on the amount invested.
Read here best things to know before visiting Malta
4. New Zealand
Pathways: Skilled Migrant Category, Investor visas, or family sponsorship.
Benefits: Clean environment, excellent healthcare and education, and eligibility for citizenship after five years of residency.
Residency Requirement: Five years with proof of commitment to live in New Zealand long-term.
5. Ireland
Pathways: Residency by investment, ancestry, or naturalization.
Benefits: EU citizenship, ability to live and work throughout the EU, high quality of life, and stable economy.
Residency Requirement: Five years of residency for naturalization.
Read here Mistakes to avoid in Ireland
6. Australia
Pathways: Skilled migration, investment visas, and family sponsorship.
Benefits: High living standards, universal healthcare, and eligibility for citizenship after four years of lawful residence.
Residency Requirement: Permanent residents must spend four years in Australia before applying for citizenship.
7. Dominica
Pathways: Citizenship by investment (donation or real estate).
Benefits: Visa-free or visa-on-arrival access to over 140 countries, tax benefits, and a relatively low investment threshold.
Residency Requirement: No physical residency requirement for citizenship by investment.
8. Uruguay
Pathways: Naturalization after obtaining legal residency.
Benefits: High quality of life, affordable living, and eligibility for citizenship after three years of residency for families (or five for individuals).
Residency Requirement: Physical presence for three years (or five for singles).
9. Argentina
Pathways: Naturalization after two years of continuous residency.
Benefits: Simple residency process, vibrant culture, and a short pathway to citizenship.
Residency Requirement: Only two years of continuous residency for naturalization.
Read here Buenos Aires Itinerary
10. St. Kitts and Nevis
Pathways: Citizenship by investment (donation or real estate).
Benefits: Fast-track citizenship process (about 3-6 months) and visa-free access to many countries, including the EU and the UK.
Residency Requirement: No physical residency required for citizenship by investment.
11. Turkey
Citizenship can be obtained quickly through investment.
Strategic location bridging Europe and Asia with visa-free travel to 110+ countries.
Path to Citizenship:
Invest $400,000 in real estate or deposit $500,000 in a Turkish bank.
Highlights:
Rich history, diverse landscapes, and a low cost of living.
12. Antigua and Barbuda
Why It’s a Top Choice:
Offers a straightforward investment-based program with minimal residency requirements.
Visa-free travel to 150+ countries, including Schengen areas and the UK.
Path to Citizenship:
Donate $100,000 to the National Development Fund or invest $200,000 in real estate.
Highlights:
Tropical climate, luxury living, and a relaxed lifestyle.
13. Grenada
Why It’s a Top Choice:
Provides visa-free travel to 140+ countries, including China, Russia, and the EU.
The only Caribbean country with an E-2 investor treaty with the U.S.
Path to Citizenship:
Invest $150,000 in the National Transformation Fund or $220,000 in real estate.
Highlights:
Peaceful Caribbean lifestyle, tax benefits, and natural beauty.
14. Spain
Ideal for those with ancestral ties or long-term residents.
Allows dual citizenship for citizens of certain Latin American countries.
Path to Citizenship:
10 years of residency or 2 years for those from Latin America or former Spanish colonies.
Highlights:
Sunny weather, rich history, and incredible food and wine.
15. Poland
Polish citizenship can be claimed by individuals with Polish parents, grandparents, or even great-grandparents, as long as they can prove that their ancestors were Polish citizens after 1920 and did not renounce their citizenship.
The process requires thorough documentation but does not necessitate residency or language tests.
16. Paraguay
Paraguay offers a straightforward path to citizenship after three years of residency. Applicants must deposit a nominal amount in a Paraguayan bank and demonstrate ties to the country.
The process is known for its simplicity and low cost.
17. Peru
Peru allows individuals to apply for citizenship after two years of continuous residency. Applicants must pass a language test and demonstrate knowledge of Peruvian culture and history.
18. Germany
Germany has recently reformed its citizenship laws, reducing the residency requirement to five years, or three years with special integration efforts.
Dual citizenship is now generally permitted, and children born in Germany to foreign parents can acquire citizenship if at least one parent has been legally residing in Germany for over five years.
19. Vanuatu
Vanuatu offers a citizenship-by-investment program that is known for its speed and simplicity. Applicants can obtain citizenship within a few months by making a donation to the country’s development fund.
Final Thoughts
Dual citizenship is not just a piece of paper—it’s an opportunity to reshape your future. It can expand your personal freedoms, give you access to global markets, and allow your family to thrive across borders. But it requires careful planning and an honest look at your priorities.
The controversies around citizenship programs show that this decision carries weight beyond convenience. It touches on questions of loyalty, fairness, and belonging. A second passport should be approached not as a shortcut but as a commitment to engaging with another culture and community.
In the end, the “best” country for dual citizenship depends on your personal story and goals. Whether you pursue it for family, business, or adventure, the process can open doors that transform not only where you live, but also how you see the world.
About the Author: Ruben, co-founder of Gamintraveler.com since 2014, is a seasoned traveler from Spain who has explored over 100 countries since 2009. Known for his extensive travel adventures across South America, Europe, the US, Australia, New Zealand, Asia, and Africa, Ruben combines his passion for adventurous yet sustainable living with his love for cycling, highlighted by his remarkable 5-month bicycle journey from Spain to Norway. He currently resides in Spain, where he continues sharing his travel experiences with his partner, Rachel, and their son, Han.