The world is increasingly becoming smaller and the top 7 easiest countries to get dual citizenship from will make moving around the globe even easier.
In most countries, dual citizenships are only granted for people who were born to foreign parents. Because of the privilege two passports offer an individual, keeping two citizenships demands a lot of responsibility. Even marrying a local does not always guarantee the chance to get yourself a second passport. Fortunately, for the growing number of the citizens of the world, there are still a good number of countries that allow for dual citizens.
For this list of the top 7 easiest countries to get dual citizenship, we are focusing on two major things: (1) countries that offer dual citizenships to foreigners, (b) and countries that allow for naturalization for foreigners without requiring them to renounce their original passports. We are not counting in the countries that only allow dual citizenship under common circumstances like being born to citizen parents or those that only allow citizenship by descent or marriage.
We have ranked the seven countries on this list by how quick, easy, and convenient the requirements are for acquiring a second passport. While there is certainly not a shortcut to getting a dual citizenship anywhere in the world, there are certainly faster ways to do so. But as with anything in the world, the quickest ways are hardly ever the cheapest – and so don’t be surprised at how expensive it can get in some countries.
Because of the expense, these dual citizenship-offering nations are best for retirees, business owners and digital nomads who can afford it and not for most people with a 9 to 5 jobs. Dual passports are also most popular among those who are looking to diversify and secure their finances from sudden economic crashes and instabilities in just one country. Others just want to avoid the harsh taxation laws in their home countries and seek refuge from countries with friendlier taxing climate – like Uruguay for instance.
For this list, we have used information from Dual Citizenship, Nomad Capitalist, Flag Theory, and Investopedia.
So which countries offer the easiest ways to acquiring dual citizenships? Read on to find out more! Looking for a job? Check out our other article on the 10 hardest cities to get a job in to know which cities to avoid.
7. Antigua and Barbuda
These twin islands offer some of the easiest dual citizenship requirements not only in the Caribbean but practically in the Americas. Like most every country on this list of the top 7 easiest countries to get dual citizenship, Antigua and Barbuda offer citizenship-by-investment programs. In Antigua and Barbuda, the most inexpensive type is the $250,000 donation to their National Development Foundation and staying in the country for 35 consecutive days and accumulated stay of 5 years.
6. St. Kitts and Nevis
St. Kitts and Nevis is practically on every list of the top 7 easiest countries to get dual citizenship. Like Antigua and Barbuda, this Caribbean paradise allows for citizenship-by-investment – the longest of its kind in the whole world as it has been around since the 80s. At St. Kitts and Nevis, one of the most inexpensive programs is a $250,000 donation to the Sugar Industry Foundation of the nation. This opportunity is open to everyone except for citizens of Afghanistan and Iraq regardless of where the applicants are currently residing.
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5. Dominica
Dominica is fast becoming a prime destination for expatriates not only because it is a beautiful country as it is, but also because of how friendly the country is to foreigners and expats. Compared to the first two countries on this list, Dominica offers citizenship-by-investment with as little as $100,000 deposit to the country’s National Bank. If you’re extra, extra rich, you can even skip having to fly out to the Caribbean country for your citizenship interview and have the interviewers fly out to your home country at your expense.
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4. Paraguay
If you have $5,000 to deposit at the National Bank, and if you can live for three years in the country, a dual citizenship may be all yours. Paraguay lists as having one of the lowest costs of living and some of the most beautiful cities. The dual citizenship opportunity is available for citizens of any nation.
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3. Brazil
Brazil is not just one of Latin America’s top tourist destinations; it is also a huge hit for expats and those looking to earn dual citizenship. Brazil offers dual citizenship to practically anyone who’s lived in the country for at least four years. If you are married to a local, cut that to just one year. If you have a child born in Brazil, you can apply for citizenship after a full year of residence. If you are in the country for work, for science, or for art, you only need to live for two years in the country. If you have a high net worth, you only have to reside for three years. No investments are necessary!
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2. Uruguay
Uruguay, with its quaint European towns, having one of the highest qualities of living in all of South America, and visa-free passport power to most countries in Europe, is one of the best entries on the list of the top 7 easiest countries to get dual citizenship. The only reason it fell second on this list is the fact that it requires a longer residency to qualify for dual citizenship. Couples applying for an Uruguayan passport are required to live for 3 years while singles may need to live in the country for 5 years. The country does not require investments but only a steady foreign income along with residency to qualify.
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1. Argentina
With the inflation and other economic troubles aside, Argentina offers some of the most irresistible dual citizenship offers anywhere. Argentina requires nothing more than at least two years of residency, plus a steady and legal source of income to consider anyone for dual citizenship. Aside from some of the most beautiful city and countryside views, Argentina can offer its citizens visa-free entry to Europe.
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Getting dual citizenship has its pros and cons, and certainly some privileges from the home country may be lost despite not having to relinquish the original citizenship. It is important to make the right decision, including picking the right country. Pick a choice from the top 7 easiest countries to get dual citizenship on this list!
