17 best countries in the world to obtain dual citizenship

What are the second and dual citizenship?

Second and dual citizenship give individuals the ability to belong to more than one nation at the same time, but the terms are not always interchangeable. Understanding the differences, as well as how various countries treat multiple nationalities, is essential before pursuing another passport.

Dual citizenship

Dual citizenship means legal citizenship in more than one country. A dual citizen is fully recognised by two countries and has the rights and responsibilities of both. These may include voting, owning property, accessing healthcare or education, and receiving diplomatic protection abroad. 

Some of the best dual citizenship countries include St Kitts and Nevis, Dominica, Antigua and Barbuda, and Malta due to their favourable laws and strong passport benefits.

Second citizenship

Second citizenship refers to holding a second nationality, regardless of whether both countries officially recognise the dual status. Some countries permit individuals to keep their first citizenship when acquiring a second. Others require renunciation of the original nationality during naturalisation.

The terms “second citizenship” and “dual citizenship” are often used as synonyms. But they are not always the same. One may have a second citizenship without dual status if one country does not officially recognise dual citizenship.

Different countries’ policies

The United States, Canada, the United Kingdom, and a lot of Caribbean countries allow second citizenship. China, India, and Japan do not recognise it, meaning individuals must choose only one. Some countries accept dual nationality under specific conditions. It is important to check the rules of both countries before applying to avoid losing existing citizenship.

Countries policies on obtaining a second citizenship for foreigners

What are the ways to obtain a second citizenship?

There are several legal pathways to obtaining a second citizenship, each with its own conditions and timelines. Depending on personal circumstances, it can be based on family ties, years of residence, special achievements, or financial investment.

Citizenship by descent or marriage

Some countries allow individuals to claim citizenship if they have parents, grandparents, or even great-grandparents who were citizens.

In most countries, a citizen’s foreign spouse can obtain a passport under a simplified procedure. Applicants are usually required to stay married and live in the country for a certain period.

Citizenship by naturalisation

Immigrants who reside in a country for a specified number of years can apply for citizenship through naturalisation. For example, in Portugal the required period is five years, while in Hungary it is eleven.

Requirements usually include language proficiency, a clean criminal record, and sometimes passing a citizenship test in national culture and history.

Citizenship by naturalisation or exceptional services

Some countries offer citizenship for extraordinary contributions in sports, science, culture, or politics. There are no fixed criteria for obtaining a passport this way, as each case is considered individually.

For instance, the United Kingdom has granted citizenship to elite athletes who competed for the national team. France has naturalised prominent foreign cultural figures, such as celebrated authors or musicians, in recognition of their contribution to French culture.

Citizenship by investment

A significant financial investment is another way to secure a second passport. Foreigners can invest in options such as real estate, government bonds, or businesses. For example, several Caribbean countries offer investors an opportunity to obtain a second citizenship for a contribution of at least $200,000.

11 benefits of obtaining a second citizenship

1. Increased freedom of travel. A second passport often provides visa-free or visa-on-arrival access to more countries, making international travel more convenient. For example, an Italian or Spanish passport would allow one to travel to over 170 countries without applying for a visa.

2. Employment possibilities. A second citizenship allows a person to seek employment in both countries of nationality without facing restrictions or needing a work permit.

3. Access to new markets. A second citizenship can make it easier to start or expand businesses internationally, especially in countries with favourable business environments. For example, the corporate tax rate in Hungary is one of the lowest in the EU at 9%, and the companies based there can have access to a large European market.

4. Possibility of tax optimisation. Depending on the country, a second citizenship may offer tax advantages. For example, Vanuatu imposes no taxes on personal income, inheritance, wealth and capital gains. There are no corporate taxes for companies residing in Vanuatu, either.

5. Safe haven. A second citizenship can provide a safety net in case of political instability, conflict, or economic downturn in a home country. An individual can always enter the country of their citizenship, even if borders are closed.

6. Citizenship for future generations. Most countries allow citizenship to be passed on to children, providing them with the same benefits of travel, education, and security.

7. Cultural connections. Living in or visiting your second country regularly allows you to experience a new culture, language, and lifestyle, enriching your personal and professional life.

8. Real estate ownership. Countries like the United States, Canada, Mexico, and New Zealand have certain restrictions on property ownership for foreigners. Having a second citizenship can grant the right to own property in the other country.

9. Retirement flexibility. A second citizenship may provide more options for retirement destinations, particularly in countries with favourable climates, lower living costs, or special visas for retirees, such as the Portugal D7 visa, or a non-lucrative visa to Spain.

10. Political rights. Dual citizens can participate in the political process of both countries, for example, by voting at the national or local elections or working in the public sector.

11. Healthcare and education opportunities. A second citizenship enables access to medical treatment or education in both countries, allowing individuals to choose the better option.

Best countries for second citizenship by naturalisation

Most countries grant citizenship to foreigners who have lived there for a certain number of years. In the EU, the standard naturalisation period is 5 years, though some member states extend it to 10 years. However, some countries offer a much faster path.

Argentina

Argentina is one of the easiest countries to get dual citizenship by naturalisation. A foreigner needs only to reside in the country for 2 uninterrupted years as a resident to be eligible for a passport. 

For a successful application, proof of legal income, such as an employment contract or salary receipt, and a clean criminal record are required.

Peru

Peru also accepts citizenship applications from foreigners who have resided there for two uninterrupted years. Applicants must prove sufficient income and a clean criminal record.

To be eligible for Peru citizenship, foreigners must pass a test on Peruvian geography, history, culture, and current affairs. The test is conducted in Spanish, so applicants are expected to have an adequate level of proficiency in the language.

Malta

Malta grants citizenship to foreigners by naturalisation for exceptional services by direct investment. Applicants obtain a residence permit before receiving the passport 1 or 3 years later. The timeline depends on how much the applicants contribute to the country’s economy. 

By making a non-refundable investment of €600,000, applicants can apply for citizenship after three years of maintaining residency in Malta. If they invest €750,000, the residency period is shortened to one year. Other investment conditions include a charitable donation and renting or owning a property in Malta for 5 years.

Germany

Germany adopted a new law in 2024 allowing dual citizenship, making naturalisation more attractive to non-EU nationals. Citizenship by naturalisation is granted after 5 years of legal residence, or 3 years in special integration cases. Applicants must hold a permanent residence permit, pass a citizenship test, prove German language proficiency at a B1 level, and show economic self-sufficiency.

A fast-track option is available for those with outstanding integration, allowing naturalisation after just 3 years. This route is open to applicants who have achieved exceptional academic or professional success or have actively participated in volunteer or community work. They must also speak German at a C1 level and meet all other core requirements, including economic self-sufficiency.

Best second passports by descent

There are different requirements for obtaining citizenship by descent. In some cases, individuals can trace their ancestry back multiple generations to qualify.

Italy

Italy allows foreigners to obtain citizenship by descent if they prove they have an Italian ancestor who did not renounce citizenship before the next generation’s birth. There is no generational limit, meaning that the line of descent can go even beyond great-grandparents. However, the Italian ancestor must have been born in Italy after March 17, 1861.

Language proficiency or Italian residency is not required. Applications are processed within 6 to 12 months.

Ireland

Ireland accepts applications from foreigners with an Irish grandparent or great-grandparent. Additionally, if a foreigner has at least one parent born in Ireland, they can obtain citizenship automatically.

The application process takes 6 to 12 months after submitting the documents confirming Irish ancestry.

Poland

Poland allows foreigners to apply for citizenship by descent if they have a Polish parent, grandparent, or great-grandparent. The applicants must prove their ancestors were born in Poland or a former Polish territory, lived in the country after 1920 and retained Polish citizenship at the time of the applicant’s birth.

The processing time ranges between one and two years due to thorough documentation checks. As well as Italy and Ireland, Poland recognises dual citizenship.

Hungary

Hungary offers a simplified naturalisation path for individuals with Hungarian ancestry, even if they live abroad. Applicants do not need to reside in Hungary before applying. To qualify, they must prove that their parents, grandparents, or great-grandparents were Hungarian citizens or lived in Hungary’s former territories before border changes.

Applicants must submit documents confirming their ancestry, such as birth or marriage certificates. These can be obtained from church records, registry offices, or state archives. The Hungarian Interior Ministry verifies their authenticity. Applicants must also demonstrate basic knowledge of the Hungarian language.

Portugal

Portugal grants citizenship by descent to foreigners who can prove they have a parent or grandparent who has not renounced Portuguese citizenship. The applicant must prove sufficient command of the Portuguese language, whether by taking a test or presenting a diploma issued by a Portuguese school.

Alternatively, Portugal citizenship can be obtained through Sephardic Jewish ancestry, proving descent from those expelled during the 15th century. In both cases, the average processing time is approximately 24 months.

Individuals without Portuguese ancestry can obtain Portuguese citizenship by naturalisation in five years. A key advantage of this pathway is that not all applicants are required to live in Portugal full-time during this period. Holders of the Portugal Golden Visa, who gain residency through an investment of at least €250,000, are only obligated to spend 7 days per year in the country, totalling 35 days over the five-year period.

Best countries to get a second passport by marriage

Most countries have a simplified procedure for foreign spouses of local nationals to obtain citizenship. In some, the process is particularly fast.

Argentina

Argentina has the fastest track for citizenship by marriage. After marrying an Argentinian citizen, a foreigner can apply for a passport immediately without language or residency requirements. The process takes at least 8 months.

Brazil

Brazil allows foreigners to apply for citizenship one year after marrying a Brazilian citizen. The applicant must reside in Brazil for that year and prove proficiency in Portuguese. By law, the application must be processed within 180 days.

Spain

Spain also offers a quick path to citizenship by marriage, allowing a foreign spouse to become eligible after living in the country for just one year. 

Additionally, Spain is one of the few countries in the EU that grants newborn children of Spanish residents the opportunity to obtain citizenship after residing in the country for just one year, even if their parents are not citizens.

Best citizenship by investment countries

Five Caribbean states offer the most popular citizenship by investment (CBI) programs, allowing foreigners to obtain a passport in exchange for an economic contribution.

In most of the Caribbean countries, investors can obtain a passport in six months. The procedure is generally remote: the applicant doesn’t have to visit the country to become a citizen, nor even after receiving the passport.

Dominica

Dominica has the lowest investment threshold among the Caribbean countries. Investors make a non-refundable contribution of $200,000 to the Economic Diversification Fund or purchase real estate for the same amount.

If investors choose to buy property, they can resell it after 3 years to a person not participating in the program. Selling property to another program participant is permitted after 5 years of ownership.

Antigua and Barbuda

Antigua and Barbuda citizenship will take at least $230,000 in contributions. The threshold depends on the investment option:

• a non-refundable contribution — $230,000;
• a donation to a higher education institution — $260,000;
• real estate purchase — $300,000;
• business investments — $400,000.

To secure their new nationality, investors must spend in Antigua and Barbuda at least 5 days within the first 5 years after obtaining citizenship.

Grenada

Grenada offers two options in the citizenship by investment program: a non-refundable contribution of at least $235,000 or a real estate purchase for at least $270,000. The application processing takes at least eight months, longer than under the other Caribbean citizenship programs.

Citizens of Grenada can obtain a 10-year B-1/B-2 visa to the US for tourism, medical care, and business visits. This visa allows stays of up to 180 days each year.

St Lucia

St Lucia has a minimum investment threshold of $240,000 for a non-refundable contribution to the National Economic Fund. 

Alternatively, investors can buy government bonds or real estate for at least $300,000. In both cases, the investment can be returned in 5 years.

St Kitts and Nevis

St Kitts and Nevis grants citizenship to foreigners who invest $250,000 in the Federal Consolidated Fund or an Approved Public Benefit Project. Applicants can also purchase property worth $325,000 to be eligible for citizenship.

The unique feature of the St Kitts and Nevis investment program is that citizenship of this country can be inherited. Other Caribbean countries do not offer such an opportunity.

Vanuatu

Vanuatu, located in Oceania, offer an alternative to Caribbean citizenship programs. The Vanuatu program stands out as the fastest and cheapest way to obtain citizenship. 

Applicants can receive their passports within 2 to 4 months after a $130,000 non-refundable contribution or a $157,000 investment in the CNO Future Fund, which aims to develop coconut oil production as a clean energy source.

Vanuatu is also attractive for tax optimisation, as there are no taxes on personal income, corporate income, inheritance, wealth, or capital gains.

Comparing citizenship by investment countries

Country	Minimum investment	Obtainment period	Visa-free travel
Dominica	$200,000	6+ months	145 countries
Antigua and Barbuda	$230,000	6+ months	152 countries
Grenada	$235,000	8+ months	148 countries
St Lucia	$240,000	6+ months	147 countries
St Kitts and Nevis	$250,000	6+ months	153 countries
Vanuatu	$130,000	2—4 months	108 countries

5 most common types of investment to get citizenship

1. Real estate purchase. Caribbean countries allow CBI applicants to buy residential or tourist real estate. The required investment varies from $200,000 in Dominica to $400,000 in St Kitts and Nevis. Typically, the property must be held for 3 to 7 years before it can be sold to return the investment.

2. Non-refundable donation to a national fund. Caribbean countries and Vanuatu permit applicants to make a one-time non-refundable contribution to a government-approved national fund. The minimum required investment varies from $130,000 to $250,000.

3. Government bonds purchase. Available in St Lucia, this option involves investing in low-risk securities issued by the country’s government. These bonds must be held for 5 years, after which the initial investment is returned without interest.

4. Investment fund units purchase. In Vanuatu, investors can purchase shares in a government-approved investment fund. The investment must typically be maintained for a specific period. Returns depend on the fund’s success.

5. Business investments. St Lucia and Antigua and Barbuda offer citizenship for investing in or starting a business that contributes to economic development, often by creating jobs.

How to get a second passport by investment: a step-by-step guide

There are some basic steps that every investor applying for citizenship must take, though details may vary depending on the country. In the Caribbean countries, the minimum obtainment period is 6 to 8 months, as per Immigrant Invest lawyers’ experience.

Regardless of the program chosen by the investor, Immigrant Invest specialists accompany them at every stage.

Potential drawbacks to consider before applying for a second citizenship

Potential citizenship loss. Some countries do not recognise dual citizenship, requiring individuals to renounce their original nationality if they obtain a second one. This includes China, India, and Japan.

Dual taxation. Dual citizens may be required to pay taxes in both their original and second country of citizenship. For example, the United States taxes citizens on global income, even if they reside abroad.

Compulsory military service. Countries like South Korea and Israel require citizens, including dual citizens, to complete compulsory military service.

Key points about second citizenship

1. A second citizenship can be obtained through descent, marriage, naturalisation, or investment. 
2. The benefits of a second citizenship include enhanced travel freedom, tax optimisation, and access to better healthcare and education opportunities.
3. Caribbean citizenship by investment programs allow foreigners to secure a passport by making financial contributions to the country's economy, such as real estate purchases or donations to national funds. 

Frequently asked questions