The topic of dual citizenship has been gaining popularity year after year, especially as national borders become less of a barrier. For some, a second passport offers personal security; for others, it’s a chance to improve quality of life. Before you decide on the country, it would help to learn where citizenship can be obtained quickly and easily. This short guide introduces key strategies available in 2024 for those who wish to become citizens of another country.
8 countries with the simplest citizenship programs
- Saint Kitts and Nevis: The first country to launch a citizenship-by-investment (CBI) program back in 1984.
- Dominica: Known for one of the most affordable and beneficial citizenship-by-investment programs.
- Turkey: Offers citizenship in exchange for investments in real estate starting at $400,000.
- Grenada: The only Caribbean country that allows its citizens to apply for a U.S. E-2 visa that enables them to live and work in the United States.
- Antigua and Barbuda: Requires an investment in the national fund or the country’s economy to obtain citizenship.
- Vanuatu: A unique country in Oceania that offers a fast path to citizenship by investment.
- Egypt: Launched its citizenship-by-investment program in 2019, with various investment options, including real estate, business creation, or contributions to a national fund.
- Portugal: Provides a “Golden Visa” that can lead to citizenship after five years of residency.
Saint Kitts and Nevis
Saint Kitts and Nevis was the first nation to offer a Citizenship by Investment program, giving a quick and straightforward path to a second passport. By investing $250,000 in the national fund or real estate, you can become a citizen within 8-12 months without having to reside in the country.
Key benefits:
- Visa-free or visa-on-arrival access to 156 countries, including the UK, Schengen Area countries, Brazil, and Singapore.
- No income, dividend, property, or inheritance taxes.
- Opportunity for long-term visas to the U.S. and Canada.
- A wide choice of real estate investment options.
Dominica
Dominica, located in the Caribbean, offers one of the most affordable citizenship-by-investment programs. It requires a minimum contribution of $200,000. It’s not only affordable: the process is also fast, usually taking only five months, and there’s no residency requirement.
Key benefits:
- Passport valid for ten years, with a renewal option.
- Opportunity to include up to three generations of family members in the application for citizenship.
- Tax savings: no taxes on property, gifts, inheritance, foreign income, or capital gains.
- A confidential application process that safeguards applicant information.
Turkey
Since 2017, Turkey has provided a pathway to citizenship through real estate investments starting from $400,000. The process takes around 5-8 months and it doesn’t require residency in Turkey or knowledge of Turkish.
Key benefits:
- Access to high-quality national healthcare.
- Visa-free or simplified entry to over 110 countries.
- Eligibility for a U.S. E-2 visa.
- Business-friendly tax system and allowance for dual citizenship.
- Straightforward application process.
- Real estate can be paid for in cryptocurrency in some cases.
Grenada
Grenada offers citizenship by investment and it opens the door to a U.S. E-2 visa too. You can choose to invest $270,000 in real estate or donate $235,000 to the national fund. The process takes about six months and a Grenadian passport allows visa-free travel to over 140 countries.
Key benefits:
- Passport valid for ten years, with a renewal option.
- Opportunity to include up to three generations of family members in the application.
- Eligibility for a U.S. E-2 visa that allows residence and employment in the U.S.
- No currency control and unrestricted profit repatriation.
- Citizenship that can be passed down to future generations.
Antigua and Barbuda
Antigua and Barbuda offers citizenship for a minimum investment of $230,000 in the national fund or $300,000 in real estate. In accordance with the program requirements, you have to stay in the country for five days over the first five years. The application processing time is around six months. Why the residency requirement? You are going to fall in live with the country over this period and never want to leave it.
Key benefits:
- Easy entry to 158 countries, including the UK, Schengen Area, Hong Kong, and Singapore.
- Passport valid for five years, with a renewal option.
- Opportunity to include up to three generations of family members in the application.
- Attractive tax system.
- Special entry conditions to Canada.
Vanuatu
Vanuatu, a small nation in Oceania, offers one of the fastest citizenship-by-investment programs. For a contribution of $130,000 (plus licensed agent fees), you can obtain citizenship in only 3-4 months. This is ideal for those looking for a quick and affordable second citizenship option.
Key benefits:
- Passport valid for ten years, renewable for another ten.
- Visa-free entry to over 90 countries, including Singapore and Hong Kong.
- Opportunity to include three generations of family members, including siblings.
- No taxes on property, inheritance, foreign income, or capital gains.
- The Vanuatu program offers family security in times of crisis or emergency.
- Business-friendly policies with online company registration.
Egypt
Egypt’s citizenship-by-investment program offers several routes to citizenship. Investors can choose to buy real estate worth $500,000, contribute to a national fund, or make direct investments in Egypt’s economy. The citizenship acquisition process takes about 6-9 months and residency in the country is not required.
Key benefits:
- Visa-free or simplified entry to 70+ countries.
- Investments can be withdrawn after a certain period while retaining citizenship.
- Family members, including spouses and children, are eligible.
- Tax incentives for businesses, including zero tax on international income.
- Opportunity to live in a country rich in cultural heritage and strategically located for business.
Portugal
Portugal’s “Golden Visa” program is one of Europe’s most popular such programs. It offers residence permits with a pathway to citizenship. You’ll have to put €500,000 in an investment fund or register a business company in the country. Residency is granted immediately after the investment and after five years, you can apply for citizenship without the requirement to live in the country full-time.
Key benefits:
- Fast-track EU citizenship for yourself and your family.
- Flexible residency: you only have to stay in Portugal seven days per year to maintain residency.
- Full return on investments while keeping residency status.
- Ideal for digital nomads.
- Portugal is one of the EU’s most crypto-friendly countries.
Conclusion
Whether you’re looking for security, freedom of movement, tax optimization, or simply an opportunity to expand your horizons, the choices for dual citizenship programs are broad. The right country can help you reach your goals and the International Wealth team of offshore service experts will support you at every step – from selecting the program to obtaining a second passport.
