Obtaining a second passport in a timeframe ranging from a few weeks to three years is a very realistic goal in 2026. Dozens of countries offer various mechanisms for this purpose, ranging from investment programs to expedited naturalization for certain categories of applicants. Learn more about all countries offering fast-track citizenship, the current requirements, and the cost of each program

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More than 20 countries worldwide offer the opportunity to obtain a new passport within a timeframe ranging from a few weeks to three years. Some of them offer citizenship in exchange for investment, while others grant it through naturalization after a short period of residence. Certain countries provide preferential terms for applicants of specific origins. ImiDaily recently reported on this.

The cost, processing times, and validity of the passport vary significantly depending on the program.

Below is an overview of all available options: from the most affordable to the most comprehensive, as well as programs set to launch in 2026–2027.

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The most affordable citizenship-by-investment programs in 2026

São Tomé and Príncipe has the lowest financial threshold among current investment programs—$90,000 for a single applicant, $95,000 for a family of four (a donation to the National Transformation Fund). The program launched in August 2025, and processing takes 6–8 weeks. The application may include a spouse, children under 30, parents, and grandparents aged 55 and older. The passport grants visa-free access to 60–90 countries, and membership in the CPLP entitles the holder to expedited naturalization in Brazil—in one year instead of four.

Pakistan formally has a cheaper program—about $18,000—but eligibility is limited to citizens of the 54 Commonwealth countries, and the passport’s value is low.

Among the options requiring no major investment are Argentina and Armenia, where citizenship through naturalization costs only a few thousand dollars (two and three years, respectively).

Citizenship in 30–90 days: the fastest investment programs

Vanuatu consistently grants citizenship in 30–60 days (the average processing time is 3.3 months). The fee is $130,000 for a single applicant and $180,000 for a family of four. A mandatory requirement is net assets of at least $250,000. The EU has excluded Vanuatu from its visa-free regime, so the passport does not grant access to Europe but allows for free travel throughout Asia and the Middle East.

Nauru offers a processing time of 3–4 months. The standard fee is $115,000 (a limited offer for $90,000 is available until June 30, 2026). The passport grants access to approximately 90 countries, including the United Kingdom, Singapore, and Hong Kong.

Sierra Leone offers an expedited track through the GO-FOR-GOLD program for $140,000 (processing time: 90 days) and a separate track for applicants of African descent for $100,000 (60 days, DNA test required). Visa-free access to 66 countries, right of residence in 15 ECOWAS member states. No physical visit required.

Caribbean CBI programs: classic pathways to a second passport

Dominica (operating since 1993) — a $200,000 investment or the purchase of real estate worth at least $200,000, processing time 6–9 months, visa-free access to ~140 countries. At the same time, the U.S. has reduced the validity of visas for Dominica citizens to three months with a single-entry right, and in March 2026, the country suspended the processing of applications for Iranian citizens.

Grenada has a unique agreement with the U.S. regarding the E-2 investor visa. The contribution is $235,000 for the applicant or a family of up to four people, with a real estate investment starting at $270,000. Processing time is 3–9 months, and the passport grants visa-free access to ~145 destinations.

Saint Lucia — a $240,000 contribution or real estate investment starting at $300,000; processing time starting at six months; ~146 visa-free destinations. A 30-day minimum stay is expected to be introduced in 2026.

Antigua and Barbuda — $230,000 for a family of up to four people, officially 3–6 months (in practice — up to 9+), ~150 visa-free destinations. The U.S. has similarly reduced visa validity periods.

St. Kitts and Nevis (the oldest CBI program since 1984) — a $250,000 donation, processing time of six months, ~150 visa-free destinations. In 2026, the program will undergo reform with the introduction of “genuine ties” requirements.

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Investment citizenship outside the Caribbean: Turkey, Egypt, Cambodia, and others

Turkey — the most common route: real estate starting at $400,000 (held for three years). Alternatives: a $500,000 deposit, bonds, or an investment fund.

Processing time — 3–6 months, passport — ~110 visa-free countries and eligibility for a U.S. E-2 visa (with a three-year residency requirement for new naturalized citizens).

Egypt— starting at $250,000, no residency or language requirements, processing time starting at 10 months, ~80 visa-free countries, eligibility for a U.S. E-2 visa.

Cambodia, following the December 2025 reform, raised the thresholds to $1 million (investment) and $3 million (donation). Allows dual citizenship; passport grants access to ~53 countries.

Jordan (July 2025 reform) — eight pathways with a cap of 500 approvals per year. Lower-tier pathways (350,000–700,000 dinars) lead to citizenship via residency in three years. Higher-tier pathways (from 1 million dinars) offer more direct routes. Passport is limited to ~50 destinations.

El Salvador — a $1 million program with payment in Bitcoin or USDT; details are limited for now.

Naturalization in 2–3 years: citizenship through residency

Argentina — the world’s shortest standard processing time: two years. Dual citizenship is permitted; the passport grants visa-free access to ~169 countries, and MERCOSUR membership grants residency rights in nine countries. Decree No. 366/2025 tightened the rules: physical presence is mandatory throughout the entire period, and any departure resets the count. Applications are processed through the RaDEX platform.

Armenia — three years with a residence permit, costs — several thousand dollars, the process can be done remotely. Ethnic Armenians receive citizenship through a simplified process, with no residency or language requirements. Others must pass a 33-question test on the Constitution. There are currently no strict requirements for physical presence. Passport — ~69 countries; membership in the Eurasian Economic Union (EAEU) grants the right to live and work in Russia, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, and Belarus.

Bolivia — three years (two years for those married to citizens or parents of Bolivian children). Permanent residency costs ~$560. Passport — ~80 countries, membership in MERCOSUR.

Canada — 1,095 days of physical presence over five years, language and civics exams. Application processing time — 12–14 months, which increases the total time to 4+ years. Passport — ~185 visa-free countries.

European citizenship in 2–3 years: Cyprus and Spain

Cyprus—the shortest naturalization period in the EU: three years. The fast-track requires 12 months of continuous residence prior to application and three years in total over a decade.

Language requirement: A1 level in Greek. The “Golden Visa” (real estate starting at €300,000) provides a basis for residency. Additionally, a 17-year exemption from dividend taxation. Naturalization grants full EU citizenship; passport access to ~176 countries.

Spain allows citizens of Latin American countries, the Philippines, Equatorial Guinea, Andorra, and Portugal to naturalize after two years (the standard for others is ten years). Dual citizenship is permitted with Latin American countries. Passport — ~190 visa-free countries. Important: the preferential period applies only to citizens “de origen” (by birth), not to naturalized citizens.

Preferential naturalization periods for specific categories

Colombia — one year for citizens of Latin America and the Caribbean, two years for Spain, five for others. Dual citizenship without restrictions; passport grants visa-free access to ~133 countries.

Mexico — two years for citizens of Latin and Ibero-America (standard is five years). Passport grants visa-free access to ~159 countries.

Brazil—one year for those married to Brazilians, parents of Brazilian children, or citizens of Portuguese-speaking countries. The jus soli rule grants automatic citizenship to children born in Brazil, and parents can immediately apply for residency—potentially in less than two years.

Honduras—three years (two for Spain and Latin America, one for Central America). Passport—~133 countries, including Schengen.

Paraguay—three years for permanent residents. The SUACE program (a company with $70,000 in capital) grants immediate permanent residency. The court process adds 1–2 years; residency requirements are 6–9 months per year. Passport—~145 countries; territorial tax system.

Ecuador — three years (two for refugees). Absence from the country — no more than 90 days in total. Passport — ~92 countries.

Dominican Republic — formally two years, in practice ~7 years (5 temporary + 2 permanent residence). Citizens of Latin America and Spain — six months. Passport — ~71 countries.

Uruguay — three years for married couples, five for singles. Income threshold — $1,500/month. Residents until 2026 have an 11-year

exemption from taxation on foreign income.

Remember! Moving to another country, registering a business, or obtaining citizenship through investment requires qualified legal support. A personal business lawyer from the Visit World portal assists with company registration, choosing a tax system, managing document flow, minimizing tax risks, obtaining a work visa, and relocating a business abroad.

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Reminder! April 2026 brought a wave of updates to visa regulations for several popular destinations—from the launch of biometric checks in Europe to increases in consular fees in the UK and Canada. The changes affected the conditions for employment, study, and long-term stays abroad. Read about the new visa rules in the US, EU, Canada, the UK, and other countries by following the link.

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