Dual citizenship is popular among foreign nationals around the world. Find out more about which countries are the easiest to get a second passport in 2024 depending on the procedure and purpose of the expat

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In most countries, a person automatically becomes a citizen at birth, with no additional fees or steps. This is known as birthright citizenship. However, there are cases when a person decides to change citizenship or obtain a second one, for example, to simplify travel or to obtain tax benefits. As of the beginning of 2024, dual citizenship will be recognized in 49% of the world's countries.

You can get another or a second passport in different ways: get married, confirm family ties with a citizen of the country, go through the naturalization process, or take part in one of the investment programs. Each country has its own conditions for acquiring citizenship, so depending on the country, it will take you a different amount of time to become a bipatriate.

In which countries will it be easiest to get citizenship in 2024? Find out in the ranking from Visit World.

What to pay attention to when choosing a country for obtaining a second citizenship

When studying the migration legislation of different countries in order to find a state with a simplified procedure for obtaining citizenship, you should pay attention to the following aspects:

- The total duration of the procedures - in some countries, you can get a second passport in just a couple of months, in others it will take years to go through all the procedures.

- The financial component – ​​the cost of administrative services and the amount of mandatory contributions, especially if you are focused on obtaining citizenship by investment.

- Location - some expats look for countries that are close to their country of origin, so as not to lose touch with loved ones, while others need a "spare airfield" further away - preferably in a politically neutral country without an army and, accordingly, mandatory conscription.

- Personal preferences - some like the noisy streets of European countries, others - carefree shores of tropical island states.

- The complexity of the document processing procedure – preparing a package of documents for acquiring citizenship by origin is much more difficult than collecting a list of certificates for obtaining citizenship by investment.

- Examinations - in many states, in order to pass the naturalization procedure, it is necessary to pass tests on knowledge of the official language, history and culture of the future country of citizenship. When obtaining "citizenship by investment" it is sometimes enough to pass a simple interview.

- Taxes - be sure to pay attention to the tax obligations that you will receive along with obtaining citizenship.

Considering these factors, we have prepared the following list of states, each of which has certain advantages.

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Vanuatu is the fastest passport in the world

The main advantage of Vanuatu citizenship is the record speed of processing documents - only eight weeks. Also, there is no testing in the state, and in general the procedure can be carried out remotely.

- Method of obtaining citizenship: citizenship by investment.

- Investment amount: $145,000.

- Advantages of Vanuatu citizenship: this South Pacific country is far from the centers of geopolitical conflict, but natural disasters occur here: tsunamis, volcanic eruptions and earthquakes.

There is no tax on income received outside Vanuatu.

The investor can include his wife, children and parents in the application for citizenship.

Malta is the easiest path to EU citizenship

Malta is a country in the European Union that provides its citizens with access to high-quality healthcare and education systems, as well as the right to visa-free travel to 180+ countries and territories, a stable political and economic system, an attractive fiscal regime and other bonuses.

- Method of obtaining citizenship: citizenship by investment.

- Investment amount: €715,000.

The process of obtaining citizenship by investment in this case will last 3 years. If you need it as soon as possible (within 1 year), you will have to pay extra.

Uruguay is the best country for citizenship for families

One of the easiest ways to obtain citizenship through marriage has been approved in Uruguay. You can issue a passport already 3 years after the wedding, instead of the usual 5 years. Also, the procedure for obtaining Uruguayan citizenship through marriage has certain features - it is not necessary for one of the spouses to be Uruguayan. That is, both husband and wife who apply for accelerated naturalization can have foreign citizenship.

- Method of obtaining citizenship: citizenship through marriage.

Turkey is the best citizenship for international business and cross-border travel

Turkey is located between Europe and Asia, this geographical position allows local businesses and investors to access the markets of both regions. That is why local citizenship is ideal for entrepreneurs engaged in international business

- Method of obtaining citizenship: citizenship by investment.

- Investment options: purchase of real estate (investment amount from $400,000), create your own company, with a minimum of 50 jobs (from $500,000), bank deposit (from $500,000), purchase of government bonds (from $500,000), purchase of shares in an investment company funds (from $500,000).

All investments are made for a 3-year period and can provide passive income.

St. Kitts and Nevis is an ideal tax haven

Saint Kitts and Nevis is an island nation in the Caribbean that was one of the first to approve citizenship by investment. Currently, the state offers its citizens a simplified taxation system, as well as the opportunity to live in one of the most fabulous places on the planet.

- Method of obtaining citizenship: citizenship by investment.

- Investment options and investment amount: To obtain citizenship of St. Kitts and Nevis by investment, you must make a minimum contribution of $150,000 to the Sustainable Development Fund (SGF).

The passport process usually takes about 90 days, but it can be accelerated to 60 days for an additional fee. It is worth noting that there are no additional mandatory requirements, which makes this program even more attractive for investors.

Germany is the country with the easiest procedure for obtaining EU citizenship for children of migrants

Children of expats can get EU citizenship quite quickly and easily in Germany. Under the new law, children born in Germany will receive German citizenship automatically if one of the parents has legally resided in Germany for five years before birth, instead of the current eight years.

- Method of obtaining citizenship: citizenship by place of birth.

Peru is the country with the fastest naturalization procedure

Foreign nationals who do not have the extra money to obtain citizenship by investment or who do not have roots or family members abroad can obtain a second passport through the naturalization process.

To obtain a second passport through naturalization, a foreigner must live in the country officially for a certain period of time. The minimum term will depend on state legislation.

Usually, the procedure consists of several stages: for example, first you get a temporary immigration visa for 1.5-4 years, then you apply for a residence permit, after a few years you can apply for permanent residence or immediate citizenship.

One of the fastest naturalization procedures in Peru - you only need to live here for 2 years to get a passport.

- Method of obtaining citizenship: citizenship by naturalization.

In general, different states offer many ways to get a second citizenship, and in some countries it can even be done quickly and easily - from investing in resorts on the territory to issuing a passport by origin. When choosing a state to obtain a second citizenship, it is important to remember that it is not just obtaining a new document, but access to a greater number of opportunities and advantages.

We will remind you that we talked about the popular ways of obtaining citizenship and the country with the most simplified procedure here. In which countries you can get citizenship by investment in 2024, read this article.

Ihor Usyk - head of Visit World's legal department

The procedure for obtaining citizenship is quite complex and has many peculiarities, therefore, to simplify the processing of a passport, consult a migration specialist. My colleagues, qualified specialists with legal education, will help you avoid unpleasant situations when traveling abroad.

Products from Visit World for a comfortable trip:

Travel guide for 200 countries;

Legal advice from a local specialist on visa and migration issues;

Travel insurance around the world (please select the country of interest and citizenship to receive services);

Medical insurance all over the world.