For those planning to settle down permanently in a foreign country, it is usually desirable to obtain citizenship in that country since it simplifies things such as opening bank accounts and owning property. While some countries allow dual citizenship, some do not. Perhaps, becoming a resident of a foreign country and starting the clock ticking on naturalization is the easiest way to go if you don’t have the benefit of luck or substantial wealth. Try these fastest and easiest countries to get second citizenship!
Ireland
Getting second citizenship through your ancestry is the easiest way and Ireland makes it possible by sanguinis citizenship; widely known as citizenship through the blood of your ancestors. You are eligible to Irish citizenship by descent if any of your grandparents was born in Ireland. All you need is to register your birth in the Foreign Births Register. The Irish citizenship confers the right to live or work in EEA and EU member countries. You can live and work for 280 days per two years before becoming a tax resident. This ease and versatility of sanguinis citizenship attracts more than 14 million immigrants applying for second citizenship.
Macedonia
Offering the best of both worlds; Europe and visa-free access to the Schengen Area, Macedonia ranks high among the fastest and easiest countries to get second citizenship. As one of the many business-friendly countries in Eastern Europe in the Balkans, Macedonia offers economic citizenship program targeting entrepreneurs who can invest at least 400,000 Euros into a real business. Tax rates for both companies and individuals are a flat 10%, and the government is efficient. Like Portugal’s Golden Visa program for entrepreneurs, Macedonia requires you to tie up your capital but gives you citizenship in as little as 6-12 months. There is no direct way to start the process like in other European countries and the best part is that Macedonia no longer requires you to live there for six months in most cases.
Russia
If you are willing to start a business or move your existing business to Russia, you can obtain Russian citizenship within three years by merely paying taxes you would have had to pay anyway. Whereas entrepreneurs consider low or no-tax offshore strategies, paying 13-19% in Russia is worthwhile if you want to purchase economic citizenship.
Dominican Republic
One of the least expensive and troublesome avenues for retirees to obtain second citizenship in a reasonably short period of time is in Dominican Republic. The basic requirement is that the retiree must be able to document a stable retirement income of at least $1,500 a month from a source outside the Dominican Republic. Non-retirees have to show a minimum monthly income of $2,000 a month. Provided this basic requirement is met, you can apply directly for permanent residency. After holding the permanent residency for 2 years, you can then apply for citizenship. The entire process takes about 3 years. The cost for a family of four (two adults and two kids below age 12) to purchase citizenship in DR costs $221,300 (government donation option). It involves an interview conducted in Spanish and a medical exam. One way to speed up the naturalization timeline is to invest $200,000 in real estate or a business;
Italy
Like Ireland, Italy offers citizenship to those whose ancestors were born in the country. Unlike its counterparts, Italy’s rules are tighter and very few qualify. Male ancestors can pass on citizenship with few limitations. There are extra limitations for ancestors born in Venezia-Giulia, Trentino Alto-Adige and Veneto. Should you identify a qualifying relative, you can begin the application process with a $25 fee.
Israel
Up for a change in religion? Second citizenship can be acquired in Israel under the Law of Return. It offers opportunities for Jewish individuals, including those who convert to Judaism to enter Israel. Once there, it is easy to attain citizenship. This broad law covers spouses, children and grandchildren of Jewish individuals in response to government oppression present in a number of countries. Israeli citizenship engulfs several civic obligations; universal service laws require all Israeli citizens to serve in the military and Israeli citizens are restricted from visiting a few countries. However, as one of the few countries that offer citizenship without a residency requirement, this is still an attractive option for some individuals.
Peru
This country offers an easy two-year path to citizenship with minimal effort and a little investment. So easy as to pay $25,000 for the 2 year fast track to citizenship in Peru! It may even be possible to make instalment payments on the fee. It is better to take the advice of agents who can guide you through the process of applying for residency at a Peruvian embassy. Applications for residency are typically approved within 3 months, after which you have a 6 months to settle your affairs in your current home country before moving to Peru to finalize your residency visa. After residing in Peru for 2 years, you can apply for citizenship. The process involves tests in Spanish language and in Peruvian history and culture. However, if you decide to marry a Peruvian spouse, you can bypass all that studying. Be prepared to change your name to the Spanish style of having surnames.
Canada
Canada is another one of the fastest and easiest countries to get second citizenship. It offers a simple path to citizenship. You need to get employed in Canada to obtain residency. For example, an individual needs $12,475 (CAD), as proof of funds to immigrate as a skilled immigrant. After becoming a permanent resident, you can apply for naturalization as a Canadian citizen after 4 years. You need to submit document proving that you can speak English or French. For the citizenship test, there are interactive questionnaires which you can take if relocating to Canada is planned. You must be physically present in Canada as a permanent resident for at least 1,460 days during the 6 years immediately before the date of your application. You must also be physically present for at least 183 days during each of four calendar years that are fully or partially within the six years immediately before the date of application..
Uruguay
If you have a descent or family member living in Uruguay, you can apply for second citizenship after residing in the country for 3 years. Owning real estate, renting a real apartment, being a member of social clubs, and having a local doctor all count during the citizenship process.
Paraguay
One of the easiest countries to get second citizenship is Paraguay. This South American country welcomes all peaceful people even though it is quite difficult for Middle Easterners or Africans to apply for residency. By depositing $5,200 in a Paraguayan bank account, you can become a permanent resident of Paraguay and start the clocking ticking on naturalization and a Paraguayan passport. While many would be hard pressed to locate Paraguay on a map, the Paraguayan passport offers visa-free travel to Europe and all of South America. After residing for 3 years, you can apply for citizenship, followed by a process which usually takes another year or so.
Australia
Australia grants naturalization after two years of residence out of the previous five. You need to stay in Australia for at least 12 months before applying for dual citizenship. Immigrants are eligible for Australian citizenship after just two years’ residence in the previous five years, but this must include a total of 12 months in the two years immediately before making a citizenship application, which costs $120.
Guatemala
Guatemala offers an Investment Program for fast-track citizenship. Individuals who purchase $50,000 in government bonds can apply for residency or citizenship under this Program. Though the process takes 8-9 months to complete, you can apply for full citizenship and Guatemalan passport once the purchase is done. As an applicant, you must be physically in the country for at least 21 days in your first year of residence and 28 days during the next 2years. Also, you require proof of health insurance and a clean criminal record. As rents in Antigua are highly affordable, it is a great option for individuals making the transition to living abroad.
Try vacationing or staying on a short stay visa before applying for a residency visa. It is important to get a feel for a country and its expat community before committing to a big move.
