What Are the Easiest Countries for US Citizens to Get Citizenship?

What’s the easiest second passport for US citizens? It’s a question many folks are asking these days, and for good reason: a second passport offers many benefits, including:

• Enhanced mobility and security
• Greater access to healthcare and education
• More business opportunities
• New social benefits and rights
• The ability to lower living expenses through geoarbitrage

In short, a second passport is a great plan B. 

If you’re an American seeking citizenship in another country, the good news is you have lots of options to get a second passport. There are several countries where the process can be relatively straightforward, often due to favorable laws, residency programs, or dual nationality agreements. Residency through a digital nomad visa can be a stepping stone to citizenship as well.

So, what’s the easiest dual citizenship for US citizens?

Choosing the Easiest Second Passport for US Citizens

We can’t definitively say one country is the easiest second passport for US citizens. It depends on each individual’s situation, ancestry, investment capacity, and willingness to live abroad. We’ve divided this article into sections so you can make the best decision for yourself:

• Easiest countries for US citizens to get citizenship through ancestry
• Easiest countries for US citizens to get citizenship through investment
• Easiest countries for US citizens to get citizenship through residency

Each country you see listed has dual citizenship agreements with the United States of America. For each country, we’ve also included data to help decide if that destination is right for you:

• Passport power ranking (sourced from Henley & Partners and Passport Index)
• Cost of living (data from Numbeo)
• Freedom ranking (sourced from Freedom House)
• Cost to obtain citizenship
• Time to obtain citizenship
• Link to start the process

Now, let’s cover the easiest countries for US citizens to obtain citizenship:

Easiest Second Passport for US Citizens through Ancestry

Thanks to your family history, you may be eligible for citizenship in another country. Making the most of your ancestry is one of the easiest ways to get a second passport.

Italy

An estimated 16 million people in the United States, or 4.8% of the population, have Italian ancestry. This makes Italy a great choice for many Americans looking to obtain a second passport.

• Passport power ranking: 2nd (tie) (Henley & Partners); 3rd (tie) (Passport Index)
• Cost of living: 56.2 (New York City is 100)
• Freedom ranking: 90 (FREE)
• Cost to obtain citizenship: 300 euros fee
• Time to obtain citizenship: ~6 months—2 years
• Link to start the process: Citizenship by Descent (The Consulate General of Italy in New York)

What’s the essential requirement for Italian citizenship by descent?

Per the Consulate General of Italy, “the Italian ancestor who emigrated abroad must have been born in Italy after March 17th, 1861(when the Kingdom of Italy was proclaimed), or after their place of birth had been annexed to the Kingdom of Italy.”

3 notable benefits of becoming a citizen of Italy

1. Visa-free travel to 192 countries
2. EU citizenship and the ability to live, work, and study anywhere in the European Union
3. Access to low-cost, high-quality healthcare and education

Ireland

According to the latest census, approximately 31 million Americans, or 9% of the country, have ancestral ties to Ireland. Since Ireland has a citizenship by descent pathway, the Emerald Isle is among the easiest countries for US citizens to get second citizenship.

• Passport power ranking: 3rd (tie) (Henley & Partners); 3rd (tie) (Passport Index)
• Cost of living: 64.4 (New York City is 100)
• Freedom ranking: 97 (FREE)
• Cost to obtain citizenship: 278 euros fee
• Time to obtain citizenship: ~9 months—2 years
• Link to start the process: Foreign Birth Register

What’s the essential requirement for Irish citizenship by descent?

Per the Irish Department of Foreign Affairs, “if you or your parent were born on the island of Ireland before 2005, you are an Irish citizen” and “if your parent was an Irish citizen when you were born, you can apply for Irish citizenship through the Foreign Birth Register.” If a grandparent was born on the island of Ireland, “you can become an Irish citizen through Foreign Birth Registration.”

3 notable benefits of becoming a citizen of Ireland

1. Visa-free travel to 191 countries
2. EU citizenship and the ability to live, work, and study anywhere in the European Union
3. Access to low-cost, high-quality healthcare and education

Easiest Second Passport for US Citizens through Investment

An immigration investment scheme does require upfront capital, however, it is often the fastest and easiest way for US citizens to get a second passport.

Dominica

Dominica makes the list of the easiest countries for US citizenship to get citizenship thanks to a fast, comparatively low-cost immigration investment program. A safe, gorgeous country in the Caribbean, Dominica offers residents access to unspoiled nature and exhilarating outdoor activities from diving to hiking.

• Passport power ranking: 32nd (Henley & Partners); 33rd (tie) (Passport Index)
• Cost of living: $1,500 to $2,000 monthly for a single person (Global Citizens Solutions data)
• Freedom ranking: 93 (FREE)
• Cost to obtain citizenship: $200,000 investment or donation
• Time to obtain citizenship: ~3—6 months
• Link to start the process: Applying for Citizenship by Investment of Dominica

What’s the essential requirement for Dominica citizenship by investment?

Choose one of these two options:

1. Make a $200,000 non-refundable contribution to the Economic Development Fund ($250,000 if you have up to 3 qualifying dependents);
2. Make a real estate purchase of $200,000 or more in an approved project. Note the real estate investment can be sold after 3-5 years, which means your initial investment, plus any earnings, should be returned to you!

3 notable benefits of becoming a citizen of Dominica

1. Visa-free travel to 145 countries, including Europe’s Schengen area, Brazil, China, United Kingdom, and other popular destinations
2. No residency requirement plus family inclusion (spouse, minor children, parents)
3. No capital gains or inheritance taxes

Antigua and Barbuda

Quintessentially Caribbean, Antigua and Barbuda features a vibrant culture, mellow vibes, beautiful beaches, and the bustling town of St. John. It’s also one of the easiest countries for US citizens to get citizenship, thanks to a streamlined investment program.

• Passport power ranking: 27th (Henley & Partners); 25th (tie) (Passport Index)
• Cost of living: $1,100 to $1,500 monthly for a single person (Global Citizen Solutions data)
• Freedom ranking: 85 (FREE)
• Cost to obtain citizenship: $230,000 contribution up to $300,000+ investment
• Time to obtain citizenship: ~3—6 months
• Link to start the process: Antigua and Barbuda Citizenship by Investment Programme

What’s the essential requirement for Antigua and Barbuda citizenship by investment?

Choose one of these four options:

1. Make a $230,000 non-refundable contribution to the National Development Fund.
2. Make a $260,000 non-refundable contribution to the University of the West Indies.
3. Make a real estate purchase of $300,000 or more in an approved project. Note the real estate investment can be sold after 5 years, which means your initial investment, plus any earnings, should be returned to you!
4. Purchase an eligible business for at least $1.5 million USD.

3 notable benefits of becoming a citizen of Antigua and Barbuda

1. Visa-free travel to 153 countries, including Europe’s Schengen area, Hong Kong, Singapore, and other popular destinations
2. Member of the Commonwealth (privileges in the UK and other member states)
3. No residency requirements (must visit at least once for 5 days after obtaining your passport)

Easiest Second Passport for US Citizens through Residency

Citizenship through residency is a cost-effective pathway to a second passport if you wish to move abroad full-time or at least for a good portion of each year. The nations listed here are the easiest countries for US citizens to get citizenship through residency as the time from resident visa to citizenship is much shorter than other countries.

Argentina

Argentina’s naturalization process is among the fastest in the world. Considering Argentina is one of the best places to live in Latin America, the country is worth considering if you’re looking for second citizenship.

• Passport power ranking: 17th (tie) (Henley & Partners); 12th (Passport Index)
• Cost of living: 29.4 (New York City is 100)
• Freedom ranking: 85 (FREE)
• Cost to obtain citizenship: Costs associated with continuous residency in the country
• Time to obtain citizenship: Apply for citizenship after 2 years of continuous legal residence
• Link to start the process: US citizens can visit without a visa for up to 90 days. First, enter Argentina, then apply for a residence visa in the country.

What’s the essential requirement for Argentine citizenship by residency?

Reside as a temporary or permanent resident in Argentina for two continuous years. After two years, you can apply for citizenship. You must appear before a federal judge to express your desire to become a citizen of Argentina.

3 notable benefits of becoming a citizen of Argentina

1. Access to affordable, high-quality healthcare
2. Visa-free travel to 172 countries, including Europe’s Schengen area, Japan, United Arab Emirates, and other popular destinations
3. Low-cost and relatively safe (that’s why it’s on our list of the best geoarbitrage destinations)

Peru

Peru’s naturalization process is also among the fastest in the world. Plus, with the Andes, an epic coastline, and amazing history and culture, it’s a country that you could truly love calling home.

• Passport power ranking: 34th (tie) (Henley & Partners); 21st (tie) (Passport Index)
• Cost of living: 30.0 (New York City is 100)
• Freedom ranking: 66 (PARTLY FREE)
• Cost to obtain citizenship: Costs associated with continuous residency in the country
• Time to obtain citizenship: Apply for citizenship after 2 years of continuous legal residence
• Link to start the process: US citizens can visit without a visa for up to 183 days. First, enter Peru, then apply for a residence visa in the country.

What’s the essential requirement for Peruvian citizenship by residency?

Reside in Peru legally for two consecutive years. Then, you’re eligible to apply for citizenship. Note you must have at least intermediate Spanish skills as the citizenship interview will be conducted in Spanish.

3 notable benefits of becoming a citizen of Peru

1. Freedom to work and live in Colombia, Bolivia, Ecuador, Brazil, Argentina, Paraguay, and Uruguay.
2. Visa-free travel to 141 countries, including South Africa, Russia, Europe’s Schengen area, and more
3. Low-cost and relatively safe (that’s why it’s on our list of the best geoarbitrage destinations)

Wrapping Up: Easiest Countries for US Citizens to Get Citizenship

This list of the easiest countries for US citizens to get citizens covers various pathways to getting that second passport, including through ancestry, investment, and naturalization/residency. What pathway you choose depends on your family history, financial situation, ability to live abroad, and other personal factors.

We’ll be adding more countries and categories, so check this article periodically for updates. Do you have a country to add to the list? Join us on our Facebook and start the conversation!

About the Author

Nick Callos has always had a passion for reading, writing, and discovering the new and unknown. Originally from Cincinnati, Ohio, Nick holds a Bachelor’s Degree in English from Boston College. He currently splits his time between his hometown, Chengdu, China, and the open road. A full-time travel writer, Nick hopes his work can inspire others to explore the world more deeply and enjoy the digital nomad lifestyle.

Featured image by Spencer Davis on Unsplash