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 Countries to Get Citizenship as an American

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
• Easiest countries for US citizens to get citizenship through the Golden Visa program

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

Spain

There are nearly 1 million Americans with direct ancestry to Spain, according to Pew Research. If you have a Spanish parent or grandparent, or in some cases a great-grandparent, Spain is one of the easiest countries to get citizenship as an American. Plus, with consistent rankings at the top for quality of life, especially for work-life balance, health, and social connections, Spain is the perfect country for getting a second passport.

• Passport power ranking: 2nd (tie) (Henley & Partners); 2nd (Passport Index)
• Cost of living: 47.3 (New York City is 100)
• Freedom ranking: 90 (FREE)
• Cost to obtain citizenship: 200+ Euros in fees (plus travel to the consulate/embassy)
• Time to obtain citizenship: ~1—2 years
• Link to start the process: Application in person at a Spanish embassy or consulate in your country where your domiciled (List of Spain’s Consulate and Embassies in the USA)

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

There are citizenship laws that Spain has implemented to offer citizenship by ancestry, notably:

• Historical Memory Law “provides for a special procedure for acquiring Spanish nationality by option, for the benefit of descendants of Spanish nationals who were exiled during the Spanish Civil War and the dictatorship.”
• Democratic Memory offers “those born outside Spain to a father or mother, grandfather or grandmother who were originally Spanish and who, as a result of being forced into exile due to political or ideological reasons, reasons of religious belief, or sexual orientation and identity, lost or renounced their Spanish nationality.”

If you have a parent or grandparent who left Spain, you have a route to citizenship with proper documentation and proof.

3 notable benefits of becoming a citizen of Spain

1. Visa-free travel to 192 countries and destinations
2. EU citizenship and the ability to live, work, and study anywhere in the European Union
3. Access to affordable, 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)

Malta

From scuba diving and the Mediterranean views to the glorious history and prehistoric temples, Malta offers incredible variety across its archipelago. The country is full of places to call home for expats, such as the vibrant town of Sliema and the capital city of Valletta. With an efficient residency by investment program, Malta is also one of the easiest countries to get citizenship as an American. It’s the only program of its kind in the EU’s Schengen area.

• Passport power ranking: 7th (tie) (Henley & Partners); 8th (tie) (Passport Index)
• Cost of living: 52.8 (New York City is 100)
• Freedom ranking: 87 (FREE)
• Cost to obtain citizenship: Minimum of 600,000 Euros
• Time to obtain citizenship: ~12 months – 5+ years (depends on type of investment)
• Link to start the process: Acquisition of Citizenship Application

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

Fulfill the following prerequisites:

1. Contribute at least 600,000 Euros for a residence period of 36+ months. OR, contribute at least 750,00 Euros for expedited processing time and residence period of 12+ months. NOTE that residency is required.
2. Purchase a residential property worth at least 700,000 Euros (must be held for 5 years). Alternatively, you can lease a property with a rental value of 16,000 Euros annually (a cheaper option).
3. Donate at least 10,000 Euros to a registered cultural, scientific, philanthropic or sport organization.

3 notable benefits of becoming a citizen of Malta

1. EU citizenship, which includes access to affordable, high-quality healthcare and education and the right to live and work across the region.
2. Visa-free travel to approximately 190 destinations, including Canada, Japan, Brazil, and other popular destinations.
3. Maltese tax residency, which is quite favorable for businesses and entrepreneurs.

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)

Canada

Oh, Canada! Whether you’re on a wild, moose-spotting road or having the meal of a lifetime in Vancouver, this country charms like no other. With a stable political climate, thriving economy, strong human rights, and efficient immigration process, it’s also one of the best and easiest countries to get citizenship as an American.

• Passport power ranking: 7th (tie) (Henley & Partners); 8th (tie) (Passport Index)
• Cost of living: 64.8 (New York City is 100)
• Freedom ranking: 97 (FREE)
• Cost to obtain citizenship: $1500+ in fees (plus costs associated with continuous residency in the country)
• Time to obtain citizenship: Apply for citizenship after 3 years of legal residence in the country (must be at least 1,095 days out of last 5 years)
• Link to start the process: Apply for Canadian Citizenship

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

First, you must enter and live in Canada as a permanent resident for 3+ years. The fastest way is through the Express Entry program, which is for skilled workers to live and work in the country. If applicable, Family Sponsorship is another option to gain residency. A Startup Visa is an option for entrepreneurs.

View the full list of Ways to Immigrate to Canada. 

Before applying for citizenship, you must also show at least 3 years of tax returns within the last 5 years.

3 notable benefits of becoming a citizen of Canada

1. Eligibility for government programs and benefits, such as free healthcare and social security
2. Visa-free travel to 187 countries and destinations, including Europe’s Schengen area, Argentina, New Zealand and more
3. The right to vote in elections

Easiest Second Passport for US Citizens through Golden Visa Programs

During your search for the easiest countries to get citizenship as an American, you may encounter what’s known as Golden Visa programs. Depending on your situation, this may be the more accessible path. Typically, it involves some sort of investment in the country, most often a real estate purchase, to obtain permanent residency status. Take a look at the best countries for citizenship through the Golden Visa pathway below.

Greece

Greece, the cradle of Western civilization, stands as one of the most attractive destinations worldwide for retirees, digital nomads, and anyone else looking for global adventure. If you’re eyeing the easiest countries to get citizenship as an American, consider Greece. The Golden Visa program offers a clear route to citizenship, starting with an investment that’s much lower than similar programs in Europe.

• Passport power ranking: 5th (tie) (Henley & Partners); 3rd (tie) (Passport Index)
• Cost of living: 52.0 (New York City is 100)
• Freedom ranking: 85 (FREE)
• Cost to obtain citizenship: Costs vary depending on type of investment. Note that you see return on investment with most of these purchases; you can even rent out the property you own.
  • Select one of the following real estate purchases or investments: 
    • At least 250,000 Euros in approved real estate projects
    • At least 400,000 Euros for an investment property purchase (800,000 if buying in Athens, Thessaloniki or larger islands)
    • Capital contribution of at least 500,000 Euros in a real estate investment company or mutual fund

OR

• • Select one of the following financial products:
    • A fixed-term deposit of at least 500,000 Euros in a Greek bank
    • Purchase at least 500,000 Euros in Greek government bonds (maturity of 3+ years)
• Time to obtain citizenship: Residence of 7 years (at least 183 days of physical residence each year)
• Link to start the process: Greece Golden Visa Application

What’s the essential requirement for Greek citizenship through the Golden Visa?

First, you must obtain a Golden Visa with an approved economic investment. To apply for citizenship, you must have the residency visa for at least 7 years, with physical presence in the country for at least half the time. You must have knowledge of the Greek language and country’s history and culture to pass the citizenship test.

3 notable benefits of becoming a citizen of Greece

1. Visa-free travel to 189 countries and destinations, including Europe’s Schengen area, South Africa, Colombia, and many more nations
2. EU citizenship and the right to live and work across the region
3. Access to quality affordable healthcare and education

Portugal

Portugal consistently ranks among the top destinations for vacation, remote workers, and retirees. With strong human rights, wonderful climate, an affordable cost of living, and great work-life balance, the country is a great choice for a second home. Portugal’s highly popular Golden Visa program also makes it among the easiest countries to get citizenship as an American.

• Passport power ranking: 4th (tie) (Henley & Partners); 3rd (tie) (Passport Index)
• Cost of living: 45.1 (New York City is 100)
• Freedom ranking: 96 (FREE)
• Cost to obtain citizenship: Costs vary depending on type of investment. Choose one of the options below. Note that you see return on investment with the investment purchase.
  • 500,000+ Euros in an investment fund for at least 5 years
    OR
  • 500,000+ Euros supporting research of a public or private firm (400,000+ for low population area)
    OR
  • 250,000+ Euros supporting cultural heritage projects or artistic productions (200,000+ for low population area)
• Time to obtain citizenship: Residence of 5 years (only a total of 35 days of physical presence is needed in Portugal during the 5 years)
• Link to start the process: Portugal Residence Permit for Investment Activities

What’s the essential requirement for Portuguese citizenship through the Golden Visa?

First, you must obtain a Golden Visa with an approved economic investment. To apply for citizenship, you must have the residency visa for at least 5 years, with physical presence in the country for at least 14 days during the two years and 21 days over the next 3 years. You must have knowledge of the Portuguese language and country’s history and culture to pass the citizenship test.

3 notable benefits of becoming a citizen of Portugal

1. Visa-free travel to 190 countries and destinations, including Europe’s Schengen area, Morocco, Thailand, and many more nations
2. EU citizenship and the right to live and work across the region
3. Access to quality healthcare and education at a low cost

Cyprus

With beautiful beaches, a Mediterranean climate, and compelling culture and landscape, Cyprus is an ideal location to settle down and just live. The country offers a safe environment, with little tax pressure and wonderful work-life balance. If you’re on a search for the easiest countries to get citizenship as an American, Cyprus’s Golden Visa program is a great option.

• Passport power ranking: 13th (Henley & Partners); 9th (Passport Index)
• Cost of living: 54.7 (New York City is 100)
• Freedom ranking: 92 (FREE)
• Cost to obtain citizenship: Costs vary depending on type of investment. Choose one of the options below. Note that you see return on investment with a real estate purchase.
  • Real estate purchase of at least 300,000 Euros (up to 2 properties)
    OR
  • Investment of at least 300,000 Euros in shares in a Cyprus company that employs at least 5 people
    OR
  • Investment of at least 300,000 Euros in units of the Cyprus Investment Funds Association
• Time to obtain citizenship: Residence of 7 years (must at least visit the country every two years to maintain your permanent residence; you also need continuous 365-day residence for the last year or Golden Visa residency prior to application)
• Link to start the process: Immigration Permit for Investors

What’s the essential requirement for Cypriot citizenship through the Golden Visa?

First, you must obtain a Golden Visa with an approved economic investment. To apply for citizenship, you must have the residency visa for at least 7 years, with continuous physical presence in the country for the last year (before you apply for citizenship). You must have Greek language proficiency and knowledge of Cyprus culture to pass the citizenship test.

3 notable benefits of becoming a citizen of Cyprus

1. Visa-free travel to 179 countries and destinations, including Europe’s Schengen area, Canada, Singapore, and many more nations
2. EU citizenship and the right to live and work across the region
3. Access to quality healthcare and low taxes

Wrapping Up: Easiest Countries to Get Citizenship as an American

This list of the easiest countries for US citizens to get citizenship covers various pathways to getting that second passport, including through ancestry, investment, naturalization/residency and the Golden Visa pathway. 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