Want a second passport? These countries offer the fastest and easiest options for citizenship—and are the best countries for Americans to move to right now.
Dreaming of moving abroad? You’re not alone. Interest in the easiest countries to get citizenship has been spiking since the November election, as Americans seek increased mobility, financial security and a long-term escape plan.
International Living recently published a report that identifies the fastest ways for Americans to get dual citizenship (and the easiest countries) in 2025. And according to Ted Baumann, global diversification expert at International Living, the trend isn’t just about politics or who is in White House—it’s about stability, opportunity and options for the future.
“My metaphorical phone has been ringing off the hook,” Baumann said in the report.
And while there are plenty of ways to move abroad, Baumann points out that “there’s only one way to do it that gives you permanent and unlimited rights to remain outside the U.S., keep your roots there and pass those rights on to your heirs.”
That answer is—getting a second passport. So how do you get dual citizenship? For Americans who are eager to expand their global options, there are three primary pathways.
Citizenship By Descent
According to International Living, one of the most straightforward and cost-effective ways to gain a second passport is through ancestry. “If one or more of your ancestors came from a country that grants it, it’s possible to claim citizenship by blood ties, going back as far as great-grandparents in some instances,” says Baumann. “In these cases, you are already a citizen of the country; you’re just getting it formally recognized.”
The process typically involves gathering official records—such as birth, marriage and death certificates—to prove lineage. Some countries have additional residency requirements, even speaking the language, while others simply require proof of ancestry.
In its report, International Living documents more than 20 countries where Americans can qualify for ancestral citizenship. Below is a list of some the easiest countries for citizenship by descent.
Italy
According to International Living, Italy stands out for its broad eligibility criteria, allowing unlimited claims. This means that even if your ancestors immigrated to the U.S. several generations ago, you may still qualify. The process can take time due to bureaucratic backlogs, but for people who qualify, it is a straightforward route to an EU passport with all the benefits of living and working in Europe
Ireland
International Living flags Ireland for one of the most accessible citizenship by descent programs—it allows claims if you have a grandparent and, in some cases, great-grandparents who were born in Ireland. Unlike Italy, the process is typically faster and more efficient.
Hungary
Hungary offers an expedited process, if you can prove Hungarian lineage and demonstrate basic language proficiency. Plus it can be completed more quickly than in many other European nations. Hungary’s membership in the EU also makes this a valuable passport to hold.
Poland
Poland recognizes citizenship by descent but typically limits it to great grandparents, says International Living. The process can be complex, as Polish authorities require extensive documentation proving an uninterrupted bloodline. However, for people who qualify, obtaining a Polish passport opens doors to EU residency and travel benefits.
Portugal
Portugal has one of the most flexible policies for citizenship by descent. While it generally applies to direct descendants of Portuguese citizens, the country has recently expanded its eligibility to include Sephardic Jews with Portuguese heritage.
Spain
Spain also offers citizenship by descent, according to International Living, but its process is more stringent. While it recognizes citizenship for people with Spanish-born parents, it typically requires additional proof for those claiming ancestry beyond the first generation. Spain also has a special pathway for Sephardic Jews, similar to Portugal’s program.
Citizenship By NaturaliSation
For Americans without ancestral ties, naturalization through residency is a viable option.
“Citizenship by naturalization involves living legally in the country for a set number of years, demonstrating familiarity with the language, sufficient resources to support oneself and sometimes a test on history, culture and the political system,” says Baumann.
Applicants may also need to demonstrate financial stability, integrate into the local culture, pass language exams and sometimes complete a citizenship test.
According to International Living, these are some of the easiest countries for citizenship by naturalization.
Argentina
Argentina offers one of the shortest naturalization periods in the world, granting citizenship after just two years of legal residency, according to International Living. While applicants must show strong ties to the country, such as employment or property ownership, Argentina’s lenient residency requirements make this an appealing option.
Peru
Like Argentina, Peru allows citizenship after just two years of residency, says International Living. The process is relatively simple compared to other South American nations, and the country’s cost of living makes it an attractive option for people seeking a quick and affordable pathway to a second passport.
Ecuador
According to International Living, Ecuador requires only three years of residency before foreigners can apply for citizenship. Its lower cost of living, friendly visa policies, and stable economy make it a practical option for expatriates looking to establish long-term residency before obtaining citizenship.
Paraguay
Paraguay also grants citizenship after three years of residency, says International Living. It is known for its straightforward residency process and relatively low investment requirements, making it a popular choice for people seeking a second passport with minimal bureaucracy.
Citizenship by Investment
For American who have the financial means, citizenship by investment offers the fastest and most direct path to a second passport, according to International Living.
“Some of these countries aren’t great places to live or be a citizen,” says Baumann. “But for travel flexibility, getting a passport this way can come in very handy.”
Many countries offer programs that allow individuals to obtain citizenship in exchange for making a significant financial contribution, whether through direct donations, real estate purchases or business investments. These programs are particularly attractive to those who want to bypass lengthy residency requirements and gain immediate global mobility.
According to International Living, these are some of the easiest countries for citizenship by investment.
Vanuatu
According to International Living, Vanuatu is the fastest option, offering citizenship in as little as two months with a minimum investment of $130,000. This Pacific island nation provides visa-free access to numerous countries, making it an attractive option for getting a quick passport.
Turkey
Turkey’s citizenship by investment program allows applicants to obtain a passport in three to four months with a real estate investment of at least $400,000, says International Living. The country’s strategic location and growing economy make it an appealing choice for investors.
Dominica
In the Caribbean, Dominica offers one of the most affordable citizenship by investment programs, according to International Living, granting passports within six months for a minimum investment of $200,000. This Caribbean island provides visa-free travel to numerous countries, making it a popular choice among investors.
St. Kitts & Nevis
The Caribbean islands of St. Kitts & Nevis have one of the longest-running citizenship by investment programs, allowing applicants to obtain a passport in approximately six months, says International Living. With a minimum investment of $200,000, it offers similar benefits to Dominica, including visa-free travel to many global destinations.
This story was originally published on forbes.com and all figures are in USD.
Look back on the week that was with hand-picked articles from Australia and around the world. Sign up to the Forbes Australia newsletter here or become a member here.
