Easiest Countries to Get Citizenship and Dual Nationality
Obtaining dual citizenship allows you to gain the citizenship advantages of more than one country. It offers a number of benefits, including more travel opportunities, residential options, and professional openings.
However, navigating the citizenship application process, and fulfilling the immigration criteria, can often be complicated. Contact Total Law online today or on +44 (0) 333 305 9375 to learn more about our services and get started on your own dual nationality journey.
Dual Citizenship: Overview
Obtaining citizenship of a second country offers numerous advantages.
It can provide access to a stronger passport, a new environment in which to permanently settle, and the ability to participate in another country’s elections.
Additionally, there are many routes to obtaining dual citizenship. While some people obtain citizenship by marriage, for example, others obtain it via their ancestry or through living and working in the country in question for a sufficient period of time.
The specific routes and requirements will depend on the country in question; many countries require prospective citizens to satisfy a minimum language and cultural knowledge requirement, for example.
It is also important to note that not all countries allow their citizens to hold citizenship of more than one country at once. As such, it is important to check the specific rules and regulations relating to your situation before obtaining citizenship from any additional countries.
Page Contents
- Dual Citizenship: Overview
- Comparison of Citizenship Rules Across Countries
- Ireland
- Spain
- Portugal
- Canada
- Germany
- United Kingdom
- United States
- Italy
- Easiest Countries to Get Citizenship by Descent
- Easiest Countries to Get Citizenship by Naturalisation
- Avoiding Double Taxation with Dual Citizenship
- Countries with the Easiest Citizenship by Investment
- How Can Total Law Help?
- Frequently Asked Questions
Comparison of Citizenship Rules Across Countries
Many countries around the world are popular dual citizenship options. Numerous factors may make a country appealing for dual citizenship, such as if it is a safe and stable country in which to settle, if it offers a strong passport, or if it boasts a strong economy with numerous professional opportunities.
There are a number of routes to obtaining citizenship of a new country, such as citizenship through investment, naturalisation, or ancestry.
In the following sections, a number of popular dual citizenship options will be explored in more detail, specifically Ireland, Spain, Portugal, Canada, Germany, the United Kingdom, the United States, and Italy. Each of these countries offers a number of routes to dual citizenship status, although some offer more than others.
Ireland
Ireland is an EU country which boasts a thriving culture, numerous areas of natural beauty, and many professional opportunities. As such, it is a popular choice for those pursuing dual citizenship.
Popular locations within Ireland include Dublin, Galway, and Cork, all of which provide a rich local culture and close proximity to nature.
There are also a number of routes to obtaining citizenship of Ireland. If you have an Irish parent or grandparent, for example, you can obtain Irish citizenship by descent. If you have lived legally in Ireland for at least 5 years or are married to an Irish citizen, you may be eligible for citizenship via naturalisation.
Ireland does allow dual citizenship, meaning that you can retain your original citizenship after becoming an Irish citizen, provided that your country of origin also allows dual citizenship status.
Spain
Spain is another popular choice for those looking to obtain citizenship of a new country. Popular areas for new arrivals include Madrid for its rich cultural scene, Barcelona for its famous architecture, and the Costa del Sol for its beautiful beaches.
If you have legally been residing in Spain for at least 10 years or are married to a Spanish citizen and have resided in Spain for at least 1 year, you may be able to obtain Spanish citizenship through one of these routes. Note that the 10-year residency requirement reduces to 2 years if you are a citizen of a Latin American country, Andorra, the Philippines, Equatorial Guinea or Portugal (or if you are of Sephardic origin).
Alternatively, if you have either a Spanish parent or grandparent, you may be eligible for Spanish citizenship through ancestry.
Before applying for Spanish citizenship, it is important to note that Spain does not generally allow dual citizenship, meaning that you may need to relinquish your original citizenship status in order to become a Spanish citizen. However, there are some exceptions to this; citizens of Latin American countries are generally allowed to obtain dual Spanish citizenship, for instance, largely owing to the historical colonial ties between the countries.
Portugal
Portugal is also a popular choice for those looking to obtain citizenship of a new country. Located in the EU, it boasts famous architecture, numerous areas of natural beauty, and convenient travel connections to the rest of Europe. Popular spots include Lisbon for its world-famous streets and excellent food scene and Porto for its authentic Portuguese charm.
If you have lived legally in Portugal for at least 5 years or are married to a Portuguese citizen, you may be able to naturalise as a citizen of Portugal. Citizenship via descent is also a common option if you have a Portuguese parent or grandparent.
Portugal also offers a route to citizenship by investment, although this is not a direct citizenship route and has also been tightened in recent years. To access this route to eventual Portuguese citizenship, you will need to first obtain an Investment visa through investing a sufficient amount in the Portuguese economy, such as at least €500,000 in investment funds. Upon legally residing in Portugal for at least 5 years under this visa, you may then be eligible to apply for Portuguese citizenship, provided that you also satisfy the additional eligibility criteria.
Portugal does allow dual citizenship, meaning you can obtain Portuguese citizenship and still retain your citizenship of origin, provided that your country of origin also allows this.
Canada
Canada is another popular dual nationality choice. The country boasts beautiful landscapes, a rich culture, and a convenient North American location. Popular spots include Toronto, Quebec, and Vancouver.
There are a number of routes to Canadian citizenship. If you have lived in Canada for at least 5 years, you may be eligible for Canadian citizenship through this route. You may also be able to obtain Canadian citizenship if either your parent or grandparent is a Canadian citizen; if either parent is a Canadian citizen, for example, it is likely that you are automatically a Canadian citizen, in which case you can apply for a Canadian citizenship certificate.
Canada allows dual citizenship, meaning you do not need to relinquish your original citizenship in order to obtain citizenship of Canada, assuming your country of origin also allows dual citizenship.
Germany
Germany is an economically thriving EU country which is a popular choice for relocation. As such, many choose to pursue German dual nationality. Germany offers a rich culture, beautiful nature, numerous professional opportunities, and strong travel connections to the rest of the European Union.
Popular destinations within Germany include Berlin for its many cultural opportunities, Munich for its beautiful architecture and cultural charm, and Hamburg for its numerous professional openings.
Germany also offers a number of routes to citizenship. If you have lived legally in Germany for an eligible period of time and have permanent settlement status, you may be able to apply to become a German citizen. If you are married to a German citizen, for example, the minimum residency period is 4 years. If you have German parents or grandparents, you may also be eligible for German citizenship status.
Germany does allow dual citizenship, following recent changes making it easier for new German citizens to retain their original citizenship.
United Kingdom
The UK is a popular relocation destination and many such individuals eventually seek UK citizenship, meaning that many dual citizens reside within the UK. Becoming a citizen of the UK offers a range of benefits, such as a strong passport, access to a strong job market, and the ability to settle permanently in a country with numerous areas of natural beauty.
Popular locations in the UK include London for its numerous professional opportunities and cultural pastimes, Bristol for its close proximity to areas of natural beauty, and Edinburgh for its rich culture and beautiful architecture.
The UK also offers a number of routes to citizenship. If you are married to a British citizen, you can generally apply for British citizenship after living in the UK for at least 3 years and obtaining ‘indefinite leave to remain’ status. In the case of naturalising as a British citizen after living in the UK on a Work visa, you generally need to live permanently in the UK for at least 5 years and to then hold permanent settlement status for at least 1 year.
The UK is another country which does permit dual citizenship status, meaning that you can hold UK citizenship alongside citizenship of another country, assuming that other country also allows dual citizenship.
United States
The US is another popular country for those seeking dual citizenship and so it contains many dual citizens. Settling in the US offers numerous advantages, such as the possibility of high purchasing power, access to a strong job market, and a choice of different cultural environments.
Popular locations within the US include New York for its lively culture and world-renowned food scene, Washington DC for its political and cultural significance, and Seattle for its thriving tech scene.
The US offers a number of routes to citizenship. For one, the US offers birth right citizenship, meaning that if you are born in the US then you are automatically a US citizen. You can also obtain US citizenship through an American parent, marrying a US citizen, or living in the US for a sufficient period on an eligible route.
The US does allow dual citizenship, so you can hold US citizenship alongside the citizenship of another country. However, you must ensure that your country of original citizenship also allows dual citizenship; you may otherwise need to renounce your original citizenship before becoming a citizen of the US.
Italy
Many individuals around the world seek Italian citizenship, especially those with Italian ancestral roots. Italy is an EU country which offers many benefits, such as beautiful countryside and beaches, excellent food, and a rich national culture.
Popular spots include Rome for its rich history and beautiful architecture, Milan for its rich local culture, and Florence for its world-famous beauty.
Italy provides a number of routes to Italian citizenship. Citizenship by marriage is a common route, in which case you must generally have lived in Italy for 2 years. For citizenship by naturalisation, you will otherwise generally have to reside in Italy for at least 10 years, with some exceptions for EU citizens.
While Italy has historically had very permissive citizenship-by-descent rules, these have recently been tightened, although it is still generally possible to obtain Italian citizenship on the basis of an Italian parent or grandparent.
Italy does allow dual citizenship, meaning you can hold Italian citizenship alongside citizenship from another country, in cases where that other country also allows dual citizenship.
Easiest Countries to Get Citizenship by Descent
Most countries offer citizenship by descent. However, the specific familial relations which are required for citizenship-by-descent eligibility vary from country to country.
Ireland is one country which is considered to have more accessible citizenship by descent rules, as you are able to obtain Irish citizenship based on an Irish grandparent even if your parents do not have Irish citizenship.
Italy is another country considered to have relatively permissive citizenship-by-descent rules, although recent changes have made them more restrictive.
Where previously a claim could generally be made on the basis of a great grandparent, claims are now limited to applicants who have either a parent or grandparent of Italian descent, provided that a number of additional eligibility criteria are also met.
Easiest Countries to Get Citizenship by Naturalisation
Different countries offer different routes to naturalisation and the difficulty varies significantly between routes. In general, for example, citizenship via marriage provides a fast-track route to citizenship, with countries like Spain offering citizenship to the spouses of Spanish citizens after 1 year of residence (provided that the applicant meets a number of additional criteria).
Countries which offer an Investment visa (also known as a Golden visa) also generally provide an easier route to citizenship, provided that the applicant is able to satisfy the investment threshold. Countries like Portugal, Greece, Malta, Turkey, and Dominica all offer a route to citizenship via investment, though the exact investment amounts vary by country and route.
Certain Business visas also provide an expedited route to permanent settlement status, such as the UK’s Innovator Founder visa, which allows the holder to apply for indefinite leave to remain after 3 years of UK residence.
Avoiding Double Taxation with Dual Citizenship
In some cases, you may gain additional tax obligations upon obtaining citizenship of a new country. For example, US citizens are required to file US taxes even if they are not currently residing on US territory.
In order to avoid double taxation, you should make sure to research the tax obligations which you will accrue before obtaining citizenship of an additional country.
Contact Total Law today on +44 (0) 333 305 9375 for more information on what tax obligations are likely to apply to your specific circumstances.
Countries with the Easiest Citizenship by Investment
A number of countries offer citizenship by investment programs, and some countries offer more accessible routes than others through accepting a lower minimum investment amount.
Portugal is one of the most popular options for those pursuing citizenship by investment. Whilst it recently restricted its property ownership investment route to citizenship, there are other investment routes which allow investors to obtain a Golden visa, providing a path to permanent settlement and to eventual Portuguese citizenship.
For example, individuals who invest at least €500,000 in an eligible Portuguese investment or venture capital fund can obtain a Golden visa and eventual permanent settlement status, after which point they can apply for Portuguese citizenship.
Turkey is another such example. Purchasing Turkish real estate worth at least $400,000 provides a direct route to Turkish citizenship, for example, with no residency requirement, although there are restrictions on how quickly you can resell the property.
Dominica is another more accessible route, providing a path to citizenship for those who invest at least $200,000 in the Economic Diversification Fund. It is also possible to include family members in your path to citizenship, provided that you increase your investment amount.
Overall, while not all countries provide a direct route to citizenship via investment, many offer Investment visas which can eventually lead to citizenship. The country which is right for you will depend on numerous factors, including your budget, preferred global location, and time frame. You may be able to acquire citizenship through investment even in the absence of a direct route.
How Can Total Law Help?
Dual citizenship is a popular option for those with strong familial or residential connections to a country other than their country of origin. Obtaining dual nationality allows the holder to gain the benefits of more than one county’s citizenship status, generally meaning greater professional, travel, and residential opportunities.
However, the rules surrounding dual citizenship can be complicated, with not all countries allowing their citizens to hold simultaneous citizenship of another country. At Total Law, our legal experts are adept at helping our clients to navigate situations exactly like this, and can help to ensure that your route to dual citizenship runs as smoothly as possible. Contact us online today or on +44 (0) 333 305 9375 to learn more about our full range of services and to ensure that your own journey to dual citizenship is as seamless as possible.
Advice Package
Comprehensive immigration advice tailored to your circumstances and goals.
Application Package
Designed to make your visa application as smooth and stress-free as possible.
Fast Track Package
Premium application service that ensures your visa application is submitted to meet your deadline.
Appeal Package
Ensure you have the greatest chance of a successful appeal. We will represent you in any case.
The Advice Package
During this untimed Advice Session with our professional immigration lawyers in London, you will receive our comprehensive advice, completely tailored to your needs and your situation.
The Application Package
With our Application Package, your dedicated immigration lawyer will advise you on your application process and eligibility. Your caseworker will then complete and submit your forms to the Home Office on your behalf.
The Fast Track Package
Our Fast-Track Application Package is a premium service for those who need to submit their application in time with their deadlines. Your case will become a top priority for our lawyers and you will benefit from our highest-quality services.
The Appeal Package
By choosing our Appeal Package, you can rely on our lawyers’ legal knowledge and experience to ensure you have the highest chance of a successful appeal. We will also fully represent you in any hearings/tribunals.
Related pages for your continued reading.
Frequently Asked Questions
Holding triple citizenship allows you to obtain the citizenship benefits of more than 3 countries. It allows you to obtain a higher number of passports – meaning more travel opportunities – and to permanently settle in a higher number of cities. As such, being a citizen of 3 countries increases the opportunities which are available to you and your family.
The number of citizenship statuses for which you are eligible will depend on numerous factors, such as your parents’ citizenship(s), your country of residence, and your country of birth.
Note that not all countries allow citizenship of more than one country, however. Make sure to check the citizenship rules of all the relevant countries before pursuing triple citizenship.
The US allows its citizens to have citizenship of 2 or more countries simultaneously. As such, provided that the other countries involved also allow multiple simultaneous citizenship statuses, US citizens should be able to secure citizenship of 2 or more countries, provided they satisfy the additional citizenship eligibility criteria.
Obtaining dual citizenship sometimes comes with additional legal implications. For example, one thing to keep in mind when securing dual citizenship is that you may incur tax obligations upon becoming a citizen.
For example, US citizens must pay US tax even if they do not reside on US territory. This is an important consideration when deciding whether or not to pursue citizenship of the US.
For more information on the legal implications of your particular dual citizenship route, contact Total Law today on +44 (0) 333 305 9375.
A number of countries across the globe do not generally allow their citizens to hold dual citizenship status. This includes China, India, Singapore, Oman, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, Indonesia, Iran, and Nepal. While some of these countries may allow limited exceptions, they do not generally allow their citizens to hold more than 1 citizenship status at once.
There are numerous reasons why countries may not allow their citizens to hold citizenship of any additional countries, such as concern for national loyalty or potential conflicts of interest regarding national security. This is likely to be especially pronounced in countries where citizens must complete a mandatory period of military service, for instance.
