For various reasons, individuals and families may seek to obtain a second passport or citizenship, ranging from increased global mobility and better educational opportunities to securing financial and personal freedom. In this article, we will explore the world’s easiest passports and citizenships to obtain in 2023, focusing on countries with streamlined processes, investment programs, or lenient residency requirements.
- Dominica
Dominica, a Caribbean nation, offers one of the easiest and most affordable citizenship by investment programs. Applicants can obtain citizenship by either investing a minimum of $100,000 in the country’s Economic Diversification Fund or purchasing government-approved real estate worth at least $200,000. Processing times are relatively quick, usually between 3 to 6 months, and there is no requirement to reside in Dominica before or after obtaining citizenship.
- St. Kitts and Nevis
The St. Kitts and Nevis Citizenship by Investment program is another attractive option in the Caribbean. To qualify, applicants must either invest a minimum of $150,000 in the country’s Sustainable Growth Fund or purchase government-approved real estate worth at least $200,000. The program does not require applicants to reside in the country, and processing times are generally between 3 to 6 months.
- Malta
The Malta Citizenship by Investment program, also known as the Malta Individual Investor Programme (MIIP), offers a streamlined path to European citizenship. Applicants must invest at least €600,000 in the country, contribute €10,000 to a registered philanthropic organization, and rent or purchase property in Malta. The program typically takes 12 to 14 months to process and grants successful applicants and their families access to the European Union.
- Portugal
Portugal’s Golden Visa program is an accessible route to citizenship for individuals who invest in the country. Options for investment include purchasing real estate worth at least €500,000, investing €350,000 in research activities, or creating at least 10 jobs through a business investment. After five years of legal residency, applicants can apply for Portuguese citizenship, which grants access to the European Union.
- Turkey
Turkey offers a Citizenship by Investment program that allows applicants to obtain Turkish citizenship through various investment options, such as purchasing real estate worth at least $400,000, investing $500,000 in government bonds, or creating 50 jobs through a business investment. The program has a relatively short processing time of 3 to 6 months and does not require applicants to reside in Turkey.
Conclusion
In 2023, the easiest passports and citizenships to obtain are offered by countries with streamlined processes and investment programs, such as Dominica, St. Kitts and Nevis, Malta, Portugal, and Turkey. These nations provide an opportunity for individuals and families to secure a second passport or citizenship, granting them increased global mobility, access to better educational opportunities, and enhanced financial and personal freedom. However, it is essential to consider factors such as personal circumstances, investment risks, and long-term goals before pursuing a second passport or citizenship through these programs.