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Many countries allow you to acquire permanent residency or citizenship. You can become a permanent resident via investments, marriage, naturalisation, etc. Some easiest countries to get citizenship to include Canada, New Zealand, Portugal, Thailand, Australia and Ireland.
Most people move abroad to improve their financial prospects and ultimately become citizens of that country. Becoming a permanent citizen of a new country requires you to fulfill certain obligations. You can typically acquire permanent citizenship through marriage, investments, and naturalisation, i.e., living and working in a country for a certain number of years. However, there are some countries that provide citizenship more easily than others. Consider this list of the easiest countries to get permanent residency or citizenship.
Citizenship by descent allows individuals to claim nationality through ancestral ties. This pathway is particularly advantageous for those with verifiable family links to countries that prioritize bloodline over birthplace.
Birthright citizenship (jus soli) is rare in most regions today, though a few countries, such as the United States and Canada, grant citizenship to individuals born on their soil.
Naturalisation typically requires residency, language proficiency, and integration into the host country’s society. Residency periods range from 2 to 10 years, depending on the jurisdiction.
Several nations offer fast-track citizenship in exchange for significant economic contributions, such as real estate purchases, donations, or job creation.
Italy’s citizenship-by-descent program is among the most accessible in the European Union. Under jus sanguinis, eligibility extends to descendants of Italian nationals born after March 17, 1861, regardless of generational distance.
Requirements:
Process:
Key Consideration: Maternal lineage claims are only valid for ancestors born after January 1, 1948, due to historical gender-discriminatory laws.
Ireland’s citizenship-by-descent program prioritizes close familial connections, requiring applicants to register with the Foreign Births Register (FBR). Ireland is celebrated among easy citizenship countries because its citizenship by descent process is efficient and family friendly.
Its streamlined FBR system makes it one of the easiest countries to get citizenship, while applicants benefit from clear guidelines and can manage their financial interests through an NRI Savings Account.
Eligibility:
Consideration: Applicants born before 2005 may qualify for automatic citizenship if their parent was an Irish citizen at birth
Hungary’s simplified naturalization process enables descendants of Hungarian citizens to reclaim citizenship without residency obligations. Hungary’s Citizenship by Naturalisation option is popular among those seeking easy citizenship countries.
Its efficient process rewards applicants with strong ancestral ties, and prospective citizens should consider organizing their financial affairs—such as maintaining an NRE Account—to support smooth integration post-naturalisation.
Key Consideration: Dual citizenship is permitted, making this pathway attractive for retaining original nationality.
Argentina offers one of the shortest naturalization timelines in Latin America. Recognized as one of the easiest countries to get citizenship in the region, Argentina’s citizenship by naturalisation program is both efficient and straightforward.
Its clear residency guidelines make it attractive, and applicants can benefit from maintaining an NRE Account to manage international finances seamlessly.
Process: Residency permits lead to citizenship applications, typically approved within 1–2 years.
Peru’s naturalization process favours spouses of citizens and long-term residents. Peru stands out among easy citizenship countries with a practical Citizenship by Naturalisation route, especially for expatriates and family members.
The process is cost-effective and encourages cultural integration, while savvy applicants may secure their financial stability through an NRI Savings Account during and after the transition.
Ecuador offers a relatively straightforward path to citizenship through naturalization. Ecuador is an attractive option among easy citizenship countries due to its balanced approach in the Citizenship by Naturalisation process.
With an emphasis on cultural integration and clear residency rules, it offers a viable route to citizenship. Maintaining an NRE Account. can also facilitate financial management during the transition
Key Consideration: Ecuador permits dual citizenship, allowing individuals to retain their original nationality.
Paraguay provides an accessible route to citizenship through naturalization. Paraguay is regarded as one of the easiest countries to get citizenship in South America due to its straightforward Citizenship by Naturalisation process.
Its investor-friendly policies appeal to many and managing financial assets via an NRI Savings Account can further streamline the journey toward full citizenship.
Key Consideration: Paraguay allows dual citizenship, enabling individuals to maintain their original nationality.
Portugal (Golden Visa Program)
Portugal’s Golden Visa remains a top choice for non-EU investors, offering residency and a pathway to citizenship. Portugal is a leading destination for Citizenship by Investment, renowned among easy citizenship countries for its streamlined process and clear investment criteria. Investors benefit from a stable legal framework and may also optimize their international portfolios by keeping an NRE Account active.
Vanuatu's Citizenship by Investment Program offers a swift route to citizenship. Vanuatu stands out as an efficient Citizenship by Investment option for high-net-worth individuals seeking rapid results. Its streamlined approach makes it one of the easiest countries to get citizenship, and applicants often benefit from managing offshore assets through an NRE Account.
Turkey’s Citizenship by Investment Program grants passports within 3–6 months. Turkey’s program is popular among investors looking for a swift Citizenship by Investment route. As one of the fastest processes available among easy citizenship countries, it offers lucrative benefits, and applicants can efficiently manage their finances through an NRE Account while capitalizing on Turkey’s strategic location.
Key Benefit: Visa-free access to 110+ countries, including Japan and Singapore.
Dominica's Citizenship by Investment Program is one of the longest-running schemes. Dominica’s program remains a favourite among investors due to its cost-effectiveness and streamlined process. It consistently ranks among easy citizenship countries and offers significant benefits for dual citizenship, with many applicants choosing to maintain an NRI Savings Account to support their global financial strategy.
Key Consideration: Dominica's program is known for its affordability and efficiency.
St. Kitts & Nevis has one of the oldest Citizenship by Investment Programs. It is renowned for its well-established Citizenship by Investment program, making it one of the easiest countries to get citizenship for global investors. The program offers extensive tax advantages and financial flexibility, with many applicants managing their assets via an NRE Account to ensure smooth international transactions.
Key Consideration: Purchasing property in developments like the Four Seasons Resort Nevis can qualify investors for citizenship, offering luxury living alongside citizenship benefits.
Income visas, such as Spain’s Non-Lucrative Visa or Panama’s Friendly Nations Visa, allow individuals to reside in a country based on passive income (e.g., pensions, dividends). These visas often serve as stepping stones to permanent residency and citizenship.
Example:
Navigating citizenship pathways requires meticulous research and adherence to evolving immigration laws. While Italy, Ireland, and Hungary lead in descent-based claims, Portugal and Turkey offer expedited investment routes. Prospective applicants should consult government portals or legal experts to ensure compliance with 2025–2026 regulations.
*Disclaimer: This article is published purely from an information perspective and it should not be deduced that the offering is available from DBS Bank India Limited or in partnership with any of its channel partners.
The purpose of this blog is not to provide advice but to provide information. Sound professional advice should be taken before making any investment decisions. The bank will not be responsible for any tax loss/other loss suffered by a person acting on the above.
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