Dreaming of moving abroad? You’re not alone. Interest in the easiest countries to get citizenship has spiked since the November election, as Americans seek increased mobility, financial security and a long-term escape plan.
International Living recently published a report identifying the fastest ways Americans can get dual citizenship (and the easiest countries) in 2025. According to Ted Baumann, global diversification expert at International Living, the trend isn’t just about politics—it’s about long-term stability and opportunity.
“My metaphorical phone has been ringing off the hook,” Baumann said in the report. But he points out that it’s not about who is in White House. It’s about people wanting more options for their future.
“There are plenty of ways to move abroad. But 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,” Baumann points out.
That answer is—getting a second passport. So how do you get dual citizenship? There are three primary pathways for Americans who are eager to expand their global options.
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, including speaking the language, while others simply require proof of ancestry.
International Living documents more than 20 countries where Americans can qualify for ancestral citizenship in its report. Below is a list of some of 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 as one of the most accessible citizenship by descent programs. It allows claims if you have a grandparent or, in some cases, great-grandparents who were born in Ireland. Unlike in 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. It can also 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
International Living says that Poland recognizes citizenship by descent but typically limits it to great-grandparents. The process can be complex, as Polish authorities require extensive documentation proving an uninterrupted bloodline. However, for those who meet the requirements, obtaining a Polish passport provides access 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
According to International Living, Spain also offers citizenship by descent, 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 Naturalization
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, having sufficient resources to support oneself, and sometimes taking 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 citizenship tests.
According to International Living, these are some of the easiest countries to get citizenship by naturalization.
Argentina
According to International Living, Argentina offers one of the shortest naturalization periods in the world, granting citizenship after just two years of legal residency. 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 seeking 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
According to International Living, citizenship by investment offers the fastest and most direct path to a second passport for Americans with the financial means.
“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 be 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 in which to obtain 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
According to International Living, 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. 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. It grants 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 investor choice.
St. Kitts & Nevis
The Caribbean islands of St. Kitts & Nevis have one of the longest-running citizenship by investment programs. According to International Living, applicants can obtain a passport in approximately six months. With a minimum investment of $200,000, the program offers similar benefits to Dominica, including visa-free travel to many global destinations.
