Having one passport is a luxury that not everyone in the world gets, but having more than one passport is an even bigger privilege. Citizenship in multiple countries means more opportunities, easier travel, and the chance to live abroad legally and efficiently as a dual citizen.
The number of American citizens seeking to apply for a second passport has increased year-over-year since 2024, with a rise of over 183% in second citizenship inquiries from U.S. citizens, according to a Henley & Partners report.
But how exactly do you go about earning citizenship in another country? Some countries are easier than others, especially if you meet specific qualifications like having grandparents who were born elsewhere or the ability to invest in real estate abroad.
The following countries offer relatively straightforward paths for foreigners seeking a second passport — and some of them are actually relatively easy to obtain.
Italy
Citizenship type: Citizenship by descent
Requirements: You must show proof that your parent or grandparent was an Italian citizen when you or your parent was born.
Italian citizenship by descent is one of the most common secondary passports in the U.S. Americans who have Italian ancestry and can prove by documentation that their parent or grandparent was an Italian citizen — and never renounced their right to Italian citizenship — qualify for the Jure Sanguinis.
Poland
Citizenship type: Citizenship by descent
Requirements: You must show proof that at least one parent, grandparent, or great-grandparent was a Polish citizen post-1920.
American citizens — or anyone who can prove the required blood ties to Poland — can be granted full Polish citizenship in just a couple of months. Citizenship includes the right to live, work, and study in Poland (and the rest of the European Union as well).
Portugal
Citizenship type: Citizenship by naturalization
Requirements: American citizens living in Portugal for a minimum of five years on one of the many visas are eligible to apply for citizenship by naturalization.
Portugal offers the most extensive range of visas and residence permits that can lead to citizenship by naturalization. This can include the country’s digital nomad visa, the golden investment visa, and various other visa options. Keep in mind that citizenship by naturalization also typically requires a language and culture test to see how well applicants understand Portuguese culture.
Spain
Citizenship type: Citizenship by descent
Requirements: Applicants must be able to prove either their parents or grandparents were Spanish citizens; you can also apply if a Spanish family adopted you before your 18th birthday.
Spain is another country that offers citizenship through descent, provided applicants can prove Spanish ancestry through their parents or grandparents. It’s also worth noting that Spain offers citizenship by naturalization. Still, applicants must have lived in Spain for a minimum of ten years on an alternative residence permit or visa to qualify for this option.
Ireland
Citizenship type: Citizenship by descent
Requirements: If one of your parents or one of your grandparents was born in Ireland or holds Irish citizenship, you will be eligible for Irish citizenship once you register your birth in the Foreign Births Register.
Everybody is Irish on Saint Patrick’s Day, but only those who can prove a close relative had legal Irish citizenship can apply for citizenship by descent. If your parent was eligible for Irish citizenship at birth, or if at least one of your grandparents was an Irish citizen, you may have a path toward your own Irish citizenship, which would allow you to live, work, and study in Ireland and the European Union.
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Malta
Citizenship type: Citizenship by naturalization
Requirements: Living in Malta under a residence permit for four of the last six years can lead to foreigners receiving citizenship by naturalization.
Malta offers multiple paths to citizenship through naturalization; the Mediterranean country also provides a golden visa for certain property investments, as well as a digital nomad visa. The nomad visa is only valid for one year, but it can open doors for further residence permits in the country.
Turkey
Citizenship type: Citizenship by investment
Requirements: Applicants are required to invest at least $400,000 in real estate and hold it for a minimum of three years, or deposit $500,000 in a bank account in Turkey.
Turkey offers several paths to long-term residency, including real estate investment, digital nomad visas, and tourist residence permits. However, those specifically seeking citizenship are required to invest in the country, either through real estate investments or by holding a significant amount of capital in a Turkish bank account.
North Macedonia
Citizenship type: Citizenship by investment
Requirements: North Macedonia offers a direct citizenship option for investors who are about to contribute a minimum of EUR 200,000 or EUR 400,000 in real estate.
North Macedonia offers both direct citizenship and naturalization for residents who have lived in the country for a minimum of eight years. The direct citizenship option is much faster and easier. North Macedonia is also one of the countries offering the least expensive citizenship-by-investment options currently available to applicants.
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St. Kitts & Nevis
Citizenship type: Citizenship by investment
Requirements: Applicants can apply for immediate citizenship with a minimum investment of $150,000.
St. Kitts & Nevis offers a citizenship-by-investment program that goes beyond just real estate. To qualify, investors should make a non-refundable contribution of $150,000 to a government fund or invest a minimum of $200,000 in government-approved real estate.
St. Lucia
Citizenship type: Citizenship by investment
Requirements: Applicants can receive immediate citizenship by way of a minimum investment of at least $100,000.
There are various avenues to obtain citizenship by investment in St. Lucia. Investors can donate at least $100,000 to the National Economic Fund, invest a minimum of $300,000 in a real estate project, or purchase a minimum of $500,000 in government bonds to receive citizenship.
