Looking to gain citizenship in another country? From ancestry-based citizenship and naturalization to investment programs and marriage, options vary based on time, cost, and eligibility. Explore our guide on the easiest countries for Americans to gain citizenship and make an informed decision for your global future.
September 13, 2024
By: Bobby Casey, Managing Director GWP
34% of Americans say they’d like to settle in another country if they could do so. While for some, it may be a pipe dream, for others, it’s a very possible reality.
If you’re in such a lucky position, then you might be wondering about your options. Immigration isn’t a one-size-fits-all issue though, and some places may be easier than others, especially if you want to live there long-term and get citizenship too.
So which is the easiest country to get citizenship? And what are some other important things you should know? Read on to find out.
What Country Is Easiest to Get Citizenship?
Unfortunately, there’s no quick and simple answer here. The reality is that the easiest country to immigrate to from the US will depend on your personal situation.
In general, out of cheap, quick, and easy, you can only get a maximum of two at once. So let’s explore those options below.
Cheap and Quick
In general, cheap and quick is the fastest way to get a passport without spending a fortune. But it’s tough to go this route because typically, you’ll need to prove ancestry; without it, this may be a dead end.
The good news is that in many EU countries, you can have dual citizenship. This means that you won’t have to renounce your American citizenship.
One of the quickest and cheapest ways to get EU citizenship is by descent. You’ll have to provide that your direct relative (usually a parent and/or grandparents) was born in an EU country.
Some of the countries that offer the easiest time applying for citizenship through ancestry are:
- Italy
- Lithuania
- Poland
- Ireland
- Greece
- Spain
Each country will have its own rules, so it’s best if you do your due diligence to learn more about the ones that are applicable to your situation. For a comprehensive list of the relevant countries and their requirements, check with Schengen News.
Citizenship by descent is considered cheap and quick because you only need to pay the government fees. In some cases, you may have to pay for immigration lawyer services too. And if you qualify, it’ll only take a few months to a year to get your passport.
However, this route isn’t easy at all. You’ll need a mountain of documentation for ancestry, which may include birth certificates, marriage certificates, etc., as well as certification. It can be a challenge to round up everything relevant to your application.
Cheap and Easy
Cheap and easy may be an attractive choice to many, as you can get a passport without having to spend a fortune, nor will you have to go through a headache of a process to get it. This is possible through naturalization, which unfortunately, is a lengthy process.
Depending on the country you select, it can take anywhere from three to over 12 years to be eligible for and complete naturalization. However, all you’ll have to do is pay the government fees and physically live there to receive your passport (this may require a visa application first).
Here’s a list of some countries that are good for US citizens to naturalize in:
- Mexico
- Argentina
- Brazil
- EU countries
If you were planning on moving away and staying in a foreign country permanently anyway, then naturalization can be your best bet.
Quick and Easy
If you have lots of money to spare, then you can choose this option, as it won’t be cheap at all. The most attractive thing about it is that it won’t be a hassle and you’ll have a passport in your hands before you know it.
What we’re talking about is economic citizen programs, or citizenship by investment (CBI). Another name that’s used is the golden visa. The caveat is that the low end is $100k to $150k, while it’s over $2 million on the higher end.
CBI is actually a type of naturalization; you’ll pay into that country’s economy, and you’ll receive a passport in exchange. Some countries to consider in the Caribbeans include:
- St. Kitts and Nevis
- Antigua
- Barbados
- St. Lucia
- Grenada
- Dominica
- Domincan Republic
Want to move to Europe? Then try Malta, which has many other tax benefits as well. Portugal also has a top-rated golden visa program, so there’s another EU country to consider.
Citizenship by Marriage
Another way to get citizenship in another country is by marrying someone. Again, requirements will vary between countries, and it won’t always be easy or straightforward.
Generally speaking, getting married to a Swedish citizen is the easiest and quickest way to get citizenship by marriage in Europe. You can get a Swedish passport in as little as three years, and all you need is the marriage (or registered partnership) and cohabitation for at least two years.
Key Information About Dual Citizenship
The US taxes its citizens on worldwide income, regardless on where they reside. So if you live abroad, you still might have to file US taxes, along with the ones in your second country.
The good news is that the US has tax treaties and credits in some places, that can help you avoid double taxation, but the reality is that managing tax compliance can be complex. Fortunately, we offer private consultations so you can fully protect your assets.
Also, some countries may require military service from their citizens. As a dual citizen, you might be subject to conscription laws, depending on your age and nationality rules.
Most importantly, while the US generally allows dual citizenship, some activities may result in the loss of citizenship. For example, if you formally renounce your US citizenship or serve in a foreign military that’s foreign to the US, this can happen.
In addition, if you get into legal trouble abroad, US consular assistance might be limited. This is because you could be treated exclusively as a citizen of that country.
The Best Countries to Get Citizenship
Now that we’ve gone over the key information about getting citizenship, let’s break things down into a simple list of the top countries to consider:
- Ireland: citizenship by descent
- Italy: citizenship by descent
- Portgual: residency and golden visa
- Spain: residency and citizenship by descent
- Dominican Republic: residency
- Argentina: residency
- St. Kitts and Nevis: CBI
Find the Easiest Country to Get Citizenship for You
The easiest country to get citizenship will differ for each person since it’ll depend on their personal situation; the most important factors are how fast you want citizenship, how much money you have, and what ancestry you have (if applicable).
Do keep in mind that some countries have strict language tests or cultural integration requirements, so if you’re not already familiar with the place, you may have additional challenges. Also, make sure that you’re able to have dual citizenship if you want to keep your US passport too.
Contact us today if you want more information on the tax side of immigration. We also have a global escape hatch coaching program that’ll help you achieve financial freedom wherever you are in the world.
