Easiest Passports to Obtain by Investment, Descent, or Residency

In an increasingly globalized world, holding more than one passport is no longer a luxury reserved for the elite—it’s a practical asset. Whether you’re seeking greater mobility, better tax strategies, access to global markets, or a safety net for your family, acquiring a second citizenship can open up a world of opportunities. But not all passports are created equal, and some are much easier to obtain than others.

There are three main paths to acquiring a second passport: investment, descent, and residency. Each method offers its own advantages and eligibility criteria. For those with ancestral roots abroad, Citizenship By Descent is often the most cost-effective and straightforward route. Others might prefer residency in a welcoming country with a fast-track to naturalization, while high-net-worth individuals may opt for direct investment-based citizenship programs to bypass long waiting periods.

What Makes a Passport ‘Easy’ to Obtain?

The concept of an “easy” passport is relative. In general, it refers to a citizenship process that is faster, cheaper, or requires fewer bureaucratic hurdles. An easy passport may offer:

• A quick timeline to approval (months, not years)
  
• Minimal physical residency requirements
  
• Broad eligibility criteria (including descent from ancestors)
  
• Tolerance for dual or multiple citizenships
  
• Simple and transparent legal procedures

However, what’s “easy” for one person—such as proving lineage—might be impossible for someone else without ancestral connections. That’s why it’s important to explore each route with care.

Fastest Passports by Investment in 2025

Citizenship by investment (CBI) allows individuals to acquire a passport by making a significant financial contribution to a country—often in the form of a donation, real estate purchase, or government bonds. These programs are designed to attract foreign capital and are typically streamlined.

Top CBI countries include:

• St. Kitts & Nevis: One of the oldest CBI programs; citizenship can be obtained in 4–6 months with a $250,000 donation or $400,000 in real estate.
  
• Dominica: Offers one of the most affordable CBI options, with citizenship from $100,000 via the Economic Diversification Fund.
  
• Vanuatu: Fast-track process (as little as 30 days) with a minimum investment of $130,000.

These passports grant visa-free access to dozens of countries, including the EU and UK, making them attractive for global travelers and entrepreneurs.

Top Countries for Citizenship by Descent

For those who can trace their lineage to another country, Citizenship By Descent is a powerful and often underutilized option. Many countries offer citizenship to individuals with parents, grandparents, or even great-grandparents who were nationals.

Popular countries offering citizenship by descent:

• Ireland: If one grandparent was born in Ireland, you may qualify. The process is relatively fast and affordable.
  
• Italy: Offers one of the most inclusive descent-based citizenship laws. There’s no generational limit as long as documentation is intact and uninterrupted citizenship transmission can be proved.
  
• Poland: Grants citizenship based on Polish ancestry before 1920 or during the interwar period.
  
• Lithuania and Hungary also have descent-based programs with flexible conditions.

This route is particularly attractive because it usually requires no residency, language tests, or fees beyond documentation and legal assistance.

Easy Citizenship by Residency: Where Time Works for You

Some countries offer citizenship after a period of legal residence. These paths often appeal to digital nomads, retirees, and those seeking long-term relocation.

Noteworthy residency-to-citizenship countries:

• Argentina: One of the shortest naturalization periods—just 2 years of residency with minimal conditions.
  
• Uruguay: Offers a clear and honest path to citizenship after 3–5 years, depending on marital status.
  
• Portugal: Popular Golden Visa route leads to citizenship after 5 years, with limited residency requirements.
  
• Paraguay: Once considered a secret gem, citizenship is possible after 3 years of residence and minimal investment.

While residency routes are not instant, they often have lower financial thresholds and more flexible timelines.

Dual Citizenship Considerations: What to Watch Out For

Before pursuing a second passport, it’s crucial to check if your home country allows dual citizenship. While most European and Latin American countries do, others—such as China, India, and Singapore—do not.

Maintaining two or more citizenships may complicate:

• Tax filings and obligations
  
• Military service requirements
  
• Property ownership or inheritance rights

Ensure that acquiring a new passport won’t lead to automatic loss of your original citizenship unless you’re prepared for that outcome.

Cost Comparison: Investment vs. Residency vs. Descent

The financial requirements for second citizenship vary drastically depending on the route:

Route	Average Cost	Time to Passport
Investment	$100,000 – $500,000+	3–12 months
Residency	$5,000 – $100,000	2–10 years
Descent	$500 – $5,000 (docs/legal)	6–24 months

Clearly, descent is the cheapest option, but only accessible if you have the qualifying lineage. Investment is fastest but expensive. Residency offers a middle ground, often ideal for people planning a relocation anyway.

Case Studies: Real Examples of Citizenship Acquisition

• Anna (USA to Ireland via Descent): Qualified through her grandfather and received her Irish passport in 14 months.
  
• Marc (France to St. Lucia via Investment): Paid $150,000 for a second passport to expand his business in the Caribbean and reduce tax burden.
  
• Luis (Spain to Uruguay via Residency): Retired in Montevideo and became a citizen after 3 years without giving up his EU nationality.

These examples show that each path serves a different personal or strategic goal.

Red Flags and Scams to Avoid

With rising demand, fraudulent “citizenship brokers” have flooded the market. Be cautious of:

• Promises of guaranteed citizenship in weeks without government approval
  
• Unlicensed intermediaries requesting upfront wire transfers
  
• Fake “passport for sale” schemes using forged documents

Always verify the program on the official government site or work with vetted legal professionals.

Choosing the Right Path for Your Situation

There’s no one-size-fits-all approach to acquiring a second passport. Your ideal path depends on your financial capacity, ancestral ties, residency flexibility, and long-term goals. Here’s a quick summary:

• Go for investment if you want speed and convenience.
  
• Explore descent if you have European or Latin American roots.
  
• Consider residency if you’re open to relocation or already live abroad.

Whichever path you choose, a second passport can be a gateway to greater freedom, stability, and global opportunity.