Foreign nationals can acquire dual citizenship through investment, descent (parental or grandparental citizenship), marriage, or long-term legal residence under a country’s laws. In many popular destinations, the process of obtaining citizenship is complex, time-consuming, and expensive. However, some countries offer comparatively simpler and faster pathways to citizenship if certain conditions are met.
Below are five countries where obtaining citizenship is considered relatively easier compared to many others.
1. Ireland
Ireland, a non-Schengen European country, offers citizenship through ancestry. If an applicant’s parent or grandparent was born in Ireland, they may be eligible for Irish citizenship as a descendant.
Applicants must register through the Foreign Births Register to formalize their claim. One of the major advantages of Irish citizenship is that it provides an EU passport, granting the right to live, work, and travel freely across European Union countries.
Ireland allows dual citizenship, meaning applicants do not need to give up their original nationality. Additionally, there is no language test requirement, making the process more accessible for eligible applicants.
2. Dominica
The Caribbean island nation of Dominica offers one of the world’s most straightforward citizenship-by-investment programs. Foreign nationals can obtain citizenship by investing through either:
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The Economic Diversification Fund, or
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Approved real estate projects.
Once the investment requirements are met, applicants can receive citizenship within a few months. Dominican citizenship allows visa-free travel to more than 140 countries, including many Schengen Area countries.
The program permits dual citizenship, and there is no requirement to live in Dominica either before or after obtaining citizenship.
3. Turkey
Turkey provides citizenship through direct investment, particularly through real estate. Foreign nationals who purchase real estate worth at least USD 400,000 are eligible to apply for Turkish citizenship, often within a few months.
Applicants are not required to renounce their original citizenship, and there is no mandatory residence requirement. Citizenship can be maintained even if the individual does not live in Turkey.
A Turkish passport offers visa-free or visa-on-arrival access to a significant number of countries, making it an attractive option for global mobility.
4. Vanuatu
The Pacific island nation of Vanuatu offers one of the fastest citizenship programs in the world through its Development Support Program. Citizenship can be obtained in less than two months by making a qualifying contribution to the government fund.
Vanuatu citizenship provides visa-free access to more than 100 countries. Another major advantage is the country’s favorable tax system — there is no capital gains tax, inheritance tax, or tax on foreign income.
For individuals seeking rapid citizenship with minimal conditions, Vanuatu is considered an ideal option.
5. Portugal
Portugal’s Golden Visa Program is one of the most popular residency-to-citizenship pathways in the European Union. By meeting specific investment requirements and legally residing in Portugal for five years, applicants can become eligible for Portuguese citizenship.
Investment options include venture capital funds and approved real estate routes (subject to current regulations). Applicants must also pass a basic Portuguese language test.
Portuguese citizenship allows dual nationality and grants full EU citizenship rights, including visa-free travel and residence across Schengen countries.
Visa Application Center, Application Link and Required Documents
1. Ireland
Visa Application Center
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VFS Global (Ireland) / Irish Embassy or Consulate
Visa Application Link
Required Documents
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Valid passport
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Proof of ancestry or residence
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Birth certificates, police clearance, financial proof
2. Dominica
Visa Application Center
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Authorized Citizenship by Investment (CBI) Agents
Visa Application Link
Required Documents
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Passport copy
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Police clearance certificate
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Investment proof & medical report
3. Turkey
Visa Application Center
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VFS Global / Turkish Embassy or Consulate
Visa Application Link
Required Documents
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Valid passport
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Property investment documents
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Bank statements & police clearance
4. Vanuatu
Visa Application Center
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Authorized Government-Approved Agents
Visa Application Link
Required Documents
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Passport copy
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Police clearance certificate
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Proof of investment & medical report
5. Portugal
Visa Application Center
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VFS Global / Portuguese Embassy
Visa Application Link
Required Documents
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Valid passport
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Proof of legal residence or investment
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Language certificate & police clearance
While citizenship policies vary widely across countries, Ireland, Dominica, Turkey, Vanuatu, and Portugal stand out for offering clear, practical, and relatively accessible routes to citizenship. Whether through ancestry, investment, or lawful residence, these countries provide opportunities for individuals seeking greater global mobility, financial flexibility, or long-term security.

