Obtaining a second citizenship and Europe Residency is now a widely adopted solution among Americans as it provides greater mobility, better economic opportunities, and a backup plan for the uncertain future. Acquiring a second passport or European residency differ greatly based on the country you are attempting to gain from. However, some nations in the Caribbean and European region make acquiring citizenship or a European residency considerably easier for Americans who are willing to make significant investments or donations.
In this article, we will explain the term ‘easiest citizenship’ and explore the efficient routes that are easier for Americans hoping to have a second citizenship and expand their horizons.
What is meant by Easy to Get Citizenship?
The concept of “easy citizenship” may differ according to the investor’s objectives. For some, it signifies the quickest process; however, for others, it pertains to cost-effectiveness or the necessity of limited physical presence. Understanding what “easy” means for you is essential before deciding on the optimal route toward acquiring a second citizenship and passport.
When exploring the various avenues for obtaining citizenship, investors should keep their broader strategy in mind and consider the most significant issues for them:
- Eligibility and application requirements
- The time it takes to obtain citizenship
- Physical presence requirements in the country
- Required investment amounts
- Cultural comfort and lifestyle fit
- Tax implications of the new citizenship
- Real estate purchase requirements
- Paperwork and bureaucracy involved
- Efficiency in processing applications
For instance, If speed and cost are the investor’s priority, with less focus on location or paperwork, the Caribbean nations, including Dominica, Grenada, Antigua and Barbuda, Saint Lucia, and Saint Kitts and Nevis, have developed a reputation for fast, cheap, and easy application process. These countries grant citizenship once an investment is made in their economy. US citizens can expect to obtain a second passport within 3 to 4 months at the fastest.
For U.S. citizens looking for a better quality of life in retirement, along with a warmer climate, rich culture, and abundant business opportunities, European countries like Portugal, Malta, and Greece are often seen as ideal choices. On the other hand, for Americans seeking no-tax options, St. Kitts and Nevis, along with Vanuatu, are considered ideal options.
European Residency
Many US citizens looking for a second passport want one in a European country, as these passports are considered highly valuable, providing stability, high quality of life, and great opportunities. Below are some of the easiest passports to get in Europe through different routes to citizenship.
Portugal: Minimal Residency Requirements
Portugal presents an attractive and affordable pathway to EU residency, granting visa-free access across the Schengen Zone. With an investment starting at €250,000, US citizens can secure a renewable five-year residency in Portugal.
This lower investment tier typically involves contributions to artistic production or the preservation of national cultural heritage. Alternative routes include higher investment options such as contributing €500,000 to national research initiatives or investment funds or establishing a Portugal-based business.
For US citizens who want to gain a second passport with a minimal residency requirement, Portugal is the best option because applicants are required to stay seven days per year only on average. Additionally, applicants can include their immediate family members under the same visa.
The Portuguese Immigration Office (AIMA) has introduced a new process for Golden Visa application, effective early 2025. This new system emphasizes electronic processing, document submission, and a structured in-person appointment schedule. All required documents must be submitted online, including certified copies of legalized documents. Documents must be valid and preferably translated into Portuguese or English. After maintaining residency for five years, individuals become eligible to apply for Portuguese citizenship.
Malta: A Straightforward Option
Malta‘s Golden Visa program has become a leading choice for Americans. It provides a straightforward path to EU Residency for applicants and their dependents, with processing times ranging from 3 to 4 months.
With a starting donation of €126,000, the MPRP program is one of the most affordable option in the European residency programs. Malta stands out as an ideal option due to its unique advantages, including a secure and stable environment, with English being an official language. It also has a favorable tax regime and a Mediterranean climate offering sunshine year-round.
Malta has a territorial tax system[1], meaning foreign-sourced income is only taxed if remitted to Malta. Capital gains realized outside Malta are not taxable. For U.S. citizens, careful planning is needed to avoid US taxation on income remitted to Malta.
Greece: Diversified Real Estate Options
Greece offers one of Europe’s one of the most cost-effective residency-by-investment programs, making it a compelling option for US citizens seeking an easier path to citizenship.
With an investment of at least €250,000 in eligible real estate, Americans can secure a renewable permanent residency visa valid for five years. For properties in highly sought-after locations, such as Athens, Santorini, or islands with populations exceeding 3,100, the required investment increases significantly to €800,000.
After maintaining residency for seven years, applicants become eligible to apply for Greek citizenship. The program allows investors to include their immediate family members, including spouses, children, and parents on the visa. However, to qualify, applicants must present a clean criminal record, a valid passport, proof of investment, health insurance, and additional documentation. The processing time from the date of application to the date of approval is from 3 to 4 months.
Americans must spend at least seven years living in the country to qualify for a Greek nationality. Once they acquire their citizenship, they can apply for a Greek passport. The application must be filled out in Greek, and applicants must supply their Greek ID card and pay the administration fees, according to the Greek Ministry of Foreign Affairs. An adult passport costs €84 and is valid for ten years. The process takes a few weeks to complete.
Caribbean countries
Caribbean nations offer US citizens a fast and straightforward path to citizenship due to their absence of personal income tax and simplicity. Below are the easiest programs:
Antigua and Barbuda: Easiest path for families
For US citizens seeking Caribbean citizenship, Antigua and Barbuda remains one of the cheapest ways for a family of up to four. Applicants can qualify by donating starting from $230,000 to the National Development Fund, contributing $260,000 to West Indies University, or investing at least $300,000 in approved real estate. The program is family-friendly, as it allows applicants to include a spouse, dependent children under 31, parents, grandparents, and unmarried siblings. After completing a background check and interviews for applicants over 16, citizenship and passports are granted. The process of receiving citizenship is quick and straightforward, taking, on average, 4 to 6 months.
St. Kitts and Nevis program: Strong Reputation
St. Kitts and Nevis offers one of the most well-known citizenship by investment programs, providing full lifetime citizenship for applicants and their families. With a minimum investment of $250,000 in a public benefit project or $325,000 in real estate, applicants must complete an interview and background check before accessing the country’s tropical islands. The whole process of receiving citizenship can be completed within 4 months.
Saint Kitts and Nevis does not impose direct personal taxes, meaning personal income, capital gains, and net wealth are not taxed. However, property tax is applied to the market value of real estate, with rates ranging from 0.2% to 0.3%, depending on the property’s location and use.
St. Lucia: Easiest program for investors looking for Portfolio Diversification
St. Lucia offers a reputable CBI program with several investment options. For a single applicant, the cheapest route is a one-time donation of $240,000 to the government development fund. Alternatively, a real estate investment of $300,000 in pre-approved properties, which can be recouped after five years, is available. The country also provides the option of investing $300,000 in government bonds. This program provides visa-free access to over 150 countries. US citizens can receive St Lucia Citizenship within 6 months.
Dominica: Easiest route for Americans seeking affordable option
It is relatively easy for US citizens to obtain citizenship in Dominica through the CBI program. The process is straightforward, as the country is known for its efficient handling of applications. A single applicant can make a non-refundable contribution of $200,000 to Dominica’s Economic Diversification Fund (EDF). Alternatively, applicants can invest $200,000 in pre-approved real estate, while holding the property for a minimum of three years.
In both cases, applicants are required to undergo a background check and provide various documents, including proof of financial assets and health. The process is known for being fast, with citizenship typically granted in around 3-4 months from the time of application.
Grenada: Fast process
The process is designed to be straightforward and efficient, with a couple of investment options to pick from. US citizens can make a non-refundable contribution of $235,000 to Grenada’s National Transformation Fund (NTF). They can invest in government-approved real estate with a minimum investment of $270,000. Grenada’s program is known for being relatively fast, with processing times typically taking about 4-6 months.
For more information about second citizenship and European residency routes for Americans, please contact us here.
[1] https://www2.deloitte.com/content/dam/Deloitte/global/Documents/Tax/dttl-tax-maltahighlights-2024.pdf