Countries with the Easiest Citizenship Requirements

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There’s a growing demand for alternatives to citizenship in many people’s birth countries. Wealth preservation and management, freedom to travel globally, and political and economic instability are some of the reasons most cited for pursuing alternative citizenship.

The number of countries offering Citizenship by Investment (CBI) opportunities is steadily growing. CBI programmes are the perfect solution for concerned citizens in increasingly unstable countries.

Premier Consultancy Thailand is an international immigration and tax consultancy. It’s our business to offer our clients a better way of life in a country that suits their ambitions, goals and lifestyle.

We’ve compiled a list of five of the easiest countries to obtain citizenship. These desirable countries offer Citizenship by Investment (CBI) programmes with realistic requirements and investments that can provide you and your family with a new life and renewed hope for the future.

1. Become a Citizen of the South Sea Country of Vanuatu

Vanuatu has an easy and efficient citizenship by investment programme with a 60-day citizenship approval process, and a starting donation of just USD 130,000 to a Development Support Programme.

Vanuatu citizenship also offers visa-free travel to 94 countries, no residency requirements, and tax-free living as part of the citizenship attraction.

2. Invest in the Caribbean Nation of Dominica

Applying for citizenship in the French-speaking country of Dominica in the Windward Islands of the Caribbean entails a fast four-month processing timeline. Financial contributions include a USD 200,000 minimum investment in the Dominica Economic Diversification Fund, or a comparable investment in pre-approved real estate developments.

Dominica is one of the most affordable options for larger families. This lifetime citizenship has no residency requirements, and the passport offers visa-free travel to over 140 countries.

3. Create a Home in Antigua and Barbuda

The peaceful and stable twin Caribbean islands of Antigua and Barbuda offer a citizenship processing time of 4-6 months for investments of USD 230,000. It’s one of the best countries for families to relocate to or become citizens of, as citizenship applicants have large family inclusion options.

Benefits include an E-2 treaty with the USA and no taxation on capital gains, inheritance, or worldwide income taxes. Investment options include the National Development Fund, a university fund, and real estate or business investments.

4. Get Fast-track Processing with St. Kitts and Nevis

St. Kitts and Nevis, neighbours to Antigua and Barbuda in the beautiful Windward Islands, have offered the world’s oldest and most well-established CBI program since 1984. The country also offers a strong passport that permits visa-free travel to 157 countries, including the Schengen Area.

The benefits of citizenship also include: fast-track citizenship processing within 120 to 180 days, no residency requirements, a stable democratic government, and dual citizenship is accepted.

There are three investment options open to applicants. You can make a non-refundable donation of USD 250,000 to the Sustainable Growth Fund. You can also make a USD 400,000 investment in a government-approved real estate project and keep it for at least 7 years. Or, you can make a USD 800,000 investment and be required to hold on to it for only 5 years.

5. Turkey: Invest in a Stable European Country

Turkey’s strategic location straddling the continents of Asia and Europe offers many benefits to investors and families. A Turkish Citizenship by Investment programme offers visa-free travel to 128 countries and favourable tax advantages in the country’s growing economy. It also offers rapid 4-month processing timelines, family inclusion, and many business opportunities.

Qualifying investment options for citizenship include real estate purchases, bank deposits, government bonds, or job creation by starting or relocating a business to Turkey. With a focus on real estate development, Turkey offers applicants a chance for potential returns on the minimum required investment of USD 400,000.

Things to Consider When Choosing a Country

With the growth in countries offering some of the easiest citizenship programmes, you can now shop around and weigh the benefits versus the costs.

You can decide on your investment maximum and then weigh the citizenship benefits of different countries in terms of the cost of living, tax implications, ongoing obligations, healthcare, and education opportunities for your children.

The processing times of different citizenship and residency requirements should also be considered when deciding which citizenship by investment programme offers the best return on your investment.

Partner with Premier Consultancy Thailand

It’s best to consult a professional before making this choice. Premier Consultancy Thailand offers experienced opinions on the benefits and drawbacks of various CBI programmes. We approach the decision from a due diligence perspective to help provide a well-considered decision on your family’s future.

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