What is Citizenship?
An individual and a state or country have a connection known as citizenship in which the individual is obligated to the state or country and entitled to its protection. The right to a passport, the freedom to enter and exit the nation or countries of citizenship, and the ability to reside in and engage in employment inside such countries are generally seen as the fundamental rights that flow from citizenship. The idea of citizenship initially appeared in Greek communities and city-states. It often extended to landowners but not to women, enslaved people, or the less fortunate sections of society. The Romans initially employed citizenship to separate the citizens of Rome from the inhabitants of the nations whose lands Rome had conquered and annexed. An active member of a political sphere is alluded to as a citizen. Citizenship emerges from complying with the prerequisites of federal, provincial, or local authorities. A nation’s citizens are guaranteed specific rights and privileges. In exchange, people are required to abide by the laws of their country.
Top 20 Easiest Citizenships in the World
In the majority of native nations, citizenship is automatically bestowed upon birth. To become a citizen, there are no costs or formalities. Citizens have certain rights, obligations, and liabilities. Let us begin our list of easiest citizenships in the world.
1. Spain
Spain is an intercontinental nation with most of its land in southern Europe and fewer calories (fewer parts of the nation’s territory) in the Atlantic and along the Mediterranean Sea. It is among the countries easiest to get citizenship. Being a citizen of Spain is one of the simplest things to do. Once you have lived in Spain for 2, 5, or 10 years, you can apply for Spanish citizenship. You remain eligible to become a citizen of Spain if you were born there or were married to an individual who was, even if one of their Spanish ancestors was born overseas. All candidates must demonstrate that they are responsible citizens. To become a Spanish citizen, one can follow the most accessible processes to get a residence visa i.e. by making an investment in Spain. Additionally, investing in Spain entitles one to a residency visa.
Capital: Madrid Largest City: Madrid Official Language: Spanish Major Religion: Christianity
2. Canada
Canada is a country in North America. It is the second-largest country in terms of total extent, with ten provinces and three regions transiting the Atlantic, Pacific, and Arctic oceans. After residing in Canada for at least three years, having permanent residency, and demonstrating language competency in either English or French, foreign people are eligible to apply for naturalization. Canadian nationals have preferential treatment when residing in the United Kingdom as Commonwealth residents; individuals who reside there are qualified to vote and hold non-reserved government posts. Because of Canada’s superior healthcare, better job prospects, free education for children and commercial prospects, a lot of people wish to move to Canada. In fact, it has been seen that numerous wealthy families relocate to Canada because of the amazing facilities and safe & secure environment they offer to its citizens.
Capital: Ottawa Largest City: Toronto Official Language: English and French Major Religion: Christianity
3. Dominican Republic
On a Caribbean Island lies a nation called the Dominican Republic of Hispaniola in the Greater Antilles archipelago. Along with Saint Martin, Hispaniola is the only other Caribbean island shared by two sovereign governments. The Dominican Republic has the highest GDP in the Caribbean and is its region’s most well-liked tourist destination because of its tropical climate and beautiful white sand beaches. The quickest route to citizenship after just two years of residence in a country is through naturalization and you will be glad to know that investors can be naturalized in just one year. A foreign national who has rendered outstanding services to the country or a residency permit who has lived there for a predetermined number of years via naturalization may also obtain it. It offers you one of the easiest citizenships in the world.
Capital: Santo Domingo Largest City: Santo Domingo Official Language: Spanish Major Religion: Christianity
4. Argentina
Argentina, a nation in the southern part of South America, is the fourth-largest nation in America, the eighth-largest in the world, and the second-largest nation in South America after Brazil. The best part about getting citizenship in Argentina is that you need not renounce your previous nationality, which means you can have dual-citizenship. Argentine citizenship might be acquired by ascertaining a $1000 monthly earnings or a $20,000 bank credit.
Capital: Buenos Aires Official Language: Spanish Largest City: Buenos Aires Major Religion: Christianity
5. Portugal
Portuguese territory also comprises the Atlantic archipelagos of the Azores and Madeira and its mainland’s location on the Iberian Peninsula in southwestern Europe. Its Iberian half is bounded north and east by Spain, the only nation to share a land border with Portugal and to the west and south by the Atlantic Ocean (Spain is the only nation to share a land border with Portugal and to the west and south by the Atlantic Ocean). It also has a westernmost point in all of continental Europe. Unique resident status is possible for Non-European Union nationals under the Golden Residence Permit Program. One can obtain a Golden Visa and move to Portugal permanently by investing in Portugal. No wonder it is on this list of easiest citizenships in the world. Individuals who invest in real estate, finances that qualify for the Portugal Golden Visa, donations, or capital transfers are eligible for residency in Portugal. The alternative is to reside somewhere and travel to Portugal just seven days a year. There is also a simple Portuguese language exam available.
Capital: Lisbon Largest City: Lisbon Official Language: Portuguese Major Religion: Christianity
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6. Israel
Western Asia contains the nation of Israel. It shares boundaries with Lebanon to the north, Syria to the northeast, Jordan to the east, and Egypt to the southwest. Its borders to the west and east are the Palestinian regions of the West Bank and Gaza Strip. Both the northern bank of the Red Sea and the southern shore of the Mediterranean Sea are where it is situated. Israel offers you one of the easiest citizenships in the world. Foreigners who are not Jewish may naturalize after being in the nation for at least three years as long as they have a permanent address and can show proficiency in Hebrew. According to the Israeli Nationality Law, if even one of the two parents is Israeli, the child is automatically granted Israeli citizenship.
Capital: Jerusalem Largest City: Jerusalem Official Language: Hebrew Major Religion: Judaism
7. Peru
Western South America is home to Peru. To the north, it borders Colombia and Ecuador, east, Brazil, southeast, Bolivia, to the south, Chile and to the west, the Pacific Ocean. If the residence does not expire over two years, the requirement begins on the day one obtains residence in the nation. The years must follow one another. If you are looking for countries easiest to get citizenship, this could be the one. A person may petition for citizenship after establishing two years of legal residency in Peru through marriage or for another reason like employment. That way, you will not be needed to take any language or culture examinations for either Spanish or Peru.
Capital: Lima Official Language: Spanish Largest City: Lima Major Religion: Christianity
8. Paraguay
Landlocked Paraguay is located in South America. Bolivia borders it to the northwest, Brazil to the east, and Argentina to the south and southwest. It is the next entry on this list of easiest citizenships in the world. Making a bank deposit or investing are two basic and uncomplicated ways to obtain permanent residency in Paraguay. Visitors can petition for citizenship after just three years as permanent residents. Anyone can quickly get lifetime residence in Paraguay by depositing $10,000 in such a zero-interest savings account. Buying property or farmland also provides an immediate and permanent status.
Capital: Asuncion Largest City: Asuncion Official Language: Spanish Major Religion: Christianity
9. Bolivia
Few countries, including Bolivia, enable you to apply for citizenship after being married and residing there for two years. People who have been residing lawfully in Bolivia for three years are eligible to seek citizenship. It can also be obtained by foreigners who have served in the military or had a kid or children born on the country’s soil.
Capital: La Paz and Sucre Largest City: Santa Cruz de la Sierra Official Language: Spanish Major Religion: Christianity
10. Ecuador
Ecuador is a nation in northwest South America surrounded by Peru, Colombia, and the Pacific Ocean. The Pacific Ocean’s Group of islands is also part of Ecuador. It takes the tenth place on this list of easiest citizenships in the world. If you buy real estate and deposit $30,000 in a bank account, getting a residence in Ecuador is easy. Foreigners who have been lawfully married or in a typical law relationship for more than two years must undergo the naturalization process. Ecuador accepts dual citizenship as well. You must demonstrate a monthly income from a pension of at least $400.
Capital: Quito Official Language: Spanish Largest City: Quito Major Religion: Christianity
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11. Honduras
A nation in Central America is called Honduras. The Caribbean Sea surrounds the republic of Honduras to the north, the Pacific Ocean at the Gulf of Fonseca to the south, El Salvador to the southwest, Nicaragua to the southeast, Guatemala to the west, and to the north, the Gulf of Honduras. A Central American by birth who has lived in Honduras for a year may gain Honduran citizenship. Honduras is one of the easiest countries to get citizenship. Citizenship is also available to Spaniards and Spanish-Americans by birth who has lived in Honduras for two years. Anyone who has lived in Honduras for at least three years is eligible to apply for citizenship. Dual citizenship may be awarded to a kid born outside of Honduras if at least one of the parents is a Honduran citizen.
Capital: Tegucigalpa Largest City: Tegucigalpa Official Language: Spanish Major Religion: Christianity
12. Curacao
Near about 65 km north of the Venezuelan coast, in the Dutch Caribbean and the southern Caribbean Sea, is the Lesser Antilles nation of Curacao. It is one nation that makes up the Kingdom of the Netherlands. It is a beautiful country which is among the easiest citizenships in the world. Since Curacao is an independent nation inside the Kingdom of the Netherlands, the Curacao Investor Permit program has the benefit of providing a path to Dutch citizenship. For a minimum investment of $280000, Curacao residents can get residency, which, after five years, can result in Dutch citizenship.
Capital: Willemstad Largest City: Willemstad Official Language: Papiamento, Dutch, and English Major Religion: Christianity
13. Malta
The Mediterranean Sea is home to the island nation of Malta. It is frequently seen as a region of Southern Europe and is made up of an archipelago between Sicily and North Africa. Inhabitants have lived in Malta since around 5900 BC. Its strategic importance as a naval station dates back to its location in the heart of the Mediterranean. Before becoming a citizen, a person must first reside in Malta for five years to get a Malta Permanent Residency. Through the Malta Citizenship for Exceptional Services Program, one can get Maltese citizenship through the program. One must pay a payment of €600,000 if they have resided in the nation for 36 months; the contribution is €750,000 if someone has been there for 12 months. Furthermore, to qualify for Maltese citizenship by investment, one must make a real estate investment of at least €700,000 or lease a property for at least €16,000 yearly.
Capital: Valletta Largest City: St. Paul’s Bay Official Language: Italian Major Religion: Christianity
14. Antigua and Barbuda
At the Caribbean Sea’s convergence and the Atlantic Ocean lies the independent island nation of Antigua & Barbuda. The country comprises mainly two sizable islands: Antigua & Barbuda. The remaining smaller islands that are a part of the national territory include Green, Great Bird, Guiana, Maiden, Long, York Islands, Prickly Pear, and Redonda. You may explore 151 nations visa-free with an Antigua & Barbuda passport. It is one of the countries where achieving citizenship by investment is the simplest. You must make a predetermined, non-refundable gift to the government of Antigua & Barbuda to be eligible for citizenship in that nation. Give up to a family of five $100,000 or $125,000 over that. You must pay government processing, due diligence, and passport costs in addition to the contribution amount.
Capital: St. John’s Largest City: St. John’s Official Language: English Major Religion: Christianity
15. St. Kitts and Nevis
St. Kitts and Nevis is an island nation in the West Indies and the first islands in the Caribbean to be colonised by Europeans. It is situated in the Western Hemisphere and is the smallest in terms of both area and population. The minor sovereign federation globally is the Leeward Islands chain in the Lesser Antilles. If you are able to do an investment of $400,000 in real estate (which can be reduced to $200,000 for connected investors) or a minimum payment of $150,000 to the Sustainable Growth Fund, plus associated government and due diligence expenses, you can get citizenship without any challenge. It is 15th on this list of easiest citizenships in the world.
Capital: Basseterre Largest City: Basseterre Official Language: English Major Religion: Christianity
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16. Turkey
A transcontinental nation, Turkey, is primarily found in Western Asia on the Anatolian Peninsula, with a tiny section in Southeast Europe on the Balkan Peninsula. Its neighbors to the northeast are Georgia; to the east, Armenia, Azerbaijan, and Iran. To the southeast, Iraq; to the south, Syria and the Mediterranean Sea. The Aegean Sea to the west, the northwest, Greece and Bulgaria, and the Black Sea to the north. It belongs on this list of easiest citizenships in the world. Turkey awards citizenships very quickly. Thanks to the Turkish citizenship program, investors have access to the European and Asian markets. Applicants receive full citizenship, which also includes family members as well. Purchasing property in Turkey is a well-liked financial strategy for people interested in Turkish citizenship. The bare minimum is $400,000. Because the procedure is rapid, you may anticipate receiving your citizenship in less than six months.
Capital: Ankara Largest City: Istanbul Official Language: Turkish Major Religion: Islam
17. Italy
Italy is a mainland surrounded by islands, with its perimeter defined by the Alps. Its territory mostly encircles the area of the same name. Italy is located in the middle of the Mediterranean Sea, in Southern Europe. The country is situated amid the Mediterranean Sea. One of the simplest to get citizenship is through ancestry from Italy. other ways of getting Italy citizenship easily are by marrying an Italian citizen, naturalization or if you are born into a family with Italian heritage. Non-EU nationals who have lived lawfully in Italy for ten years are eligible to receive Italian nationality; EU nationals are eligible (under specific circumstances) after just four years.
Capital: Rome Largest City: Rome Official Language: Italian Major Religion: Christianity
18. Poland
Poland is a nation in Central Europe. It is cleaved into 16 voivodeships, which are governmental entities. It is the European Union member state with the fifth-highest population. You must also have ancestors who were born in Poland after 1900 in order to qualify for citizenship. You might qualify for citizenship if one of your ancestors met the requirements. According to Article 18 of the Act, the President of the Republic of Poland may confer citizenship to a foreigner upon request.
Capital: Warsaw Largest City: Warsaw Official Language: Polish Major Religion: Christianity
19. Hungary
Central Europe’s landlocked nation of Hungary. Serbia to the south, Croatia and Slovenia to the southwest, Austria to the west, Slovakia to the north, Ukraine to the northeast, Romania to the east and southeast, and Serbia to the south. The Hungarian nationality legislation was adopted in 2011. It is one of the easiest countries to get citizenship. You could be eligible for citizenship if your family satisfies the requirements. Foreign nationals may become citizens if they have had Hungarian citizenship for eight years before submitting their application. Being a candidate requires having no criminal history. Additionally, the applicant resides in Hungary and has access to adequate means of sustenance. Having an ancestor born in the nation before 1920 or between 1941 and 1945 may also qualify you.
Capital: Budapest Largest City: Budapest Official Language: Hungarian Major Religion: Christianity
20. Ireland
Ireland is located in northwest Europe and the North Atlantic Ocean. Irish Sea, The North Channel, and St. George’s Channel divide it from Great Britain to its east. Ireland, is the continent’s second largest island and is an open economy that ranks 3rd on the Index of Economic Freedom. Ireland is one of the countries with the easiest to get citizenship. If you reside in Ireland or Northern Ireland and if you are of legal age, have been wed for three years or longer and three out of the last five years of your life have been spent on the island of Ireland then you can get Irish citizenship. It also concludes our list of easiest citizenships in the world.
Capital: Dublin Largest City: Dublin Official Language: English Major Religion: Christianity
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Why is it Important to have Citizenship?
The rights to vote, hold public office, social security, health care, public education, permanent residency, property ownership, and employment are just a few of the numerous legal advantages of being a recognized citizen. These benefits vary from nation to nation. Without citizenship, a person would have no states. Individuals and the state to which they are legally obligated and protected are said to be citizens. It is the reason why our list of easiest citizenships in the world is important.
Types of Citizenship
There are several grounds for acknowledging or granting citizenship to a person as we saw in our list of easiest citizenships in the world. The notions that someone can be awarded citizenship of a state or a country are as follows:
Citizenship by blood or family: A person may be eligible to become a state or a country citizen if either or both of their parents are residents of that state. Before the late 20th century, female equality was uncommon and might only have applied through the paternal line. Citizenship by birth: Some individuals are automatically citizens of the country they were born in. England is where this type of citizenship first materialized. Citizenship by marriage: Several countries expedite citizenship established on an individual marrying a citizen. Naturalization: Through the process of naturalization, a state usually endows citizenship to a person who has entered the nation lawfully, received a permit to remain, or has been given international protection and has also resided there for a predetermined share of time. Economic citizenship or citizenship through investment: Rich individuals will provide money directly in return for citizenship and a passport, investing it in real estate or companies, purchasing adhesives from the government, or both. Citizenship for exceptional services: For achievements in athletics, science, or the arts, one might get a passport. It is given to investors, academics, healthcare professionals and their families.
Advantages of having a Citizenship
Many people desire citizenship in a nation for various reasons. Some prefer the concept of being able to claim they are a citizen of a particular country, while others desire the freedom that comes with it. Others are concerned about their safety and security. Here are some advantages of opting for citizenship.
Citizenship can profit from having the freedom to live and work. Own property and travel in a different country. Although many immigrants can become naturalized citizens when they relocate to a new nation or marry a foreign partner, birth is the simplest way to get citizenship. Having citizenship enables those who have been traveling more simply and without needing to apply in advance for a valid travel visa. Citizenship holders are not required to get employment permission in order to work or conduct business in the countries in which they reside. Some nations still reserve the authority to forbid and limit foreign nationals from owning property. They can, however, possess property in the countries in which they are citizens. All political activities in the nations in which they hold citizenship are open to the citizens. This covers the freedom to cast a ballot, run for office, and provides money to political campaigns. The advantages and privileges available to citizens depend on the nation they are a citizen of. They could go there, for instance, to acquire medical care or procedures that are not offered in the nation where they were born. They can pay the same fee as domestic students to acquire an education.
