What is the easiest country to get dual citizenship?
Asked by: Lelia Walsh | Last update: February 16, 2026Score: 4.8/5 (66 votes)
Ireland is often heralded as one of the easiest ways to gain a dual citizenship. An individual can gain jus sanguinis citizenship, or citizenship through the blood of ancestors. The only requirement is that one of the individuals grandparents was born in Ireland. This grants free Irish citizenship.
What is the easiest country to become a dual citizen?
Different countries have different rules, but the easiest countries to get dual citizenship are states like Turkey, Vanuatu, Grenada, and Dominica. They offer citizenship by investment that can be obtained in 2—10 months.
In what countries can US citizens get dual citizenship?
The U.S. permits dual citizenship, and many countries also allow it, including major allies like Canada, the UK, Mexico, Ireland, Australia, France, Germany, and Italy, plus nations across Europe, Latin America, and parts of Africa, Asia, and Oceania, though rules vary (e.g., the Philippines requires reclaiming it). Major countries that generally do not allow dual citizenship with the U.S. include China, Japan, India (requires OCI status), and Saudi Arabia.
What is the easiest EU country for an American to get citizenship?
There are four main ways to get European citizenship: by descent, marriage, naturalization, or investment. The fastest and easiest European country to get citizenship is Malta (by merit) or Spain (by marriage). Residency is often required before applying for citizenship, typically ranging from 5 to 10 years.
Where is the cheapest place to get dual citizenship?
1. Vanuatu. The country in Oceania offers the cheapest path towards obtaining second citizenship by investment through a non-refundable contribution of $130,000+ to the government fund.
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In which country can I buy a house and get citizenship?
Yes, several countries offer citizenship or a pathway to it through real estate investment, with popular options in the Caribbean (Antigua & Barbuda, Dominica, Grenada), Europe (Malta, Portugal, Greece, Spain, Cyprus, Turkey), and other regions (Vanuatu, Egypt, Jordan), though some pathways lead to residency first, requiring further steps for citizenship. These programs, often called "Citizenship by Investment" (CBI) or "Golden Visas," attract foreign capital by offering passports or residency in exchange for property purchases, business investments, or donations.
What is the downside of dual citizenship?
Disadvantages of dual citizenship include potential double taxation, mandatory military service obligations, and restrictions on certain high-level government or security jobs, plus complexities with complying with two legal systems, potential for identity struggles, and navigating differing benefits or rules in each country. These drawbacks vary significantly by the specific countries involved, so consulting legal advice is recommended.
Which European passport is the strongest?
Top 5 Best European Passports in 2025
- Sweden. Key Benefits. A Swedish passport is one of the most desirable in the world. ...
- Switzerland. Key Benefits. ...
- Finland. Key Benefits. ...
- Germany. Key Benefits. ...
- Denmark. Key Benefits.
What is the easiest country to move to from the US?
Geographically and culturally, Canada is the easiest country to move to from the United States due to its proximity, shared language, and similar culture. It offers various immigration pathways, such as Express Entry for skilled workers and family sponsorship, making it more accessible compared to other nations.
What is the best dual citizenship combo?
The "best" dual citizenship combo depends on your goals (travel, tax, stability), but top contenders often pair an EU passport (like Ireland or Portugal) with a strong passport from another major region (US, Canada, Australia) for broad visa-free access, lifestyle, and economic power, while Ireland and Chile is favored for geographic diversity and EU/South America access. A US/EU combo offers economic strength, while Irish/Chilean provides EU and South American coverage, balancing mobility with tax efficiency and stability.
Do dual citizens pay taxes in both countries?
Yes, dual citizens often have obligations to file and potentially pay taxes in both countries, as both countries' laws apply, but mechanisms like tax treaties and foreign tax credits usually prevent paying tax twice on the same income by offering relief for taxes already paid to the other country. The key is meeting each country's residency or citizenship-based filing criteria, requiring careful attention to reporting requirements, even if credits reduce the final amount owed.
Can I lose my US citizenship with dual citizenship?
U.S. law does not mention dual nationality or require a person to choose one citizenship over another. A person who is automatically granted another citizenship does not risk losing U.S. citizenship. However, a person who acquires a foreign citizenship by applying for it may lose U.S. citizenship.
Which country pays us to live there?
Yes, several countries and regions offer financial incentives, grants, or low-cost housing to attract new residents, often targeting depopulated rural areas or skilled workers, with examples in Italy, Spain, Japan, Chile, Switzerland, and Ireland, though these usually come with conditions like commitments to stay long-term, renovate property, or start a business. Programs range from direct cash for moving to tax breaks and subsidized housing to stimulate local economies.
What is the best dual citizenship country?
- Italy.
- Hungary.
- Latvia. Top 5 Caribbean Countries with Dual Citizenship.
- St Kitts and Nevis.
- St Lucia.
- Antigua and Barbuda.
- Dominica.
- Grenada.
What is the fastest way to get dual citizenship?
Marriage. Some countries grant fast-track permanent resident status to individuals who have married a citizen of that country, thereby speeding up the time to citizenship.
What is the #1 passport in the world?
As of early 2026, Singapore holds the #1 spot as the world's most powerful passport, offering visa-free access to 192 destinations, closely followed by Japan and South Korea (tied for #2), with European nations like Denmark, Luxembourg, Spain, Sweden, and Switzerland rounding out the top ranks, according to the Henley & Partners Passport Index.
Can US citizens get an EU passport?
You may be eligible for EU citizenship if you have parents, grandparents or great-grandparents that were from an EU country. EU countries that offer the most favourable route for citizenship by descent are Portugal, Ireland, Italy Poland, Latvia and Lithuania.
What 5 countries are not in Schengen?
Five countries in Europe not in the Schengen Area include the United Kingdom, Ireland, Cyprus, Romania, and Bulgaria, alongside many others like Albania, Serbia, Montenegro, Ukraine, Belarus, and Russia. While some nations like Andorra or Monaco have de facto open borders, they aren't official members, but major countries like the UK and Ireland have opted out, and Eastern European nations often maintain their own border controls.
Which country gives free citizenship in Europe?
No EU country offers automatic citizenship to foreigners without some form of eligibility, such as ancestry, marriage, or legal residence. Most EU countries operate on jus sanguinis — the right of blood — not jus soli. So if you have European roots, your path to a second passport may cost nothing more than paperwork.
What are the risks of dual citizenship?
Claims of other countries upon U.S. dual-nationals may result in conflicting obligations under the laws of each country. U.S. dual nationals may also face restrictions in the U.S. consular protections available to U.S. nationals abroad, particularly in the country of their other nationality.
Which country gives citizenship by buying property?
Yes, several countries offer citizenship or a pathway to it through real estate investment, with popular options in the Caribbean (Antigua & Barbuda, Dominica, Grenada), Europe (Malta, Portugal, Greece, Spain, Cyprus, Turkey), and other regions (Vanuatu, Egypt, Jordan), though some pathways lead to residency first, requiring further steps for citizenship. These programs, often called "Citizenship by Investment" (CBI) or "Golden Visas," attract foreign capital by offering passports or residency in exchange for property purchases, business investments, or donations.
Can you collect social security with dual citizenship?
Yes, dual citizens generally get Social Security if they qualify through U.S. work credits, as dual citizenship itself doesn't block benefits, but where you live and international agreements matter, especially for payments abroad, where Totalization Agreements help combine credits from both countries to meet eligibility. You can receive benefits from both countries if you qualify under each system, or a partial benefit from the U.S. by combining credits if you don't have enough U.S. credits alone.
Is the U.S. banning dual citizenships?
The new dual citizenship bill, officially called the Exclusive Citizenship Act of 2025, is a proposal that would ban dual citizenship for Americans and require individuals to choose one nationality. The bill is not law, and dual citizenship remains fully legal today.
Do I have to pay US taxes if I have dual citizenship?
Regardless of the path taken, dual citizenship creates ongoing tax obligations – US law requires citizens to file a tax return each year on worldwide income, even when living abroad or using a second passport.