Dreaming of a Second Passport? These Are the Easiest Countries to Get Citizenship in 2025
Imagine sipping espresso in a sun-drenched Italian piazza, living in a cozy apartment overlooking the Andes in Argentina, or hopping on a flight with a passport that opens more doors than you ever imagined. For many Americans, this isn’t just a daydream—it’s an achievable goal.
Among the people in 2025, there will be more individuals discovering second citizenship to provide them with more freedom, escape from political uncertainties, increase financial opportunities, or just discover the world without unnecessary obstacles.
The good news? Acquiring that second passport may be easier than you can imagine.
From tapping into your heritage to the purchase of a share of paradise, we are about to unveil the simplest countries for Americans to gain citizenship in 2025, according to the Ted Baumann International Living report.
Citizenship by Descent
Remember, “your Family Tree Might Hold the Key”
For millions of Americans, claiming citizenship through bloodlines is surprisingly achievable. Known as jus sanguinis – or “right of blood” – this approach enables you to reclaim the citizenship of your forebears, sometimes even going as far back as to great-grandparents.
It normally entails the collection of vital records such as birth certificates, marriage documents, and death records, among others and handing them to the right consulate. In some countries, you may also be required to meet language skills or short residency requirements.
Here are the top 10 countries that stand out in 2025 for making this ancestral path smoother than ever:
- Italy
Italy has one of the most generous citizenship-by-descent laws in the world. It does not matter if your Italian ancestor left the country a hundred years ago; you may still qualify. Although paperwork is a little maze, the reward is huge: all the rights of full European Union membership, and access to 27 countries.
- Portugal
The policy on citizenship through descent of Portugal is particularly notable for descendants of Sephardic Jews who were expelled during the Inquisition. Although Portuguese descent direct descendants are eligible as well, such an open attitude of the country to historical justice makes this an interesting decision.
- Spain
Spain’s program is rather a bit more restrictive than Portugal’s, as it usually favors those who were born with parents in Spain. But, similar to Portugal, Spain has developed a special pathway for the Sephardic Jews so that applicants can reclaim the lost heritage and citizenship.
- Hungary
Unlike Spain and Portugal, the Hungarian program is popular in America for Americans who are of Eastern European descent. A specific level of knowledge of basic Hungarian language can be obtained; the application procedure is prompt and highly organized.
Other countries include: Poland & Ireland
Citizenship by Naturalization: The Long Stay Pays Off
If your ancestry doesn’t open the right doors, don’t worry. Another friendly path is citizenship by naturalization – no need to wait forever.
“Citizenship by naturalization involves living legally in the country for a set number of years, demonstrating familiarity with the language, sufficient resources to support oneself and sometimes a test on history, culture and the political system,” says Ted Baumann of International Living.
Here are four countries that make it relatively easy and fast:
- Argentina
Arguably, Argentina is among the countries to have one of the shortest naturalization periods in the world – only two years of legal residency. You will need to prove connections to the country in the form of owning property or from working, but the lifestyle, culture and cost of living make it a no-brainer for emigrants.
- Paraguay
Paraguay, which is known for low levels of bureaucracy and minimal residency requirements, is a dark horse for the easy citizenship race. Move in, and three years later, you can apply, with relatively few hurdles as compared to many Western countries.
- Ecuador
It takes only three years to be Ecuadorian. With open residency programs, a solid economy, and active expat pockets in cities like Cuenca and Quito, Ecuador is a logical route to a second passport.
- Peru
Another jewel of South America besides Argentina is Peru, which also provides citizenship within two years. Its beautiful landscapes, pulsating cities, and low cost of living make it ideal for digital nomads or retirees who want to put down roots.
Citizenship by Investment: Buy Your Way into a Passport
Got some savings? If so, and you want to achieve the quickest way to getting a second passport without having to make an important financial decision, then citizenship by investment may be your golden ticket.
“Some of these countries aren’t great places to live or be a citizen,” Baumann admits. “But for travel flexibility, getting a passport this way can come in very handy.”
Here are some of the best countries to move to in 2025:
- Turkey
Turkey’s investment program is booming. Three to four months are sufficient for getting the citizenship for $400,000 in real estate. Bonus: the properties are in demand in the cities that are the hubs of urbanisation, such as Istanbul and Antalya.
- Vanuatu
Situated in the South Pacific region, Vanuatu has one of the fastest programs for citizenship by investment. For at least $130,000, you can come home with your new passport in no less than 2 months..
Other countries include:
- Dominica: Investments start at $200,000, and you will get passports in six months. Plus, you’ll enjoy visa-free access to more than 140 countries.
- St. Kitts & Nevis: same investment threshold as Dominica, with the perks of the Caribbean lifestyle.
Why a Second Passport Matters More Than Ever
A second passport is more than a travel document—it’s a ticket to new opportunities. It can:
- Provide visa-free access to more countries
- Offer better healthcare or education systems
- Reduce taxes or improve financial privacy
- Serve as a backup plan for political or economic instability
With the right research and strategy, obtaining dual citizenship in 2025 could be one of the smartest and most liberating decisions you ever make.
Final Thoughts
Is it the romantic streets and colorful facades of Europe, a relaxed life in South America, the ease of acquiring a fast-track Caribbean passport, or something else? 2025 is the prime time to establish your foothold on the global stage.
Your second passport could be in the form of some old family records, at the end of a residency adventure, or in the form of a well-placed investment.
