The 11 Easiest Countries To Get Citizenship In 2026, According To An International Living Report

If you’re looking into the easiest countries to obtain citizenship—whether to move overseas or just secure a Plan B—you’re far from alone.

A recent Harris Poll shows that nearly half of Americans either already hold a second passport or want one, while about four in ten say they have considered relocating abroad or intend to do so. Meanwhile, the U.S. Defense Department estimates that around 4.4 million Americans were living outside the country in 2022, marking a 42% increase since 2010.

A newly released report from International Living outlines the nations providing the fastest and most accessible routes to citizenship in 2026.

“A second passport gives people a level of flexibility that’s difficult to achieve any other way,” Jennifer Stevens, executive editor of International Living, explained in an interview. “It creates opportunities for investment, travel, and extended stays abroad—essentially giving people more choices.”

Second Passports: Key Facts

Interest in obtaining a second passport is not new. Last year, International Living also highlighted countries with the easiest citizenship options, including pathways through ancestry and so-called golden visas—though these can be expensive, particularly in parts of Europe such as Greece.

In 2026, attention is increasingly shifting toward a different pathway: citizenship by investment. “A more affordable and often faster route is acquiring a second citizenship through investment,” writes Ted Baumann, a global diversification expert at International Living. “This approach, known as citizenship by investment (CBI), has seen a surge in interest, with inquiries tripling or even quadrupling since the start of the year.”

Still, the process is not as simple as it may sound. While often described as “buying a passport,” these programs actually grant citizenship in return for a qualifying financial contribution or investment, after which a passport is issued.

Citizenship By Investment: An Evolving Landscape

Over the past decade, citizenship-by-investment programs have changed significantly.

Following controversies and international pressure, Cyprus terminated its program in 2020, while Malta ended its scheme after losing a legal challenge with the European Union. The EU has also indicated that countries offering citizenship tied to visa-free Schengen access could face penalties.

As a result, modern programs now involve stricter background checks and oversight. “The CBI market is experiencing a major global shift,” Baumann notes. “Costs are rising, due diligence is more rigorous, fraud is being addressed, and questionable agencies are being pushed out.”

On the positive side, these changes have improved credibility. According to the report, stronger standards may reduce the stigma once associated with such programs. If applicants demonstrate genuine ties to their new country, other nations may become more accepting of CBI arrangements.

Nevertheless, experts advise caution. While citizenship by investment can offer visa-free travel, financial diversification, and optional residency, it does not remove U.S. tax obligations for American citizens, and many CBI destinations are not primary relocation hubs.

For many applicants, the real benefit lies in having additional options rather than an immediate move. In an increasingly uncertain world, flexibility itself has become a valuable asset.

Below are 11 countries highlighted in International Living’s report that offer formal citizenship-by-investment programs in 2026, along with key details. Anyone seriously considering such a step should consult professionals, as requirements frequently change.

The Caribbean

The Caribbean remains the global center of citizenship-by-investment programs, hosting most of the active offerings.

St. Kitts & Nevis

This nation launched the world’s first modern CBI program in 1984 and still sets the standard. Applicants can qualify through a $250,000 government donation or a $325,000 real estate investment held for seven years. No residency is required.

Antigua & Barbuda

This program offers flexible options, including a $230,000 donation or $300,000 in approved real estate. It also requires only minimal physical presence—five days within the first five years.

Dominica

Among the most affordable options, Dominica requires a minimum $200,000 contribution or approved property investment, with no residency obligation.

Grenada

Grenada is notable because its citizens may apply for the U.S. E-2 investor visa—an advantage not offered by most other Caribbean programs. Qualification starts at $235,000.

Saint Lucia

Citizenship begins at $240,000 through donation or $300,000 in real estate, with no residency requirement.

Europe

Europe’s position in the CBI market has shifted due to increasing scrutiny from the European Union, prompting investors to explore non-EU European countries.

North Macedonia

Citizenship is available through investments starting around €200,000, typically requiring a three-year holding period. The country is in Europe but outside the EU.

Turkey

Straddling Europe and Asia, Turkey offers citizenship through a $400,000 property purchase or a $500,000 financial investment held for three years. Turkish citizenship does not grant EU residency rights.

Middle East & Africa

Egypt

Egypt provides one of the lowest entry points outside the Caribbean, starting at a $100,000 donation or a $500,000 bank deposit held for three years.

Jordan

Jordan’s program is designed for ultra-wealthy investors, requiring roughly $1.4 million in qualifying investments.

Asia & Pacific

Cambodia

Citizenship can be obtained starting at approximately $245,000 through donation or approved investment.

Vanuatu

Often considered one of the fastest routes to citizenship, Vanuatu’s program begins around $130,000, though diplomatic pressures have affected some visa-free travel privileges.