20 Best Countries for Second Passports

A good second passport is more than a travel perk. It can future‑proof your mobility, diversify where you can live and work, open banking and investment doors, and give your family options when policies or markets shift. After 12+ years advising globally mobile founders and families, I’ve found there’s no one-size-fits-all answer—only better fits. Below, I walk through 20 strong countries for second citizenship, how to qualify, what it costs, and where each shines.

What “best” actually means for a second passport

Not all passports solve the same problems. When I evaluate options for clients, I’m comparing five things:

Mobility: visa-free/visa-on-arrival access, especially Schengen, the UK, and major hubs in Asia.

Attainability: time to citizenship, legal pathways, language/integration hurdles, dual-citizenship rules.

Costs: donations, investments, fees, legal, and opportunity cost (e.g., funds locked for years).

Life quality: education, healthcare, safety, business climate.

Tax and compliance: whether citizenship triggers tax (usually no) and how residence would be taxed if you moved.

A reminder many people miss: citizenship rarely equals tax residency. With a few exceptions (notably the U.S. and, in a limited way, Eritrea), you’re taxed where you live, not what passport you hold. Getting a second passport does not automatically change your tax situation; moving does.

Quick decision guide

You want speed with minimal bureaucracy: Caribbean citizenship-by-investment (CBI) or Turkey.

You want EU mobility and the right to live in 27 countries: Malta (investment naturalization) or an EU residence-to-citizenship route (Portugal, Ireland, Spain, Italy, Greece, Germany, France).

You have ancestry: Ireland and Italy are extremely friendly to diaspora.

You want a Plan B with friendly taxes: Panama or Uruguay.

You prefer common-law, English-speaking environments: Ireland, Canada, Australia, New Zealand.

You want optionality for U.S. business: Turkey (E-2 treaty) or Grenada (also E-2).

1) Malta

Malta offers arguably the most direct route to an EU passport via the Maltese Exceptional Investor Naturalisation (MEIN) process—essentially naturalization for exceptional services through investment. It’s rigorous: top-tier due diligence, real residence, and a meaningful contribution. But the outcome—a high-trust EU passport with the right to live and work across the EU—is gold-standard.

Fastest path: Contribution of roughly €600,000 (36-month residency) or €750,000 (12-month residency), plus property lease/purchase and a donation. Expect total outlay well into the low seven figures when counting family and fees.

Timeframe: Approximately 1–3 years depending on route and approvals.

Mobility: Among the world’s strongest; visa-free across Schengen and access to 180+ destinations.

Dual citizenship: Allowed.

Who it suits: Entrepreneurs and families seeking top-tier mobility and EU settlement rights, and who can clear robust background checks.

Professional note: Malta scrutinizes source of funds to a forensic level. If your documentation trail is messy, clean it up before you apply.

2) Portugal

Portugal is a favorite for a quieter, culturally rich landing spot with a straightforward naturalization pathway. The “Golden Visa” no longer accepts pure real estate buys, but you can still qualify via regulated investment funds, cultural donations, research, or job-creating businesses. Portuguese citizenship typically becomes available after five years.

Paths: Investment funds (often €500,000+), company formation/job creation, cultural or research contributions. There’s also the D7 (passive income) and D8 (digital nomad) visas for non-investors.

Timeline: Around five years of legal residency; Portuguese A2 language test.

Mobility: EU passport tier; live/work anywhere in the EU.

Dual citizenship: Allowed.

Tip from the trenches: Pick funds with real governance and a clear exit plan; fees can erode returns. Work with managers who report clearly and don’t over-promise.

3) Ireland

Ireland is exceptional for those with ancestry and attractive for professionals in tech, finance, and life sciences. Citizenship by descent reaches one generation further than many countries: if you have an Irish-born grandparent, you can register in the Foreign Births Register and become an Irish citizen without living there.

Paths: Descent (parents/grandparents); naturalization (generally 5 years residence, with one continuous year immediately before application); marriage (conditions apply).

Timeline: Descent can be months once documents are in order; naturalization ~5 years.

Mobility: Top-tier EU passport; strong U.S. and UK links; common-law legal system.

Dual citizenship: Allowed.

Insider advice: Sorting historical documents—especially older birth/marriage records—takes time. Start gathering early and expect to order certified copies from multiple jurisdictions.

4) Spain

Spain offers a high-quality life and world-class cities. The general naturalization period is 10 years, but many nationals from Latin America, the Philippines, Equatorial Guinea, and Portugal qualify in just two years. Students and workers can count time; language (A2–B1) and integration are required.

Paths: Student to work to permanent, entrepreneur visa, highly qualified professional. Golden visa policies have been tightened; seek current guidance.

Timeline: 2–10 years depending on nationality and route.

Mobility: EU passport; broad visa-free access.

Dual citizenship: Restricted, but permitted with a long list of Ibero-American countries, the Philippines, Andorra, Portugal, and Equatorial Guinea.

Common mistake: Assuming Spanish tax exposure begins with a visa. It begins with residence and presence (183-day rule or center of vital interests). Plan before you move.

5) Italy

Italy is the heavyweight for jure sanguinis (citizenship by descent). Many applicants discover eligibility via a parent, grandparent, or sometimes great-grandparent. Naturalization for non-EU residents is longer (10 years), but the descent route can be remarkably quick with the right documentation.

Paths: Descent, marriage (after 2 years residence or 3 years married if living abroad), naturalization (10 years), investor visa (residence first).

Timeline: Descent timelines vary by municipality and court backlog; the range is months to a couple of years. Naturalization: 10 years.

Mobility: EU passport; strong within Europe and beyond.

Dual citizenship: Allowed.

Practitioner tip: Name changes and missing records sink many Italian cases. Get a specialist to reconcile discrepancies and apostille every document correctly.

6) Greece

Greece has improved its path to citizenship, though it remains a patience game. The Golden Visa remains available via real estate with higher thresholds depending on location and property type. Naturalization requires seven years of residence and an integration exam (including Greek language).

Paths: Golden Visa (property or certain financial instruments), digital nomad to residence, employment, study.

Timeline: ~7 years to naturalization; language at an A2 level for citizenship.

Mobility: EU passport upon citizenship; residency alone gives Schengen access.

Dual citizenship: Allowed.

Real-world note: Greek bureaucracy is getting better but can still be manual. Build extra time into every step and use local counsel who speaks both languages—legal and administrative.

7) Germany

Germany’s 2024 reform modernized its citizenship law: the standard residency for naturalization is now around five years, with potential acceleration to three for exceptional integration (language at B2, notable community or professional achievements). Broad dual citizenship is permitted under the new rules.

Paths: Blue Card, skilled worker visas, students turning to work, entrepreneurs. No CBI program.

Timeline: 3–5 years depending on integration and residence type.

Mobility: Top of the global rankings with 190+ visa-free/visa-on-arrival destinations.

Dual citizenship: Now broadly allowed.

Pro insight: Germany rewards structure—clean contracts, tax filings, and continuous residence. Breaks in residence can reset the clock; document everything.

8) France

France combines culture, strong public services, and a clear naturalization process. Expect a five-year residency (reduced for graduates of French higher education) and a solid B1 French level. France has no CBI, but it’s a fair process for skilled professionals, founders, and families committed to building a life there.

Paths: Talent Passport (tech, science, arts, entrepreneurs), employment, family, student-to-work.

Timeline: About 5 years residence; language and civic integration required.

Mobility: EU passport; high global access.

Dual citizenship: Allowed.

Common pitfall: Underestimating the language standard. B1 is conversational. Budget for classes early; it pays off everywhere in your French life, not just in the application.

9) Switzerland

The Swiss passport is elite, but you earn it. Ordinary naturalization requires 10 years of residence (time spent between ages 8–18 counts double up to a limit), integration, and canton/commune-level approvals. There’s no investment citizenship, but residency is feasible for entrepreneurs, high earners, or retirees meeting fiscal requirements.

Paths: Work permits tied to employers, self-employment (harder for non-EU), lump-sum taxation agreements in some cantons for non-employed wealthier applicants.

Timeline: 10 years for naturalization; local processes add time.

Mobility: Very strong; near-top-tier access, plus the right to live in one of Europe’s most stable economies.

Dual citizenship: Allowed.

Reality check: Switzerland is the right answer for those who actually want to live there. If you only want mobility, there are faster paths.

10) Canada

Canada is a pragmatic route to a top-tier passport via permanent residence. You can qualify through Express Entry (skilled workers), provincial programs, or business/entrepreneur streams. Citizenship typically requires three years of physical presence within a five-year window.

Paths: Express Entry, Provincial Nominee Programs, Start-Up Visa, family reunification.

Timeline: PR timelines vary; citizenship after 3/5 years physical presence.

Mobility: Excellent; strong global access and North American business credibility.

Dual citizenship: Allowed.

Practitioner perspective: Canadian immigration is points-driven and paper-heavy. Maximize language test scores and credential assessments—they’re the quickest levers to improve ranking.

11) Australia

Australia offers a high-quality life with a clear bridge to citizenship for permanent residents. Most applicants qualify after four years of residence (with at least one year as a permanent resident), subject to character and a basic citizenship test.

Paths: Skilled visas, employer-sponsored, Global Talent Independent, business innovation/investment.

Timeline: About 4 years residence total, including 1+ year PR.

Mobility: Excellent; strong Asia-Pacific connections.

Dual citizenship: Allowed.

Practical tip: Pay attention to occupation lists and state nomination criteria. The right job title can be the difference between a 6-month and a 2-year process.

12) New Zealand

New Zealand is measured and rules-based. Permanent residents who meet presence requirements can become citizens after five years. It’s ideal for those prioritizing safety, nature, and a tight-knit business community.

Paths: Skilled migrant, accredited employer, investor categories, family.

Timeline: 5 years residence with minimum days per year and total days requirements.

Mobility: Very good; strong access and regional respect.

Dual citizenship: Allowed.

Insider note: Policy adjustments are frequent. Check the latest points thresholds and processing times before planning your move.

13) Uruguay

Uruguay is a quiet gem in South America: politically stable, solid rule of law, a simple tax framework, and a real path to citizenship. Residence is straightforward; citizenship requires demonstrating “arraigo” (ties) and presence.

Paths: Residency through income/pension, property, or employment.

Timeline: Citizenship after 3 years if married/with family ties in Uruguay, 5 years if single.

Mobility: Good and improving; not EU-tier, but works well as a regional base.

Dual citizenship: Allowed.

Tax angle: Uruguay offers a tax holiday on foreign passive income up to 11 years for new tax residents who opt in. Great for wealth planning with proper structuring.

14) Panama

Panama’s Friendly Nations visa made residency accessible for many. While rules tightened, it’s still one of the simpler ways to plant a flag in the Americas. Citizenship follows after five years of residence plus Spanish and civic knowledge.

Paths: Friendly Nations (employment or economic ties), pensionado (retirees), professional visas.

Timeline: ~5 years to citizenship; actual court timelines vary.

Mobility: Decent; good as a backup rather than primary travel document.

Dual citizenship: Technically not recognized domestically; in practice, many hold dual without enforcement issues. Get local legal advice.

Pro tip: Keep residence active with physical presence and clean records. People lose momentum between ID renewals and then realize their clock paused.

15) Turkey

Turkey offers one of the fastest citizenship-by-investment programs with real estate or financial asset routes. Processing can be a matter of months, and the passport unlocks the U.S. E‑2 treaty investor visa—an underrated bridge for entrepreneurs.

Paths: Citizenship by investment via $400,000+ real estate, $500,000 bank deposit, government bonds, venture capital funds, or job creation.

Timeline: Often 6–12 months for citizenship.

Mobility: Moderate; visa-free to 110+ countries, not including Schengen (visa required).

Dual citizenship: Allowed.

Use case: A speed-first Plan B and E‑2 access to the U.S. If your primary goal is Schengen mobility, pair Turkey with a Schengen multi-year visa strategy or another residency.

16) St. Kitts & Nevis

St. Kitts pioneered modern CBI and continues to set standards with higher price points and stricter due diligence. It’s often the most respected Caribbean option and still relatively fast.

Paths: Donation to the sustainability fund or approved real estate.

Investment: Expect donation levels in the $250,000 range for a single applicant, plus fees; real estate higher.

Timeline: Typically 3–6 months; expedited options sometimes available.

Mobility: 150+ destinations including Schengen and the UK.

Dual citizenship: Allowed.

Insider note: Because Kitts is pricier, it tends to attract applicants who value reputational strength over lowest cost.

17) Grenada

Grenada’s unique hook is the U.S. E‑2 treaty, which the other big Caribbean CBIs (except for some) don’t provide. Processing is straightforward, and real estate developers have matured.

Paths: Donation or government-approved real estate.

Investment: Commonly around $150,000–$200,000 donation for singles; more with family, plus fees.

Timeline: 4–6 months typical.

Mobility: 140+ countries including Schengen and the UK.

Dual citizenship: Allowed.

Practical use: If your business plan includes a U.S. foothold via E‑2, Grenada is an elegant two-step.

18) Antigua & Barbuda

Antigua remains cost-effective for families with one of the most affordable four-person donation tiers among the Caribbean five. The five-day residence requirement within five years is light and pleasant to fulfill.

Paths: Donation (often the value choice for families), real estate, or university fund contribution.

Investment: Historically among the lowest for families; align expectations with the region’s 2024 move toward higher floors.

Timeline: ~4–6 months.

Mobility: 140+ countries, including Schengen and the UK.

Dual citizenship: Allowed.

Watch-out: Family definitions, especially for adult dependents, are scrutinized. Clarify dependency rules upfront.

19) Dominica

Dominica’s program has been a quality workhorse for decades with excellent due diligence and steady administration. The UK introduced visa requirements for Dominica in 2023; Schengen access remains. For many, the value still pencils out.

Paths: Donation or approved real estate.

Investment: Donations have typically been lower than St. Kitts; expect pricing around the region’s coordinated minimums, plus fees.

Timeline: ~4–6 months.

Mobility: 140+ including Schengen; UK now requires a visa.

Dual citizenship: Allowed.

Candid note: If UK visa-free is a must, consider Antigua, St. Kitts, St. Lucia, or Grenada instead.

20) St. Lucia

St. Lucia entered later and learned from neighbors—clean processes, decent pricing, and interesting bond options at times. It’s often the price-performance pick for single applicants.

Paths: Donation, real estate, or (periodically) government bonds at set maturities.

Investment: Competitive entry cost for singles; families add fees quickly.

Timeline: 3–6 months.

Mobility: 140+ including Schengen and the UK.

Dual citizenship: Allowed.

Pro tip: Watch for limited-time bond offers that reduce net cost if you’re comfortable tying up capital.

Choosing the right fit: scenarios that work

You need EU settlement rights within a realistic timeframe and have budget: Malta. If budget is lower, start with Portugal or Ireland residency and work toward citizenship.

You have a European grandparent: Check Ireland and Italy first. These are often the fastest, cleanest wins.

You run a global business and want a fast Plan B: St. Kitts or Grenada (E‑2 kicker) or Turkey (fast and E‑2).

You want a sunny base with light taxes and eventual citizenship: Panama or Uruguay.

You’re a skilled professional seeking a life pivot and a top passport: Canada, Australia, or New Zealand.

Step-by-step: how to secure a second passport sensibly

1) Define your outcome

Is the priority visa-free travel, the right to live in the EU, business access to the U.S., or a tax-friendly base? Rank your goals and budget.

2) Shortlist 2–3 countries

One “fast” option (e.g., Grenada or Turkey) and one “quality ladder” (e.g., Portugal or Ireland). You might pursue both in parallel if budget allows.

3) Map the legal path and timeline

For investment options, confirm updated minimums, fees, and due diligence steps.

For residency to citizenship, confirm language requirements and whether time starts at application or approval (this matters in Portugal).

4) Build your evidence file

Passport(s), birth/marriage certificates, police clearances, bank statements, audited financial statements for business owners, tax returns, source-of-funds evidence. The tidier your documentation, the smoother your due diligence.

5) Model total costs and opportunity cost

Include donations/investments, legal fees, government fees, family add-ons, translations/apostilles, travel, and time. For fund or bond routes, consider exit liquidity and currency risk.

6) Run compliance and tax checks

Confirm dual citizenship rules; check whether you need to notify your home country.

Plan tax residency if you intend to move. For example, Canada requires 3/5 years of physical presence—your tax plan must match your life plan.

7) Execute with professional help

Choose regulated agents and licensed attorneys with real references. Push for a written scope, timeline, and fee schedule. Good advisors save you both time and reputational risk.

8) Maintain the asset

Keep your second passport valid, track your residency days if needed, file any annual reports, and complete required visits (e.g., Antigua’s 5-day visit within 5 years).

Common mistakes (and how to avoid them)

Chasing the cheapest sticker price:

Cheaper up front can mean higher risk or weaker mobility. Calculate total cost of ownership over five years, not just the donation.

Ignoring due diligence reality:

If your source of funds is hard to verify, expect delays or denials. Pre-empt issues with third-party verifications and organized bank trails.

Confusing residence with citizenship:

Many EU options give you residence first. Citizenship clocks start once residence is granted (and sometimes from application filing). Understand the sequence.

Underestimating language/integration:

Germany, France, Portugal, Greece, Spain—these expect genuine integration. Start language learning on day one.

Neglecting family eligibility:

Adult children, parents, or stepchildren may not qualify under the same application. Read dependency definitions line by line.

Overlooking second-order risks:

Policy shifts happen. Pick jurisdictions with strong institutions and due process. Avoid putting all eggs in one (policy) basket.

Forgetting bankability:

Some banks are wary of certain CBI passports for compliance reasons. Maintain a strong primary passport or obtain residence in a G7/EU country to anchor your banking.

How these passports stack up on mobility and effort

Think of these as lanes, not a rigid ranking:

Top-tier EU passports with direct or eventual EU settlement rights: Malta (fastest with capital), Germany, France, Spain, Italy, Portugal, Greece, Ireland, Switzerland. These dominate mobility (often 180–190+ destinations) and provide the right to live/work across the EU (once you’re a citizen of an EU member).

Fast-track “Plan B” passports: St. Kitts & Nevis, Grenada, Antigua & Barbuda, Dominica, St. Lucia, Turkey. Perfect for speed, risk diversification, and in Grenada/Turkey’s case, E‑2 to the U.S. No automatic EU settlement rights.

Quality common-law diaspora or skills routes: Ireland (descent), Canada, Australia, New Zealand. Excellent for English speakers and professionals who value predictable legal environments.

Flexible, tax-friendly base countries: Uruguay, Panama. Slower mobility than EU, but great for lifestyle and fiscal planning, plus credible citizenship pathways.

Cost and timeline snapshots

Investment naturalization (Malta): Low seven figures all-in for a family; 1–3 years.

EU residency to citizenship (Portugal/Ireland/Spain/Italy/Greece/Germany/France): Government fees are modest; the real “cost” is time (3–10 years), integration, and sustaining your life there. For Portugal’s Golden Visa, count €500,000+ for funds or other qualifying routes, plus fees.

Anglo-Commonwealth PR routes (Canada/Australia/NZ): Application and settlement costs vary widely; expect several thousand to tens of thousands in fees, then 3–5 years of residence to citizenship.

CBI Caribbean: Donations around $200,000–$250,000 for a single applicant post-2024 alignment, plus due diligence, legal, and government fees. Families pay more; 3–6 months typical.

Turkey CBI: $400,000 real estate or $500,000 financial assets + fees; 6–12 months.

Practical data points I keep on a dashboard

EU integration thresholds: A2–B1 language is the norm for citizenship. Germany’s accelerated track needs B2 plus proof of exceptional integration.

Physical presence: Canada requires 1,095 days in 5 years; New Zealand tracks days per year and total days (e.g., 240 days each year and 1,350 total across 5 years); Uruguay and Panama rely more on evidence of ties and some presence.

Dual citizenship rules: Broadly allowed in Malta, Ireland, Portugal, Italy, Greece, Germany (post-reform), France, Switzerland, Canada, Australia, New Zealand, Uruguay, Panama, Turkey, and Caribbean CBIs. Spain is restricted but widely permitted with Ibero-American countries and a few others.

UK access changes: As of 2023, Dominica lost UK visa-free entry; others among the “Caribbean five” retained it. Always confirm current lists before you apply.

How to future-proof your choice

Pair speed with depth:

Many clients combine a quick CBI (e.g., St. Kitts or Grenada) with an EU or common-law residency (e.g., Portugal or Ireland). If policies tighten, you’ve hedged.

Anchor banking and compliance:

Open accounts in stable jurisdictions early, keep tax filings immaculate, and maintain international proof of address. This pays dividends when due diligence ramps up.

Invest in language:

Even if not required, speaking the language multiplies your quality of life and helps if you pivot to citizenship later.

Plan your exits:

If you invest in funds or real estate, identify exit windows and counterparties now. “We’ll sell later” isn’t a strategy.

Final thoughts

A second passport is not a purchase; it’s a long-term strategy. The right answer balances speed, quality, and your personal story—family ties, career paths, and the places you actually want to spend time. If I were building from zero with a moderate budget, I’d likely pair Grenada (fast, E‑2) with Portugal (EU future). If I had strong EU ancestry, I’d run the Italy or Ireland process immediately and add Panama or Uruguay for a lifestyle base. With a larger budget and EU ambitions, Malta wins for certainty and speed.

Whichever route you choose, respect the process: gather documents meticulously, work with reputable professionals, and think in decades, not months. That mindset turns a second passport from a travel tool into a generational asset.