Seven ways to obtain citizenship in 2025
Acquiring a second citizenship is a significant step for anyone seeking new opportunities, greater security and personal peace of mind. There are many routes to it, and the specifics depend entirely on the laws of the country in question. Here are the main ones.
Citizenship by birth
In many countries, a child born on national soil automatically receives that country's passport, regardless of the parents' nationality.
Citizenship by naturalization
The central requirement for naturalization is long-term residence in the country. Applicants are often expected to speak the national language and demonstrate knowledge of the country's culture and laws.
Citizenship through marriage
Some countries allow foreigners to obtain a passport by marrying one of their citizens. This route is usually faster than naturalization, though it may require proof that the marriage is genuine, along with a number of additional conditions.
Citizenship by investment
Many states run citizenship-by-investment programs that grant foreigners a passport in exchange for a substantial economic contribution - in real estate, business or the wider economy.
One of the most attractive options is Paraguay: a strategically located, outward-looking land of opportunity. Citizenship by investment there offers foreigners and their families a rare chance to obtain permanent residency for an investment from 70,000 US dollars, then a passport no earlier than three years of living in the country as a permanent resident, and enjoy all its benefits - visa-free travel to 145 countries, including the Schengen Area, the United Kingdom and Singapore; eligibility for the US E-2 visa; tax optimization with a 10% rate; and life in a country with a high standard of living and a favourable climate.
Citizenship by descent
Descent is another well-established route. It allows a person to acquire a passport based on their parents' nationality, even if they were born outside the country in question.
Citizenship through employment
The path to citizenship can begin with a work visa, followed by fast-tracked naturalization. In Germany, for example, citizenship through employment can be obtained in as little as three years.
Citizenship for special categories
Some countries grant citizenship to particular groups - refugees, stateless persons, or individuals who have rendered exceptional service to the state.
Choosing the right route depends on many factors: personal circumstances, ties to a particular country, investment capacity and long-term goals. It is essential to research each country's laws and requirements carefully and to consult qualified legal specialists in the field.
What has changed by 2026
The ways to obtain citizenship are the same, but the rules for many of them have become noticeably stricter over two years.
| Route | What changed |
|---|---|
| By birth | In Chile, since 13 April 2026 a child of tourists does not get citizenship at birth. In Portugal it is available by declaration if a parent has lived in the country for 5 years. Argentina and Brazil still grant citizenship automatically, including to children of tourists. |
| Naturalisation | In Portugal, since 19 May 2026 the period before citizenship has risen from 5 to 10 years for most foreigners. Germany requires 5 years, and the previous passport can be kept. |
| Through work | The fast-track path to German citizenship in 3 years mentioned in the article above was abolished on 30 October 2025. |
| By descent | Since 2025 Italy recognises citizenship by blood only with a parent or grandparent who held exclusively Italian citizenship. |
| By investment | Malta closed its programme in 2025, so there are no such programmes left in the EU. The EU has told Caribbean countries to wind theirs down by 1 June 2028. |
Germany: three years no longer works
On 27 June 2024 Germany allowed dual citizenship and cut the naturalisation period to 5 years, and to 3 years for the especially well integrated. The fast three-year route did not last: it was abolished on 30 October 2025. The basis is now 5 years of legal residence, knowledge of German and being able to support your family. The path can start with a work residence permit; more on the page about the German work visa.
Italy: citizenship by blood is now limited
Until 27 March 2025 Italian citizenship passed down without any limit on generations. Law 74/2025, in force since 24 May 2025, changed the rule: a person born abroad who holds another citizenship is deemed never to have acquired Italian citizenship. The exceptions are applications and lawsuits filed before 23:59 Rome time on 27 March 2025, and cases where a parent or grandparent held only Italian citizenship. Italy's Constitutional Court upheld the reform in 2026, but in July 2026, in other cases, it referred the question to the EU Court of Justice; until it answers, the law applies as normal. Details are on the page about Italian citizenship by descent.
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Citizenship by investment in 2026
| Country | Minimum amount | Timeline |
|---|---|---|
| Turkey | from $400,000 | 6-8 months |
| Vanuatu | from $130,000 | usually 1-3 months |
| Grenada | from $235,000 | 8-12 months, closed to Russian citizens |
| Malta | programme abolished in 2025 | - |
Paraguay does not sell passports: first you obtain permanent residence, and citizenship comes no earlier than after three years of living in the country.
How we help
We compare the routes actually available to you: by descent, through the birth of a child, naturalisation or investment, calculate the timelines and full cost, and support the process until you receive the passport. Write in the chat and we will suggest a route for your passport, family and budget.
FAQ
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We look at ancestry, marriage, work and investment options and find the shortest path to a second passport for your family. The catalogue covers citizenship in every country.
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