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Blog · 2024-03-14

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 a passport within 6 to 12 months and enjoy all of its benefits - visa-free travel to 146 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.

FAQ

What is the fastest way to get a second citizenship?
Investment programs are the quickest: the country reviews your source of funds and grants the passport with no residence requirement. Naturalization and marriage take longer because they are tied to time spent in the country. If investment is off the table, citizenship by descent is usually the shortest route.
Can you buy citizenship?
Yes. A handful of countries run official citizenship-by-investment programs based on a contribution to a state fund or an approved property purchase. You still go through background and source-of-funds checks and can be refused, and price lists change, so confirm current terms before applying.
How long do you have to live in a country to get citizenship?
It depends on the country, and the clock usually starts when you receive residency. Some Latin American countries ask for a couple of years, much of Europe closer to a decade, while marriage and descent routes are shorter. Beyond the time itself, expect language, tax and physical-presence checks.
Does marriage give you citizenship?
In most countries marriage alone does not hand you a passport; it shortens the naturalization timeline or removes some conditions. You normally get a spouse residence permit first and apply for citizenship after the set period. Authorities check that the marriage is genuine.
Can I get citizenship through my grandparents?
Often yes. Several countries recognize citizenship by descent two or three generations back, provided the chain of transmission was never broken. You will need original birth and marriage records for your ancestors, plus legalization and certified translations.

Don’t want to figure this out alone?

We handle the whole process end to end: we check your documents, match a program to your situation and give you honest timelines and costs. Leave your details and a migration expert will get back to you. The first consultation is free.

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