Obtaining a second citizenship is often viewed as a complex process due to the lengthy procedures or specific prerequisites involved in most routes to dual citizenship. Here are the primary paths to acquiring a second citizenship:

1. Naturalization represents the most common yet prolonged route to gaining a second citizenship. This route entails residing in a country for a specified duration until one becomes eligible to apply for citizenship according to the host country’s laws.

2. Citizenship by Marriage offers another avenue to acquire a second nationality. In numerous countries, marrying a citizen grants eligibility to apply for citizenship. This can be pursued directly or after obtaining a residency permit and subsequently becoming a citizen through naturalization.

3. Citizenship by Descent presents a straightforward but exclusive pathway. Certain countries like Austria, Ireland, Italy, Poland, and Portugal allow individuals with ancestors who were citizens to apply for citizenship. However, verifying ancestry might involve complex documentation and applies to a limited portion of the global population.

4. Exceptional Citizenship is exceedingly rare and typically granted to high-profile individuals like Tom Hanks, who received Greek Exceptional Citizenship for his philanthropic endeavors in the country.

5. Citizenship by Investment stands as the simplest option. Several countries provide investors with the opportunity to acquire citizenship by investing in the nation’s economy. This avenue serves as a fast track to a new nationality for both the investor and eligible family members as dependents.

The concept of Citizenship by Investment traces back to ancient times, notably developed by the Roman Republic. Individuals who fulfilled specific economic contributions were granted citizenship with all accompanying rights—an idea still relevant today.

Many nations now offer Citizenship by Investment programs, providing a pathway to acquiring citizenship and a passport by contributing to the economy. The principle asserts that by investing in a country, one fulfills a portion of their civic duty and should consequently gain citizenship. Additional responsibilities include refraining from criminal activities and respecting the laws and rights of fellow citizens.

Citizenship-by-Investment programs in Grenada, Malta, St Lucia, and Türkiye offer the right to vote in elections. Moreover, their passports facilitate travel to European Union countries and the United States.

CBI programs vary across countries, but they typically encompass five primary investment categories:

1. Charitable Donations: Citizenship is often granted to those making a minimum donation to a country’s economy. This donation option is typically the most straightforward and economical route to citizenship, with some countries requiring as little as $100,000. However, donations imply that investors do not retrieve their funds. These donations often go to official funds utilized for the nation’s development or for specific crises, like the St Kitts and Nevis Hurricane Relief Fund after a devastating hurricane season.

2. Real Estate Investments: Investing in real estate stands as one of the most popular paths to citizenship. Most countries offer a real estate option, allowing investors to buy property or shares in luxury resorts. Real estate investments tend to be cost-effective as investors can sell after a government-mandated holding period. Investors may also benefit during this period by renting out or receiving dividends from the property, making it appealing for larger families.

3. Government Bonds/Securities: Certain countries provide the option to acquire citizenship through the purchase of government bonds or securities. Government bonds are considered safer but yield lower profits, while private securities pose higher risks but can result in higher returns.

4. Hybrid Investments: Unique to Malta’s CBI Program, this route necessitates investments in multiple avenues, typically in real estate and government donations.

5. Business Establishment/Job Creation: A few countries allow citizenship applications through business establishment. Some require a specific capital investment, while others grant citizenship based on the number of jobs created and maintained over a designated period.

Numerous countries worldwide present their own variation of a Citizenship by Investment program. Several nations offer pathways to economic citizenship, sharing a common premise but varying in requirements and processing from one country to another.

Typically, applicants must:

• Maintain a clean criminal record
• Show a clear source of funds for their investment
• Complete a comprehensive application
• Make an eligible investment
• Be at least 18 years old.

Malta and Antigua and Barbuda stand out by mandating physical residency, which is not a requirement in any other CBI nation for acquiring citizenship.