Getting a second passport has several advantages, including the chance to settle in several countries, freedom of travel, and excellent investment prospects. But how do you go about getting a second passport legally? So long as the country allows dual citizenship, you can do so in a variety of ways.
What is the Process for Obtaining a Second Passport?
The four main paths to dual citizenship are as follows:
1. Citizenship based on Ancestral Connection
Some people may be unaware that in countries that grant ancestral citizenship, you can simply obtain citizenship through descent. Many countries, like Poland, Italy, Canada, Mexico, Ireland, New Zealand, and others, make it simple to get citizenship provided you can prove your ancestors’ connections to the country.
2. Citizenship by Marriage
Marriage is another simple option to obtain a second citizenship. Most countries, such as the United States, France, Canada, and Ireland, expedite citizenship procedures so that spouses can obtain a second passport. Additionally, when you marry in Cape Verde, you will receive automatic citizenship.
However, marrying solely for citizenship is not recommended, as this technique could land you in serious difficulty if discovered by the government. If you are married or in the process of becoming married, you can only petition for citizenship through marriage.
3. Citizenship by Naturalization
You must live as a permanent resident in a country for a certain number of years to obtain citizenship through naturalization. It means that before you may become a naturalized citizen of another nation, you must first establish permanent residency. Typically, different countries have various procedures and timelines for obtaining full citizenship. The number of years you must stay in a country varies accordingly.
4. Investment-Based Citizenship
Citizenship by investment is the most incredible option if you are not eligible for citizenship through marriage, descent, or naturalization. This procedure, sometimes known as economic citizenship, is relatively quick and straightforward.
Citizenship by Investment schemes provides a quick and easy way to get a second passport without meeting any stringent requirements, such as a lengthy residency in the nation. These citizenship schemes necessitate a financial investment, which varies depending on the country that grants citizenship.
Most of these investments, however, are made in the form of real estate purchases. Alternatively, depending on the program, you can make a monetary contribution to the country ranging from $100,000 to $150,000.
Countries That Grant Investment-Based Citizenship
The following are some of the countries that provide a second passport in exchange for a financial investment:
- Dominica citizenship by investment
- Montenegro Citizenship by investment
- Malta citizenship by investment
- Saint Kitts and Nevis citizenship by investment
- Vanuatu Citizenship by investment
- Turkey citizenship by investment
- Cyprus citizenship by investment
- Antigua & Barbuda citizenship by investment
- Grenada citizenship by investment
Conclusion
Obtaining dual citizenship has a plethora of advantages. Whatever your motivation for obtaining second citizenship, make sure to weigh the possibilities presented above and select the one that best meets your needs. Consider your requirements and make sure the country to which you’re applying for a second passport satisfies them.
