WHICH COUNTRY IS EASIEST TO OBTAIN CITIZENSHIP
Unlike a temporary or permanent residence permit, citizenship of a country gives foreigners absolutely equal rights with the local population not only in education, business and employment, but also gives the opportunity to participate in elections and hold public office, excludes deportation and protection of interests abroad, guarantees full health care, social benefits and other benefits provided by national law.
At the same time, obtaining the citizenship of a foreign country may involve certain responsibilities, such as those related to the payment of taxes and compulsory military service. Therefore, when deciding to apply for a passport of a particular state, it is necessary to read local laws carefully. Today, most developed countries of the world allow dual citizenship, including Canada, the United States, Switzerland, France, New Zealand, and many others. Having two or more passports is mostly forbidden in the states of Africa and Asia.
Quite often people are interested in the question of where it is easiest and quickest to get citizenship, i.e. in which country. Here much depends on the procedure. The two most popular and affordable ways to apply for citizenship are investment and naturalization. In the first case, the passport is issued very quickly, but it requires a huge amount of money. The second way is cheaper, but the process takes an average of 5-7 years, during which you need to legally stay in the territory of the state. Next, let's highlight 5 countries where it is easiest for foreigners to obtain citizenship in 2024.
CITIZENSHIP OF ST. KITTS AND NEVIS
St. Kitts and Nevis are small islands in the Caribbean Sea near Puerto Rico. It is the smallest country in the entire Western Hemisphere with a population of about 53,000. Applications for citizenship of St. Kitts and Nevis are processed within 3-6 months, and the accelerated procedure takes 1.5-2 months.
The main requirement is to invest in a special fund of 150 thousand dollars or the purchase of real estate worth at least 200 or 400 thousand. Other administrative costs are at least $8,000 to $12,000. For the accelerated procedure to pay an additional 25 thousand.
CITIZENSHIP OF CYPRUS
Becoming a citizen of the European Union is fastest with the help of special investment programs operating in the territory of the Republic of Cyprus. Amendments to local legislation in 2016 allow foreigners to obtain a passport of Cyprus in just a few months.
The main condition is an investment of at least 2 million euros in the local economy, such as government bonds, securities of Cypriot companies or real estate. In addition, for 6 months before applying for citizenship is required to have a residence permit in Cyprus.
Important. Cyprus Citizenship by Investment program is canceled as of November 1, 2020.
CITIZENSHIP OF ANTIGUA AND BARBUDA
Antigua and Barbuda is another island state in the Caribbean, the laws of which allow wealthy foreigners to obtain citizenship in a relatively short period of time. Usually the procedure takes no more than 4-6 months. Once citizenship is obtained, you only need to spend 5 days in the country for 5 years.
To obtain a passport Antigua and Barbuda has two main options for investment – a contribution to the National Development Fund in the amount of 100 thousand dollars or buy real estate worth at least 400 thousand. Additional fees in the first case of 25 thousand dollars, and in the second - 50 thousand. Another way to obtain citizenship of Antigua and Barbuda - is to invest in a local business not less than 1.5 million dollars.
CITIZENSHIP OF CANADA
Immigration rules of the vast majority of countries in Western Europe and North America do not allow to obtain a passport solely through investment. Most apply the procedure of naturalization, which requires a very long and legal stay on the territory of the state. For example, Swiss citizenship is issued after 10 years of residence in the country. Naturalization is faster in Canada.
In order to receive Canadian citizenship, you have to be physically present in the country at least 3 out of the last 5 years, and also have permanent residency status, which is granted, for example, on the basis of legal employment or running a business. It is worth noting that immigration to Canada with subsequent registration of citizenship is very popular among foreigners from the former Soviet Union.
CITIZENSHIP OF SINGAPORE
When it comes to developed Asian states, one of the fastest citizenship procedures is offered by Singapore. This small country with a high standard of living and strong economy requires foreigners to reside in the country as a permanent resident for only 2 years.
There are several ways to become a resident in Singapore, but usually to do it find a job in a Singapore company or open your own business. Given the high salaries and competition in the local labor market to do so is very difficult. And also note that in Singapore, it is forbidden to have dual citizenship.
It is much easier and simpler to get citizenship in many countries around the world through marriage to a foreigner with a passport of that state, or if the candidate has ethnic roots. In the first case, the time for granting citizenship is reduced several times, and in the second, a passport can be issued in almost a few months. This is the case, for example, when persons with Jewish roots apply for citizenship in Israel.
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