Dual citizenship allows you to enjoy the legal right to reside, work and travel freely between two countries. The route to a second citizenship will vary according to country of choice and sum invested whether it be for a stronger passport, reduced taxes, or a retirement destination. Here's a breakdown of all the realistic options you have, ranging from the Caribbean fast tracks to European long-term residency options for 2026.
Advisors' biggest mistake: citizenship by investment isn't the only way. In addition to naturalisation by residency, descent, and marriage, there are other options depending on your background and time. The right strategy won't only fit your budget, it will fit your patience and the end goal.
Understanding dual citizenship: What it actually means
If you have two passports, then you are a dual citizen. You hold 2 passports, are loyal to 2 countries, and enjoy the rights of citizenship in both, such as the right to vote, have no restrictions on property ownership, and can access public services in both.
Dual citizenship is not available in all countries. Some make it a condition for you to give up your old country's citizenship. Please double-check if both your home country and your destination country allow for dual nationality, before applying for a second passport.
The usefulness of the practical benefits are great. Your second passport will enable you to travel visa-free to dozens of other countries, offer you a political insurance policy, offer your children options you may not otherwise have, and open up banking and business opportunities in new jurisdictions. Dual citizenship can be a viable tax planning strategy for high-net-worth individuals, when it's done appropriately with legal guidance.
There are responsibilities too! Dual citizens should expect to pay taxes in both countries (especially with the United States, where taxation takes place on a worldwide basis, even if there is no proof of residency). There may also be a military service requirement or restriction for some civilian government jobs. Never to pursue a route without having a qualified immigration attorney's advice.
The four paths to a second citizenship
Each second citizenship can be broken down into one of four types. Knowing what route might be right for you can save years of effort and exclude programmes that are not a right fit for your profile.
1. Citizenship by investment (CBI)
The fastest route. You are required to pay an acceptable economic contribution, usually in the form of a donation to one of the national funds or purchase of real estate, and you gain citizenship in a matter of months. This is the province of Caribbean countries. Dominica starts at USD 200,000, Grenada at USD 235,000, Antigua at USD 230,000, St Kitts at USD 250,000, and St Lucia at USD 240,000. The processing time varies from between 90 days (St Lucia) and 6-9 months (Dominica), depending on which programme they are applying for.
2. Residency then naturalisation
A residence permit is obtained first, a certain period of stay in the country is required, and finally, citizenship is sought by naturalisation. Portugal has a 5-year rule for residency. It will take Greece seven years. It will take Cyprus eight years. It will take 10 years to reach Italy. This is a patient path, but is usually much less expensive than CBI.
3. Citizenship by descent
You may qualify if your parents or grandparents had citizenship in Italy, Ireland, Poland or Hungary. This route is paid for by legal and administrative fees only. Many don't even consider it.
4. Citizenship by marriage
If one of the partners is an overseas citizen, their residency requirement for naturalisation may be reduced. The duration and requirements are subject to variation from jurisdiction to jurisdiction.
How to become a citizen of St Kitts and Nevis
The citizenship by investment programme in St Kitts and Nevis was first put in place in 1984, the longest-running programme in the world. The minimum investment is USD 250,000 to an Investment account (Sustainable Island State Contribution fund) according to CIU. There are also alternative investments in real estate at the upper levels.
The application procedure is simple. Again your application goes through an authorised agent and diligence is conducted, and you get your approval usually within 4 to 6 months. The St Kitts passport gives visas free or visa on arrival to a good list of countries, a popular choice for business travellers who require mobility in a hurry.
You do not have to live in St Kitts. You don’t have to come in before, during or after the application process. This makes it one of the most accessible CBI programmes for busy professionals and entrepreneurs who need a second passport without any disruption to their lives.
Family members may be covered in one application, including spouse or dependent children and parent(s) or siblings in some instances. In recent years, the programme has experienced a few changes in order to reinforce the due diligence process and preserve the international standards set for it.
How to become a citizen of Grenada
CBI program in Grenada is unique for one important reason: Grenada has an E-2 treaty with the United States. This offers an avenue for Grenadians to obtain the US E-2 investor visa to live and work in the United States through investing in a US business. This is impossible in any other CBI's Caribbean country.
The minimum investment is USD 235,000 through the National Transformation Fund. Real estate options involve a greater commitment and will involve buying approved property that may be able to yield rental income.
Processing takes take about 6 months. St Kitts lack the physical residency requirement, which is the case here. Grenada's passport offers excellent visa-free travel opportunities, and the E-2 treaty benefit comes as the most convenient option for investors interested in securing eventual entry into the US market, but not willing to get through the complicated EB-5 process.
Grenada is the programme to go for if your intention is primarily to gain access to the USA along with a Caribbean passport. You can renew the E-2 visa indefinitely, as long as you have a significant US investment that keeps your business running, giving you a virtually permanent residence in the United States.
Grenada's USD 235,000 programme is the sole programme in the Caribbean CBI to have access to the U.S. market, rendering it priceless to investors seeking U.S. market access.
How to become a dual citizen of Portugal
The Golden Visa program for Portuguese citizenship is very attractive in Europe. The rules changed a lot in October 2023. They removed real estate projects from the program. The minimal investment is EUR 500,000 as of now via qualifying funds.
The Portuguese Golden Visa provides a residency, not citizenship. In order to apply for naturalisation, you will need to be a resident for 10 years (7 for EU/CPLP nationals) and have A2 level Portuguese language proficiency. Note: permanent residency is still present after five years. Established Golden Visa applications take 12-18 months for processing. Upon naturalization, as a Portuguese citizen you also get full EU citizenship, or free travel and residence within the 27 nations of the bloc.
Portugal has low physical presence requirement which is the presence for 7 days in the first year, and presence in 14 days in every of the following 2 year periods. This is one of the most versatile residency programs in Europe available to those not planning to move straightway.
The Portuguese passport offers visa-free entry to ~185 countries. With the minimum physical-residence threshold now lower and the route to full EU citizenship, Portugal is still a strong destination through any other real estate investment is stripped. The Nationality Law amendment signed by the President on 3 May 2026 extended the citizenship time limit to 10 years (7 years for EU/CPLP nationals). There is no change to the five-year permanent residency period, nor is it impacted by this change.
Another important note is that Portugal also changed the Non-Habitual Resident (NHR) tax regime with the new IFICI programme, providing tax benefits to a group of new residents of the country. This will be advantageous you during your residency simply since it will help steer clear of paying taxes.
Retiring in Italy as a dual citizen
Italy is a dual-pathway country that is open for citizenship by investment and by descent. You can invest EUR 250,000 in a startup. Or invest EUR 500,000 in an Italian company. Or invest EUR 2,000,000 in government bonds. This is for people without Italian ancestry. Initial residency permit is issued after three-five months of processing.
The criteria are: 10 years of legal residency – catch – time line. It's one of the longest wait times in Europe. If you can get Italian citizenship through your family (jure sanguinis), you can skip some steps. You usually get citizenship within 12 to 24 months after applying.
Indeed, for retirees Italy is an attractive place to live at a lower price than many Western European countries, especially to the south. Retirees who do not come from the European Union but have enough passive income can obtain the Italian Elective Residency Visa for their retirement. When added to 'descent based citizenship' claim, this offers a route to retirement in Italy while you're waiting for your citizenship application.
Italy's passport opens up 185 countries including visa-free access to the 28 countries of the EU and the freedom of movement within Europe. This is an Italian multi-year venture, and one that takes time for the 10-year rule; but if you're patient, or Italian, then you'll get one of the world's best passports, as well as access to the whole of the European Union.
Caribbean CBI programmes compared: Which is right for you?
Each of the 5 major Caribbean CBI programmes is geared toward slightly different investor groups. Selecting the right one is contingent on the budget, access to the U.S. and your family's size.
If budget's the main consideration, Dominica (USD 200,000) is the cheapest. Where market access in the United States is a concern, at least from the standpoint of being the clear winner, Grenada's E-2 treaty has thrown the yardstick. St Kitts is the brand that has been around the longest, and the most popular, so that's another factor that banks and compliance departments are well aware of.
All five programmes allow inclusion of spouses and dependent children. The majority also allow parents and sometimes siblings to apply. There is no physical residency required before and after approval.
European citizenship through Golden Visa residency
European Golden Visa programmes do not grant immediate citizenship, but provide a pathway to a citizen status which may culminate in an EU passport, among the world’s strongest passport status types. Greece, Portugal and Cyprus are the top 3 programmes in Europe in 2026.
Greece requires real estate investment with tiered minimums: The minimum investment required in Greece is based on the premium zones (EUR 800,000), the secondary zones (EUR 400,000) and the designated zones (EUR 250,000). Processing time is about 3 months. After 7 years of residency, citizens can be awarded. The Greek Passport is valid for 185 countries.
For Portugal, EUR 500,000 are needed in additional qualifying funding (rebuilt in 2023). Processing takes 12-18 months. The country offers citizenship in the 5th year of residence with little time spent physically in the country. The Portuguese passport can be used to travel to around 185 countries without a visa.
Cyprus has permanent residency with an EUR 300,000 investment. Processing is expected to take about 6 months. Eight years' residency is necessary for citizenship. The Cypriot passport opens to 174 countries.
There's one big difference between European and Caribbean programmes: time and cost. Caribbean CBI has a quick passport service and does not give you the right to travel to the EU. The downside to European residency is the time, but the upside is access to the entire European Union—a benefit that seems to be pretty rare around the world.
How to become a Cyprus citizen
The Cyprus Permanent residency programme is open for investors with at least EUR 300,000 to invest, mainly in real estate. One of the less expensive ways to gain European residency. Processing time is generally about 6 months; permitting is for a lifetime.
For naturalisation, one has to reside in Cyprus legally for eight years. At this time, they need to show country attachment and complete integration and language tests. Cypriot will also receive a passport that will allow them to travel visa free to 174 countries, and being an EU member state, citizenship will scorch all of the EU for the Cypriot.
It is so important to mention that Malta's citizenship by investment scheme (MEIN) was frozen in April 2025. Cyprus never replaced its citizenship-by-investment program after the moratorium. The only practical way is to get residency first, then citizenship. Cypriot citizenship by investment does not get around the quid pro quos.
Residents of Cyprus enjoy an ideal geographical location near the Middle East and a tax regime that is favourable for foreign investors, beyond just the passport. Amidst the overall location of the island, it consequently becomes a natural root of business between Europe, North Africa and the Gulf States.
What is required to become a French citizen
There isn't a citizenship by investment programme in France. Most people get French citizenship by naturalization after five years of legal living there. They must show language skills at B1 level. They must also show they fit into French society.
As with the Beginner course, a residence permit in the French language is required in order to begin the clock. They are generally one of the following types of visas: Talent Passport for skilled personnel and entrepreneurs, Visitor Visa for those who have own means of support, or Family Reunited Visa. There's no Golden Visa in France like there is in Portugal or Greece.
The French passport holds a high rank in the list of the strongest passports in the world, giving its holder entrance without a visa to around 190 countries, and all EU citizenship rights. The five-year period is comparable to that of Portugal, although France needs the investors to be physically residing there during this period of time; so less suitable for investors who wish to keep their main residence in a different country.
The role of a spouse entitles you to apply for citizenship after four years of marriage if you speak French and have lived in the community for those four years. It is one of the most concise timelines in marriage, western Europe.
The EB-5 route: US citizenship through investment
The United States EB-5 programme exempts investors from having any ties with the U.S. to be able to receive Green Card (permanent residency) by an investment in the program. However, the minimum investment requirements are USD 800,000 in a Targeted Employment Area (TEA) or USD 1,050,000 for standard investments according to USCIS. At least ten full time jobs for U.S. workers are to be created for each investment.
Processing times can be quite long and vary by project; rural TEA projects might be processed in as short of time as five to eighteen months and urban projects could take a much longer time to process. Once you have your Green Card, you are required to wait for five years before you can be a naturalised citizen of the United States.
The EB-5 immigration is the sole direct investment method for US residency and citizenship. UK has scrapped their investor visa program in 2022 while the UK is one of the few major English speaking nations that you can still achieve permanent residency by investing. If a US visa is desired and speed is a priority, then the option of applying for CBI in Grenada followed by a future EB-5 immigration plan is most flexible.
Frequently asked questions
How much does it cost to become a dual citizen?
Costs range from legal fees only (citizenship by descent) to USD 200,000-250,000 for Caribbean CBI programmes, and EUR 250,000-800,000+ for European Golden Visa residency routes. The cheapest CBI option is Dominica at USD 200,000. European programmes require additional years of residency before citizenship is granted.
What is the fastest way to get a second passport?
The quickest way is the Caribbean citizenship by investment. St Lucia have an approximate processing time of 90 days, St Kitts have an approximate processing period of 4-6 months, Grenada and Antigua have an approximate processing period of 6 months and Dominica have an approximate processing period of 6-9 months. Countries such as Italy or Ireland can also provide citizenship through descent, and can generally be fairly quick once you've compiled your paperwork.
Can I become a dual citizen without living in the other country?
Yes. Each CBI programme in the Caribbean is residence, dependent-free. In Portugal the Golden Visa only mandates 7 days in the first year, and 14 every 2 years. As a citizenship by descent, there is no requirement to move; however, (if required) documents may need to be submitted physically.
How to become a Cyprus citizen through investment?
Permanent residency in Cyprus can be obtained through the purchase of a property for EUR 300,000 and purchased in roughly six months. 8 years of legal residence & naturalisation to become a citizen. Citizenship is not awarded directly through a citizenship by investment programme in Cyprus in 2026.
Does the US allow dual citizenship?
Yes. The United States does not require you to renounce other citizenships. However, US citizens are taxed on worldwide income regardless of where they live, which creates additional tax planning considerations when holding dual citizenship. Always work with a cross-border tax advisor.
Which Caribbean CBI programme gives access to the United States?
Grenada is the only Caribbean CBI country with an E-2 treaty with the United States. Grenadian citizens can apply for the E-2 investor visa, which permits living and working in the US by investing in a US-based business. The minimum CBI investment for Grenada is USD 235,000.
This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal, tax, or immigration advice. Programme requirements, costs, and timelines are subject to change. Always consult qualified legal and financial professionals before making investment or immigration decisions. Golden Keys Global is not a law firm. Information is accurate as of March 2026.
