18 countries with the fastest citizenship granting times: 2 to 5 years
Having multiple citizenships, providing freedom of movement, opens up a wide range of opportunities. However, the time it takes to obtain an additional passport depends on the specific rules and procedures in each country. Here's where it's easiest to obtain dual citizenship: Travel & Leisure.
Besides birth in a given country, there are three main ways to obtain a second citizenship: by descent, through investment, and through naturalization.
For those without the necessary family connections or financial resources, naturalization is often the most suitable and logical option. According to International Living's 2025 report, the naturalization process requires "legal residence in the country for a set number of years, proof of language proficiency, sufficient funds for self-support, and, in some cases, passing an examination on history, culture, and political system."
On the subject: Trump wants to end birthright citizenship, citing a 130-year-old case against a Native American.
Regarding the timeframes stipulated by a country's law, it's worth researching this issue in advance. For example, in Japan and Switzerland, obtaining citizenship requires 10 years of legal residence, while in other countries the wait is shorter. According to the report, in a number of South American and European countries, citizenship can be obtained in five years or even less.
Starting with Argentina, naturalization requires only two years of legal residence, provided you remain in the country during this period. Ecuador, Honduras, and Paraguay require three years of legal residence. Married couples applying for citizenship in Uruguay can do so after three years, while single applicants must reside in the country permanently for five years.
Europe also offers several options. In Bulgaria, the Czech Republic, France, Germany, Ireland, and Latvia, obtaining citizenship requires five years of legal residence.
It's important to note that legal residency alone is not sufficient to obtain citizenship. Depending on the country, language proficiency, proof of financial solvency, and naturalization exams may be required.
In addition to the countries already mentioned, below is a complete list of countries where you can obtain citizenship in less than 5 years:
- Argentina: 2 years
- Ecuador: 3 years
- Honduras: 3 years
- Paraguay: 3 years
- Uruguay: 3 years (for married couples); 5 years for individuals
- Brazil: 4 years
- Belgium: 5 years
- Bulgaria: 5 years
- Czech Republic: 5 years
- Dominican Republic: 5 years
- Finland: 5 years
- France: 5 years
- Germany: 5 years
- Greece: 5 years
- Ireland: 5 years
- Latvia: 5 years
- Peru: 5 years
- Portugal: 5 years
- Sweden: 5 years
You may be interested in: top New York news, stories of our immigrants, and helpful tips about life in the Big Apple - read it all on ForumDaily New York
P.S. This report is based on information from last year. Therefore, it is recommended to visit the official websites of the respective governments for precise requirements. For example, those planning to obtain Peruvian citizenship must live there for five years, not two years as stated in the report. Furthermore, it is important to keep in mind that laws and requirements for obtaining citizenship are constantly changing and may contain special conditions.
Read also on ForumDaily:
ICE begins cracking down on 'birth tourism'
Lawyers use religious dogma in birthright citizenship case
Subscribe to ForumDaily on Google NewsDo you want more important and interesting news about life in the USA and immigration to America? — support us donate! Also subscribe to our page Facebook. Select the “Priority in display” option and read us first. Also, don't forget to subscribe to our РєР ° РЅР ° Р »РІ Telegram and Instagram- there is a lot of interesting things there. And join thousands of readers ForumDaily New York — there you will find a lot of interesting and positive information about life in the metropolis.
Editor's Choice
