ISLAMABAD (Kashmir English): Several countries around the world are offering relatively easy pathways to citizenship for individuals seeking a second passport, enhanced visa-free travel options, or new opportunities abroad.
These citizenship programmes have gained attention among people looking for greater mobility, economic security, or long-term settlement in foreign countries.
According to recent reports, several nations have simplified their citizenship laws and procedures, making it easier for foreign nationals to qualify through investment, residency, or naturalisation. Such initiatives are increasingly being promoted as part of efforts to attract skilled professionals, investors, and long-term residents
Dominica
Dominica is one of the cheapest citizenship-by-investment programs in the world. Citizenship can be obtained in a few months with a minimum investment in the Economic Diversification Fund or by purchasing real estate.
The Dominica passport allows visa-free travel to more than 140 countries, including the Schengen countries, while there is no residency requirement or restriction on dual citizenship.
Vanuatu
Vanuatu’s development support program allows for citizenship in less than two months. Investment in a government fund offers visa-free access to more than 100 countries, while there is no tax on foreign income and capital gains.
Italy
A 2025 law in Italy limits citizenship by descent to parents or grandparents. Eligible individuals must provide documentation proving their family lineage.
Italian citizenship comes with full EU rights, visa-free travel, and the ability to hold multiple citizenships.
Ireland
Ireland offers the opportunity to obtain citizenship by descent for people of Irish descent. If one of the parents or grandparents was born in Ireland, citizenship is possible through the Foreign Births Register. Irish citizenship comes with an EU passport, visa-free travel and dual citizenship, and there is no language test required.
Turkiye
Citizenship is granted within a few months for purchasing property worth at least $400,000 in Turkiye.
The program does not require residency in Turkiye or giving up current citizenship. Turkish passport holders have visa-free or visa-on-arrival access to many countries.
Portugal
Portugal’s Golden Visa program provides a path to EU citizenship through investment. Citizenship can be obtained after five years of legal residence and passing a basic Portuguese language test.
This citizenship provides visa-free travel to Schengen countries and EU rights.
