Top 10 countries for 2nd passport for US citizens

Do you want to obtain a second passport? This article will discuss the ten best countries for second citizenship. Countries on our list include Portugal, Malta, Cyprus, Turkey, Macedonia and a few countries on Caribbean Islands. Each of these countries has its own unique requirements and benefits that make it a great place to obtain a second passport.

Let's take a closer look at each one and understand why they are considered the best for second citizenship.

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1. Portugal (Europe)

Portugal is a European country located on the Iberian Peninsula. It is known for its stunning coastal towns and beaches, Mediterranean climate and friendly people. 

The Portuguese Golden Visa program is one of the most popular programs for obtaining second citizenship in Europe. It requires a minimum investment of €280,000 in Portugal real estate. The Golden Visa in Portugal also requires the applicant to spend seven days in Portugal every year. 5 years after the investment is made, the applicant can apply for citizenship and obtain his second passport.

2. Malta (Europe)

Situated in the center of the Mediterranean Sea, Malta enjoys an excellent reputation for its splendid climate, low crime rate and great quality of life. 

Malta’s Granting of Citizenship for Exceptional Services by Direct Investment Regulations, allow for the granting of citizenship by a certificate of naturalization to foreign individuals and their families who contribute to the country’s economic development. It requires an investment of €738,000 for a minimum residence period of 36 months or €888,000 for a minimum of 12 months.

3. Cyprus (Middle East)

Is an island located in the Mediterranean Sea, the third largest island in the world. Cyprus passport holders can travel to 155 countries. Cyprus attracts many investors for easy access to its citizenship, and the process of obtaining its passport takes from 3 to 6 months. An investor can apply for citizenship after several years of residence.

4. Turkey (Middle East)

Turkey is a major transcontinental country strategically positioned and bordered by three seas. A popular tourist destination, Turkey’s location facilitates connectivity with key markets via excellent transport links. Its location at the crossroads of Europe and Asia makes it a country of significant importance.

The Turkey citizenship by Investment Program allows investors to access both the European and Asian markets, by boosting growth in the country’s real estate sector. The investment has a minimum contribution of USD 400,000 and it takes, approximately 120 days from submission of the application to the approval.

5. Republic of North Macedonia (Balkans)

Located in Southeast Europe, the Republic of North Macedonia is surrounded by picturesque rivers and scenic, lush mountainous areas. Its growing economy and trade opportunities are attractive to investors and businesspeople. 

The North Macedonia Citizenship by Investment Program allows foreign nationals to make an investment into the country and apply for second passport. The country boasts a dynamic, emergent economic climate and a booming agriculture and manufacturing industry, excellent for business investment. The investment has a minimum amount of €200,000 and it takes up to 2-5 months from submission of the application to the approval.

6. Antigua and Barbuda (Caribe)

The Antigua and Barbuda Citizenship by Investment Program is appealing to applicants seeking alternative citizenship through acquiring desirable properties or by contributing to the islands’ National Development Fund. The program offers an excellent solution for high-net-worth families seeking access to the European and Caribbean markets, as well as visa-free access to key Asian financial centers. The investment has a minimum amount of USD 100,000 and it takes up to 3-4 months from submission of the application to the approval.

7. St. Kitts & Nevis (Caribe)

St. Kitts and Nevis is a dual-island Caribbean destination offering wonderful beaches and tropical landscapes. Its culture is diverse, with African, British, Caribe, and French influences. It is an attractive location for owning a second home in the Caribbean islands, enjoying good air links to Europe and North America. The investment has a minimum amount of USD 150,000 and it takes up to 3-6 months from submission of the application to the approval.

8. St. Lucia (Caribe)

St. Lucia lies in the eastern Caribbean Sea, northwest of Barbados and south of Martinique. A volcanic island mostly covered in rainforest, it is famous for its twin peaks — the Pitons — and its magical beaches. 

The St. Lucia Citizenship by Investment Program provides investors with the opportunity to make a contribution to the government or an approved enterprise, or to invest in an attractive real estate development. The investment has a minimum amount of USD 100,000 and it takes up to 3-4 months from submission of the application to the approval.

9. Dominica (Caribe)

One of the most beautiful islands in the Caribbean, the Commonwealth of Dominica established its citizenship by investment program in 1993. Dominica is a former British colony and a member of the Commonwealth of Nations, the UN, the Organization of American States, CARICOM, and other international organizations.

The Dominica Citizenship by Investment Program requires making an economic contribution to the country. In exchange, applicants and their families are granted full citizenship. The investment has a minimum amount of USD 100,000 and it takes up to 3 months from submission of the application to the approval.

10. Grenada (Caribe)

The Grenada Citizenship by Investment Program was launched in August 2013 when the Grenadian parliament passed the Citizenship by Investment Act, 2013. The Grenada Citizenship by Investment Program requires applicants to make a significant economic contribution to the country, which its minimum amount is USD 150,000.

US Citizens

US citizens can legally have dual citizenship. However, the process of obtaining the second passport may vary depending on the country for which you want to obtain your second passport-citizenship.

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DRP Advises is specialized on obtaining second passport via Golden Visa in Portugal. If you’re considering this country, please contact us and we will guide through the process.

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