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For a second passport by residence

The easiest countries to get citizenship by residence

A second passport without an investment cheque, ranked by the years of residence naturalisation needs.

Ranked by the years of qualifying residence naturalisation needs, fewest first. Presence requirements, language tests and clean records still apply, so read each country's detail.

  1. 1
    Singapore

    PR first, then 2+ years (selective).

    Tax residency →
    ~2 years of residence
  2. 2
    Uruguay

    Moderate, ~3-5 years.

    Tax residency →
    ~3 years of residence
  3. 3
    Canada

    ~3 years (physical presence).

    Tax residency →
    ~3 years of residence
  4. 4
    Thailand

    Limited.

    Tax residency →
    ~5 years of residence
  5. 5
    France

    Strong, 5 years. An EU passport at the end.

    Tax residency →
    ~5 years of residence
  6. 6
    Indonesia

    Limited.

    Tax residency →
    ~5 years of residence
  7. 7
    Mexico

    Strong, 5 years.

    Tax residency →
    ~5 years of residence
  8. 8
    Germany

    Moderate, ~5 years. An EU passport at the end.

    Tax residency →
    ~5 years of residence
  9. 9
    Netherlands

    Moderate, ~5 years. An EU passport at the end.

    Tax residency →
    ~5 years of residence
  10. 10
    Panama

    Moderate, ~5 years.

    Tax residency →
    ~5 years of residence
Design this around you →A ranking is a starting point. Your passport, income and family decide the real answer.

Rankings are directional and researched from public sources, not expert-reviewed and not legal or tax advice. Rules change; check each country’s dated detail before you act.