Is it possible to obtain a second citizenship online in 2025?

There are several levels of online application: from simply filling out a form to the complete process of obtaining a passport without physical presence. Vanuatu, for example, offers fully remote processing through DSP/CIIP programmes, including all stages — from document collection to the online oath-taking. Caribbean countries such as Dominica and Saint Kitts provide the option of partial online application, where some key stages can be completed remotely. However, for most democratic jurisdictions, such as the USA, the EU, Canada, and Australia, only the initial stage of application is available online, while personal presence remains mandatory.

The advantages of online procedures are obvious: saving time, minimising trips, and convenience. However, one should not forget the risks associated with fraud and difficulties in verifying the authenticity of documents. It is important to work only with licensed agents and trusted platforms to avoid unpleasant surprises. In this article, we will examine in detail how to choose a reliable programme and what steps to take for successfully obtaining citizenship online in 2025.

What does “citizenship application online” mean in 2025?

In 2025, the term “citizenship application online” acquires new meaning, reflecting the rapid development of digital government services. Online submission of citizenship applications has long gone beyond merely filling out forms on a website. Today, it can be both an initial stage limited to submitting a questionnaire and a fully remote process, including document verification, fee payment, and an interview.

Everything depends on the country: in some cases, the system only simplifies the first step, in others — it allows going through all the stages without a personal visit. One of the striking examples is the programme for obtaining Vanuatu citizenship via DSP or CIIP.

Differences between second citizenship and naturalisation

Second citizenship and naturalisation are two different paths leading to the same legal result: obtaining the citizenship of a foreign state. However, the mechanisms through which a person achieves this goal differ in terms of requirements, conditions, and consequences.

Obtaining a second citizenship is most often associated with simplified procedures, especially when it comes to investment programmes. Many countries, including Vanuatu, offer the opportunity to acquire a passport through a contribution to a state fund or investment in priority sectors of the economy. Physical presence in the country is usually not required in such cases. The process is entirely remote, straightforward in its stages, and fairly quick. A person receives a passport while retaining the citizenship of their home country. This is not an exception but rather the rule: the overwhelming majority of investment programmes allow dual citizenship, which is particularly convenient for entrepreneurs, investors, and frequent travellers.

Naturalisation is a completely different matter. Here, it is important not just to express the desire to obtain citizenship but to live in the country for the required period, prove the level of integration, compliance with laws, and understanding of the language and culture. For example, in the USA, at least five years of continuous residence with resident status is required. Only then is it permitted to submit an application. Passing exams is also mandatory — on knowledge of the English language and the structure of the government. In some countries, renunciation of previous citizenship is required. The USA formally provides for such a procedure, but in practice, checks on this matter are almost never conducted.

Thus, one solution is focused on accessibility and speed, while the other is aimed at verifying attachment to the country and readiness to be its full-fledged part. Second citizenship through investment does not require deep personal involvement; naturalisation, on the contrary, is built precisely on it.

Advantages and limitations of online procedures

Online submission of citizenship applications is becoming increasingly common. This format offers significant advantages: applicants save time, avoid the need for an in-person visit, and gain more flexible access to the procedure. Electronic platforms allow for document submission, tracking the application status, and interacting with government bodies without intermediaries or travel. This is especially convenient when applying through programmes such as the Vanuatu investment scheme, where the entire process — up to the oath-taking — is conducted remotely.

Nevertheless, the digital format also carries certain risks. One of the main ones is the likelihood of fraud, especially when dealing with illegal intermediaries. There is also still a need for thorough verification of document authenticity. Even with a complete transition to an online format, most countries continue to require certified translations, notarised copies, and data verification through licensed representatives.

In 2025, about a third of states offer the possibility of submitting citizenship applications online. However, a fully remote process will only be available in a limited number of countries possessing the appropriate technical and legal infrastructure. For safe and legal processing, it is extremely important to comply with legislative requirements and work exclusively with accredited agents. This reduces risks and ensures that the process proceeds strictly according to established rules.

Next, let us consider specific examples of programmes that allow obtaining citizenship in a remote format.

Programs where you can obtain citizenship online

What programmes allow obtaining citizenship online, and how do they work? In 2025, some countries offer unique opportunities for those who want to become citizens without leaving their homes.

Vanuatu: Full remote process

Let’s start with Vanuatu. The DSP/CIIP programs here truly stands out. It allows the entire process to be completed remotely, from submitting documents to receiving the passport. The average application processing time is only 1-2 months, making it one of the fastest programmes in the world. All stages, including the oath, can be completed online, which is incredibly convenient for busy people. Vanuatu is a pioneer in the digitalisation of citizenship, and their experience could serve as an example for other countries.

Caribbean countries: Dominica and Saint Kitts

Now let’s talk about Caribbean countries, such as Dominica and Saint Kitts. Their citizenship-by-investment programmes offer partial online submission. In Dominica, for example, you can submit documents and pay fees via the internet. However, some stages, such as document verification, may require your presence. Dominica’s programme is known for its affordability and flexibility but requires strict compliance with all legal regulations.

Turkey: Partial online submission

Turkey offers interesting opportunities for partial online submission. You can remotely purchase property and prepare documents through lawyers. However, most likely, you will need to visit the country to submit biometric data. This makes the process more complicated but still accessible for those who are ready for some travel.

USA and other countries: online initial submission only

In 2025, many democratic jurisdictions, such as the USA, the EU, Canada, and Australia, offer only the initial stages of submitting citizenship applications in digital format.

USA: Online submission via USCIS

In the USA, the process of applying for citizenship through USCIS includes the option to submit Form N-400 online. This is a convenient step that allows starting the process from anywhere in the world. However, as noted by USCIS, subsequent stages, such as biometric data submission and attending an interview, require personal presence. This is due to the necessity of identity verification and compliance with legal regulations. Online submission facilitates the initial stage but does not replace mandatory offline procedures.

EU, Canada and Australia: Partial digitalisation

In the EU, Canada, and Australia, partial digitalisation of migration processes is also observed. For example, in Canada, it is possible to apply for citizenship online, but interviews and language proficiency tests require in-person attendance. In Australia, digitalisation helps to speed up the processing of applications, but biometric data submission and the oath remain offline. These countries aim to simplify the process but cannot completely abandon in-person participation due to legal and security considerations.

Reasons for the necessity of personal presence

Personal presence in democratic countries is necessary to ensure security and the observance of citizens’ rights. This helps to prevent fraud and guarantees that the applicant truly meets all the requirements. For example, Turkey offers citizenship through investment in real estate but requires a visit for biometric submission, which emphasises the importance of personal identification.

With the growth in the number of digital nomads seeking second citizenship, which increased by 30% from 2020 to 2025, countries continue to seek a balance between convenience and security. In the next section, we will examine the pros and cons of online citizenship in more detail.

Pros and cons of online citizenship

But here’s where it gets interesting: online citizenship offers both significant advantages and serious disadvantages. In the era of digitalisation, many countries strive to simplify the process of obtaining citizenship, but it is not always as straightforward as it seems.

Advantages of online citizenship

One of the main advantages of online citizenship is convenience. The ability to apply from anywhere in the world saves time and minimises the need for travel. For example, the DSP/CIIP programme in Vanuatu allows the entire process to be completed remotely, including the oath.

Disadvantages and risks

Despite the comfort and speed provided by digital procedures, online submission also has its vulnerable sides. Problems range from insufficient data protection to a complete lack of control over the authenticity of certain documents. The increase in the number of fake applications, the rise in fraudsters posing as official agents – all this has become a reality in recent years. Statistics show a steady growth in such cases.

One of the reasons remains weak regulation: state systems often fail to adapt to digital formats in time. This creates gaps in the legal framework and gives malefactors more room for manoeuvre. Unlicensed intermediaries take advantage of this, misleading applicants.

The lack of standardised document verification also complicates the procedure. Even with the availability of technical solutions—digital signatures, secure platforms—the final check often requires manual assessment. This increases timeframes, reduces trust, and can lead to rejection. To avoid such risks, it is necessary not just to submit an application online but to act through officially approved channels.

How does the online submission process work?

Case in point: the process of online application for citizenship consists of several key stages, each of which requires a thorough approach and compliance with legal norms. Let us consider how this works using the example of the Vanuatu and Dominica programmes, which successfully implement the full cycle without the need for a physical visit.

Stages of online submission

01

Assessment and preliminary consultation

The first step is the assessment of the applicant’s compliance with the programme requirements. In Vanuatu and Dominica, this stage may include a preliminary consultation with a licensed agent who verifies whether the candidate meets all the criteria.

02

Collection and preparation of documents

At this stage, the applicant collects the necessary documents, including passports, income certificates, and criminal record checks. It is important that all documents are translated and certified. In Dominica, for example, notarisation of all documents is required, which may be challenging for some applicants.

03

Verification and due diligence

This is one of the most critical stages, including the verification of the authenticity of documents and the applicant’s biographical data. Vanuatu and Dominica conduct thorough checks to avoid fraud. About 20% of applications are rejected at this stage due to discrepancies or falsification of data.

04

Payment and completion of the process

After successfully passing the verification, the applicant pays the government fees and investments. In Vanuatu, the minimum investment is $130,000. After this, the process is completed, and the passport is sent to the applicant.

Learn more!

Programmes of investment citizenship

So what’s really going on here? Programmes of investment citizenship are becoming increasingly popular, offering unique opportunities for those who are ready to invest in the economy of another country. However, it is important to understand all the nuances and potential pitfalls to avoid unpleasant surprises.

Overview of popular programmes

Among the current directions, the Vanuatu citizenship programme through investment stands out in particular. It is considered one of the fastest and structurally simplest. The minimum non-refundable contribution is $130,000 compared to similar offers in other countries. The process takes on average from 1 to 4 months, and all stages can be completed remotely — from submitting documents to taking the oath.

According to statistics from international consulting agencies, Vanuatu consistently ranks among the countries receiving high interest from applicants due to its flexible approach, the absence of a physical presence requirement, and the possibility of retaining first citizenship.

Financial requirements and hidden fees

Financial requirements vary depending on the country and programme. It is important to consider not only the minimum investment but also hidden fees. For example, in Vanuatu, in addition to the main amount, additional charges may be applied for document processing and due diligence checks. These expenses can increase the total cost by 10-15%. Legal experts recommend carefully studying all conditions and consulting professionals to avoid unexpected costs.

Obtain Vanuatu Citizenship by Investment in just 1 month with us!

To obtain Vanuatu citizenship by investment in 2025, it is necessary to go through several stages, starting with selecting a suitable programme and ending with the completion of all documents. The most accessible option is the Vanuatu Development Support Programme (DSP), which requires a non-refundable contribution to the state fund. This is the fastest way to acquire citizenship, with the processing usually taking 2–4 months. Along with the application, several important documents must be provided: a valid passport, a certificate of no criminal record, financial statements, and proof of sources of funds. This helps ensure the transparency of the applicant and compliance of their financial transactions with the programme’s standards.

After submitting the application, the due diligence process begins, including the verification of the applicant’s personal data for compliance with international security requirements. The programme requires that applicants do not have serious legal or financial issues. In the case of successful completion of all checks, citizenship is granted, and the applicant receives a Vanuatu passport. This country does not require new citizens to reside on its territory, which significantly simplifies the process of adaptation and planning future steps.

Vanuatu citizenship provides access to visa-free travel to more than 90 countries, as well as offering the opportunity for tax optimisation due to the absence of taxes on global income. By following our recommendations, you will be able to successfully navigate this path and take advantage of all the benefits of second citizenship.