Top-5 fastest programs for obtaining second citizenship in 2025

In 2025, the market for second citizenship programs offers significant diversity, but not all of them are equally fast. While many programs require years of waiting, there are exceptions that allow obtaining a passport within a few months. In this article, we will review the Top 5 fastest second citizenship programs available in 2025. We will examine in detail the conditions, timelines, requirements, and benefits of each program to help you choose the most suitable jurisdiction depending on your goals, whether it be freedom of movement, security, or tax planning.

What is a second passport and why is it needed?

What exactly is a second passport and why is it needed? Imagine that you have a key that opens doors to a world of limitless opportunities. A second passport is precisely such a key. A second passport is an official document issued to citizens of another state and confirms their citizenship in that country. Such a passport provides the holder with a range of rights and advantages similar to the rights of citizens of that country. It can be issued even if a person already has one passport, meaning they are a citizen of multiple countries.

Owners of a second passport can use it for various purposes, from travel convenience to legal and economic advantages. In many cases, a second passport can become a true key to new opportunities and ensuring security.

Advantages of second citizenship

1. Simplifying international travel
   A second passport can significantly ease travelling. For example, many countries impose restrictions on the number of visas that can be obtained within a certain period in one passport. If you already have a full passport with visas, a second passport allows you to avoid delays and obtain additional visas for travel.
2. Protection from political instability
   In countries with political instability, a second passport can be an important tool for protection. Citizenship of another country provides you with the opportunity to leave the country and find refuge in case of political repression, civil war, or economic crisis. It can also help avoid persecution on political or religious grounds.
3. Financial protection
   In some cases, a second passport helps to protect assets. Some countries offer tax benefits or more favourable conditions for foreign citizens, and a second passport can provide access to these opportunities. In countries with a high tax burden, a second passport can be used to optimise tax liabilities, improve business conditions, or gain access to a more favourable legal environment.
4. Professional and personal opportunities
   In some countries, a second passport can provide additional opportunities for work, study, or conducting business. For example, if you become a citizen of a state that offers high standards of education, healthcare, and social protection, you gain access to these benefits. In the case of business, citizenship of another country can simplify taxation or even enable participation in certain governmental or financial programmes.
5. Estate planning and asset protection
   A second passport can be used as a tool to improve estate planning, providing access to benefits in other countries for asset transfer. For example, in some countries, there are inheritance tax holidays for foreign citizens, which can significantly reduce taxes on property transfer.
6. Personal safety
   For people whose lives may be endangered due to political or social circumstances, a second passport can be vital. This may be relevant for businessmen, human rights activists, journalists, and even those who travel through unstable regions.

Diversification and transfer of citizenship

A second passport also provides the opportunity to pass citizenship to your children, ensuring them access to better education and healthcare. It is a strategic step for diversifying assets and protecting future generations. In the modern world, where economic and political conditions can change rapidly, a second passport becomes not just a luxury but a necessity.

Concluding this section, it is important to note that the choice of a second citizenship program should be a carefully considered step. In the next section, we will examine the selection criteria for second citizenship program to help you make an informed decision.

Criteria for selecting second citizenship programs?

The question becomes the following: how to choose a suitable second citizenship program? The main selection criteria include the speed of obtaining a passport and investment grounds. For example, the citizenship by investment programme in Vanuatu offers one of the fastest routes to obtaining a second passport. Investments start from $130,000, and the process can take only a few months. This programme remains one of the most attractive due to its flexibility and the recognisability of the passport.

The difference from residence permit programmes and long-term naturalisation.

It is important to understand that second citizenship programmes differ from residence permit (ВНЖ) programmes and long-term naturalisation. A residence permit only grants the right to reside and may require many years of waiting to obtain citizenship. In contrast, second citizenship programmes offer a fast and direct path to full citizenship, which is especially relevant in times of global instability.

TOP-5 fastest second citizenship programmes in 2025

Let us consider the following: in 2025, more than 10 countries offer citizenship-by-investment programmes, and choosing the right programme requires critical analysis. Let us examine the five fastest programmes available this year.

Vanuatu

The conditions of the programme in Vanuatu include investments starting from $130,000 and obtaining a passport within 30-60 days. It is one of the fastest programmes in the world. The advantages include complete confidentiality and no income taxes. However, it is worth considering the drawbacks: the Vanuatu passport does not provide visa-free access to the EU and the USA, which may limit its usefulness for international travel.

Saint Kitts and Nevis

The programme in St Kitts and Nevis requires investments starting from $250,000 and offers an expedited citizenship process. The passport’s recognition and the possibility of visa-free entry to the Schengen Area are significant advantages. However, additional fees for expediting the process can substantially increase costs.

Antigua and Barbuda

Investments starting from $100,000 in Antigua and Barbuda make this programme accessible for families. Minimal residency requirements (5 days over 5 years) add flexibility. However, a less well-known passport may limit its appeal for those seeking global recognition.

Dominica

Dominica offers citizenship for investments starting from $100,000 with a simple procedure. The programme is known for its stability, but potential visa restrictions in the future could become an issue. Financial analysts note that the stability of the programme makes it attractive for long-term investors.

Grenada

Grenada stands out due to the possibility of obtaining an E-2 visa to the USA, which makes it unique among programmes. Investments start from $150,000, but the high cost can be a significant barrier. Nevertheless, access to the USA through the E-2 visa makes this programme attractive for businessmen and investors seeking to expand their opportunities in North America.

The process of applying for a second citizenship

The process of obtaining a second citizenship is multifaceted and requires a careful approach to complying with formalities, as well as thorough preparation of documents. It is important to understand that the process may vary depending on the country offering the citizenship programme, but in general, it includes several common steps and procedures.

1. Choosing the appropriate citizenship programme

Second citizenship programmes (through investment, naturalisation, or other mechanisms) vary in their conditions and requirements. The most popular are programmes related to investments. Countries such as Vanuatu, Saint Kitts and Nevis, Grenada, and Malta offer citizenship in exchange for investments in the country’s economy. These programmes may include investments in real estate, business creation, or non-refundable contributions to a national fund. It is important to understand that each country has its own selection criteria and conditions, and the choice of programme depends on your personal goals: whether it is improving business conditions, tax optimisation, or enhancing mobility.

2. Submission of the application and collection of documents

The process of applying for a second citizenship begins with preparing a package of documents. The usually required documents are:

• A valid passport – to confirm your identity and citizenship.
• A certificate of no criminal record – to confirm your legal status in the country of residence and ensure compliance with safety standards.
• Confirmation of financial solvency — documents confirming the availability of sufficient funds to meet the requirements of the programme, such as bank statements, tax returns or agreements on the sale of assets.

In addition, additional documents may be required depending on the type of programme. For example, for programmes related to real estate investment, proof of ownership or purchase agreements may be required.

3. The process of due diligence and compliance check

An important stage on the path to obtaining a second citizenship is compliance verification (due diligence). This is a procedure for checking applicants, conducted to prevent risks associated with money laundering, terrorism, tax crimes, and other illegal activities. Compliance verification is a mandatory part of most citizenship-by-investment programmes, and it may include checks on the history of financial transactions, the source of funds, as well as other aspects.

The results of this check may take several weeks, and it is important to note that the citizenship programme may reject an application if the information about the applicant does not meet security requirements or if the funds used for investments raise suspicions. Approximately 20% of applications for second citizenship are rejected precisely for this reason. Therefore, preparation for this stage requires a high degree of transparency in financial and legal matters.

4. The role of licensed agents

To apply for a second citizenship, it is often necessary to work with licensed agents or legal consultants who specialise in citizenship matters. These specialists help not only with collecting and verifying documents but also ensure compliance with all legal requirements of the programme. An important role of such agents is also assisting in selecting the optimal citizenship programme depending on the applicant’s goals, as well as providing support at all stages of the process.

Agents can assist in the preparation and collection of necessary documents, provide legal consultation, and interact with government authorities, ensuring a faster and safer process of obtaining citizenship. It is important that the agent is licensed and has experience working with similar requests to avoid potential risks.

5. The process of submission and remote capabilities

With the development of technology, many citizenship programmes offer remote application submission, which significantly simplifies the process for applicants who do not require physical presence in the country. This is especially convenient for people who live in other countries or those who do not have the time or opportunity to travel. Many countries, such as Vanuatu, provide the option to apply for citizenship online, including all necessary documents, which reduces processing time and lowers costs associated with travel.

However, remote submission requires the use of reliable digital solutions to ensure data security and avoid technical failures. For example, it is necessary to use secure communication channels and guarantee that all documents have been correctly prepared.

6. The process of decision-making and obtaining citizenship

After submitting the application and passing all checks, including due diligence, the decision-making stage begins. Depending on the country, the decision on granting citizenship may take from several months to a year. During this period, a final verification of all provided data is carried out, and if all requirements are met, the applicant is granted citizenship and a passport.

Some programmes, for example, Malta or Saint Kitts and Nevis, provide the opportunity for expedited citizenship in exchange for more substantial investments, which can reduce the waiting period.

Understanding the process of submitting an application and its key aspects allows minimisation of risks and increases the chances of successfully obtaining second citizenship. In the next section, we will examine the risks and limitations of second citizenship programmes so that you can make more informed decisions.

Risks and limitations of second citizenship programmes

However, reality is more complex: second citizenship programmes, although attractive, carry a number of risks and limitations that cannot be ignored. The legal complexities of dual citizenship can become a serious issue. Not all countries recognise dual citizenship, and this can lead to the loss of civil rights in your country of origin. For example, the citizenship-by-investment programme in St Kitts and Nevis, despite its advantages, may cause legal difficulties for citizens of countries where dual citizenship is prohibited.

Reputational and tax consequences

Reputational risks also deserve attention. Second citizenship programmes are sometimes associated with money laundering and tax evasion, which can affect your business reputation. Tax implications can be significant. In some jurisdictions, tax liabilities may increase if you do not consider all the nuances of tax legislation.

Understanding these risks and limitations is critically important for making informed decisions. In the next section, we will discuss how to choose an appropriate second citizenship programme, taking all these factors into account.

How to choose the right second citizenship programme

Here is a clear example: Grenada offers a unique opportunity to obtain an E-2 visa to the USA, which makes its citizenship programme particularly attractive for entrepreneurs. However, to choose the right second citizenship programme, it is important to ask yourself several key questions. Priorities in visa-free travel, the speed of obtaining a passport, and cost – all of this plays a role. For example, if your goal is the quick acquisition of citizenship, then programmes such as those in Vanuatu may be ideal.

Consideration of family circumstances and the need to relocate

When it comes to obtaining a second citizenship, it is important to remember that citizenship-by-investment programmes are not always limited to just one person. Many countries offer family programmes that allow the inclusion of not only the main applicant but also their close relatives, such as spouses and children, in the application. This makes the process of obtaining citizenship much more convenient for those planning to relocate with their entire family.

Some countries provide family packages, including spouses, minor children, and sometimes older children if they are dependent on their parents or continue their education. This is an important point to consider in order to avoid unnecessary expenses or unforeseen difficulties when applying for citizenship.

For example, the programmes of Vanuatu and Grenada offer family packages where the cost of the programme does not increase proportionally with each added family member. Moreover, in some countries, there are reduced rates for spouses and children, which can make the process much more economical. In other cases, a discount may be offered on the cost of contribution to the state fund or adding a child to the application for a nominal fee.

Citizenship of Vanuatu by investment: choosing a programme

In 2025, Vanuatu retains the status of one of the most attractive countries for obtaining citizenship through investment. This destination is especially valued for its simplicity, speed of processing, and relatively low costs. The country operates several investment programmes, each of which offers applicants its own conditions and advantages.

New options for family participation

The most popular is the Development Support Programme (DSP) of Vanuatu. It involves a non-refundable contribution of 130 thousand dollars for a single applicant. For a married couple, the amount is 150 thousand dollars, and for a family of four — 180 thousand. Additionally, it is required to undergo a due diligence check, which costs 5,500 dollars, and pay administrative fees. Passport processing usually takes from one to three months.

An alternative could be the Capital Investment Immigration Plan (CIIP), which combines a non-refundable contribution with investments in a government-approved fund. In this case, the investor contributes 50 thousand dollars, which are returned after four years, significantly reducing the actual cost of obtaining citizenship, especially for families. The processing time is from two to four months.

Advantages of Vanuatu citizenship

• Fast processing: The process of obtaining citizenship takes from 2 to 4 months, making Vanuatu one of the fastest programmes in the world.
• Visa-free access: The Vanuatu passport provides visa-free or visa-on-arrival access to more than 90 countries, including the United Kingdom and Singapore.
• Absence of taxes: In Vanuatu, there is no income tax, inheritance tax or capital gains tax, which makes the country attractive for tax planning.
• No residency requirements: Applicants are not required to reside in Vanuatu, pass language or culture exams. However, it is necessary to visit the country or its representation for biometric submission.
• The possibility of including family: Spouses, children up to 25 years old, as well as financially dependent parents over 50 years old can be included in the programme.

Obtain Vanuatu citizenship — quickly, reliably, profitably

Do you want a second passport without bureaucracy, visa restrictions and long waits? The Vanuatu economic citizenship programmes allow you to obtain a passport in just 1–4 months. This is one of the fastest and most affordable ways to ensure freedom of movement, tax advantages and security for the whole family.

Choose an investment programme that suits you — whether it is a non-refundable contribution, a returnable investment, or a long-term investment with potential income. Our specialists will assist you at every stage: from selecting the optimal option to obtaining a passport.