7 Ways to Obtain a Second Citizenship
Acquiring a second citizenship can be an exciting proposition for a number of reasons. Create personal flexibility, open new economic opportunities, feel more connected to your family, or something beyond. You’re likely here reading this because you have your reason, but you’re more interested in the ways you can pursue a second citizenship and obtain a passport. Here’s the seven ways to do it.
1. Birthright Citizenship (Jus Soli)
This is the most basic form of descent and likely the one you already hold. The principle of jus soli, Latin for "right of soil," is that it grants citizenship to individuals born within the territory of a particular country. For instance, a child born in the United States is typically a U.S. citizen regardless of their parents' citizenship. However, not all countries adhere to this principle. Many, including the majority of European nations, follow jus sanguinis, or "right of blood," which determines citizenship based on parentage rather than simply birth location.
2. Jus Sanguinis: Citizenship by Descent
Citizenship by descent, or jus sanguinis, is granted to individuals whose parents or grandparents are citizens of a particular country. This would be the next most common form of citizenship and one of the things we specialize in here at Second Pass. The catch is that it often requires proof of familial lineage and adherence to specific residency or visitation requirements. For example, a person with a British mother at the time of birth is likely eligible for British citizenship. There is just a bit of red tape to navigate with the relevant government agencies.
3. Ancestry
The second type of citizenship we specialize in at Second Pass is citizenship through Ancestry. Many countries offer citizenship to individuals with certain ancestral ties. This process often involves proving a connection to a specific ethnic or national group. For example, Italy allows for citizenship to those who have an “unbroken chain” of male ancestry tracing back through multiple generations. Similar the the jus sanguinis citizenship, working through the red tape of government agencies to be expected but is often more complex.
4. Naturalization
Naturalization is the most common path to citizenship for immigrants. It typically involves first meeting specific residency requirements, which are usually on the foundation of employment, family sponsorship, or other connections within the new country. Later, prospective citizens usually need to pass language and civics tests as well as demonstrate good moral character. The length of residency needed can vary significantly from country to country, ranging from a few years to a decade or more.
5. Marriage
Marrying a citizen of another country can sometimes open the door to citizenship. Most countries have specific requirements, such as a minimum period of marriage or residency within the country. The process can be relatively straightforward in some countries, while others may have more stringent criteria including processes that have the same level of rigor as a naturalization.
6. Investment (Golden Visa)
Quite a few countries offer citizenship or residency programs in exchange for significant investments in their economy. These programs, often referred to as "golden visas" or "citizenship by investment," and typically require substantial financial contributions to government funds, real estate purchases, or business investments. While these programs often cost more than USD 500,000, they often provide a fast track to citizenship. Read more on Golden Visas in our post.
7. Exceptional Merit
In rare cases, individuals may be granted citizenship based on exceptional contributions to a country's society or economy. This might include renowned scientists, artists, or athletes whose talents are deemed beneficial to the nation. You’ll often hear about them during Olympic games when athletes who grew up in one country are competing for another. These programs are highly selective and almost always require government sponsorship.
It's important to note that the specific requirements and eligibility criteria for each method vary widely by country. Additionally, some countries allow dual citizenship, while others require renunciation of your original citizenship. Normally, a thorough set of research is required before pursuing any path to a second citizenship, but we can shorten the learning curve here at Second Pass.