In 2026, the hunt for a second passport is no longer just a luxury—it’s a lifestyle strategy. Whether you’re an investor, entrepreneur, skilled worker, digital nomad, or simply someone craving more freedom, obtaining a second citizenship can unlock borderless travel, tax advantages, and new career opportunities.
But not all citizenship paths take decades—some countries offer fast-track options, with timeframes ranging from as little as 6 months to just a few years. Here’s your updated 2026 guide to countries that offer the fastest citizenship routes, including each one’s minimum and maximum timeline to naturalization.
🇦🇲 Armenia — 3 Years (Min)
Program Type: Residency by investment, study, or descent
Armenia grants citizenship after 3 years of residency, particularly if you invest in real estate or study at a local university. If you’re of Armenian descent, it’s even easier. You’ll need to pass a simple test on the constitution (a translator is allowed).
Apply: https://www.mfa.am/en/citizenship/
🇩🇴 Dominican Republic — 3 Years (Min)
Program Type: Investment or passive income
Citizenship is possible after just 3 years of residency, either through a $200,000 real estate investment or proving a steady income. Residency requirements are flexible—part-time residence is acceptable in many cases.
Apply: https://migracion.gob.do/en/servicio/naturalization-via-parents/
🇵🇪 Peru — 2 Years (Min)
Program Type: Residency through work, study, or investment
Peru offers one of the fastest naturalization timelines in Latin America—just 2 years! Requirements include integration, Spanish language proficiency, and maintaining legal residence.
Apply: https://www.gob.pe/en/36240-apply-for-a-tourist-visa-to-enter-peru
🇺🇾 Uruguay — 3–5 Years (Depending on Family Status)
Program Type: Residency by family or individual
Uruguay provides citizenship after 3 years for families, and 5 years for single applicants. You’ll need to show strong ties like property ownership, job history, and social connections.
Apply: https://www.liveinuruguay.uy/legal-citizenship
🇧🇴 Bolivia — 2 Years (Min)
Program Type: Investment, work, or study
With a minimum $10,000 investment, Bolivia allows naturalization after just 2 years of continuous residence. It’s also dual-citizenship friendly, making it a hidden gem for long-term planners.
Apply: https://www.boliviawdc.org/en-us/consular-affairs/civil-registry/child-registration-for-dual-citizenship
đź‡đź‡ł Honduras — 3 Years (Min)
Program Type: Retirement, investment, digital nomad
Citizenship can be achieved in 3 years, with options like a $50,000 investment or retirement income. In 2024, Honduras added a digital nomad visa, opening more doors to remote workers.
Apply: https://honduras.ht/en/citizen-services/
🇵🇾 Paraguay — 3–4 Years (Varies)
Program Type: Residency by investment, deposit, or freelancing
While citizenship is possible in 3 years, it may take up to 4+ years due to stricter scrutiny. Still, with a stable residency (such as a bank deposit or freelance visa), you’ll stay on track.
Apply: https://www.mre.gov.py/la/index.php/e/procedures-and-services/residence-foreign-nationals-paraguay
🇸🇬 Singapore — 2–6 Years (Depends on Talent/PR Status)
Program Type: Global Talent Pass, Employment Pass
Top-tier professionals in fields like fintech, AI, and biotech can acquire citizenship in as little as 2 years if fast-tracked, though most follow a 5–6 year timeline post-permanent residency.
Apply: https://www.ica.gov.sg/reside/citizenship
🇩🇪 Germany — 3–5 Years (New Rules as of 2024)
Program Type: Skilled Immigration or Integration Fast-Track
Germany now allows naturalization in 5 years for most residents, and 3 years for those with exceptional German language skills and integration efforts. This makes it one of Europe’s best updated options.
Apply: https://www.bva.bund.de/EN/Services/Citizens/ID-Documents-Law/Citizenship/citizenship_node.html
🇨🇱 Chile — 2+ Years (Min for Residency, 5 for Citizenship)
Program Type: Startup Visa or Employment
Entrepreneurs under Startup Chile can get permanent residency in 2 years, and apply for citizenship after 5 years total residency. The 2025 updates now include tech and creative workers.
Apply: https://serviciomigraciones.cl/en/citizenship/
🇮🇪 Ireland — 5 Years (or 3 Years with Special Conditions)
Program Type: Critical Skills Employment, family-based
For skilled professionals with Critical Skills Permits, permanent residency arrives in about 2 years, and you can apply for citizenship after 5 years total. Irish descent or refugee status may allow for earlier applications.
Apply: https://www.ireland.ie/en/dfa/citizenship/
🇵🇹 Portugal — 5 Years (Min, Updated in 2024)
Program Type: Golden Visa (Job creation, donations)
The revamped Golden Visa program (no more real estate!) allows for citizenship in 5 years, provided you create jobs or support innovation projects. Language knowledge and integration are key.
Apply: https://eportugal.gov.pt/en/servicos/pedir-a-nacionalidade-portuguesa
🇲🇰 North Macedonia — 6–12 Months (Investment)
Program Type: Citizenship-by-Investment
Introduced in 2025, North Macedonia now offers one of the fastest investment routes, granting citizenship in 6 to 12 months with a €200,000 investment in approved sectors. No language test or residency needed.
Apply: https://www.mfa.gov.mk/en/page/452/citizenship
🇦🇬 Antigua & Barbuda — 3–6 Months (Investment)
Program Type: Donation or real estate investment
Caribbean sunshine meets speed! A $100,000 donation or $200,000 real estate purchase can get you a passport in as little as 3 to 6 months. No residency or language requirements.
Apply: https://cip.gov.ag/.
