For Americans thinking about a long-term move, a backup plan, or simply more freedom to live and travel abroad, citizenship in another country can be surprisingly accessible in certain places. According to the report, the easiest options tend to cluster in Europe and the Caribbean, where investment-based programs are common, though ancestry rules and newer legal changes are also opening doors elsewhere.
One of the fastest routes mentioned is São Tomé and Príncipe, a West African island nation with a citizenship-by-investment program that reportedly averages about two months for approval. The application is handled remotely and does not require residency or language testing. The minimum contribution starts at $95,000, made up of a $90,000 donation to the National Transformation fund and a $5,000 submission fee, with higher amounts for families and additional dependents. Applicants must be at least 18, in good health, have no criminal record, pass due diligence checks, and show a valid source of income.
Canada is another country where recent legislation has changed the picture for Americans with family ties north of the border. In December 2025, Parliament passed Bill C-3, which removed the first-generation limit for citizenship by descent. That means citizenship can now pass through parents, grandparents, or even great-grandparents, as long as the chain of descent is documented. The change also allows children of naturalized Canadian parents to qualify for dual citizenship.
Türkiye offers multiple investment pathways as well. According to the report, applicants can buy $400,000 in real estate, place $500,000 into a bank account or approved investment vehicle, commit that amount to a private pension system for at least three years, or show that they have created jobs for at least 50 people. Family members, including spouses and certain dependents, can be included in applications. Italy, meanwhile, remains a strong option for Americans with Italian heritage: those born to an Italian parent can apply with the proper documents, and Americans with Italian grandparents may also be eligible, even if their parents were born in the United States.
Other countries on the list reflect the broader appeal of second citizenship for different kinds of travelers, from remote workers to retirees looking for a more affordable base. The report frames these destinations as examples of places where the process can be more streamlined than many people expect, whether through ancestry, investment, or updated citizenship laws.
Source: cntraveler.com