Considering moving abroad permanently?
Heres how it’s possible for you to get that magical second passport.
Ambika Verma/Travel + Leisure
For many Americans, living in another country is the ultimate dream.
Harbor front of Porto, Portugal.Credit:Ambika Verma/Travel + Leisure
With thatsecond passport in hand, the world opens up tenfold.
If you arent born with dual citizenship, youll need to find another way to get asecond passport.
To apply through the latter gateway, you must claim direct family ties; eligibility will vary by country.
Blue tile building in Porto, Portugal.Paula Galindo Valle/Travel + Leisure
At that point, you may want to consider citizenship by investment, otherwise known as a golden passport.
Still, there are a few countries where getting citizenship is significantly easierand weve rounded them up below.
Youll then need to make what thevisa websitecalls an investment into Portugal.
Landscape of Val d’Orcia, Italy.Evgeniya Vlasova/Travel + Leisure
After five years, it’s possible for you to choose to apply for citizenship.
Upon submitting a complete, consistent utility, the processing timeline takes a maximum of two years.
KittsandNevis, you may want to consider becoming a citizen.
Colorful cafe on the streets of Buenos Aires, Argentina.Lauren Breedlove/Travel + Leisure
Though the process is famously easy, its important to note the financial considerations arent in everyones budget.
As she describes, its definitely not an average retiree’s exit plan.
It is not, however, cheap.
Town of Basseterre on St. Kitts and Nevis.SeanPavonePhoto/Travel + Leisure
Youll also need to have legally resided in Malta for at least 36 months.
Notably, this program has faced criticism for contributing to Maltashousing crisis.
Ireland
Griffin Ungar/Travel + Leisure
Irelandis another country where you may be eligible for citizenship by descent.
Small alleyway in Malta.Linda Strauta/Travel + Leisure
Currently, the process takes around nine months.
Afterseven yearsof legally living in Greece, you’re able to apply for citizenship.
Grenada
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Grenada is another Caribbean country that attracts those searching for quick citizenship processing times.
A busy street in Galway, Ireland.Griffin Ungar/Travel + Leisure
Passport applications submitted to the Embassy of Grenada only taketwo to three weeksto process.
You must then hold that investment for a minimum of five years.
A Greek flag flying on a pier in Milos, Greece.Amanda Blackard/Travel + Leisure
Grand Anse beach on Grenada.Westend61/Getty Images
Colorful buildings in Rothenburg ob der Tauber, Germany.Evgeniya Vlasova/Travel + Leisure