Many people find that obtaining a second citizenship is a complicated process because many of the paths to dual citizenship are quite lengthy or require extremely specific requirements. Here are the main ways to obtain a second citizenship:

Naturalization is the most common and longest way to obtain a second citizenship. This occurs when a person spends a certain period of time residing in a country until applying to become a citizen under the laws of the host country.

Citizenship through marriage is another way of acquiring citizenship. In most countries, if you develop with a citizen of that country, you are eligible to exercise citizenship. You can restrict citizenship directly or after obtaining a residence permit.

Citizenship by descent is a very simple but extremely privileged path. Countries such as Austria, Ireland, Italy, Poland and Portugal offer the opportunity to apply for citizenship to people whose ancestors were citizens of their country. However, proving ancestry can be a complex process depending on the documentation required and is specific to a small portion of the world's population.

Exceptional Citizenship is an extremely rare condition. It is often given to high-profile individuals such as Tom Hanks. The famous actor received Exceptional Citizenship of Greece for his charity work in the country.

Citizenship by Investment is the simplest option. Many countries offer investors the chance to obtain citizenship by investing in a country's economy. This is the fast track to a new citizenship.

The idea of citizenship by investment also dates back to ancient times, and the Roman Republic was the first nation to develop it as a path to citizenship. Under certain conditions, those who contributed to the Roman economy were granted citizenship and all the rights that came with it, and this concept remains valid today.

Many countries now offer what is called a citizenship by investment program, which is a way to obtain a country's citizenship certificate and passport by contributing to the economy. The idea is that if a person contributes to a country's economy, he or she has fulfilled part of his or her civic duty and should therefore be considered a citizen. Other responsibilities include avoiding criminal activity and respecting the law and the rights of other citizens.

Citizenship by investment is extremely beneficial for citizenship-granting countries because it provides their governments with significant unimpeded foreign direct investment funds to help develop the nation.

The Commonwealth of Dominica, for example, used funds from its citizenship by investment program to create affordable housing for its residents. The program also funds the development of the country's international airport. This is a project that will positively affect the lifestyle of local residents and the country's economy.

While citizenship by investment programs vary from country to country, the most common investment types generally fall into five main categories:

1. Donations or Contributions
Many countries grant citizenship to those who donate a minimum amount to the country's economy. The donation option is often the simplest and most affordable way to obtain citizenship, as in some countries the required amount starts from as low as $100,000. But donations, by definition, mean that investors cannot get their money back.

Donations are usually made to funds managed by the government and used by the government to develop the country. In some cases, a government may create a temporary fund to combat an economic crisis or natural disasters; the Saint Kitts and Nevis Hurricane Relief Fund, for example, was a temporary path to citizenship that required fewer donations than the regular Sustainable Growth Fund as the country needed to rebuild quickly after a devastating hurricane season.

2. Real Estate Investments
Real estate investment is one of the most popular ways to obtain Citizenship by Investment. Most countries have a real estate option, and many allow investors to choose between purchasing real property or shares in luxury resorts to obtain citizenship. Real estate investments are cost-effective in the long run as investors can resell their property after a certain waiting period determined by the government. Investors can even make a profit on the property by renting it out or receiving dividends during the holding period. The real estate option is also attractive for larger families.

3. Government Bonds/Securities
Several countries offer investors the option of purchasing government bonds or securities to obtain citizenship. Government bonds are considered a safer option but do not yield much profit. On the other hand, private securities are higher risk but can provide a higher return on investment.

4. Hybrid Investments
This option is unique to Malta's Citizenship by Investment Program and requires applicants to invest in more than one route. Applicants will need to invest in real estate and donate to the government.

5. Starting a Business/Creating a Business
A few countries offer applicants the option to apply for citizenship by starting a business. Some countries require applicants to invest a certain amount of capital in their business, while others grant citizenship based on the number of jobs a particular business creates and maintains over a certain period of time.

Many countries around the world offer their own version of the citizenship by investment program. In some countries there is a path to economic citizenship. Although the premise remains the same, the requirements and operation of the programs differ from one country to another.

However, in general, anyone who wants to apply for citizenship by investment must:

Having a clean criminal history

Provide a source of funds for their investments

Submit a complete application

Make a quality investment

Being at least 18 years old.

Malta and Antigua and Barbuda are unique in that they have a physical residence requirement. No other country that grants citizenship by investment requires applicants to reside in or visit the country to obtain citizenship.