Citizenship routes compared
- 63 routes
- 62 countries
Fees, processing times, documents and the full requirements are on each route's page.
Andorra
- Andorran nationality by naturalisation
Long-term residents of Andorra, people educated in Andorra, and spouses of Andorran nationals.
Main conditions
- General route
- Schooling route
- Marriage
4 requirements · 3 documents · 1 fees
Length of stay
Not applicable (permanent status).
Antigua & Barbuda
- Antigua and Barbuda Citizenship by Investment Programme
Adults over 18 who can make one of the prescribed investments from documented funds and pass due diligence.
Main conditions
- Minimum age
- NDF contribution
- UWI Fund
11 requirements · 9 documents · 13 fees
Length of stay
Citizenship is permanent once granted, subject to revocation, including for failing the…
Argentina
- Ciudadanía argentina por naturalización
Foreign nationals over 18 with temporary or permanent residence in Argentina who have stayed in the country continuously for 2 years.
Main conditions
- Age 18+
- Residence status
- 2 years continuous legal residence
8 requirements · 5 documents · 0 fees
Length of stay
Permanent.
Can lead to permanent residence
Oct 16, 2026
Argentina.gob.ar: Obtener Ciudadanía Argentina por Naturalización (DNM)
Australia
- Australian citizenship by conferral
Permanent residents of Australia, and New Zealand citizens holding a Special Category (subclass 444) visa, who have lived in Australia long enough and plan to…
Main conditions
- Permanent resident or SCV holder
- General residence requirement
- Absence limits
12 requirements · 11 documents · 8 fees
Length of stay
Permanent status.
Can lead to permanent residence
Oct 16, 2026
Become an Australian citizen (by conferral) - Permanent residents including NZ SCV holders (Home Affairs)
Austria
- Austrian citizenship by award
Long-term legal residents of Austria.
Main conditions
- Residence
- German
- Citizenship test
6 requirements · 4 documents · 3 fees
Length of stay
Permanent (citizenship).
Azerbaijan
- Citizenship by naturalisation
Long-term permanent residents of Azerbaijan.
Main conditions
- Residence
- Income and law
- Language
3 requirements · 2 documents · 1 fees
Length of stay
Permanent status once granted
Bahamas
- Bahamian citizenship
Long-term permanent residents, spouses of Bahamians, and people born in The Bahamas or to Bahamian parents.
Main conditions
- Permanent resident route
- Spouse
- Born in The Bahamas
4 requirements · 11 documents · 1 fees
Length of stay
Permanent.
Barbados
- Barbadian citizenship by registration
Spouses of Barbadians, people with a Barbadian parent, and long-resident Commonwealth or Irish citizens.
Main conditions
- Marriage
- Descent
- Commonwealth/Irish residence
3 requirements · 6 documents · 2 fees
Length of stay
Permanent.
Belgium
- Belgian nationality by declaration
Long-term legal residents of Belgium aged 18 or over.
Main conditions
- Age and status
- 5-year route
- 10-year route
5 requirements · 5 documents · 2 fees
Length of stay
Permanent (citizenship).
Can lead to permanent residence
Oct 17, 2026
City of Brussels - Acquisition of Belgian nationality (over 18)
Bosnia & Herzegovina
- Citizenship by naturalisation
Long-term permanent residents and foreign spouses of BiH citizens.
Main conditions
- Age and residence
- Language
- Record and security
6 requirements · 5 documents · 1 fees
Length of stay
Permanent
Brazil
- Naturalização ordinária
Adult foreign residents of Brazil with indefinite residence, including people with Brazilian family ties and nationals of Portuguese-speaking countries.
Main conditions
- Civil capacity
- Residence: 4 years
- Reduced to 1 year
8 requirements · 11 documents · 1 fees
Length of stay
Permanent.
Brunei
- Brunei nationality by registration or naturalisation
Long-term residents of Brunei, people born in Brunei, wives of Brunei subjects, and minor children of subjects.
Main conditions
- Naturalisation: residence
- Naturalisation: other conditions
- Registration: born in Brunei
6 requirements · 3 documents · 1 fees
Length of stay
Permanent status once granted.
Temporary only
Oct 17, 2026
Attorney General's Chambers Brunei - Brunei Nationality Act, Cap. 15 (2011 revised edition) (PDF)
Bulgaria
- Bulgarian citizenship by naturalisation
Long-term permanent residents of Bulgaria, and people of Bulgarian origin.
Main conditions
- Age
- Residence
- Criminal record
5 requirements · 1 documents · 1 fees
Length of stay
Permanent.
Cambodia
- Khmer Nationality by Marriage or Naturalisation
Foreign spouses of Khmer citizens, long-term residents holding a residence card, and certain large investors or donors.
Main conditions
- Marriage
- Good behaviour
- No criminal record
9 requirements · 5 documents · 1 fees
Length of stay
Permanent once granted.
Canada
- Canadian citizenship grant (adults, subsection 5(1) of the Citizenship Act)
Permanent residents who have lived in Canada long enough and filed taxes as required. Minors can be included through separate minor applications.
Main conditions
- Permanent resident status
- Physical presence: 1,095 days in 5 years
- Credit for time before PR
12 requirements · 11 documents · 5 fees
Length of stay
Citizenship is permanent once granted (subject to revocation rules in the Citizenship…
Can lead to permanent residence
Oct 16, 2026
IRCC – Canadian citizenship: who can apply (modified 2026-04-21)
Côte d’Ivoire
- Ivorian nationality by marriage
Foreign nationals marrying an Ivorian citizen.
Main conditions
- Option at marriage
- Both sexes
2 requirements · 6 documents · 1 fees
Length of stay
Permanent
Can lead to permanent residence
Oct 17, 2026
Service Public Côte d'Ivoire – Demander la nationalité ivoirienne par mariage
Denmark
- Danish citizenship by naturalisation
Long-term permanent residents of Denmark who are self-supporting and meet the language and knowledge tests.
Main conditions
- Residence
- Permanent residence
- Self-sufficiency
7 requirements · 6 documents · 3 fees
Length of stay
Permanent citizenship.
Can lead to permanent residence
Oct 17, 2026
Life in Denmark (borger.dk) - Conditions for foreign citizens' acquisition of Danish citizenship
Dominica
- Commonwealth of Dominica Citizenship by Investment Programme
Adults who can make the EDF contribution or buy approved property from documented lawful funds and pass due diligence and an interview.
Main conditions
- Minimum age
- EDF contribution
- Real estate
9 requirements · 12 documents · 12 fees
Length of stay
Citizenship is permanent once the Certificate of Naturalisation is issued, subject to…
Egypt
- Egyptian citizenship by investment
Foreign investors who can transfer the required amount and pass security and criminal record checks.
Main conditions
- Non-refundable payment
- State property
- Investment project
8 requirements · 12 documents · 2 fees
Length of stay
Citizenship is permanent once granted; applicants hold an Egyptian residence permit…
Can lead to permanent residence
Oct 16, 2026
GAFI – Egyptian citizenship application form and required documents
Fiji
- Fijian citizenship by registration or naturalisation
Long-term lawful residents of Fiji, spouses of Fiji citizens, children of Fiji citizens and former Fiji citizens.
Main conditions
- Naturalisation
- Residence rule notice
- Spouse registration
5 requirements · 4 documents · 3 fees
Length of stay
Permanent status once granted.
Temporary only
Oct 17, 2026
Fiji Ministry of Immigration - Citizenship By Registration (incl. spouse and naturalisation)
Finland
- Finnish citizenship by application
Foreign nationals living in Finland long term with a residence permit.
Main conditions
- Residence period
- Time abroad
- Language
5 requirements · 3 documents · 2 fees
Length of stay
Permanent (citizenship).
France
- Naturalisation française par décret
Foreign adults with their centre of interests and family ties in France, normally after five years of residence, with stable resources and strong French…
Main conditions
- Age
- Residence in France
- Five years of habitual residence
11 requirements · 12 documents · 3 fees
Length of stay
Permanent; nationality takes effect on the date the decree is signed.
Can lead to permanent residence
Oct 16, 2026
Service-Public - Naturalisation française par décret (F2213, checked 16 July 2026)
Germany
- Einbürgerung
Foreign residents who have lived lawfully in Germany for at least five years, hold a permanent or qualifying residence title, speak German at B1 level and can…
Main conditions
- Five years lawful habitual residence
- Qualifying residence status
- Clarified identity and nationality
11 requirements · 10 documents · 3 fees
Length of stay
Permanent; citizenship is granted by handing over a naturalisation certificate…
Grenada
- Grenada Citizenship by Investment Programme
Adults who can make the NTF contribution or an approved real estate investment from lawful funds and pass due diligence and an interview.
Main conditions
- Minimum age
- NTF contribution
- Real estate
8 requirements · 9 documents · 7 fees
Length of stay
Citizenship is permanent once the certificate of registration is issued, subject to…
Iceland
- Icelandic citizenship by application
Long-term residents of Iceland.
Main conditions
- Residence
- Continuous residence
- Permit
6 requirements · 4 documents · 3 fees
Length of stay
Not applicable (permanent status).
Ireland
- Irish citizenship by naturalisation
Adults lawfully resident in Ireland on reckonable permissions for 5 years, spouses or civil partners of Irish citizens with 3 years' residence, refugees, and…
Main conditions
- Age
- 5 years' reckonable residence
- Absences in the qualifying year
11 requirements · 11 documents · 5 fees
Length of stay
Permanent.
Can lead to permanent residence
Oct 16, 2026
ISD - Become an Irish citizen by naturalisation (updated 15 April 2026)
Italy
- Concessione della cittadinanza italiana per residenza
Foreign nationals with long legal residence registered in Italy, including EU citizens, stateless persons and people born in Italy or with Italian-born…
Main conditions
- Non-EU nationals: 10 years
- EU citizens: 4 years
- Stateless persons: 5 years
10 requirements · 9 documents · 2 fees
Length of stay
Permanent.
Jamaica
- Jamaican citizenship by naturalisation
Adult foreign nationals with long legal residence in Jamaica.
Main conditions
- Age
- Residence
- Character
5 requirements · 9 documents · 2 fees
Length of stay
Permanent.
Kosovo
- Citizenship by naturalisation
Long-term permanent residents, spouses of Kosovo citizens, refugees and stateless people, and members of the Kosovo diaspora.
Main conditions
- Standard route
- Shorter period in exceptional circumstances
- Absences
8 requirements · 7 documents · 1 fees
Length of stay
Applications are decided within 180 days.
Latvia
- Latvian citizenship by naturalisation
Permanent residents of Latvia.
Main conditions
- Residence
- Knowledge
- Income
5 requirements · 3 documents · 1 fees
Length of stay
Not applicable (permanent status).
Liechtenstein
- Liechtenstein citizenship
Long-term residents of Liechtenstein and spouses or registered partners of Liechtenstein citizens.
Main conditions
- Long-term residence route
- Marriage route
- Ordinary procedure
6 requirements · 4 documents · 1 fees
Length of stay
Not applicable (permanent status).
Temporary only
Oct 17, 2026
gesetze.li - Bürgerrechtsgesetz (BüG), LGBl. 1960 Nr. 23, version of 01.01.2024
Maldives
- Maldivian citizenship
Foreign nationals who are Muslim and meet the conditions in the citizenship law. Also children of Maldivian citizens.
Main conditions
- Religion
- By law
- By descent
4 requirements · 1 documents · 1 fees
Length of stay
Not stated
Mexico
- Carta de naturalización por residencia
Adult temporary or permanent residents of Mexico (not student residents) who want Mexican nationality.
Main conditions
- Adult with full civil rights
- Residence: 5 years
- Residence: 2 years
9 requirements · 9 documents · 1 fees
Length of stay
Permanent.
Can lead to permanent residence
Oct 16, 2026
SRE: Carta de naturalización por residencia (updated 06 Aug 2026)
Monaco
- Monegasque nationality by naturalisation or marriage
Long-term adult residents of Monaco, and spouses of Monegasque nationals.
Main conditions
- Residence
- Renunciation
- Military service
5 requirements · 1 documents · 1 fees
Length of stay
Not applicable (permanent status).
Mongolia
- Naturalisation as a Mongolian citizen
Long-term residents who intend to settle permanently in Mongolia.
Main conditions
- Residence
- Means of living
- Language and knowledge
6 requirements · 3 documents · 1 fees
Length of stay
Permanent
Nepal
- Naturalised Citizenship
Foreign wives of Nepali citizens, and long-term foreign residents who meet the conditions in section 5(4).
Main conditions
- Foreign wife of a Nepali citizen
- Language
- Occupation
7 requirements · 3 documents · 1 fees
Length of stay
Permanent once granted.
Can lead to permanent residence
Oct 17, 2026
Nepal Law Commission - Nepal Citizenship Act, 2063 (Nepali text)
Netherlands
- Naturalisatie
Adult foreign nationals with long-term or non-temporary lawful residence in the Netherlands, Aruba, Curaçao, Sint Maarten or the Caribbean Netherlands.
Main conditions
- Age 18+
- 5 years continuous residence
- Shorter periods
9 requirements · 8 documents · 5 fees
Length of stay
Permanent.
Can lead to permanent residence
Oct 16, 2026
IND: Becoming a Dutch national through naturalisation (updated 8 Oct 2026)
New Zealand
- New Zealand citizenship by grant
New Zealand residents with an indefinite right to live there (including Australian citizens and permanent residents living in New Zealand) who have spent most…
Main conditions
- Indefinite right to reside for 5 years
- Physical presence: 1,350 days in 5 years
- Physical presence: 240 days each year
9 requirements · 9 documents · 3 fees
Length of stay
Permanent status.
Can lead to permanent residence
Oct 16, 2026
Apply for NZ citizenship (govt.nz, updated 10 September 2026)
North Macedonia
- Citizenship by naturalisation
Long-term residents, spouses of citizens, emigrants and their children, and stateless people or refugees.
Main conditions
- Age and residence
- Means and housing
- Record and security
8 requirements · 5 documents · 1 fees
Length of stay
Permanent
Temporary only
Oct 17, 2026
Law on Citizenship of the Republic of North Macedonia, consolidated text (Ministry of Interior, PDF)
Norway
- Norwegian citizenship by application
Long-term residents of Norway, usually holding permanent residence, who meet the language, test and residence requirements.
Main conditions
- Residence
- Reduced residence with income
- Recent residence
6 requirements · 5 documents · 2 fees
Length of stay
Permanent citizenship.
Can lead to permanent residence
Oct 17, 2026
UDI - Citizenship for people who hold a residence permit in Norway
Pakistan
- Citizenship by registration for foreign wives of Pakistani citizens (Section 10(2), Pakistan Citizenship Act 1951)
Foreign women married to Pakistani citizens who have lived in Pakistan for a total of 5 years.
Main conditions
- Marriage to a Pakistani citizen
- Five years' stay
- Domicile and oath
4 requirements · 8 documents · 2 fees
Length of stay
Requires an aggregate stay in Pakistan of 5 years.
- Naturalisation (Naturalization Act 1926 + Section 9 Pakistan Citizenship Act 1951) and Section 20 registration
Adult foreigners with long legal residence in Pakistan, including foreign husbands of Pakistani women. Section 20 is for Commonwealth citizens who transfer…
Main conditions
- Adult
- Residence
- Good character
7 requirements · 5 documents · 4 fees
Length of stay
Residence of 12 months immediately before applying plus at least 4 years in aggregate…
Can lead to permanent residence
Oct 17, 2026
DGI&P - Acts and Rules (Naturalization Act 1926, Naturalization Rules, Pakistan Citizenship Act 1951, Rules 1952) PDF
Panama
- Naturalisation
Permanent residents of Panama who meet the residence period.
Main conditions
- Residence
- Shorter route
- Reciprocity
6 requirements · 7 documents · 4 fees
Length of stay
Permanent (nationality).
Paraguay
- Paraguayan nationality by naturalisation
Adult permanent residents of Paraguay who want Paraguayan nationality.
Main conditions
- Permanent residence for three years
- Legal age
- Activity in Paraguay
3 requirements · 6 documents · 2 fees
Length of stay
Nationality is permanent once granted.
Portugal
- Naturalização por residência legal
Adult foreign nationals with long legal residence in Portugal who want Portuguese nationality.
Main conditions
- Adult
- Legal residence: 7 years
- Legal residence: 10 years
11 requirements · 10 documents · 1 fees
Length of stay
Permanent.
Can lead to permanent residence
Oct 16, 2026
Lei Orgânica n.º 1/2026, de 18 de maio (Diário da República n.º 95, 1.ª série), official copy hosted by the Regional Government of Madeira
San Marino
- San Marino citizenship by naturalisation
Long-term residents of San Marino and spouses or civil partners of San Marino citizens.
Main conditions
- Residence
- Italian language
- Knowledge test
4 requirements · 6 documents · 1 fees
Length of stay
Not applicable (permanent status).
Seychelles
- Seychelles citizenship
Long-married spouses of Seychellois, widowed spouses, and descendants of people born in Seychelles.
Main conditions
- Marriage
- Surviving spouse
- Descent
6 requirements · 2 documents · 1 fees
Length of stay
Permanent.
Slovakia
- Slovak citizenship by naturalisation
Long-term permanent residents of Slovakia and spouses of Slovak citizens.
Main conditions
- Residence
- Good character
- Language and knowledge
5 requirements · 3 documents · 1 fees
Length of stay
Not applicable (permanent status).
Temporary only
Oct 17, 2026
Slov-Lex - Act No. 40/1993 Coll. on Citizenship of the Slovak Republic (version from 15.07.2026)
Slovenia
- Slovenian citizenship by naturalisation
Long-term residents of Slovenia and spouses of Slovenian nationals.
Main conditions
- Residence
- Spouses
- Release from citizenship
3 requirements · 3 documents · 1 fees
Length of stay
Not applicable (permanent status).
Spain
- Nacionalidad española por residencia
Foreign residents of Spain who meet the residence period for their situation. The 2-year route covers nationals of origin of Ibero-American countries and the…
Main conditions
- General residence: 10 years
- Refugees: 5 years
- Ibero-American and listed countries: 2 years
10 requirements · 10 documents · 1 fees
Length of stay
Permanent once registered in the Spanish Civil Registry.
Can lead to permanent residence
Oct 16, 2026
Código Civil (BOE-A-1889-4763), arts. 22-25, consolidated text
Sri Lanka
- Dual citizenship
Former Sri Lankan citizens (and their spouses and children under 22 who were Sri Lankan) and Sri Lankans acquiring another nationality.
Main conditions
- Former or current citizen
- Qualifying category (one of A-F)
- Category G - family
3 requirements · 6 documents · 3 fees
Length of stay
Citizenship is effective from the date the fee is paid.
St. Kitts & Nevis
- St Kitts and Nevis Citizenship by Investment Programme
Adults aged 18 or over who can make one of the prescribed contributions or investments from documented lawful funds and pass due diligence.
Main conditions
- Minimum age
- Qualifying investment
- SISC contribution
11 requirements · 9 documents · 13 fees
Length of stay
Citizenship is permanent once a certificate is issued, subject to revocation rules.
St. Lucia
- Saint Lucia Citizenship by Investment Programme
Adults who can make one of the prescribed investments from lawful funds and pass due diligence.
Main conditions
- Minimum age
- NEF contribution
- National Action Bond
9 requirements · 7 documents · 9 fees
Length of stay
Citizenship is permanent once the Certificate of Registration is issued, subject to…
Sweden
- Swedish citizenship by application
Adults with a permanent residence permit, residence status, EU right of residence or residence card, or Nordic citizenship, and some holders of temporary…
Main conditions
- Residence status
- Main rule: 8 years
- Shorter periods
10 requirements · 9 documents · 1 fees
Length of stay
Permanent.
Switzerland
- Ordinary naturalisation
Long-term residents with a C permit who are well integrated and familiar with Swiss life.
Main conditions
- Residence
- Counting rules
- Cantonal residence
5 requirements · 4 documents · 4 fees
Length of stay
Permanent citizenship once the cantonal decision is legally binding.
Trinidad & Tobago
- Citizenship by registration and naturalisation
Long-term residents, spouses of citizens and minors with eligible parents.
Main conditions
- Registration (s.7)
- Naturalisation (s.12)
2 requirements · 1 documents · 6 fees
Length of stay
Permanent.
Tunisia
- Tunisian nationality by naturalisation or marriage declaration
Long-term lawful residents of Tunisia and foreign spouses of Tunisians.
Main conditions
- Residence
- Exemptions from residence
- Personal conditions
6 requirements · 1 documents · 1 fees
Length of stay
Permanent
Türkiye
- Turkish citizenship by exceptional acquisition through investment
Foreign investors who can make one of the prescribed investments in foreign currency and obtain a certificate of conformity from the relevant ministry or…
Main conditions
- Real estate
- Fixed capital investment
- Bank deposit
9 requirements · 8 documents · 0 fees
Length of stay
Citizenship is permanent once granted by Presidential decision.
United Kingdom
- British citizenship by naturalisation
Adults with ILR, indefinite leave to enter or settled status who have lived in the UK for 5 years (or 3 years if married to or in a civil partnership with a…
Main conditions
- Age and capacity
- Settled status held for 12 months
- 5 years' residence and absences
10 requirements · 12 documents · 5 fees
Length of stay
Permanent.
Can lead to permanent residence
Oct 16, 2026
GOV.UK - Apply for citizenship if you have ILR or settled status: eligibility and fees
United States
- U.S. naturalization
Green card holders who meet the residence, physical presence and good moral character requirements, including spouses of U.S. citizens and military service…
Main conditions
- Age
- Permanent residence: 5 years
- Physical presence: 30 months
11 requirements · 12 documents · 6 fees
Length of stay
Citizenship is permanent once the Oath of Allegiance is taken (subject to…
Can lead to permanent residence
Oct 16, 2026
USCIS – I am a lawful permanent resident of 5 years (updated 03/16/2026)
Uzbekistan
- Citizenship by naturalisation
Long-term residents holding an Uzbek residence permit.
Main conditions
- Residence
- Renunciation
- Language
4 requirements · 5 documents · 1 fees
Length of stay
Permanent status once granted
Temporary only
Oct 17, 2026
Ministry of Internal Affairs (gov.uz) - How to apply for citizenship or residence certificate
Vanuatu
- Vanuatu investor citizenship programmes
Investors applying through a designated agent who pass FIU due diligence.
Main conditions
- Designated agent
- Contribution (non-Form D)
- CIIP (Form D)
7 requirements · 6 documents · 7 fees
Length of stay
Citizenship is permanent once granted, subject to revocation; the Commission reports…
Vatican City
- Vatican citizenship linked to office or service
Cardinals, Holy See diplomats, people resident in Vatican City for their office or service, and their spouses and children living with them.
Main conditions
- Citizens by law
- Citizenship on request
- Children
3 requirements · 1 documents · 1 fees
Length of stay
Lasts only while the office, service or authorised residence continues.
Related guides
Other comparisons
General information from official government sources, not legal advice. Rules change: check the official page, or ask a licensed advisor, before you apply.