Expanding your business or retiring in a country with a lower cost of living can be made convenient by pursuing citizenship in another country. Some countries have specific requirements, such as investing in their economy or creating job opportunities for locals, in order to be eligible for citizenship. However, in certain countries, citizenship can be obtained based on factors such as ancestry, language proficiency, and duration of residency. Below are listed the countries where citizenship can be acquired free of charge:
Israel
In Israel, the Law of Return permits individuals who are Jewish to immigrate to the country. Additionally, it is possible to acquire Israeli citizenship if one of your parents is already an Israeli citizen.
Paraguay
If you are seeking a quick path to citizenship without prolonged residency in a foreign country, Paraguay may be the ideal option for you. Before applying for permanent residence, you can withdraw your entire deposit. To be eligible for citizenship, you must spend at least three years as a permanent resident, with a minimum of 183 days spent in Paraguay and passing a Spanish language proficiency test. Additionally, familiarity with the country’s geography, history, and politics is required. Paraguay is an attractive destination for retirees, and it imposes no import tariffs on personal belongings.
Ireland
There are several means of obtaining Irish citizenship at no cost. If either of your parents was a citizen of Ireland or the United Kingdom at the time of your birth, you are considered an Irish citizen, and you only need to apply for a passport. If you were born in another country but have an Irish grandparent or at least one parent who was an Irish citizen at the time of your birth, you may be eligible for Irish citizenship by registering your birth with the Foreign Births Register, after which you can apply for an Irish passport. There are many possible scenarios and combinations, but it is possible to claim Irish citizenship free of charge.
Canada
To qualify for Canadian citizenship, you must have Canadian permanent resident status and have lived in Canada for a minimum of three years within the last five years prior to your application. Proficiency in either English or French is necessary, and individuals aged 18-54 must provide proof of their language skills. A criminal record is not permitted, and it is important to have knowledge of Canada’s geography, history, and political system, as this is a crucial aspect of the application process. Additionally, if you have a spouse, common-law partner, or conjugal partner who is a permanent resident or citizen of Canada, they may sponsor your move to the country. To be eligible, your sponsor must be an adult with no criminal record and able to support you financially without receiving social assistance. Furthermore, they must be willing to reside in Canada with you.
Mexico
To be eligible to apply for Mexican citizenship, the following conditions must be met:
- You must have legally resided in Mexico continuously for at least five years. However, this requirement is reduced to two years if you are of Mexican descent, have Mexican children, have been married to a Mexican citizen for at least two years, or have made a significant contribution artistically, athletically, culturally, socially, or scientifically to Mexico.
- During the two years before submitting your application, you can spend a maximum of 180 days outside of Mexico.
- You must be fluent in Spanish.
- A good understanding of Mexican history and culture is essential.
If you meet the first criterion, you may be eligible for free Mexican citizenship.
