Wednesday, November 1, 2017

6 countries where it's easier for Americans to get dual citizenship

Peru

Peru

Investopedia reports you can become a Peruvian citizen in two years — for a $25,000 fast-track fee. It takes about three months to secure approval for a residency. Once you've moved to Peru for two years, you can apply for citizenship. You just need to be able to pass tests on Peruvian history, culture, and Spanish language.

You can contact the Consulate General of Peru in New York for more information.

Macedonia

Macedonia

According to the blog Nomad Capitalist, you can receive Macedonian citizenship in just six to 12 months.

The catch?

You need to be able to employ 10 Macedonian citizens and invest 400,000 euros in a business — that's around $465,000. But it's a good option for anyone who's looking to quickly throw together a startup in Europe.

Macedonia's Ministry of Foreign Affairs has more information about acquiring citizenship.

Italy

Italy

You can actually inherit Italian citizenship from your great-great-grandfather.

YourItalianPassport.com breaks down the rule, which includes some pretty intense caveats. You'll need documentation proving your Italian ancestor lived after Italy's 1861 unification and did not naturalize elsewhere before July 1, 1912. Oh, and "neither you nor any of the ascendants in your direct line must have ever renounced Italian citizenship."

Your female Italian ancestors can only pass on citizenship to children born after January 1, 1948.

Confused? The Italian Consulate encourages people to give them a ring to determine whether or not they qualify for Italian citizenship.

Hungary

Hungary

If you speak Hungarian and can prove your Hungarian ancestry, you might qualify for "simplified naturalization" under Hungarian law.

According to the the Consulate General of Hungary in Los Angeles, it can take officials in Budapest six to nine months to determine whether an applicant qualifies. The Consulate General also notes there are numerous caveats to the rule that reflect the "historical changes of borders and citizenships in Central Europe during the 20th century."

Israel

Israel

Ethnic and religious Jews — as well as their spouses and grandchildren — are free to gain Israeli citizenship through the country's Law of Return.

According to the Nomad Capitalist, individuals immigrating through the Law of Return can gain citizenship within months, and a passport within a year.

The Israeli Ministry of Foreign Affairs has more information on the Law of Return.

Ireland

Ireland

Ireland's laws make it easy for some people of Irish descent to claim citizenship.

If one of your parents was an Irish citizen who was born in Ireland, you're most likely entitled to citizenship. If one of your grandparents was an Irish citizen who was born in Ireland, you're eligible to become one, too. You just need to provide documentation and apply for the Foreign Births Register.

You can check whether or not you're eligible for citizenship on the website of Ireland's Department of Justice and Equality.


Source: Business Insider India