Ashford Immigration
A consultant passing a passport and a completed visa application folder to a client

Second citizenship and naturalisation

Citizenship & Investment

Guidance on naturalisation, citizenship by descent and investment routes towards a second citizenship.
Check your eligibility

Overview

Citizenship & Investment

Processing time
Varies
Indicative, varies by case
Programmes
6 highlighted
Across 5 destinations

Not sure this is the right route? A consultant can review your profile and explain your options.

Check your eligibility

Build a realistic path to a second citizenship.

Most countries grant citizenship through naturalisation: you live in the country lawfully for a set number of years, meet language and integration requirements, and then apply. Some people also qualify through descent, for example through a parent or grandparent who was a citizen.

In Europe, the United Kingdom, Canada, Australia and New Zealand there is no direct route to buy citizenship. Investment can lead to residence, and that residence can count towards naturalisation later. The European Union has ruled against selling citizenship directly for investment.

Countries also differ on dual citizenship. Some allow you to keep your current nationality, while others may require you to give it up. Checking this early is part of choosing the right route.

At Ashford Immigration, we help you understand which citizenship routes are realistic for you, how long they take, and what you need to prepare at each stage, from residence to the final application.

Citizenship decisions are made by each country’s authorities. Residence periods, language levels and dual citizenship rules vary and can change.

How citizenship & investment works

The factors most commonly considered — we assess your profile against them before recommending a route.

  • Residence period
  • Physical presence
  • Language
  • Good character
  • Proof of descent
  • Dual citizenship rules

Explore citizenship & investment pathways

  • 01Naturalisation after ResidenceCitizenship after the required years of lawful residence.
  • 02Citizenship by DescentCitizenship through a parent or grandparent, where the law allows.
  • 03Investment to ResidenceInvestment routes that grant residence counting towards citizenship.
  • 04Permanent Residence FirstSettled status as the usual step before naturalisation.
  • 05Family-Based CitizenshipRoutes for spouses and children of citizens.
  • 06Dual Citizenship PlanningChecking whether you can keep your current nationality.

Programmes

Citizenship & Investment programmes and destinations

A couple walking beside a yellow tram on a sunny street in LisbonPTPortugal

Portugal

Residence, including investment-based residence, can lead to naturalisation after the required period and a language test.

A professional walking across the piazza in front of Milan CathedralITItaly

Italy

Citizenship by descent for some applicants, and naturalisation after long-term residence.

A student crossing the Ha’penny Bridge over the River Liffey in DublinIEIreland

Ireland

Naturalisation after reckonable residence, and citizenship through Irish-born grandparents in some cases.

A professional couple walking along the Toronto waterfront with the CN Tower behind themCACanada

Canada

Citizenship for permanent residents who meet the physical presence and language requirements.

A professional woman walking along the South Bank with the Houses of Parliament across the ThamesGBUnited Kingdom

United Kingdom

Naturalisation usually after settlement (indefinite leave to remain) and a further qualifying period.

A couple with a suitcase walking along a riverside promenade in a European old townEUEurope

Other European countries

Naturalisation rules, residence periods and dual citizenship policies differ by country.

Other destinations

Not seeing your destination?

We also advise on other countries and routes. Tell us your plans and a consultant will review your options.

Check your eligibility

Our support

Support throughout your journey

Rules and documentation requirements change. Our consultants simplify the process and guide you clearly at every stage.

Our services include

  • Route assessment
  • Timeline planning
  • Descent documents
  • Residence planning
  • Application preparation
  • Family applications
Book a consultation

Check your eligibility

A consultant reviews your details and contacts you within 24–48 hours.

Other services

Explore other services

An engineer reviewing plans with a colleague in a bright office abroad

Skilled Migration

For qualified professionals planning a move abroad through points-based skilled migration programmes.

6–18 monthsLearn more
International students walking across a sunny university campus

Study Abroad

Guidance and support with study abroad plans and student visa applications, so your education can open international opportunities.

4–8 weeksLearn more
A business owner presenting to international partners in a bright boardroom

Business & Investment

Guidance and support on business visa routes if you plan to expand your business abroad.

2–8 weeksLearn more

Next step

Start your citizenship & investment journey with an eligibility assessment

Start with an eligibility assessment, or book a consultation to talk it through with our team.

Check your eligibilityBook a consultation