How to Obtain a Second Passport in 2026: A Comprehensive Guide by Mirabello Consultancy

Last updated: March 2026

📋 At a Glance: In today's globalized world, understanding how to get a second passport can open doors to new opportunities, from increased mobility to financial security and lifestyle benefits. Whether for business expansion, wealth diversification, or securing a better future for your family, dual citizenship is becoming an essential asset for global citizens.

In today's globalized world, understanding how to get a second passport can open doors to new opportunities, from increased mobility to financial security and lifestyle benefits. Whether for business expansion, wealth diversification, or securing a better future for your family, dual citizenship is becoming an essential asset for global citizens. Many countries offer different pathways to obtaining a second passport, including citizenship by descent, marriage, naturalization, and investment programs. This guide explores the benefits of dual citizenship, the easiest countries to acquire one, and the various programs available. With the right approach and careful planning, securing a second passport can be a strategic step toward greater freedom and stability.

What Is a Second Passport and Why Does It Matter in 2026?

A second passport is an official travel and identity document issued by a country in which you hold citizenship, separate from your country of birth or primary nationality. Holding dual or multiple citizenships means you are legally recognised as a national of more than one sovereign state simultaneously, affording you the full rights, protections, and privileges associated with each nationality.

In 2026, the strategic value of a second passport has never been more pronounced. Geopolitical tensions, shifting visa regimes, currency volatility, and evolving tax landscapes have all made the concept of a "Plan B" citizenship not merely a luxury, but a prudent element of comprehensive wealth and lifestyle planning. For high-net-worth individuals and business owners operating across borders, a second passport is as important as diversifying an investment portfolio — it provides optionality, security, and access.

Beyond the practical advantages of travel freedom, a second passport can provide the ability to live, work, and study in a second country, access superior healthcare and educational systems, and pass those rights on to future generations. In uncertain times, it represents peace of mind for your entire family.

How to Get a Second Passport: The Main Pathways Available

There is no single route to a second passport, and the right pathway will depend on your personal circumstances, timeline, and objectives. The four primary methods are as follows:

1. Citizenship by Investment (CBI)

Citizenship by investment is the most direct and time-efficient route for qualifying individuals. Governments grant citizenship — and thus a passport — in exchange for a qualifying economic contribution, typically in the form of a non-refundable donation to a national development fund, or an investment in real estate, government bonds, or approved business ventures. Processing times range from as little as 2–3 months (St Kitts & Nevis fast-track) to 12–18 months for European programmes. Costs begin from approximately $100,000 for Caribbean nations and can rise to €1,500,000 or more for certain European alternatives.

2. Citizenship by Descent

If you have parents, grandparents, or in some cases great-grandparents who were nationals of a particular country, you may be entitled to claim citizenship through ancestry. Countries such as Italy, Ireland, Poland, and Portugal have well-established descent programmes. This route carries no investment requirement but can be time-consuming and documentation-intensive, often taking two to five years or longer.

3. Citizenship by Naturalisation

Naturalisation requires you to reside in a country for a specified number of years — typically five to ten — before applying for citizenship. While this is the traditional pathway, it demands a significant commitment of time and often physical presence requirements that may not suit internationally mobile individuals.

4. Citizenship by Marriage

Many countries offer an expedited pathway to citizenship for the foreign spouses of citizens. Residency and cohabitation requirements vary significantly by jurisdiction, and processing times typically range from two to five years.

For most of our clients at Mirabello Consultancy, citizenship by investment offers the optimal balance of speed, certainty, and minimal lifestyle disruption. You can explore our curated selection of the world's leading programmes on our best citizenship by investment programmes page.

Top Citizenship by Investment Programmes in 2026

The global landscape of citizenship by investment has matured considerably, with a range of well-regulated, internationally respected programmes available. Below, we outline the most sought-after options our clients consider.

St Kitts & Nevis — The Caribbean Gold Standard

St Kitts & Nevis holds the distinction of operating the world's oldest CBI programme, established in 1984. In 2026, the programme offers a non-refundable contribution to the Sustainable Island State Contribution (SISC) starting from $250,000 for a single applicant, or a real estate investment from $400,000. The St Kitts & Nevis passport provides visa-free or visa-on-arrival access to approximately 157 countries, including the United Kingdom and the Schengen Area. Standard processing takes 4–6 months, while the Accelerated Application Process can reduce this to as little as 45–60 days. Learn more on our St Kitts & Nevis citizenship by investment programme page.

Dominica — Outstanding Value for Families

The Commonwealth of Dominica consistently ranks among the most cost-effective CBI programmes globally. A single applicant can obtain citizenship through a government fund contribution from $100,000, with family applications beginning at $175,000 for a couple. The Dominica passport offers access to approximately 144 countries visa-free or on arrival. Processing typically takes 3–4 months. Dominica has built a strong reputation for due diligence and programme integrity.

Malta — Europe's Premier Citizenship Programme

For those seeking a European Union passport, Malta's Citizenship by Naturalisation for Exceptional Services by Direct Investment (MEIN) programme stands in a class of its own. Applicants must make a government contribution of €600,000 (after 36 months of residency) or €750,000 (after 12 months), in addition to a €10,000 donation to a registered NGO and a property purchase of at least €700,000 (or lease of €16,000 per annum). A Maltese passport grants the holder visa-free access to approximately 190 countries and full rights to live and work throughout all 27 EU member states. Processing takes 12–36 months depending on the chosen residency period. Explore full details on our Malta citizenship by investment page.

Antigua & Barbuda

Antigua & Barbuda offers a government fund contribution from $130,000 for a family of up to four, making it one of the most family-friendly programmes in the Caribbean. The passport provides visa-free access to approximately 151 countries. Processing typically takes 3–5 months.

Turkey

Turkey's citizenship by investment programme requires a minimum real estate purchase of $400,000, with citizenship processing taking approximately 3–6 months. The Turkish passport offers visa-free or visa-on-arrival access to approximately 110 countries and, crucially, provides access to the E-2 Investor Visa pathway to the United States — a valuable feature for many of our clients.

For a full comparison of residency-first alternatives, including the best golden visa investment programmes, our hub page provides in-depth analysis across all leading jurisdictions.

Eligibility Requirements: What You Need to Qualify

While specific requirements vary by country, the following eligibility criteria are common across reputable citizenship by investment programmes:

• Age: Primary applicants must typically be 18 years of age or older.
• Clean criminal record: A background free of criminal convictions is an absolute prerequisite. Any significant criminal history will result in disqualification.
• Good health: Many programmes require a medical examination and confirmation that the applicant does not have a communicable disease.
• Legitimate source of funds: Applicants must demonstrate that their investment funds are derived from lawful sources. Detailed financial documentation, including bank statements, tax returns, and proof of business income, is required.
• Minimum investment: The qualifying investment or contribution must meet or exceed the programme's stated threshold.
• No prior visa refusals from certain jurisdictions: Some programmes screen for visa refusal history from specific countries, particularly Canada, the UK, the USA, and the EU Schengen Area.

Importantly, most programmes do not require you to renounce your existing citizenship, speak the country's language, or take up permanent residence. These are qualities that make CBI routes particularly attractive to internationally mobile families and business owners.

The Application Process: Step by Step

Understanding the process from initial enquiry to passport receipt is essential for managing expectations and planning effectively. At Mirabello Consultancy, we guide our clients through every stage of the following journey:

1. Initial Consultation & Programme Selection: We begin with an in-depth assessment of your objectives, family situation, existing nationality, travel needs, and investment capacity. Based on this, we recommend the most suitable programme or combination of programmes. Book your free consultation here.
2. Document Preparation: We compile and verify all required documentation, including passports, birth certificates, marriage certificates, police clearance certificates, financial statements, and professional references. All documents are typically notarised and apostilled.
3. Due Diligence & Background Checks: Our compliance team conducts thorough internal due diligence before submission, mirroring the government's own checks. This pre-screening ensures that any potential issues are identified and addressed prior to application.
4. Application Submission: We submit the complete application package to the relevant government authority or authorised agent on your behalf.
5. Government Due Diligence: The host government conducts its own multi-layered background checks. This phase typically takes 2–12 months, depending on the programme.
6. Investment Completion: Upon receiving an Approval in Principle, the qualifying investment or contribution is made. For real estate purchases, conveyancing is concluded at this stage.
7. Oath of Allegiance / Naturalisation: Certain programmes require a brief visit to the country to take an oath of allegiance. Others permit this process to be completed via a consulate or by power of attorney.
8. Passport Issuance: Upon completion, citizenship certificates and passports are issued. We arrange secure delivery to your chosen location.

Processing Timelines: How Long Does It Take?

One of the most common questions we receive is: "How quickly can I obtain a second passport?" The honest answer depends on the programme chosen and the completeness of your application file. As a general guide:

• St Kitts & Nevis (Accelerated): 45–60 days
• Dominica: 3–4 months
• Antigua & Barbuda: 3–5 months
• St Kitts & Nevis (Standard): 4–6 months
• Turkey: 3–6 months
• Malta (12-month residency route): approximately 14–18 months in total
• Malta (36-month residency route): approximately 38–42 months in total

It is important to note that these timelines assume a complete and well-prepared application. Incomplete files, additional due diligence queries, or delays in document apostillation can extend these periods. Engaging an experienced consultancy from the outset significantly reduces the risk of avoidable delays.

Benefits of Holding a Second Passport

The advantages of second citizenship extend far beyond the ability to hold an additional travel document. Our clients regularly cite the following benefits as transformative for their families and businesses:

• Enhanced global mobility: A stronger passport unlocks visa-free or visa-on-arrival access to a significantly larger number of countries, reducing the time, cost, and uncertainty associated with visa applications.
• Business and investment expansion: Operating under a well-regarded nationality can open doors in jurisdictions where your primary passport may face restrictions, and can facilitate the establishment of companies, bank accounts, and investment vehicles in new markets.
• Tax planning opportunities: Certain jurisdictions offer favourable territorial or flat-rate tax regimes for new citizens or residents. Combined with proper legal and tax advice, a second citizenship can form part of a legitimate tax optimisation strategy.
• Lifestyle and education: EU citizenship, in particular, grants the right to live, work, and access public services — including world-class healthcare and subsidised higher education — across 27 member states.
• Safety and security: In the event of political instability, civil unrest, or conflict in your home country, a second passport provides a guaranteed right of entry and residence elsewhere.
• Legacy planning: Citizenship acquired through investment is typically passed on to children born after naturalisation, creating a lasting multi-generational asset.

Family Inclusion: Securing Your Loved Ones' Future

One of the most compelling features of citizenship by investment programmes is the ability to include family members under a single application, often at a significantly reduced additional cost compared to applying separately.

Most Caribbean CBI programmes allow the inclusion of:

• Spouse or common-law partner
• Dependent children up to the age of 25–30 (programme-specific)
• Dependent parents and grandparents aged 55+ (in many programmes)
• Unmarried siblings (in select programmes such as Antigua & Barbuda)

For example, a family of four applying under Dominica's programme can secure citizenship through a government fund contribution from $175,000 — representing exceptional collective value for the long-term security offered. Malta extends full EU citizenship rights to all included family members, making it particularly powerful for families with children approaching university age.

At Mirabello Consultancy, we structure each application to maximise family inclusion whilst ensuring that due diligence requirements are met comprehensively for every individual. If you are ready to explore the options for your family, we invite you to book a free confidential consultation with one of our senior advisers.

Frequently Asked Questions About Getting a Second Passport