Key takeaways
- Citizenship by investment (such as Dominica and other Caribbean programmes) is the fastest route, but several programmes restrict or suspend applicants from certain countries, including Iran.
- Naturalisation after residency (for example Mexico after 5 years of legal residence) costs less but requires time and genuine presence in the country.
- Some countries, Iran among them, do not recognise dual citizenship; inside that country you are treated only as its national.
- No legal passport is ever "guaranteed" or issued "in two weeks"; the decision always rests with the issuing government.
The four main routes to a second passport
| Route | How it works | Typical time | Best for |
|---|---|---|---|
| Citizenship by investment (CBI) | A contribution to a government fund or an approved real estate purchase | A few months to a year | People with capital who cannot spend years living abroad |
| Residency then naturalisation | Residence through work, study, income or investment, then several years living in the country | Usually 5 years or more | People who genuinely plan to live in that country |
| Descent | A parent or sometimes a grandparent who holds that citizenship | Months to years, depending on records | People with family roots in another country |
| Marriage | Marriage to a citizen plus several years of marriage or residence | Usually 2 to 5 years | Spouses of foreign citizens |
Citizenship by investment and nationality restrictions
Caribbean citizenship-by-investment programmes (Dominica, St Kitts and Nevis, Antigua and Barbuda, Grenada and St Lucia) are the fastest route and require little or no residence. In exchange, due diligence is strict and the list of restricted nationalities changes often.
On 23 March 2026, Dominica's Citizenship by Investment Unit suspended applications from Iranian nationals, except for applicants who have not lived in Iran for at least ten years, hold no significant assets there and have no business ties to Iran. Other Caribbean programmes also restrict certain nationalities. Always confirm your eligibility with the official unit before paying anything.
The European Union has stepped up scrutiny of countries that sell citizenship; Schengen visa-free access for these passports is not permanent and can change.
Residency then citizenship: the example of Mexico
On this route you first obtain temporary residency (for example through savings or a steady income), then permanent residency, and after 5 years of legal residence (2 years for the spouse of a Mexican citizen) you can apply for naturalisation by passing the citizenship exam and proving physical presence. It costs less than investment but requires a real life in the country.
Armenia, Spain (through the digital nomad residence) and Germany (through the EU Blue Card) also open the way to permanent residence and later citizenship after several years of legal residence; timelines and language requirements differ by country.
Dual citizenship rules
- Some countries, including Iran, do not recognise dual citizenship; inside the country you are treated only as its national.
- You must usually enter and leave such a country on its own passport.
- Obligations such as military service are not cancelled by acquiring a second citizenship.
- Some countries require you to renounce your previous citizenship when you naturalise; check the destination country's law before you apply.
Warning signs of passport scams
- A promise of a "guaranteed passport" or issue within days
- A request to pay the full amount into a personal account before the file is officially lodged
- No written contract and no official receipt from the destination government
- A claimed "special route" around nationality restrictions
- A passport from a country that has no official investment programme
A legitimate application is only lodged through an authorised agent of the destination government, and government payments go directly to that government's or fund's official account.
Frequently asked questions
How do I get a second passport?
Through four main routes: citizenship by investment, residency followed by naturalisation, descent and marriage. The right route depends on your capital, time and readiness to live in the destination country.
What is citizenship by investment?
A programme in which a government grants citizenship in return for a contribution to a state fund or an approved property purchase, after background checks; the Caribbean programmes are the best-known examples.
Can Iranians get a Dominica passport?
Since 23 March 2026, applications from Iranian nationals have been suspended, except for applicants who have lived outside Iran for at least ten years and have no assets or business in Iran.
What is the fastest way to get a second passport?
Citizenship by investment usually takes a few months to a year, but some nationalities face serious restrictions. Residency routes cost less but usually take 5 years or more.
How long does a Mexican passport take?
You can apply after 5 years of legal residence (2 years for the spouse of a Mexican citizen) and passing the citizenship exam.
Which routes does Shahin Group help with?
Shahin Group reviews and prepares files for the Dominica passport (for eligible applicants), Mexican residency and passport, and residency routes such as Armenia and Spain; a free assessment comes before any payment.
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