Expats often rank citizenships by the combination of financial benefits, global mobility, and access to innovation hubs. A recent poll of nearly 200 expatriates identified three “Plan A” passports that most participants would keep if they could retain only one, while a separate set of “Plan B” options—often called “bad‑boy” citizenships—offers flexible residency and lower barriers for a secondary nationality.
Preferred primary citizenships (Plan A)
| Country | Why it ranks highest | Key advantages |
|---|---|---|
| Singapore | Consistently rated the top Asian passport. | Strong financial infrastructure, low personal tax rates, high global mobility, and a reputation as a stable, business‑friendly hub. |
| United States | The leading choice for the Americas (excluding Canada and Mexico). | Home of major tech and AI firms; access to a large market and innovation ecosystem. The downside of worldwide income taxation is weighed against these benefits. |
| Germany | The top European option. | Robust economy, strong legal system, and a passport that provides extensive visa‑free travel across the EU and many other countries. |
These three passports are viewed as the most desirable “Plan A” choices because they combine economic stability, global influence, and extensive travel freedom.
Secondary citizenships (Plan B)
Plan B passports are sought for their relatively low cost, flexible residency requirements, and the ability to maintain a primary citizenship without renunciation. Below are the most frequently mentioned options, along with their practical details.
Honduras
- Residency requirement: Deposit $2,500 USD per month in a local bank; the balance need not be maintained continuously, only the monthly deposit.
- Path to citizenship: After five years of residency, applicants may apply for citizenship.
- Flexibility: Minimal physical presence required; suitable for investors who can manage the monthly deposit.
Guatemala
- Residency requirement: Proof of $1,250 USD per month of qualifying income.
- Path to citizenship: Five years of residency before eligibility for citizenship.
- Strategic benefit: Close ties to Mexico allow easy cross‑border movement, useful for those who travel frequently between the two countries.
Mexico (mid‑range option)
- Passport strength: Considered solid but not as flexible as the “bad‑boy” options.
- Considerations: Spanish language proficiency is essential for daily life; climate may be a factor for some expatriates.
South Africa
- Residency pathway: One‑time donation of $6,800 USD to the government grants permanent residency.
- Citizenship timeline: Permanent residency can lead to citizenship after the standard residency period (typically five years).
Brazil
- Residency pathway: Not marketed as a formal “Golden Visa,” but residency can be obtained by meeting a financial threshold (specific amount not detailed in the source).
- Citizenship prospects: Possibility of citizenship after one year, especially if the applicant marries a Brazilian citizen or has a child born in Brazil.
Cambodia
- Entry option: Obtain an e‑visa (EV) and extend it with a one‑year business permit; no work requirement.
- Long‑term route: The CM2 program (similar to Malaysia’s MM2H) allows residency leading to citizenship after five years.
- Cost: Generally low compared with many other programs, making it attractive for budget‑conscious investors.
How Plan B complements Plan A
- Risk mitigation: A secondary passport provides a safety net if political, economic, or tax conditions change in the primary country.
- Mobility: Flexible residency rules let holders spend minimal time on the ground while maintaining legal status.
- Tax planning: By keeping a primary citizenship with favorable tax treatment and adding a secondary one with low residency requirements, expatriates can optimize their global tax exposure.
Practical considerations when choosing a Plan B citizenship
- Residency vs. citizenship timeline: Most programs require five years of residency before citizenship is possible; a few (e.g., Brazil) may allow faster naturalization under specific circumstances.
- Financial commitment: Initial deposits or donations range from a few thousand dollars (Cambodia, Honduras) to several thousand (South Africa). Ongoing income proof may be required (e.g., Guatemala’s $1,250 USD monthly income).
- Language and cultural adaptation: Countries like Mexico and Brazil may demand language proficiency for smoother integration, whereas others (Cambodia, Honduras) have less stringent language expectations.
- Travel freedom: Evaluate the passport’s visa‑free access relative to personal travel needs; some secondary passports may offer limited global mobility compared with Plan A options.
Choosing a secondary citizenship involves balancing cost, residency flexibility, and long‑term strategic benefits. For expatriates already holding a strong “Plan A” passport, a “Plan B” option can provide an additional layer of security and mobility without requiring full relocation.
