Citizenship by merit, also called citizenship by exception, is presented as an alternative route for wealthy investors, entrepreneurs, and high-profile individuals who want a second citizenship outside standard citizenship-by-investment, descent, or long-term naturalization routes.
Unlike conventional citizenship by investment programs in places such as the Caribbean, the Pacific, or Turkey, citizenship by merit is usually based on a contribution judged valuable by the country. This can include bringing a business, hiring employees, investing in infrastructure, investing in real estate, developing land, or otherwise contributing to the economy or public interest.
In these systems, the legal authority may sit with the president, prime minister, Ministry of Interior, or another senior government body. The decision is typically made under a specific article in the country’s citizenship law that allows citizenship to be granted by exception or merit.
How citizenship by merit differs from standard naturalization
Standard naturalization usually requires relocation, residence over several years, and often language or integration requirements. Citizenship by merit may allow some of these requirements to be waived, depending on the country and the applicant’s contribution.
The route is not described as simple or automatic. It may involve more documentation, a longer process, and a more subjective review than a straightforward investment-based citizenship program. The applicant must usually demonstrate a strong profile, a clean background, and a contribution that the government considers valuable.
A key practical difference is that citizenship by merit is described as full citizenship from the beginning. In countries that offer it, there is no separate class of “citizen by investment” or “citizen by merit” compared with citizens by naturalization or descent. The passport and rights are the same.
The transcript also claims there is no conditional citizenship and no recurring due diligence every five or ten years in order to renew the passport.
Countries mentioned
Several countries are mentioned as examples of citizenship by merit or citizenship by exception routes.
Austria is described as a well-known example. The contribution level is presented as high, involving major business activity, significant effort, and time invested in Austria. It is framed as potentially relevant for very wealthy individuals, such as someone worth $100 million, who wants a second passport in a “real country” and a plan B for their family.
Malta is described as having moved from traditional citizenship by investment toward citizenship by merit. The route is described as more vague, involving more paperwork and a longer timeframe, but still possible.
Serbia is presented as another example. It is described as a Balkan country next to the European Union, not currently an EU member, but a candidate to join. The route is framed around bringing business, contributions, or economic value to the country.
Slovakia is mentioned as a European Union example with a high threshold. The transcript claims that having 100 employees in Slovakia can technically qualify someone for citizenship by exception or merit. A cited example involves an Indian billionaire with construction and car production businesses built in Slovakia over 10 or 20 years.
Latin American countries are also mentioned more generally. The transcript says the route may be vaguer and require more documentation, but may exist where someone has contributed to infrastructure, land, or land development.
Paraguay is mentioned as a country known for residency or citizenship by investment. The transcript says Paraguay values land purchase, land development, local job creation, and agricultural activity, which could potentially support a citizenship case if the contribution is high enough. The exact legal threshold is unclear.
Contribution can be past or future
The contribution does not necessarily have to be a future investment. It may also be based on past activity, such as a business already built, employees already hired, or infrastructure already developed.
This matters for entrepreneurs who have operated in a country for years and may already have created the type of economic value that can support a citizenship-by-merit application.
Risks and caveats
Citizenship by merit is not presented as a mass-market or guaranteed route. It is more discretionary than standard investment programs and depends heavily on the country, the applicant’s profile, and the perceived value of the contribution.
Important caveats include:
- The required contribution may be very high, especially for stronger passports or EU citizenship.
- The process may be vague and document-heavy.
- The applicant’s name may be published when citizenship is granted under the relevant legal article.
- Governments will likely review reputation, background, and public perception before approving a case.
- The exact requirements vary by country and may be unclear.
Strategic use of citizenship by merit
The route is framed as useful for people who want more than visa-free travel. A citizenship by merit passport may also serve as a plan B, a route to residence in other countries, or a form of protection during crises.
The transcript claims that countries such as Serbia and Austria have evacuated or assisted citizens during Gulf or UAE-related crises, including people who obtained citizenship by merit. The exact events and scope are unclear.
The broader point is that citizenship by merit can be strategic for people with substantial economic value to offer, especially where standard citizenship by investment is unattractive, unavailable, or already completed.
