Imagine the opportunity to gain a second passport not through the conventional means of residency and waiting periods but through unique and exceptional routes. What if your talent or contributions to society could open doors to a new nationality with favourable tax regimes and a better social and political environment?
Citizenship by exception is a fascinating and increasingly recognized pathway for individuals seeking the benefits of a second passport. Unlike traditional naturalization processes, this route allows individuals to gain citizenship based on exceptional circumstances, such as outstanding achievements or humanitarian contributions. Some of these programs provide a strategic advantage in terms of tax benefits and an enhanced quality of life in politically stable and socially welcoming countries.
This article explains citizenship by exception, explores the various citizenship pathways by exception, and highlights some of the programs in South America and Europe to help you understand citizenship by exception. If you are interested in exceptional ways to get your second passport, I can help you evaluate your options and make informed decisions about your global citizenship strategy.
Citizenship by exception is a broad term used to describe special or discretionary routes through which individuals may obtain citizenship outside a country's standard naturalization process. Depending on the country, these routes may apply to people who have rendered exceptional services, demonstrated outstanding merit, have particular ties to the country, or meet other special statutory conditions. The authority responsible for granting citizenship varies by jurisdiction and may include a president, minister, legislature, or other designated government authority.
Traditional naturalization usually requires individuals to fulfill specific residency requirements, pass language proficiency tests, and integrate into society over several years. In contrast, some exceptional or discretionary citizenship provisions may waive or modify certain requirements of ordinary naturalization. However, the extent of those exemptions varies considerably by country, and some special routes still impose residence, eligibility, procedural, or other requirements.
Countries implement these exceptional pathways to attract and retain talented individuals who can contribute to their cultural, scientific, economic or social development. Countries that grant citizenship to exceptional individuals can enhance their global reputation by fostering innovation and meeting specific national needs. This approach rewards extraordinary achievements and enriches the host country with diverse talents and perspectives.
The eligibility criteria for exceptional or discretionary citizenship vary significantly by country. Depending on the jurisdiction, relevant factors may include:
Exceptional or distinguished services: Some countries provide special citizenship routes for people who have rendered significant services to the state or national community.
Outstanding merit or achievement: Certain laws recognize outstanding achievements or relevant merit as grounds for special treatment.
National or public interest: In some jurisdictions, citizenship may be granted when authorities determine that doing so serves an exceptional state, national, or public interest.
Special connections to the country: Some discretionary naturalization provisions apply to former citizens, descendants, people with particular national ties, or other specifically defined groups.
Residence or other statutory requirements: A special citizenship route does not necessarily eliminate residence, language, documentation, security, or other legal requirements.
Argentina's current citizenship law allows foreigners who make a relevant investment in the country to apply for naturalization regardless of the length of their residence.
Argentina substantially amended its citizenship law in 2025. Under the current version of Law No. 346, foreigners aged 18 or older may ordinarily apply for naturalization after two years of continuous and legal residence in Argentina. The law also provides a separate route for foreigners who can demonstrate that they have made a “relevant investment” in the country, regardless of the length of their residence. The Ministry of Economy determines what qualifies as a relevant investment, and the National Directorate of Migrations is involved in the naturalization process.
Mexico provides a special naturalization route for certain foreigners who have performed outstanding work or services benefiting the country, subject to applicable requirements, including a reduced residence period.
Mexico provides a naturalization route for foreigners who have rendered services or carried out outstanding work in cultural, social, scientific, technical, artistic, sporting, or business fields that benefit the country. Applicants under this route generally must demonstrate at least two years of residence in Mexico immediately before applying and must satisfy the other applicable naturalization requirements. Successful applicants receive a letter of naturalization through the Secretariat of Foreign Relations (SRE).
The Constitution of Uruguay allows the General Assembly to grant legal citizenship to foreign men and women as a “special grace” for notable services or relevant merits.
Article 75 of Uruguay's Constitution provides that foreign men and women may obtain legal citizenship through a “special grace” granted by the General Assembly for notable services or relevant merits.
Foreigners who contribute industrial facilities or exceptional services in various fields in Turkey can obtain citizenship, provided there are no national security or public order issues
Foreigners who bring industrial facilities to Turkey or give exceptional services in scientific, technological, economic, social, cultural, or artistic domains are eligible for Turkish citizenship as long as there are no national security or public order issues.
Sections 13 and 14 of Germany's Nationality Act provide discretionary naturalization routes for certain former Germans and foreign nationals ordinarily resident abroad who meet the statutory conditions.
Germany's Nationality Act contains discretionary naturalization provisions for certain people living abroad, although these are not general citizenship-by-merit programs. Section 13 permits former German citizens and their minor children who ordinarily reside abroad to apply for naturalization if the relevant statutory requirements are met. Section 14 permits foreigners ordinarily resident abroad to be naturalized if they satisfy the applicable conditions and have ties with Germany that justify naturalization.
Irish nationality law allows the Minister for Justice to dispense with certain naturalization conditions for specified categories of applicants.
Ireland's nationality law allows the Minister for Justice to dispense with one or more ordinary naturalization conditions in specifically defined cases. These include certain applicants of Irish descent or Irish associations, some applications involving children or family relationships, and people who are or have been resident abroad in the Irish public service. It is therefore more accurately described as a statutory discretionary power for particular categories of applicant rather than a general citizenship route based on exceptional talent or achievement.
In Portugal, individuals who have provided significant services to the Portuguese state or community may apply for nationality at the discretion of the Minister of Justice
Adults who have provided relevant services to the Portuguese state or the Portuguese community may apply for Portuguese nationality under a special provision of Portuguese nationality law. In these cases, the acquisition of nationality depends on a decision by the Minister of Justice.
In Hungary, the Citizenship Law allows the President of the Republic to grant exemptions from the usual naturalization criteria under exceptional circumstances upon recommendation from the minister responsible for citizenship matters
The Citizenship Law allows the President of the Republic to grant exemption from the usual naturalization criteria under exceptional circumstances upon the recommendation of the minister responsible for citizenship matters.
The Greek Nationality Code allows honorary naturalization in certain cases involving exceptional services or the public interest. Greece approved the honorary naturalization of Tom Hanks and Rita Wilson's family in 2019 following their support for victims of the 2018 Mati wildfires.
In December 2019, Greece approved the honorary naturalization of Tom Hanks, Rita Wilson and members of their family in recognition of their support following the deadly 2018 Mati wildfires. Hanks and Wilson subsequently completed the citizenship process and publicly received Greek passports in 2020.
Italian law allows the President to grant citizenship to foreigners who have rendered distinguished services or, in cases of exceptional state interest
Italian citizenship law states that the President of the Republic, upon consulting the Council of State and following a decision by the Council of Ministers, can grant citizenship to an alien who has rendered distinguished services to Italy or where an exceptional interest of the State exists.
British nationality law contains discretionary registration provisions for children and a narrower special-circumstances route for certain adults who previously missed out on British citizenship.
British nationality law contains limited discretionary registration provisions, but it does not establish a general citizenship-by-exception route for exceptionally talented or accomplished adults. Section 3(1) of the British Nationality Act 1981 gives the Home Secretary discretion to register children under 18 as British citizens. Section 4L provides a separate route for certain adults who would have been, or would have been able to become, British citizens but for historical legislative unfairness, an act or omission by a public authority, or exceptional circumstances that prevented them from acquiring citizenship. Exceptional circumstances alone do not create a general route for an adult who would otherwise have no claim to British citizenship.
Related content: Why Every American Must Get A Second Passport In 2024
Obtaining a second passport through traditional channels can be lengthy and challenging. Citizenship by exception, while a rare pathway to citizenship, provides an exciting opportunity for those with unique skills or significant accomplishments. By taking advantage of this option, expats could potentially obtain a second passport more quickly and strategically, avoiding typical residence and waiting periods. Programs throughout South America and Europe demonstrate how different countries have adopted these exceptional ways of attracting talented people who can contribute to their cultural, economic, and scientific development.
However, citizenship by exception is not a well-structured procedure you can confidently utilize. Even if you meet the requirements, the process will depend on the discretionary powers of the officials and the political situation. Because of these uncertainties and exceptional requirements, it is a rare path for most people. Rest assured, there are numerous appealing, well-structured, and time-tested citizenship-by-investment programs available that you can consider based on your personal circumstances.
If you are an expat seeking the exceptional routes to a second passport, you need to understand the eligibility requirements and programs available. You have the opportunity to succeed on this route, whether through outstanding achievements, international recognition, or the possibility of substantial contributions. Evaluating your alternatives and making educated decisions about your Plan-B strategy can lead to new chances and a more fulfilling life abroad.
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Written by Mikkel Thorup
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