13 Easiest and Fastest Immigration Countries in the World

If you’ve ever come up with an idea to start a brand-new life, beyond the horizon of your homeland, you must be dying to find out which are the 13 easiest and fastest immigration countries in the world.

If you’ve ever come up with an idea to start a brand-new life, beyond the horizon of your homeland, you must be dying to find out which are the 13 easiest and fastest immigration countries in the world. Escaping mundane routine and getting know more about new cultures are some of the numerous reasons why migration is an accustomed term for many individuals all around the world. Generally speaking and according to BBC, the main reasons for migration might be either of economic (pursuit for work or career) social (search for better prosperity), political (moving from particular political mistreatment or warfare) or environmental (natural disasters) nature. These reasons may be further defined by so-called push and pull factors that are almost always closely connected – one might leave their country due to the poor state economy and move into a country well-known for its economic prosperity. So, is it worth to just push our luck in pursuit of dreamlike life? Well, the following countries which you’ll find on our list sound more than promising. Self-employment or retirement, studying in the country, or marrying the citizen are the easiest ways to get permanent residency in Europe.

Before we start, do you happen to know is there any difference between ‘migrants’ and ‘immigrants’?  Even though if you look up into English dictionary, you won’t be surprised to find that these two terms are in interchangeable relation – they are classified as synonyms. However, according to SDSU Professor Enrico Marcelli, a demographer who is into studies of unauthorized immigration, ‘migrants’ is an umbrella term, defining anyone who leaves their native country, but it is still in the moving process or eventually planning to come back to their hometown somewhere in the foreseeable future. This term is primarily used in Europe, and it also includes refugees or asylum finders. On the other hand, ‘immigrants’ is occasionally used in the U.S. and it is more likely to classify those people who are ‘legal permanent residents’ or those with a valid green card. Immigrants can be further classified as ‘Illegal, undocumented or unauthorized’ but they also may denote just ordinary foreign visitors, ones who do not plan in advance to settle down there. Well, never thought about that one. You can also find some additional info on The San Diego Union-Tribune.

Many worldwide countries, along with their local governments, are not so generous in accepting immigrants – for instance, even though they are facing a population decline on a daily basis, some Eastern European countries welcome neither immigrants nor refuges. On the contrary, some other highly developed countries such as Belgium, Brazil, France, Panama or Singapore smoothly offer a permanent residency to immigrants. Moreover, Switzerland, The Netherlands, Australia, France are ‘immigrants friendly’ countries for a quite long period of time. Singapore and Canada are the main two countries which give the citizenship easily, while Canada and Australia are the leading countries in offering permanent residence. But what if you’re planning to move out somewhere with your whole family or if you are a family-oriented type of person? Israel, Brazil, and Spain are the countries with the easiest citizenship by marriage. It will not surprise us that, for example, each member of your family has a different destination for a ‘perfect place to live in’ in their heads. In that case, joint actions but one decision must be carried up. If it is a teeny-tiny help, Austria, Finland and Sweden are in top three ‘family-oriented’ countries, included in Expat Insider Survey.  As for a work visa, The Netherlands, Ireland, Australia and New Zealand are in the top 4 easiest countries to get a work visa. You can also check our articles 10 Countries Seeking American Immigrants and 10 Easiest Countries to Immigrate To, to learn more about the subject. In case you are interested in cheapest citizenship to buy and which are the instant citizenship countries check out BBC’s citizenship for sale list. Nevertheless, if you want to know what is the easiest way to get permanent residence in Europe, the list below can help.

In order to make our list as reliable as possible, we consulted United Nations’ International Migration Report and World Population Policies. Therefore, our team took in consideration variables such as important points of countries’ immigration policy (including  major steps which has to be followed and basic requirements which must be met in order to become a legal citizen of specific foreign country), the main conditions under which potential immigrants can immigrate to foreign country (e.g., age of immigrants, income, marital status, etc.), foreign country’s prosperity status as well as location. Soon after our examination, we marked off the 13 easiest and fastest immigration countries in the world, ranking them from the least convenient to the easiest and the fastest countries to immigrate to, on the top. Now, let’s hit the road, shall we?

13. Spain

The last but not the least important place on our easiest and fastest immigration countries is taken by Spain. Their immigration policy is open — Spanish government sees immigration as to be extremely positive to economic growth. Spanish citizens believe that labor market needs immigrant workers. This country is preferred by Hispanic people for the linguistic and cultural links, African immigrants who can illegally enter Spain by sea, students and is also a popular retirement destination for its amazing beaches, warm weather, and geographical location.

12. The United Kingdom

The United Kingdom has received immigrants for centuries. However, this country has traditionally become “a country of immigration,” in the mid-1980s. Not only are British people exceptional for their respect of traditional values but they are extremely fair and tolerant towards foreigners – British society takes its place on easiest and fastest immigration countries in the world list because it is much less closed to outsiders than most countries of continental Europe. It is easier to get a job here – less restrictive employment legislation means it is easier to fire people, so employers are more willing to hire migrants, who are paid less in the first place. British employers trust immigrants employees, and they treat them equally with respect. When it comes to visa, you will need to have a certificate of sponsorship from a licensed sponsor (or potential employer) before you can apply to come to the UK to work there. What is more, the work you do in the UK must be in relation to the work of your sponsor organization.

11. The Netherlands

Dutch people are known to be highly tolerant towards other races, nationalities and sexual orientations. Although they are one of the rare countries that legalized same-sex marriage in 2001, and national stances on drugs, prostitution, euthanasia, and abortion, the Netherlands isn’t in the top 10 easiest and fastest immigration countries in the world. Known for its tulips, and more than 1,000 bridges and 20,000 miles of bike paths, this high-income, and a highly developed nation is also one of the world’s leading exporters of agricultural products. The Netherlands is above all known for its openness for new business ideas. The standard of life and prosperity are exceptionally high. According to The Netherlands’ government, not all foreign nationals are automatically allowed to settle in the Netherlands. This means that you may require a residence permit, which you can obtain under certain conditions. One of the possible cases is if you are immigrating for family reunification. In that case, you must have a Dutch partner or a partner who is legally resident in the Netherlands and who has sufficient income. The Immigration and Naturalization Service (IND) assess applications for residence permits.

10. Australia

Developed infrastructure and economy, sustainable healthcare and well-constructed educational system, contribute to Australian national prosperity — and those are just some of the reasons why this country is among the top 10 easiest and fastest immigration countries in the world list. No EU bureaucracy, no Euro crisis, and no migrant crisis lead to stable and high salaries in Australia. The animal world is more than abundant and when it comes to the climate, due to the huge size of the country, it has several different climate zones. The southern parts are cooler with mild summers and sometimes rainy winters. If you want Australian citizenship, firstly you must fill in their Citizenship Information sheet. However, your application for Australian citizenship will vary depending on your current circumstances.

9. Dominican Republic (DR)

Whether you prefer white-sand beaches with wild palm trees or rocky cliffs or wind-swept dunes, fishing villages or nicely arranged tourist cottages, DR will surely be the best fairytale-like place on Earth for you. We included DR on easiest and fastest immigration countries in the world list for its uniqueness and due to physical and cultural variations. The cities with a rich history will leave you speechless for their beautifully restored monasteries and cobblestone streets along which conquistadors once strolled around. Dominicans are also famous for their original Carnival celebrations, held throughout the country and for each town’s characteristic fiesta. To be eligible for legal citizenship in the Dominican Republic, one of the basic requirements is to provide a minimum, monthly income of at least $2000. If this requirement is successfully accomplished, one can apply for the green card. The whole process takes about three years and costs approximately $6000 for both residency and application fees. An interview in Spanish language and a medical exam are also included in green card gaining process. The good thing is also that dual citizenship is allowed in the Dominican Republic.

8. Argentina 

Argentina takes the 8th place on our easiest and fastest immigration countries in the world list because, in case you are over 18 years old and you are living in this country for at least two years, you are more than able to apply for Argentina’s green card. The Federal Chamber of Parana established that nobody could be considered an illegal alien in Argentina since the concept of legality or illegality is related only to performing actions based on the violation of criminal laws. The violation of the immigration law is, on the other hand, seen as nothing more than a simple administrative issue. This means that immigrants who lacked legal residency, worked without a legal permit or entered the country illegally will not have any difficulties in pursuit of citizenship whatsoever. In some exceptional cases, even immigrants with criminal records are welcome. Thus, if you are a type of person who used to live on the other side of the law, moving to Argentina sounds great. However, as of last year, some changes to the country’s immigration law are made, and entry is somewhat limited, at least to those with criminal records. Famous Argentine wines, parrillas (steak restaurants) all sorts of Italian pasta can be found in almost every restaurant. Argentina’s culture is famous for its duality — there are many European cultural issues involved, so if you are coming from Europe, accustomization will be a piece of cake for you. Not mentioning, if you are a passionate fútbol (soccer) player or lover, or you find yourself into prolific Latin literature and art – in that case, Argentina is the right choice for certain.

7. Uruguay

We are continuing our list of easiest and fastest immigration countries in the world with Uruguay which is politically, economically, and socially stable country with a mild climate free of earthquakes and hurricanes. It is also famous for its less economic disparity than anyplace else in Latin America. Medical care of high quality, good public transportation, reliable electrical grid, and one of the fastest overall internet speeds in Latin America are just some of the potential benefits of living in this country. The cultural treasure of the metropolitan area of Montevideo, the capital,  is endless. It’s no wonder this country is better known as “a Latin American safe haven.”As for the citizenship, if you are a part of family unit living in Uruguay, you are free to apply for green card after three years, as long as you can show substantial ties to the country, including ownership to real estate, renting an apartment, being a member of their social clubs or having a local doctor. If you are single, the time is prolonged to two more years, five years in total.

6. Singapore

Singapore, known for its prosperity and world-wide famous green skyscrapers, the true trademarks of this country, ranks quite high on the easiest and fastest immigration countries in the world list. This is also one of the easiest countries to get permanent residency. One way of obtaining permanent residency is to establish your own business here. After two years of residency, you are more than free to start your application process for legal citizenship in Singapore. The only downfall is that you must renounce your prior citizenship to have a new one here — Singapore does not permit dual citizenship. One of the world’s most efficient and widespread public transport systems and outstanding diversity of shopping-malls will certainly grab your attention.

5. Ireland

Our top 5 easiest and fastest immigration countries in the world can begin with the ‘green’ Ireland. You can easily qualify for citizenship by just living here for one year and additional four years of cumulative residency. Moreover, if you happen to have a provable Irish grandparent, you are more than qualified to become an Irish national just by that! Ireland does allow dual citizenship, and the country’s rich heritage both in past and present tradition is just too irresistible! Classified as one of the most beautiful lands in the world, Ireland is also well-known as the land of shamrocks, green fields, and mythical leprechauns. Pubs and parties are synonyms for this country. All of this and much more just waits to be discovered — no wonder that so many Irish artists found its sources of inspiration somewhere deep in the Emerald Isle.

4. Canada

Canada is almost always included in the best immigrant countries lists, and that is not just a raw coincidence. Taking the 4th place on easiest and fastest immigration countries in the world list, Canada does permit dual citizenship and Canadians will treat you fairly and equally well as you are one of them from the very beginning — they friendly welcome skilled newcomers who will contribute to Canada’s growing economy. However, if you want to become legal Canadian, one of the requirements is that you need to have 12.000 Canadian dollars in your pockets. After becoming a permanent resident, you can further apply for Canadian citizenship after no more than four years. Applicants must obtain a total of 67 points out of a possible 100 to qualify. The selection factors are education, language, employment experience, age, arranged employment, adaptability, etc.

3. Switzerland

The 3rd place on our the easiest and fastest immigration countries in the world list is reserved for Switzerland. According to the CIA’s World Factbook, low unemployment, a skilled labor force and one of the highest gross domestic products per capita contribute to Switzerland’s friendly policy towards immigrants. The country’s strong economy is powered by low corporate tax rates, a highly-developed service sector, and a high-tech manufacturing industry. The country is well-known for its diversity and is home to regions with distinct cultural identities. The German, French, Italian and Romansh language all have national status.

2. Sweden

One of the most developed Nordic countries in the world is on the second place on the easiest and fastest immigration countries in the world list. Also, it’s one of the easiest countries to get citizenship in Europe. Healthcare, as well as a college education, are free. Swedish people are distinguished for their generosity, tolerance and friendly immigrant policy — they are donating large sums of money from their gross national product to humanitarian program. Sweden is also a member of The United Nations, the Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development and the World Trade Organization, among others. The foreign-born people in Sweden come from Finland, Iraq, Poland, Iran, and countries of former Yugoslavia. However, not all immigrants become Sweden citizens. If you are applying for Swiss citizenship, you should have been granted a work permit before entering Sweden. You can also do the registration work online.

1. Norway

The very top of our easiest and fastest immigration countries in the world list is saved for ‘white queen’ Norway. On the United Nations’ 2013 World Happiness Report, Norway took the second place — which is one of the factors why this country takes the highest spot on our list. Equally important, the crime and murder rate per year is extremely low. Forested hills and stunning fjords rise above the Norwegian capital city, Oslo. Its second name is The Land of 1,000 Lakes, and 240,000 islands make this country to be above any competition in the world of natural richness. The UDI is responsible for processing applications from foreign nationals who wish to visit or live in Norway. You do not have to be fluent in Norwegian, but if you are aiming to become a permanent resident in Norway, passing the oral Norwegian language test at A1 level is the must. You also must attend 300/600 hours of Norwegian language classes. Moreover, you have to stay in Norway for at least three years, continually and to maintain the main condition for your temporary visa (work, marriage, etc.).

This wraps it up for our list of 13 easiest and fastest immigration countries in the world.