7 Easiest Countries to Immigrate To: 2020 Rankings

What are the easiest countries to immigrate to in 2020? With all of the circumstances you are facing in your country, I won’t blame you if you are now looking for the easiest countries to immigrate to.

What are the reasons why one would come to live permanently in a foreign country? Better opportunities for education or healthcare access, job security, quality of living, low crime rates, are only a few of the major reasons why you would like to move to a country not one’s own. Or you are an investor looking for easy access to a foreign country wherein you can start building your empire to. This article is for you! Whatever your reason may be, we’ll help you find the easiest countries to immigrate to in 2020.

To come up with a list, we computed the average score of each country that is easy to immigrate to through a points system according to the most number of appearances of the country per search. For example, if Dominican Republic ranks 10th in one site’s rankings, it will count as one single point. The country that ranked 9th in the same list receives 2 points and the country that ranked 8th receives 3 points. We used 5 different websites’ rankings to compile this list. Scientifically our rankings are expected to be more accurate than any single website’s rankings because our rankings reflect the central tendency of multiple sources. We use the same “crowd sourcing” approach in our stock picking algorithms and the top 5 stocks identified by our approach outperformed the S&P 500 Index by 96 percentage points since 2015 (see the details here).

Our list of the easiest countries to immigrate to will appear with the countries that have the lowest to highest points. We also collated information from Google Search regarding the most updated information about the top countries with the easiest immigration policies. How? Top three key points: number of years to attain residency, level of commitment or effort when it comes to financial or investment requirements for assured residency and citizenship, and mandatory citizenship test. We will be straightforward in discussing the easiest immigration requirements to attain citizenship.

On the other hand, some five years ago we were able to present to you the 10 Best Countries to Immigrate To. Do you think we still have some of these countries in our updated list? Let’s all find out because here are the easiest countries to immigrate to ranking 2020.

7. Dominican Republic

Total score: 8 pts
Residency Time Required: 3 years
Mandatory Citizenship Test: Yes
Commitment Level: Low

Boasting with its white-sand beaches and blue waters, Dominican Republic gives us a relaxing vibe of the Caribbean. Little did you know, the Dominican Republic has the fastest growing economy in South America as the service sector passes the agricultural sector. From the drastic growth of construction to free trade zones, the Dominican Republic is a sweet economic spot- expanding investment and manufacturing exports. Foreign entrepreneurs who wish to fund their business in the Dominican Republic can obtain success with local companies thru iShares J.P. Morgan Dominican Republic ETF (EMHY). Immigrating to the Dominican Republic is as easy as having a passive income from outside the country for at least $2,000 for 5 years and deposit it to a local bank- this is where you get permanent residency. Instant permanent residence is also offered to foreign investors. To qualify for citizenship, one should be able to speak fluently in Spanish and pass an exam regarding the Dominican Republic’s culture, history, values, and tradition. Be also prepared for an interview of why you want to become a Dominican citizen.

6. Singapore

Total score: 11 pts
Required Time of Residency: 2 years
Mandatory Citizenship Test: Yes
Commitment Level: Moderate

Also known as the Lion City, is Asia’s most competitive country in trade and investment industry. One can easily secure applying for Singapore PR (Permanent Resident) if you have an “S Pass” or an Entry Pass/work pass. If you’ve been an S-pass holder for 6 months, you can already apply for Singapore PR. To be a full-fledged citizen of Singapore, one must complete the Citizenship Ceremony. There will be singing of National Anthem, Recitation of PLedge, and even a group photo-taking and a buffet reception! Singapore landed the second spot in World Bank’s “Ease of Doing Business Rankings” in 2019. With its current GDP of US$372.063 billion (2019), no wonder Singapore attracts foreign investor immigrants. An investor can apply for Singapore PR if they are willing to invest in the country starting at S$2.5 million in a new business start-up or Singapore-based companies via iShares MSCI Singapore ETF (EWS). Some of the approved business sectors for the Investor Scheme are Alternative Energy, Nanotechnology, Healthcare, and Professional Services.

5. Argentina

Total score: 20 pts
Residency Time Required: 2 years
Mandatory Citizenship Test: Yes
Commitment Level: Low
ETF to Invest In Argentina: Global X MSCI Argentina ETF (ARGT)

Argentina is filled with outstanding city culture, party-loving locals, and home of the best beaches for when you want to party or be alone- Argentina has it for you. Argentina is one of the largest economies in Latin America with a GDP of US$450,000 billion. On the contrary, Argentina offers Residency By Investment wherein a foreign investor must be willing to invest 1.5 Million Argentine Pesos into agriculture, service, or trade industries. Also, investors can gain exposure from Argentine companies via the MSCI Argentina ETF (ARGT). A foreigner can apply for citizenship even after only 2 years on a temporary residence visa- yes, you’re already a qualifier for Argentinian citizenship. One of the specific requirements is to read in Spanish in front of a judge, to prove your proficiency in the local language. As long as you are fit and can prove your financial stability, and must not have a criminal record, your citizen application will be likely approved. Then you can now enjoy the abundant quality of living in Argentina!

4. Canada

Total score: 24 pts
Residency Time Required: 4 years
Mandatory Citizenship Test: Yes
Commitment Level: Moderate
iShares MSCI Canada ETF (EWC)

Canada is one of the safest places to live and an easy country to immigrate to in 2020. Canada is the 9th freest economy in the world and has a current GDP of US$ 1.736 trillion in 2019. With its naturally beautiful landscapes, great education, and healthcare systems, a friendly nation, a lot of immigrants are contemplating relocating to Canada. The country offers Express Entry for skilled workers to be granted permanent residency. On the other hand, Canada also offers simple investor programs for wealthy businessmen wherein they must invest CAD 1.2 million in a span of 5 years in a government-guaranteed investment. One can have easy access to Canadian companies via iShares MSCI Canada ETF (EWC).

3. Panama

Total score: 26 pts
Residency Time Required: 5 years
Mandatory Citizenship Test: No
Commitment Level: Medium

Panama is a self-governing country in Central America. One doesn’t need to pass any citizenship or language test. There should be a minimum of 5 years of permanent residency before one could apply for citizenship. One of the best ways to have a 5-year residence visa in Panama is to at least have an investment of $40,000 in a reforestation program. Increase it to $80,000 then you can speed up getting a permanent residence visa in 1 year. With its world-famous Isthmus Canal, pristine beaches, and booming economy thru tourism, no wonder you’ll want to stay in Panama forever!

2. Mexico

Total score: 32 pts
Residency Time Required: 5 years
Mandatory Citizenship Test: Yes
Commitment Level: Low
ETF To Invest In Mexico: iShares MSCI Mexico ETF (EWW)

Ah, Mexico! The country is known for its vibrant culture and delectable food. Mexico is a top exporter of agricultural products, manufactured goods, and oil. The country has a reported GDP of $1.258 trillion in 2019 (World Bank). With its diverse economy, it’s no wonder why investors are becoming interested in immigrating here as they can expand with Mexican companies such as iShares MSCI Mexico ETF (EWW). With 5 years of residency, one has a clear pathway to Mexican citizenship thus more perks for investors! Moreover, expedited citizenship is possible if you are a spouse of a Mexican citizen or have a child in Mexico and the required residency is only two years. Some of the specific requirements of the naturalization process are proving you can speak Spanish and an exam in Mexican history.

1. Paraguay

Total score: 35 pts
Residency Time Required: 3 years
Mandatory Citizenship Test: Yes
Commitment Level: High

The easiest country to immigrate to in 2020 is no other than Paraguay. Paraguay is also a retiree’s haven- low cost of living, a stable economy, low taxes, beautiful sceneries of nature. Paraguay offers a relaxed atmosphere for people who wants to get the most of everything in life. In no surprise, Paraguay attracts foreigners to relocate and call the “Heart of South America” their new home. Paraguay even welcomes immigrants with their simple immigration policies. Did you know that one can receive permanent residency in 3 months and citizenship in a minimum of 3 years? Obtaining permanent residency is as easy as depositing $5,000 in the local Paraguayan Central Bank. One may also gain residency by acquiring agricultural land, a minimum of 10 hectares. Paraguay’s current GDP is US$ 38.145 billion in 2019. The country’s economic growth depends on the agriculture and export of electricity.

After all, it’s not “easy” at all to get up and relocate to a foreign country. But some countries offer simple immigration policies than others. Still, there will be a number of years to attain permanent residency, citizenship tests, and financial requirements. With that being considered, Paraguay is the easiest country to immigrate to in 2020.

Disclosure: 7 Easiest Countries To Immigrate to is originally published at Insider Monkey.