Introduction to Global Citizenship
Global citizenship is becoming more and more prominent as the world shrinks, and individuals and families begin to recognize the power of holding more than one Residence or Citizenship. But why is this the case?
The foremost reason is mobility. Many passports are restrictive by nature, forcing the holders to enroll in long and often arduous visa application processes in order to visit the countries of their choice. This has emerged as a key driver for individuals to seek second residence and citizenship. This freedom of travel feeds into a wider trend of wealthy investors also looking to conduct business abroad, widening their business horizons and potentially offering favorable conditions within which to run their companies.
Furthermore, there are benefits for the investor’s family as well, who are often eligible for a second residence or citizenship with them; these benefits include access to better education and career opportunities. With all of this in mind, it becomes clear why many people are interested in becoming what could be called ‘Global Citizens’.
What Is the Definition of a Global Citizen?
So what exactly is a Global Citizen? The truth is – there is no concrete definition. For some, it will be individuals who hold multiple passports; for others, it will be more of a mindset. Both definitions are correct, depending on how you look at it.
But one thing that all global citizens have in common is that they engage with the world economically, socially, and culturally. This could be through investments in secondary citizenship, like many of our clients, or traveling the world and supporting local economies through spending and adventure, which is more common.
From a legal perspective, holding dual citizenship would be the most accurate way to define a global citizen. However, from an ideological perspective, those who travel extensively could certainly regard themselves as global citizens.
The Importance of Being a Global Citizen
But why does global citizenship matter? In today’s interconnected world, there are many benefits of experiencing global mobility, such as cultural exchange, and economic interdependence.
Businesses, governments, and even individuals benefit from having an increased global outlook. Statistics show that for many countries, tourism is often one of the main sources of national income. On an individual level, experiencing new countries and cultures can broaden horizons, and encourage further tourism and international spending.
Practical Steps: How Do You Become a Global Citizen?
Being a global citizen isn’t just about the number of stamps that a passport holds; in fact, it has a lot more to do with how somebody thinks, acts, and engages with the world around them.
There are many ways an individual can expand their perspective. Firstly, they can build international connections, which is much easier in today’s interconnected world (apps like Instagram, Facebook, TikTok, and many more ensure that making friends across the globe is easier now than at any point in history).
Perhaps it’s learning a new language, working with people from different backgrounds, or even exploring second residency and citizenship options. No matter where you are in life, there’s always a step you can take to think bigger, live broader, and truly go global.
What Is a Global Citizen Passport?
There is no official “global citizen passport”, but some passports provide much higher mobility than others. For example, as of 2025, the United Arab Emirates (UAE) passport ranks among the highest in the world for global mobility, alongside Spain, France, Germany, Italy, Portugal, Switzerland, and much more, with visa free, or visa-on-arrival access to over 175 countries. However, much further down the list, countries such as Pakistan, Syria, Iraq, Yemen, and Bangladesh have visa free, or visa-on-arrival access to fewer than 52 countries. This large disparity in global mobility highlights the reason why many people seek official and legally recognized second residences and citizenships.
Residence and Citizenship by Investment programs are initiatives whereby an individual can invest a certain amount in a country, in exchange for either permanent residence or citizenship in that country, thus earning all of the rights that their residents and citizens enjoy. Not every country has such programmes, and the investment amounts and avenues vary. These programmes are powerful ways that individuals can gain higher levels of global mobility, global access, business opportunities, tax benefits, and many more.
Residence vs Citizenship
Often, people find themselves asking a common question: what is the difference between a second residence, and a second citizenship? At their core, they both allow an individual to rightfully live and work in a foreign country. However, citizens inherit the nationality of their second country, whereas residents typically just live there, whilst retaining their original nationality.
Some investment immigration programmes offer outright citizenship from the beginning. Places such as Grenada, Malta, Antigua & Barbuda, Nauru, St Lucia, St Kitts and Nevis, Vanuatu, and Turkey all offer this type of Citizenship by Investment. Other programmes offer residence without citizenship, such as the UAE, Greece, Hungary, Canada, Portugal, Switzerland, Thailand, the USA, and more. However, some of these programs have routes to eventually earn citizenship if you meet certain requirements. Some countries that offer this path are Portugal*, Greece**, Hungary*** and Malta****.
Why Are Global Citizens Important?
Global citizens are important because the concept, at its core, builds bridges between communities, countries, and continents. It can provide families with better options for themselves, their families, and generations to come.
Residence and Citizenship by Investment has opened doors to new potential for many HNWIs, ensuring that their children can attend the best schools and carve the best careers that their potential deserves. It can also provide safety in a time when political instability is on the rise, as well as provide new business opportunities for individuals looking to expand their horizons.
Overall, global citizenship and increased global mobility lead to increased productivity, thriving economies, and enhanced cultures for all. If you’re interested in exploring second Residence or Citizenship by Investment or want to discuss anything in this blog in more detail, please reach out to me at Felix.Weinstok@passportlegacy.com.
*Portugal offers citizenship after five years of residence, provided the applicant meets minimal stay requirements. They will also need to speak basic Portuguese.
**Greece offers citizenship after seven years of residency, permitting the applicant can speak basic Greek and demonstrate ties to the country.
***Hungary offers citizenship after long-term residency, typically requiring at least 8 years of residency.
****Malta does not have a direct route to citizenship but does offer citizenship under the ‘Malta Citizenship by Naturalization for Exceptional Services’ programme, which can provide citizenship between 1-3 years.
