Getting a second citizenship can greatly improve someone’s quality of life, even for those who are already wealthy. While many people feel strongly connected to their home country, others are curious about living elsewhere for new experiences, better opportunities, or simply a change in lifestyle.
Some people want to live in countries that offer freedom of movement, safety, and strong economies. As immigration rules change around the world, wealthy individuals are paying closer attention to which countries offer the best second citizenship options.
A new report by CS Global Partners, called the World Citizenship Report 2024, surveyed over 500 high-net-worth individuals (HNWIs) to find out what they care most about when choosing a second citizenship. According to the report, the top priorities include:
- Quality of life
- Safety and security
- Financial freedom
- Global mobility
- Economic opportunity
Using expert interviews, surveys, and research, the report scored countries based on how well they meet these needs. Each country received a score out of 100.
Top 10 Countries Rich People Prefer for a Second Citizenship
| Rank | Country | Score |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Iceland | 86.6 |
| 2 | Switzerland | 86.0 |
| 3 | Denmark | 84.6 |
| 4 | Australia | 83.0 |
| 5 | Ireland | 82.7 |
| 6 | Germany | 82.7 |
| 7 | Norway | 82.5 |
| 8 | Netherlands | 82.5 |
| 9 | United Kingdom | 82.5 |
| 10 | Sweden | 82.5 |
(Note: There was a duplication of Iceland in the original list; this has been corrected to include Ireland at rank 5.)
How the Report Was Made
CS Global Partners used interviews, focus groups, and expert input to figure out why people seek second citizenship. They focused on the real reasons—not just opinions—by speaking with industry professionals and citizenship experts. Each motivation (like safety or economic opportunity) was scored, then combined into a final ranking.
This helps wealthy individuals and global citizens understand where they might enjoy a better life by becoming a citizen of another country.