According a new OECD study on international migration, Portugal ranks 2nd and Greece ranks 3rd in table for acquisition of citizenship as a percentage of foreign population for 2015-2016. Sweden ranks first in granting citizenships.
In 2016, almost 2.1 million people became a citizen of the OECD country.
- Greece granted citizenship to 33,000 people three times more than the previous year.
- Portugal granted 6.5% more citizenships than the previous year.
- Acquisition of citizenships spiked in Estonia (98%), Slovakia (32%) and United Kingdom (27%) than previous year
- Increase in 3% becoming US citizens (750,000 people)
- Naturalizations in Canada plunged dramatically by one third
The two countries Portugal and Greece have active golden visa schemes running offering permanent residence and citizenship to foreigners buying a property in these countries.
The study also reveals, Indians, Mexicans, Filipinos and Morocco are largest to acquire citizenship in OECD countries.
Another interesting perspective is foreign born population in OECD countries. Luxembourg, Switzerland and Australia accounted for large increase in foreign population.
