Citizenship by Exception in 2025: What Is It and How to Get It? 

When it comes to second passports, most people know the usual routes – naturalisation, birth, marriage, descent or citizenship by investment.

But there’s one path that flies under most people’s radar – Citizenship by Exception (CBE).

Reserved for a rare few, this kind of citizenship is granted not by ticking boxes or paying money but by impressing the government itself.

Presidents and Prime Ministers use it to bring extraordinary individuals – athletes, artists, investors, innovators – into the country, where their presence is seen as a national asset that offers something special to the country.

Sometimes known by its long title, Citizenship by Exceptional Merit (CBE) often has no fixed process, standard fee, or even public reference to it. Yet, this ultra-selective route exists in several countries and is quietly gaining relevance in 2025 as governments look for strategic talent.

In this in-depth guide, the Nomad Capitalist team breaks down how CBE works, which foreign nationals qualify and how you might be able to find yourself fast-tracked to a powerful new passport.

The Criteria for Citizenship by Exception

People often confuse citizenship by exception with citizenship by investment (CBI). 

CBI is a well-tested route for those who can afford to invest in a new passport, whereas people who have an exceptional economic impact and create relationships with the government sometimes get citizenship by exception in countries that don’t have a formal CBI program.

The criteria for this type of citizenship vary significantly from country to country, but some common threads include having exceptional talents or having rendered exceptional services to the nation. 

Such definitions can typically include sports stars, artists, scientists or academics whose work has brought international recognition or has significantly benefited the host country.

Football players have been known to get citizenship by exception in small countries that cannot field a national team without conferring citizenship, for example. 

Other criteria can include:

• Cultural contributions: Individuals who have enriched the country’s cultural landscape through arts, literature or other cultural activities. 
• Economic impact: Entrepreneurs or business leaders who have contributed substantially to the economy might be considered.  
• Public service: Notable service to the nation, perhaps through military service, diplomatic roles, or humanitarian efforts, especially during crises. 
• Scientific or technological advancement: Researchers or tech innovators whose work has been pivotal in advancing the country’s position in these fields. 
• Humanitarian or philanthropic work: Those who have dedicated their lives to improving conditions within the country or have significantly aided in disaster relief or social causes. 

Citizenship by Exception Countries

Typically, smaller and more autocratic countries have more leeway to grant citizenship by exception. These could include places like Cambodia, where Angelina Jolie was awarded citizenship for humanitarian work.  

While not exhaustive, some of the better-known countries offer this pathway. They include: 

Canada

Canada has the Federal Skilled Workers Program, where people with exceptional skills can get fast-tracked for residency and, therefore, citizenship. Those who have provided services of outstanding value to Canada may also be granted citizenship through an exception. 

Cyprus

While it does not have an official CBE program, the Mediterranean island nation can grant citizenship for humanitarian work, scientific and cultural achievement and economic contribution. 

France

France has a talent passport for professionals in specific sectors and occasionally grants citizenship to those who have made exceptional contributions to the country’s cultural and scientific scene.

United Arab Emirates

The UAE is known to grant citizenship to a small number of people by exception, giving it to those who have had an outsized impact on the country. Though UAE Citizenship by Exceptional Merit is rare, scientists, investors and doctors have been known to be granted it. 

United States

The United States has an EB-1A visa for those with extraordinary abilities in the arts, sciences, and education. Though it’s initially a green card first and then citizenship after a residency period, it’s by exception. 

Poland

The President of Poland can grant citizenship to foreigners by exception, even if they don’t meet the usual requirements. This is usually done by committing financially to a business that will create local jobs.  

Serbia

Serbian Citizenship by Exception is reserved for those who contribute exceptionally to the country. The decision is approved directly by the president based purely on whether it benefits the country. For more, see our article: How to Get Serbian Citizenship by Exception. 

Slovenia

The Slovenian government can give citizenship to those who significantly contribute to the country’s scientific, economic, cultural, or national interests or enhance its international reputation. 

Pros and Cons of Citizenship by Exception

It’s undoubtedly the case that being granted citizenship for what you offer a country is usually a plus, but there are some potential downsides that you may not be aware of. 

Benefits 

There are benefits to both the recipient of the citizenship and the country giving it: 

• Faster Process: Citizenship by exception programs can bypass lengthy residency requirements, allowing individuals to get citizenship far more quickly. 
• Global Mobility: As with any additional passport, citizenship gives access to more countries visa-free or on arrival, opening new travel opportunities. 
• Economic Benefits: Affording the potential for investments and lower taxes (in certain countries), a second citizenship can help diversify your financial position.
• Having a Plan B: Multiple passports offer greater security and peace of mind in volatile political and economic developments. 
• EU Access: Through citizenship in an EU country, you can live, work and study across the EU. 

Downsides 

• Unwanted attention: Unlike traditional routes, citizenship by exception cases can be high-profile, garner media attention and receive wide-scale coverage. 
• Social Tensions: Some may perceive citizenship by exception as unfair or discriminatory, potentially leading to the negative impact of social tensions.
• Integration: By bypassing the usual routes to citizenship, you have less time to assimilate to the values and culture of the new nation.

How to Get Citizenship by Exception

There’s no one-size-fits-all approach to CBE. The process is highly variable and often lacks a formal structure – it depends entirely on the country and its political climate.

In most cases, you’ll need to present a compelling case directly to a government ministry, special committee, or even a high-ranking official. These bodies have the legal authority to grant citizenship when they believe your contribution serves the national interest.

That contribution must be well-documented. Expect to provide extensive evidence such as awards, publications, patents, or letters of endorsement from respected figures in your field. Background checks and police clearance certificates are also typically required.

Some countries may ask you to attend an interview or deliver a formal presentation outlining your achievements and future plans. While citizenship may be granted based on past merit, your ongoing value to the country is just as important.

Because this is a privilege and not a guaranteed right, the decision is entirely discretionary. Political priorities, economic needs, and cultural considerations often influence the outcome.

Although some countries waive residency requirements for exceptional candidates, many still look favourably on applicants who have already spent meaningful time in the country.

Alternative Paths to Citizenship

Aside from demonstrating outstanding achievements and acquiring citizenship by exception, there are several other routes to global citizenship. Here are the most common and achievable options.

Naturalisation

The most common and accessible pathway to obtain citizenship is through naturalisation.

This involves establishing residency in another country, spending a required amount of time there, meeting other requirements specific to each country and then applying for citizenship after around three to seven years.

Some countries require as little as one day a year to maintain a permanent residence permit and qualify for citizenship. Naturalisation offers an affordable route to dual citizenship but requires a time commitment.

Citizenship by Investment

Economic investment or citizenship by investment (CBI) is often the best option for high-net-worth individuals looking for a second passport willing to contribute significantly.

Caribbean nations, including Saint Lucia, Dominica, Grenada, Antigua and Barbuda and St Kitts and Nevis, offer some of the most popular and established CBI programs, where a single person can acquire a passport quickly for a low six-figure investment.

This process involves making a foreign direct investment or donation to a country in exchange for citizenship. Another common option is to establish a successful business. Unlike naturalisation, which will take much longer, citizenship by investment can be granted in as little as two to three months, with an average processing time of six months.

Citizenship by Descent

Those lucky enough to qualify can acquire citizenship based on ancestry, known as citizenship by descent (CBD). This option is mainly available for individuals of European origin who can trace their lineage. Generally, if one parent is a citizen of a country, that individual can become a citizen as well.

In Europe, many countries, including Poland, Lithuania, Spain, Italy and Ireland, allow you to claim citizenship from ancestors several generations back. However, CBD is not always a quick or easy solution.

Citizenship by Exception: FAQs

Choose Your Path to Citizenship Carefully

This form of citizenship is rare, making it difficult to navigate without insider knowledge or connections. On top of that, it’s highly subjective, discretionary nature means outcomes can be unpredictable. 

This route often requires skilled legal support and, in some cases, the endorsement of influential advisors. That level of expertise doesn’t come cheap – and neither should your trust.

As the old adage goes, ‘all that glitters is not gold’. So if someone claims they can fast-track your citizenship through secret government connections or unofficial channels, proceed with extreme caution.

These offers are not only unethical but often fraudulent. In short, any route that smells of corruption should be avoided at all costs.

That said, for the rare individuals who genuinely qualify, CBE can offer life-changing opportunities, such as a new national identity, global recognition, and access to previously closed doors.

But it’s not for everyone. Only a select few will ever access this route and for those who can’t, the traditional routes to citizenship are always open. 

Whatever your path, smart planning is essential, which is where Nomad Capitalist comes in.

We work exclusively with seven- and eight-figure entrepreneurs and investors to build bespoke global strategies. Our approach helps you legally protect your wealth, build new opportunities, and secure a freer, more prosperous future.

Ready to start your journey? Discover how we do things here.