Gaining EU citizenship can change lives. It offers more freedom, better mobility, and increased security. If you work remotely, are retired, run a business, or have European ancestry, you can enjoy many personal and professional benefits by obtaining citizenship in an EU country.
With an EU passport, you get to travel without a visa. You also have access to great healthcare and education. Plus, you can live or work in any EU country freely.
Key Aspects of EU Citizenship
- There are four main ways to get EU citizenship: by descent, marriage, naturalization, or investment.
- Some countries offer faster or easier routes- such as Malta (by merit) or Spain (by marriage).
- Residency is often required before applying for citizenship, typically ranging from 5 to 10 years.
- Citizenship by descent is possible in countries like Ireland, Italy, and Poland with documented ancestry.
- Non-EU citizens (including Americans and Canadians) can apply through work, family, or Golden Visa programs.
- EU citizenship grants full rights, including visa-free travel, the right to work and study in any EU country, and participation in European elections.
What to Discover in This Guide?
- How To Qualify for EU Citizenship
- Top 10 Easiest Countries to Get Citizenship in Europe
- How Much Does It Cost to Get EU Citizenship or Residency?
- Becoming Naturalized in Europe: Requirements and Options
- How to Get EU Citizenship Through Work or Study
- How to Get EU Citizenship by Marriage
- EU Countries That Allow Citizenship by Descent
- How to Get German Citizenship as an EU Citizen
- How to Get EU Citizenship as an American
- Easiest EU Countries to Get Citizenship
- Challenging Countries to Get Citizenship in Europe
How To Qualify for EU Citizenship
There are four main pathways to becoming an EU citizen:
- By Descent: If you have a parent or grandparent from an EU country
- By Marriage: Through a spouse who is an EU national
- By Naturalization: After several years of legal residence in an EU country
- By Investment: Via residency or Golden Visa programs in select EU countries
Each method has its own citizenship requirements depending on national laws. These may include:
- Minimum years of residency
- Language skill
- Cultural integration
- Clean criminal record
Not All EU Countries Are Equal
All EU countries recognize European citizenship, but the process to get it differs a lot. Some EU countries offer:
- Fast-track options for citizenship by investment
- Shorter timelines for permanent residence
- Flexible rules for dual citizenship
- Easier paths for non-EU citizens, like Americans or Brits
In this guide, we will show you how to get EU citizenship. We will cover the main pathways and key requirements. Also, we will point out the easiest EU countries for non-EU citizens, such as Americans and UK nationals.
Top 10 Countries Easiest Countries to Get Citizenship in Europe
1. Portugal: Golden Visa & Citizenship by Investment
- Minimum investment: €500,000
- Residency: 5 years
- Visa Free Travel to the Schengen Area: Yes
- Path to citizenship: Available after 5 years
- Family Inclusion: Yes
- Processing time: 8-12 Months
Portugal’s Golden Visa program offers a 5-year residency for non-EU citizens in exchange for a minimum investment of €250,000 donation, or €500,000 fund investment. There used to be a real estate investment; however, as of October 2023, real estate investments no longer qualify.
However, with the recent Portugal citizenship law updates on 28 October 2025, the timeline for citizenship has been extended from 5 years to 10 years, and the counting will start from the issuance of the residency card. Please note that the law is not yet enacted; it still requires presidential approval. We will update this article as soon as the amendments are made.
Current eligible investment options for Portuguese Residency by Investment program:
- Job creation
- Investment in research or innovation.
- Support for cultural heritage and artistic production
- Launching a business that creates jobs.
2. Greece: Greek Golden Visa
- Minimum investment: €250,000 (property investment)
- Residency: 5 years
- Visa Free Travel to the Schengen Area: Yes
- Path to citizenship: Available after 7 years (requiring full-time residency)
- Family Inclusion: Yes
- Processing time: 6-9 Months
Launched in 2013, the Greek Golden Visa offers 5-year residency via real estate purchase of at least €250,000. This property must be converted from commercial usage to residential use or restored to registered buildings. There are no location or size restrictions for €250,000 Greece property purchase.
The other investment options include €400,000 and €800,000. For €400,000 real estate purchase, you should choose a property in rural areas that is at least 120 m2. On the other hand, you need to purchase a property of at least 120 m2 in islands with more than 3,100 inhabitants, including Athens and Thessaloniki.
Key Benefits:
- No minimum stay is required.
- Access to public healthcare and education.
- Visa-free travel within the Schengen Area
- Eligibility for family members
- Covered by the Double Taxation Treaty
Path to EU Citizenship: You can apply for Greek citizenship after 7 years of legal residency, if you meet other national law criteria.
3. Malta: Citizenship for Exceptional Services by Direct Investment
Malta previously offered the easiest EU citizenship by investment program. In fact it was one of the few legal EU citizenship-by-investment programs. However, on April 29, 2025, the European Court of Justice ruled that Malta must discontinue the Malta Citizenship by Investment Program. Therefore, you can no longer apply for citizenship in Malta via investment.
In response, on July 16, 2025, Malta introduced a draft law proposing a new “citizenship by merit” route.
4. Italy: Golden Visa and Naturalization Route
- Minimum investment: €250,000 (Start-Up investment)
- Residency: 2 years
- Visa Free Travel to the Schengen Area: Yes
- Path to citizenship: Available after 10 years (requiring full-time residency)
- Family Inclusion: Yes
- Processing time: 3-4 Months
Italy introduced its residency by investment program in 2017. According to Italy’s Investor Visa program, applicants can get a 2-year residency, which is renewable 3 times. The minimum investment starts from €250,000 in an Italian start-up. The other investment options include:
- €500,000 investment in an Italian limited company
- €2 million investment in Italian government bonds
- €1 million donations to a philanthropic initiative in Italy
Once you get your residency, you can be eligible for permanent residence and citizenship after 10 years of legal stay. So, why consider Italy?
- Work rights for you and your family
- Access to the Italian national healthcare
- Flexible investment options
- Attractive tax regime for foreign investors.
5. Hungary: EU Residency by Fund Investment
- Minimum investment: €250,000 (Fund investment)
- Residency: 10 years
- Visa Free Travel to the Schengen Area: Yes
- Path to citizenship: Available after 8 years (requiring full-time residency)
- Family Inclusion: Yes
- Processing time: 4-6 Months
As one of the Golden Visa countries in Europe, Hungary offers a 10-year residency by investment. There are two available options; the first one requires €250,000 investment in a real estate fund. The second one includes a €1 million donation to the Non-refundable Public Trust donation.
The processing time for Hungary Golden Visa takes around 4-6 months. Once you complete your documentation and get your approval, you can enjoy the benefits of visa-free travel across the Schengen Area and low tax rates in the EU. Lastly, you can apply for citizenship after 8 years of continuous residence.
6. Cyprus: Permanent Residency for Investors
- Minimum investment: €300,000 (Real estate investment)
- Residency: Permanent Residence
- Visa Free Travel to the Schengen Area: Yes
- Path to citizenship: Available after 8 years (requiring full-time residency)
- Family Inclusion: Yes
- Processing time: 4-6 Months
Launched in 2020, the Cyprus Golden Visa offers permanent residency by investment. To be eligible for it, you must invest €300,000 in a real estate purchase, business, or fund investment.
Once you submit your application and get your approval, you can benefit from lower taxes, no residency requirements, and affordable living. Although your residency status is valid for life, you must visit Cyprus once every two years to keep your residency status. You can also be eligible for citizenship after 5 years of living there full-time.
7. Bulgaria: Golden Visa for Permanent EU Residency
- Minimum investment: €512,000 (Fund Investment)
- Residency: Permanent residence
- Visa Free Travel to the Schengen Area: Yes
- Path to citizenship: Available after 5 years (but requires revoking your other citizenship)
- Family Inclusion: Yes
- Processing time: 8-9 months
Bulgaria introduced its Golden Visa program in 2023. Applicants can obtain direct permanent residency via Bulgaria’s Golden Visa program. The program requires €512,000 investment in EFT or AIF funds. The funds must be licensed by Bulgaria’s Financial Supervision Commission and hold at least 5,000,000 BGN (about €2.5M) in assets.
It also requires you to pass a pre-approval process, making it more reliable and secure before you make your residency. Additionally, it provides you a path to citizenship after 5 years; however, you must revoke your initial citizenship.
8. Latvia: The Cheapest Golden Visa in the EU
- Minimum investment: €50,000 (Business investment)
- Residency: 10 years
- Visa Free Travel to the Schengen Area: Yes
- Path to citizenship: Available after 10 years (requiring full-time residency)
- Family Inclusion: Yes
- Processing time: 1-3 Months
Located in the Baltic region of Northern Europe, Latvia offers the cheapest Golden Visa in Europe. With a minimum business investment of €50,000, you can apply for Latvia Golden Visa, which will grant you a 5-year residency. Other investment options include:
- Real Estate Investment: €250,000
- Bank Deposit: €280,000
- Government Bonds: €250,000
Once you complete the process successfully, you can benefit from no residency requirements, visa-free travel to Schengen countries, low cost of living, and short processing times. However, if your primary goal is to obtain citizenship, you must reside here full-time for 10 years.
9. Switzerland: EU Access via Investment
- Minimum investment: CHF 200,000 (lump sum tax)
- Residency: 1 year
- Visa Free Travel to the Schengen Area: Yes
- Path to citizenship: Available after 10-12 years (requiring full-time residency)
- Family Inclusion: Yes
- Processing time: up to 5 months
You can apply for the Swiss Golden Visa via a lump sum tax and the entrepreneurial investor scheme. In the lump sum tax requirement, you need to pay an annual flat tax of CHF 200,000 to CHF 600,000.
On the other hand, you are required to start or invest in a business with a minimum capital of at least CHF 1 million. Additionally, if you want Swiss citizenship, you must legally reside in Switzerland for 10 years.
10. Luxembourg: EU Residency by Investment
- Minimum investment: €500,000 (business investment)
- Residency: 3 years
- Visa Free Travel to the Schengen Area: Yes
- Path to citizenship: Yes, after 5 years(requiring full-time residency)
- Family Inclusion: Yes
- Processing time: 3-6 Months
Luxembourg provides a residency-by-investment program, which will be valid for 3 years. The program requires its participants to choose one of the following investment options:
- Investing in a registered Luxembourg office for at least €500,000
- Investing in an upcoming Luxembourg office for at least €500,000
- Contributing at least €3 million to a management or investment structure
- Contributing at least €2 million deposit into a Luxembourg financial institution
Although the Luxembourg Golden Visa program offers only residency, you can be eligible for citizenship after 5 years, but it requires full-time residency.
Get Golden Visa: How Can We Help You?
At Get Golden Visa, we have been helping people as an independent investment advisory firm to get residency or citizenship by investment since 2014. Once you reach out to us, we schedule a meeting with you to understand your interests and needs. Then, our team will assist you in finding the best program suited for you.
Once you choose your investment path, our experienced team will help you from start to finish, guiding you through every step of the application process.
To discover your options, take your eligibility test, and fill in the contact for below. Always remember, the key to global mobility starts by taking the first step.
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How Much Does It Cost to Get EU Citizenship or Residency?
The cost of obtaining European citizenship or permanent residence through investment varies by EU country and by program. For non-EU citizens, some of these investment options lead directly to citizenship, while others offer a residency path first.
Below is an overview of current investment amounts required in popular EU countries and associated citizenship programs:
| Country | Program Type | Minimum Investment Amount | Citizenship Path |
|---|---|---|---|
| Portugal | Fund Investment | €500,000 | After 5–10 years* |
| Greece | Real Estate | €250,000 | After 7 years |
| Italy | Start-Up Investment | €250,000 | After 10 years |
| Malta* | Contribution | €600,000 | Direct |
| Hungary | Fund Investment | €250,000 | After 8 years |
| Cyprus | Real Estate | €300,000 | After 8 years |
| Bulgaria | Fund Investment | €512,000 | After 5 years |
| Latvia | Business Investment | €50,000 | After 10 years |
| Switzerland | Lump Sum Tax | CHF 200,000 | After 10 years |
| Luxembourg | Business Investment | €500,000 | After 5 years |
* This is subject to change.
** No longer available, Malta gives citizenship by merit through naturalization.
Key Notes
- These programs are most suitable for non-EU citizens seeking a fast-track route to an EU passport.
- Costs may vary based on real estate location, type of fund, or family size
- Some countries require residency duration, others offer direct citizenship by investment
Including these numbers in your citizenship planning helps you determine not just eligibility but also financial feasibility under different EU citizenship requirements.
Becoming Naturalized in Europe: Requirements and Options
Naturalization is one of the most common ways to gain EU citizenship, especially for non-EU citizens living and working in the region. While the specific rules vary across EU member states, most countries require a combination of legal residence, language proficiency, and cultural integration. General Citizenship Requirements for Naturalization in the EU:
- Long-term legal residence (typically 5–10 years)
- Proficiency in the national language
- Basic knowledge of the country’s laws, customs, and values
- Financial stability (no reliance on public assistance)
- A clean criminal record
- Respect for EU citizenship rights and responsibilities
How to Get EU Citizenship Through Work or Study
If you’re working in an EU country with a valid work or student visa, you may be eligible to apply for citizenship by naturalization after a set number of years. Key Points
- Most countries require 5 to 10 years of continuous work and residence
- After this period, you may apply for permanent resident status
- You must prove financial self-sufficiency and language skills
- Countries like Germany, Austria, and France have clear work-based pathways
How to Get EU Citizenship by Marriage
Marriage to an EU citizen can significantly shorten the path to citizenship, but requirements still apply. Common Requirements by Country:
- Minimum 3 years of marriage and legal residence (in countries like France, Greece, Germany, Portugal, etc.)
- Proof of shared life, joint residence, and integration into society
- Respect for the host country’s national law and customs
- Some countries require language tests or interviews
Note: The process and timeline vary widely between countries. Always consult the local immigration laws and regulations.
EU Countries That Allow Citizenship by Descent
You can consider the citizenship by descent path as a sort of free European citizenship. All you have to do is prove your relationship with that specific country and meet the legal requirements. Below you will find countries that offer free citizenship in Europe:
| Countries | ||
|---|---|---|
| Austria | France | Malta |
| Belgium | Germany | Netherlands |
| Bulgaria | Greece | Poland |
| Croatia | Hungary | Portugal |
| Cyprus | Ireland | Romania |
| Czechia | Italy | Slovakia |
| Denmark | Latvia | Slovenia |
| Estonia | Lithuania | Spain |
| Finland | Luxembourg | |
How to Get German Citizenship as an EU Citizen
If you’re already an EU citizen, becoming a citizen of Germany is possible through naturalization-provided you meet specific citizenship requirements.
Key Requirements for Naturalization in Germany:
- Minimum 8 years of legal residence in Germany
- Financial stability (no dependency on public welfare)
- Sufficient knowledge of the German language
Pass a naturalization test (covering German laws and society)
Benefits of German Citizenship for EU Nationals:
- The right to vote in national and EU elections
- Full freedom of movement within the EU
- Access to public sector jobs and professional licenses
- Diplomatic protection abroad
- Security of permanent residence status
How to Get EU Citizenship as an American
For American citizens, there are multiple legal paths to becoming a citizen of an EU country. Whether you want to live, work, study, or simply gain dual citizenship, the EU offers several options.
Main Pathways to EU Citizenship for US Citizens
For American citizens, there are multiple legal paths to becoming a citizen of an EU country. Whether you want to live, work, study, or simply gain dual citizenship, the EU offers several options. Plus, many European countries permit dual citizenship with the US.
1. Citizenship by Descent
- If you have a parent, grandparent, or great-grandparent from an EU member state
- Countries like Ireland, Italy, Poland, and Germany offer descent-based programs
- You’ll need to provide birth certificates, documentation, and proof of lineage
2. Citizenship by Naturalization
You can apply for citizenship by naturalization after legally residing in an EU country for several years. Requirements include:
- Language proficiency
- Integration into society
- A clean criminal record
- Demonstrated financial independence
3. Citizenship by Investment
- Available in select countries like Malta, Portugal, and Greece
- Requires significant economic contributions to qualify
- Often includes a residency stage before citizenship can be granted
These options allow many non-EU citizens, especially Americans, to eventually gain full EU citizenship rights-including holding an EU passport, participating in EU elections, and enjoying freedom of movement across 27 EU member states. The easiest countries to get citizenship as an American by investment include Portugal, Italy, Greece, and Cyprus.
Key Points
- Most countries require 5 to 10 years of continuous work and residence
- After this period, you may apply for permanent resident status
- You must prove financial self-sufficiency and language skills
- Countries like Germany, Austria, and France have clear work-based pathways
Easiest EU Countries to Get Citizenship
While “easy” is relative, these countries are known for their clear processes and/or shorter timeframes:
- Portugal
- Malta
- Spain
- Ireland
- Netherlands
- Luxembourg
Each country has different policies on dual citizenship, citizenship by descent, or residency-to-citizenship timelines. It’s crucial to match your profile to the right destination.
Challenging Countries to Get Citizenship in Europe
Not all countries make the path to citizenship easy for non-EU citizens. Below, you will find the hardest countries to get citizenship in Europe:
- Finland
- Austria
- Czechia
- Lithuania
- Poland
- Slovenia
Final Thoughts: Your Path to EU Citizenship
Gaining EU citizenship may take time, but it’s absolutely within reach. Whether through family roots, marriage, employment, or investment, each path offers its own unique route to becoming a part of the European community.
Remember:
- Research citizenship requirements for each country
- Consider your long-term goals: travel, career, family, tax residency
- Embrace the values and responsibilities of being an EU citizen
- Prepare early: gather documents, build language skills, and stay informed
Becoming a citizen of the European Union is more than just getting an EU passport — it’s joining a union of freedom, democracy, and shared opportunity.
Frequently Asked Questions on EU Citizenship
Which is the easiest country to get citizenship in Europe without investment?
Without investment, you can have a few options to get EU citizenship: by birth, descent, marriage, or naturalization. Considering this, you can get the easiest citizenship from Portugal, Greece, Italy, Malta, and Cyprus without investment after spending several years in the country and meeting the legal requirements.
How do you qualify for EU citizenship?
To qualify, you typically need:
- Legal residence (5–10 years depending on country)
- Language skills
- Financial stability
- No criminal record
- Integration into the local society
What is the fastest way to get EU citizenship?
Malta used to offer the fastest route through its Citizenship by Investment program. Citizenship used to be granted in 12 to 36 months, depending on the investment amount and residency period. However, the program is no longer available. Malta now offers citizenship by merit.
Which EU country is easiest to get citizenship by marriage?
Spain is one of the easiest: only 1 year of legal residence is required after marriage to a Spanish citizen.
How do Americans or Canadians get EU citizenship?
You can apply through:
- Ancestry (if you have EU-born relatives)
- Naturalization (by living in the EU long-term)
- Marriage to an EU citizen
- Investment in countries like Portugal or Malta
Which country is the easiest to get permanent residency in Europe?
Portugal is known for its straightforward and relatively quick residency process, especially for investors, retirees, and highly skilled professionals.
What are the main ways to get a European passport?
- By Descent: Family ancestry in an EU country
- By Naturalization: Long-term residence and integration
- By Investment: Significant economic contribution to a country
- By Marriage: Spouse of an EU citizen, depending on local laws
How can you get French citizenship?
To obtain French citizenship, you need to live in France for at least five years, demonstrate integration into French society, and have a stable income. You also need to pass language and citizenship tests.
Which EU country is the easiest to get citizenship by marriage?
Spain is considered one of the easiest. It requires just one year of legal residency if married to a Spanish citizen.
What is the most difficult EU citizenship?
Germany is often cited as one of the most challenging. It requires 8 years of residency, a B1 level in German language proficiency, and a strong understanding of German society and laws.
How to Get EU citizenship through ancestry?
Research if your ancestors were citizens of an EU country. Each EU country has specific laws for citizenship by descent. Gather necessary documents like birth, marriage, and citizenship records of your ancestors. Apply through the relevant embassy or consulate.
How to get an EU passport as a Canadian
You can apply for EU citizenship through ancestry, naturalization, or marriage. Investigate if you have European ancestors for citizenship by descent. Or, you can live in an EU country for the required period and meet all naturalization requirements. Also, you can marry an EU citizen and follow the specific country’s procedures for citizenship.
Countries in Europe that are easiest to get citizenship
Portugal, Spain, and Greece offer more accessible citizenship options, especially through investment or European Golden Visa programs. Malta and Cyprus also have investment citizenship alternatives. In addition, Ireland and Poland are notable for citizenship through ancestry.
